Monthly Archives: December 2015

OPPO R7 Plus Advanced edition packs 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

OPPO R7 Plus Advanced edition packs 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

Phones, , , , , ,

The Oppo R7 Plus smartphone went up for pre-order back in September in the US and Europe. That original version of the R7 Plus was a decent enough smartphone and if you want to know more about it, check out our review of the R7 Plus from the launch. Oppo has now launched an updated version of the R7 Plus with improved specs.

Whereas the original R7 Plus had 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, the new Plus version of the smartphone has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The other specs are carried over with a 6-inch 1080×1920 resolution display and Color OS 2.1.
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https://www.slashgear.com/oppo-r7-plus-advanced-edition-packs-4gb-of-ram-and-64gb-of-storage-09417779/

New LG Minibeam projectors boast Bluetooth wireless freedom

New LG Minibeam projectors boast Bluetooth wireless freedom

Audio & Video, , , , ,

Gone are the days when all projectors are hulking boxes of weight and heat that you’d only use sparingly at the office or some public speaking event. Now projectors are small enough to fit inside tablets and even smartphones. While that latter part might still be an eccentricity, portable projectors are becoming quite the fad. And the new members of LG’s Minibeam projector line, specifically the PH550, PW1000, and PW1500 take that portability even further by adding Bluetooth connectivity into the wireless mix.
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https://www.slashgear.com/new-lg-minibeam-projectors-boast-bluetooth-wireless-freedom-09417757/

Hyperloop Technologies to start testing in Vegas Q1 2016

Hyperloop Technologies to start testing in Vegas Q1 2016

Wearables, , , ,

Hyperloop Technologies Inc. has announced that it has secured space in a business park in North Las Vegas, Nevada to carry out testing of its proposed Hyperloop transportation system. The land that the company has secured is located in the Mountain View Industrial Park in Apex industrial Park and hardware for the testing to be done there will begin arriving this month.

Hyperloop expects testing to begin in Q1 2016 at the site. The company says that the decision to place testing equipment in Las Vegas marks a milestone in commercializing the Hyperloop tech. The technology to be tested at the site is the Propulsion Open Air Test or POAT.
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https://www.slashgear.com/hyperloop-technologies-to-start-testing-in-vegas-q1-2016-09417773/

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Lightning cable headphones cost more than an iPhone

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Lightning cable headphones cost more than an iPhone

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , ,

With the recent rumor that Apple is looking to eliminate the standard headphone jack on the next iPhone and rely solely on the device’s Lightning port for both charging and wired headphones, users might want think about investing in a decent headset that already has a Lightning connector. There area few options out there, but in order to get the best, it’s going to cost more than the iPhone itself. Audeze has announced the EL-8 Titanium, priced at $800.
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https://www.slashgear.com/audeze-el-8-titanium-lightning-cable-headphones-cost-more-than-an-iphone-09417789/

Apple Watch 2 reveal tipped for March 2016 with 4″ iPhone 6c

Apple Watch 2 reveal tipped for March 2016 with 4″ iPhone 6c

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

Apple’s second-generation Apple Watch 2, along with a new 4-inch iPhone 6c, may be revealed in March next year according to the latest rumors. The public unveil of the upcoming wearable refresh would slightly jump the gun on the first-generation Apple Watch’s on-sale anniversary, while according to 9 to 5 Mac’s source, sales of the new model would likely begin in April 2016.

Hardware rumors have flourished since the first Apple Watch was released, with chatter of a design similar to the existing one but with more battery life, and more sensors for biometric and fitness monitoring.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-2-reveal-tipped-for-march-2016-with-4-iphone-6c-08417653/

Samsung Galaxy S7 release may tag-team Duo Pixel VR camera

Samsung Galaxy S7 release may tag-team Duo Pixel VR camera

Cameras, Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This week a patent was filed for the Samsung Duo Pixel, a trademark for a device or service that could play a role in the release of the Samsung Galaxy S7. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy Note 5 are both able to be used with the Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset that relies on a phone. With the patent for Duo Pixel, Samsung may very well be moving in to the Virtual Reality capture environment, rather than just sticking to the consumption market.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-s7-release-may-tag-team-duo-pixel-vr-camera-08417640/

Gear S2 to get Samsung Pay supports in 2016

Gear S2 to get Samsung Pay supports in 2016

Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

Smartwatches with circular faces have proven to be among the more popular designs with the Moto 360 and the Samsung Gear S2 among the offerings. When the Gear S2 launched, Samsung had intended to make Samsung Pay available for the smartwatch in November. Word is that the launch of Samsung Pay on the device will now be pushed to sometime in 2016.

Word of the delay came via Twitter when Samsung responded to a customer complaining that November was almost over and now Samsung Pay hadn’t showed up for the watch. Samsung didn’t offer a specific date for Pay to launch.
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https://www.slashgear.com/gear-s2-to-get-samsung-pay-supports-in-2016-08417587/

Google Authenticator updated with Android Wear smartwatch support

Google Authenticator updated with Android Wear smartwatch support

Wearables, , , , , ,

Two-factor authentication has long been argued to be one of the best security features to prevent hackings when it comes to web logins, and Google’s Authenticator app is one of the easiest, most convenient tools when it comes to the second authentication. With the latest updated to the Android version, now users can run Authenticator on their Android Wear smartwatches, making secure logins as easy as a glance at the wrist.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-authenticator-updated-with-android-wear-smartwatch-support-08417617/

Apple could be moving iPhones to OLED by 2018

Apple could be moving iPhones to OLED by 2018

Phones, , , , , ,

Long overdue change or wishful thinking? Chances are, Apple fans, particularly those who pay much attention to technical details such as this, might be split over this latest rumor. According to Japanese site Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, the Cupertino-based tech company is planning to launch iPhones with OLEDscreens in 2018, which would be named the iPhone 8, with Japanese display maker JDI said to be in talks to be Apple’s supplier when that time comes around. That is, of course, it if comes around at all.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-could-be-moving-iphones-to-oled-by-2018-08417570/

Samsung’s first Marshmallow update goes to the Galaxy Note 4

Samsung’s first Marshmallow update goes to the Galaxy Note 4

Wearables, , , , , ,

Whenever a new major Android version comes out, many OEMs scramble to be the first to promise updates for their latest devices. Many, but not all. Samsungis notorious for taking its sweet time to get updates to its handsets, even the most recent ones. So when the latest Android Marshmallow suddenly popped up on someone’s Galaxy Note 4, there was naturally reason to be quite surprised, if not skeptical. But apparently, it’s the real deal, though most likely an accident than a precursor to imminent updates.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsungs-first-marshmallow-update-goes-to-the-galaxy-note-4-08417557/

Here’s what CarPlay costs on the Volvo XC90

Here’s what CarPlay costs on the Volvo XC90

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Volvo has begun offering CarPlay for its XC90 SUV, promising existing owners a free upgrade while confirming how much it’ll cost in the showroom. Sales of the XC90 began earlier this year, prior to Apple’s iPhone-connected infotainment system being available for the SUV, but Volvo promised fresh software to early drivers when it was ready.Here’s what CarPlay costs on the Volvo XC90

Now, it’s ready to deliver on that promise. Anybody who took delivery of their XC90 prior to November 23 will be eligible for the upgrade.
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https://www.slashgear.com/heres-what-carplay-costs-on-the-volvo-xc90-07417566/

Omate Rise smartwatch time-limited Indiegogo campaign skyrockets

Omate Rise smartwatch time-limited Indiegogo campaign skyrockets

Wearables, ,

We’ve seen a few crazy crowdfunding campaigns before, but most of them had insane pitches and promises, not all of which are able to deliver. Omate’s new Indiegogo campaign, on the other hand, is crazy because of its short duration. Available for little less than three days, the Omate has returned to crowdfunding to make its new Rise smartwatch a reality. And looks like it will indeed happen, at least financially speaking, considering the campaign has already raised more than three times its funding goal.
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https://www.slashgear.com/omate-rise-smartwatch-time-limited-indiegogo-campaign-skyrockets-08417529/

Google working to fix Android 6.0 bug affecting Nexus Player, 5X and 6P

Google working to fix Android 6.0 bug affecting Nexus Player, 5X and 6P

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Google has acknowledged reports claiming the Nexus Player, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P are suffering from bugs introduced with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The cause of the issues affecting the Nexus Player are somewhat different than the cause of the issues affecting the two handsets, however. Google says it has already created a fix for the two phones, which will be arriving to users soon.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-working-to-fix-android-6-0-bug-affecting-nexus-player-5x-and-6p-07417489/

PlayStation promo brings year of gaming, WB titles

PlayStation promo brings year of gaming, WB titles

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Starting December 8, PlayStation owners will be able to get a year of game streaming at a discounted rate for an entire year. In addition to the promo rate, Sony has also added nine new games from WB to PlayStation Now, expanding its library just in time for all the new subscribers it hopes to get. The new titles include Batman Arkham Asylum, Arkham Origins, F.E.A.R, a couple Harry Potter titles, and more.
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https://www.slashgear.com/playstation-promo-brings-year-of-gaming-wb-titles-07417515/

Apple Watch now connects to DxO ONE iPhone camera

Apple Watch now connects to DxO ONE iPhone camera

Cameras, Phones, , , , , , ,

This week the folks at DxO have announced some feature upgrades to their relatively new add-on camera system for the iPhone: DxO ONE. This system connects to the side of your iPhone – or the bottom, however you’d like to look at it – and adds some high-powered photography and videography capture abilities with a completely separate camera module. One key feature in this update is a connection with the Apple Watch, giving the watch the ability to remotely trigger the camera from afar.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-now-connects-to-dxo-one-iphone-camera-07417339/

BMW i8 Spyder greenlit says BMW CEO

BMW i8 Spyder greenlit says BMW CEO

Wearables, , ,

The first time we caught a glimpse of the BMW i8 Spyder was way back in 2012 when the concept debuted at the LA Auto Show. After a wait of several years, BMW CEO Harald Krueger has now said in a German publication that the i8 concept Spyder will debut in the “near future” in production form.

There is nothing wild or clearly not fit for production about the i8 Spyder concept, so making the move into full production should mean the car looks basically the same as the concept we have already seen. The concept version has a pair of removable roof panels along with redesigned B-pillar and rear cowl compared to the coupe version.
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https://www.slashgear.com/bmw-i8-spyder-greenlit-says-bmw-ceo-07417345/

ZenFone Max promo video highlights massive battery

ZenFone Max promo video highlights massive battery

Phones, , ,

Asus has published a new video to build up some excitement over the ZenFone Max smartphone that was expected to have launched in October. The smartphone should be launching soon and the new promotional video highlights some of the specs of the device. One of the biggest features of the Max is its massive 5000 mAh internal battery.

That battery promises talk time of up to 37.6 hours and video playback time of up to 22.6 hours. Standby time is rated at up to 38 days. One of the coolest features of that massive battery is that it can be used as a power bank to charge other devices on the go.
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https://www.slashgear.com/zenfone-max-promo-video-highlights-massive-battery-07417262/

Samsung UN40JU6700 Review: Eye-Catching Curve But Pricey

Samsung UN40JU6700 Review: Eye-Catching Curve But Pricey

Audio & Video, , , , , , , ,

Whatever your reaction to curved screens, the idea behind them is to create a more immersive, in-your-face video experience. So a 40-inch version, which has the viewer sit closer to the TV, should play right into the curved wheelhouse. Unfortunately, the mixed performance of the Samsung UN40JU6700’s picture distracts from this TV’s head-turning design.

Priced to sell at roughly $650, the Samsung UN40JU6700 is an ultra-HD 4K (3840 by 2160 pixels) set with smart-TV features and built-in Wi-Fi. In general, it does a good job displaying 4K and upscaled Blu-ray programming. It also uses full-array backlighting, according to Samsung’s specifications, but it can show a lack of screen uniformity with blotchy lighting apparent in scenes dominated by a single color, such as a dark sky.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/samsung-un40ju6700-tv,review-3239.html

Acer Liquid Jade Z Review: Blah Budget Android

Acer Liquid Jade Z Review: Blah Budget Android

Phones, , , ,

The decision of whether to buy a budget phone like Acer’s Liquid Jade Z ($250) comes down to choosing which compromises you can live with and which ones you can’t. In many areas, the Jade Z proves to be just good enough, producing decent pictures and exhibiting acceptable, if subpar, performance. But in one critical area — battery life — the Jade Z just can’t measure up to similarly priced smartphones.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/acer-liquid-jade-z,review-3256.html

Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS Review

Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS Review

Cameras, , , , , ,

Introduction

The Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS is a fast manual focus lens for mirrorless cameras with APS-C or smaller sized sensors, offering a focal length equivalent to 75mm on 1.5x crop APS-C sensor, 80mm on 1.6x crop sensor (Canon M) or 100mm lens on 2x crop Micro Four Thirds sensor. The Samyang 50mm f/1.2 is constructed of 9 elements in 7 groups including 2 glass aspherical lenses, with multi-layered and anti-reflexive UMC coatings to help prevent ghosting and flare. The Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS is priced at £299 / $549.
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https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/samyang_50mm_f1_2_as_umc_cs_review

Apple A9, A8X top AnTuTu’s CPU performance chart

Apple A9, A8X top AnTuTu’s CPU performance chart

Wearables, ,

In just a few weeks, 2015 will be over. Naturally, it will be time to take a look back at everything that has happened this year, including the arrival of new processors that power our favorite mobile devices, some of which have proven themselves more capable than others. When it comes to benchmarking that kind of performance, one of the most popular names is AnTuTu, who has just released the top performing CPUs for this year. It might be surprising for some but not for others to find Apple’s chips at the very top.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-a9-a8x-top-antutus-cpu-performance-chart-07417237/

Honda S2000 roadster tipped to finally have a successor

Honda S2000 roadster tipped to finally have a successor

Cars, ,

In 2009, Honda’s two-seater sports car was supposed to have a second generation model that would have kept the car maker in the running as one of the more recognized “enthusiasts” brands. Sadly, that day never came to pass. Apparently it would take more than half a decade for a real Honda S2000 to come along, at least according to insider sources. But intention and execution don’t always go hand in hand, and Honda still has to iron out a few details before it could even proceed to production.
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https://www.slashgear.com/honda-s2000-roadster-tipped-to-finally-have-a-successor-07417227/

Galaxy S7 Snapdragon 820 tipped clocked at max, will need cooling

Galaxy S7 Snapdragon 820 tipped clocked at max, will need cooling

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

Although Samsung has practically found a winner in Exynos 7420 which powers its latest flagships like the Galaxy Note 5, there are rumors that, for the Galaxy S7 next year, Samsung might actually be back to using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip for some models. In particular, the Galaxy S7 is now being paired with the newly launched Snapdragon 820. And if these leaked numbers of the SD820’s top performance are to be believed, there might indeed be reason for Samsung to want it in its next premium smartphone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-s7-snapdragon-820-tipped-clocked-at-max-will-need-cooling-07417232/

Mozilla backtracks, ends Firefox tile ads

Mozilla backtracks, ends Firefox tile ads

Wearables, , ,

Mozilla seems to be once more trying to redefine, or at least restructure, itself when it comes to its financial situation, particularly its sources of income. Barely weeks after it proudly revealed that it was no longer dependent on revenue coming from Google searches in its Firefox browser, the foundation is closing another source of revenue. It is announcing that it is putting a stop to its Suggested Tiles feature, more unpopularly known as Tile Ads, a major source of contention within its community and user base.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mozilla-backtracks-ends-firefox-tile-ads-07417199/

Cancelled Nokia McLaren prototype photos arrive a year late

Cancelled Nokia McLaren prototype photos arrive a year late

Phones, , , , , , ,

Some dreams do come true, but many also remain just as they are: dreams. One of those dreams, at least for Windows Phone fans, was the Nokia RM-1052, more popular for its codename McLaren.

 

Heavily leaked near the end of 2014, what should have been Microsoft’s new flagship vanished without a trace, to be replaced a year later by the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Now it has resurfaced on the Interwebs again, and again as a prototype, as a leaked device, and as a reminder of a feature that never came to be and might never come at all.
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https://www.slashgear.com/cancelled-nokia-mclaren-prototype-photos-arrive-a-year-late-07417201/

Rega Elex-R review

Rega Elex-R review

Audio & Video, , , ,

If you’re on the lookout for an upmarket stereo amplifier, you certainly shouldn’t ignore Rega’s Elex-R, which just won the What Hi-Fi? Award for Best Stereo Amplifier between £700/$1,050 and £1,000/$1,500.

Despite the win there’s no rest for the Rega, with Arcam’s A29 and Audiolab’s 8300A offering some new competition.

You should think of this integrated amp as a more muscular Brio-R (£480/$720) and you’ll be pretty close to the mark.
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https://www.whathifi.com/rega/elex-r/review

Canon PowerShot G5 X Review

Canon PowerShot G5 X Review

Cameras, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Introduction

The Canon PowerShot G5 X is a new premium compact camera with a large CMOS image sensor and a fast lens. The metal-bodied G5 X has a 1.0-type back-illuminated 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, an f/1.8-2.8, 4.2x lens with 9-blade aperture, full manual controls, shooting mode and exposure compensation dials, built-in OLED EVF with 2,360K dots, 3-inch tilting LCD touchscreen with 1.04million dots, pop-up flash and hot-shoe, DIGIC 6 processor, wi-fi and NFC connectivity, ISO range of 100-12800, full HD movie recording, 14-bit RAW image capture, 31 AF points, focus peaking function, 5.9fps burst shooting, and a lens control ring. The Canon Powershot G5 X is available in black priced at £629.99/€899.99/$749.99.
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https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_powershot_g5_x_review

Mondaine Helvetica 1 Smart review: One seriously stylish activity tracker

Mondaine Helvetica 1 Smart review: One seriously stylish activity tracker

Wearables, , , , , ,

Mondaine, the famous Swiss watch maker, has entered the world ofsmartwatches with the Helvetica 1 Smart, a device that offers a smart yet fully analogue experience. Similar to the Withings Activite, the Helvetica 1 Smart bundles an activity tracker and sleep-tracking smarts within a luxury design, avoiding the end result being some sort of plasticky monstrosity that sits on your wrist. This is a smartwatch that looks like a normal, “proper” watch.
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https://www.pocket-lint.com/fitness-trackers/reviews/135987-mondaine-helvetica-1-smart-review-one-seriously-stylish-activity-tracker

ProAc Studio 118 review

ProAc Studio 118 review

Audio & Video,

Look at Lionel Messi. Universally regarded as one of the best footballers on the planet, yet, with his short stature, sizeable conk and schoolboy haircut, he’s otherwise about as ordinary-looking a chap you’re likely to see this side of a geography classroom.

We’ll let you fill in the blanks before this metaphor becomes even more laboured, but the point we’re trying to make is that you underestimate the ProAc Studio 118 speakers at your peril.

Give these standmount speakers a bit of space, the offset tweeters on the inside and angled slightly towards the listening position, and around 24 hours to run-in and you’ll know what we mean.
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https://www.whathifi.com/proac/studio-118/review

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 S first-drive

Cars, , , ,

On road or on track, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 S is ready to thrill the thrill seekers. It’s a beast – 503 horsepower does the trick there – but one that’s also refined; more than track-capable yet finessed in so many ways that it could well be the perfect road-going sports coupe.

 

Since it doesn’t go on sale stateside until sometime next summer, I took a long trek to Malaga, Spain courtesy of Mercedes-AMG for some quality time. It would be my second chance to tackle Ascari Circuit, a brutally technical course with 26 turns spread over 3.36 miles. Perhaps sensibly, Mercedes-AMG sent us out on the track before letting us loose and on our merry way around the city streets and back roads of Spain. Certainly the C63 S can satisfy any “need for speed” you might have, but getting it out of my system meant I could more fully appreciate what the car has to offer on the road.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-mercedes-amg-c63-s-first-drive-05416473/