Nokia X benchmarked on BrowserMark 2, shows predictable Performance
When the Nokia X’s hardware specs were leaked earlier this week, many people had to do a double take just to make sure they weren’t dreaming; although we knew the device wasn’t going to be flagship quality, many of us did not quite expect the pedestrian nature of the specs and I think it’s fair to say the Android-powered Nokia phone has lost a bit of interest since then. Regardless, the leaks are still coming in fast and thick as someone has had the Nokia X benchmarked on BrowserMark 2 and uploaded the results giving one of our first looks at the device’s abilities.
Unsurprisingly, the Nokia X (which has been given the model number of RM-980) comes in quite close to the end of the pack, though I would say despite only packing what is likely a dual-core Snapdragon 200, it performs quite admirably, finding itself in the midst of budget quad-core phones. While the hardware is definitely one sticking point for Android enthusiasts, the other elephant in the room would definitely be the lack of Google certification, meaning that the Google Play Store will be present on the phone, though someone will likely figure out how to flash the device shortly after its expected release at MWC 2014.
What do you think about the Nokia X’s performance in the BrowserMark 2 benchmark: still think it’s a bit too underpowered? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This smart handbag could stop you from overspending
If you’re the sort who overspends at the mall, you may need a firm reminder to watch your budget. How does an ever-vigilant handbag sound? Finder.com.au could soon make one: meet the iBag, a prototype carryall that locks you out if it believes you’re going to splurge. The Arduino-powered bag automatically shuts tight at those times you’re most likely to shop. Outside of those moments, it uses GPS to warn you when you get too close to favorite stores; ignore the alert and it will both record when you take out your wallet as well as send a text message to a trusted partner. iBag is primarily a publicity stunt meant to highlight the dangers of credit card debt, but it might become a reality. The site is asking potential customers to register their interest, and it may sell both men’s and women’s versions of the bag for $199 AUD ($173 US) if there’s enough demand.
Sony’s slimmer PlayStation Vita coming to the UK for around £180, pre-orders start today
Alright, so perhaps we took Sony’s invite to its London PlayStation event a little too seriously when we speculated Vita TV news was on the agenda. Although it’s not technically the “slimmest” PS device, Sony’s brought us here to welcome the late-2013 PlayStation Vita iteration (aka the PCH-2000) to UK shores. Thinner, lighter and generally better than it’s predecessor, this is the first trip for the new Vita outside of Asia. That plane ride ain’t free, though, as the circa £180 price tag (around $300) is a significant mark-up on the cost of the handheld in its homeland (18,980 yen; around $185). Pre-orders for the device start today, with the proper launch penned in for February 7th.
Korea remembers to fine Google for unauthorized data-gathering in 2010
South Korea’s communications regulator has fined Google $196,000 (or the more impressive-sounding 210 million won) for sucking up personal data during a Street View mapping project back in 2010. These “payload data” fragments apparently included details on unprotected WiFi networks — the same stuff you heard about when both Germany and France fined the company. The regulator has ordered Google to delete all collected private data and to keep the public updated as this deletion progresses. Given the pace at which this case has moved so far, we’ll give ‘em four years.
Via: TNW
Source: Korea Herald
Japanese ‘smart clothing’ uses nanofibers to monitor your heart-rate (video)
Japanese mobile carrier NTT Docomo and materials developer Toray have been working on joint projects for a while and now they’re publicly announcing one. Welcome Hitoe (Japanese for “one layer”), cloth that contains Toray’s nanofibers that are coated in a transmittable layer. It’s not the orange cloth (that’s just standard material), but the nicotine-patch sized square you attach to it that does the sensing.
Place two of these on you and they’ll act as electrodes, measuring your heartbeat and even offering metrics resembling a cardiogram. The plan is to connect this cleanly non-invasive health monitor to NTT Docomo’s health app platform that’s already on its smartphones, developing practical… soft… hardware for sale alongside it. The pitch didn’t just include sports clothing, however, with pajamas and other sleepwear planned for launch. Look! There’s even a little hat! The sensors will apparently survive tumbles in the washing machine and, having seen an earlier prototype late last year, we can confirm that the patches are suitably lightweight and flexible — now the work is down to reducing that lumpy hub sensor that we also spotted. Wearable gadgets might finally be going subtle. There’s a quick video from our allies at Engadget Japanese after the break.
Filed under: Wearables
Source: Engadget Japanese
Bing Rewards launches on mobile, but not for everyone
Now you can earn rewards for using Bing on your mobile device, as long as it’s not a Windows Phone.
Snubbing its own mobile OS once again, Microsoft brought Bing Rewards to iOS and Android devices Wednesday. Already available for desktop, the program helps hold down Microsoft’s 18.2% share of US searches by giving you credits every time you use Bing. You can then redeem credits for gift certificates to the likes of Dominos and Amazon, but not yet on mobile; that and Windows Phone support are “coming soon.”
You earn 1 credit for every 2 searches you complete, up to 10 credits daily. Which means, if you start now you could Bing yourself $1 short of an Applebee’s Chimicheesecake by St. Patty’s Day. To take part, sign up on the mobile site using your Microsoft ID or Facebook login.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Bing
Apple Looking to Take Arizona Sapphire Plant Live in February for ‘Critical’ Component
Apple is aggressively pursuing the launch of its new sapphire plant in Mesa, Arizona for a “critical new sub-component”, according to documents obtained by 9to5Mac. The company is aiming to open the plant by February.
Furnaces for sapphire glass production.
The documents reveal that James J. Patton, Apple’s Deputy Director of Global Trade Compliance, requested expedited approval from the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to approve two requests that would allow Apple to meet its “aggressive go-live timeline” for February 2014. Recently, both Apple and manufacturing partner, GT Advanced, have been recruiting potential employees.
In addition, the documents show that the sapphire plant would be used for a “critical new sub-component” that would be used in Apple’s consumer electronics. Apple currently uses sapphire glass to protect the iPhones’ camera lenses and the iPhone 5s’ Touch ID home button, though Apple’s language in the documents indicates something more could be in the works.
Project Cascade will conduct high-tech manufacturing of intermediate goods/components for consumer electronics. All finished components will be exported. This high-tech manufacturing process will create a critical new sub-component of Apple Products to be used in the manufacture of the consumer electronics that will be imported and then sold globally. By pulling this process into the U.S., Apple will be using cutting edge, new technology to enhance and improve the consumer products, making them best in class per product type.
While it’s not clear what a “new” sub-component could be, Apple could be looking to create full-screen displays made out of sapphire. It could also potentially be used to protect the rumored flexible OLED display on Apple’s iWatch.
9to5mac also points to some other materials that will be utilized in the plant, such as diamond cutting wire, which is currently used in iPhone and iPad assembly for creating bezels.
Just a couple days ago, Taiwan’s Apple Daily reported the company’s assembly partner Foxconn had begun an initial 100 unit run of an iPhone with a sapphire display glass. Last week, an Apple patent application was discovered for an Apple device with a sapphire display glass.
Sapphire has been seen as a potential successor to high-strength glass for display covers, although Corning claims Gorilla Glass 3 is stronger than sapphire glass at a lower cost. Apple has reportedly experimented with sapphire glass displays before, but found them infeasible. It is possible, however, that advances in material and production technology have allowed the company to revisit the possibility.
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Evleaks Posts Two APK Screenshots from the Galaxy S5 Indicating Fingerprint Scanner
Last night, leak master evleaks leaked out a test image taken by a Galaxy S5. Wasn’t much to see, but we take his word on that it did in fact come from a Galaxy S5. Tonight he has posted a couple more things from the S5. Tonight it is two APKs that you can see on this post, one of them indicating the fingerprint scanner that has been rumored to show up on Sammy’s new flagship.
Some of the comments on G+ suggest that the fingerprint apk is in the Galaxy Note 3 as well, which seems a little weird considering the Note 3 doesn’t have the actual scanner. Lot of people are trolling the fact that Samsung is throwing more useless bloated apps onto their new phone, but we can’t come up with conclusions quite yet. 3D tour viewer might be some nifty little addtive to a Photosphere-like experience, and could very well just blow our minds. Let us know what you guys think about these images.
Source: evleaks
Globalstar’s new service turns your WiFi device into a satellite phone
Your choices for satellite communication devices are relatively limited, especially if you’d prefer to use your own gear while chatting in the wilderness. You’re going get a much wider selection of hardware once Globalstar’s Sat-Fi service goes live, though. The subscription offering revolves around a satellite hotspot (not yet pictured) that lets you make calls and send data on Globalstar’s network using most any WiFi-capable device. You can share the connection between multiple gadgets, and you can even use an existing phone number. Just be patient if you’re eager to sign up for an always-available data link. The company doesn’t expect the FCC to approve the hotspot until some time in the second quarter of the year, and you’ll have to wait until shortly afterward to use the service itself.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Networking
Source: Globalstar
Mint now lets you keep track of Bitcoins with its personal finance apps
Now that Bitcoin has taken root in daily financial transactions, those who fancy the digital currency need a way to easily keep an eye on the tally. Well, for the folks that meet that criteria, Mint now lets users keep track of transactions with the help of Coinbase. This means that Bitcoin Wallet figures can be viewed alongside other banking, credit card and investment accounts. The integration also automatically converts the account balance to US dollars to keep the mental math at a minimum.
Filed under: Internet, Software
Source: Mint
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