Monthly Archives: June 2015

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx700-hs-review/

Nikon Coolpix L830 review: Perfect for autoshooting zoom fiends

Nikon Coolpix L830 review: Perfect for autoshooting zoom fiends

Cameras, , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The Nikon Coolpix L830 is easy enough for just about anyone to pick up and use; it has higher-end features for its price, such as a tilting high-res LCD; and has very good daylight photo and movie quality.

THE BAD

No electronic viewfinder or control over shutter speed and aperture might be disappointing for some. Autofocus performance is on the slow side when the lens is zoomed in as well as in low light or indoors.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-l830-review/

Nikon Coolpix S9700 review: More zoom, fewer pixels make for a very good camera

Nikon Coolpix S9700 review: More zoom, fewer pixels make for a very good camera

Cameras, , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The Nikon Coolpix S9700 is a 30x compact zoom that captures nice photos and video; it has very good shooting performance; and it has a full assortment of shooting modes from basic automatic to more creative options including full manual control.

THE BAD

The S9700’s flash is poorly located, as are the stereo mics; Wi-Fi features are fairly limited compared with those in competing models; and battery life can be short if you do more than take photos.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-s9700-review/

Amazon launches Fire OS 5 dev preview, based on Android Lollipop

Amazon launches Fire OS 5 dev preview, based on Android Lollipop

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Amazon is still trucking along with its customized version of Android — though we’d imagine updates are more focused on the company’s Kindle Fire tablets and TV hardware, rather than the disastrous Fire Phone. Developers can get their hands on a preview version of Fire OS 5 today, while the final version is coming later this fall. The new OS finally brings Android Lollipop to the company’s devices, though you likely won’t see many of Google’s interface improvements under Amazon’s skin. The addition of Lollipop should also make Fire OS 5 compatible with more Android apps than before. Amazon’s also updated its online testing service to tell developers if their apps are compatible with the new OS in 90 seconds.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/19/amazon-fire-os-5-dev/

Morpheus mech game 'Rigs' uses color to make VR less overwhelming

Morpheus mech game ‘Rigs’ uses color to make VR less overwhelming

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

My most vivid takeaway from PlayStation 4’s new Project Morpheus game Rigs wasn’t what I expected. Sure, the first-person mech shooter handled like a dream at 60 frames per-second, and targeting my enemies simply by gazing at them was impressive. But how fluid the locomotion was and how aiming system performed were nothing compared to the game’s use of fun, vibrant blocks of color to keep the mood light and subtly nudge me in the right direction. I spent a ton of time in virtual (and augmented) reality at E3 this year and it was Rigs that was perhaps the easiest game for me to pick up, play and not feel like I was floundering about. Sorry, EVE: Valkyrie. With smart color palette choices developer Guerrilla Cambridge, responsible for PS Vita’s Killzone: Mercenary, was able to tell me exactly what to do and where to go without saying a word.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/20/morpheus-rigs-color-e32015/

I wish I were a 'Street Fighter V' master

I wish I were a ‘Street Fighter V’ master

Wearables, , ,

If there was one game I wish I could be good at, it’s Street Fighter V. Maybe it’s because I’ve played the series, in some form or another, for around two decades, maybe it’s because most of the other games I play aren’t really multiplayer. Sure, I love playing games, but I wouldn’t say I was good at them. I get bested in FIFA, destroyed in Halo, but with Street Fighter, I’m not that bad. However, I’m not a high-level player good either — something that was clearly demonstrated than when I played the latest iteration, thePS4- and PC-only Street Fighter V, here in LA, where I was beaten, occasionally thrashed. But I kept lining up for another go — or pushing the limits of my briefing time with Capcom. The latest iteration carries over the literal jaw-smashing, eye-popping visuals of the 3D reimagining of the series, but adds some next-gen graphical glamour. The game adds a new layer of strategy and difficulty with the V-System. The characters announced so far have been changed in a lot of important ways.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/20/street-fighter-v-impressions-e3-2015/

Uber says no guns in cars, period

Uber says no guns in cars, period

Wearables, , , ,

Drivers and passengers can no longer carry guns on Uber rides, even if they have a legal permit. Uber previously allowed partners to drive with guns, as long as they “abide(d) by local, state, and federal laws.” The transportation company told the New Republic that “we have adopted a no-firearms policy to ensure that both drivers and riders feel safe and comfortable on the platform.” It added that it made the changes on June 10th, well before the deadly Charleston attacks, and only after “reviewing recent feedback from both riders and driver-partners.”
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/20/uber-firearm-policy-update/

Scalevo Wheelchair Can Climb Up And Down The Stairs

Scalevo Wheelchair Can Climb Up And Down The Stairs

Cars, , ,

We’ve seen wheelchairs decked out like custom race cars, wheelchairs that do stunts, and wheelchairs that can drive over rough terrains. It’s about time we got a wheelchair that can scale a flight of stairs. That’s exactly what they’re bringing with the Scalevo.

Currently a prototype, the mobility device gives its users the ability to climb up and down the stairs, all without requiring assistance or getting out of the wheelchair. That way, you don’t need to find a ramp in order to enter a facility – just use the stairs like everybody else and get on with your day.
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https://www.coolthings.com/scalevo-stair-climbing-wheelchair/

DxO One adds a 1-Inch, 20-Megapixel Camera to your iPhone

DxO One adds a 1-Inch, 20-Megapixel Camera to your iPhone

Cameras, Phones, , , , , , , ,

Similar to the Sony QX series and other products like it, the DxO One Camera is an accessory that adds a new set of sensor and lens to your iPhone. Rather than just bring slight improvements to your smartphone’s built-in shooter, though, it boasts DSLR-quality images, all while coming housed in an even more portable form factor.

How portable? The whole thing measures just 2.7 x 1.9 x 1 inches, making it small enough to keep even in a shirt pocket. That’s a notable improvement over existing products in the category, all while claiming some serious photographic talents.
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https://www.coolthings.com/

You Can Hit The Road At 16 Mph On The Moto Pogo Unicycle

You Can Hit The Road At 16 Mph On The Moto Pogo Unicycle

Cars, , ,

We’re big fans of the Ryno Microcycle, with its compact size, aggressive styling, and ability to carry a decent load of cargo, but it’s also quite pricey for a short-distance transport device. If you find the sticker price a little too restrictive but still would like a motorized unicycle, the Moto Pogo might offer a more affordable alternative.

Similar to Ryno’s flagship, the new unicycle features a single wheel design, with built-in handlebars, footpads, and a saddle directly above the wheel. While not quite as aggressive in styling, it does have its charms, with its large wheel making the whole thing look a lot less goofy than the kind of unicycles circus clowns would ride.
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https://www.coolthings.com/moto-pogo-self-balancing-unicycle/

BMW Wants To Turn Street Lights Into EV Charging Stations

BMW Wants To Turn Street Lights Into EV Charging Stations

Cars, , ,

There’s been a lot of talk about the kind of infrastructure we will need to support the growing number of electric cars on the road. BMW’s Light and Charge proposal might be one of the most viable: put charging stations on the street lights that already line our streets.

Showcased at the company’s MINI Plant in Oxford, the project builds the charging stations directly into the posts holding the street lights, effectively integrating the EV infrastructure into already-existing urban facilities. Not only are street lights everywhere, they’re already wired to the city’s power grid, too, minimizing the amount of work and resources required in providing the new infrastructure.
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https://www.coolthings.com/

A Slide-Out Bar Turns The Woody Trailer Into A Full-Service Party On Wheels

A Slide-Out Bar Turns The Woody Trailer Into A Full-Service Party On Wheels

Wearables, , , ,

Sure, you can turn any camper into a makeshift mobile bar, keeping all the libations inside, while you serve drinks by the window. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Woody, though, puts a full-service bar into a trailer, allowing you to bring a professional-looking setup, whether at the tailgate, the picnic, or the camp site.

Designed by Brad Ford and built by Moore & Giles, it looks like a classic wooden camper when all closed up – the kind you’ll take to the woods to enjoy nature in all its glory. Except, instead of creature comforts, the interior actually houses a slide-out bar that allows it to transform into an outdoor party station, ready to serve every alcohol-starved creature within the surrounding area.
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https://www.coolthings.com/

Forget Learning To Dive, Just Use The Seawolf To Get Underwater Footage While Chilling In Your Boat

Forget Learning To Dive, Just Use The Seawolf To Get Underwater Footage While Chilling In Your Boat

Cameras, , , , , ,

Your drone is awesome, allowing you to take gorgeous aerial footage without having to hop onto a helicopter. The Seawolf wants to do the same for your underwater shots, diving and cruising in deep water while you pilot it from shore.

Made by TT Robotix, it’s a remotely-operated submersible drone that’s designed to carry a GoPro on its nose. That way, you can take underwater footage without having to dive yourself, saving you from the hassles of learning Aquaman skills and buying tons of gear, just so you can post videos of marine scenes on your YouTube channel.
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https://www.coolthings.com/

Apple Watch 2 details begin to pop up – already

Apple Watch 2 details begin to pop up – already

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Now that the Apple Watch has reached Apple Stores for the first time yesterday, now not 24 hours later we’ve got details on the second generation. This Apple Watch 2, or Apple Watch S, as we’re going to go ahead and assume it’ll be called, will have a front-facing camera – aka a FaceTime camera, the ability to work without an iPhone, and similar innards. It might just go ahead and use the same processor as the model that’s already out in stores today.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Four things to know about the Lenovo C40 AiO PC

Four things to know about the Lenovo C40 AiO PC

Computers & IT, , ,

Lenovo has another all-in-one PC available, and this one is targeted at the every-person. The PC user who needs to do a little bit of everything and nothing too demanding: homework, research, a business report or two. We recently reviewed it, but maybe you haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. Be sure to check it out to find out everything the system has to offer, but in the meantime we’ve picked out the most pertinent details, the things you likely want to know and don’t have the patience to hunt down for yourself. Read on for all four.
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https://www.slashgear.com/four-things-to-know-about-the-lenovo-c40-aio-pc-20389780/

Nest isn’t trying to own the Smart Home, and that’s okay

Nest isn’t trying to own the Smart Home, and that’s okay

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Nest now has three products, a freshly-firmware-flashed thermostat, a 2nd-gen Nest Protect, and a new Nest Cam, but it’s a fairly humble play for the smart home, at least on the face of it. At a time when Apple is not only launching HomeKit but working on its next big update, that might seem naive, but Nest CEO Tony Fadell isn’t worried. Instead of trying to make Nest the dominant brand, Fadell is apparently content for automation to be a group effort.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Google launches Android Clock in Play Store

Google launches Android Clock in Play Store

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Google has launched another standalone Android app on the Google Play Store — its simple stock clock app for Android, giving users another option for their time related activities. The app is available on the Play Store as of now, and it is called aptly enough just “Clock”. Anyone who has used the stock Android clock will find that it functions the same way with alarms, the stopwatch, a snoozing function, the ability to set a timer, and all those needed features.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-launches-android-clock-in-play-store-19389828/

Review: Lenovo C40 — a general purpose all-in-one PC

Review: Lenovo C40 — a general purpose all-in-one PC

Computers & IT, , , , ,

Lenovo is most vocal about its laptops, but the company has more than a few all-in-one systems, some of which we’ve seen in the past. Latest to join them is the Lenovo C40, which recently launched and brings with it — with this particular model, at least — AMD hardware. This all-in-one has a relatively modest price and mid-tier specs, making it a nice general-purpose system for those who need to do school assignments, prep spreadsheets, or play a few games. Read our full review to find out what all it offers!
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https://www.slashgear.com/review-lenovo-c40-a-general-purpose-all-in-one-pc-19389414/

Three things to know about the Lenovo TAB 2 A8

Three things to know about the Lenovo TAB 2 A8

Tablets, , , , , , ,

Yesterday we reviewed Lenovo’s second-generation 8-inch TAB tablet, the Lenovo TAB 2 A8. This Android slate runs Lollipop and enjoys some improvements over the previous version, including a slimmer build and more angular edges, a newer version of Android, and better audio software. If you happened to miss that review, be sure to check it out for a full run down of the specs and features — in the meantime, we have a tl;dr summary for you. Here are three things to know about the second generation update.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Nokia’s return to phones won’t be smart

Nokia’s return to phones won’t be smart

Phones, , , , , , , ,

Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri makes an offhand comment about their plans to sell phones in the future and the crowd goes wild. What today’s news on Nokia’s return to the smartphone market consists of is Suri answering a question about mobile devices, suggesting that the company is “looking for suitable partners” in the mobile phone business. This should not be a surprise to anyone following along closely with the brand, but there it is. After selling their phone hardware business to Microsoft in 2013, Nokia’s set to return to phones as soon as 2016.
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https://www.slashgear.com/nokias-return-to-phones-wont-be-smart-18389319/

SAMSUNG GALAXY S6, EDGE, AND ACTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY

Samsung Galaxy S6, Edge, and Active photography gallery

Phones, , , , , , , , , , ,

Today we’re having a peek at the photos we’ve been able to capture with the newest round of Samsung Galaxy S6 devices. As the hardware in each of the Galaxy S6 collection’s bodies is the same or so similar it doesn’t make a difference device-to-device, we’re making no differentiation here between models. The tests are done, the reviews are done, now it’s time to see some results. The following gallery of images includes photos taken by the Samsung Galaxy S6, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-and-active-photography-gallery-19389784/