Monthly Archives: January 2016

Microsoft adds new Surface Pro and Book SKUs, and a gold Surface Pen

Microsoft adds new Surface Pro and Book SKUs, and a gold Surface Pen

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

If you’ve been eying either Microsoft’s Surface Pro or their Surface book, but have been disappointed by the lack of horsepower under the hood, you’re in luck. Today they announced brand new versions that pack the biggest punch, both to your power needs, and your wallet.

Starting today, you’ll be able to find the Surface Book with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a discrete GPU. Of course, you’ll need to trade in an arm and a leg to get it. The price of this high-end configuration is a whopping $3,200.
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https://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-adds-new-surface-pro-and-book-skus-and-a-gold-surface-pen-22423987/

HTC M10 to come with 2 CPU variants but only after MWC

HTC M10 to come with 2 CPU variants but only after MWC

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

By now, CES 2016 is history, so naturally almost everyone is setting their gaze on MWC 2016 in February. But you know who isn’t? HTC, that’s who. That is, if rumors of its not so enthusiastic plans for its next flagship smartphone have any ring of truth. While its other rivals, like Samsung and LG, are always on the rumor mill, HTC’s One M10, also called elsewhere as the “Perfume”, is as elusive as a unicorn when it comes to MWC news. And that’s probably because, according to sources, it will be waiting until after MWC to unveil it.
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https://www.slashgear.com/htc-m10-to-come-with-2-cpu-variants-but-only-after-mwc-21423935/

Garmin quatix 3 Marine GPS smartwatches are perfect for pirates

Garmin quatix 3 Marine GPS smartwatches are perfect for pirates

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Garmin has rolled out a new smartwatch aimed at people who spend a lot of time on the water. The new smartwatch is called the quatix 3 and it is a marine focused watch that has cruising, fishing, and sailing capabilities. The watch has sunlight-readable high-resolution color display and comes loaded with features that are specifically marine in nature.

The watch does support smart notifications to make it useful on land as well. Quatix 3 has full navigational and marine tools and is a wearable instrument that streams NMEA 2000 boat data to give users access to sensor information.
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https://www.slashgear.com/garmin-quatix-3-marine-gps-smartwatches-are-perfect-for-pirates-22423966/

Dropbox apps for Windows 10 PCs and tablets unveiled

Dropbox apps for Windows 10 PCs and tablets unveiled

Computers & IT, Tablets, , , ,

Dropbox has announced an expanded partnership with Microsoft that has resulted in a new Windows 10 app designed specifically for tablets and PCs. The new Windows 10 app will be available in the Windows Store some time very soon, and will bring with it a variety of expected and improved features for searching, sharing, and storing, among other things.

Dropbox and Microsoft announced the expanded partnership and new Dropbox app in a statement today, with Microsoft’s Steve Guggenheimer saying, “With the arrival of Dropbox, Windows 10 fans have easy and convenient access to photos, documents, and files anytime, anywhere.”
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https://www.slashgear.com/dropbox-apps-for-windows-10-pcs-and-tablets-unveiled-21423887/

Fender in-ear headphones series arrives with 5 models

Fender in-ear headphones series arrives with 5 models

Audio & Video, Wearables, ,

Fender has announced the arrival of its first in-ear headphones, a new product it has rolled out for the 2016 year. Officially called the Fender Pro In-Ear Monitors, this series is comprised of several different earbud models, one of which has an intriguing clear housing. Though they were all launched today, some of the models are listed as “Coming Soon” on the maker’s website.

The new headphones series starts with the DXA1 earbuds, which features a translucent gray exterior shell and a silver-plated low oxygen cable. This particular model has 8.5mm titanium micro drivers and a frequency response of 14Hz to 22kHz. Features include a 116dB output at 1mW, the promise of distortion-free audio, and a low-profile design that fits 95-percent within one’s ears.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fender-in-ear-headphones-series-arrives-with-5-models-21423906/

Xiaomi Mi 5 leaks hint at laser guided AF, IR blaster

Xiaomi Mi 5 leaks hint at laser guided AF, IR blaster

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Althought literally dozens, if not hundreds, of smartphones come out of China every year, few ever reach international distinction, even if not internationally available, as Xiaomi’s flagships.

The Chinese manufacturer’s fatal combination of mid to high range specs and dirt cheap prices produces devices that sell out in just minutes. Every year, Xiaomi gets closer and closer to premium specs, and the upcoming Mi 5 might not disappoint. That said, it is also getting closer and closer to premium pricing, which might turn off a few fans.
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https://www.slashgear.com/arm-outs-4k-capable-mali-dp650-mobile-graphics-chip-21423804/

ARM outs 4K-capable Mali-DP650 mobile graphics chip

ARM outs 4K-capable Mali-DP650 mobile graphics chip

Wearables, , , , , , ,

Has the 4K trend really reached the mobile industry? Well, yes and no, depending on what you mean. It might still be a while before something like theSony Xperia Z5 Premium becomes commonplace, but dealing with 4K content, especially videos, is going to become more regular. That is why ARM is announcing early a new mobile graphics chip, the Mali-DP650, that is designed from the get go to handle 4K content, not only on a device’s screen itself but streaming to an external display as well.
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https://www.slashgear.com/arm-outs-4k-capable-mali-dp650-mobile-graphics-chip-21423804/

2017 Audi R8, a road car with a racing DNA, gets a price tag

2017 Audi R8, a road car with a racing DNA, gets a price tag

Wearables, , , , ,

Audi has just revealed the pricing details for its latest R8 road car. That in itself is already great news for Audi’s fans and car fans in general. But even better is the fact that those who willing to put that much money on a 2017 Audi R8 or, better yet, its V10 Plus sibling, won’t just be getting the latest generation of a well-known model. They will be getting a road car whose DNA is mixed with race car performance. And not just from the original R8 prototype that broke records at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but, even closer, from the R8 LMS race car with which it share a lot more than engine in common.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-audi-r8-a-road-car-with-a-racing-dna-gets-a-price-tag-21423824/

HP offers students a budget-friendly Chromebook 11 G4 EE

HP offers students a budget-friendly Chromebook 11 G4 EE

Wearables, , , , , , ,

The low-resource, low-cost Chromebooks were initially designed for use cases that didn’t exactly require a lot of computing power but still needed the basics, including connecting to the Internet. In other words, while Chromebooks might not make much sense for power users, they shine bright inside classrooms. Adding to the growing roster of Chromebooks designed for schools, HP has unveiled the Education Edition or EE of its Chromebook 11 G4, with a price and ruggedness that any student of any age can handle.
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https://www.slashgear.com/hp-offers-students-a-budget-friendly-chromebook-11-g4-ee-21423795/

First iOS app dev center opens in Europe

First iOS app dev center opens in Europe

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Apple has announced that it has opened its very first iOS app development center in Europe. The goal of the center is to help students learn how to create apps for the Apple ecosystem of devices. The iOS App Development Center will be located at a partner institution in Naples, Italy.

Apple says that the center will support teachers and offer a specialized curriculum preparing thousands of future developers to be part of Apple’s developer community. Apple also plans to work with partners in Italy to develop training to go along with the curriculum and to create more opportunities for students.
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https://www.slashgear.com/iloud-micro-monitor-is-a-portable-studio-reference-monitors-21423833/

Why VR is the future of gaming, Part 1: Oculus Rift and Bullet Train

Why VR is the future of gaming, Part 1: Oculus Rift and Bullet Train

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Earlier this month I was with the rest of the SlashGear team at CES, and as you no doubt saw, VR had a big presence at the show. I was able to test out various VR offerings from different companies. Everything from Google Cardboard up to the Oculus Rift. While I enjoyed trying different things out, it wasn’t until the last hour I was at the show that I began to truly understand just how much VR will change the way we play games.
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https://www.slashgear.com/iloud-micro-monitor-is-a-portable-studio-reference-monitors-21423833/

iLoud Micro Monitor speakers: portable studio reference monitors

iLoud Micro Monitor speakers: portable studio reference monitors

Wearables, , , ,

Music fans and audiophiles who want to be able to hear all the nuances of their favorite tracks will want to check out the new iLoud Micro Monitor speakersfrom IK Multimedia. They claim to be the smallest active studio reference monitoring system in the world. The monitors have a pair of bi-amplified speakers designed to deliver an expansive stereo image.

The speakers deliver linear frequency response with improved bass and power in a small and portable package. The speakers are powered by four class D amps pushing a combined 50 W RMS. Each of the speakers has a 3/4-inch silk dome tweeter, 3-inch paper cone performance woofer, and a flared front firing bass port.
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https://www.slashgear.com/iloud-micro-monitor-is-a-portable-studio-reference-monitors-21423833/

Leica X-U (Typ 113) is maker’s first rugged waterproof camera

Leica X-U (Typ 113) is maker’s first rugged waterproof camera

Wearables, , , , ,

Leica has announced its new Leica X-U (Typ 113) camera designed for tough outdoors conditions. The camera was designed for adventure, according to Leica, while still providing high-end quality. This is the company’s first camera designed specifically for underwater and outdoor use — it is completely waterproof to depths down to 15 meters. The camera is available as of today.

We’d heard rumor that Leica was working on a durable and waterproof camera which would, presumably, give some of the bigger competitors in the outdoors-centric part of the industry a reason to worry. Leica made that camera official in recent hours without too much fanfare, and the price is lower than many had anticipated at £2,400.
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https://www.slashgear.com/leica-x-u-typ-113-is-makers-first-rugged-waterproof-camera-20423767/

Ford Focus door latch issue catches NHTSA attention

Ford Focus door latch issue catches NHTSA attention

Wearables, , , , ,

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will investigate an issue affecting 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles that, at times, could prevent the doors from latching properly. The issue is said to affect about 400,000 of the vehicles, and according to some drivers, has at times manifested while the cars are in motion. The NHTSA revealed its plans in new documents released today; this is a similar probe to the one that ultimately lead to Ford and Lincoln recalls in 2015.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ford-focus-door-latch-issue-catches-nhtsa-attention-20423806/

GarageBand 2.1 for iOS adds Live Loops and 3D Touch

GarageBand 2.1 for iOS adds Live Loops and 3D Touch

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

Apple’s mobile music-making app, GarageBand for iOS, is getting an upgrade, adding 3D Touch support and Beat Machine-style Live Loops. The headline feature for the new app, GarageBand 2.1, takes drum machines virtual with a grid of instruments that can be simply tapped on and off to trigger loops and samples.

That’s something we’ve seen from various DJ hardware controllers before, not to mention dedicated Beat Machines from Roland and similar samplers from other manufacturers. What Apple brings to the table – aside from the fact that GarageBand is still a free download – is some sync smarts.
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https://www.slashgear.com/garageband-2-1-for-ios-adds-live-loops-and-3d-touch-20423693/

2014 Yamaha Viking EPS First Ride Review

2014 Yamaha Viking EPS First Ride Review

Cars, ,

Yamaha turned the utility market on its ear and put other ATV manufacturers back on their heels in 2004 with the introduction of the Rhino 660. Before then side-by-sides we pure work machines with low-tech suspension and even lower tech engines. The Rhino opened up the possibility of enjoying the trails after working all day on the ranch or job site with a high performance engine and four-wheel independent suspension. Since then the Rhino received a larger engine displacement and a host of updates, but it remained basically the same machine as other brands leap-frogged the original recreational utility machine with more power and capacities. Ten years on, the Rhino has now reached the end of its run as the 2014 Viking takes the torch offering the same formula of work capability and trail prowess while offering more in every aspect.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

Vespa GTS 300 Scooter Review

Vespa GTS 300 Scooter Review

Cars, , , , ,

Outside a civic disaster like a transit strike, many motorcyclists just find it more convenient to not ride to work. I’m not judging you, even though I am on the Ride to Work Advisory Board and therefore must advise you to, um… ride to work. But many of you ride specialized motorcycles that just aren’t suited to riding through commuter traffic, especially traffic thickened by the cornstarch of an extra 400,000 disgruntled ex-subway riders stuck in their cages. That 600-pound adventure bike is just right for a weekend trip to Nevada, and your MV Agusta F4 carves up Laguna Seca like a hot poker through polenta, but lane-splitting for 10 miles in 90-degree weather? No, grazie.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS First Ride Review

2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS First Ride Review

Cars, , , , ,

Do you like the speed and look of a sportbike but are fed up with the hunkered down seating position and limited touring capabilities? Kawasaki may have the answer with its 2014 Ninja 1000 ABS ($11,999). Designed with a long pour of sport on top of a shot of touring, this sport-sport-tourer makes racking up miles easier and cozier than ever before. For ’14 the motorcycle gets some powertrain refinements as well as traction control and easy-to-use removable hard bags, all outlined in the 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS First Look article.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 Suzuki RM-Z250 First Ride Review

2014 Suzuki RM-Z250 First Ride Review

Cars, , , , , ,

Since releasing its RM-Z250 seven years ago, Suzuki prefers developing its 250-class motocross racer through steady improvements rather than full-on redesigns. And considering engineers gave it a healthy dose of chassis and powertrain updates earlier this year the Japanese motorcycle brand has elected to leave well enough alone on its 2014 Suzuki RM-Z250 ($7599). Aside from graphics and a re-flashed computer it is the same as the ’13 model.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 Yamaha FZ-09 First Ride Review

2014 Yamaha FZ-09 First Ride Review

Cars, ,

Dodging past the edge of the cable car, I pull in the Yamaha FZ-09 clutch and start to tip-toe down Lombard Street. Tourists line the famed thoroughfare, now gawking as our noisy 10-rider troop descend San Francisco’s curviest street. Lombard makes for a memorable route, but so do the rest of SF’s byways. Clogged traffic, chaotic intersections, freeway interchanges, the imposing contours of its hilly topography, assorted potholes and chuckholes, grooved trolley tracks… trolley tracks!
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 Can-Am Maverick Max X rs First Ride Review

2014 Can-Am Maverick Max X rs First Ride Review

Cars, ,

When Can-Am introduced the four-seat version of its high performance sport side-by-side, the Maverick Max, at the 2012 Sand Sports Show it was a serious tease. The Max looked to be a serious threat to the Polaris RZR XP 4 900 claims as the fastest family wagon on the trails. But we would have to wait a year until it was ready to be released to the general public. It’s now here and ready to unleash 101 horsepower four-up fun. We assumed it would be worth the wait, but our expectations were high considering how much fun we had in the two-seat version in the 2013 Can-Am Maverick X rs First Ride.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 Honda Rancher ATV First Ride Review

2014 Honda Rancher ATV First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

For 2014, Honda has revised its Rancher utility quad with a host of refinements that make one of the best-selling utility quads even better. How much better is it? What exactly did Honda do besides update the plastics and graphics? Let’s find out…The 420cc liquid-cooled engine fires to life without hesitation thanks to the reliable EFI system. Honda also worked hard to reduce vibrations and give the Rancher a more solid feel for riders.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 Ducati 899 Panigale First Ride Review

2014 Ducati 899 Panigale First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Not every rider needs a 200 horsepower Superbike on the street. That’s why Ducati created the 899 Panigale. With a more manageable engine size and attractive price tag (starting at $14,995), the 899 opens up the Ducati superbike experience to a bigger audience. But can the Junior Panigale deliver the thrilling experience of its bigger Twin?

THE DIFFERENCES

It’s obvious by the way it looks that the 899 shares a lot in common with its bolder brother. So much so that it’s easier to note the differences than to write about the new features. (If you’re not up to speed on the Panigale platform’s tech details check out the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale First Look and the Ducati 1199 Panigale Superquadro Engine Info. Another great reference is the 2014 Ducati 899 Panigale First Look article).
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

Suzuki GW250 First Ride Review

Suzuki GW250 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Entry-level motorcycles have gained traction in the recent years, as manufacturers court new ridership with affordable, small-displacement mounts that still deliver practical performance.Suzuki Motor Company adds another entry to the class with its all-new GW250 naked standard. Suzuki chose the AIMExpo in Orlando to give the media its first sampling of the GW, with MotoUSA along for the ride.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/

Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 review: iPad mini rival running Android or Windows is a bargain

Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 review: iPad mini rival running Android or Windows is a bargain

Tablets, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Xiaomi products aren’t easily come by in the UK but the firm is making a name for itself by making top-spec devices at budget prices. With Apple setting the standard for many the Chinese latest tablet is its answer for theiPad mini. Here’s our Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 review.

To whet your appetite, the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is a 7.9in high resolution tablet with a metal design, Intel Atom processor and runs Android or Windows. It may mirror the iPad mini in many ways but it’s much more affordable, starting at just £144/$204. But can Xiaomi really offer a decent alternative to Apple at such a low price?
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Oculus Rift v HTC Vive: Which high end VR headset is worth your cash?

Oculus Rift vs. HTC Vive: Which high end VR headset is worth your cash?

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

If you’re a gamer and looking to get into VR this year, there’s one big question you should be asking yourself: Oculus Rift orHTC Vive?

OK, OK, there’s another potential question – PlayStation VR or PC VR? But assuming you don’t own a PS4, this is the versus for you. We will compare the two headsets, based on multiple demos with each one, in terms of design, displays, hardware, tracking, controllers, audios and games. We’ll also factor in price and release dates.
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https://www.wareable.com/vr/oculus-rift-vs-htc-vive-887

Nikon D5 vs D4s Specifications Comparison

Nikon D5 vs D4s Specifications Comparison

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

Here is a quick review and comparison for the Nikon D5 vs D4s DSLR cameras with full-frame image sensors.

To see the difference between Nikon D5 vs D4s FX-format digital SLR cameras we have put together Nikon D5 vs D4s specs comparison table below.

Nikon D5 flagship DSLR camera $6,499.95 – (Amazon | B&H | Adorama) features a 20.8-megapixel FX sensor, a 153-point AF module with 99 cross-hatched focus sensors, a maximum shooting speed of 14fps at full resolution (12fps with AF), as well as 4K movie recording capabilities. See the offcial announcement.
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https://www.dailycameranews.com/

Suzuki DR-Z400SM First Ride Review

Suzuki DR-Z400SM First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

The list of factory-equipped supermoto motorcycles in the US is short, real short.

Really, one model doesn’t a list make; the Suzuki DR-Z400SM is the only option for those looking for fat-laced wheels, sticky meats and lowered suspension. Suzuki cut the SM from its line in 2009, but now it’s back with bold new graphics for 2013. Here at MotoUSA we are excited for its return and recently procured a unit for some corner hacking fun.
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https://www.motorcycle.com/