Strong Galaxy S6 Sales Affect Apple’s Next iPhone Model
Posted: April 18, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Android, Apple, Galaxy S6, Google, Halo, Halo Spartan, iPhone, Microsoft, Samsung, TSMC Leave a commentThe strong pre-sales of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge may indirectly hurt future iPhone 6s sales. Bgr.com says Apple had previously announced that the new A9 processors would be built entirely by Samsung, but now Samsung may not be able to keep up with the demand as Galaxy sales pick up. Now, Apple will look to Taiwanese maker TSMC to build 30% of their processor chips. TSMC already builds chips for the present iPhones.
Google now lets you install apps directly from search on Android. According to thenextweb.com, when you search for an app, there’s an install button right with the search results that takes you directly to the Google store and downloads the app.
Microsoft has enjoyed a lot of success with their Halo game franchise. Forbes.com reports that Redmond has released Halo spinoffs for iOS, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the gamer favored Steam machines. The 3 Halo Spartan games can be bought in a bundle for $9.99 in the various app stores.
Big Savings on Moto 360 Smart Watch
Posted: April 14, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Call availability, Flat rate, Google, Moto 360, Motorola, Wireless Leave a commentMotorola’s next generation smartwatch has been spotted in the wild, and should be out shortly. Now, engadget.com says the Moto 360 has dropped to $165 at Google’s store. It’s a great looking and working Android smartwatch at 85 bucks off the regular price.
Techcrunch.com reports that Apple has patented a system that uses contextual information like current time zone, ringer silence status, battery life, location and cell network strength to let friends know you’re available for calls. Yes, it IS opt-in!
Google said last month that it was planning a small wireless service that would operate like existing carriers. According to business insider.com, you’d pay a flat rate for talk and text, and pay by the gigabyte, and could switch phones without a sim card.
Google Plans Apple Watch Access from Android
Posted: April 12, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Alibaba, Amazon, Android, Apple Watch, eBay, Excel, Google, iPhone, Microsoft, Office Remote, Paypal, Powerpoint, Shoefitr, Windows, Word, Zappos Leave a commentGoogle seems poised to pull something clever regarding the Apple Watch. Businessinsider.com notes they may be building support for the iPhone into their Android Wear smartwatch software. The present Android wear smartwatches only work with Android phones, and of course Apple Watch only talks to iPhones.
According to forbes.com, Paypal will be allowed to work with Amazon and Alibaba after the split from eBay later this year. The parent company has been positioning Paypal as a ‘true neutral third party’ to commerce and retail clients. In the short term, eBay will remain Paypal’s biggest client, however.
Microsoft has launched without fanfare a new Android app that lets you control Powerpoint presentations on a PC from your Android smartphone. Thenextweb.com reports says the Office Remote app also works with Excel and Word. The remote app has previously only been available on Windows phones.
Amazon has quietly acquired Shoefitr, a startup that uses 3D tech to help match online shoppers with shoes that will fit them better. TechCrunch.com says it’s unclear so far if they will operate it as a freestanding site, roll it into their Zappos subsidiary, or both.
New Features for Microsoft Outlook on Android & iOS
Posted: April 2, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Android, apps, Chrome, Drone, Flimmer, Google, iOS, Microsoft, Navy, Outlook Leave a commentMicrosoft has updated Outlook for both iOS and Android, according to thenextweb.com. It now shows the full blown address book, there’s a 3 day landscape view of Calendar, and you can now enter zero length meetings & cancel appointments.
Google has expanded App Runtime for Chrome, allowing all developers to make Android apps that will run on any PC or Mac with a Chrome browser. Engadget.com warns that even so, not all mobile apps will play well, but expect many to join Evernote and Vine on your desktop.
The Navy is developing a duck-like drone. Dubbed the Flimmer, engadget.com says it will fly around looking for subs, and then can poke its nose into the water for a better look. They’re trying to improve it’s ability to dive into choppy seas at this point.
Samsung Rumored to Be Looking At Buying AMD
Posted: March 29, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: AMD, cyclists, Glow in the dark, Google, Lifepaint, Microsoft, Radeon, Samsung, Search, Volvo, Yahoo Leave a commentSamsung’s future smartphones and tablets could have graphics that really scream. Geek.com says they are rumored to be about to acquire AMD…the chip and graphics card maker. The Radeon graphics card tech would be particularly appealing to Samsung. AMD also has a large patent portfolio.
Yahoo and Microsoft have agreed to a 30 day extension to the deadline to renegotiate a ten year search deal. According to reuters.com, the original 10 year deal made in 2010 allowed for changes or termination after 5 years. Even with the partnership, Google still controls about 2/3 of the search market, and both Yahoo and Microsoft have been disappointed with their combined 30 percent.
This could be an actual lifesaver for cyclists. Theverge.com reports that Volvo has developed a special reflective spray paint that is only visible at night. Dubbed ‘Lifepaint,’ the washable material lasts about 10 days. It’s completely invisible until hit by the glare of headlights, then it glows. Besides bikes, it can be applied to clothes, helmets, shoes, and backpacks. It’s been rolled out in Kent and London, United Kingdom first, and if it does well will be offered here.
Dyson Hoovers Up Battery Co. That Doubles Battery Life
Posted: March 17, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Chromecast, Double Life, Dyson, Google, Lithium Ion Batteries, Mobile Games, Nintendo, Remote, Skati3, Solid State Batteries Leave a commentWe reported earlier about some innovative batteries that double the life of Lithium Ion batteries. Now, geek.com reports that Dyson has vacuumed up Skati3, the company that makes them. Look for the solid state batteries in Dyson’s portable vacuums, and later in smartphones and other gadgets.
Google’s Chromecast has made your smartphone into a really great TV remote…but what if you left it in the other room? According to techcrunch.com, you can use your infrared TV remote to pause and un-pause streaming videos.It works on MOST streams and MOST TVs.
Nintendo is finally poised for something of a comeback. Bgr.com says they’re going really big into mobile games, joining Sega and Square. Even with free apps, mobile games make a mint from in-app purchases…as Sega and Square have discovered.
The Next Updates to Android Wear
Posted: March 10, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Android Wear, FeelReel, Gesture Control, Google, Nest, Nest Audio, Smellovision, Virtual Reality, VR Headset, WiFi Leave a commentWith all the frenzy about the Apple Watch, Google hasn’t been standing still. The verge.com says Android Wear for those OTHER wearables will be getting Wi-Fi support and gesture control in the next update. Most Android Wear smart watches already have Wi-Fi baked in, the update will just activate it.
First it was their signature learning thermostat, then Nest had the shake start with the Nest Protect smoke alarm. Now techcrunch.com reports they are advertising for a head of Nest Audio, in a move to integrate control of your audio and video system.
That takes care of sight and sound, what about smell? According to geek.com, FeelReel has a new virtual reality accessory that simulates 7 different ‘smellscapes!’ Fire, ocean, jungle, grass, and flowers are among them, and there are heat and water mist ports too. It’s $249 PLUS a VR headset!
Google Wireless….IF You Have the Right Phone
Posted: March 8, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple Watch, Cellular, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Google, Powermat, Reserve Strap, Samsung, WiFi, Wireless, Wireless charging Leave a commentGoogle may kick off it’s rumored wireless service as soon as the end of the month. Bgr.com says the system will switch from Wi-Fi to cellular like any other, but there’s one HUGE drawback…it will only be available initially on the latest Nexus 6 smartphone. No price point has been revealed, but expect it to be very competitive…with the usual caveat that you’ll give up a bit more privacy to Google if you sign up!
We know Samsung is including wireless charging in the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Now, the CEO of Powermat, says their wireless charging standard will come baked in to all future Samsung smartphones that feature wireless charging. CNET.com reports that Samsung is also including the wireless standard from the Wireless Power Consortium for now. Powermat is what you see at Starbucks.
One of the big concerns of smart watches is battery life, and that goes for the Apple Watch to be hitting wrists next month. According to 9to5mac.com, The Reserve Strap will come to the rescue…recharging the watch as you wear it. It will extend the battery life to 125% of normal, and preorders are open now on their website…but it’s $249…just a hundred less than the actual Apple Watch!
Analyst: Apple Watch SalesWill Be Strong
Posted: March 7, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Apple Watch, Drones, Gmail, Google, iOS Leave a commentThe Apple Watch will be introduced Monday, and appleinsider.com says a forecast from BMO Capital Markets is for 19 million of the smart watches to sell this year. They predict that half of those will be during the holiday shopping season. BMO also expects that by the end of 2015, there will be more than 484 million iPhone users…nearly a half a billion!
Google has updated Gmail for iOS. 9to5google.com reports that Google has included sheet support, the ability to archive, and the ability to reply to email using notifications. You will also be able to email directly from other apps and attach photos and documents, like with Apple’s native Mail app. It’s in the App Store now.
If drones make you worry about privacy, you may as well start worrying more now. According to bgr.com, Unbox Therapy has a mini-drone that fits in the palm of your hand. The good news is, right now, it’s indoor only…it can’t fly in any amount of wind.
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