Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Google outs Hangouts Meet hardware for your conference room

Google outs Hangouts Meet hardware for your conference room


Back in March into a business-focused service. And today it's introducing the first Hangouts Meet hardware bundle to make video meetings easier to manage and of better quality. The Hangouts Meet hardware bundle consists of an Asus Chromebox, a 4K camera, a speaker-mic, and a touchscreen controller. The Chromebox runs Chrome OS, and can automatically push updates to the other components in the hardware kit. The 4K camera has a 120-degree field-of-view, thus easily capturing everyone at the table even in small spaces. It's built with machine learning and can intelligently detect participants and automatically crop and zoom to frame them. The speaker-mic is designed by Google to actively eliminate echo and background noise. Up to five of them can be daisy-chained together with a single wire if need be. The controller lets you easily join scheduled events from Google Calendar or view meeting details. It allows you to pin and mute team members, but also control the camera. Participants can be added with the dial-a-phone feature, and presentations from a laptop can be made via HDMI. Furthermore, if you're a G Suite Enterprise edition customer, you can record your meetings to Google Drive. Also in that case you will be able to hold meetings with up to 50 participants, and dial-in from around the globe. The hardware kit is priced at $1,999 and is available in select markets today. It should go well with your company's , also from Google.


Microsoft Surface Pro with LTE Advanced launches in December starting at $1, 149

Microsoft Surface Pro with LTE Advanced launches in December starting at $1,149


After back in September, Microsoft's with LTE Advanced (that's the actual product name) has now become official at the company's Future Decoded event in London, just . The Surface Pro LTE features Qualcomm's X16 mobile data modem, with 20 bands built-in for seamless global connectivity. With its support for LTE Cat.9, the Surface Pro will be able to reach peak download speeds of up to 450Mbps, which Microsoft says makes it the fastest LTE-enabled laptop in its class, since competitors top out at Cat.6 (300Mbps). The new computer will start shipping to businesses in December, and it looks like the consumer launch will only happen next year. The Surface Pro LTE will be available in two configurations, in either case requiring a $150 premium for the mobile data modem over the identically-specced non-LTE variant. For $1,149 you get a Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage, while if you shell out $1,449 you will receive 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, with the CPU remaining the same. The Core i7 Surface Pro will not be offered with LTE connectivity. |


Next-year Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A7 to come with Bluetooth 5.0

Next-year Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A7 to come with Bluetooth 5.0


The Exynos 7885 chipset that the and the got certified by the Bluetooth SIG. The listing reveals that the new SoC will support Bluetooth 5.0, which brings better data transfer and ability to connect multiple devices to a smartphone. According to an , the Exynos 7885 will be a 14nm chip with two Cortex-A73 cores and six Cortex-A53 units. The clock speed should be 2.1 GHz and the GPU is supposed to be Mali-G71. The Galaxy A5 (2018) in a benchmark with Snapdragon 660, but this setup might be on track for the Chinese market. The phone might have 4 GB or 6 GB RAM and most likely will launch with Android Nougat 7.1 out of the box.


Neffos with 18:9 screen and Snapdragon 835 leaks

Neffos with 18:9 screen and Snapdragon 835 leaks


TP-Link might be famous with their networking solutions, but the company also outs smartphones from time to time. the X1 and the X1 Max, but now a flagship is on its way. According to sources, it will have top notch specs like Snapdragon 835 and dual camera setup. The yet unnamed phone is coming with an 18:9 screen with curved edges on the front. This will means there is no room for a home button or a fingerprint scanner, so the latter moves to the back, right below the dual cameras. One of the sensors is 16 MP, while the other is 20 MP and is said to offer 2x optical zoom. The selfie snapper is also 16 MP. The RAM is expected to be 6 GB. TP-Link usually manufacturers low-end and mid-tier smartphones, so a Snapdragon 835 device could indicate a major shift in strategy. We are waiting for an official announcement from TP-Link and when we have one, well let you know more about the details.


Razer Phone leak reveals 4,000mAh battery

Razer Phone leak reveals 4,000mAh battery


So we Razer is entering the smartphone market, and its debut device is . The device has already been in a benchmark listing, and an alleged image of the phone also a few weeks ago. Now, the handset has been listed on the website of a Three UK affiliate. The listing not only shows the front of the Razor Phone (in low-resolution though), but also reveals some of its key specs. As per the listing, the phone sports a 5.72-inch screen and comes with 8GB of RAM. It features a dual rear-camera setup (12MP+13MP), and packs in a large, 4,000mAh battery. Other details revealed by the listing include Dolby ATMOS sound and Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) display. The device's benchmark outing had revealed some other key details, including Snapdragon 835 SoC, 64GB storage, and an 8MP selfie camera. There's, however, currently no information on the price tag the phone will carry. |


Monday, October 30, 2017

YouTube TV finally gets apps for smart TVs, Android TV, Xbox, and Apple TV

YouTube TV finally gets apps for smart TVs, Android TV, Xbox, and Apple TV


is Google's live TV service, which launched earlier this year, and has been ever since. While you have been able to view its programming on TVs by using a Chromecast (including with ), only now is the company finally announcing that it's developed a YouTube TV app for actual TVs and consoles connected to TVs. Better late than never, sure but this has been quite an odd omission so far. Anyway, in the next few days a new YouTube TV app will be available for Android TV devices and the Xbox One family. Then in the coming weeks this new app will be launching on smart TVs from LG, Samsung, and Sony. It will also make its way to the Apple TV. This app will be similar to the mobile apps for YouTube TV, with the same signature tabs featured home, live, and library. You'll be able to (obviously) use the TV or console's remote or game controller for navigation, and you'll find a new Live guide made for your big screen. For a more cinematic look, the background is dark on your TVs. YouTube TV is now available in all top 50 metro areas, covering over two-thirds of the US. |


Sprint to call off merger with T-Mobile, clash over control of the combined carrier to blame

Sprint to call off merger with T-Mobile, clash over control of the combined carrier to blame


Rumors of newly rekindled started popping up in September. Then at the beginning of this month it was claimed that the two companies were actually , so at this point we were expecting an official announcement on the matter. That, however, isn't going to happen, a Nikkei exclusive report says. Sprint owner SoftBank has allegedly decided to call off the merger. It will approach T-Mobile owner Deutsche Telekom as soon as tomorrow to let it know. Telekom and SoftBank had apparently reached a broad agreement to integrate T-Mobile and Sprint, the third and fourth largest carriers in the US, respectively. All that was left to do was iron out such details as the ownership ratio. And that's exactly where things went wrong. Telekom has insisted on having a controlling stake in the new entity formed, and some at SoftBank were initially amenable as long as the Japanese company retained some influence. But SoftBank's board discussed this issue specifically at a meeting on Friday, and in the end decided that the company would not agree to give up control. Following this, today SoftBank made up its mind about calling off the talks. So there you have it: it looks like everything was going very well for this deal, but unfortunately both parent companies of the merging carriers wanted to retain control of the new corporation that would be formed as a result. And so, once again, the existence of a combined T-Mobile + Sprint entity has been thwarted. Previously, SoftBank wanted to buy T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom in 2014, but it gave up amid opposition from regulatory authorities.


HTC U11+ to come in a new translucent color

HTC U11+ to come in a new translucent color


HTC is having a launch event on where it will launch the and another rumored device called the HTC . Weve already seen the latter leaked through and photos. However, we still havent heard much about the HTC U11+, the device rumored to be a refreshed version of the HTC U11 with a taller 18:9 display. Even though details about the device are scarce, we can pretty much imagine what it would look like. Thanks to @evleaks, we are also expecting a new rumored color. The tweet mentions three color options for the supposed HTC U11+: (brilliant) black, (amazing) silver, and (??) translucent. Weve not seen such a color come from HTC and the company may be planning to debut it on the HTC U11+. Translucent does not mean transparent. It would be really cool to see through the glass into the phones innards, but this was only acceptable on things manufactured in the 90s. Our guess is the phone will have the same Ice White color behind the glass, but the glass will have a frosted matte finish on the exterior. The HTC Lifes current rumored specs include a Snapdragon 630 (though, conflicting rumors say Snapdragon 660), and 3GB of RAM. A 5.2-inch display is said to be powered by a 2,600 mAh battery. Meanwhile, the HTC U11+ is rumored to have the same specs at the HTC U11 with the exception of a taller 18:9 display. Thus, moving the fingerprint scanner to the rear, as seen on the .


Asus launches the Zenfone 4 Pro, Zenfone 4, and 5.2 Zenfone 4 Max in the US

Asus launches the Zenfone 4 Pro, Zenfone 4, and 5.2 Zenfone 4 Max in the US


Today Asus is significantly expanding the Zenfone 4 family of smartphones in the US. The Taiwanese company launched the stateside last month, and now it's being joined by a bunch of its siblings. Let's start with the top of the line offering, in effect Asus' flagship handset at the moment. This one features a 5.5 1080p AMOLED touchscreen, 6GB of RAM, and the Snapdragon 835 chipset at the helm. It comes with 64GB of expandable storage and a 3,600 mAh battery. Its dual rear camera setup consists of a 12 MP main shooter with a 1/2.55 sensor, 1.4m pixels and f/1.7 aperture, as well as a 16 MP unit with 2x fixed optical zoom. On the front you'll find an 8 MP snapper for selfies, with f/1.9 aperture and 1.4m pixel size. The Zenfone 4 Pro runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat and is up for pre-order at , , , , and . It's available in black only and will set you back $599. It will start shipping on November 6. The Zenfone 4 has dual rear cameras too, though in this case both come with 12 MP resolution. The main sensor has f/1.8 aperture, while the secondary one has a 120-degree wide-angle lens. This phone is powered by the Snapdragon 630 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM and a 3,300 mAh battery. 64GB of expandable storage is in tow, along with an 8 MP f/2.0 selfie snapper, and a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD touchscreen. The Android version that's pre-installed is 7.1.1 Nougat in this case too. The Zenfone 4 is also available to pre-order from , , , and , and will ship on November 6 like the Pro according to Asus, and November 3 according to Newegg. Oddly enough, says it already has units in stock. It is priced at $399 and should be offered in both Midnight Black and Moonlight White. This model complements the 5.5-inch iteration that's already available. It obviously brings a smaller 5.2 display to the table, with 720p resolution. It's powered by the Snapdragon 425 chip, has 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of expandable storage. It's got a 13 MP + 5 MP dual camera setup on the back, an 8 MP front-facing unit, as well as Android 7.0 Nougat on board. Its main claim to fame however has to be the huge 4,100 mAh battery, since that's the theme of the Max-branded Zenfones. This is sure to last one day or more on a charge for even the most demanding power users. Then again, it remains to be seen how many of those will settle for the lower-midrange specs on offer here. The 5.2-inch Zenfone 4 Max is priced at $169 unlocked and will only be out in black. You can pre-order one from , , , and . This model will be released on November 3.


Samsung Galaxy Note FE now hits the Philippines

Samsung Galaxy Note FE now hits the Philippines


The has now arrived in the Philippines, making it the third Asian market after and to get the phone. Retailer is offering the device in the country. As you can see in the image above, the phone is only available for a limited time. Officially, there's no information on pricing (the device isn't yet listed on the retailer's website), although reports says its PHP 32,990, which is around $640.


Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge on AT&T getting new update

Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 edge on AT&T getting new update


AT has started pushing out a new update to Samsung's Galaxy S series flagship smartphones from last year. The update arriving as version G930AUCS4BQJ2 for the and G935AUCS4BQJ2 for the includes October security patch. In addition to the latest security fixes, the update also brings along fix for the BlueBorne vulnerability, which allows a remote attacker to take control of devices via Bluetooth, even if they're not set in discoverable mode. The rollout stated late last week, so it shouldn't be long before you get to a notification for the 135MB update on your device (if haven't already).


Sunday, October 29, 2017

Google starts selling Pixel 2 (XL variant) in Italy and Spain as well

Google starts selling Pixel 2 (XL variant) in Italy and Spain as well


The is now available in more European countries. After Germany and the UK, the device specifically, the variant is now available for purchase in Spain and Italy from the company's official online store. As for price, the device costs 989 in Italy and 959 in Spain. The standard Pixel 2 is mysteriously not yet available in these countries, so those interested in purchasing that model may have to wait a bit longer. |


Saturday, October 28, 2017

4,870mAh battery totting ZTE A0620 gets TENAA certified

4,870mAh battery totting ZTE A0620 gets TENAA certified


A new ZTE device has been certified China's TENAA. Listed as ZTE A0620, the device is powered by an SoC with octa-core, 1.4GHz processor, and sports a 5.2-inch HD display. RAM options include 3GB, 4GB, and even 8GB, while storage options include 32GB and 64GB. The handset features a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 147718.5mm and weighing in at 160g, the phone packs in a large, 4,870mAh battery. The listing says the A0620 runs Android 7.1.1 out of the box, and comes in black, gold, and silver color options. A fingerprint sensor is there on the back. There's currently no word on the device's pricing and availability. |


Friday, October 27, 2017

Google calls Pixel 2 screen burn-in non issue, extends device warranty to two years

Google calls Pixel 2 screen burn-in non issue, extends device warranty to two years


The company has also offered a response on the blue tint issue, effectively saying that's not much of a problem. Basically, Google says the tint is inherent in the display, and can only be seen when the device is held at a specific angle. Here's what a Google employee said: Google has come out with an official response on some of the major screen issues that came to light recently. Talking about the which is referred to as by the company the search giant says the decay characteristics of the display are similar to OLED panels used in comparable products. Google also says their investigations into the burn-in issue revealed that the differential aging is in line with that of other premium smartphones and should not affect the normal, day-to-day user experience of the Pixel 2 XL. The firm, however, said updates that will be pushed out in near future will further optimize the software that's used to to safeguard the user experience and maximize the life of the OLED display. On the issue of color saturation (there were reports that the display is not as vibrant as other phones), the company says there's already an option in Pixel 2 phones to boost colors by 10% for a more vivid look. In addition, a new software update coming in next few weeks will add a new mode for more saturated colors. Lastly, Google has also extended the warranty on Pixel 2 smartphones (both new and existing) to two years. To give users peace of mind, every Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will now come with a 2-year warranty worldwide, the company says. The length of the Preferred Care program, however, hasn't been extended. For those of you who are interested in knowing more about the Pixel 2 display, Google has published a detailed post related to that. Head to the link below to access it.


Android 8.1 beta OTA rollout has begun

Android 8.1 beta OTA rollout has begun


Shortly after the first Developer Preview for Android 8.1 , the update has started rolling out over the air (OTA). So those who have enrolled in the Android Beta Program should expect the update notification soon (if not received already). It's worth mentioning that aside from OTA, the only other option to get the beta build currently is to download and flash a factory image there's an ongoing problem with side loading OTA images, and Google seems to be working on it.


Motorola Moto X4 now available in Japan

Motorola Moto X4 now available in Japan


The is now available in Japan. The device is listed on Amazon Japan for JPY 58,103, or $510. Shipments are set to begin tomorrow, or October 28. The handset back in August at this year's IFA conference, with Europe becoming the first market to get it. The next country to get the Moto X4 will likely be India, where the phone is to go on sale November 13 onwards. |


Apple iPhone X finally available for pre-order

Apple iPhone X finally available for pre-order


The and are already on sale and now it's time for the third announced iPhone to hit the shelves. Apple launched the pre-order for iPhone X in more than 50 first-wave countries and regions. The can be purchased through Apple.com, Apple Store app and some local retailers. Shipments are expected to begin next Friday, November 3, but estimate delivery is already slipping and it might take up to 4-5 weeks. , the reason is the limited supply because of manufacturing troubles with the OLED panel and the TrueDepth camera. The iPhone X is offered in either Silver or Space Gray with a price tag of $999/1,149/999 and in the following first-wave countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, the UK, the US and US Virgin Islands.


WhatsApp gets ability to delete messages

WhatsApp gets ability to delete messages


WhatsApp is getting a new feature, and a long requested one at that. The feature in question lets you delete/recall messages after they've been sent. To access the delete functionality, just tap and hold. Then you get to choose whether to delete messages for everyone or just for yourself. If you go for delete for everyone, the message will get deleted from recipients' chat window as well, replaced by You deleted this message in your window and This message was deleted for others. There are, some points worth mentioning here. Firstly, 'delete for everyone' only works for up to seven minutes after sending the message. Secondly, deleting a message in no way ensures that the message wasn't seen by the recipient. And finally, you won't get any notification if deleting for everyone was not successful. The feature is currently rolling out, so it's possible that you won't be able to use it right away.


Thursday, October 26, 2017

Microsoft is developing a foldable tablet running Windows 10 on ARM

Microsoft is developing a foldable tablet running Windows 10 on ARM


Back in and , many rumors told us Microsoft was working on a folding tablet called Courier. In the end, that never saw the light of day, and Apple's iPads became the kings of that market. Intriguingly though, Microsoft is now said to be developing another device that is similar, at least in concept, to the canceled Courier. It's codenamed Andromeda, and will be a folding tablet that will run Windows 10 on ARM. It will come with telephony capabilities, but won't be a smartphone although, when folded, it's allegedly pocketable. That said, the main selling points of this device will be centered around pen input and inking. For example, there's a notebook app built-in that mimics writing in a real notebook, with virtual pages spreading across the foldable device. Expect to see the latest Snapdragon SoC powering Andromeda. Microsoft will not position this against any Android or iOS-running competitors, but instead it will try to create its own niche. A 'digital journal' is what it may be called. The company has in fact already admitted that if it ever makes a mobile product again, it will be a new kind of device, and not a smartphone. All of that fits perfectly with what we're now hearing about Andromeda. It could be Surface-branded when (or if) it launches, something like Surface Note or Surface Journal. Microsoft's hardware partners might choose to create similar devices if it takes off, but this is just speculation for now. Unfortunately no specs have leaked for Andromeda yet, so we don't even know if it will have one folding screen or two separate displays separated by a hinge. Anyway, if it is to ever become reality, don't expect Andromeda in stores earlier than next year. |


NVIDIA announces GTX 1070 Ti for $449

NVIDIA announces GTX 1070 Ti for $449


NVIDIA has announced yet another graphics card based on the Pascal architecture, the GTX 1070 Ti. As you can tell from the name, this new card slots between the existing 1070 and 1080 cards. Like the name, the 1070 Ti specs also slot neatly between the 1070 and 1080. It has 2432 CUDA cores, 1607MHz base clock, 1683MHz boost clock, 8Gbps 8GB GDDR5 memory with 256-bit memory bandwidth. The card has a TDP of 180W. The 1070 Ti will be available from NVIDIA as a Founders Edition card and from hardware partners for starting price of $449. Sales will begin worldwide on November 2.


Oppo F5 arrives with 20MP front camera with AI

Oppo F5 arrives with 20MP front camera with AI


After a months' worth of ads and promotions across the Philippines, the is finally official. The successor to the Oppo F3, the F5 drops the front fingerprint button for a tall 18:9 6.0-inch LCD of 1080x2160px resolution. The fingerprint scanner has been moved over to the back but if you don't care to reach for it, the Oppo F5 supports face unlock. Mind you Oppo warns that this isn't as secure as the fingerprint reader. The cameras are the clear focus on the Oppo F5. The rear snapper is a 16MP unit with an f/1.8 aperture but the higher-resolution one is the 20MP f/2.0 unit on the front. Selfies are backed by an impressively-big 1/2.8-inch sensor, while on the software side you get AI beauty. Basically the Oppo F5 will highlight features like eyes, nose, jawline or cheekbones in selfies. The software will brighten your eyes too. The Oppo F5 can capture Portrait Mode selfies with artificial blur too. The Oppo F5 comes with either 32GB storage and 4GB of RAM or 64GB/6GB. The chipset isn't a huge leap forward compared to the Oppo F3 you get a Helio P23 with eight Cortex-A53 CPU cores. The Oppo F5 will be available for pre-order in the Philippines starting tomorrow October 27 for 15,990 PHP (around 263) and will go on sale next week. |


Apple refutes reports suggesting less accurate Face ID on iPhone X

Apple refutes reports suggesting less accurate Face ID on iPhone X


It's no longer a secret that Apple is facing production issues with the , and the components used in the device's facial recognition module . A recent report from Bloomberg said that Apple has told suppliers it will settle for lower quality Face ID components to ramp up production. Exact words from the report were that Apple quietly told suppliers they could reduce the accuracy of the face-recognition technology to make it easier to manufacture. Now, the Cupertino-based company has responded to the claims made in the report, terming it as completely false, and adding that there is no change in the accuracy that was originally announced. Following is Apple's statement: The quality and accuracy of Face ID havent changed. It continues to be 1 in a million probability of a random person unlocking your iPhone with Face ID. Bloombergs claim that Apple has reduced the accuracy spec for Face ID is completely false and we expect Face ID to be the new gold standard for facial authentication.


Oreo beta program for Samsung Galaxy S8 likely launching next week

Oreo beta program for Samsung Galaxy S8 likely launching next week


HMD just a beta program for Android 8.0 OS on Nokia phones, and now Samsung is following suit. If the information shared in the following screenshot is to be believed, the South Korean company will launch an Oreo beta program for its flagships next week on October 31. There will be 7,500 spots for each device, and only T-Mobile and Sprint users will be allowed to fill up these, meaning other carrier models aren't eligible to join the beta program. Sign-ups will be carried away via the Samsung Members and Samsung+ apps. It's worth noting that not only the program will be launched on October 31, the beta build will also be pushed the same day. Aside from the usual Oreo goodies, the build may also bring along a new UI/UX for the devices. As the information isn't coming directly from Samsung, it's not certain just yet, so don't get your hopes too high just yet. The final Oreo is build is to roll out early next year.


Xiaomi to announce new phone series in India on November 2

Xiaomi to announce new phone series in India on November 2


Xiaomi India started sending out press invites for an event on November 2. The company plans to introduce yet another smartphone series after the , . The invitation simply says #YourBestSelfie, although another image was seen with the A new series is coming. Join Manu and Jai on 02.11.2017 slogan. We also get a lightning logo, suggesting the phone might have a fast charge and a good front camera, obviously. Sources suggest it might come with Quick Charge 3.0, found in the . It is equipped with a 16 MP selfie snapper with 2.0 m pixel size. Another argument in favor of the Xiaomi phone is that it is always paired with the Mi Mix device. Last year the duo did not land in India, but 2017 finally saw the arriving in the country. |


This is what the OnePlus 5T will look like

This is what the OnePlus 5T will look like


It's no secret that Oppo and OnePlus (and vivo) are owned by the same company and it shows in a variety of ways across the devices of the three manufacturers. The has an to the they differ slightly in size, chipset and RAM, in cameras and batteries but are more or less identical in terms of design. Which is why you needn't look further than the upcoming to know how the will look. The OnePlus 5T will move the fingerprint scanner to the back to make room for a new nearly bezel-less 18:9 display a 6.0-inch AMOLED panel of 1080x2160 pixel resolution, just like the one on the Oppo R11s. On the back the OnePlus 5T will get with two 20MP snappers, just like the Oppo R11s. Unlike the Oppo R11s, the OnePlus 5T will have a Snapdragon 835 chipset with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM the same as the OnePlus 5. The Oppo R11s is expected to become official on November 2 less than a week away now, while rumors point to a later reveal for the OnePlus 5T . So, what do you think? Would an 18:9 screen and new cameras be enough to sway you from your OnePlus 5 or Galaxy S8 or iPhone?


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Red Sony Xperia XZ Premium now available outside Japan

Red Sony Xperia XZ Premium now available outside Japan


Last week, Sony a new, red colored variant of its smartphone. Japan was the first country to get it, with no information on if and when it will be available in other countries. Well, the wait wasn't as long as we feared as the model is now listed on the company's Malaysia website as well. Sadly, it's not available to purchase yet. But the listing alone confirms that the variant will soon be available in other markets as well. As you'd expect, the red Xperia XZ Premium has same internals as other color options. In Japan, it's set to go on sale October 27.


Tuesday, October 24, 2017

BlackBerry Keyone gets discounted for a day in Canada

BlackBerry Keyone gets discounted for a day in Canada


If you are a BlackBerry fan in Canada, and are planning to purchase the company's smartphone, here's a deal for you: the device will be available at a discounted rate for on October 25 (today). Specifically, the standard, silver model will be available for CAD 649.99, which currently translates into around $512. This compares to the variant's regular price tag of around CAD 730 (around $575). Multiple retailers, including Amazon, Blueshop, and Staples, will be offering the promo, which ends October 25 11:59PM ET. | | |


BLU Vivo 8L launched with 20MP selfie camera, 4,000mAh battery

BLU Vivo 8L launched with 20MP selfie camera, 4,000mAh battery


BLU has updated its Vivo series of smartphones with a new device. Dubbed Vivo 8L, the phone is powered by a MediaTek MT6753 SoC with octa-core, 1.3GHz processor, and sports a 5.3-inch HD display. RAM is 3GB, while internal memory is 32GB. The handset features a 13MP rear camera and a 20MP front shooter with flash. Measuring 150.5 x 74.4 x 8.0mm and weighing in at 161g, the Vivo 8L runs Android 7.0 Nougat and packs in a large, 4,000mAh battery. The phone also features a fingerprint sensor as well as reverse charging and OTG capability. It is already available for purchase from Amazon, which is offering it for $149.99.


Moto Z2 Force lands in China as the $1, 507 Moto Z 2018 Kingsman VIP Special Edition

Moto Z2 Force lands in China as the $1,507 Moto Z 2018 Kingsman VIP Special Edition


Huawei is usually the one to play naming games in the mobile world, but today Motorola's proved it can dabble in that realm too. See, Lenovo's subsidiary has launched a new smartphone in China the Moto Z 2018. It even comes with a limited edition variation, called Moto Z 2018 Kingsman VIP Special Edition. Yet despite the name this is nothing but a with a gold M logo on the back and a bunch of accessories thrown in for the special edition. The specs are exactly the same, the look is exactly the same, you get the idea for all intents and purposes, this is a Z2 Force, just going by another name for whatever reason. The Moto Z 2018 Kingsman VIP Special Edition is truly special in that it's priced at CNY 9,999 which means a whopping $1,507 or 1,282. For that huge amount of cash you receive the same phone, but it will arrive in a box that's shaped like a briefcase (to go with the movie tie-in, get it?). The special package also contains a VIP card, a TurboPower battery mod, a wireless charging mod, a USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter, a leather flip case, a 45th anniversary notepad, a pair of USB Type-C Hi-Fi headphones, and (surprise!) a warranty card. The special edition smartphone is only going to be offered in black. At the moment there's no information on whether a non-special Moto Z 2018 will be released in China, and if so how much it will end up retailing for.


New HTC teaser for November 2 event shows a phone with a fingerprint scanner on its back

New HTC teaser for November 2 event shows a phone with a fingerprint scanner on its back


HTC is holding an event next week, to be precise, for the unveiling of at least one new smartphone. Two new HTC devices have been in the rumors lately, the super high-end and the mid-range which will be part of the Android One program. Today the Taiwanese company has released a new teaser image for the event, showing us a handset that has the design language of the U series, but the fingerprint scanner on the back unlike past members of the family. Such a move has long been rumored for the U11 Plus, which is expected to be HTC's first smartphone with very small bezels. Those are probably the reason why the biometric authentication sensor had to be put on the phone's back. The U11 Plus should have a 5.99-inch 1,440x2,880 panel, the Snapdragon 835 at the helm, 4 or 6GB of RAM, and 64 or 128GB of storage. A 12 MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture and an 8 MP selfie shooter will complete the package. On the other hand, the U11 Life is expected to come with a 5.2-inch 1080p screen, the Snapdragon 630 or 660 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 16 MP main camera, and a 16 MP selfie snapper. It will run Android 8.0 Oreo from day one and will have a 2,600 mAh battery.


Huawei has dispatched 100 million phones this year

Huawei has dispatched 100 million phones this year


Huawei has shipped more than 100 million phones in the first three quarters of 2017, marking a very impressive 19% increase over the same period last year. In the period from January to September Huawei managed to beat Apple's shipments to become the second smartphone vendor in the world, behind Samsung. Huawei ships a lot of phones in all price groups and under a few different brands. The low to mid-priced Nova smartphones as well as the mid to upper range Honor brands are both part of Huawei. Thanks to its strong shipments Huawei's operating revenue for the first three quarters has increased 30% year over year. Also, Huawei's retail partners have reached the impressive 42,300 count globally.


First flash sale sees Nokia 7 going out of stock in minutes

First flash sale sees Nokia 7 going out of stock in minutes


As , the went on sale today in China, and the device immediately went out of stock. This indicates there's a strong demand for the device in the country, although we are unsure how many units were available. The phone managed to score a total of over 150K prior to the sale. Retailer JD says shipments for the Nokia 7 will begin October 31 onwards. There's currently no information on if and when the handset will be available in other key markets. HMD recently started sending out save the date emails for an event in India, so it's possible that the company is bringing the Nokia 7 to the market. |


Monday, October 23, 2017

Patent suggests Samsung Galaxy S9 may feature front-facing fingerprint sensor

Patent suggests Samsung Galaxy S9 may feature front-facing fingerprint sensor


The Samsung Galaxy S9 has already been the subject of a handful of , and things are only expected to heat up from here. A patent filed by the South Korean company in its home country suggests the next-gen Galaxy S series of devices may come with a fingerprint sensor on the front. This year's came with a rear-mounted fingerprint reader. However, to say the least, the placement of the sensor didn't impress everybody. The patent in question is from 2016, but it's possible that Samsung may implement it in Galaxy S9 to address fingerprint sensor placement concerns. The image included in the patent indicates there'll be round cut at the bottom (similar to the one Essential's PH-1 has on the top) that'll house the sensor. So it would be interesting to see how users will react to the new design if the tech giant decides to go that route. |


New update rolling out to Samsung Galaxy Note8

New update rolling out to Samsung Galaxy Note8


Samsung has started pushing out a new update to the smartphone. Currently rolling out to units in a couple of Asian markets, it's a security update that brings along Android fixes for the month of October. Specifically, Chinese and Hong Kong variants (SM-N9508 and SM-N9500) of the phone are getting the update. There's currently no information on what other changes (if any) the update includes. As is usually the case with OTA roll outs, it may take some time before the notification pops up on your device (if it hasn't already). For those outside of China and Hong Kong, it should be a matter of time before the update arrives in your region.


New York City Transit to start accepting NFC payments over the next few years

New York City Transit to start accepting NFC payments over the next few years


The MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) Committee has announced a new contract for the New York City Transit system to receive a technological update. This $573 million deal would hire the same company who developed the London Underground and London Commute payment system to adopt a similar payment system in 500 subway turnstiles and 600 city busses starting late-2018. The new payment system would allow riders to pay the flat-rate fare with a contactless card, or NFC mobile payment service like Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay. The full rollout of the new payment system is slated to be completed in 2020. Riders may continue to use the current MetroCard (which is flexible and uses a magnetic strip), until 2023 when the MTA plans to phase out the MetroCard entirely. A new contactless (NFC) pre-paid card would replace the MetroCard. The new system would also work with the Long-Island Railroad and Metro North Commuter train lines, which are also part of the MTA. Paying as you go would be a welcome change to the way the MTA takes payments. You can use exact change on busses or a pre-paid MetroCard on busses and trains. Commuter train fares are calculated by distance. Check out the full report at by clicking on the 'Source' link below..


Sony Xperia XZ Premium gets Android 8.0 Oreo update

Sony Xperia XZ Premium gets Android 8.0 Oreo update


Sony has started its Android 8.0 rollout for the Xperia XZ Premium today. Those with the device should see the notification pop up on their displays. In addition to Oreo-specific features, Sony has also added some new features to the device. One of these is the 3D Creator that was introduced with the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, which lets you 3D scan faces and objects and then share it or 3D print it. Theres also Predictive Capture, which automatically detects a smile on the subject(s) and then starts capturing frames even before you hit the shutter and lets you choose and save the best moment. Other additions include autofocus burst that detects and tracks moving objects and focuses on them, improved stereo speaker sound and aptX HD support for compatible headphones, and app shortcuts that let you long press on icons to launch app specific shortcuts. Check your device to see if the update is available for you.


Nokia 3310 3G goes on sale in Europe

Nokia 3310 3G goes on sale in Europe


The went on two weeks ago and now it's already in stock. Retailer OTTO is currently offering the phone in Germany for 69.99. Over in the UK, Clove and Carphone Warehouse also have the phone in stock, and are offering it for 60, which currently translates to around 67. The device late last month, as a way to deliver a shot of nostalgia to markets where 2G support is being discontinued .


Motorola Moto Z2 Force on Verizon gets Gigabit LTE support, Blueborne fix

Motorola Moto Z2 Force on Verizon gets Gigabit LTE support, Blueborne fix


Verizon has started pushing out a new update to units on its network. The update includes a couple of major changes, including support for the carrier's upcoming Gigabit Class LTE service. Here's what the change-log says: Moto Z2 force edition is now capable to take full advantage of the most advanced 4G LTE technology later this year when Verizon launches its Gigabit Class LTE service, giving you access to peak speeds far exceeding most phones in the market today. In addition, the update includes a fix for the Blueborne vulnerability, which allows a remote attacker to take control of devices via Bluetooth. The new firmware also brings a new AppFlash App, which in Verizon words offers a faster way to discover and use mobile apps.


Sunday, October 22, 2017

Nokia 6 availability expands in US

Nokia 6 availability expands in US


The , which in the US back in July this year, has now become more widely available in the country. The device is no longer an Amazon-exclusive, as another major US retailer Best Buy has also started offering it. Available color options include blue, silver, copper, and black (Matte Black). Pricing remains the same at $229. It's worth mentioning that Best Buy is also including a couple of freebies tempered glass and silicone clear case worth around $30.


Essential Phone is now $200 cheaper in US, going for $499

Essential Phone is now $200 cheaper in US, going for $499


Essential has given its smartphone a $200 price cut in the US, bringing the device's price down to $499. The price cut is on both black and white color variants of the device. Although price cuts are usually due to low sales or for stock clearance prior to arrival of a new-gen device, Essential says the discount will help the company better penetrate into the market, which is currently dominated by the likes of Apple and Samsung. While the price cut is no doubt a good news for those planning the purchase the handset, Essential isn't forgetting its existing customers as well they'll get a $200 Friends & Family code to use towards a new Essential Phone or Essential 360 Camera (for details on how to get that, head to the link below). As we already told you, this $200 discount is currently only limited to the US. However, the company will launch a similar promo in Canada as well, although details aren't yet available. |


Apple should re-imagine the iPod Shuffle

Apple should re-imagine the iPod Shuffle


I'm no longer the Apple 'fanboy' that I once was, that shine has long since been rubbed away for reasons that I wont go into here. My wife would disagree with my rationale though, shed tell you that as I'm older now, the term 'fanboy' simply wouldn't be appropriate! I get the sense I need to introduce the term 'fanman' into our vocabulary. That aside, my family and I are so deeply entrenched into the Apple Eco-system that changing now would require simply too much energy, and off course money. My eclectic music collection was created by ripping all the CDs that we owned into iTunes and supplemented by digital music purchases, all being stored in the cloud with iTunes Match. My iPhone had consigned my various iPods to eBay and we enjoyed our music in the car, through Apple TV and via Bluetooth speakers from several brands scattered around the house. So it will probably come as no surprise that when Apple Music was launched in 2015 I jumped on board. Immediately my listening habits changed and I've never purchased a single track or album since. Through this paradigm shift in my music consumption habits, the one iPod that stayed with me was my trusty 4th Generation iPod shuffle, because it was a perfect fit for fitness and sports activities. Who doesnt like or even need music to listen to when training? When Im running I choose music with the right tempo for my pace and training in a gym allows me to shut out everything around me and focus. For me, what I dont want is an expensive iPhone Plus sized device always with me that bounces around in my running shorts pocket assuming it doesnt bounce out, looks way too big in an armband, can get stolen from a gym or broken when I fall off my mountain bike. Hence why my trusty, bullet-proof, iPod shuffle stayed clipped to me. Apple didnt enable syncing my Apple Music playlists or tracks to the iPod shuffle, only my original ripped or purchased tracks. This was OK in the beginning but my music on the Shuffle has now aged and its in desperate need for a refresh. Come on Paul, thats what the Apple Watch is for! I can hear you all screaming at me. Before you do that though, for me, there are other smart/sport watches that provide superior sports metrics and significantly better battery life. These and other considerations ensured that I use a Garmin Fenix 5 rather than the Apple Watch. There could be numerous reasons why Apple hasnt enabled Apple Music syncing with non-iOS iPods. Apple pulled out of the non-connected iPod market so why would they provide software updates to discontinued devices, even though when Apple Music launched they were still selling the iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano. Prior to that, Apple stopped breaking out and reporting iPod sales and bundled them into the other products category as the iPod category as whole was in decline as we all migrated to smart phones. Another reason why Apple didnt enable this functionality could be down to the record labels and the deal that Apple has in place with them. They may have envisaged the use-case where you could sign up for a Apple Music trial, load all your music onto an iPod and then cancel the trial. Hey presto, iPod full of the latest music for free and repeat as necessary. Even given all this, I continued to envisage a new iPod, compatible with Apple Music that would again serve my needs perfectly. Im a realist though and outside of Apple opening up Apple Music to 3rd parties, which will never happen, I wasnt going to get the device that I wanted. Over the last year or so two products were announced that again turned my thoughts to a new iPod Shuffle. The first of those announcements was the Pebble Core, a $69 (Kickstarter promotional price) 3G wearable with WiFi & Bluetooth that tracked workouts via GPS, streamed music via Spotify and had Alexa built in. It would have had 9 hours of battery life even with location tracking and was 40mm x 40mm x 20mm in size. I say would have had as the Pebble Core never saw the light of day following Fitbits purchase of Pebble in late 2016. Earlier this year, Mighty Audio launched the Mighty, a $86 portable music player for streaming Spotify. 38.1mm x 38.1mm x 17.78mm in size, it supports WiFi and Bluetooth but disappointingly comes with a battery life of only 5 hours. This is the shuffle Apple should have made! So, given the interest and coverage that these two devices received we'll proceed under the premise that there may be a market for this type of device. The iPod Music could use off-the-shelf parts from the Apple Watch, as such I based the case size on the 38mm Apple Watch. For the overall look'n'feel, lets stick with the iconic iPod shuffle design, an approach not to dissimilar that Apple took with the iPhone SE. No need for stainless steel or other exotic materials here, aluminum is perfect for this device and further helps in keeping the cost and weight down. In the renders, I've kept the same size iPod Wheel on the front as the Shuffle, but it could be enlarged to ease interaction. Vibrant colors to match fitness clothing with maybe additional colors matching the latest iPhones please. We dont need a screen, Taptic Engine (which is estimated to make up 25% of the Apple Watchs volume), Optical Heart Rate Monitor or GPS capabilities. This reduces battery usage and the resultant space freed up can be utilized by an even bigger battery. The 10 hours of audio playback figure I quoted above was for a standard Apple Watch series 3, so it should be bettered by a bigger battery. Well use the Apple S series processor. Music playback is low overhead and well use the spare CPU cycles to power Siri for interacting with the iPod Music. Without over-engineering it to include a form of conductive charging, the Apple iPod Music could be charged via Lightning which will also allow a physical connection to iTunes, or less ideally it could adopt the previous Shuffles approach by using a proprietary 3.5mm to USB cable. This brings us to the most contentious element of the iPod Music, the 3.5mm headphone jack. By utilizing the Apple W1 chip, the Apple iPod Music could stream to Bluetooth headphones. I can still envisage a scenario where wired headphones would be preferred as they would boost battery life. A 3.5mm audio jack and a lightning port will make waterproofing trickier but not insurmountable. Whether you love or loathe iTunes it would be one method of putting music onto the iPod Music. Offline playback would be no different to downloaded music on an iPhone when in Airplane Mode. Additional methods could utilize Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. Apple Music on the iPhone could be modified to sync tracks and playlists in a similar fashion to the approach taken with the Apple Watch app. Additionally, Apple Music could be streamed via Wi-Fi when working out in the gym, even if it impacts battery life. Siri, would supplement the original Shuffles Play/Pause, Next/Fast Forward, Previous/Rewind and Volume Up/Down front controls and the top mounted three-way power/shuffle switch. Replacing Voice Over, a larger Apple Watch-like button would invoke Siri allowing interaction for music controls. Additional Siri commands could be used to tell the time and set various fitness related timers for intervals and such like. Apple doesnt publish or confirm analysts estimates on how much it costs to make a iPhone or Apple Watch. Tim Cook stated that these estimates are inaccurate and much different than the reality. Given all that, even by adding a multiplier to some of the published component estimates, I believe Apple could bring this in at under $100 without sacrificing any of the unique Appleness that goes into their products. A laser focused device like this wouldnt need costly yearly updates, outside of matching Apples latest color variants, and could be used by Apple as another way to bring subscribers to Apple Music. My thoughts above are simply stakes in the ground to promote debate. Several points are left outstanding and Im sure some have not even bubbled to the surface. What would the impact of Bluetooth/WiFi be on battery life? 3.5mm headphone jack and/or a Lightning port? What is certain is that Apple dont need to make the iPod Music to drive revenue. As I previously stated, when Apple stopped reporting sales of iPods they put them into the other products category, alongside Beats, AirPods and the Apple Watc. Its fun to speculate that a re-imagined iPod, at the right price could provide a boost to the entire category. If nothing else, writing this article has proved cathartic and I can go back to training either worrying about my iPhone or with no music at all.


Saturday, October 21, 2017

Google is rolling out a Try Now button to test instant apps on the Play Store

Google is rolling out a Try Now button to test instant apps on the Play Store


After first , the web giant is finally taking steps to introduce the new initiative to the public. If you hit up the source link, you will land on a list of app within the Play Store that already support the technology and thus have a new Try Now button. Pressing it actually launches the particular app, or at least parts of it instantly, without having to go through a traditional install process. To participate in the neat little public demonstration of one aspect of Instant Apps technology you do have to be running a fairly recent Android OS: Android 5.0 (API level 21) through Android 8.0 (API level 26). Support for the feature also needs to be enabled from the Google settings interface on the device. Lastly, there might be some market limitations or a staged roll-out in place, so, if you only see the familiar old Install button after going through all the steps, you should try a different device or wait a bit, since this is only the beginning. We are likely to see a lot more Instant Apps in the future, especially since adapting an existing app to use the technology is a fairly easy process and the end result has massive potential benefits. If you are not familiar with the technology, you can sort of view Instant Apps as a way to stream Android applications. The idea is that you don't necessarily need to store an app locally on your device for it to work. Instead, Google is experimenting with a much more flexible design model, where a user would only be presented with parts of an app that are relevant to his current activity. In this early Play Store test scenario the Try Now button only pulls in certain segments of the app or game, sort of like a lite version. Then, as you progress in its functionality, you can gradually pull more parts of it in, as needed. Alternatively, this could be used to create efficient demo versions with limited functionality. Or a better way to refund purchases you reconsider, without worrying about app resources left on the client device and potential hacking attacks. In a broader sense, Instant apps can really help merge the line between interactive web content and efficient native applications. Instant apps and more specifically, the right interfaces and components can be called upon from any URL, including search results, social media, messaging and various deep links. So, you could be browsing an article, then click on a link to an embedded social media post and have it actually open in a native Android app environment, with all its extending functionality, without ever installing anything. Or even click on a link to instantly start up a full Android game and join a multiplayer session, all with zero extra setup steps. The Instant Apps platform holds great promise, so we definitely encourage you to give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments.


Nokia 3310 3G pre-orders are now live in US; Nokia 3 gets new update

Nokia 3310 3G pre-orders are now live in US; Nokia 3 gets new update


After , pre-orders for are now live in the United States as well. Retailer Best Buy has the phone listed on its website, and is asking $60 for it. Available color options include Azure, Charcoal, Warm Red, and Yellow. The model on offer is unlocked, and offers support for dual-SIM. Also, it's only compatible with GSM carriers like AT and T-Mobile. As for release, the listing currently says shipments will begin towards the end of this month October 29 to be precise. Meanwhile, in a separate news, the has started receiving a new update. Weighing in at around 400MB, it's a security update that brings along fixes for the month of October. Other changes the update brings along are system stability-related improvements and UI-related enhancements (including reshaped Google search box). Currently, units in India are getting the update. |


Friday, October 20, 2017

Facebook Messenger users can now send/receive money through PayPal

Facebook Messenger users can now send/receive money through PayPal


PayPal has announced that they've expanded their collaboration with Facebook by adding their service for P2P payments in the social networking giant's Messenger application. To access the feature in both one-on-one chats and group chats tap on the blue plus icon, then select the green colored Payments button, and then select PayPal to send funds. The feature is currently only rolling out in the US and limited to iOS, with Android support coming soon. Meanwhile, PayPal also introduced a customer service bot for Messenger, allowing you to seamlessly receive payment and account support directly in the messaging app. To get it you have to search for PayPal in the search field and type a message and the bot will assist you with your request.


Pixel 2 available to purchase from Google Store in Australia, shipments begin next week

Pixel 2 available to purchase from Google Store in Australia, shipments begin next week


If you live in Australia, and have been eyeing the duo you'd be glad to know the phones can now be pre-booked from the company's Australian online store. The listing reveals shipments for the Pixel 2 begins October 27 onwards, while those for the will take 4-7 weeks (depending on the model you order). The standard model Pixel 2 starts at AUD 1,079 or $845 (64GB) and goes up to AUD 1,229 or $965 (128 GB). Aside from Just Black and Clearly White, the Kinda Blue color option is also available, although only in 64GB storage. The XL model, on the other hand, starts at AUD 1,399 or around $1,100 (64GB) and goes up to AUD 1,549 or $1,215 (128GB). No Kinda Blue option available here only Just Black and Black and White. For more information, head to the link below.


Thursday, October 19, 2017

Google Pixel 2 XL teardown reveals what's inside, results in 6 out of 10 repairability score

Google Pixel 2 XL teardown reveals what's inside, results in 6 out of 10 repairability score


Now that the and are (and the pre-orders have started shipping), it's time to take a good long look at what's inside these devices. Literally. The enterprising folks over at iFixit have chosen to tear down the Pixel 2 XL today, revealing all of its innards. That includes the recently announced created by Google itself. This will be enabled in Android 8.1 for even faster computational photography abilities. As usual in a modern smartphone, the rest of the components come from a lot of different companies. There's Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 chipset (actually manufactured by Samsung, by the way), an LG-made and LG-branded 3,520 mAh battery, Samsung RAM and flash storage, an NXP NFC module, and of course the embedded eSIM. The squeeze sensors (one of which you can see below) consist of a flexible PCB wrapped around both sides of a line of steel chunks, with strain gauges bridging the gaps between the metal bits. Strain gauges are deformation-sensitive resistors. They slightly change their resistance when when stretched or squished, and that's how the software knows to interpret your squeezy actions. The USB-C port is on its own board, which is good because it's a high-wear item that may need to be replaced. That's made easy by this type of construction. In the end, the Pixel 2 XL receives a 6 out of 10 repairability score (where 10 is easiest to repair). Many of its components are modular and can be replaced once the display assembly is removed. There are only nine screws and all of them are a common type. On the other hand, the display is thin and the battery is pretty hard to remove. Finally, the stubborn midframe and tight-fitting display cable covers mean you'll have your work cut out for you if you do ever intend to repair the handset on your own.


Visa Checkout support comes to Android Pay

Visa Checkout support comes to Android Pay


Visa Checkout allows you to pay through Visas platform, without giving your credit or debit card information to the merchant. You just need a user name and a password. And now you can use it with Android Pay too so that password can be switched out for a fingerprint. This integration was announced almost exactly and should have arrived earlier this year, but there were obviously some delays. Anyway, in the meantime Visa Checkout celebrated 20 million customers. Checkout is meant for online and in-app purchases. So while you cant pay for coffee at Starbucks with it, you can order from an online retailer or buy more gems for that extra addictive game. All of this is secured by whatever authentication methods your phone has to offer fingerprint, iris scanner and whatever smartphone makers dream up in the future. For its part, Visa secures the transaction with 3-D Secure 2.0 and EMVCo Token Service. These are automatically available to site and app developers who integrate Checkout. On a related note, added Checkout support at the end of March.


Samsung 360 Round is a 3D 360 camera for the pros

Samsung 360 Round is a 3D 360 camera for the pros


After , the Samsung 360 Round is official. This a 360 camera that can stream VR content in a more professional setting, unlike the Gear 360. For one, it has a total of 17 cameras organized in 8 pairs plus one on the top. This allows it to stream immersive 4K 360 videos in 3D (something the Gear camera cannot do). If youve tried watching 360 video from a consumer camera, youll likely have noticed that its in 2D, which spoils the illusion. It takes pairs of cameras to create a 3D image with depth. High quality audio is supported out of the box with 6 internal mics for spatial audio plus 2 external microphone ports. The IP65 dust and water resistance means the camera can capture sights and sounds of some less than hospitable places. But this camera isnt for the Average Joe. To do a live broadcast of its 4,096 x 2,048px / 30fps footage, youll need a Core i7-6950X processor with 32GB of RAM and two (!) Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards. Post processing is easier, but you still need an i7 CPU and one GTX 1080 (non-Ti). The camera packs some impressive hardware of its own. Each of the 17 cameras has a 2MP sensor (1/2.8) with an f/1.8 lens. It can record in H.265 to a microSD card (UHS-II is required) or an SSD (preferred). The camera already packs 40GB of eMMC and 10GB OF RAM (LPDDR3). To quickly transfer the large files, theres a LAN port and USB-C. The Samsung 360 Round camera is not something you can carry in your pocket either, it weighs nearly 2kg. The price was not officially announced but some reports put it north of $10,000 (thats a good deal than Nokiaz discontinued OZO cam). The camera will go on sale in the US later this month and expand to other regions later.


Nokia 5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 getting new updates

Nokia 5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 getting new updates


The smartphone has started receiving a new update. Weighing in at around 690MB, the update brings along new Android 7.1.2 Nougat OS. In addition, it also includes Android security fixes for the month of October. Other changes included in the update are improved system stability and some UI-related enhancements. Meanwhile, the series of smartphones is also getting a new update. Weighing in at around 122MB and arriving as firmware version G930FXXU1DQJ1 and G935FXXU1DQJ1 for the S7 and models, respectively, it's a security update that brings the latest, October security patch. Unlocked units in Europe are currently getting this update.


Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Android Pay gains support for 34 new financial institutions in US

Android Pay gains support for 34 new financial institutions in US


For quite some time now, Google has been steadily updating Android Pay's list of supported banks/financial institutions in the US. And once gain, new names have been added to the list. The number specifically stands at 34 this time. Some of the names that have been added to the list include Charles Schwab Bank, Advantage Plus FCU, Bank of Blue Valley, Centennial Bank (AR), Elements Financial CU, Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, Greater State Bank, Heritage Bank, Landings Credit Union, and Members Heritage Credit Union. Some other new names are Minnequa Works Credit Union, Northfield Savings Bank, Ocala Community Credit Union, Profinium Inc, Public Service Credit Union, Riverview CU, USE Credit Union, and Wrentham Cooperative Bank. To check if your bank or credit union is now in the supported list of Android Pay, head to the link below. |