A ‘Sinister’ Version of the Galaxy Edge
Posted: February 9, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, ControlAir, Edge, EyeSight Camera, Finger Control, Galaxy S6, Mac, Microsoft, Playstation 4, Samsung, Xbox One Leave a commentMore pictures have leaked out of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6, and they show 3 different models. 9to5google.com reports that besides the ‘regular’ S6, there appear to be two Galaxy Edge models. Earlier reports had an Edge with two side screens, but it appears that actually there will be both right and left handed models. Using the edge screen by leftys would otherwise require using the phone upside down! Of course, we won’t really know until Samsung releases them. The phones are still expected to roll out March 1st at Mobile World Congress.
Microsoft just dropped the first big update of the year to the Xbox One. Geekwire.com says it includes a Game Hubs feature, that pulls together game clips, playing tips, leaderboards, and info about friends. Redmond’s idea is to basically create a social network around individual games on the Xbox, with the hope that adding this plus their price cut will help them catch up to the Playstation 4 in sales.
While the venerable keyboard and mouse still rule computer inputs, and voice control is still not ready for prime time, there’s a new app at the Apple App Store that lets you use fingers in thin air. Engadget.com reports that ControlAir works with media apps like iTunes, Spotify, and more. You still have to open the app and start the music or video, but you can stop, start, and mute from across the room. The app uses your EyeSight camera.
Ubuntu Smartphone On The Way
Posted: February 7, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Android, BQ, Cortana, Elite Reviewers, Google Maps, iOS, Local Guide, Microsoft, Microsoft Office, Ubuntu, Yelp Leave a commentAs if the mobile world needed another operating system, and that Android and iOS didn’t dominate the landscape, there’s a smartphone running geek favorite Ubuntu coming out from Spanish maker BQ. It will roll out in Europe with a yet to be announced web only flash sale, tipped on the BQ and Ubuntu Twitter feed and Facebook accounts, according to thenextweb.com. The $195 smartphone has a 4.5 inch screen and dual SIM card slots.
Microsoft Office is going to have an assistant again…and not the annoying paperclip. The verge.com says Microsoft is testing a Work Assistant app that uses Cortana, to open, edit, and share documents using voice commands and Cortana. If it works as planned, the Cortana-based assistant will be particularly helpful on mobile versions of Windows, Android, and iOS.
Google Maps for Android has added a Local Guide, which rivals Yelp’s Elite Reviewers. It is just about to be officially rolled out, but you can get it over at bgr.com and download it now. BGR also has a link for you to sign up as a Local Guide reviewer.
Full Microsoft Office Hits Android and iOS
Posted: January 29, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Android, iOS, lithium-ion battery, Microsoft, Microsoft Office, Water repellant Leave a commentOffice for Android is completely live. Microsoft announced on their official blog that the ‘Preview’ has been lifted, and you can download free Office apps from the Google Play Store. Outlook is also now full featured for iOS on the Apple App Store. You do need an Office 365 subscription though.
MIT startup SolidEnergy may have cracked the code for better smartphone battery life. Bgr.com says they’ve built a lithium-ion battery with an ultra thin anode and special electrolyte that can double battery life…and it will be out this year!
Scientists at University of Rochester have developed super water repellant metal and other materials using lasers. Theverge.com reports that earlier chemical treated surfaces tended to lose the repellency, but this can’t be rubbed off.
Snapchat Adds Non-Disappearing Content
Posted: January 25, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: BMW, Chargepoint, Charging Stations, Discover, Electric Car, Microsoft, Snapchat, VW, Windows Leave a commentSnapchat is readying to start publishing original videos and articles…a feature that was delayed from implementing last fall. Theverge.com says the service, famous for self-deleting pictures that vanish in seconds, will launch its ad supported ‘Discover’ service late this month. In addition to original pieces from their own journalists and video producers, they will have content from CNN, ESPN, and Vice.
One of the great drags on electric car sales is the fear of running out of battery power. Cnet.com reports that BMW and VW have partnered with Chargepoint to create charging corridors. In the deal, Chargepoint will deploy at least 100 chargers along the East and West coasts. These will be able to fast charge, getting an electric vehicle up to 80% charge in less than a half hour. The plan is to have no more than a 50 mile gap between stations, and have them in place by the end of the year.
If proof was needed to show how badly people want to get away from Windows 8 iterations, 170,000 have signed up since Microsoft’s event this week to be Windows Insider beta testers for the upcoming Windows 10. Gigaom.com says that’s a 10% bump since the program started last fall. A lot of people are at least WANTING to love Windows.
New Samsung Design Chief Poached From Jony Ive’s Old Firm
Posted: January 17, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony Leave a commentIn the imitation is the greatest form of flattery department, Samsung has hired the former CEO of a design firm founded by Apple’s design wizard Jony Ive. 9to5google.com says Lee Don-tae will oversee all Samsung gadget design, perhaps ditching the cheap looking plastic smartphone cases for something more Apple like.
After dropping prices as a Christmas promotion, Microsoft is again cutting the Xbox One back to $349. Techcrunch.com reports that Redmond hopes to outsell the Sony PS4 again, which they did in both November and December with the lower price. Since the price went back up the first of the month, PS4 once again outsold the Xbox.
Some patents take a while to get into devices, and others never see the light of day. Mac rumors.com says Apple has patented a pop up home button for iPhones and iPads that can work as a joy stick for gaming. It would still retain its normal functions like Touch ID.
Coffee Joining The Icemaker & Water in Your Fridge Door
Posted: January 14, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 3DS XL, Cafe French Door, Gamestop, GE, Kuerig, Lumia, Microsoft, Nintendo Leave a commentIf you need a new fridge, would love to reclaim counter space, but need your Kuerig, GE has a deal for you. Gizmodo.com says the Cafe French Door fridge will have a Kuerig built into the door, starting this fall. Expect to drop $3300!
Microsoft refuses to walk away from smartphones. Thenextweb.com reports that they introduced two low end Lumia phones today, the 435 and 532. Both will roll out in Europe and Asia first, starting in February.
Nintendo has confirmed the release of their latest handheld system, the 3DS XL for February 13th. Arstechnica.com says it will be just under $200, and Gamestop is taking preorders today.
The iPhone 6S Will Have Samsung Inside
Posted: December 12, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Driver Licenses, iPhone 6S, Microsoft, PS4, Samsung, Sony, TSMC, Wii U, Xbox One Leave a commentNext year’s iPhone 6S will probably have Samsung inside…macrumors.com says Samsung has started making Apple’s A9 chip in Texas. iPhone 6 chipmaker TSMC will provide a supplementary supply from Taiwan.
There’s joy in Mudville. After getting bettered by Sony, Microsoft sold 1.2 million Xbox Ones in November, beating out the PS4 and Wii U. Geekwire.com reports a $50 price cut helped out.
Iowa may lead the way in smartphone based driver’s licenses. 9to5google.com says they will have animation to limit spoofing, and will be scannable, so the phone doesn’t leave your hand. 20 other states are looking at doing this.
Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset
Posted: December 8, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Encore Mini, Galaxy Gear VR, Microsoft, Netflix, Note 4, Samsung, Toshiba, Tweet, Virtual Reality Leave a commentBecause actual reality is never enough, Samsung’s Gear VR virtual reality headset is now on sale for $199. The verge.com says you can pick it up through Samsung’s US sites or AT&T. It fits around the Galaxy Note 4, making it a mobile VR display.
Microsoft is ringing in the 12 days of holiday deals with a $79 Toshiba tablet. According to CNET.com, that’s $20 off for the Encore Mini Windows 8.1 tablet…cheap enough for gifting to a youngster.
As if you weren’t addicted enough to Netflix, and binge watching, bgr.com reports that they have new features in the works. Upcoming series have a Tweet Me a Reminder button…the first one is ‘Marco Polo,’ which premieres December 12th.
More On ‘Project Zero’- the Upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6
Posted: December 5, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Foxconn, Galaxy S6, Microsoft, Robots, Samsung, Windows 10 Leave a commentA big leak has outed the Samsung Galaxy S6 specifications. 9to5google.com says it will have a metal body, ditching the cheap plastic, and a 20 mp main camera. It’s expected to roll out in March.
Apple supplier Foxconn is finding their new robots aren’t precise enough to build iPhones. Macrumors.com reports that an upgrade to the so-called ‘Foxbots’ may take years. The present ones were scaled from machines that build cars.
Microsoft is still planning to launch Windows 10 by late summer or early fall, according to Microsoft COO Kevin Turner. ZDnet.com says they will show the first preview of the system in January.
Fire Sale on Amazon Fire Phones
Posted: November 26, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Amazon, Bing Maps, Clearflow, e-paper, Fire phone, Microsoft, Navteq, Nokia, smart watch, Sony Leave a commentYep, there’s a fire sale on Amazon Fire phones. Already 99 cents with a 2 year AT&T contract, geekwire.com says now you can buy an unlocked one for $199, down from $649 when it came out. How long before they have to promise that Bezos will deliver yours in person?
Sony may roll out an e-paper smart watch next year. Gigaom.com reports that in addition to the face, the entire band will be an e-paper display. Taking a page from Apple’s playbook, Sony will try for style.
Microsoft has just launched Clearflow for its Bing Maps. Engadget.com says they use Nokia’s Navteq system, but use live data from main roads to essentially guess traffic on unreported routes. Good luck!
clarkreid 
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