Monthly Archives: August 2015

LG dresses its luxury smartwatch in a gold suit

LG dresses its luxury smartwatch in a gold suit

Wearables, , , , , , ,

LG’s Watch Urbane was a pretty watch, but it was hardly going to impress the super-rich with its sub-$300 price tag. That’s why the Korean company has teamed up with Reeds Jewelers to craft the LG Watch Urbane Luxe, a shinier version of the hardware for the most conspicuous of capitalists. The insides haven’t changed, but the outside has been dipped in 23 karat gold, while the strap is now made of gen-u-ine alligator leather.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/31/lg-watch-urbane-luxe/

Sony spokesman says the Xperia Z5 'Premium' has a 4K screen

Sony spokesman says the Xperia Z5 ‘Premium’ has a 4K screen

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

Sony’s incoming Xperia Z5 flagship will be the first smartphone with a 4K screen, according to a leaked video from Clubic.com. In it, Sony’s marketing director says the company will release both a 5.2-inch Z5 and 5.5-inch Z5 ‘Premium,’ and the video (below) is focused on the larger model. On top of the 4K screen (which yields over 800 pixels per inch), the device also packs a 23-megapixel camera with a 0.03 second autofocus and 5X digital zoom, confirming a previous leak. The new flagship will be just as waterproof and dustproof as the Xperia Z3+ model, but with an interesting twist — the micro-USB connector is waterproof, even without a cover.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/31/sony-xperia-z5-premium-leak/

Android Wear now works with iPhones

Android Wear now works with iPhones

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The rumors are true: Google has officially announced that Android Wear is coming to the iPhone. But there are a few caveats. For one thing, only the latest iPhones — those that are running iOS 8.2 and up — are supported (that includes the iPhone 5 onwards). More importantly, this app only works with the very latest in Android Wear watches. Right now, the only watch that works with this is the new LG Watch Urbane, which is the most recent Android Wear watch to launch. We’re told that the app will also work with all future Wear devices, including upcoming watches from ASUS, Motorola and Huawei.
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https://www.engadget.com/

LG sensor adds smarts to your 'dumb' home appliances

LG sensor adds smarts to your ‘dumb’ home appliances

Wearables, , ,

Sure, it’s easy to find connected home appliances, but what if you want to add a dash of intelligence to many of your existing appliances (not just one or two)? LG might come to your rescue before long. It’s launching a SmartThinQ Sensor which uses feedback like temperature and vibration to tell you what your devices are doing. It can tell when your washer has finished by waiting for the shaking to stop, for instance, or tell you if someone left the fridge door open while you were out.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/31/lg-smartthinq-appliance-sensor/

Motorola's new Moto 360 Sport model breaks cover

Motorola’s new Moto 360 Sport model breaks cover

Wearables, , ,

We’ve already seen the upcoming Moto 360 sequel(s) quite a bit, but now another model has surfaced. Thanks to @upleaks, there’s the news that the next line of Motorola smartwatches will also include a sport option. Based on what appears to be a leaked press image/render, the Moto 360 Sport will arrive in three colors while still carrying the same circular face and dreaded “flat tire” look.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/31/motorola-moto-360-sport-leak/

2015 Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 review

2015 Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 review

Cars, , , , ,

They’re not flashy but these popular picks are at the peak of their game in the showroom.

Popularity is often scorned. Just look at McDonald’s, One Direction and My Kitchen Rules. Purists argue that biggest doesn’t necessarily mean best.

In the car industry popularity equals success. SUVs may be the latest craze but the humble hatchback is still the main game in the new car market. Last month, the country’s three top-selling cars were small hatches.
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https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-mazda3-toyota-corolla-and-hyundai-i30-review-34149

Slazer Arms Your Pebble Time With A Wrist-Mounted Laser

Slazer Arms Your Pebble Time With A Wrist-Mounted Laser

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

The Pebble Time may not have the trendy appeal of the Apple Watch or

the Moto 360, but there are plenty of reasons why it’s still considered by many to be the best smartwatch in the business. But even the best can get better and nothing improves the Pebble Time better than this badass Slazer.
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https://www.coolthings.com/slazer-pebble-time-laser/

2015 Volkswagen Jetta review

2015 Volkswagen Jetta review

Cars, ,

Though Volkswagen doesn’t like us calling the Jetta a Golf with a boot, that’s exactly what it is.

Some buyers prefer sedans to hatches for a couple of reasons: you get a bigger boot in a sedan thanks to the car’s extra length, albeit without the large opening offered in hatches; and the ride comfort and body strength is even better in sedans than the equivalent hatchbacks.
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https://www.carsguide.com.au/

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C vs. 2014 Porsche Cayman - Comparison Tests

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C vs. 2014 Porsche Cayman – Comparison Tests

Cars, , , , , , , ,

Do your tax returns routinely trigger DEFCON alerts at the IRS? Are your personal finances cited in biz-school case studies of the filthy rich? If so, please skip this story. This comparison test is for sports-car enthusiasts of somewhat lesser means—those with Moët tastes and, well, a Moët budget, once in a while, if the kids are already out of college.

After years of threatening a comeback and delivering a few 8C moon rocks, Alfa Romeo has resumed shipping cars to America. If images of star-crossed Milano sedans or Benjamin Braddock from The Graduatecome to mind, you’re way overdue for a software upgrade. The Alfa 4Cchallenging Porsche’s second-generation Cayman in this test is a legit exotic with a base price barely above that of a Corvette Stingray.
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https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15106921/2015-alfa-romeo-4c-vs-2014-porsche-cayman-comparison-test/

Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan preview

Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan preview

Wearables, , , , ,

El Capitan is a rock formation inside the Yosemite National Park, and OS X El Capitan is, as its name suggests, an enhancement to Yosemite, in the same way as Snow Leopard offered an enhancement to Leopard. Apple’s primary focus with this release is to be performance and stability, both of which should speed up tasks on a Mac – in fact Apple is claiming that older Macs will see significant performance improvements.
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https://www.techworld.com/

Martian Notifier review

Martian Notifier smartwatch review

Wearables,

If you’re looking for a smartwatch but don’t want a huge screen sitting on your wrist then the Martian Notifier might be the one for you. Read our Marian Notifier review to find out why.

This smartwatch will set you back $129 (UK RRP is £129) and we put the US price because although the firm hopes to sell the device in the UK in the near future you’ll have to get it shipped from across the pond until then. The firm does ship worldwide but shipping will cost a further $50 (£29) roughly, so you might want to hang on for a UK launch.
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https://www.techworld.com/

Nokia Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL with Windows 8.1 hands-on review

Nokia Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL with Windows 8.1 hands-on review

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

The Lumia 640 has been on the market for some time, but its larger (big boned) sister, the XL ‘phablet’ version complete with Windows 8.1 is yet to reach stores. Techworld gets a feel of both devices pre-release.

Design

The smaller Lumia 640 comes in a variety of bold, hard and shiny rear covers. It has a 5” HD display, which is enhanced for viewing in sunlight. It weighs 145g and sits pretty nicely in the hand, although I had some issues with fat finger-typos after moving from my usual Sony Xperia model.
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https://www.techworld.com/

2015 Honda Odyssey Elite vs. 2015 Kia Sedona SXL, 2015 Toyota Sienna Limited - Comparison Tests

2015 Honda Odyssey Elite vs. 2015 Kia Sedona SXL, 2015 Toyota Sienna Limited – Comparison Tests

Cars, , , , , , ,

What do minivans and waterslides have in common? No, not fun. The answer is kids—loads and loads of screaming kids.

It’s possible that none of this matters. Billions of years from now, after all of humanity’s great struggles and achievements, the universe will collapse back in on itself, and all that exists and all knowledge of all that was will be compressed into a singularity so inescapable that not even Katniss Everdeen will be able to shoot her way out. Meanwhile, perpetuating life on Earth is, for whatever reason, our most basic urge. And that’s not such a bad thing—right up until you succeed. Then it’s all sympathy weight; poop in unimaginable colors, textures, and places; and, later, insolence. But the biggest bummer of all is that your best option, if you think about it rationally, is to drive a minivan.
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https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15106740/2015-honda-odyssey-elite-vs-2015-kia-sedona-sxl-2015-toyota-sienna-limited-comparison-test/

iPad Air 2 vs iPad Air comparison review

iPad Air 2 vs iPad Air comparison review

Tablets, , , , , ,

The newest addition to the iPad line-up is the iPad Air 2 but what’s the difference compared to the iPad Air? Find out in our iPad Air 2 vs iPad Air comparison review.

DESIGN AND BUILD

Apple loves making things thinner and lighter than before, and that’s exactly what’s happened with the iPad Air 2.

The original iPad Air is 7.5 mm and although Apple says the new model is just 6.1 mm, our calipers tell us that it’s 6.3 mm. On the weighing scales, our 4G sample comes in at 467 g which is a little more than 444 g which Apple claims. That’s 20 g lighter than the iPad Air. Although the numbers might sound nice, in real life it’s not a very noticeable difference at all.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

OnePlus Two vs iPhone 6 comparison review: The 2016 flagship killer holds its own against Apple's iPhone 6

OnePlus Two vs iPhone 6 comparison review: The 2016 flagship killer holds its own against Apple’s iPhone 6

Phones, , , , , , , ,

The iPhone 6 is arguably one of the most popular handsets released in the past year, but it seems to have new competition from a relatively new company – OnePlus. The OnePlus One was hugely popular amongst those who could get one (thanks to the companys invite system) and it looks to be taking on the likes of Apple and Samsung with its new handset, the OnePlus Two. The company has referred to it as the “2016 flagship killer” so we thought we’d see how its latest handset stacks up against Apple’s most popular handset, the iPhone 6.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

EC Technology 12,000mAh External Battery Pack review: Charge three devices at once with this great-value power bank

EC Technology 12,000mAh External Battery Pack review: Charge three devices at once with this great-value power bank

Wearables, , , ,

There are hundreds of power banks on the market, but the EC Technology 12,000mAh External Battery Pack stands out for its good value and trio of USB outputs, with AUTO IC tech delivering the optimum charge for your device. 

EC Technology’s third-generation power bank follows the same red-and-black matte plastic design as its predecessors, but it’s slimmed down and is much more portable than the EC Tech 22,400mAh bank. No carry case is supplied, but the EC Tech feels reassuringly tough.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

FAA starts testing its drone safety app

FAA starts testing its drone safety app

Wearables, , , , , ,

Back in May, the Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to test an app for drone hobbyists that’ll ensure they’re flying in approved airspace. The mobile software appears to be on schedule as B4UFLY is now in closed beta for iOS. Up to 1,000 UAV users will test the app that’s primarily aimed at keeping you informed about which areasare safe to fly. In addition to interactive maps, the software serves up location-based status alerts and sorts future flight plans.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/28/faa-b4ufly-drone-safety-app-beta/

Jeep hackers get new jobs at Uber's autonomous-car lab

Jeep hackers get new jobs at Uber’s autonomous-car lab

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Security researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek have made a habit of getting the attention of the automotive world with their vehicle hacks. This year, the team showed an exploit that would allow hackers to remotely hijack a Jeep. That hack resulted in Fiat Chrysler recalling 1.4 million vehicles. The hack apparently got the attention Uber which has hired the team to work in its Advanced Technologies Center research laboratory in Pennsylvania.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/28/uber-jeep-hackers/

2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country first-drive – Swedish Oddball

Cars, , , ,

The Swedes aren’t the first people you’d associate with wacky projects, but the 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country may force us to change that perception. Latest in the company’s line of 60 series variants, it takes the venerable S60 sedan and gives it an unexpected lift, promising exclusivity along with the oddball looks.

 

At first glance it’s an S60 on stilts (not an entirely inaccurate assessment, in fact). There’s actually a fair amount of model-specific detailing, however: the black mirror caps, fender extensions, and trim around the windows, for instance, along with the new skid and scuff plates, and the bolder honeycomb grille.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-volvo-s60-cross-country-first-drive-swedish-oddball-29399714/

2014 BMW Z4 Review, Price and Specification

2014 BMW Z4 Review – Price and Specification

Cars, , ,

Z4 is a powerful rear wheel drive convertible roadster made by German company BMW. The first generation of Z4 was started in 2002, and now 2014 BMW Z4 has become the most popular and most awaited roadster 2014 BMW Z4 image gallery

Introduction

New Z4 is having a sleek look then before, 2014 BMW Z4 remains sporty and high performance roadster. New model have new 18-inch wheel design, and a new side indicator light with a “dynamic sweep” design and other additional options make a luxury ride.
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http://shoutmycar.com/

Maserati Ghibli : Luxury Sedan Car Review

Maserati Ghibli : Luxury Sedan Car Review

Cars, ,

Ghibli is the name of three car of different era by the same manufacture. The Ghibli I was manufactures from 1966-1973, Ghibli II from 1992-1997 and the Third Maserati Ghibli is manufactured as Luxury sports sedan car from 2013 onward.

Introduction

Along with Maserati supermodel car “Maserati Alfirei” it is also going to launch Ghibli in the 2014, Maserati Ghibli is a sportier look luxury sedan that is powered with V-6 engine.
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http://shoutmycar.com/

2015 Porsche Cayman GTS Review - Price and Specification

2015 Porsche Cayman GTS Review – Price and Specification

Cars, , , ,

Cayman is a sports car from Porsche that have rear mid-engined, rear wheel drive layout produced by Porsche AG of Germany. Porsche Cayman GTS is 2-door coupe that was launched in 2006 and now available in three models Cayman, Cayman S and Cayman GTS.

Introduction

Porsche has designed new 2015 Cayman pure sportiness. Just like Porsche Boxster, Cayman has also gain ground in automobile industry. New Cayman have newly defined GTS front fascia with its enduring contouring and large air intakes but still rolls on 20-inch Carrera S wheels with a dynamic 10-spoke design.
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http://shoutmycar.com/

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs. 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO, 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S - Comparison Tests

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs. 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO, 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S – Comparison Tests

Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Now that the California Highway Patrol is switching to Ford Explorers, every Ford SUV in the mirrors looks like a threat. The stress level is especially high when you’re traveling in a three-car, jelly bean–hued convoy propelled by 1810 horsepower. And this excuse probably won’t fly: “But officer, it’s hard to say how fast we were going because the numbers on the digital display were flickering by in clumps of threes and fives.” That’s not an excuse The Man wants to hear.
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https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15106224/2015-chevrolet-corvette-z06-vs-nissan-gt-r-nismo-porsche-911-turbo-s-comparison-test/

Wellograph review

Wellograph review

Wearables, , ,

And for the most part the same could be said of fitness trackers. Most go for a style best described as ‘inoffensively nondescript’ while others aim for ‘ruggedly practical’ and the prettiest among them just about achieve ‘subtly attractive’.

The Wellograph, though, is a different beast entirely. Its sporting ambitions are clear – it logs daily step counts and other activities by way of its 9-axis accelerometer and also monitors your pulse via an integrated optical heart-rate monitor – but its clothes are more city boy than gym bunny.

Of course it’s what’s, erm, underneath the clothes that really count. And on that front the Wellograph struggles.
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https://www.stuff.tv/

Piper nv review

Piper nv review

Wearables, ,

It’s probably internet heresy to admit it, but cats can be nasty little creatures.

Aside from revelling in the torture of small mammals and scratching up your sofa, they’re terrible bullies to each other. And I know this thanks to the Piper nv.

Piper’s own PR guff is mostly more concerned with how it’ll protect your family and automate your home – although pets do get a mention – but that’s probably fair enough, because at this the Piper mostly excels.

Don’t worry, I’ll return to the cats problem later.
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https://www.stuff.tv/

16 Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

Cars,

1. 2015 GMC YUKON

Starting price: $47,257

The 2015 GMC Yukon is one of the best SUVs with 3 rows sold today. The Yukon is one of the most affordable large SUVs on the market, and it has decent fuel efficiency for a large SUV at 16 MPG (city) and 23 MPG (highway). The Yukon is powered by a V-8 engine that is rated as having excellent acceleration and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
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http://www.carophile.com/most-affordable-suvs-with-3-rows/

FAA ‘B4UFLY’ drone safety app enters beta

FAA ‘B4UFLY’ drone safety app enters beta

Wearables, , , , ,

The FAA doesn’t take improper drone usage lightly, and while it has gone after operators in violation of regulations, it is also working to educate the public on what it can and can’t do in an effort to prevent the issues from happening. Part of its efforts is the new B4UFLY mobile app, which is designed to give operators of, primarily, “model aircraft” a way to see any current flight regulations in their region, as well as ones that are planned. The beta will be tested by 1,000 UAV users.
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https://www.slashgear.com/faa-b4ufly-drone-safety-app-enters-beta-28399897/