Monthly Archives: June 2015

Snapchat for iOS switches cameras with a double-tap

Snapchat for iOS switches cameras with a double-tap

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

If you’re recording a Snapchat clip on your iPhone, it’s now much easier to show friends both your handsome face and whatever you’re looking at. The video messaging service has updated its iOS app with a feature that switches between the front and rear cameras with a double-tap of the screen. Snapchat is also tackling some of its security woes by optionally sending an SMS code to make sure that it’s really you signing in. There’s no mention of a corresponding Android upgrade, but it’s easy to see that coming soon.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/09/snapchat-camera-and-security-updates/

WWDC 2015 keynote wrap-up: Apple Music, iOS 9, Apple Watch, OS X El Capitan

WWDC 2015 keynote wrap-up: Apple Music, iOS 9, Apple Watch, OS X El Capitan

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

Apple has wrapped up its WWDC 2015 Keynote, and there’s a lot of information to get caught up on if you missed it. Apple covered the gamut, touching on all things consumer and developer with its OS X and iOS platforms, as well as the Apple Watch, its new Apple Music service, and more. Announced during the keynote was “El Capitan”, the next version of OS X, as well as a bunch of details on what to expect from iOS 9. The Apple Watch will be getting native apps, as well, and in the future users across many platforms — not just iOS — will be able to enjoy the new Apple Music service — yes, that even includes Android users.
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https://www.slashgear.com/wwdc-2015-keynote-wrap-up-apple-music-ios-9-apple-watch-os-x-el-capitan-08387374/

Apple Watch OS updates include Reply to Email, FaceTime Audio

Apple Watch OS updates include Reply to Email, FaceTime Audio

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

This week Apple Watch is getting a rather large update just a few weeks after its first hardware was released. Included is a way to glance at the future, a feature called Time Travel. Also in the mix is a new way to replace your watch face with one of your choice. There’s a new Photos app, and new ways to communicate with your friends. This newest update will allow you to reply to an email directly from the Apple Watch with the watch’s ability to take dictation.

Watch OS 2.0 will also add a “FaceTime Audio” system which, contrary to the name, does not include your face. Instead it’s far closer to a phone call, though it IS done over the internet rather than your phone line.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-os-updates-include-reply-to-email-facetime-audio-08387306/

The LG G4 is now in the US and here’s where to get it

The LG G4 is now in the US and here’s where to get it

Phones, , , , , , , ,

LG has just fired the gun, signaling the widespread availability of its flagship in the US. Given the LG G4’s rather high profile marketing, especially for its camera, and its admittedly enticing spec sheet, it might not be surprising to see quite a few interested buyers. Luckily for them, all major US carriers and even retailers like Best Buy and Amazon are game. Actually the number of sources and choices might be a bit overwhelming, so here we condense it into a few salient points on where to get your leather-back LG G4 and for how much.
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https://www.slashgear.com/the-lg-g4-is-now-in-the-us-and-heres-where-to-get-it-09387456/

Apple watchOS 2 will have Activation Lock to deter theft

Apple watchOS 2 will have Activation Lock to deter theft

Wearables, , , , , ,

With Apple’s mantra on privacy at WWDC, it’s a bit surprising that it managed to leave this relevant detail out of its on-stage spiel. Perhaps there wasn’t just enough time to cram all the juicy features coming in the next iteration of the Apple Watch platform, but a mere mention would have been enough for journalists to pick it up. That said, Apple did sneak it in the update web page for its Apple watchOS 2 preview, confirming once and for all that, yes, the Apple Watch will require your passcode to re-activate.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watchos-2-will-have-activation-lock-to-deter-theft-09387459/

CarPlay is getting support for auto maker apps and more

CarPlay is getting support for auto maker apps and more

Cars, , , ,

Apple’s CarPlay has gotten its moment in the WWDC 2015 spotlight, with Apple revealing there are a bunch of changes coming to CarPlay, but two big ones in particular: for one thing, it will support apps by the auto makers themselves, allowing for an overall better experience. More displays will also be support. Neither of those are the most significant, however — says Apple, the most important is that things just got easier.
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https://www.slashgear.com/carplay-is-getting-support-for-auto-maker-apps-and-more-08387289/

iFixit’s LG G4 teardown gets 8 out of 10 in repairability

iFixit’s LG G4 teardown gets 8 out of 10 in repairability

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

iFixit is back with what they do best: another teardown and analysis of a new mobile device. This time they’ve tackled the new LG G4, offering a detailed look at each part, as well a few X-ray views of several components. If you’re a new G4 owner and are wondering how well it did, iFixit ranked it a 8 out of 10 in repairability, a very good score! If you’re still thinking of picking one up after this, be sure to check out our review to see what makes it one of the best Android devices available right now.

Among the big reasons the LG G4 scored so well was because of its ease of opening and user-replaceable battery, something that has become less common over the last year in Android smartphones, especially with Samsung’s latest Galaxy S6s. iFixit notes there is a notch that allows the plastic back panel to pop off with little effort, and the battery can just slide out, no tools needed.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Fallout 4 is too advanced for PS3 and Xbox 360 tips source

Fallout 4 is too advanced for PS3 and Xbox 360 tips source

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

If you are a gamer looking forward to the highly anticipated next installment in the Fallout franchise who isn’t on a PC or next generation console, start saving your money. Word has come from a Bethesda community lead that the next installment in the franchise, Fallout 4 is so advanced that it won’t come to the Xbox 360 or PS3 game consoles. The game is simply too advanced according to the source.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fallout-4-is-too-advanced-for-ps3-and-xbox-360-tips-source-08387174/

2015 Lexus LS 460L review: Lexus' long-wheelbase flagship is big on luxury and just plain big

2015 Lexus LS 460L review: Lexus’ long-wheelbase flagship is big on luxury and just plain big

Cars, , , ,

THE GOOD

The 2015 Lexus LS 460L’s buttery smooth V-8 engine and optional Adaptive Suspension work together to deliver an exceedingly comfortable ride. The standard tech loadout is better than most car’s upgraded offerings. A full suite of driver-aid tech is available. Rear seat comfort is top-notch.

THE BAD

The Adaptive Suspension and its Sport+ mode don’t add much excitement to the soft and isolated drive. The Lexus infotainment system is complex and awkward to control.
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Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-lexus-ls-460-sedan-review/

2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid review: Toyota Camry Hybrid: 40 mpg and 680 miles per tank

Cars, , , , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s gasoline-electric drivetrain delivers phenomenally good fuel economy and a good amount of power. A stylish body update adds subtle aesthetics, while the Entune app integration system brings in very useful connected features.

THE BAD

The SE trim Camry Hybrid, with its sport-tuned suspension, is an unnecessary variant for a car that has no real sport chops. The number of apps available in Entune is very limited, so you might not find your favorite music or location app..
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-toyota-camry-hybrid-review/

Nikon and Apple tipped in an iOS app effort

Nikon and Apple tipped in an iOS app effort

Cameras, Phones, , , , , , ,

There’s been word circulating for a couple months now that Appleand Nikon are working together on some yet-unknown project. Information about it first surfaced back in March, when it was said that Apple had engineers working with Nikon USA on a project at its Cupertino campus. That was all that was revealed at the time, but now there’s more (unofficial) information, and sources have it the two companies are working together on a mobile app.

The information comes from the folks at Nikon Rumors, where the original information surfaced back in March. This week they’ve dished a bit more on the rumor, presumably getting it from sources who know of the effort, though they don’t say where their details are coming from.
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https://www.slashgear.com/nikon-and-apple-tipped-in-an-ios-app-effort-05387041/

AT&T teases Galaxy S6 Active, should be coming soon

AT&T teases Galaxy S6 Active, should be coming soon

Phones, , , , , , , ,

AT&T is running a new teaser campaign for a device that it says is missing from your workout. The teaser notes that it is almost time to activate your full power. Exactly what AT&T is teasing we don’t know, but odds are the wireless carrier is talking about the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active. We don’t have any official details on the smartphone just yet, but there have been plenty of leaked details.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Plex now streams securely over HTTPS

Plex now streams securely over HTTPS

Wearables, , , , , ,

Plex, the media server software that streams your content to different devices in your home, has just announced a big change in the name of security and encryption. Now all streams are to be delivered over an encrypted connection with HTTPS, and even better is that the change is automatic. The company says it has partnered with DigiCert to provide free SSL security certificates to users with media servers, with each one being unique. Users just need to make sure they turned on the “secure communications” option while installing Plex.
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https://www.slashgear.com/plex-now-streams-securely-over-https-08387189/

NHTSA tech will prevent drunk drivers from starting cars

NHTSA tech will prevent drunk drivers from starting cars

Cars, , ,

No one will argue that driving under the influence is an irrational thing to do, but once you’re in that situation, all rationality is clearly thrown out the window. This causes around 10,000 people to lose their lives each year. So when you aren’t in a condition to make that decision not to drive, your car might make that decision for you. That is what the US Department of Transportation’s National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed, showing technology that could stop cars from even starting when the driver is drunk.
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https://www.slashgear.com/nhtsa-tech-will-prevent-drunk-drivers-from-starting-cars-08387152/

Oppo Neo 5 (2015) and Neo 5s break cover packing similar hardware

Oppo Neo 5 (2015) and Neo 5s break cover packing similar hardware

Phones, , , , ,

Oppo has rolled out a couple new mid-range devices today with one getting a name we are familiar with hiding updated hardware inside. That device is the Oppo Neo 5, which first launched back in 2014. The 2015 version of the Oppo Neo 5 has a MT6582 SoC inside with a 1.3GHz quad-core Cortex A7 processor paired with a Mail 400 MP2 GPU. Other than that chipset, the hardware inside the Neo 5 and Neo 5s is much the same.
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https://www.slashgear.com/oppo-neo-5-2015-and-neo-5s-break-cover-packing-similar-hardware-08387179/

Waterproof 8GB Sony Xperia M4 Aqua isn’t bloatware-proof

Waterproof 8GB Sony Xperia M4 Aqua isn’t bloatware-proof

Phones, , , , ,

It has just been two months since Sony announced its latest waterproof mid-range beauty and now it is gaining some notoriety. At least the 8 GB version of Xperia M4 Aqua. Xperia Blog reports how Sony has, intentionally or not, practically crippled the more affordable model of the two versions, leaving less than 2 GB of usable storage space out of the 8 GB total storage found inside. And the culprit? Nothing less than the smartphone user’s favorite source of headache: pre-installed apps, a.k.a. bloatware.
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https://www.slashgear.com/waterproof-8gb-sony-xperia-m4-aqua-isnt-bloatware-proof-08387156/

2015 dodge charger r/t

2015 Dodge Charger R/T review: Dodge’s midtier sport sedan is more than the sum of its specs

Cars, , , ,

THE GOOD

The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 under the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T’s hood is fantastically torquey and mated with an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. Uconnect infotainment is well-organized, easy to use and fairly responsive to inputs. Super Track Pak upgrades give the driver control over the vehicle’s driving characteristics and easy performance monitoring.

THE BAD

Even with eight speeds and MDS, the Charger’s fuel economy is disappointing when compared with the more modern forced-induction engines used by the competition.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-dodge-charger-r-t-review/

Sony Music chief says Apple's streaming service arrives 'tomorrow'

Sony Music chief says Apple’s streaming service arrives ‘tomorrow’

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,
In case there was any doubt that Apple is unveiling its self-branded streaming music service at the Worldwide Developer Conference this week, one loose-lipped executive just let the cat out of the bag. Sony Music CEO Doug Morris told guests at the Midem Music Industry Festival that Apple’s announcement of the Beats-based service is “happening tomorrow” (that is, at the WWDC keynote). He didn’t confirm any rumors surrounding features or pricing, but he believed that Apple’s offering would represent a “tipping point” where streaming hits the mainstream.

However popular Spotify may be, it generally doesn’t advertise because it’s “never been profitable,” Morris said — Apple has both the cash to market its service and hundreds of millions of potential subscribers. Whether the exec is realistic or looking through rose-tinted glasses, you’ll know the truth in a matter of hours.
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Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/07/sony-music-ceo-hints-at-apple-streaming/

WristBoom: Because a wearable speaker isn’t entirely crazy

WristBoom: Because a wearable speaker isn’t entirely crazy

Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

I was all ready to trash WristBoom, and then I thought of my grandmother. Well, alright, there were a couple of stages in-between, but I had to drop the “cynical geek” persona and think outside the bubble to properly appreciate a chunky Bluetooth speaker you wear strapped to your wrist. And, while I’m still not sure this is the product the world has been holding its breath for, that’s not to say I’m unconvinced by its odd charms.

We’re spoiled for choice with portable speakers, really. On the one hand, options from players like Jawbone offer a surprising amount of volume and quality from a form-factor small enough to drop into a bag. On the other, smartphone and tablet speakers themselves are generally improving; they’re not all as good as HTC’s BoomSound, true, but sufficient for some impromptu playback.
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https://www.slashgear.com/wristboom-because-a-wearable-speaker-isnt-entirely-crazy-07387088/

Thinkware Dash Cam X500 review: Thinkware Dash Cam X500 records collisions, warns of speed cameras

Thinkware Dash Cam X500 review: Thinkware Dash Cam X500 records collisions, warns of speed cameras

Cameras, , , , , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The Thinkware Dash Cam X500 automatically records and saves driving and collision footage using a wide lens and HD video. GPS encoding on the video lets you see precisely where incidents occurred. A built-in speed and red-light camera database lets the device alert drivers to traffic safety infrastructure.

THE BAD

The driver assistance features, such as the forward collision warning, trigger too easily to be useful. The viewer software lacks an easy interface for selecting among available video footage.
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Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/thinkware-dash-cam-x500-review/

Valve starts handing out HTC's VR headset to developers

Valve starts handing out HTC’s VR headset to developers

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , ,
If you’re one of the fortunate few software developers to have scored HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a delivery truck in the near future. Valve has confirmed that it’s shipping the Vive Developer Edition to a “wide range” of teams, ranging from indie game studios to big-name movie producers.

It’s not clear how many got their VR headgear, although Owlchemy Labs’ Devin Reimer has revealed that he’s on the short list.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/06/htc-vive-reaches-developers/

'Better Re' Kickstarter finds a use for old cellphone batteries

‘Better Re’ Kickstarter finds a use for old cellphone batteries

Wearables, , , , , ,

Better Re hasn’t exactly smashed through the boundaries and who even knows if designer Enlighten is here to stay, but it did exceed its $50,000 Kickstarter goal for a project that’s on the greener side of things. The idea is that the Better Re will repurposethe battery from your old smartphone (so long as it’s of the removeable sort) into an external power source for your phone, tablet and from the looks of it, even your laptop. The pitch video claims that at the average rate we typically replace our smartphones — every two years — their batteries still are about 80 percent efficient. That’s quite a bit of wasted and unharnessed power that could serve a purpose instead of us mining for more lithium as demand increases. So, for $39 you can tap into that energy and use it to get extra time out of your gadgets.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/06/better-re-battery-pack/

Amazon's voice-savvy Echo speaker now reads audiobooks to you

Amazon’s voice-savvy Echo speaker now reads audiobooks to you

Wearables, , , ,
If you’re the sort to wander around the house listening to audiobook versions of hot new novels, Amazon just made your day: it upgraded its voice-guided Echo speaker to handleAudible files. Much like a kid asking for a bedtime story, you only have to ask the Echo to read you a title.

It’ll even pick up where you left off without mentioning the book by name. Amazon’s audio tube won’t speak text (at least, not yet), but this is a big step forward if music playback alone just won’t cut it.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/07/amazon-echo-audiobook-support/

2015 Volkswagen Golf R review: VW's hottest hatch looks like a Golf GTI, runs like a Subie STI

2015 Volkswagen Golf R review: VW’s hottest hatch looks like a Golf GTI, runs like a Subie STI

Cars, , , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

With 292 horsepower, a lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission, and 4Motion all-wheel drive, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R is an incredibly potent hot hatchback. The optional DCC suspension improves grip and responsiveness without compromising comfort. The standard Fender audio is punchy and powerful.

THE BAD

The optional navigation system crams onto a small, low-resolution screen. No manual transmission option is available in the US market.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2015-volkswagen-golf-r-review/

Wearables and Fitness – Is it a permanent union?

Wearables and Fitness – Is it a permanent union?

Wearables, , , ,

We see wearables on the rise. But when we says “wearables”, we mostly mean smartwatches and, more often and more ubiquitous, fitness bands.

While the term “wearable” itself seems to cover a whole swathe of products, why is it that most, if not all, wearables in the market are those that we can only wear on our wrists? And why are almost all of them, even those that we don’t wear on our wrists, seem to be focused, if not totally dedicated to fitness and health? Are wearables fated to be tethered to this particular use case?
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Robot and samurai face off in an awesome sword duel

Robot and samurai face off in an awesome sword duel

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Used to be that if you wanted to become an Ieyasu master and swing a katana around with reckless abandon, you’d have to spend years training your mind, body and spirit in preparation as well as subscribe to a strict Bushido, or “warrior’s code.” These days, you really just need a Motoman-MH24 industrial robot and some basic programming chops. As part of its centennial anniversary, the robot’s manufacturer, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, teamed up with modern day samurai Machii Isao to see whether man or machine could better wield a blade. Great, so now they can drive ATVs, climb stairs,dodge obstacles and even respond to emergencies. But will they ever truly know how to love? Oh wait, yup.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/05/robot-and-samurai-face-off-in-an-awesome-sword-duel/

Riding the battery-powered Gogoro smart scooter

Riding the battery-powered Gogoro smart scooter

Cars, , , , , ,

While Tesla is working on solving range anxiety with its Supercharger stations, electric motorcycles and scooters continue to be tethered to outlets for hours in order to get back on the road. Smart scooter company Gogoro is trying to solve that problem with a network of battery-housing GoStations. Riders just pull up, swap out two batteries and ride away. The whole process should take less than a minute. It’s an intriguing idea that requires partnerships with local governments and companies.

But none of that matters if the scooter isn’t at least on par with what’s already available on the market. So we flew toTaipei and put the Gogoro smart scooter to the test.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/05/gogoro-smart-scooter-taiwan/

Google’s self-driving cars are getting a monthly report card

Google’s self-driving cars are getting a monthly report card

Cars, ,

Google will release monthly reports on the progress of its self-driving cars, including detailing any incidents or crashes the vehicles are involved in. The move for greater transparency follows Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s earnest plea to shareholders tocontinue to support “moonshot” projects earlier this week, which was closely followed by the revelation that its autonomous cars had been involved in their twelfth incident. In addition to listing accidents, however, Google will also use the monthly summaries as an opportunity to flag its cars’ intelligence on the road.
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https://www.slashgear.com/googles-self-driving-cars-are-getting-a-monthly-report-card-05387025/

Facebook Lite Review: stripped for the next billion users

Facebook Lite Review: stripped for the next billion users

Phones, , , , , , ,

This week Facebook launches Facebook Lite, a version of their social networking app made for low-speed data networks around the world. This app is aimed at nations with little or severely limited data on smartphone, pushing the line between functionality and operability. This app isn’t made for everyone – it’s made for those that want to connect in remote areas, and don’t mind giving up a few flourishes in an app to do so. Facebook Lite functions very similar to the standard Facebook app – can it keep up?
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https://www.slashgear.com/facebook-lite-review-stripped-for-the-next-billion-users-05387013/

1TB Xbox One with new controller spotted on Amazon

1TB Xbox One with new controller spotted on Amazon

Wearables, , , , , ,

I spy with my little eye an Xbox One with 500GB more storage and a controller with a built-in 3.5mm headset port. Amazon has what appears to be a placeholder page for a 1TB Xbox One bundled with the newly designed controller and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, all for $400. It has a release date of June 15th. The listing is tucked away on Amazon and it doesn’t include any photos, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Microsoft is preparing an announcement for its E3 showcase — also on June 15th. A Microsoft spokesperson had the following to say about the listing: “We’re gearing up for an exciting E3 where we’ll showcase more games and experiences. We have nothing further to share at this time.”
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Read full post here:
https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/05/1tb-xbox-one-new-controller-amazon/