LG’s new wearable is a child tracker that lets parents listen in
Apparently, LG’s been working on a wearable other than the G Watch specifically for helicopter good, protective parents. It’s called the KiZON wristband, and it comes in a couple of cute designs aiming to entice kids to keep them on the whole day. After all, if it doesn’t stay on, moms and dads won’t be able to use the device (with GPS and WiFi) to monitor their locations through a phone or a tablet all the time. KiZON has functions other than serving as a tracker, though — kids can press its One Step Direct Call button to contact a pre-configured number.
It also works vice versa, but parents get an extra perk: if the kid doesn’t pick up within 10 seconds, the device puts the call through and lets them listen to what’s going on through the built-in microphone. The device will apparently last for 36 hours on a charge and parents will be notified via phone if the power falls below 25 percent. Its features might sound a bit excessive to some, but easily-concerned parents will be able to get one in the third quarter of 2014 when KiZON lands in North America and Europe.
Source: LG
Foxconn’s ‘Foxbot’ Robots to Play Supporting Role in Factories
Over the weekend, it was reported that Foxconn would be soon deploying its own “Foxbot” robots to its factories to help assemble devices, with CEO Terry Gou noting that Apple would be the first use the service. Now, Taiwan’s United Daily News (Google Translate, via GforGames) is sharing more details on the assembly robots, stating that they will play a supporting role in Foxconn’s factories alongside employees.
According to the paper, the assembly robots will be used for less intensive tasks such as tightening screws and positioning exterior components for polishing. Foxconn factory employees will still be responsible for more important tasks such as quality control and general assembly, however the company expects its robots to help greatly with device yield and output.
Foxconn is reportedly on track to deploy 10,000 robots to its factories, with each robot costing anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000 to make. The company has recently gone on a hiring spree ahead of the launch of Apple’s iPhone 6 this fall, bringing on 100,000 new workers to help assemble the device.
The iPhone 6 is expected to launch this September, and will come in two sizes of 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches. In addition to a larger display, the device will also likely feature a thinner profile, an improved camera, a faster A8 processor, and more.
Google adds temporary workaround to enable paid apps on Android Wear
When some apps aren’t transferring to your newly-purchased Google toy, you’re probably going to get a little upset. That’s exactly what happened with paid apps from Android’s Google Play, which were happily installing to phones, just not Bluetooth-paired G Watch and Gear Live. The company’s come up with a workaround for now which requires paid app makers to manually package files differently. Android Developers said (via Google+, of course) that it’s working to make this easier in the future. Now, Android Wear’s early adopters will simply have to wait for the app developers to make those manual changes.
Filed under: Wearables, Google
Source: Android Developers (Google+)
DARPA funded studies to see how you use social networks
DARPA’s been spending its money on many, many things other than robots and exoskeletons — including several experiments that seek to determine how we use social media. Apparently, Pentagon’s most adventurous division has quite a number of studies under its Social Media in Strategic Communication (SMISC) program since it was announced in 2011. And thanks to The Guardian (which spotted the details SMISC quietly posted on its website), we now know the projects the agency’s been working on… and they involve not only Facebook, but also Twitter, Reddit, Pinterest, Kickstarter and even Digg. According to the researchers involved, they used only data available to the public, and it doesn’t look like they violated any law. But just like Facebook’s mood experiment, some of these studies might make people a tad uncomfortable.
One research conducted by the University of South California monitored tweets from people living in the Middle East and analyzed their interactions. Another one observed how people utilized Twitter for Occupy protests. A Georgia Tech research, on the the other hand, asked 61 volunteers to use an experimental social media platform called FaceFriend in a study on how false news disseminates. And then there’s this study led by a Facebook engineering manager and a Yahoo lead scientist that’s a bit on the lighter side: they analyzed Lady Gaga’s and Justin Bieber’s interactions on Twitter. There’s also one that tracks memes as they spread all over the internet.
Apparently, DARPA spent around $19 million to fund all these (and more), with $8.9 passing through IBM and distributed to various researchers, and $9.6 million through educational institutions. Some of the authors said that thanks to the results they got, they now know how to use social media to push ideas forward:
For example, a government campaign on Twitter supporting vaccination can engage with followers who are more likely to take certain action (eg spreading a campaign message) based on their opinions. As another example, when anti-government messages are spread in social media, government would want to spread counter messages to balance that effort and hence identify people who are more likely to spread such counter messages based on their opinions.
A DARPA spokesperson defended the division for funding these experiments, telling The Guardian that social media is changing the way we share information and how we find other people with similar interests. The agency believes that some of these people finding each other on social media platforms “aim to to harm the United States,” so it has to do its duty and find out how people interact on those websites.
Via: The Guardian
Source: DARPA
Engadget Daily: YouTube flooded with 70s rock, the Hicon Social Bangle and more!
Today, we enjoy 2,000 hours of classic rock footage from the 70s, ponder the BlackBerry Passport’s oddly shaped display, learn about the importance of managing your business’ online presence and take a look at the Hicon Social Bangle. Read on for Engadget’s news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Music Vault brings 12,000 classic concert clips to YouTube
Music lovers listen up: YouTube is now to home to nearly 2,000 hours of classic concert footage, all thanks to Music Vault. This incredible archive includes 12,000 clips of performances by The Who, Bob Dylan and more.
Hicon Social Bangle is a wearable fashion bungle
It’s gaudy. It’s awkward. It’s the Hicon Social Bangle. Paired with a selection of vibrating charms, this bracelet notifies its wearer of text messages, calls and social network activity — as long as its Kickstarter campaign is funded, of course.
Google lawsuit highlights the danger of not managing your online presence
Managing your business’ online presence is undoubtedly important, but is it vital to success? According to former restaurant owner Rene Bertagna, his eatery met an untimely fate, all thanks to an incorrect Google Maps Listing.
BlackBerry tries to justify the square shape of its next big smartphone
Take one look at the upcoming BlackBerry Passport and you’ll undoubtedly be thinking “why?” Well, according to the company, the handset’s ridiculously square display makes viewing and editing spreadsheets a breeze. Really?
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BRAVEN announces availability of rugged BRAVEN BRV-X in Australia and New Zealand
If you thought the BRAVEN 855s was built for outdoors, you haven’t seen anything yet. The BRAVEN BRV-X is built for the outdoors and all the dirt, wetness and bumps that come along with that. BRAVEN is today announcing availability of the BRAVEN BRV-X in Australia and New Zealand and will be available from selected retailers as of now. A list of participating retailers includes:
Australia Retailers: Beezer; Gadgets Boutique; Streetwise
New Zealand Retailers: JB Hi-Fi NZ, Yoobee, Vodafone (Queen Street, Auckland)
The BRV-X is available in both black with a black grill, and grey with a black grill, however the grey will not be available in New Zealand. The BRV-X will run you $299.99 AUD or $349.99 NZD, and for your money you will get a rugged speaker that is rated for IPX7 water resistance and 12 hours of continuous playback as well as a nifty indoor/outdoor switch that will allow you to use the BRV-X to its full potential wherever you are.
Are you interested in picking up a BRAVEN BRV-X? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Press Release
BRAVEN BRV-X, World’s First Rugged TrueWireless™ Outdoor Speaker Now Available
Award-Winning HD speaker wirelessly pairs with a second unit to deliver left and right stereo sound both indoors and outdoors
SYDNEY, Australian – July 09, 2014 – BRAVEN announces the immediate availability of the BRV-X, the world’s first rugged Bluetooth speaker featuring TrueWireless™ technology and an exclusive frequency tuning ability to maximise sound quality and volume in indoor and outdoor environments. BRAVEN’s TrueWireless™ technology enables easy wireless pairing with a second BRV-X for an amazing left and right stereo sound using two BRV-X speakers.
Designed for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, the BRAVEN BRV-X takes the next step in outdoor HD wireless speaker design by combining the latest in audio technology with the ruggedness needed to withstand drops, bumps, rain and more. Perfect for beach outings, camping trips or even hiking adventures, the BRV-X comes equipped with custom HD drivers, omnidirectional passive bass radiator and an indoor/outdoor switch that adjusts audio output to fit its surroundings to maximise sound quality and volume.
“The BRV-X is the next step in the evolution of the rugged wireless speaker and the big brother of the highly acclaimed BRAVEN BRV-1,” stated Andy Fathollahi, Chief Executive. “The BRV-X is the tank of mobile speakers with the durability to withstand any adventure, the sound technology to adapt to any environment, and the clarity and volume to blast all your favourite music in HD.”
The BRV-X pumps over 12 hours of continuous HD sound, is IPX7 water-resistant rated, and can charge USB devices such as smartphones, cameras and GoPro with an integrated 5200 mAh power bank; giving users the convenience of having a portable backup battery. The BRV-X is also equipped with a built-in noise-cancelling speakerphone that allows you to take calls even when camping by the river, and comes with a heavy-duty strap to easily secure the speaker on bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, tents and more.
Pricing and availability:
Product Name: Braven BRV-X Rugged Wireless Speaker
| Model | Colour Options | RRP | Availability |
| BRVXBBB | Black with Black Grill | AU $299.99; NZ $349.99 |
AU, NZ (now) |
| BRVXGWB | Grey with Black Grill | AU $299.99 | AU only (now) |
Website: http://www.braven.com/brv-x-rugged-waterproof-bluetooth-speaker.html
Australia Distributor: MacGear
New Zealand Distributor: MacGear
Australia Retailers: Beezer; Gadgets Boutique; Streetwise
New Zealand Retailers: JB Hi-Fi NZ, Yoobee, Vodafone (Queen Street, Auckland)
About BRAVEN
BRAVEN is dedicated to delivering stunning audio in portable Bluetooth speakers to today’s mobile consumer. As the first company to produce a portable HD speaker/speakerphone that doubles as a mobile phone charger, BRAVEN is an industry leader that combines first-class sound with unparalleled style. With an international reach that continues to grow, BRAVEN delivers the latest innovations to fans across the world. For more information, please visit www.braven.com or connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bravenproducts, Twitter attwitter.com/bravenproducts.
About MacGear
MacGear Group is a technology wholesale business with a focus on the Apple channel and mass retailers across Australia and New Zealand. MacGear aligns itself with leading brands to offer the highest quality products. The company has established itself as a trusted member of the IT distribution channel, covering retail, corporate and educational customers across both markets. For more information about MacGear, please visit: http://www.macgeargroup.com
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‘Floatify’ Brings Android L-like Stacked Notifications to Your Lockscreen for Android 4.3+ Users
Android L has been the talk of the community for the past two weeks, but we still got a little bit of waiting to do before we get the official release. One of the foremost features in Android L is the enhanced notifications. Not only has the notification drop-down drawer been rehashed, but we will now be able to access our notifications on our lockscreen without the need to download a third party app. But for those that don’t quite have the luxury of playing Android L, a new app called Floatify brings that Android L style to any device running Android 4.3 and above.
- When you receive notifications Floatify will show you a popup window with stacked notifications.
You can interact with the popup, expand a notification to full size, open or cancel the notification, setup a reminder or open the app in xHalo. - Even if the phone is locked you can directly open or cancel the notification! Floatify will also wake your phone if you like.
- The notify on unlock feature will automatically show you all pending notifications as soon as you unlock your phone.
Simple, fast and efficient! - Use the smart blacklist to prevent notification popups when gaming or browsing.
As soon as you leave the app Floatify will show the missed notification. - Floatify actions can be added to your homescreen or directly started from other apps.
This way you can cancel all notifications, open the notif. popup or similar with a simple touch. - Customize popup window style as you like with smooth animations, backgrounds and colors.
If you want give Floatify a try, click the XDA thread link below to grab the download. Let us know how it runs.
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When WiFi imitates art
For most of us, the only way we can see the strength of a WiFi network is by the familiar signal icon on any given device. Newcastle University School of Architecture doctorate student Luis Hernan, however, has a different method: spirit photography. He’s using the new age-y method of capturing someone’s aura via electric coronal discharges — a Kirlian Device — with a few geeky augmentations (an Arduino Uno board and WiFi Shield, for example) to illustrate how strong a wireless broadcast is with colors. As Wired notes, these components take account of the nearby signal and convert it into color information that’s then beamed onto an LED strip; red being the strongest and blue being weaker sections of the network. To create the pictures like what you see above and at the source, Hernan swung the home-made device around after setting up long-exposure shots with a camera. While we can’t know for sure, we’d imagine that something with no signal would look a lot like this.
Filed under: Wireless, Science, Alt
Via: Wired
Source: DigitalEthereal (1), (2)
Google voice search learns new tricks, media controls and corrections in tow
Google is actively working on a Google Search app, This service keeps on growing in terms of functionality. Recently Google added a bunch of new languages to the service, so that you could call upon the service even if English (UK/US) isn’t set as you language of choice. This time around we get two new tricks, let’s see what they’re all about.
First feature that is added (for some) are media controls. So, Google Now is a great service, but when you call upon it you’re not able to do basic tasks with it, such as turning Wi-Fi or your data connections on/off for example. Controlling media on your smartphone also belongs in that “we should be able to do it” category. Luckily Google released such feature for some users, you’ll have to check if it’s available on your account by yourself. We guess they’re still testing it or are taking their time with the rollout. In any case, you’ll be able to activate the service by using that sweet “OK Google” phrase and then say something like “next song” for example in order to… you guessed it, switch to the next song in your app’s queue. We don’t see much use here though, unless you’re using Moto X and can activate this without having your screen on at the moment.
The other feature Google introduced has something to do with contextual awareness. Google is trying to make the service more contextually aware, and they’re doing just that, slowly though. What’s new you wonder? Well, let’s say for example you’re asking Google how tall is Jim Carrey and the app misinterprets what you meant and hears Mariah Carey instead (awesome example, I know, I know) you can simply tap on the microphone icon and say “No, I said Jim Carrey” and the app should get it thanks to contextual awareness.
These are some welcomed addition to the service, the more the merrier. Do you agree?
The post Google voice search learns new tricks, media controls and corrections in tow appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung Gear VR is coming and this is what it looks Like
A few months ago, we heard the rumour that Samsung was ambitiously working on a virtual reality headset that would eventually be used with their own smartphones and tablets. Today, another piece of the puzzle falls into place with the name of the device, the Samsung Gear VR, being leaked and renders and a logo for the device showing up, courtesy of SamMobile. This information was also accompanied by a release date; the Samsung Gear VR will launch alongside the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at IFA 2014 in September.
While we’re sure Samsung is perfectly capable of developing their own virtual reality technology, the Samsung Gear VR will actually be developed in collaboration with the best in the business: Oculus Rift. It’s reported that the Gear VR will adopt a similar approach to Google’s recently released Cardboard VR, using your own device docked within the headset to create your environment. That should ideally make the Gear VR quite affordable, much like Google Cardboard, however we don’t know how that lines up with Samsung’s idea of pricing. Probably the only thing that would make the Gear VR more attractive than Google’s offering is better apps at launch, but we’ll have to wait till September to see if it has what it takes.
What do you think about the Samsung Gear VR? Would you consider getting one? Let us know your opinion.
Source: SamMobile via Droid-life
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