Acer’s Liquid E3 smartphone will go up against the bargain Moto G
While Acer has made some hay in Europe with low-spec smartphones, its latest budget models are launching into a whole ‘nother market. For instance, the €199 ($275) Liquid E3 now has to contend with the likes of the Moto G at €160, while the €99 Liquid Z4 ($135 or so) has an endless conga line of budget devices to compete with. That said, the Liquid E3 (above) at least punches in its weight class with the 4.7-inch, 720p IPS screen, quad-core 1.2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM and 13-megapixel rear/2-megapixel front cameras — but it’s in tough with only 4GB of storage versus 8GB for the Moto G. Meanwhile, the cheaper Liquid Z4′s main claim to fame is its 5-megapixel f/2.4 camera, as the rest of the specs (dual-core 1.3GHz processor, 4GB storage) are decidedly downmarket. Both devices will arrive in Europe in April with lowly Android 4.2.2 and no mention of LTE support. As is usual with Acer, don’t count on it coming to the US.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Acer
Aereo strikes out in Utah, preliminary injunction shuts down local service
All good things come to an end: despite largely winning the war over its right to rebroadcast OTA TV signals over the internet, Aereo just lost its first major battle. The US District Court of Utah has granted a preliminary injunction against the service, effectively halting the company’s expansion in the area. The decision teetered over what the court calls the “balance of harm,” with each company claiming that the other’s actions could irreparably damage its business in a significant way. Undeterred by Aereo’s insistence that an injunction would devastate its own business, the court ruled in the favor of Fox Broadcasting’s concerns over copyright infringement — arguing that the potential damage to Aereo doesn’t outweigh the damage it might cause to its opponent. As consolation, however, the court pointed out that the injunction only applies to the jurisdiction of the Tenth Circuit and will only curtail the company’s expansion, not put it out of business.
The decision is far from the final word on Aereo — that’s still up to the bigwigs at the US Supreme Court — but it is the company’s first major legal stumble since launching in 2012. It’s definitely a step back, but company CEO Chet Kanojia seems ready to fight. “We are extremely disappointed that the District Court in Utah has chosen to take a different path than every other Court that has reviewed the Aereo technology,” he told the Consumerist. “We are very sorry for the effect on our valued customers in the Tenth Circuit and we will pursue all available remedies to restore their ability to use Aereo.” Check out the court’s full decision after the break.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Consumerist, Hollywood Reporter
Tinder security flaw exposed users’ exact locations for several months
Have you been using Tinder (an iOS/Android dating app that shows pictures of users in your area) these past months to try and find the one? Well, if you’re deathly scared of stalkers, you might want to sit down. Apparently, there was a flaw on the dating app’s API, which made it possible to pinpoint user distances down to a hundred feet. According to a report published by whitehat hacker Max Veytsman from Inside Security, he discovered the vulnerability in October 2013. It could’ve been around since July, though, as it was a byproduct of the fix issued for a previous flaw that revealed users’ latitude and longitude coordinates.
To demonstrate how damaging the security loophole could be, Veytsman created an app that automatically shows a user’s location on Google Maps by using triangulation, as you can see in the video after the jump. Thankfully, Tinder’s management was more receptive to feedback than Snapchat’s, and though Veytsman didn’t receive a reply to half his emails, tests he conducted on January 1st revealed the issue no longer exists. Now, we can only hope no ne’er-do-well had any success matching up Tinder addresses with Snapchat phone numbers.
Filed under: Misc
Via: Fast Company
Source: Inside Security
[RUMOUR] HTC to announce three wearable devices at MWC 2014, one possibly based on the Qualcomm Toq
We’ve been waiting for word on when HTC would be entering the wearable technology market after HTC chairman Cher Wang spoker earlier this month about the company doing just that. Well, if a report from Bloomberg is anything to go by, HTC might be taking the dive as soon as next week at MWC 2014 with HTC to announce three wearable devices at their press conference.
The most interesting wearable mentioned in the report is a smartwatch that is expected to make use of Qualcomm’s Mirasol screen technology. That’s the same Mirasol technology that we saw utilized on the Qualcomm Toq smartwatch late last year and it was lauded for its colour screen and ability to last almost a week on a single battery charge. For those who aren’t aware, a Mirasol screen is not unlike the e-ink screens you see on classic Kindle devices, only Qualcomm updated the idea with colour. If HTC’s new smartwatch uses the Toq as its inspiration, it would definitely be a formidable entry into the smartwatch market, though I hope they don’t also adopt Qualcomm’s inspiration for pricing.
The other two wearables allegedly to be announced at MWC 2014 include a wearable that heavily incorporates the use of Google Now, quite like the Nexus smartwatch that we’ve been expecting, and an “electronic bracelet that plays music”. If HTC really does announce all of these next week in Barcelona, it would put them in a prime position to reclaim some of their former glory.
What do you think about HTC announcing three new wearables at MWC 2014: would you be interested in one if it turns out like the Qualcomm Toq? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Quadro Icon Pack Review
Quadro icons have hit the Play Store and they bring a nice, flat, and unique look to your homescreen. The color schemes are what pleases the eye when looking at these icons, and there are many to choose from.
When accessing the Quadro app, you get a nice list of features within it. Of course you get a complete list of icons, but your get a slew of wallpaper choices. I means tons. When accessing the wallpapers, you get sent over to the Quadro G+ page, and there are over 100 just sitting there waiting for you. There is then extra wallpaper, and that is a nice list of over 400 wallpaper choices. The developer definitely has you covered.
If you feel like trying out the Quadro icons, you can do so by spending $2.00 in the Play Store. Some might think that is a little pricey for an icon pack, but let me remind you: over 500 wallpaper choices. Check out my video review below to see them on my phone. Let us know if you picked them up.
Homeland Security reconsiders plans for a national license plate recognition database
Homeland Security has decided it doesn’t need a database of everyone’s license plates after all — at least not yet. Law enforcement officials across the country are already using license plate readers to track vehicles, but currently those cameras aren’t connected together in any sort of meaningful way. The Department of Homeland Security was interested in tying together the nation’s cameras, and posted a call for contractors earlier this week to find someone to create a new National License Plate Recognition Database to house them all.
Originally reported by Ars Technica, a 29-page document detailing the program describes a technology where officers could upload a photo of a license plate from their smartphone, and then get alerts on their phone regarding the location of a vehicle. The database could allow officers to track vehicles over state lines, and quickly locate criminals on the run. Turns out that document and the contractor listing were posted prematurely. An ICE representative told the Washington Post Wednesday that the documents had not reviewed by the organization’s leaders, and they’re pulling the request for now. That doesn’t mean your wheels are in the clear just yet — the group plans to revisit the idea, and could potentially repost the listing in the future.
Filed under: Transportation, Wireless, Mobile
Via: Ars Technica, The Verge
Source: FedBizOpps
HTC’s new smartwatch rumored to debut next week with Qualcomm guts
Remember when HTC’s Cher Wang said that his company solved the smartwatch battery life conundrum? Rumor has it the answer was Mirasol. According to Bloomberg sources, the company is preparing to unveil three wearable devices at Mobile World Congress next week, including a prototype smartwatch based on Qualcomm’s Toq. If the would-be watch matches that model blow for blow, it’ll have a Mirasol touchscreen, wireless charging capabilities and the ability to handle calls, music, calendar data and limited text messaging (read only) directly from the device. Bloomberg’s leaker also said that the firm might show off a second watch that leverages the power of Google Now as well as an “electronic bracelet that plays music.” Variety may be the spice of a good product portfolio, but we’ll admit, we’re not sure what to make of that last item. Either way, we’ll let you know how these rumors pan out once we’re on the ground in Barcelona.
Source: Bloomberg
Galaxy S5: Invisible Side Touch Camera Button, 3D Tour, Aqua Shots and More
Mobile World Congress is getting much closer every day. While we sadly won’t be able to spring for the trip to Barcelona Spain, we will be here getting the info that comes from it out to you guys. All the major, and a bunch of the minor, OEMs will all be in attendance. Of course the big news that everyone is waiting on is the the Samsung Galaxy S5, which is supposedly going to be unveiled at the Unpacked 5 event on February 24th. True to tech tradition, all sorts of leaks about what the Galaxy S5 will and won’t have are circulating and a new round of treats have surfaced over at SamMobile that gives us some more to talk about.
Shortly after their news that the Galaxy S5 will have a finger print scanner they received a flood of information that they claim is “trusted”. They are working through it all and doing lots of posts about the whole device and the obtained information. Today they let loose details on the camera aspect of the device. Here is what they have –
- 16 Megapixel sensor
- Shoots 4k UHD video at 30fps
- Shoot 1080p video at 60fps
That is cool and all, but it is the rest of the information that makes it a bit cooler. The Galaxy S5 will have a dedicated camera button. No, not one you actually push down. Instead they are referring to it as ‘Side Touch’. Apparently it will similar to capacitive buttons, but on the side of the device where a normal physical hardware camera button would be. Unfortunately they say their are limitations to its use. For instance you won’t be able to use it in Portrait Mode, Easy Mode or while recording a video.
The Galaxy S5 will also have an enormous amount of camera modes built-in at launch. The list includes ones we are all familiar with like HDR, Night, Eraser, Best Face and Best Photo. There are a number of new modes that will be added in though, like 3D Tour Shot, Focus Select and Golf. The 3D Tour Shot lets you create a interactive virtual tour of your surroundings. Sounds like photosphere to me, but I am sure it has some element of a Samsung twist to it. Focus Select is what it sounds like. It lets you draw the focus to a particular spot or focal point and and give the image the great depth of field that we all love. Golf is a cool addition where someone can take a photo video of you during your gold swing so you can play it backwards and forwards to see where your mistakes are.
There is one more camera mode that is mentioned, but no one seems to have really talked about it. SamMobile lists it, but apparently its presence doesn’t mean much. There is a Aqua mode. They say it is ”Appropriate for taking pictures underwater.” Does that mean the Galaxy S5 is also on par with the Xperia Z line and is water resistant to a point? I am not sure. That leads me to think that either the Galaxy S5, or one of its planned variants, will be submersible on purpose. Samsung didn’t have much luck with Galaxy S4 Active and water damage. It could simply be a mode that is specifically set up to take images of water too. For instance lakes, waterfalls and rivers where the blues and whites and reflective surface properties would be handled automatically. That is what I am more inclined to lean towards, but a Galaxy S5 Active style device is also weighing heavy on my mind.
They go on to talk about various camera effects to spice up your images also. With so many apps like instagram, Snapseed and even Photoshop express, all the additional effects seem like extra fluff. While the list of effects is rather large, Samsung will also be allowing you to download even more custom effects when you want. Again, sounds like they are taking the direction of Sony with the Xperia Z lines new camera.
Source: SamMobile
[Discussion] Which Smartphone has the Worst Name?
If you’ve been following the rumours surrounding the phone codenamed the HTC M8, the phone expected to he the HTC One’s successor, you would have heard that the probable official name for the device leaked out yesterday. The leak from evleaks says that the M8 will bear the name “The All New One”, but while it might be quite a intuitive name, it’s not exactly inspired or catchy, and I can foresee some confusion for various parties wanting to buy it.
This piqued my interest in the topic of ill-suited or uninspired names for smartphones, and I wanted to know what you all think: which smartphone has the worst name? Maybe it’s because it’s too long, too ambiguous, or perhaps too vague, we want to hear which smartphone you think has the worst name yet.
Why did Facebook spend $19 billion on a messaging app? (video)
WhatsApp is a voice and text instant messaging platform with apps for most every smartphone OS. It provides free service for the first year and costs a dollar annually after that. Why then, did Facebook just buy WhatsApp — aside from the obvious cachet and free advertising that comes with its omnipresence in Katy Perry’s Roar video — for $19 billion (with a ‘b’), when it already has Facebook Messenger?
In a word: users. 450 million of them to be precise, and 315 million of those are active on a given day. In fact, WhatsApp’s users are so prolific, its messaging volume is roughly equal to that of the entire world’s SMS traffic. And, WhatsApp is huge overseas and in emerging markets. According to a report from mobile marketing and research firm Jana, the app is far and away the most used messaging service in India, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa. The Information, which got a more in depth look at Jana’s research, shows that Facebook Messenger usage is far, far lower in those same countries.
Now, is that massive international user base worth $19 billion? It’s hard for us to understand how it possibly could be. WhatsApp’s founders have pledged to keep the app ad- and gimmick-free, so there aren’t any indications that new revenue streams are coming. And, while the acquisition fits in perfectly with Facebook’s plan to expand its app offerings, the social network has promised to use the same hands-off approach it did with Instagram — leveraging its “expertise, resources and scale” to grow the platform, while keeping WhatsApp operationally independent. So, we’ll have to wait and see how WhatsApp plans to prove its worth. Maybe some more music video synergy like the kind found after the break?
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Source: WhatsApp blog, Jana, Facebook
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