Lenovo reveals the Vibe Z2, its very first 64-bit smartphone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/lenovo-vibe-z2-and-x2/

Lenovo might not be known for its smartphones around these parts (Motorola's new wares should change that soon), but it's definitely no slouch where the rest of the world is concerned. To no one's surprise, the Chinese juggernaut's family of phones just got a little bigger today at IFA: the company just pulled back the curtain on a pair of devices called the Vibe Z2 (pictured above) and Vibe X2.

Its name would imply that the Vibe Z2 occupies the rung under Lenovo's flagship Vibe Z2 Pro, but this new entry is Lenovo's first 64-bit smartphone thanks to the 1.4GHz quad-core Snapdragon chipset housed within its 7.8mm thick chassis. That means it'll play rather nicely with the new (and currently unnamed) version of Android waiting in the wings, though at this point it's unclear whether it'll ship with Android L preloaded. Rounding out the package are a super-bright 5.2-inch screen running at 720p (sigh), along with 32GB of internal storage, dual SIM slots, a 3,000 mAh battery and a 13-megapixel rear camera with a backlit sensor.

Itching for something a little more stylish? That's where the Vibe X2 comes in. There's a 5-inch 1080p display and one of Mediatek's new True8Core chipsets lurking under the hood, but your eyes will dart to its three-layered design with colors stacked atop each other like paperbacks perched atop a coffee table. Striking? You bet, but we're sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea. You'll be able to choose from white, red, gold and gray options, all of which should complement the 13-megapixel camera 'round the back nicely. And in case three layers just isn't enough for you, Lenovo's got a series of accessories -- think a super-slim battery and an amped-up speaker -- to add a fourth stratum to the mix.

The Vibe Z2 and X2 will cost $429 and $399 respectively when they launch in October, and (to no one's surprise) they'll hit Lenovo's native China first. From there, they'll trickle into the rest of southeast Asia, eastern Europe and Latin America -- just don't expect them to hit US doorsteps any time soon.

Filed under: Mobile

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Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix returns with a thinner design and longer battery life

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/lenovo-thinkpad-helix-2014/

Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix Windows convertible was always a promising device. Here was a tablet that could fit into its keyboard dock with the screen facing forward or backward. It had a full HD display and an active digitizer for pressure-sensitive pen input. Best of all, it used proper laptop-grade processors, ensuring you'd get performance more in line with Ultrabook than a standalone tablet. Sure, its weird cooling flap and pointy dock-guides made it cumbersome to use, but in spirit, at least, we were on board. We hoped Lenovo would try again with a refreshed design. At last, the company has done just that -- more than a year after the original first went on sale. The new Helix arrives later this fall with a thinner fanless design, not to mention slightly longer battery life.

As Lenovo tells it, the company's design team held off on refreshing the Helix until Intel's Core M processors came out. These chips, based on Intel's "Broadwell" architecture, allow for thinner, fanless Windows PCs. Not like an Atom-powered tablet, mind you, but full-fledged, laptop-grade performance inside a tablet. Just without the fans and cooling flap that annoyed us so much the first time around. The tablet alone weighs the same, at 1.8 pounds, but it now measures 0.38 inch thick, down from half an inch.

Other than that slimmer profile, the other big improvement is in battery life. The tablet now promises up to 12 hours with the keyboard dock, versus 10 on the original. As it turns out, most of the enhancements come from the tablet, not the dock: Even on its own, the slate is now rated for eight hours of runtime, up from four. The dock actually promises one less hour than it did last year.

Speaking of the keyboard dock, you actually get two options for a change. When the Helix goes on sale in October, you'll be able to buy it with a magnetic keyboard that connects via small pins at the bottom (meaning, it's not Bluetooth). Starting in January, when Intel's business-class vPro Core M chips become available, Lenovo will also start selling a "Pro" keyboard that looks similar to the one on last year's Helix, complete with a rotating hinge and the signature red TrackPoint. The Pro does still have guides that jut out from the device, though they're thankfully less pointy this time around. If we're honest, you might want to wait for this one instead of settling for the magnetic keyboard, which doesn't have a built-in battery, and which doesn't allow you to adjust the screen angle the way you can on the Pro.

As for other key specs -- 400-nit, 1080p display, dual 5MP/2MP cameras -- not much has changed since last year. Also like the original Helix, it'll be offered with a Wacom digitizer, with a slot on board to stow the pen. Hey, if you live in the US, it won't even be an "option"; it'll just come standard. Once it arrives in October, it'll start at $999 with the pen and magnetic keyboard. No word yet how much the tablet will cost with the Pro keyboard, but we're hearing around $1,200 and up. Don't take our word for that, though -- the price isn't final.

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Lenovo

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Beats co-founder returns with ROAM Ropes wireless in-ear headphones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/roam-ropes-headphones/

Steven Lamar helped create the now iconic Beats by Dre brand back in 2006, and after a spat over royalties last spring, he's back with headphones of his very own. Touting the best in ergonomics, sound and "Noise Equalization," Lamar's ROAM brand is launching Ropes as its first portable audio offering. As the moniker suggests, the design allows for the earbuds to be worn around your neck when they're not in use. That "Noise Equalization" bit is proprietary tech that claims to deliver "the best sound quality on the market today." Unforunately, I've yet to get my hands on a pair, so I can't confirm or deny that declaration. If the stock tuning does suit your sonic sensibilities though, there's a ROAM EQ app for tweaking via smartphone. The in-ears will arrive in time for your Christmas shopping, and they'll carry a pricey $299 tag in either graphite/black or orange/gray (benefiting Stand Up to Cancer) color options. For comparison sake, that's $100 more wireless units from Jabra (a pulse-tracking model) and Beats, and $140 higher than the sport-themed pair from SMS Audio.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

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Source: ROAM

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LG's got an 8K OLED television and food looks delicious on it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/lg-8k-tv/

As per usual, South Korean electronics giant LG is here at IFA in Berlin, Germany. Less usual? The company showing up with a 98-inch 8K OLED television. LG's saying it's "16 times full HD resolution," and while we didn't sit and count every pixel, the food porn being shown off looked mighty tasty. No pricing or availability was given, but we'd expect it to cost quite a bit of dough. The real reason it's here, however, is simply to showcase that LG can create the gorgeous, ultra high-res screen. And hey, did we mention that the food looked really pretty? Explore its depths in the gallery below.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD, LG

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WSJ: Apple's smartwatch will arrive in two sizes with NFC in tow

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/apple-iwatch-sizes-nfc-report/

By now, you've likely read at least one of the many rumors surrounding what's become known as the iWatch. Well, according to The Wall Street Journal, you can add a few more details to the fray. That outlet is reporting that whenever Apple's smartwatch arrives -- which has been tipped as no sooner than 2015 -- it will be NFC equipped. The prevailing sentiment is that inclusion of wireless connectivity that can be used to pair with other devices or sort things like mobile payments means Cupertino has more lofty expectations that just fitness and health for the gadget. Of course, the current iPhone doesn't have said feature, but rumblings indicate that it could (finally) be inside the next model. What's more, WSJ goes on to say that the so-called iWatch will come in two sizes that both have curved displays and exercise-tracking chops. With a reported 2015 arrival, we may not hear much about the wearable at next week's phone event. But who knows, Apple's been known to have a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes product-focused affairs in the past! .

Filed under: Wearables, Apple

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Source: The Wall Street Journal

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The Best Jobs For Every Personality Type

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/best-jobs-for-every-personality-2014-9

Does your job fit your personality?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test, measuring preferences like introversion and extroversion, has been part of business culture for decades. Today about 80% of the Fortune 500 and 89 of Fortune 100 companies use it to analyze the personalities of employees, in an effort to get them in the right roles and help them succeed.

To determine five of the best jobs for each of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, we consulted one of the most popular personality guides, "Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type," which is now in its fifth edition and has sold over a million copies, according to its publisher, Hachette Book Group.

We also talked to one of its authors, Paul Tieger. As the CEO of SpeedReading People LLC, Tieger has spent 30 years advising companies and individuals on how personality types can help teams work together.

While the list below is in no way definitive — and personality preferences can be flexible over time — it may serve as a helpful guide for understanding yourself and what sort of personalities gravitate toward certain jobs.

There are several tests you can take to determine which personality type you fit into. Tieger provides a free assessment here. Figure out which type suits you best, and then check out the chart below:

SEE ALSO: How To Dress Like A Leader In Any Work Environment

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Samsung's latest 105-inch UHD TV isn't just curved: it bends too!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/04/samsung-105-inch-uhd-bendable/

Perhaps 85 inches isn't enough? Samsung's just introduced a 105-inch curved, bendable UHD TV at its IFA 2014 press conference. That means not only is it a massive, ultra high-definition screen, but also that it's re-shaped at the touch of a button. If all that sounds expensive to you, that's because it is: the non-bendable version is around $120K, so we can only imagine how much this one'll cost (Samsung didn't offer a price this morning, sadly). If nothing else, it's quite pretty! Head past the break for more details and a closer look.

Samsung's 105-inch QHD, bendable TV has a 21:9 aspect ratio and transforms "from flat to curved." Here are a couple shots, care of Samsung.

And how about another one, for good measure:

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung

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Intel introduces a snakeskin smart cuff for fancy humans

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/intel-luxury-smart-band/

We understand: you want to get into the whole wearable tech thing, but what's holding you back is how fugly most current offerings are. That shouldn't deter you for long, as Intel has made good on its promise to make a smart-bracelet that doesn't look like an overgrown phone strapped to your wrist. It's called the MICA (My Intelligent Communication Accessory) and the notification-bracelet be available at Opening Ceremony and high-end retailer Barney's for the holiday shopping season this year, according to USA Today. Pricing isn't quite set in stone yet, but an Intel rep tells CNET that the cuff-style gadget will run under $1,000. Slightly expensive for a a wearable, sure, but not so much when compared against, say, a piece of traditional jewelry. The MICA comes in black and white (as illustrated by the image above), and will feature either Chinese pearls and lapis stones or tiger's eye and obsidian depending on which color of watersnake skin you opt for. Snazzy!

If the device's looks don't do it for you, maybe its capabilities will. The MICA packs a 1.6-inch sapphire touchscreen covering an OLED display that'll show off, among other things, your text messages and calendar reminders. An internal 3G radio (no smartphone-pairing needed, apparently) keeps it connected to mobile data and it can be charged either via USB or a wireless system. Still want more? Swing by Opening Ceremony's spring/summer 2015 show this Sunday during New York Fashion Week for the gizmo's official unveiling.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile

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Source: USA Today

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Sony's Rad Short Throw 4K Projector Is Coming to the US

Source: http://gizmodo.com/eyes-on-sonys-ultra-short-throw-4k-projector-sure-ligh-1496694759/1630047892/+marioaguilar

Back at CES we got a first look at a prototype for a short throw projector that lets you light up a wall even if you don't have a lot of space to beam the image across a room. Today, we learned that it's coming to the United States this month. Heck yeah!

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More Evidence That Google's Next Big Tablet Might Be Coming Soon

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/new-google-nexus-tablet-rumors-2014-9

It's been about two years since Google introduced a large-sized tablet to its lineup, so it's not surprising that the company might have a new one coming down its pipeline.

For months, rumors hinted at Google working with HTC on a new Nexus tablet, which hasn't been refreshed since the Nexus 10 released in 2012. But a source familiar with the situation told Android Police that Google is indeed planning to sell a keyboard case made by HTC for its upcoming Nexus tablet.

The case itself doesn't tell us too much about Google's next tablet. But if Android Police's sources are correct, it would confirm the device's previously reported 9-inch screen.

This suggests Google is focusing more of its resources toward its larger-sized tablet. Google updated its smaller-sized Nexus 7 tablet in 2013, leaving many Android fans wondering when a new bigger-sized Nexus tablet would come.

Android Police created a mockup of how this rumored 9-inch Nexus tablet would look compared to the Nexus 7 in terms of size, which is shown above.

It's important to note that this isn't an image of what the actual tablet will look like — it's just a concept meant to illustrate tablet's potential size.

Google and HTC have yet to publicly make any announcements about their future products, but rumors have hinted that the tablet may feature an all-metal design. If this is the case, it sounds like Google's new tablet will come with the same premium aluminum build that made the HTC One such a hit with critics in 2013.

Last year Google unveiled its Nexus 5 smartphone at the end of October, so we're hoping to see more updates next month. 

SEE ALSO: How The iPad Air Compares To Samsung's Best Tablet Yet, The Galaxy Tab S

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Sony updates 'lens camera' lineup with QX30, interchangeable-lens QX1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/sony-lens-cameras/

At last year's IFA in Berlin, Sony announced its first two "lens cameras," a pair of point-and-shoot cams that clip onto your smartphone. You use your phone's display to control the camera, and while you can technically fire off shots using the integrated zoom toggle and shutter release, there's no built-in LCD. Given the limitations, they're not for everyone, but there's apparently been enough interest for Sony to keep the QX line going, with a 30x zoom version and a unique interchangeable-lens model that accepts any E-mount optic now making their debut here in Berlin.

The first model, the QX30, sports a 30x, 24-720mm f/3.5-6.3 optical zoom lens. There's a 20.4-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 12,800 top ISO and 1080/60p video support. You can store shots both on the camera's microSD card and on your smartphone as well -- images and videos can be transferred instantly via WiFi, and you can push pics to the web straight from your phone. The replaceable battery can keep you going for 200 shots or 45 minutes of HD video, and you can charge up the camera via micro-USB. The QX30 ships next month for $350.

Sony's QX1 is by far the most interesting model of the bunch. There's an interchangeable lens mount and a large 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, essentially giving your smartphone DSLR-like image quality. You'll have access to many of the same features as Sony's mirrorless camera lineup, including a 16,000 top ISO, 1080/30p video, advanced shooting modes and support for RAW captures. There's also a pop-up flash and a much beefier battery (the same pack that Sony ships with its mirrorless cams), letting you capture up to 440 stills or 150 minutes of video on a single charge. The QX1 is expected in stores in November for $400.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Sony

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Sony Just Unveiled A New Fitness Tracker That Lets You Answer Phone Calls

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-smartband-talk-2014-9

Just a few months after it launched its first fitness tracker, Sony has unveiled the SmartBand Talk — a smart wristband with a curved e-paper display and a speaker for answering phone calls.

The SmartBand Talk looks almost exactly like the standard SmartBand, but with a small e-paper display on the front.

That means the screen will be easier to read in sunlight than your standard color touchscreen, and it'll draw less power, too. 

The screen is tiny, but it's just enough to read short notifications, check the time, and keep an eye on your fitness goals. As shown in the photo above, the SmartBand Talk displays a circle with the LifeLog logo to show you how close you are to meeting your goal. 

Even though it has a speaker for answering short phone calls and a display, the SmartBand Talk is still waterproof. It'll also run on Sony's Core, a small module that houses the band's sensors and computing components, which means you'll be able to take it out and switch out the bands. 

Like the standard Sony SmartBand, the SmartBand Talk will integrate heavily with Sony's LifeLog app. Sony introduced LifeLog at this year's CES, emphasizing that its goal is to measure much more than just your health statistics. Any photos taken with your smartphone and activities you've done during the day appear in your LifeLog timeline, with the goal being to show you a virtual playback of your day.

Sony hasn't disclosed exactly when it will launch yet, but it should be out before the holiday season. The current price is listed as 159€, which equates to about $208. 

Based on what we've seen, the Sony SmartBand Talk certainly looks attractive and comfortable enough to win over consumers. But it'll be tough to break into a market that's largely dominated by Fitbit and Jawbone. 

SEE ALSO: Jawbone Exec: Here's Why It's Better To Buy A Fitness Tracker Without A Screen

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This Is Sony's First Android Wear Smartwatch — And Fitness Freaks Might Love It

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-smartwatch-3-android-wear-2014-9

Sony's SmartWatch 3, its first smartwatch that will run on Google's Android Wear software, isn't a fitness device per say. But based on what we've heard, it seems like avid runners will love it.

The waterproof watch (€229 or roughly $300) comes loaded with sensors including an accelerometer, compass and gyroscope for tracking your motion.

This is common for most smartwatches, but the built-in GPS is part of what makes Sony's device stand out. An integrated GPS could prove to be particularly useful for runners and joggers looking to track their routes.

Sony also claims the SmartWatch 3's 1.6-inch display will be visible in bright sunlight since it's transflective, making it optimal for outdoor use.

Like Sony's other recently announced wearable devices, the SmartWatch 3 is designed to work with the company's LifeLog platform. LifeLog is an app that tracks your daily activity and presents it in a digital timeline, telling you where you were when you took a particular photo, hit a certain fitness goal, or played a specific game. 

The watch will launch in black and lime this fall, but Sony says that pink and white wristbands will be available soon thereafter.

Sony is one of several tech companies to announce an Android Wear-based watch. Android Wear is Google's version of Android specifically designed for smartwatches and other wearable gadgets. It's meant to provide contextual information at a glance, similar to how Google Now already works on your phone.

Sony's smartwatch maintains a square design that's nearly identical to its previously released smartwatches, while other manufacturers like LG and Motorola are experimenting with round touchscreen displays. It's unclear if Sony's traditional design will be enough to capture consumer interest with so many competing devices entering the market, but the outdoor-friendly display and built-in GPS are nice touches. We'll find out how well Sony's Smartwatch 3 resonates amo! ng consu mers this fall.  

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Toshiba Has A New Chromebook That Looks Sort Of Like A MacBook Air

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/toshiba-chromebook-2-specs-photos-2014-9

Toshiba has taken the wraps off its next-generation Chromebook, which comes with a slimmer design and an option for a full HD 1080p screen.

Toshiba's $249 Chromebook 2 maintains nearly exactly the same build as its predecessor, which debuted in early 2014. Like the company's original Chromebook, the new device features a textured design that makes it feel a bit more rugged and sturdier than many other laptops of its size.

However, the second-gen Chromebook is noticeably thinner with a wedge-shaped base that faintly echoes the MacBook Air. The Chromebook's all-silver body and black keys add to this resemblance.

Chromebooks are much different than your average laptop. They're designed for those who don't use their computers for much other than browsing the Web, and therefore a Chromebook's functionality is severely limited without an internet connection. Google, however, has been doing its part to change this by adding more apps to its Chrome OS store that work offline.

Toshiba has also improved the screen quality of its new Chromebook, offering a new higher-end model with a full HD at 1,920x1,080 pixels. A less expensive version with a 1,366x768-pixel resolution display will be available, too. The company is flaunting the Chromebook 2's built-in Skull Candy speakers as one of its standout features.

Starting at $249, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is right on par with what your average midrange Chromebook would cost. Acer's standard C720 Chromebook, for example, is priced exactly the same but comes with a smaller 11.6-inch screen. It does come with more storage space than Toshiba's, however, (32GB vs. 16GB), but Google also bundles 100GB worth of free storage space with all Chromebooks. 

The Toshiba Chromebook 2 launches on Oct. 5, and from what we can tell it seems like a solid choice for those seeking a large! r-sized, yet affordable, Chromebook. 

SEE ALSO: Should You Buy A Chromebook?

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