Monthly Archives: July 2015

amazon echo speaker

Fly Or Die: Amazon Echo

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[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/bC5C-s2L8pU”]

Upon first hearing about the Amazon Echo, a device that sits in the home and receives voice-powered commands, I wasn’t even remotely convinced that this could be a good idea. For one, the idea of Amazon listening to every word I say was disconcerting, and voice-powered computational tools (such as Siri and Google Now) have yet to really impress me.

But in practice, the Amazon Echo is one of the more powerful voice-powered devices on the market.
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Lenovo S21e-20 Review – an ultrabook with a crazy bezel

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At one time netbooks were all the rage, and though that trend has simmered down, the options for inexpensive and relatively low powered machines are as expansive as ever. Chromebooks largely fill the void left behind by netbooks, but if Chrome OS isn’t your thing, some PC makers are still releasing small laptops loaded with Windows, and Lenovo is one of them. The latest among the maker’s small netbook-like Windows offerings is the Lenovo S21e, a laptop with a small display and price tag, and very big bezel. Does it work as well as its larger siblings? Read our review to find out.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-s21e-20-review-an-ultrabook-with-a-crazy-bezel-27394279/

Instagram for Android has a new edit screen

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If you use Instagram on Android, you may be seeing a new edit screen that speeds up the sharing process (and if you’re not, try updating the app – some users have had luck doing this). Some users are seeing a new so-called quick edit screen that reduces the editing and sharing process to a single screen. The screen allows those who want the more expansive process to use it, but for everyone else, filtering is reduced to swiping right and left.
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Periscope for iOS updated with “mute” feature

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Broadcasting app Periscope has pushed out an update for its iOS app, and among the changes is the ability to mute people you are following. You’ll still be able to see their feeds if you’d like, and you’ll still be following them, but if they broadcast too often you can “mute” their notifications (turn off receiving them), so that push notifications from those users become a thing of the past. This is version 1.1.3, and it is available as of today from the App Store.
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https://www.slashgear.com/periscope-for-ios-updated-with-mute-feature-27394509/

Twitter starts blocking overt plagiarism

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Can’t think of anything original to tweet? If you ever feel tempted to pilfer someone’s clever quip or cheesy joke, be prepared to feel the sting of public shame. Twitter has started replacing those tweets with a boilerplate message letting others know the content was scrapped from elsewhere, and that the original content creator has issued a complaint. Take a look around Twitter and you might notice the message yourself — and you’ll also notice that many of the illicit tweeters are spam accounts, meaning this new banhammer might prove doubly useful.
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https://www.slashgear.com/twitter-starts-blocking-overt-plagiarism-27394502/

Google, Apple, Microsoft pledge to fight climate change

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Major businesses, including several tech companies, have taken up the White House’s pledge to help combat climate change. In a statement today, the Obama administration detailed the threat climate change poses to the world as a whole, pointing out that 19 of the 20 hottest recorded years have happened in the last two decades, and that we’re already collectively experiencing things like bigger storms, longer droughts, and more frequent wildfires. That’s why the White House has launched its Climate Action Plan to cut pollution, and many companies have signed the American Business Act on Climate pledge to do their part.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-apple-microsoft-pledge-to-fight-climate-change-27394519/

Samsung schedules Unpacked August 13th: Note 5 ahoy!

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This week is bringing events from a few big companies, but Samsung is not one of them. Instead, the Korean company will be having its next event in mid-August, but before that it has started teasing what we can expect. The company fired out some invites today, announcing that it will be showing off its next big thing on August 13, and it followed the invites with an animated teaser on its Twitter account — we see rolling lines, and they (probably) mean there’s another curved display inbound.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-schedules-unpacked-august-13th-note-5-ahoy-27394515/

Galaxy Note 5 gets an Exynos 7422 and some hi-res pics

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One of the problems with leaks is that there is really no telling which leak is the most accurate one until the fated day finally arrives. Take for example the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, whose leaks are starting to heat up as the August 13 announcement date fast approaches. Many aspects of the S Pen phablet remains in limbo, like the presence, or absence, of an auto eject mechanism for the stylus. But perhaps the most contentious component is the CPU, which is now again said to be an Exynos 7422.
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-note-5-gets-an-exynos-7422-and-some-hi-res-pics-27394524/

OnePlus 2 hands-on – The Android wild-card

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Seldom are the life-lessons so clear when you launch a follow-up product, like the new OnePlus 2 Android smartphone. Born of a desire to cater to the whims of the Android enthusiast, the requests were simple: they wanted power, they wanted affordability, and they wanted it right now. The original OnePlus One succeeded on the first two of those counts but notoriously botched the third. Now, still bearing a near-astonishing SIM-free, unlocked price tag – starting at $329 – but brought up to speed with 2015’s finest, the OnePlus 2 is aiming for the hat trick. I caught up with OnePlus to see what’s new.
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https://www.slashgear.com/oneplus-2-hands-on-android-wild-card-27394371/

Moto X 3rd gen leak: larger screen, same res, microSD slot

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It’s about time that Motorola’s flagship get its fair share of leaks, though it might barely matter with just a few hours left before the real deal hits. That is, unless Motorola’s 28th July event is meant only for the new Moto G. In any case, theMoto X that is being revealed in this latest leak may or may not be worth all the excitement. Sure there are marked improvements over last year’s model, but depending on what you’re looking for in a 2015 flagship, you might be a bit disappointed.
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https://www.slashgear.com/moto-x-3rd-gen-leak-larger-screen-same-res-microsd-slot-28394540/

BlackBerry ready to drop smartphones if things don’t improve

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Is BlackBerry ready to concede defeat, something that pundits have been waiting for it to do for years now? In a way, yes, but it isn’t a blanket statement. CEO John Chen did admit that it was willing stop making smartphones if things don’t change for the better, referring to the company’s sliding revenues. However, there are still other options available to it that doesn’t require completely scrapping their hardware business, though Chen also admits that it would be only under the most ideal cases.
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https://www.slashgear.com/blackberry-ready-to-drop-smartphones-if-things-dont-improve-28394536/

BLU Products’ new line brings selfie to budget market

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Selfies. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. And when you’ve got super affordable smartphones to satisfy that selfie crave, why suffer living without? That might be the line of thinking behind BLU’s three new smartphones. Although the VIVO Selfie is the leader of the gang when it comes to that criteria, the oddly named C 5+5 and the Energy X Plus do also boast a bit of selfie-centric features. Best of all, like any BLU smarpthone, these devices come unlocked and with tempting budget prices.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

OnePlus 2 pricing announced along with pop-up events in major cities

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The latest smartphone from OnePlus, the OnePlus 2 has now been unveiled officially. We spent some hands on time with the smartphone already to give you an idea what the device is about. The next thing you want to know is how much the smartphone will cost in your country. The official pricing has been announced for the OnePlus 2 and in the US it will sell for $329 for the 16GB version and $389 for the 64GB version.
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https://www.slashgear.com/oneplus-2-pricing-announced-along-with-pop-up-events-in-major-cities-28394565/

Apple Pay now supported by UK’s HSBC and First Direct

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If you’re a UK resident and were disappointed by the launch of Apple Pay about two weeks ago and the lack of support from more than a few major banking institutions, good news is finally here. Today HSBC and First Direct have announced they’ve rolled out support for Apple Pay, allowing customers to link their credit and debit cards from the banks to Apple’s mobile payment system. A large number of UK merchants are already supporting payments via iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-pay-now-supported-by-uks-hsbc-and-first-direct-28394572/

Samsung Unpacked event may see a new smartwatch launch

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The rumors about what we will see at the Samsung Unpacked event being held on August 13 have been flying like crazy. One of the things that we haven’t heard much about so far is a new smartwatch launch alongside the expected smartphone unveiling. Word is that the event will see Samsung launch its first new Android Wear smartwatch in about a year.

The tip about the new smartwatch at the August event comes from a source calming to be familiar with Samsung’s plans. However, this source did warn that the final decision to launch a new smartwatch at the Unpacked event hasn’t been made.
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Xbox One SmartGlass on Android, iOS get some screenshot love

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Continuing its embrace of platforms other than its own, Microsoft has just revealed a new feature coming to Android and iOS users. No, it’s not Cortana, at least not yet. This one is all about gamers. The already talented Xbox One SmartGlass app on the two rival platforms has just gotten more talented, now able to work with screenshots the same way Windows 10 users are able to, meaning they can now view, share, and even save Xbox One screenshots, right from the convenience of their mobile phone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/xbox-one-smartglass-on-android-ios-get-some-screenshot-love-28394562/

Dragon Quest XI announced as first Nintendo NX game

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The makers of Dragon Quest, not only the most popular RPG, but the biggest games series of all time in Japan, earlier today announced the eleventh title in the main series. Developers Square Enix held a 90-minute long live-stream broadcast to announce Dragon Quest XI for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS, with a tentative release sometime next year. But even more shocking was the fact that the game was announced for the “NX,” Nintendo’s mysterious next game system.
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https://www.slashgear.com/dragon-quest-xi-announced-as-first-nintendo-nx-game-28394586/

eBay to shutter some mobile apps and push folks to flagship eBay app

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Over the years, eBay has rolled out a number of apps for mobile users aimed at making it easier to use specific services while on the go. Some of those apps include things like eBay Valet, eBay Fashion, and eBay Motors app. To help push users to the flagship eBay app the auction giant has announced that it will be retiring those three apps soon.

eBay says that Valet users will be able to get the same selling tools within the core eBay apps and Valet will be shuttered in the coming weeks. eBay Motors will be killed off later this year and the features found in the app will be offered in the main eBay app.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ebay-to-shutter-some-mobile-apps-and-push-folks-to-flagship-ebay-app-28394576/

New Moto G gets official debut from Motorola

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Motorola has just announced its new Moto G, coming as a surprise to absolutely no one after weeks of early leaks. The latest version of the budget Android device was announced in New Delhi, about 30 minutes or so before Motorola’s live-streaming presentation from New York. The smartphone pretty much delivers on what was expected after the rumors and leaks, offering a 5-inch display with solid specs for what will surely be an affordable price.
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Moto X Style detailed for summer release

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This afternoon the Moto X Style was revealed by Motorola alongside the Moto G 3rd generation and Moto X Play. This device has what the company suggests is “one of the best in the world” cameras, a large sharp display, and a new focus on customization – hence the name. This device works with a 5.7-inch quad-HD display, metal rim, and colorful accents. This device also has the same ability to customize with Moto Maker – that means wood backs, leather, and a new coated silicon rubber soft back.
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https://www.slashgear.com/moto-x-style-detailed-for-summer-release-28394589/

Moto X Play detailed: smaller screen, bigger battery

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This week Motorola has revealed three devices, the “best of both worlds” model coming in as the Moto X Play. This device has a 5.5-inch display while the Moto X Style has a 5.7-inch display, allowing the Moto X Play to “play longer.” You’ll also have a 1080p display instead of Quad-HD with a slightly larger battery at 3,600mAh instead of just 3,000. It might just be that the Moto X Play is the best choice amongst the three devices Motorola’s revealed today – or at least the longest lasting in the field.
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https://www.slashgear.com/moto-x-play-detailed-smaller-screen-bigger-battery-28394597/

Frontback app shuts down, front-facing cameras weep

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The app Frontback is announced to be winding down after two years in service. This app started with an idea, an idea that if you were taking a back-facing photo, you should also be taking a front-facing photo at the same time. Therein you’d have a product that captured not only what you were seeing, but yourself in that environment as well. Today that dream is over – in a social networking sort of sense, at least. Today the Frontback community closes its doors.
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https://www.slashgear.com/frontback-app-shuts-down-front-facing-cameras-weep-23394128/

Leaked Moto G 2015 promo vid leaves little to imagination

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Already feeling overwhelmed by the surprising flood of leaks about this year’sMoto G? Here, have one more. This time, however, delivered in moving pictures format, which makes it more entertaining and probably easier to digest. And you don’t even need to know Brazilian Portuguese to understand it. This promotional video details almost all the interesting features of the mid-rangeMotorola smartphone heading our way next week confirming what we have seen elsewhere. And for the parts that it doesn’t reveal, we can pretty much fill in the blanks.
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https://www.slashgear.com/leaked-moto-g-2015-promo-vid-leaves-little-to-imagination-23394158/

Samsung Galaxy Note 5, S6 edge+ get a photo shoot again

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Ready for more unofficial Samsung love? By now, the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+ phablets are probably one of Samsung’s worst kept secrets, though we’re also hoping to still be surprised when the Korean OEM unveils the two next month. Presuming, the rumored dates are correct, of course. These latest set of leaked photos show the two in full view and they are looking just as we expected them to. Which is to say, a larger version of the Galaxy S6 edge and an S Pen wielding version of the Galaxy S6.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-note-5-s6-edge-get-a-photo-shoot-again-24394172/

Sony might be sticking with Snapdragon 810 for Xperia Z5

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Qualcomm might have found a staunch and loyal friend in Sony. If it hasn’t yet, it should. Despite all the flak it received precisely because of the Snapdragon 810 processor, it seems that Sony isn’t about to jump ship. At least not for some upcoming smartphones. User Agent profiles of two device lines, particularly a certain E6603 and E5803, believed to be the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact respectively, show evidence that those two will run on the almost ill-fated chip, which is bound not to sit well with those hoping for better Sony flagship before the year ends.
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https://www.slashgear.com/sony-might-be-sticking-with-snapdragon-810-for-xperia-z5-24394170/

Next Lumia flagships to sport iris scanner, Surface Pen

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Although Microsoft is in a celebratory mood over the imminent release ofWindows 10, the topic of Windows 10 smartphones remains to be a sore point. And it isn’t just because of the company’s somewhat indecisive, almost ambiguous, attitude towards this section of mobile, but even more because it lacks such a Wndows phone that it can truly be proud of. That, however, might soon change with Microsoft’s next Lumia duo, codenamed Cityman and Talkman. Provided, of course, these rumors do pan out in the end.
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https://www.slashgear.com/next-lumia-flagships-to-sport-iris-scanner-surface-pen-24394180/

Fasten your seat belts! Next week will be a doozy for devices launch

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IFA 2015 is traditionally the time when many companies announce their wares to a captive audience, both physical and virtual. There now seems to be a trend, however, of some of those opting to go ahead, perhaps to avoid clashing with other giants. This month, it seems that the stars have curiously aligned to make the last week of July filled with new toys and tidbits that we’ll be talking about in the days, weeks, or even months, to come. To better buckle up, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fasten-your-seat-belts-next-week-will-be-a-doozy-for-devices-launch-24394186/

People can legally listen to your butt dials

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I’d wager that anyone who uses a smartphone has probably butt dialed before, even if you don’t realize you did it. Butt dialing occurs when you accidentally hit the buttons on your smartphone and start a call without realizing you did. Some people immediately hang up when they receive a butt dial, but others like to listen in to see what they can hear being said.

One butt dial has led to a court case and resulted in a ruling that will make some folks even more leery of making a butt dial. A federal appeals court in Cincinnati ruled this week that if you accidentally call someone else, whatever the person on the other end of that call hears is fair game for them to use.
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https://www.slashgear.com/people-can-legally-listen-to-your-butt-dials-24394200/

Apple patents Google Cardboard in search of use for iPod

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Apple files for a patent that looks extremely similar to the basic concept for Google Cardboard. It would appear that Apple has prepared for the eventuality that virtual reality lust would hit the iPhone community. What we’re looking at today is a couple of patent applications that essentially have Apple owning the idea of a face and ears-mounted display carrier, a headset, that can use an iPhone as its display. Sound familiar? It certainly should. This also isn’t the first, second, or even third time such an invention has been seen (and produced) by a hardware company.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-patents-google-cardboard-in-search-of-use-for-ipod-24394238/

OPPO invading USA with a Selfie Stick and a smartwatch

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Smartphone brand OPPO announces their intent to move into the North American market with selfie-based intentions. When you have a phone with its own swivel camera made specifically for “selfie” photos, people might assume that you’ve gone “all in” on the selfie trend. They would be wrong. The smartphone brand OPPO have amped up their efforts with their own branded Selfie Stick, complete with wired functionality. They’ll be bringing it to the United States with a Selfie Party in Los Angeles soon.
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https://www.slashgear.com/oppo-invading-usa-with-a-selfie-stick-and-a-smartwatch-23394035/