Apple Rolls Out New 16 GB iPod Touch Internationally
Apple last week refreshed its iPod touch lineup with a new 16GB model that offers a camera and color options to replace the stripped-down model it introduced last year. After debuting in the US, the new iPod touch today became available internationally, landing in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries worldwide.
As revealed by iFixit, the new 16GB iPod touch is a lower capacity model of Apple’s existing fifth generation iPod touch lineup that was introduced in 2012. The model features a 4-inch display, Apple’s A5 processor, a 5-megapixel iSight camera and color choices that include yellow, blue, pink and more. The new 16GB version lowers the entry-level price point to $199, down from $229 for the now-discontinued silver-only model.
Apple traditionally refreshed its iPod lineup during its annual September press event, which often focused on iTunes and music. Apple de-emphasized music in 2013, opting to unveil the iPhone 5s. The Cupertino company is expected to continue this trend in 2014 with the possible unveiling of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6. The future of the iPod line remains unclear as sales of the units continue to slide quarterly.
First alleged sighting of the Sony Xperia Z3 and its mini counterpart show more of the Same
Earlier this year, Kurozumi Yoshiro, Creative Director at Sony Mobile, confirmed that Sony would be bringing out a second flagship in the second half 2014. So far, we have heard neither hide nor hair of the alleged device except for a rumour that allegedly says that the device will be released in September, likely at IFA 2014. That is, until today, where a pair of pictures have leaked out allegedly showing that follow-up flagship, presumably called the Sony Xperia Z3 and a smaller phone next to it, said to be the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact.
Previous rumours have said that the Sony Xperia Z3 would have a different design to previous Xperia models, however if this is truly the Xperia Z3, the designs of old definitely still seem to be here. The device next to the Xperia Z3 is also of interest seeing as we are yet to get an Xperia Z2 Compact, however with each passing week, it seems increasingly likely that Sony is simply skipping the Z2 Compact in favour of the Z3 Compact. Whatever is eventually released, we hope Sony continues to break the standard ‘mini’ trend by releasing a small phone with flagship performance.
What do you think about this Sony Xperia Z3 leak? Are you thinking of getting Sony’s next flagship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Digi-wo via Xperia Blog
//<![CDATA[
ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16);
document.write('’);
//]]>
The post First alleged sighting of the Sony Xperia Z3 and its mini counterpart show more of the Same appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
OUYA sells out of $59.99 All-Access plan
Ouya, the Android-powered gaming system born out of a Kickstarter project, has taken new measures to attract interest in the platform. Head to the company’s website yesterday and you have seen an “Ouya All-Access” option available for $59.99. The pilot subscription service is not unlike Netflix in that it’s a pass to play whatever you want over the course of a year. According to Ouya, this deal is worth $2,000 and applies to one-time purchases under $30. With 800 titles and growing, it breaks down to less than 8 cents per game.
After taking the Kickstarter world by storm nearly two years ago, Ouya has struggled to grab a foothold in the gaming industry. Things may only figure to get worse now that Android TV is coming down the road. Toss in some competition from players like Razer and Asus and you’ve got a soon-to-be crowded market occupied by bigger names.
The All-Access plan was offered for a limited time to new and existing Ouya users. It’s unclear if or when Ouya might open the doors up to additional gamers. It’s worth noting, however, that you can sign up to be notified when it comes back.
The post OUYA sells out of $59.99 All-Access plan appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG G3 vs Nexus 5 head-to-head review also shows a neat comparison between Android L and KitKat
The Android L preview that was announced at Google I/O 2014 has been the most enthralling of all the announcements made at the keynote. Impressions of the newly designed operating system have been flooding the internet, and they have been mostly good. For those who can’t really see what all the hullabaloo is for, adrianisen has put together a very nice LG G3 vs Nexus 5 video comparison that not only gives us a really good run down of two of the best devices available right now, but is a convenient way to see the differences between the outgoing Android KitKat and the brand-spanking new Android L preview.
The graphical improvements in Android L are really evident in the video, and while some of the features have compromised beauty of functionality, it looks fantastic on the Nexus 5′s 1080p display. In its own right, however, the LG G3′s Quad HD display is something else too, and if you watch the video review in 4K, you really get a sense that the LG G3 is one impressive piece of engineering.
What do you think of the LG G3 vs Nexus 5 comparison? Are you liking the changes between KitKat and Android L? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
Source: YouTube via Phones Review
//<![CDATA[
ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16);
document.write('’);
//]]>
The post LG G3 vs Nexus 5 head-to-head review also shows a neat comparison between Android L and KitKat appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung announces Galaxy S5 Mini
Galaxy S5 Mini’s images and specs leaked last month and they were spot on. Samsung announced its shrunken down Galaxy S5 today, let us see what we get.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini retains the design language of its bigger sibling. We’re still looking at the same soft-touch back along with a slew of sensors and IP67 certification. S5 Mini also includes a fingerprint scanner and a heart rate monitor on the back of the device, that hasn’t changed either. Ultra Power Saving Mode (UPSM) is also a part of the package.
What did change? Well, a lot actually. Galaxy S5 Mini comes with a 4.5″ Super AMOLED 720p screen (326ppi), a Snapdragon 400 1.4GHz quad-core chip and 1.5GB of RAM. On the back you’ll find a 8MP camera while there’s 2.1MP shooter on the front. The device has 16GB of internal storage which you can expand up to 64GB via microSD card. Everything will be powered by a removable 2100mAh battery.
Galaxy S5 Mini should see its global release mid-July while the price of the device should be around €479 ($650). Anyone out there plans to buy this thing by any chance?
Source: SamMobile
The post Samsung announces Galaxy S5 Mini appeared first on AndroidGuys.
iPod touch price cuts and new 16GB model with rear camera hit the UK
A few days ago, Apple killed off the stripped-down 16GB version of its iPod touch as quietly as it was introduced last year. In its place, a new 16GB model emerged with the same 5-megapixel iSight camera and color selection as its counterparts with higher storage capacities. Best of all, the new configuration is actually cheaper than its predecessor despite an improvement in hardware. It launched immediately in the US, and now it’s available from Apple in the UK for £159, down from £199 for the previous, camera-less model. And, if 16GB just doesn’t cut it, there’s never been a better time to spring for the 32GB or 64GB models, given they’ve also received a favourable discount. Originally £249, the 32GB iPod touch is now £199, while the 64GB version that used to be £329 has dropped to £249.
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Apple
Via: iMore
Source: Apple
British Airways needed a mood-sensing blanket to prove life is better in First Class
If you can blow £3,000 ($5,100) on a first-class ticket, you’re probably reasonably contented at how your life turned out. British Airways wanted to be sure you were enjoying your time in the air, so paired an EEG headset with a fiber-optic cloth to create the Happiness Blanket. The attention-grabbing project senses your mental state and changes color depending on your mood — showing red for annoyance and blue for contentment. Unsurprisingly, the “research” proved that a full-size bed, fresh food and unlimited champagne is enough to keep you happy on an eight-hour flight. Now imagine what the blankets would have been like if they’d tested this out in cattle class when someone’s elbow is trying to make a nest in your ribcage.
Filed under: Transportation
Via: The Drum
OUYA’s new subscription model gives you ‘everything’ for $60 a year
When the developer of your platform’s most popular game says “being the best game on OUYA isn’t a huge deal,” it might be time to innovate. OUYA is trying. Earlier this year it announced plans to bring its gaming platform to smart-TVs and set-top boxes — now it’s testing out a subscription model. The deal seems pretty straightforward: $59.99 buys a year’s worth of access to every game on OUYA. Read the fine print, however, and it’s clear this isn’t quite the Netflix of Android gaming.
OUYA’s all-access pass doesn’t instantly make every titles in the console’s library available to you, but it does drop all of the game’s prices down to $0.00 — users still have to rummage through the store and “buy” titles if they want to play. There are some restrictions, too: purchases made with the OUYA All-Access pass must fall under $30 a piece, and the zeroed-out prices don’t carry over to in-game purchases. It isn’t clear if these free “purchases” will stay on the user’s account after their 12-month subscription expires.
According to an email sent to developers, the All-Access pass is a limited time offer, and purchases made by subscribers will still contribute to their regular earnings. The message asserts that this is a test to see if a subscription model makes sense for OUYA in the long term. Is Ouya’s entire library worth $5 a month? Time will tell — but you can let us know your own opinion in the comments below.
Filed under: Gaming
Via: Ars Technica
Barclays brings Pingit phone number payments to Windows Phone
Windows Phone users often have to resign themselves to getting apps months, if not years after their iOS- and Android-toting counterparts. That’s especially the case for Barclays’ Pingit app, which after more than two years has finally made its way to Microsoft’s mobile platform. If you’re not familiar, Pingit allows users to send money using only a recipient’s phone number regardless of who either bank with. Banking customers have been able to check their balance and pay bills using Barclays’ mobile banking app, but with new initiatives like Paym aiming to streamline mobile payments, Pingit could enjoy great momentum as a result. Despite being late to the party, Barclays’ new app is still likely to enjoy some early-mover advantage, as only a handful of other banks have dedicated Windows Phone apps.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: V3
‘Super-Earth’ is closest planet yet that could support life
Thanks to a wobble in its host star, researchers from UNSW have spotted a planet only 16 light-years away that could harbor life (shown in an artist’s conception, above). However, being there would bear little resemblance to living on Earth. It’s at least five times as massive, for starters, and is so close to its sun that a year is only 16 days. Though you’d think that’d make the planet, called Gliese 832c, a fried hunk of rock, its sun is a red dwarf star which emits much less energy than our yellow dwarf. That means it’d receive about the same amount of heat energy, so scientists granted it an Earth Similarity Index (ESI) rating of 0.81 — the third best seen yet (Earth is 1.0). That said, living there could present some challenges. The extra gravity from its larger size could trap a denser atmosphere, resulting in a strong greenhouse effect and hellish, Venus-like climate. Life would also have to put up with that ridiculously short year and five times our gravity. Wait, much higher gravity and a red sun? This is starting to sound super-familiar.
[Image credit: PHL, University of Puerto Rica, Arecibo]
Via: The Register
Source: University of New South Wales
AIVAnet 