Monthly Archives: January 2016

2014 Yamaha Super Tenere ES First Ride Review

January 18, 2016CarsFIRST RIDE, review, Yamaha

Three years after diving into the American adventure-touring segment, Yamaha makes sensible updates to its capable Super Tenere (starting at $15,090 plus $957.98 with side hard cases). Yamaha’s top-of-the-line, touring-ready dual-sport gets a short list of enhancements for greater function both on the road and where the pavement ends.

According to Yamaha U.S. only 12% of Super Teneres are ridden off-road, so it makes sense that the motorcycle is engineered primarily for road duty—an area in which it excels. The reshaped windscreen and lower chin deflector pay big dividends, offering a quiet and turbulent-free environment at the controls. The height of the windscreen can be adjusted without tools; however the design is clumsy and cannot be manipulated unless you dismount the motorcycle.
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2014 Honda Valkyrie First Ride Review

January 18, 2016Carsbike, FIRST RIDE, healthy, Honda, kick, review, Sharp, surge

Gratification is immediate, an orchestra of 40mm throttle bodies and six fuel injectors synchronized with the twists of my right wrist, the hit of torque urgent, six cylinders operating in harmony to spin the 180mm patch of Dunlop rubber behind me.

The initial surge continues throughout the Valkyrie’s powerband, smooth and linear until a healthy midrange punch around 4200 rpm provides extra kick. As the road to Idyllwild, California, climbs up and through the San Jacinto Mountains, the Valkyrie’s low-slung Flat Six keeps the center of gravity down and transitions are swift and sharp through the switchbacks and sweepers. The ease at which the Valkyrie is swinging side-to-side matches the bike’s sure-footedness as we test lean angles up the mountain, the next-gen Valkyrie hustling up the grade with an ease none of its forebears could match.
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2014 BMW R1200RT First Ride Review

January 18, 2016CarsBlizzard, BMW, FIRST RIDE, review

Arizona and snowstorms don’t quite compute in my brain. But gliding through Oak Creek Canyon, between Flagstaff and Sedona, it’s definitely snow that I am wiping off my visor. Thick white flakes drape the entire windscreen on my BMW R1200RT, as our press ride charges through a brief blizzard. By all rights, I should be freezing, confirmed by the ambient air temperature reading on the Beemer’s dash. Instead I’m actually turning down the heated grips to an intermediate setting, because concealed behind the RT’s fairing and adjustable windscreen, I am as cozy as can be.
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2014 Beta 450 RR First Ride Review

January 18, 2016Carsbike, FIRST RIDE, KTM, review

I was on my way to the Best in the Desert Nevada 200 Trail Ride, and was passing the time during the long lonely drive by talking to my brother on the phone. He asked what bike I would be riding there and I said the 2014 Beta 450 RR. “A what? Beta? What the hell is that, some no-name Euro bike? You couldn’t get a KTM?” replied my often-uncouth sibling. “Sounds like you are not going to have any fun. Good luck with that.”
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2014 Harley SuperLow 1200T First Ride Review

January 18, 2016Carsbike, FIRST RIDE, Motor, review, tracker

With a history stretching over 50 years, Harley’s Sportster has been lauded for its versatility, from street tracker to café racer to bobbers and choppers. For 1977 Daytona 200 winner and respected motojournalist Cook Neilson, it was a 160-mph drag bike. The Sportster also endeared itself to Nielson as a touring machine, one he happily explored the country on. He’s not alone as riders have been outfitting Sportsters for touring duty for a long time, opting for the lither handling the narrow-framed Sportster offers over a heavier, Big Twin-powered Harley. Instead of having to piece-meal parts together to complete the transition to Sportster tourer, The Motor Company has done the work for you with the release of its 2014 SuperLow 1200T.
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Lenovo Ideapad 300S Review

January 17, 2016Computers & ITideapad, laptop, Laptops, Lenovo, notebook, review, touchpad

Considering that the average price for a laptop is less than $500, it’s surprising that you often have to pay twice that amount for a device with superior build quality and solid performance. The Lenovo Ideapad 300S is a 14-inch notebook that, at $529.99, feels surprisingly premium for its price, with a colorful red design, a sturdy chassis and a responsive keyboard-touchpad combo. Despite its snazzy look and feel, the 300S’ performance and battery life are squarely average. However, they should be good enough for most users and are consistent with those of other laptops in this price range.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-300s

Axis Vidius Drone Review

January 17, 2016Wearablescamera, drone, drones, review, video

Axis claims the Vidius is the world’s smallest drone to offer a first-person view. The Vidius gives you a drone’s-eye view by packing both a camera and a Wi-Fi connection into its tiny body. That means you get a fun little drone that can record video while still weighing less than 0.6 ounces. And, at $95 (or $75, if you preorder it before Jan. 29), it is a cheap intro to the world of video drones.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/axis-vidius-drone,review-3329.html

Logitech G502 Proteus Core Gaming Mouse Review

January 17, 2016Wearablesgaming, gaming mouse, headset, Logitech, peripherals, review

UPDATE: In January 2016, Logitech released the Proteus Spectrum, an updated version of the Proteus Core with full 16.8-million-color RGB backlighting. Aside from the illumination and a few blue highlights on the mouse itself, the Proteus Spectrum is exactly the same as its Core predecessor, right down to the G502 model number and the price. I don’t have a particular recommendation between the two, since they’re nearly identical. For those who own other Logitech peripherals, though, it’s worth noting that the Proteus Spectrum can sync with the company’s RGB gaming products, such as the Orion Spark keyboard and the Atlas Spectrum headset.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/logitech-g502-proteus-core,review-2138.html

2014 Royal Enfield Continental GT First Ride Review

January 16, 2016Carsbike, FIRST RIDE, review

For many, fun, practicality, and freedom are the building blocks of motorcycling— and that’s what Royal Enfield entices American motorcyclists with its affordable Continental GT ($5999). This Indian-built bike blends the nostalgic look and feel of a vintage cafe racer with modern features including fuel-injection and disc brakes, offering riders the best of both worlds
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2014 Genuine Stella Automatic Scooter Review

January 16, 2016Carsclassic, review, scooter, Vespa

To be genuine, you can’t just look like the real thing – you have to actually be the real thing. And if you accept Genuine Scooters’ premise that its Stella steel-bodied scooter is the timeless heir of the classic Italian steel-bodied scooter tradition, this Indian-built Italian-esque scooter is as real as it gets. The only problem is the prior model Stella I tested for MotoUSA back in 2010used a hand-shifted four-speed manual transmission, a high barrier to entry for many scooter buyers. In fact, the Stella was the last scooter I can think of that offered a clutch and manual gearbox aside from the limited-edition PX125 Vespa offered until fairly recently.
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2014 EBR 1190RX First Ride Review

January 16, 2016Carscarbon, Evolution, FIRST RIDE, hardware, Harley-Davidson, race, racing, review, superbike

After a six-year hiatus, America is back in the Superbike arms race with the Erik Buell Racing 1190RX ($18,995). The 1190 is the evolution of the defunct Buell 1125R platform that was abruptly shut down by then parent company, Harley-Davidson. The RX is based off EBR’s limited-edition and carbon fiber-clad $46,495 RS, only with a host of re-engineered hardware, and most importantly, a more lucrative price tag.
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Harley-Davidson LiveWire First Ride Review

January 16, 2016Carselectric, FIRST RIDE, Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson LiveWire, review, steam

The first machine you see walking into the Harley-Davidson of New York showroom is steam-powered. It’s an industrial-strength cappuccino machine. It’s a caffeinated town, for sure.

But today the buzz is all about the electric-powered bikes parked along the curb, being watched by the sort of vaguely menacing minders whose job it is usually to protect visiting celebrities from paparazzi.
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2014 Honda VFR Interceptor First Ride Review

January 16, 2016Carsbike, FIRST RIDE, Honda, review

The VFR800 is a cultish bike, with a loyal following. It’s a motorcycling tribe enamored by the V-Four engine, and Honda’s history behind it.

But these hard-core VFR enthusiasts have been left wanting in recent years, at least in the US, as the 800 was dropped from American Honda’s lineup in 2009. In its stead was the VFR1200 – an intriguing bike in its way, but an expensive one and not a blockbuster hit by any means. Now Big Red returns the 800 to US shores with significant revisions as the 2014 VFR Interceptor.
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Lumia 950 and 950 XL get 1yr of Office 365 Personal

January 15, 2016Wearableshardware, Lumia, mac, Microsoft, Mission, mobile, PC, Slashgear, tablet, Windows, Windows 10

Microsoft is hawking Office 365 Personal with the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, doing so to show off “the power of Windows 10.” Those who pick up a Lumia 950 or 950 XL will also be able to use Office 365 Personal on their Mac, PC, or tablet, making it easier to swap files between devices and open them regardless of which bit of hardware is on hand at the moment.

The Lumia 950 and its bigger sibling, the 950 XL, are the most powerful Windows smartphones out there at the moment, and Microsoft is keen to make sure its users utilize it to the fullest. Part of that mission involves getting users on its mobile Office apps, and that’s why it will now be giving away a year of Office 365 Personal with new phone purchases.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lumia-950-and-950-xl-get-1yr-of-office-365-personal-14423262/

The first 2016 Ford Focus RS is ready (and we can’t wait)

January 15, 2016WearablesBMW, experience, Ford, Ford Focus, Ford Focus RS, healthy, HP, Slashgear

It’s really coming. Ford’s very first 2016 Focus RS production car has rolled off the line, and it’s making our palms itch to get out to the track. Offering hot-hatch fans a slightly tamer, considerably more affordable version of the driving experience Ford is promising from the GT, it’ll be the fastest accelerating car from the blue badge company to wear the RS label.

That’s courtesy of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which is good for a healthy 350 HP and a 0-62 mph run in 4.7 seconds. That’s only 0.2s slower than the manual BMW M2 just announced in Detroit, but for a whole $17k less.
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https://www.slashgear.com/the-first-2016-ford-focus-rs-is-ready-and-we-cant-wait-15423326/

Roccat Renga stereo gaming headset launches in February

January 15, 2016Audio & Video, Wearablesaudio, Europe, experience, gaming, headset, mobile, music, Playstation, Playstation 4, Slashgear, stereo

Roccat has taken the wraps off its new Renga stereo headset for gamers. The German manufacturer says its new headset is compatible with PCs and tablets, as well as mobile devices and the PlayStation 4, among other things. The headset is scheduled to launch late next month in the United States and Europe for $49.99 USD (and Euro).

The new Roccat Renga headset features 50mm neodymium drivers in each of the ear cups, with Roccat saying the drivers have been “optimally aligned” for a dynamic and immersive music and audio experience that includes deep bass response and “crisp trebles.”
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https://www.slashgear.com/roccat-renga-stereo-gaming-headset-launches-in-february-14423208/

Compromised smartwatches can glean your PIN code

January 15, 2016WearablesFate, Slashgear, smartwatch, tablet, wearable

Some institutions, like schools, have banned the use of smartwatches because of their ability to spy and cheat but there might be a worse scenario that involves these wearable devices (unless you’re like Hermione who thinks expulsion is a fate worse than death). According to researcher Tony Beltramelli, a smartwatch’s motion sensors can be used together with a Deep Learning program in order to interpret the wearer’s hand movements when entering a PIN on a 12-digit keypad, whether it be a physical one like an ATM or a virtual one on a phone or tablet.
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Cadillac delays CT6 Super Cruise to avoid Tesla controversy [Updated]

January 15, 2016Wearablesautomotive, autonomous, Cadillac, luxury, Model S, model x, Slashgear, software, Tesla

Cadillac will delay one of the flagship features on its new CT6 luxury sedan, deeming Super Cruise not ready in time for the car’s fall 2016 release. The technology is Cadillac’s own take on semi-autonomous driver assistance, combining adaptive cruise control with active lane-keeping, similar to what Tesla pushed out to the Model S and Model X EVs in a software update as Autopilot.

Where Tesla was content to label Autopilot a beta and warn owners of its cars that they should still remain vigilant, Cadillac says it won’t release a thing until it’s entirely confident.

“Getting the technology right and doing it safely is most important, so the exact month of introduction cannot be announced at this time,” the company told Automotive News at the NAIAS this week.
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https://www.slashgear.com/cadillac-delays-ct6-super-cruise-to-avoid-tesla-controversy-14423163/

Samsung 14nm LPP process used on Exynos 8 Octa, Snapdragon 820

January 15, 2016Wearablesexynos, processor, Qualcomm, Samsung, Slashgear, Snapdragon

Samsung has just revealed more details about its newest top of the line processor, the Exynos 8 Octa. The chip already has the distinction of being the OEM’s first integrated one-chip solution. Now Samsung is braging about the manufacturing technology behind the chip. To be specific, the new 14 nanometer FinFET Low Power Plus (LPP) process it uses promises even greater savings in energy without gimping on processing power. Interestingly, Samsung also took the opportunity to publicly confirm that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 indeed uses this Samsung process.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-14nm-lpp-process-used-on-exynos-8-octa-snapdragon-820-13423118/

dokiWatch is an advanced smartwatch for kids

January 15, 2016Wearables3g, fitness, kids, nature, Slashgear, smartwatch, video, watch, wearable, wearables

Most wearables for kids are limited in functionality, and often revolve around tracking for the parents’ peace of mind. dokiWatch is different — it features more advanced features, including fitness tracking, calling functionality, and an electronic pet to care for. The watch includes a kid-friendly design, as well, able to withstand the rough-and-tumble nature of childhood.

The dokiWatch is designed for children 6 to 12 years old, and is said to be the first 3G-enabled wearable of its kind. Kids are able to make voice calls and video calls through the watch, and can send messages and an SOS alert to a parent or caregiver.
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https://www.slashgear.com/dokiwatch-is-an-advanced-smartwatch-for-kids-13423117/

Nikon Coolpix A100 and A10 cameras pack 5x optical zoom and slim bodies

January 15, 2016Wearablescamera, lens, Nikon, Nikon COOLPIX, Nikon Coolpix A100, optical, Slashgear

Nikon has unveiled a pair of new digital point and shoot cameras that put decent features into compact bodies. The cameras include the Coolpix A100 and Coolpix A10. The A100 has a resolution of 20.1MP and has a 5x optical zoom lens. The zoom range can be increased to 10x when Dynamic Fine Zoom is used, which is a fancy name for digital zoom.

The lens in the A100 is a Nikkor covering 26mm to 130mm. The body of the camera is very slim measuring 19.8mm thick and weighing in at 119g. It has a bunch of automatic settings to make shooting images easy to do including a Scene Auto Selector.
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https://www.slashgear.com/nikon-coolpix-a100-and-a10-cameras-pack-5x-optical-zoom-and-slim-bodies-14423150/

Will better speakers redeem iPhone 7’s missing headphone jack?

January 15, 2016WearablesApple, audio, headphone, iOS, iphone, iPhone 7, Slashgear, speakers

Depending on who you speak to, the idea of an iPhone 7 without a headphone jack is either a travesty or the logical next step for Apple. Cupertino lips are still sealed as to whether the upcoming iOS flagship will indeed do away with the familiar 3.5mm socket – and throw a huge accessory market into disarray in the process – but a newly-spotted patent could detail some of the payoff.

Titled “Audio port configuration for compact electronic devices” and spotted by 9to5Mac, the patent describes different ways by which a small gadget – like an iPhone – could boost its audio output.
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https://www.slashgear.com/will-better-speakers-redeem-iphone-7s-missing-headphone-jack-13423077/

Google Cardboard adds spatial sound for more immersive VR

January 15, 2016Wearables3D, audio, cardboard, Google, headphones, Slashgear, virtual reality, VR

Google’s virtual reality Cardboard platform is getting even more immersive, with support for spatial sound. The latest addition to the Cardboard API, spatial sound will allow developers to position audio in 3D space around the viewer, even though they’re only using a regular pair of headphones.

That’s because of the way the audio is modeled in virtual space, and the understanding the APIs have of how the human head deals with noise. For instance, a sound that emanates from your right side will reach your left ear not only with a slight delay, but will have had some of its higher-frequency elements dampened by the skull in-between.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-cardboard-adds-spatial-sound-for-more-immersive-vr-13423072/

Lumia 520 modded to include huge Wi-Fi antenna, CPU fan

January 15, 2016Wearableshardware, Lumia, mod, PC, Slashgear, smartphone, software

Smartphones are often called “computers in our pocket”, mostly because of how capable they are today compared to yesteryear’s hulking boxes. But if so, should we be even surprised if someone took pains to mod one like a PC? Well, we definitely should be in this case. While most mods involve changing a smartphone’s appearance or just software, a certain Mark, a.k.a. Core Down, went the extra mile to mod the hardware too. To the point that he adds a ridiculously big Wi-Fi antenna and a contrastingly small CPU fan on a Lumia 520.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lumia-520-modded-to-include-huge-wi-fi-antenna-cpu-fan-13423001/

Fujifilm X-Pro2 arrives with world’s first Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder

January 15, 2016Wearablescamera, classic, Fujifilm, hybrid, optical, rugged, sd, SD Card, sensor, Slashgear

At long last, after four years of waiting, fans of Fujifilm’s first X-Pro now have a success to salivate after. The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is indeed finally here and boasts of features that leaks have not been able to get whiff of.

Along with the dual SD card slots and 24 megapixel sensor, the X-Pro2 comes with what Fujifilm claims to be the world’s first Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, effectively combining the best of electronic and optical viewfinders, allowing users to switch between the two seamlessly as they prefer or need. All of these wrapped inside a rugged body with a classic camera design.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fujifilm-x-pro2-arrives-with-worlds-first-advanced-hybrid-multi-viewfinder-15423277/

Samsung KNOX gets fit for government use in China, France

January 15, 2016WearablesChina, enterprise, government, mobile, Samsung, security, Slashgear

Along with the enterprise, mobile device and platform makers have always set their eyes on government certification and accreditation.

For one, the public sector usually purchases devices in bulk or at least in groups, making them somewhat a lucrative customer. For another, an official thumbs up from governments boosts confidence in the brand. Samsung KNOX, the Korean OEM’s official mobile security platform, received just that not from one but two countries, in France and China. Naturally, Samsung is only too happy to boast about how secure KNOX and, by extension, its devices really are.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-knox-gets-fit-for-government-use-in-china-france-15423301/

Remix OS is now ready to run on your PC (or Mac)

January 15, 2016WearablesAMD, android, desktop, Intel, mac, operating system, PC, Slashgear

If you’ve ever wondered what Android would look and feel like as a regular desktop operating system, now you can give your imagination a break. Chinese company Jide has delivered its promised Remix OS 2.0 for PCs, Macs, and practically anything that runs on an x86 chip, which covers both Intel and AMD. Jide has retrofitted Android into a form that more closely resembles a traditional desktop. And while it does succeed in that to some extent and definitely does better than other similar attempts, Remix OS for PC is still marked as Alpha and will have a bug or two or more hiding in some corners.
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https://www.slashgear.com/remix-os-is-now-ready-to-run-on-your-pc-or-mac-13422961/

Airtop small form factor computer offers GeForce GTX 950 graphics

January 15, 2016Wearablescomputer, games, gaming, geforce, GTX, PC, Slashgear

Gamers or computer enthusiasts who want a new gaming rig with the power to run games with the power sucking settings on, but want a PC that is not a massive box that sits beside the desk may find the new Airtop to be perfect. This is a compact machine at 12″ x 10″ x 4″ and while you can get PCs that are considerably smaller, those smaller machines lack the power Airtop can bring to the desk.
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https://www.slashgear.com/airtop-small-form-factor-computer-offers-geforce-gtx-950-graphics-15423313/

Acura Precision Concept revealed to give luxe rebirth

January 15, 2016Wearables30TH ANNIVERSARY, Acura, anniversary, Honda, luxury, Slashgear

Acura is looking to get back to its “Precision Crafted Performance” roots with the new Precision Concept, a striking sedan revealed at the NAIAS 2016. Aiming to influence tomorrow’s Acura sedans – and give them a needed aggressive and distinctive boost – the bright red four-door with its B-pillarless suicide doors is no mere concept, Honda’s luxury division says, but a design study to revamp the brand on its 30th anniversary.
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https://www.slashgear.com/acura-precision-concept-revealed-to-give-luxe-rebirth-12422790/

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 is waterproof to 50-feet

January 15, 2016Wearablescamera, cmos, digital camera, Fujifilm, Fujifilm FinePix, ip68, memory, memory card, rugged, sensor, Slashgear, waterproof

Fujifilm has announced a new rugged and compact digital camera called the FinePix XP90. The hallmark features of the camera are a rugged design and compact dimensions that make it easy to carry on adventures in the outdoors. The XP90 meets IP68 standards meaning it is waterproof to 50-feet, can survive drops from 5.8-feet, and operates in temperatures as low as 14F.

The camera is also dustproof to survive dust and sand. A dual locking mechanism prevents accidental opening of the battery/memory card compartment. The sensor in the XP90 is a 1/2.3″ 16.4MP BSI CMOS sensor that promises good performance in a wide range of conditions. The camera can shoot images at up to ten frames per second in bursts at full resolution.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fujifilm-finepix-xp90-is-waterproof-to-50-feet-15423303/