Nomad ChargeKey review
Carrying around a setup to ensure your device is always charged, especially when you’re traveling or out for the night is never convenient. The fact that companies are making a ton of money off of portable battery packs and external battery cases is proof enough it’s time for one of the tech giants (or perhaps this needs to come from an out-of-nowhere startup) to revolutionize batteries.
Until then, we make do with what we have and wait for the next product to help us keep our devices full of juice.
One such product is the ChargeKey from Nomad. Designed to mimic the exact size of the average house key, ChargeKey is small, flexible, and portable.
The model I was sent for review is the Lightning compatible version for iOS devices. It’s capable of carrying 3.1 amps when charging, meaning it will provide enough power to charge full-size iPads. Don’t worry, there is a Micro USB version as well.
The material of ChargeKey makes it so it’s bendable and can withstand the normal abuse metal keys are subjected to on your keyring. With ChargeKey able to bend and move, it also means your iOS device will sit flat on the table or desk as you have your device connected. On top of that, it’s nearly impossible to always find a USB port or charging station that has a surface directly underneath it. As such, the ChargeKey creates a secure enough connection to hold an iPhone, while bending, without requiring you to hold your device the entire time it’s connected.
I have used the ChargeKey for the last few weeks during my trip to CES, and around the house. I find it better suited for use when not attached to my keyring. Keys and a glass screen have never gotten along, and I’m too paranoid my screen will accidentally get scratched when I have my device charging via the ChargeKey. It’s small enough that it fits into a side pocket on a backpack, or heck even your front pocket if you’re really paranoid about a dying battery.
The only drawback that I can come with for the ChargeKey is that it’s not an all-in-one charging solution. You still have to either find a USB port (which is getting easier and easier) or carry around a wall wort to plug ChargeKey into.
The Nomad isn’t currently shipping ChargeKey, but it expects to by the end of February, according to its website. The ChargeKey will set you back $25, or if you’re really creative you can offer to barter a service or good for a ChargeKey or two. Perhaps the best part of the ChargeKey is it’s warranty. Nomad states if your ChargeKey ever breaks, it will replace it free of charge.
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Google offering 25% discount on accessories in Play Store
Looking to pick up some accessories for that new Nexus 5 smartphone or Nexus 7 tablet? Swing by the Google Play Store today and you’ll find Google is offering discounts on a number of products.
We know you love your Nexus devices, so keep them safe, stylish and functioning at their best. Dress up your phone or tablet with our selection of custom-built cases made to fit your mobile lifestyle.
It’s not clear how long these deals will last nor whether Google will add in products for other devices. Our advice is to buy while you can.
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Over a Dozen New 4G LTE Markets Go Live From AT&T
AT&T is still out there pushing their 4G LTE coverage to as many markets as possible. Over a dozen new markets have just been activated by the carrier with plenty more on the way. The more the merrier, right? Take a look and see if your area should be seeing a boost.
- El Centro and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
- Jasper, Indiana
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Danville, Richmond and Somerset, Kentucky
- Cadillac and Niles-Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Tunica, Mississippi
- East Liverpool, Ohio
- Erie and New Castle, Pennsylvania
- Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastian, Fajardo and Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Barre and Burlington, Vermont
- Wheeling, West Virginia
- La Crosse, Wisconsin
I wonder if they are pushing up any of their timelines for launching to attempt to keep customers from jumping ship to T-Mobile? Having fast and reliable 4G LTE coverage is a deciding factor for many. On a monetary side of the coin, AT&T has dumped $116 billion into upgrades between 2007 to 2012 to the wireless and wireline networks. That is some serious cash.
Via AT&T
Google Chrome can listen in on your conversations (but it probably isn’t)
Google Chrome users are no strangers to speech recognition software — heck, the internet browser has “Ok Google!” voice recognition built right into its URL navigation bar. But that recognition is triggered to “listen” only when you’ve opened a new tab or navigate to Google’s homepage, and the expectation is that the browser isn’t able to listen in otherwise. Not so, says speech recognition program developer Tal Ater, who discovered an exploit in Chrome’s speech recognition that enabled unscrupulous websites with speech recognition software to listen in when users aren’t expecting.
First, you have to give permission to a website to allow speech recognition to work. After that, however, the website may open a pop-under window with the intent of secretly continuing to listen — even if you’ve closed the tab and moved on. Google Chrome must remain running, and you have to miss seeing the pop-under, but it’s certainly an issue.
Moreover, Google knows of the problem and has yet to fix it…despite a fix existing. Ater describes reporting the issue to Google, finding out it was fixed by the company soon after, and that fix not being implemented in subsequent updates. Google confirmed that to Engadget with the following statement:
“The security of our users is a top priority, and this feature was designed with security and privacy in mind. We’ve re-investigated and this is not eligible for a reward, since a user must first enable speech recognition for each site that requests it. The feature is in compliance with the current W3C specification, and we continue to work on improvements.”
Given Google’s compliance with speech recognition standards, it sounds like Mountain View isn’t changing the way Chrome’s speech software works just yet, though we’d be surprised if some form of visual indication of recording wasn’t included in a future build. A video of Ater demonstrating the exploit is just below.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Tal Ater
Future Windows 8.1 update may let you pin its Store apps to the desktop’s taskbar
Microsoft started blurring the lines between the modern Windows interface and the classic desktop with Windows 8.1, and there are now signs that it’s ready to mix things up a little more. WZor has posted screenshots of a leaked Windows 8.1 update that would let users pin Windows Store apps to the desktop’s taskbar, saving them the trouble of visiting the Start screen. There aren’t any hints that these apps would run on the desktop. However, it may be easier to return to the traditional Windows environment. SuperSite for Windows‘ Paul Thurrott hears from sources that the upgrade may also add a desktop-like close button — you wouldn’t have to remember gestures or keyboard shortcuts to quit a Store app. There aren’t any clues as to when this OS update would arrive, although we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some news by the time Microsoft’s Build developer conference kicks off in early April.
Filed under: Software, Microsoft
Source: WZor (translated)
Motorola CEO talks $50 Smartphones and Custom Screen-Size Options
Motorola had quite a bad run for a number of years. After Google acquired them though, things have dramatically turned around the company. 2013 was definitely a good year for Moto with the Moto X and especially the Moto G. Motorolas CEO, Dennis Woodside, is quite the leader and quite the speaker. Minus all the public spectacles, I would put him right up there with John Legere as far as creating some change in the mobile space. His latest interview with Trusted Review certainly was full of interesting conversation that may or may not surprise you.
In the states, the Moto G at $179 is a pretty great bargain, especially for what it is capable of. It is literally all over the place at varying prices and even up for grabs at $99.99 with Verizon pre-paid. However, Woodside is brings up this price tag and talks how it is still quite a large chunk of change for many parts of the world. Apparently Motorola is looking for ways to deliver a similar device to a global market at an even lower price point.
“We’re going to look at that and just delivering on that value promise is super important. I mean why can’t these devices be $50? There’s no reason that can’t happen so we’re going to push that.”
It will take a lot of work to bring out an off-contract device that lands at or near the $50 price tag. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen though. This direction and out-of-the-boxing thinking is exactly what the OEM’s of the world need to start looking towards. Sure, it might be a bit more of a low to mid-ranged device, but that is the point. If everyone could buy a Galaxy S4, Note 3, HTC One or even a Nexus 5 at full price they would. Even the contracted prices are sometimes more than people can afford.
Also on the docket was mention of introducing even more customization for those higher-end more premium devices. The Moto X is the current example of customizing colors and wood backplates, but Woodside wants to do more. He mentions, “Today you have colours and beginning of materials but you don’t have screen size and you don’t have functionality and we’re going to bring all that in in the next year or so.” Which sounds an awful like Project Ara if you ask me. That was the Phonebloks partnership with Motorola for fully customizable and interchangeable smartphone blocks. Basically choose your screen size as the base and add what you need and want ‘right now’ then upgrade pieces and more in the future when you have some more money.
It doesn’t sound like Motorola is going to be changing their approach to the smartphone industry anytime soon. I really look forward to seeing what Moto puts out to the world this year. What about you guys?
Source: Trusted Review Via 9to5Google
Sony Xperia Z1s Available in T-Mobile Stores Today for $0 Down
Today is the day that I am sure some of you have been waiting for. The Sony Xperia Z1s is now officially available in T-Mobile retail store locations across the country. If you qualify for it, then you can head into the store and put NOTHING down and walk out with a T-Mobile exclusive device. Of course that would attach $22 a month to your statement to pay it off, but that is just cutting back your Dutch Bros trips by 1 a week.
As with any launch announcement for a new device, there is usually some extra goodies that tag along. To sweeten the pot on the offer, anyone who picks up the new Xperia Z1s will also get 6 movies to download for FREE and 10 preselected Playstation Mobile games. Oh, can’t forget the 60 day trial to Sony Music Unlimited. Check out the down and dirty spec sheet as a refresher about the Xperia Z1s:
KEY FEATURES:
- · Waterproof1, rated IP55/58
- · Sony G Lens, 1/2.3” 20.7 MP Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor and BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine
- · Preloaded Xperia camera apps including: Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effect, Social live, and Background defocus
- · 5-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with X-Reality™ for mobile2 picture engine
- · PlayStation® App – Connect to your PS4™ system and PSN friends, use your smartphone as a second screen and manage your game downloads
- · Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 quad-core 2.2 Ghz processor, 3000 mAh battery, 4G LTE
The world’s best camera in a waterproof smartphone1
Whether it’s braving the rain to get front row shots of your favorite band or taking the “selfie” to a whole new underwater level, Xperia Z1s makes fear of using your phone around water a thing of the past. Further developing the water-resistant capabilities of Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1s can be completely submerged in freshwater up to 4.9 feet for 30 minutes, making it waterproof1 (as per IP58 rating) and with its physical camera key, you can even use the device to shoot photos and videos underwater. It also incorporates wet finger tracking technology, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or your fingers are wet.Whether above or below water, Xperia Z1ˢ leverages Sony’s best digital imaging technology to capture compact digital camera quality 20.7 MP photos and Full HD videos. For the first time in a U.S. flagship smartphone, Sony has added its BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine – the ‘brain’ of the camera, which together with the sensor, produces images with less noise or blurring, better auto-focus and white balance, and clear image 3x zoom. Sony’s camera expertise also extends to the lens, with Sony’s award-winning G Lens (F2.0), which incorporates the brand’s unique optical design technology and quality control.
More than just photos and video
Innovating on what’s expected of smartphone camera capabilities and overall experience, the Xperia Z1s comes preloaded with a unique suite of applications called Xperia Camera Apps. Making their debut on a U.S. flagship smartphone, these applications include Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effects, Social live, and as an exclusive to Xperia Z1s, Background defocus.Info-eye™: Perform a visual search that provides related information on items like wine, books, and landmarks, simply by capturing them with the camera
Timeshift burst: Capture 61 images within two seconds – a second before and after pressing the shutter – so you can scroll back and forth to find the perfect image.
AR effect: Overlay a selection of fun, customizable animations to create pictures with playful touch using the “SmartAR” augmented reality technology developed by Sony. The animations include dinosaurs, ocean-life and more.
Social live: Broadcast memories in the making to friends and family on Facebook™, live from your Xperia Z1ˢ. Moments such as your best friend’s wedding to your child’s very first recital, are not only shared while you record, but are also made interactive as you receive your friends’ responses right on your screen to keep the conversation going in real-time.
Background defocus: Adjust the blur in the background for more artistic, professional-looking photos, once only achieved by using top of the line D-SLR cameras or specific lenses, with this exclusive camera app for your Xperia Z1ˢ.
A gamer’s handheld companion
The Xperia Z1s brings an entertainment experience that only Sony can offer including free content as well as integration of Sony media apps with Sony entertainment services, including the new PlayStation®App for the connected gamer.
Anyone heading down to the T-Mobile store today to take a closer look and possibly pick on up? Maybe this is your Break Up Letter device to pull the trigger on divorcing your current carrier. Let us know what happens.
More details can be found at T-Mobile.com, SonyMobile and PRNewsWire
iPhone 6 Specs Seen by Analyst as ‘Locked In’ with 4.8-Inch Display and 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Adding to a litany of analyst predictions pointing to a larger iPhone, Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company (via AppleInsider) today claimed that the iPhone 6 will ship with a 4.8-inch display, a significant increase over the 4-inch display of the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s.
Citing sources within Apple’s supply chain, Arcuri also indicated that the next-generation iPhone will come with the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard that first began appearing in Apple products in 2013. 802.11ac, or “Gigabit” Wi-Fi offers speeds up to three times as fast as existing 802.11n wireless networks, reaching speeds over 1 Gigabit per second.
Because 802.11ac was included in Apple’s updated Mac line throughout 2013, many expected the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c to ship with the standard. While the chips were presumably not quite ready at the time, 802.11ac support in the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One suggests that the technology is now ready for mobile devices.
Echoing several other predictions about Apple’s future in mobile payments, Arcuri went on to suggest that Apple will offer “key software innovations” in 2014 with iBeacon, Touch ID, and Passbook used as a mobile payment solution.
Aside from hardware tweaks and design changes, Arcuri also said that Apple is planning “key software innovations” with the next major release of its iOS platform. He expects the company will leverage iBeacon, Touch ID and Passbook as part of a push into new services with mobile payments.
According to the analyst, Apple will launch its updated iPhone in September, which is in line with previous Apple iPhone releases. Although Arcuri does not mention dual iPhone sizes, some iPhone 6 rumors have indicated Apple could release the phone in multiple sizes ranging from 4.7 to 5.7 inches.
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Verizon calls dibs on Rose Gold version of Galaxy Note 3
Verizon will be the exclusive U.S. carrier to offer the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with the Rose Gold accents. A quiet and unassuming post on Samsung’s website yesterday reveals that the device will be made available but stopped short of mentioning pricing or timing. With that said, we might assume the same sticker as the standard models. As of today, both the Classic White and Jet Black versions are $299 with a two-year service agreement.
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Blu-ray discs may soon get billions of colors with new encoding tech
It’s nice that 4K streaming is coming to match the onslaught of Ultra HD screens, but most media is still encoded with a “measly” 8 bits per color channel, rendering around 16 million colors. That might sound fine, but so-called deep color (10, 12 or 16 bits per color) can drastically improve images by eliminating nasty color banding — and many new HD projectors, high-end TVs and monitors already support it. Now, a company called Folded Space wants to bring the media in line, too. It’s developed algorithms to encode 12-bit Blu-ray discs with billions of colors, while keeping them backwards compatible with existing players — and holding files to nearly the same size. For all that to happen, studios would need to adopt the encoding tech and manufacturers would also have to incorporate it into new Blu-ray players. Those are pretty big “ifs,” but the company is offering the tech free to content creators to get the ball rolling — meaning you might soon get full fidelity in shows that actually merit it.
Filed under: HD
Source: Folded Space
AIVAnet 