Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Friday, October 17, 2014

New MasterCard combines a fingerprint sensor with NFC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/17/mastercard-zwipe-fingerprint-sensor-nfc/

For awhile now, there's been a number of companies trying to simplify payments for everyone. Google did so with Wallet and, most recently, Apple announced it would be doing something similar with the soon-to-be-launched Apple Pay, among others. Not surprisingly, MasterCard's, synonymous with paying for stuff, is working on a product of its own. In partnership with Zwipe, a company that focuses on biometric tech, MasterCard has built a charge plate with a built-in fingerprint sensor and NFC, albeit for trial purposes. The Zwipe MasterCard, as it is currently known, is said to be extremely secure -- all data is stored directly on the card, rather than an outside database, for example.

It'll be simple to use too; you put tour thumb on the sensor, point it toward the terminal, the card makes sure it's really you and voila, kind of like how Apple Pay works using Touch ID. Zwipe says it is already working on a standardized card, which is designed to support all payment terminal expected to be released next year. Theoretically, it could be adopted by more credit card brands, like Visa, American Express and Discover, but we shall see.

Filed under: Misc, Peripherals

Via: Digital Spy

Source: Zwipe

Article: Microsoft opens up to Truecaller to help Windows Phone users pick out spam callers

Swedish startup Truecaller has announced a partnership with Microsoft that will see its Live Caller ID feature arrive for Windows Phone users. Founded in 2009, Truecaller is a cross-platform call and contact management service, claiming more than 85 million users globally. It's like an internatio...

http://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/10/16/microsoft-opens-apis-truecaller-help-windows-phone-users-pick-spam-callers/

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Google's new Chromecast is coming, but you won't notice a difference

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/16/google-chromecast-fcc-h2g2-2a/

Last night an apparently refreshed model of Google's Chromecast streaming dongle popped up in FCC filings (as pointed out by Zatz Not Funny), just like the original did in March last year, but don't get too excited. Unfortunately, the documents don't show any real difference that we could find, and missing features like support for 5GHz WiFi will still be missing whenever the H2G2-2A hits the streets. Need more confirmation? Six members of the Chromecast team took part in a coincidentally-timed AMA on Reddit this afternoon, and according to Google Jacky Hayward "we don't have any new user-facing features planned for this device." Whatever changes there are in the new model "it will have the same features as the original and most users won't notice a difference."

Of course, that doesn't stop us from thinking of features we would like to see in a new device, and the AMA did result in a few new nuggets of information. Beyond the recent "Backdrop" feature to give users more choice in terms of the info that pops up on their screensaver, there's a new Chrome OS files app coming (seen in developer builds, and as of today, in the beta channel) that will let users cast photos and video directly from Google Drive. They're also "looking into" gapless playback for Google Music, are working on smoother transitions for the device, and plan to "continue to innovate" when it comes to HDMI-CEC.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google

Via: Zatz Not Funny

Source: FCC, Chromecast Team AMA (Reddit)

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Archos is launching a GearVR competitor that costs just $40

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/16/archos-vr-headset/

We may not know how much GearVR will cost, but we're reasonably sure that Archos is already trying to undercut Samsung and Oculus head-mounted effort. The French company is busting out the wittily-named Archos VR Headset, a Rift-like device that's compatible with any smartphone that measures between 5 and 6-inches. The kicker here, of course, is that the device will retail for £25 in the UK, roughly converting to $40, which would put it well beneath the - frankly insane - $200 figure an unnamed Samsung official told VentureBeat during New York Fashion Week. If you're interested in trying one out, it'll be available at some point in November, and we hope that the GearVR isn't too far behind.

Filed under: Wearables, Samsung

CHART OF THE DAY: Half Of All iPad Owners Have A Tablet That's At Least Two Years Old (AAPL)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-half-of-all-ipad-owners-have-a-tablet-thats-at-least-two-years-old-2014-10

Apple introduced its iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 on Thursday. The iPad Air 2 is thinner and faster than its predecessor, while the iPad Mini 3 didn't see any internal improvements. Both tablets, however, now come with Touch ID, which allows them to make online payments through Apple Pay (there's no NFC for any retail use, however).

The new iPads face an uphill battle, though. Based on Localytics data from September charted for us by BI Intelligence, 48% of all iPad owners around the world still own iPad models that are at least two years old — that includes the first iPad, iPad 2, and third-generation iPad. This comes as no surprise; iPad owners tend to upgrade their tablet hardware more like laptop hardware (every 3-4 years) as opposed to phone hardware (every 1-2 years). With very few new features to show off this year, except for Touch ID, Apple might have a difficult time persuading current iPad owners to upgrade to one of its new tablets.

Tech_COTD 1016

SEE ALSO: CHART OF THE DAY: The Fastest Internet Speeds Aren't In The US

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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Blocks' modular smartwatch will talk to your iPhone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/blocks-modular-smartwatch-using-tizen/

Phonebloks' modular smartwatch

Blocks first unveiled its modular smartwatch with a plan to use Android Wear, much as Project Ara smartphone will use a special version of Android. However, there has been a change of plans -- and it's good news if you're not of the Google persuasion. The team now says that it's using a version of the open source Tizen platform that should support Android, iOS and Windows Phone, so you probably won't have to give up a favorite device just to try this out. The Blocks team also has access to Intel's newest processors thanks to a prize from a recent design challenge, and modules will have removable covers that let you change both the style and functionality of your wristwear. This is still an incredibly ambitious project that may not pan out as planned, but it's evident that the pieces are quickly falling into place.

Filed under: Wearables, Samsung, Intel

Source: Phonebloks

Lenovo is building a new smartphone brand to compete with Xiaomi

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/lenovo-is-building-a-new-smartphone-brand-to-compete-with-xiaomi/

Samsung and Apple may be the two biggest names in smartphones in the western world, but in China it's all about Lenovo and Xiaomi. The two companies are among the most recognizable brands in the region, but Lenovo wants more: it's about to create a new smartphone company for the Chinese market. While the new brand name hasn't been announced, Lenovo says that it will officially open for business in April of 2015, and will focus on branded applications, consumer engagement and, like Xiaomi, selling devices online. The company's core brand isn't out of the running, though -- Lenovo phones will still be available through local carriers and retailers.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo

Source: Wall Street Journal

Google's Nexus 9 available early next month with Android 5.0, starts at $399

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/google-nexus-9/

Today's the day Google fans have been waiting for: The announcement of this fall's Nexus lineup. It's essentially an annual tradition at this point, since the last few Nexus devices have arrived at the same time of year. Along with a 6-inch smartphone and a media streamer called the Nexus Player, Google's introduced an 8.9-inch 2048x1536 tablet built by HTC aptly called the Nexus 9. This slate, which is available for pre-order this Friday and in stores on November 9th, starts at $399 for the base 16GB WiFi model; $479 for the 32GB WiFi; and $599 for a 32GB LTE variant that comes packed with pentaband HSPA+, quad band GSM/EDGE and CDMA. As often is the case with brand new Nexus phones and tablets, the 9 is among the first to get the latest version of Android - in this case, it's Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The Nexus 9 will be the first in the lineup to come with 64-bit support, thanks to the dual-core 2.3GHz NVIDIA K1 chipset inside. You'll also get 2GB of RAM, an 8MP rear-facing camera with autofocus, BSI and f/2.4 aperture, a 1.6MP selfie camera and a 6,700mAh battery. HTC was also able to slide in its signature BoomSound stereo speakers, which has been impressive on its flagship devices. The 7.9mm-thick slate will be available in black and white and weighs in at 425g (436g for LTE).

As for the external appearance, it actually looks a bit like an enlarged version of the Nexus 5 but with brushed metal sides. The display also takes advantage of a 4:3 aspect ratio, rather than 16:9. When it comes to productivity, Google and HTC have designed a keyboard folio case that attaches to the Nexus 9 magnetically.

Filed under: Tablets, Wireless, Mobile, HTC, Google

Source: Google

Google's Nexus Player offers streaming and gaming for $99

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/google-nexus-player/

Remember the Nexus Q? Yeah, we'd rather forget it, too. Google regained its streaming cred with the Chromecast, and now it's looking to offer up another set-top box. The compact Nexus Player will handle streaming, games and run Android apps. An included remote wrangles navigation with voice controls for finding the content you're after on the ASUS-made gadget. For those gaming sessions, a $39 controller can be tacked on as an additional purchase.

The Nexus Player will offer much of the same functionality as Mountain View's diminutive dongle, adding the ability to leverage those mobile apps as well. It's also the first device to run Android TV, an effort detailed back at I/O and promised to arrive alongside Android L, er... Lollipop. And yes, you'll be able to "cast" stuffs from other devices to your TV. In terms of content options, you can expect Netflix, Hulu, Food Network, Travel Channel and more for now -- but there's no mention of either WatchESPN or HBO Go. If all of that sounds somewhat familiar, Amazon's Fire TV touts a similar set of entertainment abilities for the same price. Of course, one taps into Prime Instant Video while the other leverages the Google Play repository. Speaking of cost, the $99 unit will be available on November 3rd, however if you're anxious to lock one down, you can pre-order the Nexus Player on October 17th.

Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, Google

Source: Google

Apple leaks iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 ahead of official announce

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/apple-leaks-ipad-air-2-and-ipad-mini-3/

Well, this is a bit unlike Apple -- the company appears to have accidentally spilled the beans about the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, which are expected to be announced tomorrow. Representations of both devices showed up in a screenshot of the iPad User Guide for iOS 8.1, which we're also expecting new details about tomorrow. We can't tell much from the image, but it does confirm that Cupertino's tablets will be getting Touch ID.

Developing...

Filed under: Tablets, Mobile, Apple

This Is Google's New Smartphone — The Nexus 6 (GOOG)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/google-nexus-6-specs-photos-price-2014-10

Nexus6Official

Google has officially unveiled its new smartphone, the Nexus 6. Just as rumors had indicated, it comes with a giant 6-inch screen and is made by Motorola.

The Nexus 6 will be available for preorder in late October and will go on sale in November. The phone will sell for $649 without a two-year contract.

The Nexus 6 is going to look gigantic compared to your average smartphone. With it's 5.9-inch screen, it's even larger than the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus and 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 4. It's one inch shy of being the same size as Google's Nexus 7 tablet.

Like we expected, the phone will come with a 5.9-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2560. It'll feature a 13-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel front camera. Here's a quick rundown of all the specs:

Developing...

SEE ALSO: 11 Things Android Phones Can Do That The iPhone Still Can't

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This $150 Hack Can Crack a Safe

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-150-hack-can-crack-a-safe-1646552086

This $150 Hack Can Crack a Safe

It might not look much, with its plain 3D printed arms and cables hanging free, but this little guy can punch well above its weight. Made up of components worth an estimated $150, this auto-dialler can do the same job as a machine worth tens of thousands: it can crack a safe.

You Can Customize This E-Ink Watch Down to the Strap

Source: http://gizmodo.com/you-can-customize-this-e-ink-watch-down-to-the-strap-1646561540

You Can Customize This E-Ink Watch Down to the Strap

If there's one group that will surely embrace smartwatches, it's those who like to change their background image and the look and feel of their devices every day. But the FES Watch doesn't just let you change the watch face whenever you tire of the current design, using E-Ink technology it actually lets you change the look and style of the entire timepiece.

Italy's first electric supercar comes from a brand you've never heard of

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/tecnicar-lavinia-se/

Tecnicar Lavinia

Italian supercar makers are willing to embrace hybrids, but they're reluctant to develop pure electric cars -- not surprising when they're virtually defined by their sweet-sounding gas engines. They may have to reconsider that strategy pretty soon. Tecnicar, a startup whose main claim to fame is a city car, has revealed plans to build the country's first super-fast EV, the Lavinia SE. The finished vehicle is expected to produce the equivalent of 800HP, or enough to take it to 62MPH in 3.5 seconds. That's just behind a Ferrari 458 Italia, folks. It should also be nimble thanks to both a lightweight carbon fiber body and high-performance ceramic brakes, and the 186-mile range will be enough for a blast through the countryside, if not much more.

As you might gather by looking at the 3D rendering shown here, the main catch is that the Lavinia SE isn't yet a practical reality. Tecnicar is currently building its first prototype in Sicily, and you won't see it in the metal until a car show in April. There's no release date or price, either, although it's safe to presume that this green machine will cost you a six-digit sum if and when it arrives.

Filed under: Transportation

Via: Inhabitat

Source: Gnius Motori (translated), Tecnicar (Facebook)

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Scientists 3D Printed Self-Assembling Wood and Carbon Fiber

Source: http://gizmodo.com/scientists-3d-printed-self-assembling-wood-and-carbon-f-1646263682

Scientists 3D Printed Self-Assembling Wood and Carbon Fiber

For the most part, our wood and carbon fiber objects are solid, inert, and boring lumps. They don't bend or curl—or at least, they aren't supposed to. But MIT researchers have created wood and carbon fiber specially designed to be dynamic, conjuring up visions of wood furniture that self-assembles out of the flat pack or carbon fiber that morphs with the temperature.

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