Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

drag2share: HTC's new One smartphone to go on sale 'just minutes after it is officially announced'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/htc-new-one-smartphone-on-sale-march-25th/

At this point, we have a pretty clear idea of what HTC's upcoming flagship smartphone will look like. Everything from its unique duo rear camera, to its refreshed version of Sense to its familiar One-like aluminum body has been leaked in the lead up to the company's March 25th event. And now, thanks to the UK retailer Carphone Warehouse jumping the gun, we know the handset, dubbed the "new HTC One (M8)," will be available to purchase "just minutes after it is officially announced" at six locations in London. How's that for spoiling the surprise? It's clear from this release that HTC intends to waste no time directing attention from its headline-dominating launch into direct retail sales. Whether or not that gamble pays off is another matter. But we'll know soon enough if that market opportunism can successfully channel fanboy enthusiasm into dollars and pounds.

[Image credit: TD Beta]

Update: It seems that o2 may not have the HTC One on store shelves until the first week of April, so that "same day" availability we've been hearing about may only apply to select carriers or resellers.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, HTC

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Google announces Android Wear, a Nexus-like platform for wearables

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/google-android-wear/

Google's getting into smartwatches in a rather large way. As previously reported, the search giant is extending its Android platform to more wearables than just Glass. In a blog post that went out today, Google announced Android Wear, which is essentially a way for the company to extend its mobile OS to a new category of devices while offering a lower cost for developers and users -- think Nexus for smartwatches. Of course, smartwatches are just the beginning, Google acknowledged that there's plenty more to come, but it was " starting with the most familiar wearable."

One of the most eye-catching features we've seen so far is the same always-listening experience that we've enjoyed on the Moto X. Anytime you need to do something with your watch, just say "OK Google" and everything from pulling up nearby gas stations, to restaurant reservations are just a quick voice command away.

But there's more to Wear than just putting voice search on your wrist. As the rumors have suggested, it pulls in contextual updates as well, just like Now -- putting the power of its preemptive search a quick glance away. Obviously it also pulls in notifications from messaging apps like Hangouts or your social networks. But the real power lies in the ability for developers to extend their applications to your Android-powered smartwatch. For example, Google is already promising that "favorite fitness apps" will offer real time speed and distance tracking. (Get on that RunKeeper!)

We're still waiting to get details on specific watches, but features like these (and many more) have to be incredibly power efficient to ensure your new fancy piece of digital jewelry actually lasts longer than a day. Expect to start seeing devices working on the new platform sometime next quarter (as luck would have it, Google I/O will be held at the very end of that quarter). And, fingers crossed, maybe Google will announce that Now is opening up to third parties as part of its wearable push. Developers can go sign up for a preview of the Wear SDK here.

Filed under: Wearables, Wireless, Mobile, Google

Source: Google

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Google's Android Wear project adds HTC, LG, Motorola, Qualcomm, Fossil and more for new smartwatches

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/google-new-android-wear-project-partners/

Last week at SXSW, Android and Chrome head Sundar Pichai said we'd be hearing more about Google's foray into wearables in two weeks' time. And it looks like the company's delivering quite early on that promise.

The newly announced Android Wear initiative, which makes a Google-approved SDK available to developers eying the wearable space, will initially focus on smartwatches created by the likes of industry heavyweights like LG, HTC, Motorola, Samsung and Asus. While Qualcomm, Intel, Broadcom, Imagination and Mediatek will also be pitching in on the chip side. The inclusion of Fossil in this Android Wear partner mix will be, from the sound of it, mostly a fashion play. As for when we'll actually see the fruits of these wearable partnerships, Google's only committing to the very vague "later this year." Which means news on these Android Wear smartwatches could land anytime. But for now, at least, LG's giving us a look at what to expect from the project with its recently unveiled G Watch.

Filed under: Wearables, Wireless, Mobile, Google

Source: Google

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: LG G Watch to launch next quarter with Android Wear

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/lg-g-watch-android-wear/

Over the last two years, LG has established a storied history of collaboration with Google. The two companies have worked together on three devices (two Nexus smartphones and a Google Play edition tablet) and today we're hearing about the fourth -- a smartwatch. LG's latest piece of handywork, known as the G Watch, features Google's new wearables platform called Android Wear. LG's keeping quiet on the specs and other details of the new device, but as you can see in the image above Google Now features prominently on the platform. And, just like on the Moto X, users will be able to initiate voice commands by simply speaking "OK Google."

LG wants the G Watch to act as a "low barrier to entry" for developers, while offering a Google experience to users at the same time; this likely means that when the watch arrives sometime next quarter (exact date and pricing remains unknown), we can expect it to sell at a rather competitive price point. "The opportunity to work with Google on LG G Watch was the perfect chance for LG to really pull out all stops in both design and engineering," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO of LG's Mobile Communications division. "We're confident that a well-designed device has the potential to take the smart wearable market by storm." Of course, it'll have plenty of competition as Motorola, HTC, Samsung and even fashion brands like Fossil get in on the fun.

Vote on our poll for Would you rather?!

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Wireless, Mobile, Google, LG

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: This is Motorola's new Android Wear smartwatch: Moto 360

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/this-is-motorolas-new-android-wear-smartwatch-moto-360/

LG went first, and now it's Motorola's turn to unveil its Android Wear smartwatch: the Moto 360. Putting an emphasis on the tried-and-true design of classic timepieces, Motorola's crafted a smartwatch that hews closely to a more traditional, premium look. The Moto 360 boasts a circular, digital watchface powered by Android Wear that grants users access to notifications with, presumably, gestures, as the company's official line mentions the need for a "twist of the wrist." There's also Google Now integration, much like on the G Watch, that'll make checking in on the weather, sports scores or flights a hands-free affair just by saying, "Ok Google."

From the looks of it, Moto's made what's arguably the sexiest smartwatch we've seen to date, but that image above isn't the only form factor we'll be seeing. When the Moto 360 launches this summer worldwide, it'll come in a "variety of styles," and sport leather or metallic bands. If you happen to live in the US, you'll be getting first dibs on this Android Wear looker when it debuts.

Vote on our poll for Would you rather?!

Filed under: Wearables, Wireless, Mobile, Google

Source: Motorola

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Phosphor's Touch Time is a smartwatch that doesn't need a smartphone (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/phosphor-touch-time-e-ink-smartwatch-hands-on/

When we talk about smartwatches, it's normally devices that either work with your phone, or seek to replace them altogether. That's not the approach taken by Phosphor, which recruited former Nike designer Stefan Andrén to craft a model that's entirely self-contained. Of course, without a smartphone riding shotgun, the watch should have better battery life, but it also has to do the heavy lifting on its own. After raising more than $300,000 on Kickstarter, the Touch Time is clearly seeking to knock the Pebble from its perch, but will it succeed?

The biggest issue here is that the Touch Time abandons buttons in favor of gestures, and you'll have to unlock the device with a long, bottom-to-top swipe before you begin using it. You can select from a number of pre-installed watch faces, or push across to a home screen where you can launch one of seven apps, including calculator, stopwatch and reminders. Unfortunately, this is where the dream begins to die, as the capacitive touchscreen isn't big or sensitive enough to handle imperfect instructions. A casual swipe is frequently ignored, and it's only long, precise movements that get you where you want to be. This, naturally, becomes a bit of a chore if you're used to the instant gratification that comes from a smartphone touchscreen.

Then there's the 1.3-inch 169 x 144 LCD display itself, which only offers room for a 2 x 2 grid of icons. That's fine when the apps are reasonably simple, but the calculator app pushes the operators to an entirely different screen, and switching between them frequently causes you to make unwanted key presses. Add in the lack of accuracy, and the process becomes even more frustrating as the unit beeps every time you make a gesture.

On the upside, Phosphor's pedigree is in watchmaking, so the company has at least managed to get the basics right. The stainless steel case is stylish and the silicone strap is comfortable, albeit a tad too eager to pick up lint during wear. The device promises to last up to a year on a single watch battery, not to mention resist water down to depths of around 30 meters. Realistically, Phosphor has crafted something that'll stand out in a crowded market, but not something that'll tear you away from your Pebble. If that hasn't deterred you, however, then you'll be happy to know that the Touch Time is shipping from today, and will set you back $160.

Filed under: Wearables

Source: Phosphor

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Imagination's new graphics tech brings realistic lighting to mobile games

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/imagination-powervr-raytracing/

PowerVR GR6500 Wizard graphics

Even the prettiest mobile games tend to look a bit ugly, with simple lighting effects that remind you that you're not using a more powerful console or PC. If Imagination Technologies has its way, though, those pocket-sized games will be truer to life. Its newly unveiled Wizard architecture brings ray tracing, a technique that calculates the path of every light beam in a 3D scene, to the company's PowerVR mobile graphics cores. You can see the resulting visual boost in the picture above: every light casts a shadow, glass is more realistic and reflections accurately portray the surrounding world. The first core to use Wizard is the high-end GR6500, which companies can license for their mobile processors. Imagination hasn't named customers, but we'd note that Apple and Intel are among two of its clients -- don't be surprised if your next iPhone or Windows tablet is a graphics powerhouse.

Mobile graphics without raytracing

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Mobile, Apple, Intel

Source: Imagination Technologies

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Google Has One Killer Advantage When It Comes To Smartwatches

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/google-now-for-android-wear-2014-3

google android wear smartwatch

Google unveiled Android Wear today, a lightweight version of Android that manufacturers can use to power smartwatches and other wearable gizmos.

None of the manufacturers listed as Android Wear partners (Samsung, Fossil, LG, HTC, Motorola, and a few others) have a device ready right now, but we should start seeing them go on sale in the coming months.

In the meantime, Google gave us a really good look at what the Android Wear operating system will be able to do. Specifically, it seems to rely heavily on Google Now, the digital assistant that comes with Android phones and as a separate app for the iPhone.

In short, Google Now blows Siri out of the water. And it has the potential to be even more useful on wearable devices that are designed to contextualize your notifications and display what's most relevant to you at any given time.

If you're unfamiliar with Google Now, it works by pulling in data from all your Google services like Gmail, Calendar, Maps, searches, etc. and figures out on its own what to show you.

For example, if you have a meeting scheduled in your Google Calendar, Google Now can automatically alert you when to leave so you can make it on time. It even takes traffic delays into account. It can also scan your Gmail inbox for upcoming flight notifications and UPS/FedEx package shipments.

That's barely scratching the surface of what Google Now can do, but just know it's an incredibly powerful tool for synthesizing all your digital information. Plus, Google keeps layering new features on top of Google Now, so it gets better the more you use it.

And that's what makes Google Now the killer feature for smartwatches. It doesn't make sense to have users swipe around to find what they want on a smartwatch. The real challenge is to create a product that just knows what you want to see based on where you are and what you're doing. And if you really do need to look s! omething up, Google Now is equipped with excellent voice search that can bring you the one answer you're looking for, not a list of search results like Siri often does.

It raises an interesting question: If and when Apple releases a smartwatch, would you rather have a device powered by Siri or Google Now?

Join the conversation about this story »

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: A Touchscreen 'Smart'watch That Doesn't Need a Phone

Source: http://gizmodo.com/a-touchscreen-smart-watch-that-doesnt-need-a-phone-1545697017

A Touchscreen 'Smart'watch That Doesn't Need a Phone

In a time when every company seems to be announcing a smartwatch, Phosphor has taken a slightly different approach with its Touch Time. It runs a small suite of apps, accessible on the watch's monochrome touchscreen LCD display, but what it comes with is all it will ever have. There's no wireless connectivity to a smartphone, no USB port for firmware updates, and no way to upgrade it whatsoever—save for shipping it back to the factory.

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: vrAse turns your smartphone into a VR headset (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/vrase-hands-on/

We'll admit it, when we first laid eyes on vrAse -- a smartphone case that gives your handset Oculus Rift-like functionality -- we were a bit... curious? The ambitious/ingenious project was launched on Kickstarter at the end of last year, and while it didn't get quite the huge sum that Oculus did, it captured enough imaginations to secure the money it needed. How does it work? An optimized app splits its output into two -- side by side. You then slide the phone into the headset/case which has a lens feeding into each eye, creating a large, 3D image. The hardware we saw was just a prototype, but final designs should be ready by summer. We also got to try it on!

In effect, the vrAse is creative use of existing hardware (your phone) and existing software techniques, with some barebones hardware that brings the it all together (the case). The first benefit of this approach is the cost, the vrAse (think VR, case) will retail for around $100 once it fully launches later this year. Another benefit is that by offloading the heavy lifting to your phone, the brains of the operation is effectively endlessly upgradeable. Update your phone, you have a new engine in the machine. Other perks of this method mean you can also benefit from other features that come with a phone such as the camera or microphone.

In our quick demo with the vrAse, we we shown a demo that sits you in a roller coaster. The phone being used was a Galaxy Note, so one with a larger screen, but we were surprised by how immersive the experience was. As we rode around the virtual landscape, we genuinely felt the urge to lean left and right along with it -- and the anticipation of a loop the loop was very real! Another demo we were shown used the phone's camera -- so that we could actually see the real world -- but the software placed virtual furniture in the room that we could walk around and even change the color of with a voice command to the phone. Apps aren't limited to working with the hardware either, games, for example, can have an optional 2D mode for when you just want to play on the phone directly.

The experience is perhaps not as fully immersive/slick feeling as the Oculus Rift due to the inherent compromises that come with an open hardware platform, and decentralized software (it's, of course, open to iOS, Android, Windows Phone and beyond). This should improve, however, once the final hardware is comes to market, and the goal posts become a little more fixed. We were shown how the retail unit will look, but were unable to take photos. As you can imagine, it's somewhat more attractive than the prototype we saw, and very much in keeping with similar headsets we've seen of late.

Filed under: Gaming, Wearables, Mobile

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

Article: Cube robot demonstrates incredible balance

Cubli is a cube-shaped robot that can jump up, balance on a single corner and "walk" itself across a desk, all using off-the-shelf parts. Some robots do something useful, like ordnance disposal. Some robots do something artistic, like music. Some are more interactive. And some robots are just dan...

http://www.cnet.com.au/cube-robot-demonstrates-incredible-balance-339346873.htm?feed=rss

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Article: USB2Go Is A Smartphone-Powered Micro USB Dev Board For Building Android Connected Gadgets

Android developers wanting a quicker and easier way to hack around with hardware should point their eyes at this Kickstarter project – called USB2Go — which is aiming to repurpose the micro USB port of your smartphone as a portal for plugging in an ARM Cortex-M3 development board. The board would...

http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/17/usb2go/?ncid=rss

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Article: Three Data Driven Nuggets From Nate Silver's New News Site

Nate Silver, the famous New York Times statistics blogger who correctly forecasted 50 out of 50 states in the 2012 presidential election, has launched an entire news site dedicated to data journalism. Keeping the old blog name, 538, the relaunched site is dedicated to taking what Silver thinks is...

http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/17/three-data-driven-nuggets-from-nate-silvers-new-news-site/?ncid=rss

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Article: LittleBits Announces The Cloud Module, An Electronics Block That Connects Your Projects To The Internet

LitteBits, maker of simple, easy to build electronics kits, has announced what they’re calling the Cloud Module, a small, Internet-connected block that lets you build standalone projects using the kit’s Lego-style connection system. The kits themselves are marketed as toys and, in a large part, t...

http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/18/littlebits-announces-the-cloud-module-an-electronics-block-that-connects-your-projects-to-the-internet/?ncid=rss

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Article: Nikon's mirrorless snapper fires 60 shots a second

A good thing has happened in the world of cameras recently. The megapixel wars are all but dead. Instead, much of the focus in recent cameras has shifted to speed: Faster autofocus systems, and faster continuous-shooting speeds. The combination of those two things -- fast shot-to-shot times and t...

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2014-03/18/nikon-1-v3-mirrorless

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