Samsung intros Black Edition Galaxy S4, S4 Mini for Russia
Samsung on Friday introduced new versions of the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 Mini for the Russian market. Dubbed the “Black Edition”, these are gorgeous black on black designs with faux leather stitched backs.
Launching, for now, in Russia, the Black Edition feature the exact same hardware as their standard counterparts. Pricing is listed at roughly $660 (U.S.) for the Galaxy S4 Black Edition and $460 for the Galaxy S4 Mini Black Edition.
It is not clear whether these models will launch outside of Russia nor whether they’ll come to any U.S. carriers.
Samsung, Samsung via SamMobile
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Samsung Poland intros two Galaxy Note 3 Neo models
After months of rumors, Samsung (Poland) has announced two new versions of the Galaxy Note 3. Known as the Galaxy Note 3 Neo 3G and the Galaxy Note 3 Neo LTE+, the two feature slightly smaller (5.5-inch) and lower resolution (1280×720) displays than the standard model. Internally, the two Note 3 Neo models differ from each other and run Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
The Note 3 Neo 3G features a 1.6GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Additional details include microSD (up to 64GB) expansion, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 3100mAh battery. The Note 3 Neo LTE+ is stronger in that it packs a hexa-core CPU (two 1.7GHz A15 cores, four 1.3GHz A7 cores) .
Samsung did not disclose pricing for either model; a “worldwide “availability is scheduled for February in a variety of colors.
Samsung Poland (translate)
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Twitter buys hundreds of patents from IBM, ending legal spat
IBM’s the biggest patent holder of all time, and when it comes to defending them, it tries to work things out amicably. That’s exactly what’s happened with Twitter, after the social giant today announced it has bought 900 patents from Big Blue and entered into a cross-licensing agreement to limit the threat of future lawsuits. The move comes after IBM accused Twitter of infringing three of the company’s patents concerning: “efficient retrieval of uniform resource allocators,” “presenting advertising in an interactive service,” and “programmatic discovery of common contacts.” IBM noted at the time that it would rather talk it out instead of lawyering up, while Twitter claimed it could defend itself against IBM’s allegations. Thankfully, it didn’t move from the boardroom to the courtroom and the two parties have signed a deal that will provide Twitter with “greater intellectual property protection” and “freedom of action to innovate,” meaning it’s business as usual for users.
Filed under: Internet, Software
Via: AP
Source: IBM
How to watch Super Bowl XLVIII: the Engadget survival guide
This year’s Super Bowl is taking place in an outdoor stadium in New York / New Jersey, with a forecast high of 36 degrees. While traveling to the big game is said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, convincing you to watch from somewhere warm and sheltered shouldn’t take a hard sell. The players are getting ready to battle it out for the championship, and like every year, we’re getting ready to watch it in the best way possible — which in 2014 means a growing mix of devices and screens. While we once worried about just remotes and stereos, now phones, tablets and laptops are added to the mix, and new Ultra HD TVs are on shelves. Look below for our preparation suggestions, and add any of your own in the comments.
The HDTV
Our weekly list of HDTV deals should have you covered for deals on upgrades, and this week is a good time to buy for more reasons than just the appearance of a massive TV event. New models are on their way as we speak, and prices often drop sharply as stores try to clear out the stuff left over from last year. Our advice, as always, is to go as big as your space will allow, don’t rule out projectors, and double check the return policy so you can swap it if there are any picture quality issues or other problems. One additional wrinkle this year, is that it’s the last time you’ll be able to buy one of Panasonic’s acclaimed plasma HDTVs. They’re being phased out of production, and while Samsung and LG will apparently carry on the tech, if you’ve been eyeing a top-of-the-line ZT it’s time to buy. Why pick plasma? Despite years of LCD advances in technology, it’s better at maintaining full resolution during the fast motion sequences common in sports, and still brings impressive black levels to show colors and detail that might otherwise be lost. The 60-inch ZT can be purchased at Best Buy for about $2,500 at the moment, although price and availability can vary at this time of year.
Another question that’s going to be important is whether or not it’s time to go 4K. Given the slew of impressive Ultra HD TVs we saw at CES earlier this month, those interested in a high res display should probably hold off for a bit. 2014′s TVs arrive with specs for HDMI, HDCP (necessary for content protection encoded on Blu-ray, which could see a 4K update soon) and HEVC (needed to decode the high-res streams from sources like Netflix) finalized and ready to go. While some sets like those from Sony and Samsung are receiving updates to make them ready for Ultra HD content, you’d probably be better off comparing them as merely a high-end HDTV, since actually watching video delivered at a resolution higher than the current 1080p isn’t assured for all. They’ll deliver excellent upscaling of 720p or 1080p HD video, but you’ll pay a hefty price for those extra pixels that may not be used to their full potential right away — or at all.
The signal / stream / second screen
In 2014, we’d hope that an HD signal goes without saying, whether you’re watching the game at home or elsewhere. Still, one can never be too sure, so checking ahead of time and packing calibration discs like Disney’s World of Wonder or Spears & Munsil 2nd Edition right next to the wings and beer is a good move. Friends don’t let friends watch the game on uncalibrated displays, and taking out a few minutes before kickoff can make all the difference. Fox’s presentation for the game should be top notch, with over 50 cameras including a record 14 robotically controlled units, six 4K cameras used for the “super zoom” instant replays and eight high-speed cameras. If you tire of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman’s call, a well-known trick to eliminate commentary is to pull the center channel from your surround sound system (you do have one, right?), which is usually the only one with the broadcaster’s voices, leaving only stadium sounds from the other speakers.
Last year CBS augmented its broadcast with a web-based stream offering a viewer’s choice of camera angles, while Fox is following up on that with a presentation )in English or Spanish) on the web for computers (also available on NFL.com, along with a feed of commercials if that’s your thing) and on iPads through the Fox Sports Go app. Fox is proudly trumpeting that this is the Super Bowl’s first time being streamed through an app, but the lack of support for other platforms is disappointing. Unlike some of the previous games, this stream is available for all regardless of cable TV subscription, but it’s not coming on phones — unless you have Verizon’s mobile service. A tablet-ready program is also rolling out for Windows Surface, Android and iOS with animated lineup info, social media feeds and more, just check the NFL’s mobile site for links to apps. Last but not least, the Xbox One’s NFL app has an achievement just for opening it during the game.
For those attending to the game, our first advice is to bundle up, but other than that you’ll have to watch the game on the actual field, since the NFL and Fox are reportedly blocking streams over stadium WiFi and cellular stations. We’re not sure if that will apply to alternate sources like Slingbox, but it’s something to be aware of if you’d like to have in-hand access to replays. Other stadiums have rolled out access to video like the Red Zone Channel, but even with a state of the art stadium in New Jersey, it appears officials are worried about the network being overwhelmed — Verizon’s multicast tech could fix that problem, but it doesn’t seem ready for game time this year. Fans will want to keep the NFL app handy though, with push notifications for everything from seating to timing for a special “360-HD photo” in the stadium.
The pre-game game and the payback
Madden celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and has kept its exclusive NFL license, so our choices are limited. If you’ve shelled out for a next-gen box already, it appears that the rush to make launch has resulted in a game that’s not a gigantic leap over previous versions in terms of graphics and presentation, but reviews note that there are some well-received gameplay tweaks on Xbox One and PS4. Another option is the free-to-play mobile version for iOS and Android, which should allow you to get a few snaps in during pregame ceremonies. In honor of the New York / New Jersey hosted Super Bowl, we figure the loser should be offered a choice — spend halftime outside exposed to the elements just like the players, or rock the winner’s choice of avatar on Twitter / Facebook for the duration of the game.
Obviously, we wouldn’t be shocked to find that your favorite wares weren’t listed here, so be our guest and shout out your recommendations in comments below!
See just how far we’ve come:
- Totally blow out the big game! Part I: Super Bowl XXXIX
- Totally blow out the big game! Part II: Super Bowl XL
- Totally blow out the big game! Part III: Super Bowl XLII
- Totally blow out the big game! Part IV: Super Bowl XLIII
- Totally blow out the big game! Part V: Super Bowl XLIV
- Totally blow out the big game! Part VI Super Bowl XLV
- Totally blow out the big game! Part VII Super Bowl XLVI
- Totally blow out the big game! Super Bowl XLVII
Filed under: HD
Should Brits buy the new, slimmer and pricier PlayStation Vita?
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Saying it three times won’t make things any easier, but that’s where we come in. Sony’s latest iteration of the PlayStation Vita handheld, which we’re going to call the Vita Slim from now on (as seems to be the fashion), is coming to the UK, having previously only been available in Asia. It’s up for pre-order right now and will launch a week from today — so, do you want one? The choice is ultimately yours, of course, and it’s a delicate one, but if the pressure is too much to bear then head past the break where we explore how the Slim stacks up against the Vita of old, and whether it’s really worth the extra £50 for a console that delivers essentially the same experience.
Hardware
Now, we’re not here to tell you that the PS Vita is an essential purchase — whichever version you’re looking at. If you’re unfamiliar with the handheld, or perhaps the PlayStation brand as a whole, then it’s really a matter of how you like to game on the go. Are you more Killzone than Brain Training, more Need for Speed than Mario Kart, or maybe you’re happy killing commute time with a bit of Angry Birds and don’t need another device at all? If you’re going in blind, then it’s probably best to start with a quick browse of the Vita’s game catalog, and check out our full reviews of the original and Slim models to get acquainted.
The Vita, in general, is serious and well-built hardware. Dual thumbsticks, a 5-inch touchscreen display, another touch panel on the rear, stereo speakers and two cameras facing forward and back. Most importantly, it delivers the best graphics of any handheld, verging on last-gen console territory.
As the Vita Slim isn’t a sequel, you’ll find everything mentioned across both iterations, so what’s the hook? As you’ve probably guessed, the Vita Slim is everything the Vita is, but in a smaller package: 20 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter, to be exact. At 15mm thick and weighing 219g, it’s still not pocket-sized by any means, but the nip and tuck’s welcome nonetheless, alongside a few other minor revisions that make it more comfortable to hold.
(Note: The white model in the comparison shot above is available in Japan only. The UK Slim model is black.)
This is one of the main draws of the Vita Slim — it’s just that bit more portable. Beyond aesthetic changes, there’s a far more important improvement to battery life. Instead of 3-5 hours game time on the original Vita, you’re looking at around 8 hours with the Slim. Forgetting price difference, it’s hard to recommend the old Vita on that stat alone. If a portable console can’t manage a decent-length plane ride without needing a recharge, then we should revisit the definition of portable.
How did Sony achieve this with less space to work with? Well, that’s the one drawback of the Vita Slim. It’s dropped the OLED display of the OG Vita for an LCD panel, which is where much of the power savings come from. There’s no getting around it: the OLED panel is better. Color representation and viewing angles trump those of the LCD screen, but unless you’re a huge videophile, you’ll likely appreciate the extra battery life way more. The screen may’ve been downgraded, but that’s not to say it’s of poor quality.
The Vita Slim is different in two other respects: it’s equipped with WiFi only, whereas the older model has a 3G option, and it has 1GB of internal storage where the other has none. We can’t imagine the lack of 3G is a deal-breaker for anyone, which is probably why Sony couldn’t be bothered with a cellular variant. A gig of storage might not sound like much, it won’t go a long way, and you can pick up a 4GB Vita-specific memory card (thanks, Sony) for under a tenner. Getting 1GB free, though, is just one less thing to think about when you tear it from the box and wanna dive right in. In a pure hardware match-up, we’d have to put our money on the Vita Slim, but how much money are we talking about exactly?
Price
A number of sites have now opened up pre-orders for the Vita Slim, and although it’s more expensive than the older model, it’s still a significant saving over the WiFi-only OG model that launched in 2012 for £230. Yes, it’s still way more expensive in the UK than in its home country of Japan, but you’re British and should be used to paying more for everything, so suck it up. A couple of retailers — Amazon, Game, Simply Games and ShopTo, for example — have stuck to Sony’s RRP of £180 for the console alone. (There are other sites asking as much as £200, but let’s ignore those.) The latter two retailers are also plugging bundles that add just a fiver to the price of the handheld alone. ShopTo has the greatest selection, bundling the Vita Slim with a number of single, high-profile titles, or download vouchers and memory cards. The best deal seems to be the Slim with ten-game download voucher plus a 16GB memory card, which you’ll need to store those voucher titles on anyway. Sure, most are old, but there are a few gems such as WipeOut, and that 16GB card is worth around the price of Vita game itself.
Currently, ShopTo also appears to have the best deal on the original Vita, with the WiFi and 3G model priced at only £130. This appears to be a transient deal, however, and most other retailers have the same model on offer for £140 to £150. At this point, we wouldn’t entertain the thought of getting an OG Vita bundle as their prices haven’t reacted to the Slim’s impending arrival. Game is selling the same £185 Slim bundle we listed above with the old Vita for £155, but even this deal should see a reduction when the Slim’s launch has had a chance to impact retailer pricing.
Wrap-Up
We’re sure OG Vita bundles will be revised in due course, but for early Slim adopters, those with a refreshed interest in the Vita, or those thinking about upgrading, this is how things stand at the moment. Some PS fans will no doubt jump at the Slim due to the “shiny factor” (it’s new, gotta have it), but unless you can trade in or sell your current Vita for a fair price, we wouldn’t bother upgrading. Definitely not before the price of the Slim comes down, anyway. If you’re sure now is the time to get Vita’d up, then ShopTo’s £130 offer for the original model is certainly tempting. If you can stretch to £185 though, go for one of the Slim bundles with a 16GB memory card thrown in. Any console is an investment, however late you are to the party, and due solely to the portability improvements the Slim boasts, we’d call it the smarter one.
Web Storage Company Box Secretly Files for IPO [iOS Blog]
Online storage company Box has secretly filed for an IPO, according to Quartz and the Wall Street Journal. Box last year raised $100 million in venture funding and is valued at approximately $2 billion. An IPO could bring an additional $500 million to the company during a time when competition between rival Dropbox is intensifying.
Box is reportedly taking advantage of a provision in the JOBS Act, which allows companies with an annual revenue of less than $1 billion to file its IPO prospectus confidentially with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A Box spokesperson declined to comment on the possibility of an IPO.
“We don’t have anything to share at this time. We’re focused on continuing to build our business and expand our customer relationships globally,” a Box spokesman told Quartz in an emailed statement.
Box recently overhauled its iOS app [App Store] and boosted the capacity of its free storage plan for a limited time. Users who download the app between January 15 and February 15, 2014 will receive free 50 GB of online storage for the life of their accounts.
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Apple bombarded with candy-themed games in protest at the word ‘candy’ being trademarked
Such sweet, sweet revenge. After the maker of the hugely popular Candy Crush series of games on the App Store somehow managed to trademark the word “candy” in Europe, other developers have started to fight back by blitzing Apple with an insulin-inducing array of Candy-themed game submissions. Over 100 hastily prepared titles have already been put forward as part of an organized “Candy Jam” protest against the trademarking of common words, including such gobstoppers such as CAN D, ThisGameIsNotAboutCandy, CanDieCanDieCanDie and the inimitable Candy_Game (“Press to hear Candy.”)
In the meantime, the developer at the center of the controversy, King.com, continues to pursue legal action against those who use any of words in its arsenal of trademarks, even those that have nothing to do with sugar. This apparently includes one poor dev who had the cheek to use the word “saga” in a Norse mythology-themed game called The Banner Saga – a title that treads too closely to Candy Crush Saga, according to legal documents filed by King. What’s more, now that King has also filed for new trademarks in the US, this whole saga (eek) could be about to get even more sickly.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile
Via: Slate, Pocket-lint
Source: Candy Jam
Cinemagram update takes all the work out of making animated gifs
Playing around with Cinemagram’s moving photo feature is pretty darn fun, but it comes at a cost: effort. Unlike publishing a Vine or an Instagram video, you need to think about it; what part of this photo do you want to animate? Did you map out the moving area correctly? It’s a lot of work. Well, it used to be. The app’s latest iOS update takes all the guesswork out of creativity, adding a new camera mode that automatically creates Cinemagrams without your input. Presumably, the update will make it easier to snap and share moving pictures on the fly, giving you a reason to pick it over its competitors. The update gives users the ability to add captions to Cines as well as the ability to share to Pintrest – unfortunately, the app hasn’t automated that just yet.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Samsung announces Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition, now with Faux-Leather
When the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was released with a faux-leather back cover, many wondered whether consumers would appreciate the departure from Samsung‘s normally plastic affairs. Well, they have, or at least Samsung believes they have, as Samsung has just announced the Samsung Galaxy S4 Black Edition, and also the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Black Edition, which replaces the original plastic back cover with a faux-leather one a la the Note 3.
Predictably, there are no hardware differences between the original devices and these Black Editions, besides the back cover of course, though according to the product page, they are being shipped with Android 4.2.2 instead of the latest Android 4.3 version. The devices were spotted on Samsung Russia’s website and are being offered for $660 USD for the Galaxy S4 and $460 for the Galaxy S4 Mini; there are no additional details yet on whether the Black Edition line will make it anywhere else internationally or if there will be any other colours offered.
What do you think about these new Black Editions and their faux-leather backs? Do you prefer this over the original plastic back covers? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Samsung (1), (2) via Phone Arena
[RUMOUR] Motorola still has a 6-inch phablet and smartwatch in the Pipeline
The recent deal between Lenovo and Google shocked much of the tech industry; with Lenovo acquiring Motorola Mobility, what will happen to all that impressive momentum they had built up after the launch of the surprising Moto G and releasing Android 4.4 to Moto X and Moto G in record time? Well, as it turns out, that momentum might still be able to carry on for a while longer as it’s being reported that Motorola still has a 6-inch phablet and smartwatch in the pipeline.
The rumoured phablet will likely take its design cues from the Moto X and Moto G, and would presumably utilize more performance-focused hardware as is generally more likely in a larger device. Most interesting in this rumour, though, is the mention of a smartwatch; if the Moto X’s almost-stock Android veneer and heavy Google Now utilization is anything to go by, we might have something that closely resembles the Nexus smartwatch we’ve all been hankering for.
Even so, anything could happen now that Motorola is under Lenovo, but should Lenovo allow these products to stay in the pipeline, it will probably be Motorola’s last, big hurrah. What do you make of this rumour: do you think these Motorola devices will ever come out? Would you get one? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Weibo via Phone Arena
AIVAnet 