Blocks' modular smartwatch will talk to your iPhone

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

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

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Source: Phonebloks

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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

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Source: Wall Street Journal

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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

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Source: Google

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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

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Source: Google

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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.

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Filed under: Tablets, Mobile, Apple

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