Yearly Archives: 2015

Galaxy A8 might be Samsung’s thinnest yet, hits TENAA, FCC

Galaxy A8 might be Samsung’s thinnest yet, hits TENAA, FCC

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge might have taken most of the spotlight when it comes to Samsung’s roster, but that doesn’t mean those are the only interesting ones in its lineup. The Galaxy A series launched last year to bring a semblance of premium, non-plastic design to a mid-range market, which did indeed make a few heads turn. Now the latest addition to that family might again be notable. The Galaxy A8, spotted in TENAA and the FCC could very well be Samsung’s thinnest smartphone.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-a8-might-be-samsungs-thinnest-yet-hits-tenaa-fcc-23390098/

Lenovo enters PC-on-a-stick market with ideacentre Stick 300

Lenovo enters PC-on-a-stick market with ideacentre Stick 300

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , ,

As micro-sized PCs on USB and HDMI sticks are becoming the new standard for entry-level computing and entertainment systems,Lenovo has announced its entry into the market. Dubbed the ideacentre Stick 300, the device plugs into a HDMI port on any monitor or television display, turning it into a Windows PC with more than enough power to browse the web, create documents, and enjoy media like photos and video. Lenovo says it will be hitting the US this fall, priced at a wallet-friendly $129.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-enters-pc-on-a-stick-market-with-ideacentre-stick-300-23390151/

HERE’s common sensor language could steer self-driving cars

HERE’s common sensor language could steer self-driving cars

Cars, , , , , , , , ,

Nokia HERE is hoping to get connected cars speaking a common language, relying on collaborative mapping to help self-driving cars figure out a route. The Car-to-Cloud interface specification has been released under a creative commons license, so that car manufacturers could adopt it without having to cough up fees in the process; each “message” sent by a car would consist of anonymized data, allowing road conditions and unexpected route issues to be shared without intruding on driver privacy.

Obviously HERE has its own mapping project, which continues to gather data for the so-called HD Maps the company believes will be essential to keep autonomous and semi-autonomous cars on track. Rather than the basics of road layouts, HD Maps include detailed lane topography details, down to the height of curbs and the camber of turns.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/heres-common-sensor-language-could-steer-self-driving-cars-23390154/

Verizon’s $4.4B acquisition of AOL is officially complete

Verizon’s $4.4B acquisition of AOL is officially complete

Wearables, ,

U.S. telecom Verizon has announced that its buyout of AOL for $4.4 billion in cash has now been completed. As a result of the completed deal, AOL shares will no longer be traded on the stock market, as the company is now Verizon’s wholly owned subsidiary. All of AOL’s outstanding shares were purchased by Verizon at a price of $50 each. As was mentioned when the purchase was first announced last month, AOL’s main value to Verizon is as a large ad network.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/verizons-4-4b-acquisition-of-aol-is-officially-complete-23390158/

Fisker said to reboot with new Elux model, California factory

Fisker said to reboot with new Elux model, California factory

Cars, , , ,

Fisker, that other high-style, high-performance electric maker that didn’t quite find the same success as Tesla, is said to be planning its rebirth after being saved from bankruptcy last year. This involves building a new factory in nearly the same neighborhood as Tesla Motor’s Gigafactory in Reno, Nevada, or somewhere between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The other development involves an introduction of a proper successor to the Fisker Karma.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/fisker-said-to-reboot-with-new-elux-model-california-factory-22389936/

Toyota Prius SUV rumored in the pipeline

Toyota Prius SUV rumored in the pipeline

Cars, , , , , ,

Toyota and Mazda’s collaboration may result in a Prius SUV option, at least if rumors prove to be true. Word has it the Prius SUV will (probably) end up being a version of the C-HR concept that goes into production, which means it will have more of a crossover look to it — though, of course, the design could be changed from what we saw at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Sources say Toyota is considering Mazda’s 1.5 liter SkyActiv diesel engine for the offering.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/toyota-prius-suv-rumored-in-the-pipeline-22390065/

Chevy Corvette Z06 calls dibs on CarPlay, rolls off production

Chevy Corvette Z06 calls dibs on CarPlay, rolls off production

Cars, , , , , , , , ,

You might have had your fill of Android Auto news last month because of Google I/O 2015, but that is no indication that Apple’sCarPlay is going to be left on the sidelines. In fact, it might actually beat Google to the wider market punch, and Chevy will be at the forefront. Chevrolet’s 2016 Corvette Z06 has been shown to be rolling off the production line and will soon be rolling out to dealers and buyers, marking the first widespread availability of Apple’s direct presence inside cars.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/chevy-corvette-z06-calls-dibs-on-carplay-rolls-off-production-23390095/

Deus Ex Aria controls smartwatches with finger flicks

Deus Ex Aria controls smartwatches with finger flicks

Wearables, , , , ,

No, it’s not the name of a new game or even an accessory for a Square Enix game, but it does veer close to the topic of seemingly hi-tech devices. As a device, Aria is actually quite simple, either a Bluetooth clip or a watch strap. But in action, it gets pretty complicated. Almost like magic, it allows you to control your smartwatch just using finger gestures, freeing your other hand’s fingers for other tasks. And since smartwatches these days connect to and control almost anything and everything, your fingers can control those as well.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/deus-ex-aria-controls-smartwatches-with-finger-flicks-23390116/

Vinli hands-on: A high-octane smart car upgrade

Vinli hands-on: A high-octane smart car upgrade

Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

Shiny new connected cars may be all the rage at auto shows, but not everybody wants, or can afford, to swap their current ride for the latest model. Into that fray steps Vinli, an ambitious startup hoping to upgrade your car with WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE, an app store, and the power of the cloud, all for $99.95 and thirty seconds of installation. I took a trip with founder Mark Haidar to find out if it could really be so simple.

Haidar is no stranger to making vehicles smarter. He cut his teeth on the concept while creating tracking technology for the military, when went on to develop vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems for firms as diverse as Lockheed Martin and Staples.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/vinli-hands-on-a-high-octane-smart-car-upgrade-22389991/

Living with Ford SYNC 3

Living with Ford SYNC 3

Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

There’s a war going on for your dashboard, and while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto might have designs on your digits, homegrown systems like Ford SYNC 3 aren’t giving up. Latest iteration of Ford’s infotainment platform, SYNC 3 raises its game in touchscreen responsiveness, voice recognition, and third-party app support. That makes a whole lot of difference behind the wheel, as I discovered when I took it for an extended test-drive in one of the first 2016 cars to offer it, the new Ford Escape.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/living-with-ford-sync-3-22389885/

Land Rover makes special Defender to celebrate 2 million produced

Land Rover makes special Defender to celebrate 2 million produced

Cars, , , ,

Land Rover has celebrated a very important milestone in the production of its iconic Defender SUV. That milestone is the production of the 2 millionth series Land Rover and Defender. The milestone celebrates 67 years of iconic Land Rover production. To produce the special vehicle, Land Rover brought in ambassador Bear Grylls and a special team to assemble Defender 2,000,000.

The bespoke vehicle will be donated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Born Free Foundation where it will be sold at auction. The auction will take place on December 16, 2015 and will be performed by Bonhams.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/land-rover-makes-special-defender-to-celebrate-2-million-produced-23390144/

Nikon COOLPIX L840 Review

Nikon COOLPIX L840 Review

Cameras, , , , , , , , , , ,

For those wanting a budget-friendly digital camera with a healthy dose of optical zoom capabilities, the newly announced Nikon L840 is a promising option. An updated model to last year’s Nikon L830, the new L840 may look largely unchanged at first glance, but it offers more telephoto reach and includes wireless connectivity for the first time as well.

The previous model offered a healthy 34x optical zoom — itself an upgrade over the 30x zoom of the L820 — however, the new L840 adds even more telephoto reach, with a 38x optical zoom lens. On the wide-angle end, the L840 remains the same as its predecessor with an approximately equivalent 23mm field of view. At the telephoto end, the L840 zooms all the way out to an 855mm-equivalent focal length. The variable max aperture adjusts from a reasonably fast f/3.0 on the wide end to a decidedly dim f/6.5 at full telephoto.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/

Sony W800 Review -- First Impressions

Sony W800/S(B) Review – First Impressions

Cameras, , , , , , , ,

The Sony W800 follows the Sony W710 from 2013 and takes aim at the teenage crowd or anyone wanting an inexpensive option to keep with you at all times for casual, on-the-go shooting.

Dropping in price to just $80 (from the W710’s $99), the W800 clearly has no intentions of breaking the bank, and with a 5x optical zoom will lend increased functionality over the camera on your average smartphone.

The 35mm-equivalent zoom range is an effective 26-130mm with a fairly dim maximum aperture range of f/3.2 – 6.4. And combined with the smaller 1/2.3″ sensor the camera will not likely wow anyone much for low light shooting, but will suit just fine for casual shooting at typical outdoor parties or strolling around town.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/

Pentax K-50 and K-500 review: Lots of photo features but pics disappoint

Pentax K-50 and K-500 review: Lots of photo features but pics disappoint

Cameras, , , ,

THE GOOD

The Pentax K-50 features a weather-sealed body that’s unique in its price class, an interesting set of shooting features, support for AA-size batteries, and a relatively nice viewfinder. Plus, it comes in colors, if that appeals to you. The cheaper K-500 has the same feature set but lacks the weather sealing and color combos.

THE BAD

Image quality and performance, while acceptable, don’t match the competition’s, and the cameras lack an articulated LCD. Also, both the shutter and the lens make a lot of noise.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/pentax-k-50-review/

Nokia phones are making a comeback of sorts in 2016

Nokia phones are making a comeback of sorts in 2016

Phones, , , ,

Former world number one phone maker and ‘90s symbol, Nokia, is getting back to business – just as soon as its contract with Microsoft expires in 2016.

In an interview with Manager Magazin, Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri confirmed that the company will return to designing and licensing its own phones. He said, “Microsoft makes mobile phones. We would simply design them and then make the brand name available to license.”
…
Read full post here:
https://www.t3.com/news/nokia-phones-are-making-a-comeback-of-sorts-in-2016

Samsung announces mid-range Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7

Samsung announces mid-range Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7

Phones, , , ,

Samsung has officially taken the wraps off the Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7 – two smartphones that we’ve been hearing about for a while now. The selfie-snapping duo are set to be released in China this week, but don’t bank on them heading elsewhere.

Samsung has announced the Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7, two mid-range handsets that have been on the edge of tech tipsters’ tongue’s for quite some time. Let’s delve right in, shall we?
…
Read full post here:
https://www.t3.com/news/samsung-announces-mid-range-galaxy-j5-and-galaxy-j7

iPad Pro (or iPad Plus): everything we think we know

iPad Pro (or iPad Plus): everything we think we know

Tablets, , , , ,

It’s the way the technology game goes: no sooner has the latest and greatest gadget appeared on the scene than we’ve started thinking about what comes next.

Trying to predict the plans of the big names in the business has become an artform in itself, and such predictions always attract a huge level of interest from consumers and industry watchers.

With that in mind we’re turning our attention to the iPad Pro – as yet unconfirmed by Apple, but strongly tipped to be on the way in the near future. Here’s everything we think we know about it so far.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.t3.com/features/everything-we-think-we-know-about-the-ipad-pro-or-ipad-plus

Microsoft flip-flops on Windows 10 for Insiders promise

Microsoft flip-flops on Windows 10 for Insiders promise

Wearables, , , , ,

Microsoft promising a free upgrade to Windows 10 for Windows 7 and 8.1 users is definitely a great thing, but it seems that Redmond still can’t its strategy pinned down. It once sent confusing messages regarding Windows 10 updates for those running on non-genuine (read: pirated) copies of the operating system. Now it’s muddling the waters again for their own testers, at first saying the Windows Insiders who have been testing Windows 10 will get the update for free, backtracking on that position, and then ambiguously confirming it again.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-flip-flops-on-windows-10-for-insiders-promise-21389863/

Sony puts a price tag on Ultra Thin, Ultra HD Android TVs

Sony puts a price tag on Ultra Thin, Ultra HD Android TVs

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

E3 2015 might be over, but Sony had one last reveal to make that’s related to gaming and so much more. It has finally announced when its ridiculously thin 4K Ultra HD smart TVs will be available and for how much. These slates of pure entertainment flaunt their almost impossible thin profiles that make them look like they were directly embedded in your living room wall. And, being powered by Android TV, they can cover almost all use cases imaginable, including even productivity on a large scale.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/sony-puts-a-price-tag-on-ultra-thin-ultra-hd-android-tvs-22389873/

Apple Music to Taylor Swift: we hear you, we’ll pay

Apple Music to Taylor Swift: we hear you, we’ll pay

Wearables, , , , ,

Taylor Swift has once again come to the rescue of the downtrodden and the abused in the music industry, publicly boycotting the soon to be launched Apple Music due to one particular point of contention: the free three month trial period. Whether you believe the artist’s selfless motivation or not, her open letter seems to have had the intended effect. Taking to Twitter, Apple’s Eddy Cue says that, yes, Apple Music will pay artists during those three months that users will be streaming their music without paying.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-music-to-taylor-swift-we-hear-you-well-pay-22389878/

Apple will replace faulty 3TB hard drives in affected older iMacs

Apple will replace faulty 3TB hard drives in affected older iMacs

Wearables, ,

Apple has identified a problem in the hard drives of specific olderiMacs. 3TB hard drives for 27-inch Macs that were sold between December 2012 and September 2013 could “fail under certain conditions”. Mac users affected by the problem are eligible for a special replacement program where the faulty hard drive will be switched out for free. This isn’t the first time iMacs have had this kind of problem. In 2011 Apple replaced faulty HDD’s from the manufacturer, Seagate.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-will-replace-faulty-3tb-hard-drives-in-affected-older-imacs-22389868/

Xbox One’s new Cortana feature will require a Kinect

Xbox One’s new Cortana feature will require a Kinect

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft seems to be developing a habit of announcing big features related to Windows 10 but neglecting to mention the critical fine print that would impact if you’re even eligible to get the feature. That has happened, and is still happening, with details about upgrades to Windows 10 and now it’s also happening here with Windows 10 for the Xbox One. In particular, one of the nicer features to descend on the console. In order to use that smart assistant, you’ll need to have an Xbox One Kinect.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/xbox-ones-new-cortana-feature-will-require-a-kinect-22389876/

Volvo V60 Cross Country first-drive – Because wagons are sexy

Volvo V60 Cross Country first-drive – Because wagons are sexy

Cars, , ,

“Wagons are sexy,” I insisted when I told people I was going to drive the new Volvo V60 Cross Country. Not everyone was convinced. While in my native Europe there’s a long-standing affinity for the wagon – or, as I grew up saying, an “estate” – the wood panel hangover has been tougher to overcome in the US and, like diesel engines, its taken some clever branding to even get a foot in the door. The V60 Cross Country, then, picks up a nameplate that has served Volvo well for two decades, lifting the regular V60 and positioning itself as the de-facto “urban active” option for those not quite convinced with crossovers.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/volvo-v60-cross-country-first-drive-because-wagons-are-sexy-02366976/

2015 Chrysler 300 first-drive – HEMI Hero

2015 Chrysler 300 first-drive – HEMI Hero

Cars, , , , , , ,

Brash, bold, and anything but banal: when it comes to “American Luxury”, the Chrysler 300 epitomizes it perhaps better than anything else. Finding favor over the past decade among rappers and suburbanites alike, its combination of Baby-Bentley styling, meaty engine options, and relatively affordable luxe mean the 300 has set out a clear stall of Chrysler’s approach to the full-size sedan space. With drivers more mature, however, and expectations tougher than ever, the 2015 300 has a careful line to follow: the bruising attitude drivers lust after, paired with the cosseting they secretly covet. I cranked up the Beats Audio to find out if the new 300 is Kingpin or Klonopin.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/2015-chrysler-300-first-drive-hemi-hero-22359797/

2016 Acura ILX first-drive – Luxury chasing loyalty

2016 Acura ILX first-drive – Luxury chasing loyalty

Cars, , , , , , ,

There’s an odd dance to be followed when, as Acura is with the 2016 ILX, you’re launching a revamped version of an existing car. On the one hand, you want to highlight just how improved it is over its predecessor; on the other, you can’t be too critical, because then drivers start asking why you were so enthusiastic – and are now so cruelly honest – about the older car. For the 2016 ILX, Acura is more blunt than many: the old model was designed before the host of “entry premium sedans” hit forecourts, with Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, and others changing the game in the process. For the MY2016, then, the focus is more rewarding driving, more luxury, and a generous injection of tech borrowed from Acura’s TLX.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/2016-acura-ilx-first-drive-luxe-chasing-loyalty-10368158/

Apple’s original iPad Mini no longer available online & at retail

Apple’s original iPad Mini no longer available online & at retail

Tablets, , , , , , ,

If you still had plans to pick up an original iPad Mini model, you know, the one without a retina screen or TouchID sensor, it looks like you might’ve missed your chance. If you were going to buy it directly from Apple, that is. Without notice, Apple has stopped selling the original iPad Mini on its online store or at retail-based Apple Stores. First introduced in October 2012, the first generation iPad Mini with 16GB has been priced at $249 since last fall, making it the most basic entry-level model to Apple’s wide range of tablets.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apples-original-ipad-mini-no-longer-available-online-at-retail-19389751/

Apple knows how to make iPhone antennas invisible

Apple knows how to make iPhone antennas invisible

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Radio waves may not pass through metal, but Apple is developing new materials that could look like aluminum even as they play nice with LTE and WiFi networks. The distinctive strips running around the edges and across the rear of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are a necessary evil, given the interference a fully-metal chassis would introduce to the wireless tech a smartphone relies upon. However, a freshly-filed Apple patent suggests a fix could be on the way, and it could have big implications for MacBooks, too.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-knows-how-to-make-iphone-antennas-invisible-21389847/

Canon EOS Rebel T5i review: Same as it ever was

Canon EOS Rebel T5i review: Same as it ever was

Cameras, , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The Canon EOS Rebel T5i retains the great articulated touch-screen implementation that’s optimized for video, and delivers the same excellent photo quality and solid video as its predecessor. Plus the performance is slightly improved.

THE BAD

The phase-detection autofocus system is feeling its age and competitors have caught up with the Live View performance. The tiny autofocus points in the viewfinder also remain annoying to use, and the feature set remains lackluster.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/canon-eos-rebel-t5i-review/

Canon PowerShot SX700 HS review: 30x travel zoom overflows with features

Canon PowerShot SX700 HS review: 30x travel zoom overflows with features

Cameras, , , , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

Along with its 30x zoom lens, the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS has fun and useful shooting options; built-in Wi-Fi with NFC; a high-resolution LCD; and excellent shooting performance and daylight photo and video quality.

THE BAD

Its low-light (high-ISO) photos could be better and while its battery life is noticeably better than that of its predecessor, you’ll still want to keep an extra battery handy for all-day shooting. Canon could have done more with the camera’s NFC.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx700-hs-review/