New Water Resistant Speaker, the Voombox, Launched by Divoom
A new water resistant speaker was announced today by Divoom. You might remember their name popping up in your feed from us a little while back when we took a look at their Bluetune-Bean speaker. Divoom has just announced another Bluetooth speaker to add to their lineup and it looks and sounds like it could be a winner.
“People are more connected than ever before, and rarely leave the house without a Smartphone or tablet,” says Terry, VP of Marketing at Divoom. “We want to provide consumers not only with a product that enhances their daily lives, but also one that provides the quality, aesthetic and durability they desire.”
The listed specs offer some useful information.
- Output power: 15W (7.5W*2)
- Driver size: 2” x 2
- Dimensions: 185L x 60W x 78H mm
- Frequency Response: 100-20000Hz
- Playback Time: 12 hours
- Charge time: 3-4 hours
- Battery Capacity: 3200mA
- Battery Voltage: 3.7V
- WirelessRange: Up to 10 meters
- Bluetooth Compliant: Bluetooth V4.0
- Bluetooth Profile support: A2DP
Add in the 12 hour battery life and you have a really outdoor adventure speaker. The retail price tag pegs these for $99.99. The press release states they are available now, but we can’t pick them up on their website or find them on Amazon. Keep your eyes open, we are sure they will become available soon.
iCloud Website Error Hints at Upcoming iCloud Bookmarks Feature
An error on Apple’s iCloud.com portal is displaying a “Coming Soon” page for iCloud Bookmarks, suggesting that the website may soon gain functionality for displaying iCloud Bookmarks saved in Safari on a Mac or an iOS device.
An online iCloud Bookmarks section, if added to iCloud, could be useful for users that wish to access their bookmarks on a computer that is not used regularly. While iCloud already syncs Safari bookmarks between Macs and iOS devices, iCloud bookmarks are not currently accessible via iCloud.com.
First discovered by a Twitter user (via 9to5Mac), the iCloud Bookmarks page can be seen briefly when visiting a specific URL, originally accessed by installing the Chrome extension from the iCloud Control Panel for Windows app on a PC: http://icloud.com/bookmarks_extension
Though the page text suggests that an iCloud Bookmarks feature could be in the works for iCloud.com, it is possible, based on the “extension” URL, that it is referring to an iCloud Bookmarks extension, but iCloud browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox on Windows and Mac have been available for several months following the launch of iOS 7.
As noted by 9to5Mac, the introductory screen also features the iOS 7-style design for Bookmarks, which seems to indicate that it was rather recently created, pointing more towards a new feature than an old page for an existing feature.
Apple has been hard at work beefing up iCloud during the last year. At WWDC, the company introduced iWork for iCloud, giving users a way to work on collaborative documents from any device, and more recently many of the apps received a full iOS 7-style redesign.
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Switched On: The next steps for digital wellness, part two
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
The last Switched On discussed many of the limitations of today’s fitness monitors and how input regarding other lifestyle variations could create a more complete picture of how we control our health. But there are other health factors that change infrequently and can have a profound impact on our well-being.
Chronic diseases
Health problems such as diabetes and hypertension pose their own challenges to the overall picture of our health. Here, too, we are starting to see smartphone measurement solutions such as the Qardio blood pressure monitoring device and the Health2Sync interface cable that connects smartphones to common glucometers.
Prescriptions
According to findings by the Mayo Clinic published last summer, 70 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug and more than half take two. Drugs can have an impact on all kinds of vital signs, but most apps and monitoring devices today operate in complete ignorance of prescriptions. That said, we are seeing some gadgets start to address the issue of compliance. At CES, a company called AdhereTech introduced a sophisticated cellular-connected pill bottle that measures the frequency of pills taken and the number removed.
While it can’t measure whether consumers take the pills, company representatives say that they only see patients throw out pills after removal in rare cases of mental illness. Much like the HAPIfork, the AdhereTech bottle knows nothing of what the patient actually consumes. A pricey proposition, it is intended to be distributed by specialized pharmacies serving patients with serious illnesses where medications can cost hundreds of dollars per pill.
History
Genetics are perhaps the “easiest” part of figuring out one’s overall risk of certain diseases. Recently, 23andMe had its DNA test banned by the FDA. However, as anyone who has ever visited a doctor knows, one of the first questions asked is about a family history of ailments such as heart disease and cancer because these are key factors in determining risk. And it’s not just about family history. In addition to the aforementioned chronic diseases, medical practitioners always want to know about past procedures such as surgeries. But, like so many other critical factors, today’s health and fitness apps ignore family and personal histories.
Clearly, we are making progress toward capturing a broader range of measurement about our health and well-being. Even if all these factors can be perfectly measured, the far harder challenge is in weighing their aggregate impact in a cloud. Perhaps that is the time that medical professionals will have to step in or, perhaps, one day advanced computing power will make more sense of the data.
There may also be power in comparing the results of behavior changes, surgeries and prescriptions by analyzing anonymous crowdsourced health information, but clearly these changes will require serious debate on privacy and other regulatory considerations. Alas, there’s no device that can measure the baby steps we are taking toward a more complete and actionable digital realization of health and wellness assistance.
Ross Rubin is principal analyst at Reticle Research, a technology, media and telecom advisory firm, and founder of Backerjack, which covers crowdfunded product innovation. He blogs at Techspressive.
Twitter is making searches easier with filters for news, videos and more
Searching Twitter for a video you saw last week isn’t always the easiest thing in the world, but a new update for the microblogging platform might fix that. New search filters are available that’ll allow you to separate your query by location, whether the tweet has a video or photo attached or if it’s a newsy 140 characters. This seems more like a universal roll-out than a test, but, given Twitter’s history, you may have to wait for a more controlled way of searching for time-travelers.
We’re bringing new filters to search on http://t.co/eNvqKTup1d: by videos, news, people you follow, and more. pic.twitter.com/vkxfkNf2ou
– Twitter (@twitter) January 29, 2014
Filed under: Internet
Source: Twitter
Twitter tool tells journalists what’s BREAKING!
We’ve known for sometime that Twitter is looking to make a move in the news game, but what that would look like was still unclear. Today, the blue bird’s intentions are starting to look a bit more concrete, with the announcement of Dataminr for News, a tool that pinpoints and alerts journalists of breaking news before every Joe with a dot com is tweeting about it. The tool, created in partnership with NY startup Dataminr, uses machine-learning algorithms to identify big and reliable stories and alert journalists via email, mobile alerts and other means. It will also provide detailed information about the origins and sources behind the information. According to The Verge, CNN has used Dataminr tools for months and is already seeing some payoff: It claims to produce at least two stories a day sourced from the service.
The new initiative feeds into the “me first” media culture that has seen hoaxes rise to the top of Twitter as quickly as real breaking news stories. However, Dataminr claims that its algorithms cut through the bull shit by looking beyond the first tweet to find “corroborating sources on the ground” among other factors. According to TechCrunch, Dataminr CEO Ted Bailey said Dataminr for News will become available to all journalists for an undisclosed price later this year.
Filed under: Internet
Via: The Verge, TechCrunch
Source: Twitter
Google’s partnering with Samsung and others for new educational devices this spring
Google began its play for the education market late last year with a student-oriented version of the Play Store. Since then, partners of the Google for Education program have provided their classes with learning software and tools on select Chromebooks and Android-based tablets. Today, Mountain View announced two new devices headed for that very lineup this spring: Lenovo’s ThinkPad 11e series and the Toshiba Chromebook, starting at $349 and $299 (respectively). Samsung’s also on board with a classroom-ready edition of its Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 set to launch this April.
And what’s the best way to complement that influx of hardware? Google thinks it’s by adding thousands of K-12 books to Google Play for Education, including popular titles like Bridge to Terabithia and Lord of the Flies. The plethora of digital reads are available for affordable access periods (60, 180 or 360 days) to a few select schools as early as today, but arrive for the rest in the coming weeks.
Filed under: Google
Source: Google
Apple rolls out iOS 7.0.5 to iPhone 5s and 5c in China, promises network fixes
Apple’s usually pretty quick when it comes to fixing issues with its software, and today is no exception. The iPhone maker has begun delivering iOS 7.0.5 to 5s and 5c models that are available in China, an update that is expected to solve “network provisioning” for some affected handsets there. This comes shortly after Apple finally announced a deal to bring the iPhone to China Mobile, which put an end to a long, long period of negotiations and landed its shiny new devices on the carrier. As such, and even though the changelog doesn’t single the network out, iOS 7.0.5 would appear to be tailored for China Mobile subscribers who recently bought an iPhone. Either way, for those of you outside of China, no need to be hunting for this particular version — it’s only for those who actually need it.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Apple
Source: 9to5Mac
Sabertron: a foam lightsaber game that finally proves who’s got the most midi-chlorians
Chances are you’ve clutched a lightsaber or two in your time, whether that be an inexpensive imitation of the iconic Jedi weapon, or a deluxe model. You may even be a veteran duelist, but unless you’re willing to commit murder with a Star Wars toy (or, someone else could just score the bout, we guess), then the dance always ends with no true victor. If you think that something with a name like Sabertron can’t solve this dilemma, then these aren’t the swords you’re looking for. Just launched on Kickstarter, the idea of Sabertron is pretty simple: foam sword, electronics to detect blows, LED scoreboard above the grip. The current prototype uses an Arduino board with accelerometer to register hits, with Xbee handling the wireless connection so swords know when they’ve merely collided, and when to shut off LEDs after an opponent’s successful strike. Also, a control panel and screen built into the grip lets you pick between different game modes for one-on-one combat.
During the year, LevelUp intends to created a chest/back mounted scoreboard with proximity detection that’ll allow for multiplayer battles, with other accessories for the Sabertron range expected later. While it’s aimed at Star Wars fans and live-action role players primarily, only a fun-sponge would be incapable of enjoying a few rounds of Alliance vs Empire with a buddy. And, with early bird pledges of $99 getting you a pair, breaking the will of Jedi scum doesn’t have to break the bank.
Filed under: Misc
Source: Kickstarter (Sabertron), LevelUp
Alleged model numbers and first camera sample surface for Galaxy S5
A list of model numbers for the Samsung Galaxy S5 variants have emerged, giving anxious fans just a little bit more to chew on. If you’re the type of person who likes to dig through every little detail for upcoming devices then this ought to help you get your fix.
Assuming these are accurate –and we think they are– model numbers, we can maybe look for more bits to surface. You know, stuff like benchmarks and other fun leaks.
- SM-G9006V_CHN_CHN (China)
- SM-G9008V_CHN_ZM (China)
- SM-G9009D_CHN_CTC (China)
- SM-G900A_NA_ATT (AT&T)
- SM-G900D_JPN_DCM (Japan)
- SM-G900F_EUR_XX (Open Europe)
- SM-G900H_EUR_XX (Open Europe)
- SM-G900I_SEA_XSA (Asia)
- SM-G900J_JPN_KDI (Japan)
- SM-G900K_KOR_KTC (Korea)
- SM-G900L_KOR_LGC (Korea)
- SM-G900M_LA_VF (Vodafone)
- SM-G900P_NA_SPR (Sprint)
- SM-G900R4_NA_USC (US Cellular)
- SM-G900S_KOR_SKC (Korea)
- SM-G900T_NA_TMB (T-Mobile)
- SM-G900V_NA_VZW (Verizon)
- SM-G900W8_NA_BMC (BMC)
It’s not exactly the most exciting stuff, but we are also looking at what’s being billed as the first Galaxy S5 (Verizon) photo sample. While evleaks suggests it points to a 16-megapixel experience, it may also end up at 21-megapixels.
The original image’s 5,312×2,988 pixel count works out to a 16:9 aspect ratio, but as Unwired View reminds us, the full height of a sensor is not used. When adjusting for a 4:3 ratio the image turns out to be roughly 21-megapixels. Incidentally, this resolution has been rumored for the Galaxy S5 a time or two.
The post Alleged model numbers and first camera sample surface for Galaxy S5 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AT&T Offering $100 Credit for Adding a New Line
T-Mobile has struck a cord in the carrier world after unveiling their different stages of their UNCarrier plan. AT&T seemingly being one of the carriers a little shaken up by Tmo, especially by always being picked on by CEO of T-Mobile, John Legere. AT&T is trying their best to sway T-Mobile customers their way, as well as keep the existing ones that have. They have a new incentive for existing customers and new customers, and that is when you activate a new line of service, AT&T will credit the customer’s account with a $100 credit. This offer is good to the end of March, so if T-Mobile hasn’t convinced you to join their team, you might want to consider taking this offer. For more details head to the AT&T page proved in the link below.
This $100 credit is a way we can reward our existing customers who add an additional line of service for their loyalty, and it’s an incentive for customers of Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and other wireless carriers to come to AT&T and enjoy the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network.
Source: AT&T
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