Monthly Archives: June 2015

Panasonic PT-RQ13KU 4K+ projector has 5120 x 3200 resolution

June 18, 2015Wearables4K, dlp, laser projector, native, Panasonic, Pixel, projector, Quad, Slashgear

Panasonic has pulled the wraps off a new projector at InfoComm 2015 and it has very high resolution. The projector is called the PT-RQ13KU and it is the first projector capable of resolutions higher than 4K to be offered by Panasonic. The native resolution for the projector is 5120 x 3200 and it features Panasonic’s Quad Pixel Drive technology.

Panasonic claims that the projectors is the most compact and lightweight 4K+ 3-chip DLP laser projector in the world. Brightness output is 10,000 lumens and the projector has a contrast ratio of 20,000:1. The result is what Panasonic promises to be extremely detailed and film-like 4K+ image quality.
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https://www.slashgear.com/panasonic-pt-rq13ku-4k-projector-has-5120-x-3200-resolution-18389242/

Apple Music’s royalty-free trial period puts indie labels at risk

June 18, 2015WearablesApple, apple music, music, Slashgear, streaming, streaming service

Apple Music, the tech giant’s new streaming service is set to launch June 30th. In the run up to its release, big name labels have already joined the fray, but Apple has yet to secure any independent record labels. Although Apple is reportedly offering higher than average 71.5% to 73% of the revenue to copyright owners, they have to endure a revenue-free trial period, first.

Apple could be starting its new industry relationships off on the wrong foot by offering a three-month trial period for its streaming service. The move is good for users but rubs some rights holders the wrong way. As Apple won’t be earning any subscription revenue from individual users during that time, it won’t be paying out to labels either. That’s right. Under Apple’s contracts, reportedly, the music owner won’t see a dime from the trial period.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-musics-royalty-free-trial-period-puts-indie-labels-at-risk-18389065/

Apple Watch takes a prominent role in Quebec airport

June 18, 2015WearablesApple, Apple watch, Slashgear, watch, wearable, wearables

This could prove to be a boon to the Apple Watch’s presence or at least to Apple’s list of customers. Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport has just revealed that it will be employing the use of Apple Watches for operating and managing operations. This might be the first recorded widespread use of a wearable device in managing such a high-traffic, high-volume, and high-stress workplace. This could also be the publicity boost that wearables in general need to prove that they are not merely eccentric electronic trinkets.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-takes-a-prominent-role-in-quebec-airport-18389080/

Apple angers news publishers over automatic inclusion in iOS 9 News app

June 18, 2015Wearablesapp, Apple, Flipboard, iOS, ios 9, Slashgear, wwdc

At WWDC this year, one of the new features of iOS 9 that Apple announced is News, an app that offers a Flipboard/RSS reader experience by curating news from a wide range of sources. This week, Apple sent a mass email to publishers to introduce the app and explain the control they have over their content being featured. As it turns out, a number people in the news and blogging industry are upset about the terms and conditions for being included in News, primarily the fact that email serves as notification of their automatic opt-in.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-angers-news-publishers-over-automatic-inclusion-in-ios-9-news-app-18389261/

GM powers data center with used Chevy Volt batteries

June 17, 2015WearablesChevy, Chevy Volt, general motors, GM, Solar, volt

General Motors believes old Chevy Volt (and eventually, Bolt) batteries have a future as backup power sources for houses and buildings that use renewable energy. In fact, the company has repurposed five old Volt batteries to help power its data center in Milford, Michigan. They store energy generated by the center’s 74-kilowatt solar array and wind turbines, and then feed the surplus back to the Milford campus grid. GM senior manager Pablo Valencia said that’s possible, because the batteries retain 80 percent of their storage capacity, even after they’re no longer ideal for cars.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/17/gm-chevy-volt-old-batteries/

Stephen Elop out at Microsoft as it merges OS and device teams

June 17, 2015Wearablesacquisition, ARM, computing, Microsoft, mobile, Nokia, operating system, software, Windows

Stephen Elop, the former Nokia CEO who helped engineer Microsoft’s acquisition of that company’s mobile arm, will soon be leaving Microsoft. The software giant announced amanagement restructuring this morning which lists Elop as one of three executives who will be out the door after a “designated transition period.” At Microsoft Elop served as the executive vice president of the Devices and Services group, but now operating system head Terry Myerson will be leading that division as part of a new Windows and Devices Group. The company says it’ll be “focused on enabling more personal computing experiences powered by the Windows ecosystem.”
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/17/elop-leaves-microsoft/

‘Pro Evolution Soccer 2016’ is actually worth playing over ‘FIFA’

June 17, 2015Wearablesgame, konami, Playstation, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016

I grew up with Winning Eleven, the franchise that Konami morphed into what we now know as Pro Evolution Soccer in North America. These days, I find myself playing EA Sports’ FIFA, a choice I suspect is echoed by millions of football fans worldwide. During the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 era, though, Konami’s title was hands-down the far superior product, thanks to better game mechanics and, in general, being more fun. Unfortunately, Pro Evolution Soccer couldn’t keep up with EA’s perpetual resources, starting with the exclusive licensing deals for major leagues from across the world. But while Pro Evolution Soccer 2016, out September 15th, still won’t let me play as Chelsea (it’s called London FC), the refined gameplay and improved graphics could be enough to make me pick it over FIFA — and I haven’t felt that way in years.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/17/pro-evolution-soccer-2016/?utm_source=Feed_Classic_Full&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget&?ncid=rss_full

Intel buys Recon, makers of the ‘Google Glass for fitness’

June 17, 2015WearablesARM, business, fitness, Google, google glass, Intel, jet, Recon, wearable

Recon Instruments is famous for two things: building the technology behind Oakley’s Airwave and the Recon Jet head-worn fitness wearable. The company has had a close relationship with Intel ever since the chip firm’s venture-capital arm threw cash at the business back in 2013. Now, however, Intel has decided that closer ties are in order, and has decided to swallow the Canadian firm wholesale in a deal that TechVibes believes is worth around $175 million.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/17/intel-buys-recon/

Apple nixes Monster’s licensing over Beats lawsuit

June 17, 2015WearablesApple, Beats, beats electronics, headphones, ipad, iphone, iPod, lawsuit, lightning, Monster, speaker, wifi

Monster’s lawsuit against Beats Electronics last January has come back to bite it now thatBeats is an Apple subsidiary. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has killed Monster’s official licensing agreement deader than that reported Beats WiFi speaker. Monster has been producing licensed accessories (lightning cables, headphones and whatnot) since 2005. Plus, it’s reportedly paid more than $12 million in licensing fees since 2008 for the honor of selling “Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad” devices, some of which retailed in Apple stores.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/16/apple-nixes-monster-s-licensing-over-beats-lawsuit/

Got an iPhone or iPad? Here’s 7 reasons to get excited about iOS 8.4 and iOS 9

June 17, 2015WearablesApple, apple music, iOS, ios 8, ios 8.4, ios 9, ipad, iphone, music

There are big changes coming down the iOS pipe, changes that are going to have a major impact on the way you use your iPhone and iPad. It starts with iOS 8.4, which will be available at the end of June and brings with it the new Apple Music service.

7 reasons to get excited about iOS 8.4 and iOS 9 David Nield There are big changes coming down the iOS pipe, changes that are going to have a major impact on the way you use your iPhone and iPad. It starts with iOS 8.4, which will be available at the end of June and brings with it the new Apple Music service.
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https://www.t3.com/features/7-reasons-to-get-excited-about-ios-8-4-and-ios-9

Misfit adds web interface and connected home extras to Misfit Flash

June 17, 2015Wearablesfitness, home, ifttt, Logitech, misfit, Misfit Flash, wearables

The Flash and Shine are among our favourite fitness wearables because they are affordable, stylish and fun. JUST LIKE US! Now, maker Misfit has improved the Flash further with support for If This Then That (IFTTT) and the numerous connected homewares that are compatible with Logitech Harmony Home Hub.

It’s not the brand’s first diversion into home-related devices – the Misfit Boltsmart bulb came out earlier this year in the US and is heading here soon. It’s also dabbled with funky wristbands made out of recycled goods and peddled byno less a figure than Will.I.Am.
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https://www.t3.com/news/misfit-adds-web-interface-and-connected-home-extras-to-misfit-flash

Moto X and Nexus 6 prices slashed in Moto sale

June 17, 2015Phonesmoto, Moto X, Motorola, nexus, nexus 6

If you’re looking for a new phone, Motorola’s sale is well worth checking out. You could save hundreds on a new blower.

The entry-level Moto X has had £166 lopped off its normal price. It now costs just £229. If you want to take the step up to the 32GB model, it will set you back a still-very-reasonable £269. Again, that’s £166 cheaper than usual.

But it’s not just the Moto X that’s had its price slashed. The Nexus 6 is also part of the sale. The 32GB version will cost you £399 (down from £479), while the 64GB is £469 (down from £549).
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https://www.t3.com/news/moto-x-and-nexus-6-prices-slashed-in-moto-sale

The future of cars (according to Jaguar Land Rover)

June 17, 2015Carshome, iphone, jaguar, Jaguar F-Pace, land rover, prototype, vehicle

1. Control your vehicle from an iPhone

Jaguar Land Rover very kindly invited T3 up to its top-secret testing facility in Gaydon yesterday (June 16).

The place is extremely secretive, we were told to leave our cameras at home, and had to put our smartphones in little plastic bags.

The facility is where JLR test out new ideas and vehicles (we saw several prototype vehicles in black and white testing livery — including the upcoming convertible Evoque and Jaguar F-Pace).
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https://www.t3.com/features/the-future-of-cars-according-to-jaguar-land-rover

10 things you need to know about 3D printing

June 17, 2015Wearables3D, medical, printing, travel

Today, 3D printing is a niche technology that most people won’t have any first-hand experience of, but that’s going to change in the coming years: from medical surgeries to space travel, 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is set to have a huge impact on the way we live.

To get you caught up quickly on the state of 3D printing and the kind of effects it can have, we’ve compiled ten brief points to note about this emerging technology. Once you’ve read through this primer you’re all set for the 3D printing future.
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https://www.t3.com/features/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-3d-printing

5 reasons to be excited about Android M

June 17, 2015Wearablesandroid, android m, Google, mango, mars, mobile, operating system

In case you weren’t aware, there’s a new version of Android in town – and by “in town” we mean an early copy is available for developers and the rest of us should have it later this year, after it’s been given a proper name. Milkshake? Mango? Mars bar?

If you’re wondering what exactly Android M brings to the table, we’re here to fill you in on the highlights – we’ve taken everything that Google has announced about the new mobile operating system and distilled it into five key features that are worth getting excited about.
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https://www.t3.com/features/5-reasons-you-should-be-excited-about-android-m

Xbox Elite Controller Promises Higher Accuracy, Faster Speed, And Better Gaming Ergonomics

June 17, 2015Wearablescontroller, game, gaming, Xbox, Xbox Elite, Xbox Elite Controller, Xbox One

There are gamers and there are serious gamers. When you’re a serious gamer, you want the best tools at your disposal. And if the Xbox One is your current-gen gaming platform of choice, there’s no gamepad likely to serve you better than the Xbox Elite Controller.

Designed in collaboration with professional gamers, it comes equipped to perform at the highest level of performance, boasting “game-changing accuracy, faster speed, and a tailored feel unlike anything before.” Yes, you’ll still suck if you have crappy skills to begin with, but those at the top of their game should find the extra edge they’ve been looking for with gear like this in tow.
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https://www.coolthings.com/

Nikola Phone Case Harvests RF Energy Into Additional Battery Charge

June 17, 2015Phoneshardware, home, iphone, iphone case, lego, smartphone

While the Nikola looks like a regular iPhone case, it does much more than simply house your smartphone in a different enclosure. Instead, it comes with integrated hardware that allows it to harvest RF signals that it then converts to usable energy that goes straight into your smartphone’s battery.

Using a proprietary harvesting technology patented by Ohio State University, the case take RF energy that will otherwise be lost to the ether and converts it to DC power. It feeds that power in small trickles directly to the phone’s battery, allowing you to enjoy extra juice without having to plug in throughout the course of the day. Maybe, you can finally leave that LEGO power bank at home (or maybe not, if you play with it a lot).
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https://www.coolthings.com/nikola-phone-case/

Turn Your Gaming Desk Into An Agricultural Tractor With Saitek’s Farming Simulator Bundle

June 17, 2015WearablesFarming Simulator, Farming Simulator Control Bundle, game, gaming, robot, robot tractor

Do you find spending a good part of your days planting grains, harvesting crops, and offloading your produce in the much-loved Farming Simulator? Just like in an actual farm, a good load of those hours will be spent driving various types of tractors (at least, until the inevitable robot tractor takeover), so if you want to further enhance the game’s immersive factor, you’re going to love Saitek’s new Farming Simulator Control Bundle.
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https://www.coolthings.com/saitek-farming-simulator/

BOLD Knot Hides A Power Bank Inside A Keychain-Sized Ball Of Rope

June 17, 2015WearablesBOLD Knot

Like other power banks, you can use the BOLD Knot to charge your gadgets on the go, giving you a way to replenish a dying battery without plugging into a wall outlet. Unlike them, it looks like the farthest thing from a gadget, looking more like a small ball of rope that you can hang off a keychain or a bag zipper.

Done up to look like a colorful ball made from braided cable, the device can serve as a stylish fashion accessory, a ball you can toss around during downtime, and a toy to keep your cat busy when the laser in his collar drains its battery. It’s small enough to hang in a keychain, as well as squeeze into a crowded pocket, too, so you can carry this with absolute ease.
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https://www.coolthings.com/bold-knot/

Rezvani Beast Combines Barebones Design With A 500-HP Engine

June 17, 2015CarsHP, orange, Rezvani Beast

Wow, that car is a beast. Not figuratively, either, it’s really a beast. The Rezvani Beast, in particular, an all-American supercar that embraces the barebones, back-to-basics spirit of older vehicles.

Built by Rezvani Motors from its Orange County factory, the open-top sports car does away with as much electronic aids as possible, giving drivers a car that allows them to truly experience the road. Despite the lack of digital interference, it’s still a serious performer, with the company claiming it’s “one of the most responsive and best-handling cars in the world.”
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https://www.coolthings.com/rezvani-beast/

Windows 10 Mobile build 10136: one-handed use, polished Cortana

June 17, 2015Wearablescortana, Microsoft, mobile, Slashgear, Windows, Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone

With Windows 10 for desktops and tablets nearing completion,Microsoft seems to be showering some well-deserved attention to Windows 10 Mobile, which still doesn’t have a release date. The latest build, number 10136, brings in some interesting new features and, thankfully, implements some long-standing wishes from Windows Phone insiders. But as interesting and as good at this update might be, it also brings in some headaches for the brave souls who volunteer to take these early versions for a spin for the rest of us.
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https://www.slashgear.com/windows-10-mobile-build-10136-one-handed-use-polished-cortana-17388809/

Nikon D3300 review: Nice photos, reasonably fast

June 17, 2015CamerasNikon, Nikon D3300, review

THE GOOD

The Nikon D3300‘s photo quality improves on its predecessor, and while it’s not incredibly fast it performs pretty well for its price class.

THE BAD

The feature set remains pretty limited.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nikon-d3300-review/

Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX multimedia receiver for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay review: With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Pioneer’s flagship is the one receiver to rule them all

June 17, 2015Wearablesandroid, android auto, Apple, avic, carplay, navigation, Pioneer, review

THE GOOD

The Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, and Pioneer’s AppMode smartphones, covering all of the integration bases. Onboard navigation won’t leave the driver stranded should they forget their phone.

THE BAD

The 8100NEX carries a high MSRP and its overwhelming “kitchen sink” approach to features has us looking twice at less expensive NEX-series models.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/pioneer-avic-8100nex-review/

Motorola puts a 30-day trial on unlocked Moto X

June 17, 2015Phonescarriers, Huawei, moto, Moto X, Motorola, Slashgear, wireless

Wireless contracts and subsidies might soon be a thing of the past. At least in a perfect world, perfect except for carriers maybe. The number of people buying devices off-contract, as well as the number of those devices being offered, have increasingly grown. Manufacturers like Huawei are thinking up of ways to encourage buyers to ditch subsidies. Motorola is joining that fray by making a new offer for those buying the Moto X without contracts. Try it out for 30 days and, if you don’t like it, return it for free.
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https://www.slashgear.com/motorola-puts-a-30-day-trial-on-unlocked-moto-x-16388578/

Snapchat adds sponsored Geofilters, starting with McDonald’s

June 17, 2015Wearablesapp, game, Slashgear, snapchat

Snapchat is experimenting with ways of turning ephemeral pic-sharing into a revenue stream. Instead of making the end-consumer pay, the app is turning to big brands to create sponsored geofilters (stickers and filters particular to certain locations) for the app. The precarious task of adding advertising can come at the cost of alienating users. Let’s face it, people hate ads–unless they are interactive, feel like a game, or are worthy of sharing. Sponsored geofilters will let users do the advertising, all under the guise of sharing memories. The first company to step up to the plate is McDonald’s.
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https://www.slashgear.com/snapchat-adds-sponsored-geofilters-starting-with-mcdonalds-16388777/

SwiftKey hack can remotely take over Samsung mobile devices

June 17, 2015Wearablesandroid, galaxy, Galaxy s6, hack, mobile, Samsung, security, server, Slashgear

Android users on Samsung mobile devices could be vulnerable to a new type of security hack. The security flaw was discovered by Ryan Welton from NowSecure. He detailed his findings at the Blackhat Security Summit in London. The hackable exploit arises from the pre-installed SwiftKey keyboard. As Swiftkey searches for updates to its language packs over unencrypted lines, via plain text, it is susceptible to malicious security apps from any spoofed proxy server. Using this as a keyhole, Welton could scale up the attack to basically take over a vulnerable mobile device while the user remains unaware. The bug affects over 600 million Samsung users, including those using the Galaxy S6.
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https://www.slashgear.com/swiftkey-hack-can-remotely-take-over-samsung-mobile-devices-16388782/

Fairphone 2 is modular and robust

June 17, 2015Phonesproject ara, Slashgear

The Fairphone 2, the aptly named update to the original Fairphone, was detailed today by the company’s CTO Olivier Hebert. The latest handset is said to be robust, eliminating the “flaw” of vulnerability that many modern phones have by, among other things, including a replaceable outer shell that doubles as a protective case. In addition, the phone has a modular design similar to what we’ve seen with Project Ara and some competing projects, which will allow users to upgrade components as needed.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fairphone-2-is-modular-and-robust-16388786/

Cortana for Android arrives in July

June 17, 2015Phonesandroid, app, cortana, iOS, Microsoft, Slashgear, Xbox

We have known for a little while now that Cortana would be coming to Android and iOS, and word had it the Android version would be arriving toward the end of this month. In a blog post today related toCortana and the Xbox, however, Microsoft slipped in a little detail: Cortana for Android will be arriving some time in July. Next month will bring around the beta test for the Android Cortana app, says the company; it isn’t clear when the beta will end.
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https://www.slashgear.com/cortana-for-android-arrives-in-july-16388783/

HTC tempts owner fury with ads in BlinkFeed

June 17, 2015Phonesandroid, BlinkFeed, HTC, HTC one, Pilot, Slashgear, social, social media

HTC will be injecting adverts into its BlinkFeed Android news reader, part of a pilot program to see if it can squeeze a little extra revenue from users. BlinkFeed, launched on the original HTC One M7, occupies a dedicated homescreen pane and delivers a combination of news headlines and social media updates, but now a select few HTC owners will begin to see promotional content in there too.
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https://www.slashgear.com/htc-tempts-owner-fury-with-ads-in-blinkfeed-16388762/