Wearable craze adds skin sensitivity to the list of considerations for gadget buyers
We were quite impressed with Jawbone Up24 when we reviewed it. But, a few weeks later, things soured a bit when an editor developed a rather unpleasant rash from the device. Turns out it’s not all that uncommon a reaction. While the usual list of concerns for gadget buyers focuses on specs, features and in certain cases portability, with the advent of the wearable, consumers need to start worrying about their own skin sensitivity as well. Are you particularly susceptible to bacterial infections? Are you allergic to nickel or latex? Then that’s something that you’ll have to take into consideration when it comes time to pick out a fitness tracker or smartwatch.
In addition to our anecdotal experience, the Engadget forums are alive with reports of sores and rashes associated with the Fitbit Force. While a sensitivity to nickel would be the most immediate suspect in cases like this according to dermatologist J. Todd Williams, M.D., it appears something else is to blame. The Force does contain trace amounts of the metal in the surgical-grade stainless steel used on its body, but the position of the rashes would seem to rule out it out in many cases. The same would be true of Up users, as only the cap emblazoned with the Jawbone logo contains nickel plating. And since the Up is coated in a hypoallergenic rubber and the Force forgoes latex as well, it seems an allergy to that particular polymer isn’t the culprit either.
Instead, it appears that trapped moisture and bacteria are the most likely causes of discomfort. Wrist-worn devices like the Up, Force and Flex tout their ability to shrug off water and many users simply never take them off, even in the shower. As Dr. Williams explained, “there is one type of dermatitis called ‘irritant’ dermatitis that just comes from irritation from water/sweat etc…” Essentially, a build up of moisture (which can also encourage bacterial growth) against the body can cause sores and rashes on those with particularly sensitive skin. People commonly experience similar reactions to watchbands, bracelets and rings. For instance, Dr. Williams says, newly weds often complain of irritation from water being trapped under their rings while washing dishes.
While the solution might be as simple as cleaning your wearable regularly with antibacterial soap and taking it off while you shower, Fitbit is taking the complaints seriously. If customers feel they’re experiencing an allergic reaction to their tracker, the company is offering either a refund or a replacement device. And, obviously, it will foot the bill for all shipping costs and refund any difference in price, should you choose to replace your Force with a Zip, for instance. Fitbit insists it tests all its materials thoroughly and meets a variety of international standards for safety, but there’s no accounting for the unexpected. Jawbone representatives have told us they’re looking into the issue, and we’ll update this post if we receive a statement from the company.
Filed under: Wearables
Source: Engadget forums, Consumerist
CyanogenMod Releases GalleryNext and are Looking for Betas Testers
The boys of CyanogenMod want to change the photo gallery experience on your device, by releasing their very own gallery app called GalleryNext. The stock Gallery app will probably soon be phased out by the Google+ Photos app, but CM felt like that shouldn’t be the case.
- View all your pictures in one centralized location
- Cloud services integration with Flickr, Picasa (G+), Facebook, and Dropbox
- Moments support (automatic grouping and classification of media based on metadata)
- Video playback support
- Gif support
- Deduplication in ‘All’ view
GalleryNext actually kind of looks similar to the Google+ photos app, but they have added some spice to it. The slide-out navigation style looks awfully tasty, and you can look at your galleries in mini gallery compilations. Cloud service integration has been added for such apps as, Flickr, Dropbox, and Facebook, and has GIF playback support. There is also something added called “moments”support, and they are giving you the option to beta test right now. Hit the link provided down below to join the G+ community page. Let us know how it runs.
Google Glass app DriveSafe Turns Glass into a Warning System
We have all been there more than once. Those times where you have been working all day and have to still make the trip back home. Or those long trips where you just want to get as far as possible before you pull over for the night. While it is unsafe and potentially deadly, it still happens. Pair that up with the issues that driving with Google Glass has caused over the last few months and you might be in for some troublesome times. While there isn’t much of a solution for driving with Glass on, there is a new app for those that still brave the roads wearing their gear. A new app, DriveSafe, is now available for those of you that Glass up while on the road.
DriveSafe is currently in alpha testing mode, but is aiming to help drivers be safer on the road. Giving users of the app an alert in the heads up display if it thinks you might be nodding off behind the wheel. Of course, if your eyes are closing a visual pop-up won’t do much good. DriveSafe goes a step further though and will also trigger an audible tone and then uses voice input to help you find a safe place to rest.
While we don’t suggest you solely rely on DriveSafe to keep you awake at the wheel, it is an interesting use of Glass and an argument for their benefits in a vehicle over the distracted driving issues. You can go pick it up at Drivesafeforglass.
Source: 9to5Google
‘Floatifications’ Updates with New Ticker Notifications
Floatifications, formerly known as Floating Notifications, gets a nice little update today. If you guys are not familiar with this notification app, it essentially brings Paranoid Android’s HALO notifications to any device not running the Paranoid software. I have actually reviewed this app a couple times, and now that it has gotten this update, I might start using it again.
- Added new ticker notification type
- Added fullscreen only mode
- Added option to customize the gap between stacked icons
- Added option to unlink FN and status bar notifications (4.3+)
- Fixed app crashing on some devices when loading app list
- Fixed compatibility with many apps (PushBullet, Titanium Backup, Google Keep & more)
- Fixed app continuously asking to enable the service
- Fixed pinned icon not showing on certain devices
- Fixed broken backup & restore
- Minor bug fixes
So if you feel like giving it a whirl, or you haven’t updated this app on your device yet, head over to the Play Store and get it. Let us know if you like it.
Google Play Edition Moto G Hits the Play Store
The Google Play Editions continue on, and Google just added the Moto G to the list. The Google Play Edition Moto G has just landed in the Play Store, and you can grab yourself one for the price tag of $180 for the 8 gb version, and $200 for the 16 gb version.
It is funny that they did this for the Moto G, because the Moto G was already running almost pure stock. I guess having the title”Google Play Edition” just makes it sound more appealing for us Android Enthusiasts, so if you feel like grabbing yourself one, head over to the Play Store by clicking the link provided below. Let us know if you got yourself one.
T-Mobile now selling Xperia Z1S
T-Mobile’s latest Android smartphone, the Sony Xperia Z1S, is now available for purchase. Announced at CES last week, the waterproof handset features a 20.7-megapixel camera with BIONZ mobile image processing engine and G Lens. The 5-inch screen, which is definitely a looker, is a full 1080p HD TRILUMINOS Display with X-Reality.
Pricing is listed at $0 down with 24 equal payments of $22 when paired with a Simple Choice Plan, for a total of $528. For a limited time, customers can earn a $100 Visa gift card if they purchase the Xperia Z1S and a PlayStation 4.
The post T-Mobile now selling Xperia Z1S appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung debuts its own Winter Olympics app
Samsung is constantly trying to keep users solely in its own ecosystem. First, the Galaxy Gear. Did you really think it would end there? Now, they created a beautiful Sochi Winter Olympics 2014 app, and its only available on Samsung devices.
The app is very well-done. The menu is accessible by pulling from the left side of the screen, just like many other apps we’ve seen. Sports, medals, and countries all have their own page, and you can even keep tabs on your favorite athletes by setting them as your favorites. It’s pretty much exactly what you would want from an Olympics app.
Word is yet to be released on whether you can download the app on non-Samsung devices in the future. With the Olympics officially starting in a few weeks, keep an eye out to see if its possible. But that really isn’t the Samsung thing to do.
The post Samsung debuts its own Winter Olympics app appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Halo Galaxy S 4 Power Case review
Looking to extend the time period between charges of your Samsung Galaxy S4 but don’t want to bulk up? Consider the new Halo S4 case from Lenmar. Thanks to its internal 2600mAh battery, you’ll essentially double the time you stay away from a charger.
Not simply just a battery, it’s also a clean (white) and stylish case that protects the phones edges and back. Indeed, there are cut-outs for headphones, microUSB, microphone, and camera. You won’t have to worry about anything proprietary or awkward for charging, it’s the same port. In fact, you get an extra microUSB cord in the box.
One of the features we liked best about the Lenmar solution is that it’s NFC-capable. We’ve seen extended life batteries from other companies that leave this option out. Depending on what your usage is like, the lack of NFC could be a dealbreaker.
The Halo S4 case is actually comprised of multiple parts: a battery housing and the shell case (NFC found here). You’ll remove the back from your handset and use the Lenmar case for protection. The battery is placed inside a separate battery unit and the combined unit goes back into the phone. Slap the back on and you’re good to go!
We did find the case to be a bit more slippery than we would have liked. What’s more, it liked to grab smudges and oil, which could make things even worse. Putting the case on was relatively easy though we did have to snap some seams together on a second pass around the case. Our recommendation here is for a textured back and possibly a second color choice.
Overall we were impressed with the case as it didn’t add too much weight or thickness. We were concerned it might have wonky weight distribution but that never proved to be the case. A few quibbles aside, it’s certainly something we’d suggest for those who spend their days on the go.
The Lenmar Halo Galaxy S4 case retails with a suggested price of $59.99 and includes a 1 year warranty. We did a quick check and found a number of retailers offering the unit, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Fry’s.
The post Halo Galaxy S 4 Power Case review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
You can order a gold LG G2 in Taiwan, but just… don’t.
It’s de rigeur now for flagship phones to get a gold version, a debatable trend that’s at least working out for snarky tech editors. After all, there’s something awkward about gilting a geeky handset like LG’s G2, especially in a shade reminiscent of gaudy late ’80s home decor. It’s now available in Taiwan (and possibly elsewhere later) for $530 — if you’re in the target market, those back buttons are less likely to tangle with manicured nails.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
Via: Engadget Chinese (translated)
Source: Yahoo Shopping (translated)
Tesla formally recalls more than 29,000 Model S wall charging adapters
Tesla may argue that it’s being proactive by replacing Model S wall charging adapters, but that still constitutes a recall by most anyone’s definition. Accordingly, the company has sent a letter (PDF) to the NHTSA announcing a voluntary recall of the 29,222 first-generation adapters that theoretically pose a fire hazard. As before, Tesla stresses that the adapter replacement program is a “precautionary measure” — an earlier software update addressed the underlying problem by accounting for unexpected changes in power input. The formal notice doesn’t change much (if anything) for Model S drivers, but it at least means that the right authorities are aware of what’s happening.
Filed under: Transportation
Via: New York Times
Source: NHTSA (PDF)
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