Monthly Archives: August 2015

Panasonic gets up to speed on curved car touch-dash tech

August 12, 2015Carslighting, Panasonic, Slashgear

Your next car could have a sweeping, touch-sensitive dashboard if Panasonichas its way, with the company green-lighting production of a curved touch panel. Set to begin rolling off production lines in September, the capacitive panels support multitouch just like many infotainment displays already in use in various cars, but can also be shaped into curves and waves rather than just flat slabs.
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https://www.slashgear.com/panasonic-gets-up-to-speed-on-curved-car-touch-dash-tech-07395983/

Mattel View-Master hands-on: Retro toy gets AR upgrade

August 12, 2015WearablesAR, cardboard, Google, headset, master, Qualcomm, retro, Slashgear, smartphone, VR

Mattel’s rebooted View-Master won’t be the only Google Cardboard headset around when it hits stores this October, but it’s possibly the most charming. Announced back in February, the distinctive red casing swallows up your smartphone and, courtesy of Qualcomm’s Vuforia, summons interactive scenes by scanning photo-reels. Mattel finally has working prototypes, so I dipped my toe into a VR scene at SIGGRAPH 2015.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mattel-view-master-hands-on-retro-toy-gets-ar-upgrade-11396436/

iPhone 6s will no longer yield, claims bendgate specialist

August 12, 2015PhonesApple, iphone, iphone 6, iphone 6 plus, IPHONE 6S, Slashgear

It seems that theories on why the upcoming iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are slightly larger, if not thicker, might have some bearing after all. Apple was hit hard with criticism over its somewhat bendable flagship, particularly the iPhone 6 Plus but it seems that Cupertino has learned from the lesson well. At least according to Unbox Therapy, who was one of the most vocal voices during the bendgate furor. With only a backplate in hand, he proposes that, at least in theory, the iPhone 6s won’t bend much, or at all.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Drifter speaker is buoyant, plays music sans smartphone

August 12, 2015Wearablesmusic, portable, Slashgear, smartphone, speaker, speakers

Portable speakers come in many varieties, and if you have average needs you’ll probably find a model that meets your requirements, or most of them. If one of your requirements is a speaker that can hold and play your music directly, though, finding an adequate option becomes harder. Add in ruggedness and buoyancy, and the options dwindle to almost nothing. Thusly enters the Drifter, an oddly shaped speaker that you can knock into the water without risk of ruin, and that plays your music without a smartphone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/drifter-speaker-is-buoyant-plays-music-sans-smartphone-11396434/

Stagefright patches hitting Galaxy S5, Note 4, Note Edge on T-Mobile & Verizon

August 12, 2015Wearablesandroid, carriers, galaxy, galaxy s5, Galaxy s6, Google, mobile, nexus, Note 4, S6 Edge, Samsung, Slashgear, Verizon

While Google’s Nexus devices have already been confirmed to be some of thefirst phones to get patched for the recent Android vulnerability Stagefright, other major devices, especially Samsung’s flagships, are still at risk. While there’s still no word on when the company’s newest models, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge will get updated, a number of their older phones are getting fixes today from carriers Verizon and T-Mobile, including the Galaxy S5, Note 4, and Note Edge.
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https://www.slashgear.com/stagefright-patches-hitting-galaxy-s5-note-4-note-edge-on-t-mobile-verizon-11396337/

Nextbit’s “awesome” and “different” smartphone coming Sept. 1

August 12, 2015Wearablesbusiness, game, ifa 2015, OnePlus, Slashgear, smartphone, software

As if the smartphone scene wasn’t crowded enough, come September 1 a new contender will join the game. Trying to play with the big guys by timing it with the IFA 2015 show, Nextbit will be unveiling its first ever smartphone, moving away from its once purely software business. Heavy on the promies but light on the specifics, Nextbit has a spiel that sounds almost like OnePlus’, trying to upset the current ecosystem by putting out a “friggin’ awesome” at almost half the price of other awesome smartphones.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

Lenovo-backed ZUK outs Z1 with multi-talented home button

August 12, 2015Phoneshome, Lenovo, Slashgear, smartphone, z1

Another Chinese vendor has joined the smartphone scene, but this time it has the backing of Lenovo to add weight to its name. Simply called ZUK, the manufacturer has announced its first ever smartphone, aptly dubbed the ZUK Z1. A rather odd mix of old and new specs, the Z1 smartphone sports some interesting, if not perplexing, features. All wrapped in a very familiar package. And by that, we mean an overall design that you will most likely quickly associate with a rather fruity smartphone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-backed-zuk-outs-z1-with-multi-talented-home-button-11396467/

Samsung documents leak hinting at Galaxy S7 with Snapdragon 820

August 12, 2015Phonesgalaxy, Galaxy s6, Galaxy S7, processor, S6 Edge, Samsung, Slashgear, smartphone, Snapdragon

Samsung is always working on the next big thing when it comes to smartphones. The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are old news on the market and prices are already coming down in an effort to move more devices. Samsung has never been exactly watertight when it comes to details leaking about future products. A recent leak has dropped a few hints about the Galaxy S7 smartphone.

The leaked documents show that Samsung is considering the Snapdragon 820 chipset for a version of the S7. The documents list a date of 9/11 to add the MSM8996 processor for the Jungfrau device. An earlier leak claimed that the Galaxy S7 was going by the codename Jungfrau and that Samsung was considering a Snapdragon 820 as the chipset for the smartphone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-documents-leak-hinting-at-galaxy-s7-with-snapdragon-820-11396323/

2016 Honda Accord First Drive – Coupe, Sedan, and Sport

August 12, 2015Carsandroid, android auto, carplay, coupe, first drive, Honda, Honda Accord, Slashgear

Scale is important, and so when it came to refreshing the best-selling 2016 Accord, it’s no surprise that Honda took no chances. Volume seller in the company’s line-up, both the sedan and the coupe body-styles needed bringing up to speed with the latest technology like Android Auto and CarPlay, but with minimal damage to the sticker price along the way. Refinement on a budget isn’t easy, so the question remains: does Honda still make the car for the everyman?
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-honda-accord-first-drive-coupe-sedan-and-sport-10396124/

You'll be working with the ability to play many types of video: MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264. You'll be able to play many types of audio: MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC. Stick around SlashGear's Android hub and our Samsung Galaxy Note 5 tag portal for more - we'll have hands-on action and a review in due course!

Galaxy Note 5 detail run-down released: every single photo

August 12, 2015Phonesandroid, galaxy, Galaxy note, galaxy note 5, Note 5, Samsung, Slashgear, USA

With only a few more days left before the final Unpacked event, Samsung hype for the Galaxy Note 5 reaches a fever pitch. Today we’re having a near-final look at what the device will bring to the world of hard-working smartphones in a large-screen fashion. Expect the S Pen to make a glorious return with new features that trump previous releases while the king of large smartphones holds sway over the rest of the Android world here in the USA and internationally.
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-note-5-detail-run-down-released-every-single-photo-11396348/

Next-Gen BMW 4 Series convertible to dump folding hard top to save weight

August 12, 2015CarsBMW, Slashgear

I always thought it was a great thing when cars went from soft fabric or vinyl tops to folding hard tops. A hard top is much better in an environment where the car and passengers are subject to temperature extremes. A hard top over your head will keep out the heat in the summer and cold in the winter much better than anything fabric. The downside is that the retracting hard tops are heavier and more expensive.
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https://www.slashgear.com/next-gen-bmw-4-series-convertible-to-dump-folding-hard-top-to-save-weight-10396222/

Alfa Romeo SUV expected to Land in 2016 according to FCA CEO

August 12, 2015Carsalfa romeo, chrysler, fiat, Fiat Chrysler, Slashgear, suv

SUVs are some of the most popular vehicles on the road today and just about every automaker big and small either have a complete fleet of SUVs or are working hard to bring them to market. Alfa Romeo will have an SUV soon with Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne saying that the Alfa SUV will land next year.
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https://www.slashgear.com/alfa-romeo-suv-expected-to-land-in-2016-according-to-fca-ceo-10396224/

Force Touch to provide shortcuts on the upcoming iPhone

August 11, 2015Phonesapp, Apple, Apple watch, Force Touch, iphone, iPhones, MacBook, maps, mobile, music, Slashgear, watch

Reports came out earlier this year that the next iPhones will have Force Touch — a feature that makes it easy to access particular content or functions by pressing down on a pressure-sensitive screen with haptic feedback. Now, 9to5mac has more details about the feature, which was introduced on the Apple Watch’s screen and new MacBook’s trackpad. Apparently, Force Touch for Apple’s mobile devices is known internally as “Orb” and is meant to provide shortcuts for the platform. For instance, the publication’s sources said pressing down on a destination on the Maps apps automatically begins turn-by-turn directions. Doing so on a song listing within the Music app, on the other hand, brings up a menu you can use to quickly add it to a playlist or save it for offline listening.
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https://www.slashgear.com/

AT&T offers DirecTV customers $500 to change phone service

August 11, 2015Wearablesacquisition, Att, directv, television, wireless

Now that AT&T has finalized its acquisition of DirecTV, the carrier isn’t wasting any timetrying to bring in new wireless customers. Today, AT&T announced a promotion for people who are already subscribed to the satellite television provider, which includes up to $500 in bill credit.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/10/directv-customers-switch-to-att/

Google gets an overhaul and a new CEO: Sundar Pichai

August 11, 2015Wearablesalphabet, drones, Google, health, Internet Products

Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have started a new “collection of companies” called Alphabet — and it includes Google. That’s right, now there’s a company bigger than Google. In a letter to investors, Page outlined Alphabet and the changes this new organization will bring, including the appointment of a new Google CEO, Sundar Pichai. Page is now CEO of Alphabet, while Brin is President. Alphabet comprises Google and other companies that have been housed under its primary-colored umbrella, including the X lab (which is building delivery drones), investment arms Ventures and Capital, and health-focused efforts Calico and Life Sciences. “This newer Google is a bit slimmed down, with the companies that are pretty far afield of our main internet products contained in Alphabet instead,” Page writes.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/10/google-gets-an-overhaul-and-a-new-ceo-sundar-pichai/

Amazon rolls out Bookerly font to more Kindle e-readers

August 11, 2015WearablesAmazon, kindle, kindle paperwhite, Kindle Voyage, Paperwhite, smart, software, Voyage

Amazon debuted the more spacious “Bookerly” font to replace “Caecilia” on the 2015 Kindle Paperwhite. Now, it’s being rolled out to the Kindle Voyage, Kindle Touch, Kindle 7th gen and previous-gen Kindle Paperwhites as part of those devices’ latest software update. In addition to the Bookerly font, the update comes with a better Smart Lookup that makes it easier to access tools for highlighting, creating and sharing notes, among others. The update also improves books’ layouts and typography, including their justification, spacing, kerning and footnotes. It should download automatically when you connect your Kindle to the internet, but you can also check Amazon’s website to see if your e-reader’s getting the update.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/kindle-update-bookerly/

OneDrive will tell you when someone’s editing your files

August 11, 2015WearablesMicrosoft, mobile, onedrive

If you’ve ever worried that someone was editing your shared documents behind your back, Microsoft might just set your mind at ease.

The folks in Redmond are rolling out an update to OneDrive that tells you when someone is editing a file you’ve shared, whether through a mobile notification or a daily summary email — you’ll know if someone is diving into that quarterly report a little too soon, or if that spreadsheet will be ready for tomorrow. Only some users will see these alerts at first, but they should be “widely available” in the weeks ahead.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/onedrive-editing-alerts/

Samsung wants to kill hard drives with new high-efficiency SSDs

August 11, 2015Wearables3D, computer, memory, Samsung, SSD, SSDs

For the first time, Samsung has starting producing SSDs using (wait for it) 3-bit multi-level-cell, 3D Vertical NAND flash memory, better known as TLC V-NAND. So, who in the actual hell cares? You might, if you’re planning on buying an SSD or computer soon. Samsung’s current V-NAND technology has resulted in models like the 850 Pro SSD, which topped all benchmarks and has a 10-year guarantee.
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https://www.engadget.com/2014/10/09/samsung-tlc-v-nand-ssd/

Leak shows Galaxy S6 Edge+ preorders start August 21

August 11, 2015PhonesBluetooth, bluetooth headset, galaxy, Galaxy note, Galaxy s6, Galaxy s6 edge, headset, S6 Edge, Samsung

Samsung appears to have confirmed, likely by accident, that the upcoming Galaxy Note 5phone will indeed be joined by a curved model. The company’s French site has a pre-order page for the “Galaxy S6 Edge+,” as spotted by Galaxyclub.nl. It’s shown with a Level Bluetooth headset in a bundle that will be go on order between August 21st and September 3rd. That means there’s a strong chance it’ll launch on August 21st and hit stores around September 4th. However, the dates could apply strictly to the bundle, and not the phone itself.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/galaxy-s6-edge-plus-samsung-leak/

Lenovo-backed phone has reversible USB 3.0 and a big battery

August 11, 2015Phonesandroid, Huawei, Lenovo, meizu, OnePlus, OnePlus 2, smartphone, usb, usb 3.0, Xiaomi, z1

Following the LeTV “Superphones” and the OnePlus 2, here’s yet another Chinese smartphone that supports the reversible USB Type-C port; except this time, we’re going beyond USB 2.0 speeds. The Android device we’re looking at here is dubbed the Z1, which is the first product by Lenovo-backed startup ZUK (pronounced “z-u-k”) to compete with affordable online brands like Xiaomi, Smartisan, Meizu, and Huawei’s Honor range. The competitive 1,799 yuan or $280 price point is of no surprise in today’s market, but what stands out here is the presence of both USB Type-C and USB 3.0 (orUSB 3.1 Gen 1) specs, which is a first for smartphones. To be exact, the Z1 boasts a USB data rate of up to 500 MB/s or 10 times that of USB 2.0, which comes in handy for its 64GB of internal storage.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/lenovo-zuk-z1-usb-type-c/

OnePlus 2’s arrival in US and Canada gets delayed

August 11, 2015WearablesEurope, Invite, OnePlus, OnePlus 2, review

We’ve got some bad news for those of you in the US and Canada waiting for the OnePlus 2. While you can still purchase the new device from OnePlus.net today if you have an invite code, you have quite a bit of wait ahead of you. The company has announced in its forums that it can’t ship out units to North America just yet. It’ll start sending out orders two to three weeks after shipments to Europe have begun, so you might end up waiting for a month, depending on your location. OnePlus said the delay was “due to production schedules,” but it didn’t elaborate on what that meant exactly. In case you’re still on the fence about buying the manufacturer’s new flagship phone, though, make sure to check out our review before you pull the trigger.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/oneplus-2-us-canada-delay/

Pebble Time Steel smartwatch goes up for pre-order as early reviews roll in

August 11, 2015WearablesPebble, Pebble Time, pebble time steel, smartwatch

Pebble is now taking pre-orders for its high-end Pebble Time Steel smartwatch, though it won’t ship until late September at the earliest.

The $250 timepiece includes a leather band and stainless steel chassis, either in gunmetal black with a black band, silver with stone leather, or gold with red leather. For $50 more, you can get a matching stainless steel link band instead.
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https://www.pcworld.com/article/2960737/pebble-time-steel-smartwatch-goes-up-for-pre-order-as-early-reviews-roll-in.html

SNAPCHAT’S NEW UPDATE WILL HELP CONSERVE YOUR DATA

August 11, 2015Wearablesapp, data plans, Discovery, messaging, snapchat, travel

Max out your data plan too often? Snapchat has a fix for you: The messaging app has unveiled a travel mode option that will only load Snaps, Stories, and Discovery content when users tap on them instead of automatically doing so. The update is aimed at customers with limited data plans, as well as people who are traveling to foreign countries.
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https://www.fastcompany.com/

Xiaomi ties up with Foxconn in India, unveils first locally made smartphone, the Redmi2 Prime

August 11, 2015Wearablessmartphone, taiwan, Xiaomi

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi Inc has tied up with Taiwan’s Foxconn to start assembling phones in India – its first such move in the world’s third largest smartphone market as it seeks to expand its market share and cut costs.

Since Xiaomi already sells its low-cost phones in India, a manufacturing presence would help the company in gaining a stronger foothold by allowing it to handle inventory more efficiently and reduce shipping lead times.
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https://www.firstpost.com/

Major Firefox vulnerability lets hackers steal your files using dodgy web ads

August 11, 2015Wearablesbrowser, hack, hackers

If you needed another reason to install an ad-blocker on your web browser, read on.

Mozilla Firefox users are this week being urged to update to the latest version after an exploit was found being used in the wild which allowed the scooping up of files from users’ computers via an ad without leaving a trace behind of the hack.
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https://www.smh.com.au/

Tesla Courts Hackers to Defend High-Tech Cars

August 11, 2015Carschrysler, electric, electric car, fiat, Fiat Chrysler, hackers, hacking, recall, Tesla

Hackers swarmed a Tesla sedan in a ‘hacking village’ at the infamous Def Con conference on Saturday as the high-tech electric car maker recruited talent to protect against cyber-attacks.

It was the second year in a row the California-based company was at the world’s largest gathering of hackers in Las Vegas, and came on the heels of a massive recall of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles vehicles to patch a flaw that could let them be remotely commandeered.
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https://www.ndtv.com/

Android Phone Manufacturer HTC Is Collapsing, and This Stat Is All You Need to Understand Why

August 11, 2015Phonesandroid, HTC

HTC’s stock has sunk so low that its entire market capitalization is now worth less than the cash it has in the bank. In layman’s terms, that means that if you could theoretically acquire all the shares of HTC, it would cost you less than the cash HTC holds—meaning HTC would effectively be paying you to acquire the entire company. In investors’ terms, it means people think the company is essentially worthless.
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https://slate.com/

Final Fantasy XIV could still come to Xbox One, possibly NX

August 11, 2015WearablesPC, ps3, PS4, Xbox, Xbox One

Jury is out

The ability to play Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on the PC, PS3, and PS4 platforms, and have them all coexist together on the same servers, is wonderful — and conversely, a sorely missed feature in Elder Scrolls Online.
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https://www.destructoid.com/

The first Skylake laptops are Lenovo’s Thinkpad P50 and P70 graphics workstations

August 11, 2015Computers & ITgpu, Intel, laptop, Lenovo, mobile, Nvidia, ram, SSD, thinkpad, usb

These high-end machines sport other dream-checklist items including DDR4, Thunderbolt 3 and real USB 3.1.

Your chance to get a laptop with Intel’s newest Skylake CPU is almost here. On Monday at the Siggraph show in Los Angeles, Calif., Lenovo announced two new mobile workstations stocked with the 6th-gen mobile chip and a dream checklist of advanced features.

How next-gen? Think up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, true PCIe SSD performance, Thunderbolt 3 and true USB 3.1 too. There’s even a new Nvidia GPU.
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https://www.pcworld.com/article/2960799/the-first-skylake-laptops-are-lenovos-thinkpad-p50-and-p70-graphics-workstations.html