LG Optimus L7 II Dual listed running Android 4.3?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/09/lg-optimus-l7-ii-dual-listed-running-android-4-3/

While Android 4.3 never actually materialized at Google I/O last month, the latest version of Jelly Bean keeps popping up and making cameos all over. It most recently appeared in the specs for LG's Optimus L7 II Dual (that name's a handful, we know) on the company's website. The handset was running Android 4.1 when we played with it at Mobile World Congress and appears to have shipped with that OS version in some markets. Obviously, it's only a matter of time until Android 4.3 becomes official but we fully expect it to debut on Google's own Nexus 4 flagship before coming to any other device. In light of this, and considering the Optimus L7 II features a 4.3-inch screen, perhaps we're just looking at a typo? We've reached out to LG for clarification -- we'll keep you posted.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, LG

Comments

Source: LG

Read More...

Summary only...

PQI Power Drive merges power bank, card reader and wireless access point into one

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/09/pqi-power-drive-access-point/

After showing off its USB OTG accessories and NFC flash drive, PQI decided to tease us with its unannounced Power Drive that was sat quietly in a corner at Computex. Much like the Air Pen launched last November, this upcoming device acts as a portable wireless access point with storage expansion, meaning you can share an RJ45 network connection and your files over WiFi. But what's new is that not only is the RJ45 port collapsible to reduce device thickness, there's now also a standard SD card slot in addition to the old microSD slot. Better yet, as the name suggests, the Power Drive can also be used as a USB power bank to charge up other devices, making this PQI's most versatile WiFi product yet. Alas, details are light on the specs, so stay tuned for its announcement at some point in Q4 this year.

Gallery: PQI Power Drive merges power bank, card reader and wireless access point into one

Filed under: Peripherals, Wireless, Storage

Comments

Read More...

Summary only...

Samsung announces the Galaxy Ace 3, its new entry-level Android smartphone with an LTE option

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/samsung-galaxy-ace-3-announced/

Sidestepping the fanfare and press events typically associated with Samsung product launches, Samsung's revealed another addition to its Galaxy family. As we saw teased just hours ago, it's the Galaxy Ace 3, Samsung's latest (humbly specced) smartphone, arriving in 3G (1GHz dual-core processor) and LTE (1.2 GHz dual-core processor) options. Both devices house a 4-inch (480 x 800) LCD display, placing the new device just beneath the Galaxy S4 Mini in Samsung's 2013 smartphone pecking order. Despite those pretty underwhelming technical points, the company's has managed to cram in some of its latest software additions like S Translator, S Voice, and Smart Stay into its diminutive new phone.

There's Android 4.2 underneath, while a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash resides on the back. 8GB of built-in storage rounds out the LTE device, with user-accessible storage of 5GB. There's 4GB in the 3G model with just 1.77GB of space -- but don't worry, there's also storage expansion up to 64GB through microSD. We've added it to our to-do list for Samsung's incoming London event -- it's going to be a busy evening.

Update: The UK can expect to see the faster LTE model when it launches, although Samsung UK isn't saying when that will be.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

Comments

Source: Samsung Mobile Press

Read More...

Summary only...

Texas Instruments brings fast charging, extended life to Li-ion batteries

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/07/texas-instruments-brings-fast-charging-extended-life-to-li-ion/

Yesterday Texas Instruments introduced a couple of new chipsets (fuel gauge an charger ICs) designed to improve the charging speed and life expectancy of single-cell Li-ion batteries. The technology, called MaxLife, is expected to provide an improvement of up to 30 percent in battery service life and faster charging times. Cell impedance is carefully monitored by the fuel gauge chip while the charger IC uses a model of battery degradation to charge the cell in the most optimal way. Both chips are connected via an I2C bus to form an autonomous battery management system which, according to the company, is safer and more thermally efficient than existing solutions. The two chipsets (2.5A and 4.5A) are now available along with a development kit, so it's only a matter of time until this technology lands into handsets and other devices that use single-cell Li-ion batteries. Check out the details after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Mobile

Comments

Read More...

Summary only...

This Smart Airbus Case Could Mean You Never Lose Your Luggage Again

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-smart-airbus-case-could-mean-you-never-lose-your-l-511846710

This concept case by Airbus, which pairs up directly with your iPhone, could mean you never lose your bag again.

Called Bag2Go, it uses a GPS-tracker, 2G mobile connection, and an RFID chip built directly into the case itself to record its whereabouts. The idea is, primarily, to allow airports to pair its unique ID with handling systems—and in turn log its location against its owner's travel itinerary. But a paired iPhone can also show the owner data about the case, and even inform them if it's been opened.

That's not where smart stops, either: the thing has a set of scales built into the handle to let you check the weight, and Airbus suggests that the tracking tech could provide people with the confidence to use a door-to-door luggage service so they don't need to lug it themselves. Created in collaboration with T-Mobile and luggage maker Rimowa, it's very much a prototype—but Airbus is hoping to license out the technology. [Australian Business Traveller via MacRumors via Verge]

Read More...

Summary only...