Monthly Archives: June 2015

iOS 9 deep-linking blurs line between apps and web

iOS 9 deep-linking blurs line between apps and web

Wearables, , , , , ,

Deep-linking in apps may not sound exciting, but it could change the way you use apps on your iPhone and iPad with iOS 9, not to mention give developers more control. The changes will allow users to jump from app to app more naturally, as well as blurring the division between local apps and web-based content, not to mention reduce the amount of time you spend punching in login credentials. Meanwhile, content within apps can show up within iOS 9’s newly-supercharged search.

Currently, Apple uses URLs to allow apps to communicate with each other. While that can work fine, since there’s no standardization around custom URL schemes, there’s no way for the user to define which app the data should be connected to. If you don’t have the relevant app, meanwhile, it leads to an error.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ios-9-deep-linking-blurs-line-between-apps-and-web-11388035/

Land Rover develops tech to warn you and the city about potholes

Land Rover develops tech to warn you and the city about potholes

Cars, , ,

Land Rover has just unveiled its new technology that aims to not only help drivers avoid hitting potholes in the road, but help get them fixed. Sensors on a vehicle detect when it drives over a pothole, recording it with GPS location data, and then sending it to local road authorities who will hopefully go out and fix them, as well as other vehicles. The system can also recognize broken manhole covers, and other cars receiving the messages can warn their drivers in advance.
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https://www.slashgear.com/land-rover-develops-tech-to-warn-you-and-the-city-about-potholes-11387923/

Sony updates RX10 II fast-lens point-and-shoot with speed, slow-mo, 4K

Sony updates RX10 II fast-lens point-and-shoot with speed, slow-mo, 4K

Cameras, , , , , , ,

I always felt that Sony’s RX10 was too big and expensive for what it offered, but with the Mark II update you’ll get a lot more for your still-not-inconsiderable bucks. While it retains the same body and 24-200mm f2.8 lens, a new, faster sensor technology in the RX10 II promises to deliver some crowd-pleasing and useful features.

We expect to see the camera in July, and it will run $1,300; there doesn’t seem to be UK or Australia pricing yet, but that converts directly to around £840 and AU$1,700.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-cyber-shot-rx10-ii-preview/

2016 VW Jetta GLI is a sedan version of the Golf GTI

2016 VW Jetta GLI is a sedan version of the Golf GTI

Cars, , , , ,

If you only see the front of the 2016 VW Jetta GLI, you might think you are looking at the popular little hatchback Golf GTI sports car. There is good reason for the resemblance between the two, the 2016 Jetta GLI is the sedan version of that popular VW hot hatch. Power under the hood of the 2016 Jetta GLI comes from the same 2.0L TSI turbo engine the Golf GTI rocks.

That means the Jetta GLI packs 210 hp for decent performance. VW fits the 2016 Jetta GLI with a new front fascia featuring a honeycomb grille and fog lights. The rear bumper has a new design with an integrated diffuser. All Jetta GLI models for 2016 get the same 18-inch Mallory design aluminum wheels with optional summer performance tires.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-vw-jetta-gli-is-a-sedan-version-of-the-golf-gti-11387894/

Sony's A7R II full-frame camera has it all, for a price

Sony’s A7R II full-frame camera has it all, for a price

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Sony’s full-frame camera family just got larger with a superb, but expensive mirrorless flagship, the A7R II. The new model is one of Sony’s highest resolution cameras ever at 42.4-megapixels, handily whupping its predecessor, the 34.6-megapixel A7R. It also has the “world’s first back-illuminated full-frame sensor,” according to Sony, giving it high sensitivity (up to 102,400 ISO) to go along with all those pixels. It gets the 5-axis stabilization system from the A7-II, but unlike that camera, shoots 4K video that’s sampled from the entire 35mm sensor.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/11/sony-a7r-ii-mirrorless-full-frame-camera/

The LG G4 is getting updates you can't turn down

The LG G4 is getting updates you can’t turn down

Phones, , , , ,

When a software update is ready for your smartphone, you usually get a friendly notification that lets you refuse the fix if you’re anxious or just busy. At least some LG G4owners aren’t getting that option, however. Customers on both AT&T and T-Mobile arereporting surprise “mandatory” patches that not only install themselves automatically, but reboot the phone as soon as they’re done — not cool if you had to make an important call. There’s little in the release notes to say what they fix, either, so it’s not certain just how vital the code really is.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/11/lg-g4-automatic-updates/

Twitter adds landscape video recording to its mobile apps

Twitter adds landscape video recording to its mobile apps

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Some of us don’t want to share portrait and square cropped videos all the time. Crazy, huh? The mobile-centric video formats have been championed by Vine, Instagram and a whole host of live-streaming apps, so it was hardly a surprise to see Twitter follow suit when it launched in-app video recording earlier this year. Landscape videos still have their place though, so the company is now relenting and offering the aspect ratio inside its apps. So when you’re scrolling through your feed and inspiration strikes, you can hit the camera button, flip your phone sideways and record a regular video for your followers. We’re not sure why the option wasn’t available from the start, but hey, at least it’s here now.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/11/twitter-landscape-video-apps/

iOS 9 tips next iPhone to feature 1080p, 240fps FaceTime camera

iOS 9 tips next iPhone to feature 1080p, 240fps FaceTime camera

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Now that the Apple’s WWDC keynote has passed, the calendar of all things Apple dictates that we move on to rumors and speculation about the next iPhone. But, to be fair, there’s some concrete evidence backing up this latest report: A developer who has spent some time with the first iOS 9 beta has discovered some lines of code that point to a future iPhone with several advanced capabilities for the front-facing FaceTime camera. These primarily consist of 1080p video recording, a built-in flash, and new slow-motion capture options.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ios-9-tips-next-iphone-to-feature-1080p-240fps-facetime-camera-11387915/

How HomeKit embraces Siri, Apple Watch and iCloud

How HomeKit embraces Siri, Apple Watch and iCloud

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Apple is bolstering HomeKit, bringing more smart home kit under the automation umbrella and adding Apple Watch, Siri, and iCloud integration to boost usability both when at home and away. The new functionality, based on iOS 9, will see HomeKit potentially take on a more serious role thanks to integration with security systems, while improvements to the setup process should make home automation installation less of a headache. However, there’s good news for those with existing gadgets they don’t want to replace.
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https://www.slashgear.com/how-homekit-embraces-siri-apple-watch-and-icloud-11387846/

iOS 9 Continuity to support T-Mobile Wi-Fi calls

iOS 9 Continuity to support T-Mobile Wi-Fi calls

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Almost exactly last year, Apple revealed the Continuity feature of the then upcoming OS X Yosemite, a feature that, among other things, allowed Mac users to make and take calls on their Macs as long as their iPhone or iPad is within range. Useful as that may be, there was one subset of users that were left out in the cold. Those on T-Mobile that used Wi-Fi calling couldn’t get their hands on Continuity. That is, until later this year when iOS 9 rolls out with that particular feature along for the ride.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ios-9-continuity-to-support-t-mobile-wi-fi-calls-11387864/

2016 BMW 7 Series revealed and it’s a tech monster

2016 BMW 7 Series revealed and it’s a tech monster

Cars, , , ,

BMW has taken the wraps off of the new 2016 7 Series, its most advanced flagship sedan to-date, with more tech, greater efficiency, and a new hybrid option. Set to show up on US forecourts come fall, priced from $81,300, the new car wraps more curvaceous body – long-wheelbase only in the US – around a carbon core passenger cell, mixing CFRP, ultra-high-tensile steels, and aluminum to drop weight by up to 190 pounds over the old car. BMW has used that to improve dynamics but also to inject masses of gadgetry.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-bmw-7-series-revealed-and-its-a-tech-monster-10387734/

Mr. Henry car horn lets you beep messages at others

Mr. Henry car horn lets you beep messages at others

Cars, ,

Your car has a horn, and in this day and age that horn has one meaning: I’m upset. Of course, that might not always be your intention, and sometimes you have to take to the horn for other reasons — maybe to warn someone about something you suspect they haven’t seen. You’ve only the horn as your option, though, and so you shelve your message and move on, knowing in some places a friendly beep might instigate a not-so-friendly case of road rage. Thusly enters Mr. Henry, a crowdfunding project that comes in the form of a connected speaker, an app, and whatever phrases you feel like recording.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mr-henry-car-horn-lets-you-beep-messages-at-others-10387804/

Spotify raises $526 million in funding to continue battling Apple

Spotify raises $526 million in funding to continue battling Apple

Wearables, , , , , , ,

In the aftermath of Apple revealing its own new music streaming service, news has leaked that Spotify has just closed a funding round with $526 million in cash. This puts the Swedish company at a valuation of $8.53, reported the Wall Street Journal, and means they have doubled their total funding to over $1 billion since launching in 2006. The new funding is said to allow Spotify to invest in new expansions and offering new forms of content, as they face a growing rival in the new Apple Music.
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https://www.slashgear.com/spotify-raises-526-million-in-funding-to-continue-battling-apple-10387682/

Facebook Messenger’s first game is called Doodle Draw

Facebook Messenger’s first game is called Doodle Draw

Wearables, , ,

Many Facebook users weren’t happy when Facebook took away the integrated chat function of the normal Facebook app and made users download a second app for chat. That app is Facebook Messenger and today Facebook has expanded the available options for fans of Messenger to spend time checking out together. The first true game available for Messenger has launched and it is called Doodle Draw.
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https://www.slashgear.com/facebook-messengers-first-game-is-called-doodle-draw-10387672/

PlayStation Vue rolls out iPad app for TV streaming

PlayStation Vue rolls out iPad app for TV streaming

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PlayStation Vue, Sony’s new television streaming service, has released its first iOS app for the iPad. PlayStation Vue Mobile offers similar functionality to what you’d have when using a PS3 or PS4 console, the only catch is that it’s currently limited to the cities of Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. These are the same locations that the Vue service launched in back in March. It’s likely Sony will bring this up during E3 next week, hopefully with dates for additional availability.
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https://www.slashgear.com/playstation-vue-rolls-out-ipad-app-for-tv-streaming-10387689/

Limited Edition Metal Gear Solid V PS4 lands in Europe in September

Limited Edition Metal Gear Solid V PS4 lands in Europe in September

Wearables, , , , , , ,

The PS4 has been around long enough that pretty much everyone who wants one has one. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for a new limited edition device though and a new one is heading to Europe in September. This limited edition console is to go along with the game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. In addition to landing in Europe, gamers in Australia and New Zealand will be able to get hands on it on September 1.
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https://www.slashgear.com/limited-edition-metal-gear-solid-v-ps4-lands-in-europe-in-september-10387678/

Samsung shows off new transparent, mirrored OLED displays

Samsung shows off new transparent, mirrored OLED displays

Wearables, ,

Samsung has just announced a new pair of OLED displays with unique features: one is transparent and the other is a mirror. The mirrored display offers up a typical reflection of someone standing in front of it, but is also able to add augmented imagery overtop, like a necklace around the user’s neck. The transparent display was demonstrated as a billboard ad, with advertising information appearing on a clear panel, and background scenery still visible.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-shows-off-new-transparent-mirrored-oled-displays-10387698/

Halo 5: Guardians to boast four-player co-op Blue Team mode

Halo 5: Guardians to boast four-player co-op Blue Team mode

Wearables, , ,

One of the most anticipated games of 2015 for the Xbox game system is Halo 5: Guardians. We already know many of the details of the game including the launch date of October 27. Some new details about the game from a major cover story in the magazine Game Informer have surfaced, and fans of Blue Team will be excited to hear this. The game will reportedly feature a four-player co-op mode with Blue Team.
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https://www.slashgear.com/halo-5-guardians-to-boast-four-player-co-op-blue-team-mode-10387676/

iOS 9 features support for developers’ ad blocking, privacy extensions

iOS 9 features support for developers’ ad blocking, privacy extensions

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As developers at Apple’s WWDC even this week have had a few days now to play around with the new iOS 9 beta, Settings options and documentation have been discovered that suggest Apple will allow developers to build app focused on ad blocking and privacy. These features aren’t being widely promoted, but were found deep in the iOS Developer Library. Called “Content Blocking,” the feature relies on an API that will remove elements like images and cookies from web views.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Abu Dhabi police get Lykan HyperSport for patrol fleet

Abu Dhabi police get Lykan HyperSport for patrol fleet

Cars, , , ,

Odds are that many of you have never heard of the Lykan HyperSport. It’s a very rare and exotic car with only seven examples in existence. In fact, about the only place you might have seen this car was in Fast and Furious 7, this car jumped between buildings in that film. The Lykan HyperSport is hailed as the first Middle Eastern supercar.

Power for the car comes from a 3.7L twin-turbo flat-six that delivers 740hp. The maker claims that he car can hit 62mph from a standstill in only 2.8 seconds. The top speed is claimed to be 245mph. the price for an example of the Lykan HyperSport is a whopping $3.4 million.
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https://www.slashgear.com/abu-dhabi-police-get-lykan-hypersport-for-patrol-fleet-09387475/

Even garbage trucks can have hybrid engines too

Even garbage trucks can have hybrid engines too

Cars, , , , ,

Who says sports and luxury cars are the only ones that can go green? In fact, one could say it’s almost fitting that the truck that helps keep our places clean be environment friendly themselves. And what better way to do that than by developing a truck that can run mainly on electricity and still have an equally environment friendly “range extender”. That is precisely the ambitious goal that Ian Wright, one of the original founders of Tesla, has set his company, Wrightspeed, to accomplish.
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https://www.slashgear.com/even-garbage-trucks-can-have-hybrid-engines-too-09387469/

Cadillac integrates CarPlay and Android Auto into 2016 models

Cadillac integrates CarPlay and Android Auto into 2016 models

Cars, , , , , , , ,

Not long after Chevrolet said it was adding support for Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto to 14 new models, GM’s luxury brand, Cadillac, has announced the same, bringing the two infotainment systems to their 2016 model year lineup. This will include support for both systems’ phone connectivity, such as hands-free calling and texting. Cadillac says this is part of an overall effort to enhance and streamline CUE, or Cadillac’s user experience.
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https://www.slashgear.com/cadillac-integrates-carplay-and-android-auto-into-2016-models-09387519/

NTSB wants collision avoidance tech to be a standard feature

NTSB wants collision avoidance tech to be a standard feature

Cars, , ,

Just as buyers don’t pay extra for seatbelts, they shouldn’t have to pay extra for collision avoidance systems either. This was the line of reasoning presented by the National Transportation Safety Board as it reiterated its position that such features should become standard in any modern car instead of an optional buy-in left at the discretion of consumers. In the NTSB’s ideal situation, the US government would mandate all car makers to install such assistive technology, potentially decreasing chances of vehicular accident but also potentially increasing prices.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ntsb-wants-collision-avoidance-tech-to-be-a-standard-feature-09387472/amp/

Mercedes-Benz takes on Tesla with its own home battery

Mercedes-Benz takes on Tesla with its own home battery

Cars, , ,

Tesla saw ample success with its home batteries, so much so that you’re going to have to wait quite a while to get one yourself. It’s not the only company getting into that market, though, and we’ve known for a few days that Mercedes-Benz was planning to challenge the company. Today Daimler dropped some details on that plan, and officially began taking registrations from interested parties. The home batteries will be branded as Mercedes-Benz offerings, but whether the company will experience the same demand levels as Tesla is yet to be seen.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mercedes-benz-takes-on-tesla-with-its-own-home-battery-09387558/

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet delayed, again, to end of June

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet delayed, again, to end of June

Tablets, , , , , ,

You know that saying that goes “better late than never”? Well, there are times when that brings little comfort to those who wait, especially when it comes to pre-ordered devices. Granted, a month-long delay for the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet might not exactly be a big of a deal, but putting Sony’s behavior in the mobile industry the past few months, you’d begin wondering is something were amiss. Be that as it may, UK buyers who have pre-ordered the tablet are now promised that it will ship starting June 29, and hopefully that is really final.
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https://www.slashgear.com/sony-xperia-z4-tablet-delayed-again-to-end-of-june-09387464/

iPhone used for promo photo of HTC’s 24K-gold One M9

iPhone used for promo photo of HTC’s 24K-gold One M9

Phones, , , , , ,

Oops. Some HTC employee has probably found themselves in a great deal of trouble today. The Taiwanese company has just announced a limited edition of its One M9 smartphone that comes in 24-karat gold. As is typical, HTC tweeted a few promotional photos of the phone. One image offers a detailed look at the back side of the luxurious One M9 model, complete with its shiny gold surface. And there in the reflection can one see the photo is being taken with an iPhone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/iphone-used-for-promo-photo-of-htcs-24k-gold-one-m9-09387488/

2016 Kia Sorento: 4x4 on four cylinders

2016 Kia Sorento: 4×4 on four cylinders

Cars, , , , ,

THE GOOD

The 2016 Kia Sorento’s turbocharged four cylinder engine gives it plenty of power, and all-wheel-drive is an option. Driver assist features include adaptive cruise control and a surround view camera system.

THE BAD

Three row seating is not available with either four cylinder option. App integration requires bringing a WiFi hotspot into the car.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2016-kia-sorento-review/

 

Facebook's Place Tips goes national, retailers get free beacons

Facebook’s Place Tips goes national, retailers get free beacons

Wearables, , , ,

Six months after its initial trial run, Facebook’s Place Tips program is finally expanding nationwide. Place Tips employs Bluetooth beacons to push FB posts and photos about a business to shoppers’ phones while they’re in the store. So if you’re standing in line at, say Wetzel’s Pretzels in the mall. If that pretzel stand has a Place Tips beacon, it will push information (and potentially coupons) to your phone automatically — you as the customer simply have to open you Facebook app to access them.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/09/facebooks-place-tips-goes-national-retailers-get-free-beacons/

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active heads to AT&T with extra battery power

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active heads to AT&T with extra battery power

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Samsung’s Galaxy S6 broke cover last month and today AT&T revealed its exclusive grip on the rugged device. The IP-68 rated dustproof and water and shock resistant handset packs a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display that touts a whopping 577 PPI to handle your swipes through Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop). Inside, a 64-bit Octa-core processor and 32GB of internal storage do the heaving lifting with 16-megapixel rear-facing and 5-megapixel front-facing cameras for photo duties. In addition to staying dry in depths of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, the S6 Active also packs in a beefy 3,500mAh battery. That’s significantly larger than the battery inside the regular Galaxy S6. And yes, when it does run down, you can juice up with wireless charging accessories or make use of the Fast Charging option to charge to 50 percent in around half an hour.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/08/samsung-galaxy-s6-active-att/
Apple Music introduced as “the next chapter in music”

Apple Music introduced as “the next chapter in music”

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This week at WWDC 2015, Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced Apple Music. This is a service which Apple suggests is the next step in music evolution, moving through the record player, boom boxes, CDs, speakers in the back of cars, and the iPod. Apple is suggesting that this release is as important to the history of music as their magnum opus, the iPod itself. “Today we’re announcing Apple Music,” said Cook, “the next chapter in music.” He then introduced Jimmy Iovine of Beats.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-music-introduced-as-the-next-chapter-in-music-08387324/