Monthly Archives: August 2015

This is the OnePlus 2 (unboxing and hands-on)

This is the OnePlus 2 (unboxing and hands-on)

Phones, , , , , , ,

The second in a line of OnePlus smartphones is here, just aching to have its place in the sun alongside the top-tier devices from the world’s top manufacturers. The OnePlus 2, says the company, is a “flagship killer”. We’ll see about that once the device is put through our review trials. For now we’re having a peek at the basics. This device has just arrived at SlashGear headquarters in its final form. Final software and final hardware – and a camera we’ll be battling against the top smartphone cameras in the field. Both in the dark and in the light.
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https://www.slashgear.com/this-is-the-oneplus-2-unboxing-and-hands-on-12396641/

Tamron offers a lot of range in a little design with its new 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens

Tamron offers a lot of range in a little design with its new 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens

Cameras, ,

For owners of APS-C cameras who want a lot of bang (and range) for your buck, Tamron has announced the release of its brand new 18–200mm F/3.5–6.3 Di II VC lens.

A successor to Tamron’s AF 18–200mm F/3.5–6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical lens, this new lens improves upon its older sibling with a more compact design and better performance thanks to better optical and mechanical construction.
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https://www.imaging-resource.com/

WalkCar Personal Transporter Can Squeeze Into A Laptop Bag

WalkCar Personal Transporter Can Squeeze Into A Laptop Bag

Cars, , , ,

Personal transporters have shrunk a lot from the days of the Segway, but they’re still something you need to carry awkwardly when taking a break from rolling around on wheels. The WalkCar is hoping to change that with a form factor that can squeeze into a laptop bag.

Made by Japan-based Cocoa Motors, the whole device measures around the size of an extra-thick laptop, so you can carry it and put it away as conveniently as your work computer. Throw it in a backpack (yes, the laptop sleeve will work), tuck it under an arm, or slip it into your messenger – the whole thing should integrate into your everyday habits without any major adjustment.
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https://www.coolthings.com/walkcar-personal-transporter-laptop-size/

Caron Bicycle Offers Six Ways Of Pedaling To Vary Your Cycling Workouts

Caron Bicycle Offers Six Ways Of Pedaling To Vary Your Cycling Workouts

Cars,

We’re not entirely sure why you need alternate ways of pedaling a bicycle, but maybe you do get bored pedaling the exact same way every time you get on a two-wheel steed. If that’s the case, then you’ll definitely appreciate the Caron Bicycle.

While it looks like a regular bike, it comes with a patented crankset design called the Caron Uniset that allows it to switch among six styles of pedaling. Whether you ride for exercise, competition, or your everyday commute, you can use it to change up the routine of your feet rotating the pedals over and over.
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https://www.coolthings.com/

Samsung looks to get a head start on Apple with its next jumbo smartphone

Samsung looks to get a head start on Apple with its next jumbo smartphone

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

Samsung hopes to get the jump on Apple. But will it be enough?

On Thursday, Samsung will host its second Unpacked event of the year to introduce its newest phablets, the jumbo-sized hybrids between smartphones and tablets. The company is expected to release the Galaxy Note 5, which will include a metal back instead of plastic and an improved stylus, as well as the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, which is believed to have a 5.7-inch screen that curves over the sides of the device.
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https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-looks-to-get-a-head-start-on-apple-with-its-next-jumbo-smartphone/

Lenovo Tab 2 A8 review: A bare-bones budget buy

Lenovo Tab 2 A8 review: A bare-bones budget buy

Tablets, , , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The Lenovo Tab 2 A8 is an affordable tablet for surfing the Web, checking email and streaming video. The preloaded Dolby app significantly improves audio quality. It has a microSD card slot.

THE BAD

The design is thick and hefty. The 1,280×800-resolution display is low by today’s standards. Large apps and games take a while to load, and performance within them is sometimes sluggish.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/lenovo-tab-2-a8-review/

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2: Xiaomi unveils new 4G budget smartphone; could be launched in India on August 19

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2: Xiaomi unveils new 4G budget smartphone; could be launched in India on August 19

Phones, , , ,

In line with rumours, Xiaomi has unveiled the successor to its Redmi Note smartphone. Named Redmi Note 2, the new phone comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p display and packs MTK’s octa-core Helio X10 coupled with 2 GB of RAM.

The dual-SIM 4G phone will come running the latest MIUI 7 OS, Xiaomi’s custom OS for its smartphones.
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https://www.news18.com/

HTC: Once market leader now struggling to keep up

HTC: Once market leader now struggling to keep up

Phones, , , , , , , ,

Once the world’s top smartphone maker by volume, Taiwan’s HTC is now seen by many as a worthless brand.

Once the best-selling brand for Android phones, HTC’s globalmarket share has dwindled to less than 2 per cent.

Its share price has plunged more than 60 per cemt this year amid fierce competition from Apple, Samsung and China’s Huawei and Xiaomi.
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/international

One of the best video games of the ’90s is getting a remake

One of the best video games of the ’90s is getting a remake

Wearables, , , ,

No timing on a launch date, yet.

Resident Evil 2, the classic survivalist horror video game, is making a comeback, Capcom announced Wednesday.

The details are hazy at this point, but the remake is being led by Yoshiaki Hirabayashi under Capcom’s R&D Division 1. Hirabayashi also headed up Capcom’s relaunch oforiginal Resident Evil, which came out this year.
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https://fortune.com/2015/08/12/capcom-resident-evil-2-relaunch/

Why the Apple Watch just isn’t ready yet

Why the Apple Watch just isn’t ready yet

Wearables, , , ,

The summer is more than halfway over, but there is something gnawing at me about one of the hottest consumer tech stories of these warm months. The Apple Watch is a flop, and nobody seems to want to admit it.

As of Aug. 14, the Apple Watch will go on sale at Best Buy in Canada, the first non-Apple store to stock the bauble. I don’t recommend buying one for a multitude of reasons under the same theme: It’s just not ready.
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https://www.theglobeandmail.com/

What happens if you replace a Porsche's brake pads with iPhones? Nothing good.

What happens if you replace a Porsche’s brake pads with iPhones? Nothing good.

Cars, Phones, , , , ,

Here’s question that you’ve probably never asked yourself: what would happen if you replaced a your car’s brake pads with a bunch of iPhones? The guys on the EverythingApplePro YouTube channel wanted to know so badly that they grabbed a Porsche 911 and 8 iPhones to find out.

In order to pull off this stunt, the 2002 911 Carrera’s calipers were upgraded with enlarged hardware from a 911 Turbo, which has enough space to accommodate the iPhones. Epoxy was used to affix 911 brake shims to the phones, completing their transformation to iBrakePads and holding the handsets in place in the calipers.
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https://www.news18.com/

Xiaomi to unveil new MIUI 7 user interface today; Mi 5, Redmi Note 2 also expected

Xiaomi to unveil new MIUI 7 user interface today; Mi 5, Redmi Note 2 also expected

Wearables, , , , ,

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is all set to unveil its next Android skin, the MIUI 7, in China on August 13. There is also an indication that it could announce the successor to its Mi 4 smartphone.

Xiaomi has sent invites for the launch premiere of its own software that comes layered with Google’s popular Android in its smartphones and other devices.
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https://www.news18.com

IBM: High-severity vulnerability puts Android M devices at risk

IBM: High-severity vulnerability puts Android M devices at risk

Wearables, , , , ,

ANDROID’S BAD SECURITY SUMMER ROLLS ON. IBM has thrown more drama at the operating system, claiming that a high-severity serialisation vulnerability has users doomed.

We haven’t messed about. We went straight to Google for a response. We are waiting for it. We do not have to look hard, or wait long for the dirty details as IBM has blogged about it on its own security news pages.
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https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2421537/ibm-high-severity-vulnerability-puts-android-m-devices-at-risk

Canonical’s Ubuntu Phones Now On Sale Globally

Canonical’s Ubuntu Phones Now On Sale Globally

Wearables, , , , , ,

Mobile market latecomer Canonical claims “latent demand” for its tardy but alternative smartphone OS has encouraged its OEM partner, BQ, to open up availability of its handsets to buyers anywhere in the world, not just in Europe.

The first Ubuntu-based smartphone launched in Europe this February, and was followed by asecond handset in June — also limited to European buyers.

The two Ubuntu phones — aka: the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition and the slightly larger Aquaris E5 HD Ubuntu Edition — which are both manufactured by Spain’s BQ, are now are available to buyers globally, via BQ’s store, retailing for €169.90 ($189) and €199.90 ($220) respectively.
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https://techcrunch.com/2015/08/11/canonicals-ubuntu-phones-now-on-sale-globally/

Hyundai, Kia Launching Seven Electrified Vehicles by 2017

Hyundai, Kia Launching Seven Electrified Vehicles by 2017

Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyundai and Kia plan to launch seven new electrified vehicles by 2017.

Hyundai will have a total of five electrified vehicles in its lineup by model year 2018: Sonata hybrid, Sonata plug-in hybrid, a dedicated hybrid, a dedicated electric vehicle and the Tucson Hydrogen Fuel Cell.

Meanwhile, sibling brand Kia will have four electrified vehicles in its lineup by model year 2018: Kia Optima hybrid, Kia Optima plug-in hybrid, Kia Soul EV and a dedicated Kia hybrid.
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https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/08/hyundai-kia-launching-seven-electrified-vehicles-by-2017.html

Grand Theft Auto 5

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ mod news: Rockstar Games explains the ban on ‘FiveM’ modders

Wearables,

Earlier this week, the creators of the “Grand Theft Auto V” mod “FiveM” were banned by Rockstar Games because of a violation in the terms of agreement when modding. Now, Rockstar has finally released an official statement that briefly explains why the company had to ban the Rockstar Social Club account of the creators of “FiveM,” namely NTAuthority, TheDeadlyDutchi and Qaisjp.
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https://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/grand-theft-auto-v-mod-news-rockstar-games-explains-the-ban-on-fivem-modders-32593

‘Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King’ For 3DS Introduces New Dungeon, Ending, Camera Features

‘Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King’ For 3DS Introduces New Dungeon, Ending, Camera Features

Wearables, , , , , ,

On Thursday, August 6, Jump Magazine revealed new features for the forthcoming 3DS version of “Dragon Quest 8: The Journey of the Cursed King.” The game will feature a new ending, dungeon and a camera mode, all available for its Japanese release on August 27.

“Dragon Quest 8” has long been released for the PlayStation 2 on 2004 but the latest Nintendo 3DS version will be out later this month. As of this moment, fans can expect a new ending and a dungeon for the upcoming release. Destructoid reported that the recent updates were featured in the latest issue of Jump Magazine. It was then shared online via Twitter by @kazu4281 last Thursday, August 6.
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https://www.vcpost.com/articles/84298/20150813/dragon-quest-8-journey-of-the-cursed-king-for-3ds-introduces-new-dungeon-camera-features.htm

This might be the first glimpse of BlackBerry's Android phone

This might be the first glimpse of BlackBerry’s Android phone

Wearables, , , , , ,

Yep, BlackBerry is still trying. Rumors that the once-dominant smartphone maker is turning to Android are bearing fruit in the form of leaked images.

The image may have just given us our first real look at the BlackBerry “Venice,” said to be the company’s upcoming Android phone. The image was uncovered by CrackBerry.

The Venice seems to have a screen that wraps around both the phone’s edges, similar to theSamsung Galaxy S6 Edge. In classic BlackBerry fashion, the Venice is said to include a physical keyboard, which slides out from under the screen.
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Read full post here:
https://mashable.com/2015/08/12/blackberry-venice/

How to send, receive texts on two Android phones from a single number

How to send, receive texts on two Android phones from a single number

Wearables, , , , , ,

After receiving my Project Fi welcome kit last week, I put aside my Moto G to test Google’s triple-network service on a Nexus 6. So far, it’s working well except for one annoying problem: I effectively have two phones, each with its own phone number.

Forwarding calls between my primary number and the one I’m using for Project Fi isn’t the issue. It’s generally easy to have calls forwarded from one number to another. Text messages? That’s a different story: Over the past week, I’ve missed a number of important texts and confused my contacts who have seen messages from my unfamiliar Project Fi phone number.
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https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-send-receive-texts-on-two-android-phones-from-a-single-number/

2016 Acura MDX review: 2016 Acura MDX: More gears, less handling and seven-passenger capacity

2016 Acura MDX review: 2016 Acura MDX: More gears, less handling and seven-passenger capacity

Cars, , , ,

THE GOOD

The 2016 Acura MDX offers reasonable access to its third row seats and delivers a comfortable, quiet ride. Efficient lLED headlights come standard and an adaptive cruise control system takes the stress out of long road trips. Super Handling All-wheel-dirive employs active torque vectoring to improve handling.

THE BAD

The infotainment interface is a confusing hodgepodge of duplicate controls using differing control schemes. Kick-down on the transmission lags at speed and the idle-stop feature feels rough when the engine fires up.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2016-acura-mdx-review/

Asus ROG G751 review: Asus uses Nvidia's latest mobile graphics to push games at 4K

Asus ROG G751 review: Asus uses Nvidia’s latest mobile graphics to push games at 4K

Computers & IT, , , , , , , ,

THE GOOD

The Asus G751 has excellent performance, can drive games at 4K resolution, and includes a few handy shortcut keys gamers will appreciate.

THE BAD

You could buy about a dozen game consoles for what this costs. Battery life and design are stuck in the past. You’ll need an external 4K TV or monitor for the highest-res gaming.
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https://www.cnet.com/reviews/asus-rog-g751-review/

Retailers' Apple Pay rival is ready for testing, three years later

Retailers’ Apple Pay rival is ready for testing, three years later

Wearables, , , ,

Merchant Customer Exchange is an alliance of several of the US’ biggest retailers and restaurants, including Wal-Mart and Target, aimed at bringing mobile payments under their own control — and not by tying themselves to a particular tech company. Public tests will finally start in Ohio in the coming weeks, according to the WSJ‘s sources. Crucially, or hilariously, the tests will start not long after MCX loses its exclusivity deal with retailers. That’s why some of them didn’t pick up Apple Pay when it launched.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/12/apple-pay-rival-is-ready-for-testing/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&ncid=rss_semi&utm_campaign=Engadget&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIGKQvZMgpFl5U70BrSg6kQXz-qSJk_Fw_O90fAIH6fV7CRzBvMxlmC-FkZdRTwFLJRGV0wiM_aub2Kg8G_yz1Hw4eIF5p_Pr0rYZdinTcrT2Nq3dMwf1LYf_42PlVYtjuX4ZMVkzVgkLU0GD6lPgrbZlEn4Dof-J_wt9co3RcuU

The PS Vita of Steam Machines arrives in 2016 for $299

The PS Vita of Steam Machines arrives in 2016 for $299

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

The Steam Machine invasion is happening this fall. But while these computers are said to be more powerful than traditional consoles, such as the Xbox One or PlayStation 4, none of them are exactly portable. Smach Zero’s device, however, is. Formerly known as Steamboy, the handheld system runs Valve’s SteamOS and features a 5-inch, 720p screen, 32GB of onboard storage (plus an SD card slot), 4GB RAM, HDMI-out and configurable gamepads. In terms of connectivity, you’ll find Bluetooth, WiFi and, on the Pro model, 4G for true on-the-go gaming.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/steam-machine-steamboy-smach-zero/

Android users more loyal than iOS counterparts, data shows

Android users more loyal than iOS counterparts, data shows

Wearables, , , ,

Android smartphone owners have become more loyal to their operating system than iOS users over the last two years, according to new data.

Between July 2013 and June 2015, 82 percent of previous Android owners stuck with the operating system when they purchased a new handset, market researcher Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) saidTuesday. Apple’s iOS was close behind with a 78 percent loyalty rate. All data was based on quarterly surveys of 4,000 individuals across the US.
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https://www.cnet.com/news/android-users-more-loyal-than-ios-owners-study-shows/

New Samsung Gear watches are coming -- here's what they need to succeed

New Samsung Gear watches are coming — here’s what they need to succeed

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

Like them or hate them, you have to give credit to the Samsung Gear watches. All six of them, actually. In a flurry between Fall 2013 and November 2014, Samsung had many, many watches. The Samsung Galaxy Gear was the very first. Its mix of communication, health tracking, and apps beat both Google’s Android Wear and Apple Watch to the punch by over half a year.

The Gear was the first ambitious, feature-stuffed smartwatch. It made phone calls via speakerphone, had fitness tracking, could control music playback, and it even had a camera. Later Gears added heart rate in early 2014. Last November’s Gear S was effectively a full-on Dick Tracy-style wristphone — a standalone device with its own cellular service.
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https://www.cnet.com/news/samsungs-next-gear-watch-what-we-expect-and-how-it-could-improve/

'Metal Gear Solid 5' And 'Mad Max' Headed For Release Date Collision, Should One Blink?

‘Metal Gear Solid 5’ And ‘Mad Max’ Headed For Release Date Collision, Should One Blink?

Wearables, , , , , , ,

It’s a little bizarre that this year, there’s a literal line drawn in the sand where the video game drought of summer ends, and the waterfall of big-name titles begins in the fall. This year, that date is literally September 1st, which sees the release of what will likely be two of the biggest games this fall, Konami’s Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain and Warner Bros’ Mad Max.

And yes, both are releasing on exactly the same day, and both are multiplatform titles meaning there’s significant overlap. And while this can happen from time to time in a crowded fall release schedule, are these games doing themselves a disservice by both vying to be the first ones out of the gate this fall?
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https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/08/10/metal-gear-solid-5-and-mad-max-headed-for-release-date-collision-should-one-blink/#196c17fbbfa4

PARTICLESHOP BRINGS COREL PAINTER'S REAL-WORLD BRUSHES INTO PHOTOSHOP

PARTICLESHOP BRINGS COREL PAINTER’S REAL-WORLD BRUSHES INTO PHOTOSHOP

Wearables, ,

Corel Painter is a quarter-century old, which makes it nearly as venerable as Adobe’s Photoshop.

The software—originally known as Fractal Painter—originated the idea of creating art on a computer with tools that look like real-world art supplies: oil paint, watercolors, pens, and much more. It’s been refining that concept and expanding on it ever since.
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https://www.fastcompany.com/3049646/particleshop-brings-corel-painters-real-world-brushes-into-photoshop

Mercedes and Global Trade Revive Auto Plant Gone Silent in Indiana

Mercedes and Global Trade Revive Auto Plant Gone Silent in Indiana

Wearables, , , ,

The steady comeback of the American auto industry has brought new life to underused factories, as carmakers across the country add shifts of workers to meet growing demand for new vehicles.

But even in an industry on the rebound, the revival of a once-empty plant in northern Indiana stands apart.

On Tuesday, officials of AM General — the maker of Humvee military vehicles — celebrated the production of a Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle in a sprawling factory that once built Hummer S.U.V.s for General Motors.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/12/business/mercedes-and-global-trade-revive-auto-plant-gone-silent-in-indiana.html

Phone makers plan onslaught of devices to counter new iPhone

Phone makers plan onslaught of devices to counter new iPhone

Wearables, , , , ,

Smartphone makers from China are queuing up to release their latest devices ahead of Apple Inc’s long awaited new iPhone launch later this autumn.

Lenovo Group Ltd’s third smartphone brand ZUK on Tuesday released its first-generation handset to compete in the sub-2,000 yuan (S$448) market. Lei Jun, chief executive of Xiaomi Corp, is also preparing a grand event on Thursday to introduce the company’s next flagship model.
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https://www.asiaone.com/