Monthly Archives: August 2015

Sony looks to the crowd to beta test next PS4 system update

Sony looks to the crowd to beta test next PS4 system update

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There was a time when software development was such a closely guarded process that almost everything happened behind extremely closed doors. Even beta tests were handed off only to accredited QA companies under heavy NDAs. Things have change these past years, with some of the responsibility of testing software falling on the shoulders of volunteers, most of them just end users themselves, but very passionate ones at that. Sony seems to have wisdom, not to mention practicality, of that setup and is now looking for morePS4 beta testers to join its army.
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https://www.slashgear.com/sony-looks-to-the-crowd-to-beta-test-next-ps4-system-update-20398400/

Ford patents self-driving “lounge” car

Ford patents self-driving “lounge” car

Cars, , , ,

The primary motivation for self-driving cars has mostly been for safety, taking stressful manual processes out of the equation and keeping error-prone humans away from the wheel. But if humans won’t be driving anymore, there won’t be much left for them to do right? Well, why not take advantage of the situation to do a bit of socialization? In a patent for an “Autonomous Vehicle with Reconfigurable Seats”, Ford is suggesting exactly that, with front seats that can be moved to transform the cabin into a more comfortable lounge.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ford-patents-self-driving-lounge-car-19398387/

Google’s clever Project Ara module magnets don’t work

Google’s clever Project Ara module magnets don’t work

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Google’s Project Ara modular smartphone just can’t catch a break, with plans to use fancy electropermanent magnets scrapped after they struggled in testing. The Ara team had planned to use an innovative new module attachment system with, it was promised, the flexibility of a magnet but the power-efficiency of more physical connectors. Turns out, though, that technology wasn’t quite ready for primetime.
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https://www.slashgear.com/googles-clever-project-ara-module-magnets-dont-work-19398291/

Dell announces the limited edition Alienware 18

Dell announces the limited edition Alienware 18

Computers & IT, , , , , ,

It’s been more than two years since we’ve heard the name “Alienware 18” in the context of a new product, but Dell seems to be quite invested to revive what it bills to be a legendary gaming beast. At least for a limited time only. Naturally, the laptop has been updated with some of the choicest hardware components as far laptop gaming is concerned, giving it the same treatment that it did for the new Alienware 15 and 17 notebooks that it announced early this year.
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https://www.slashgear.com/dell-announces-the-limited-edition-alienware-18-20398396/

Android 6.0 Marshmallow – What’s hot and what’s not

Android 6.0 Marshmallow – What’s hot and what’s not

Wearables, , ,

Google dropped a double whammy yesterday. First it announced the final preview of Android M, signaling the closeness of the consumer launch of the next Android version. And to emphasize that point, Google also formally christened that next version and gave it formal numbers. Android M, which is API 23 for developers, is major version 6.0. But it will forever be known by its more popular nickname: Android Marshmallow. So what has changed in this latest and last preview? They’re not as ground breaking as the last, but they are still significant nonetheless.
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https://www.slashgear.com/android-6-0-marshmallow-whats-hot-and-whats-not-18397995/

Sony SmartBand 2 is durable, waterproof, and arrives next month

Sony SmartBand 2 is durable, waterproof, and arrives next month

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Sony has introduced its new SmartBand 2 wearable. This wristband is designed to track fitness and activity metrics while also feeding the most pertinent data from the paired smartphone. The newest SmartBand is able to offer up email and social notifications from a paired smartphone, call info, “visual feedback” delivered via colored LEDs, and more. Says Sony, the SmartBand 2 also features an “advanced heart rate sensor”, and offers up insights on things like the wearer’s stress level and sleep patterns.
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https://www.slashgear.com/sony-smartband-2-is-durable-waterproof-and-arrives-next-month-20398374/

BMW planning a Tesla Model S rival?

BMW planning a Tesla Model S rival?

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BMW has embraced pure electrics, gasoline-electric hybrids, and is getting back into hydrogen cars with help from Toyota TM, -1.43% but its two major entries when it comes to electric cars have been at the polar ends of the price spectrum. The BMW i8 is positioned as a halo sports car model and is priced as such, while the BMW i3 offers city proportions and versatility in a compact package.

What BMW does not have at the moment is an electric luxury sedan, but it definitely sounds like they’re thinking about it, according to a report from Reuters.
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https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bmw-planning-a-tesla-model-s-rival-2015-08-19

Will the real flagship killer please stand up?

Will the real flagship killer please stand up?

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On its way to establishing a stranglehold over the Android smartphone market, Samsung built a reputation for two things – using plastic even on its most premium offerings and stuffing its phones to the brim with unwanted bloatware.

With the latest generation of releases, the Korean company seems to have made a conscious decision to reverse those philosophies.

The new Galaxy A8, which falls into the not-quite-flagship but definitely-not-budget category, follows in the footsteps of the S6 and all its myriad variants with a slim metal body and minimal software footprint.
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https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/technophile/will-the-real-flagship-killer-please-stand-up/article7558010.ece

Up To Three Adults Can Sleep In iKamper’s Hardtop One Rooftop Tent

Up To Three Adults Can Sleep In iKamper’s Hardtop One Rooftop Tent

Cars

Rooftop tents have grown in popularity over the years, now being a regular fixture in many campsites and outdoor events. If there’s anything that’s limited their growth, it’s the lack of options in floor size, since tents can only take up as much floor space as the roof of the vehicle will allow. That changes with the iKamper Hardtop One.

Described as “the world’s first expandable, hard shell roof top tent,” it’s a tent that extends both vertically and horizontally, sticking out the side of the roof to give campers additional floor space. In doing so, it extends the capacity of the tent, allowing it to comfortably sleep up to three adults (or two adults plus two children) under its roof.
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https://www.coolthings.com/ikamper-hardtop-one-rooftop-tent/

Toyota to Unveil New Prius in Hopes of Reversing Slump

Toyota to Unveil New Prius in Hopes of Reversing Slump

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What goes up must come down, something even the world’s most popular hybrid-electric vehicle has experienced in recent months. So,Toyota officials have reason to be excited as they prepare to reveal an all-new version of the Prius next month.

Like virtually all battery-based vehicles, sales of the Prius have been hit by low gas prices in recent months. Still, it remains the world’s most popular hybrid—and one of the best sellers among all vehicles in the big California market.
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https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/toyota-prepares-unveil-new-prius-hopes-reversing-sales-slump-n412511

Xiaomi Mi 5 benchmark score revealed, likely to feature MediaTek Helio X20 Soc

Xiaomi Mi 5 benchmark score revealed, likely to feature MediaTek Helio X20 Soc

Wearables, , , ,

The dust on Xiaomi’s Redmi 2 and Redmi 2 Prime has barely settled and the company’s next-gen flagship has started popping its head, yet again. This time around a leaked Antutu benchmark screenshot for the Mi5 has surfaced.

The Mi 5 is said to have scored 73,075 points in benchmark result, according to a report byXiaomi Today. This high score is owing to the deca-core CPU found on the MediaTek Helio X20 Soc.
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https://www.firstpost.com/

2015 Toyota Venza - Review

2015 Toyota Venza – Review

Cars, ,

Overall Review » 7.6/10

If you’re trying to place the 2015 Toyota Venza into a nice, neat category, you might want to give up and simply embrace its usefulness. It isn’t a station wagon, and it’s no SUV; yet it has higher seat height than a car and available all-wheel drive. Even more so than other crossover utes, it refuses to be defined so easily.
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https://www.thecarconnection.com/

Third-person MOBA 'Smite' finally exits beta, launches on Xbox One

Third-person MOBA ‘Smite’ finally exits beta, launches on Xbox One

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If you couldn’t get into the beta for Hi-Rez Studios’ Xbox One port of Smite, today’s your lucky day: you never will. Today, the free-to-play third-person MOBA finally left beta for a full launch on Xbox Live.

The game was originally slated for an early 2015 launch, but hit delays that extended the beta to summer.

Waiting for a launch is always a drag, but at least we got some cool stats out of it — according to Hi-Rez studios, players defeated more than 300,000 Gods (other players) and killed more than 3 million NPC minions during the beta.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/19/smite-launch-xbox-one/

OnePlus 2 review: a worthy sequel, flaws and all

OnePlus 2 review: a worthy sequel, flaws and all

Phones, , ,

I don’t envy the team at OnePlus. After shipping a smartphone that made us rethink what we could get — nay, what we deserved — for $299, it was tasked with building an even better follow-up. If this were some schlocky ’80s, teen coming-of-age film, it’d be time for a montage, but here we are a year later with a more confident, experienced startup and a new device that still promises to “never settle.”
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/19/oneplus-2-review/

'Final Fantasy VII' lands on iOS with built-in cheat codes

‘Final Fantasy VII’ lands on iOS with built-in cheat codes

Wearables, , , , , ,

If you can’t find your old PSOne discs, don’t want the PC version and don’t have a PS4, there’s now one more way to play Final Fantasy VII: on your iPhone. Today Square Enix launched the classic jRPG for devices running iOS 8.0 and up.

At its core, this release is a simple port of the PC version of the game, but developers have made a few minor tweaks to the title palatable on the small screen.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/19/final-fantasy-vii-lands-on-ios-with-built-in-cheat-codes/

Acura delays arrival of NSX until early 2016

Acura delays arrival of NSX until early 2016

Cars,

Acura’s fabulous new NSX sports car may be capable of 150 mph or more, but it will be slow in arriving at dealerships.

The company has confirmed that the mid-engine, all-wheel-drive NSX will not arrive at dealerships until the first quarter of 2016.

The $150,000-plus NSX – which will provide Acura with a much-needed “halo” car – was unveiled at the Detroit auto show this year and was originally supposed to have been at dealerships by late 2015..
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https://www.dallasnews.com/

LG G4c review: As the LG G4 mini the G4c is smaller and cheaper than the G4, but this mid-range Android phone makes too many compromises

LG G4c review: As the LG G4 mini the G4c is smaller and cheaper than the G4, but this mid-range Android phone makes too many compromises

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THE LG G4 MINI THAT MAKES TOO MANY COMPROMISES

There’s no official LG G4 mini, but this mid-range phone is the closest you’ll find to one. Cheaper and smaller than the flagship Android phone, but neither cheap- nor compact enough to turn heads, the LG G4c is something of a disappointment. Find out what is and what’s not to like in our LG G4c review. Also see: LG G4 review and best LG G4 deals.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Surface 3 vs Nexus 9 comparison review: The best tablet for getting things done - but which one?

Surface 3 vs Nexus 9 comparison review: The best tablet for getting things done – but which one?

Tablets, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft’s Surface 3 has arrived as a cheaper alternative to the Surface Pro 3, but how does it compare to the Google Nexus 9 which also has a keyboard dock? Find out in our Surface 3 vs Nexus 9 comparison review.

The Nexus 9 and Surface 3 are quite different tablets but both offer a very similar set-up for getting work done when you include their respective keyboard docks. See what we make of each one including price, design, hardware and software.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Microsoft shows off first Windows preview since release

Microsoft shows off first Windows preview since release

Wearables, , ,

Windows is transitioning from something that you buy once every few years to a service that’s updated on a regular basis. Windows 10 has only been out for a few weeks but already Microsoft’s got the follow-up ready for selected users to test. If you’re a member of the Windows Insider program, you can now get a look at Preview Build 10525 which’ll land on your desktop automatically via Windows Update.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/19/windows-10-next-preview-build/

Fossil unveils Android Wear smartwatch and other wearables

Fossil unveils Android Wear smartwatch and other wearables

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

We’ve been hearing about Fossil’s wearable tech aspirations for quite some time, and now we’re finally getting a look at what the company has been working on. At IDF today, the fashion brand showed off three “connected accessories,” all of which are powered by Intel.

Sure, we’ve known the two companies were teaming up, but until now we hadn’t seen any tech. The three wearable devices are a connected bracelet, a connected watch and a smartwatch that runs Android Wear.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/18/fossil-intel-connected-accessories/

2016 Audi TT/TTS Review

2016 Audi TT/TTS Review

Cars, ,

The first time I saw the Audi TT, I can remember saying to myself, “wow – what a great looking car – I can’t wait to grow up and buy one.” I was 21 when Audi first introduced the original TT in 1995; now, 20 years later and in it’s third generation, it’s still a great looking car. Technology doesn’t stand still, however, and so the latest TT is more refined and technologically advanced both inside and out. Question is, has two decades been generous to the TT or just put it firmly into middle-age.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-audi-tttts-review-18397842/

Epson Runsense SF-110 wearable monitors activities with GPS

Epson Runsense SF-110 wearable monitors activities with GPS

Wearables, , , , ,

Epson has launched a new fitness wearable for runners called the Runsense SF-110. Epson is aiming the watch at runner, hikers, and fitness fans wanting to track workouts and monitor daily activity with one device. The SF-110 has GPS tech inside and can measure steps, calories burned, distance, pace, time, laps, and altitude.

The wearable is water resistant and comes in three colors including black, green, and blue. The screens are customizable with nine different real-time measurements able to be placed on the screen for users to check out at a glance.
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https://www.slashgear.com/epson-runsense-sf-110-wearable-monitors-activities-with-gps-19398194/

Sony debuts MGS5-themed Xperia, Walkman devices for Japan

Sony debuts MGS5-themed Xperia, Walkman devices for Japan

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The September release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is rapidly approaching, but if the limited edition MGS5 PlayStation 4 console isn’t enough for you, Sony’s just announced more game-related hardware goodies for the Japanese market. The lineup of Sony devices includes the Xperia J1 Compact smartphone, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Walkman A16, and the Walkman ZX2, all designed with Phantom Pain logos engraved on the hardware, and custom wallpapers and sound effects pre-installed.
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https://www.slashgear.com/sony-debuts-mgs5-themed-xperia-walkman-devices-for-japan-19398203/

HTC O2 smartphone rumors hinting at Snapdragon 820

HTC O2 smartphone rumors hinting at Snapdragon 820

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HTC is having a very hard time on the market right now. Its current high-end smartphone, the HTC One M9 has proven to be unpopular with buyers sending HTC stock plummeting. The poor showing for the new M9 led HTC to a Q2 loss, breaking a string of profits spanning the previous four quarters.

HTC CEO Cher Wang is looking to turn the company back into profitability with a new smartphone . She didn’t offer much in the way of details, but promised shareholders that the company was working on a new “hero” device to bring the company back into the black.
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https://www.slashgear.com/htc-o2-smartphone-rumors-hinting-at-snapdragon-820-19398201/

MLB bans Apple Watch from dugouts during games

MLB bans Apple Watch from dugouts during games

Wearables, , , , ,

In an odd turn of the events, Major League Baseball has officially ruled that theApple Watch is not allowed in the dugout during games. While this may seem strange, it’s an extension of the existing ban on smartphones.

The addition to the rule came after the MLB spotted Ned Yost, the manager of the Kansas City Royals, wearing the Apple smartwatch during games. What makes this situation odd is that it was the MLB that gifted Yost the Watch after he managed the All Star Game last month.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mlb-bans-apple-watch-from-dugouts-during-games-19398213/

LG files trademarks for multiple “edge” phrases

LG files trademarks for multiple “edge” phrases

Phones, ,

Samsung has taken to naming some of its latest smartphones with the Edge moniker over the last several months. Edge products from Samsung all have curved edges to the screen and that edge is used to show notifications. It looks like LG wants in on the edge action and its patent attorneys have taken to trying to trademark a slew of names that all use the word “edge” in them.

Trademark filings for LG show that the company wants exclusive use of Super Edge, Dual Edge, Upper Edge, Dual Side Edge, Side Edge, Double Edge, Two Edge, and G Edge. LG has offered up no reasoning on why it tried to trademark these terms.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lg-files-trademarks-for-multiple-edge-phrases-19398190/

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac is here with Cortana in tow

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac is here with Cortana in tow

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Apparently, the leaks had a some meat to it after all. Microsoft is really trying to push Cortana everywhere. From Windows to Xbox to Android, the latest platform to get Microsoft’s virtual assistant is the Mac. Not directly, mind you, but thanks to the new Parallels Desktop version 11, which brings support for Windows 10 on both Yosemite and the upcoming El Capitan. In addition, Parallels for Mac now branches off into three edition, with a new Pro Edition specially targeted at developers and designers.
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https://www.slashgear.com/parallels-desktop-11-for-windows-10-on-mac-heres-whats-new-19398329/

Aston Martin eyes 800hp all-electric Rapide

Aston Martin eyes 800hp all-electric Rapide

Cars, , , ,

Aston Martin is looking at bringing a new model to the market in the next two years. The new car will be an all-electric version of the Rapide and word is that the car will offer 800hp. Aston is more known for its DB series of coupes, the Rapide is the companies four door car designed with an eye towards performance and good looks.

The tip about the electric Rapide came from Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The electric Rapide isn’t the only EV that Aston is considering; Palmer also noted that an electric version of the DBX crossover was being considered for production by the end of the decade.
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https://www.slashgear.com/aston-martin-eyes-800hp-all-electric-rapide-19398188/

LG pre-announces Music Flow P5, SoundPop 360 wireless speakers

LG pre-announces Music Flow P5, SoundPop 360 wireless speakers

Wearables, , , , , , ,

The past days we’ve seen LG put out product after product, not of smartphones, but of audio equipment, from the curved Music Flow soundbar to the new TONE ULTRA headset. Coming full circle, LG is also announcing not one but two wireless speakers that you can take with you anywhere but also share the listening experience with others. The Music Flow P5 and the rather odd-looking SoundPop 360 will be making their public debut at one of the world’s largest tech show, IFA 2015, next month.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lg-pre-announces-music-flow-p5-soundpop-360-wireless-speakers-19398178/

Pioneer rolls out six new car receivers for 2016

Pioneer rolls out six new car receivers for 2016

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Pioneer Electronics has rolled out its line of car receivers for 2016. There are six CD receivers in the new line and one digital media receiver. The six CD receivers include the DEH-X6800BT, DEH-X5800HD, DEH-X4800BT, DEH-X3800S, DEH-X3800UI and DEH-X2800UI and the lone digital media receiver is the MVH-X380BT.

That digital media receiver makes up for lacking a CD player by adding in smartphone centric tech and entertainment options via Bluetooth. It supports Android Open Accessory Protocol AOA 2.0, Android Media Transfer Protocol, Siri Eyes Free, and Pandora station creation. It also has USB Auto Switch and MIXTRAX technology.
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https://www.slashgear.com/pioneer-rolls-out-six-new-car-receivers-for-2016-19398192/