MSI (almost) has the thinnest pro laptop ever
Bragging rights are a tricky thing. It’s easy to say that you’re the first or best, but backing up that claim is another matter. Take MSI’s brand new WS60, for example. The company bills the 15-inch laptop as the “world’s thinnest and lightest mobile workstation,” and it’s definitely on the featherweight side at 0.78 inches thick and 4.36 pounds. There’s only one problem: it’s actually a runner-up. Dell’s Precision M3800 is both slimmer (0.71 inches) and lighter (4.15 pounds), so that’s the machine you want in your bag if sheer portability is the major deciding factor.
Thankfully for MSI, there are plenty of reasons why you might pick the WS60 instead. It’s packing a more powerful Quadro K2100M graphics chipset, for one thing. You’ll also get more storage out of the box (a 128GB SSD plus a 1TB hard drive) and a Thunderbolt port for high-speed peripherals. There’s even the gaming-friendly keyboard, networking and speakers from the closely related GS60, just in case you’re itching to play Titanfall after you’re done with your 3D modelling work. Just be prepared to pony up if MSI’s system is more your style. The base model with a 1080p display and a 2.5GHz Core i7 processor will cost you $2,300, while opting for a “3K” (2,880 x 1,620) screen and an extra SSD ups the price to $2,600.
Filed under: Laptops
Source: MSI
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Sony finally kills its unpopular PlayStation-for-Android platform
Remember PlayStation Mobile? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Sony’s obviously had little success in pushing its gaming brand into the Android world since 2011, so it’s no surprise that the Japanese giant is killing PlayStation Mobile support after Android 4.4.2. Store access and re-downloads on 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 will depend on each manufacturer, but these services will definitely be taken away from Android L and beyond, and there’s no guarantee that the games will run smoothly on the previously certified devices from HTC, Sharp, Fujitsu, Alcatel, Wikipad and Sony itself. While this may take a bite out of the already small market for the PlayStation Mobile developers, Sony said it will shift focus to helping these folks produce content for the PS Vita and Vita TV instead. But no matter how you look at it, PlayStation Mobile is now officially a flop.
Via: The Verge
Source: Sony
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The Moto 360 will come with this stylish wireless charger
We now know more info about the hotly anticipated Moto 360 smartwatch from Motorola, thanks to a series of photos from Mister Gadget, aka Luca Viscardi. The foremost detail is a wireless inductive charger that looks easy to use — no small thing, since that fancy display will no doubt eat the battery quickly. It’s also a wise choice considering the skin irritation bugs with the LG G Watch’s charging pins, which the Moto 360 lacks. Previous rumors show that it’ll support Qi charging too, meaning it’ll work with the Nexus 5′s charger, among others. The back reveals the presence of an optical heart rate sensor and confirms that the water resistant case will be built from 316L stainless steel. Another image gives it some scale next to LG’s G watch, showing it to be about the same size — big, but not overly bulky. Otherwise, it confirms details we’ve already seen, along with its general handsomeness. That’s a good thing, since Android Wear‘s success might be riding on its round face.
Filed under: Wearables
Source: Mister Gadget
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Report Claims 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Will Feature 2,100 mAh Battery
Last month, new photos of a purported battery for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 revealed a 1,810 mAh capacity for the device, which is a modest improvement over the 1,560 mAh battery currently found in the iPhone 5s. Now, ESM-China electronics analyst Sung Chang Xu claims (Google Translate, via G for Games) that the final version of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will actually feature a 2,100 mAh battery.
Citing sources at supply chains across China, the analyst also adds that the previous images of the battery showed test units. A capacity of 2,100 mAh for the iPhone 6′s battery would put it below competing phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 (2800 mAh) and the HTC One M8 (2600 mAh). However, Apple’s traditionally tight hardware and software integration will likely contribute to a more robust overall battery life, as iOS 8 will most certainly be optimized for the iPhone 6.
Xu has previously reported on a number of other rumors pertaining to the iPhone 6, claiming that the device will feature temperature, pressure and humidity sensors in addition to electronic image stabilization. In February, Xu also claimed that the iWatch will use optical sensors to measure heart rate and oxygen levels.
Apple will unveil the iPhone 6 at an event on Tuesday, September 9, with a launch of the 4.7-inch version likely coming a week or so after the announcement. The event may also feature the introduction of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6, which is said to ship later this year or early next year due to production issues. Both iPhones are expected to feature a faster A8 processor, an improved camera, and a thinner chassis.
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Bose may be HTC’s next audio partner, will try and minimize bezel on the next One
A common complaint of the HTC One M8 smartphone is that it doesn’t make the best use of its front design. While many phones are moving towards almost non-existent bezels around the display, including the top and bottom, the One M8 had a hideously large black bar that seemed to take up space for no reason at all. While HTC says the bar was there for a reason, if they want to continue to compete in the increasingly competitive market for flagship devices, they need to cut down on those bezels. Rumour has it that HTC has already started on that front, and that Bose may be HTC’s next audio partner that will help in trying to minimize the iconic BoomSound speakers that have adorned HTC smartphones for some time now.
Naturally, if the BoomSound speakers were smaller, that would in turn allow for the phone to be smaller overall, or if HTC choses, make the screen bigger without affecting the overall size of the devices. And who better to go to than Bose, masters of getting big sound out of very small things. It must be said that HTC has most recently been working with Harman/Kardon for the One M8, so we’ll have to see how this one plays out. If true though, the next HTC flagship is definitely going to be one for the audiophiles.
What do you think about HTC teaming up with Bose to improve the next HTC One? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
Source: TKTech via Phone Arena
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Angry Birds Stella is set to be released on September 4th on Mobile
If you ever thought Rovio might run out of ideas to add to their Angry Birds franchise any further, you can put that notion to rest as they are about to release yet another chapter in the universe of irritated avians. This time it’s Angry Birds Stella, a title Rovio teased earlier this year which looks like it’s going to introduce a whole new cast of characters, loosely based on the original archetypes, but efforts have been made to make them more unique and cuddly. Check out their latest trailer that introduces presumably the protagonist of the game, Stella, and sets September 4th as the game’s release date:
Angry Birds Stella looks like it’s going to go back to the original gameplay that made Rovio famous, knocking over things and crushing piggies, but with additional mechanics like bouncing off conveniently placed pads to hit things where it really hurts. I can’t imagine the game will end up much more different than the Angry Birds games that came before it, but if you’re a fan of the series, it’s likely that you won’t be disappointed.
What do you think about Rovio’s latest game? Are you going to pick up Angry Birds Stella when it releases on September 4th? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: YouTube via Phone Arena
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Barnes & Noble launches its Nook GlowLight e-reader in the UK for £89
Barnes & Noble isn’t exactly a household name in the UK, but in the States it’s a book-selling behemoth, with hundreds of stores complimenting a vast library of e-books, as well as a line of readers to consume them on. In autumn 2012, B&N expanded its reach to the UK (if only in website form), challenging the likes of Amazon and Kobo with its Nook range of tablets and e-readers, including the first with a front-lit display. We’ve seen minimal activity from the company since, but after almost two years without fresh hardware, the new Nook GlowLight launches in the UK today. The second-generation GlowLight e-reader, with significantly improved 6-inch display, is now available for £89 at various retailers including Argos, Currys/PC World, John Lewis, Sainsburys, ASDA and bookshop chain Foyles.
While the Nook GlowLight might best its predecessor, Barnes & Noble has suffered for its dormant period. Particularly, the Nook’s front-lit display tech hasn’t advanced at the same pace as those of its main rivals, the second-generation Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Aura, despite launching later than both. You can imagine when it went on sale in the US last October sporting the same price tag as the Paperwhite, our full review didn’t exactly paint it as an exciting proposition, despite a polished user experience and access to millions of books, magazines and newspapers.
In the UK, the GlowLight is entering the market at roughly £20 less than its closest competitors, which is significant when affordability is a key selling point for all e-readers. As a second-gen Paperwhite owner who’s been using the new GlowLight recently, I can’t say I would switch to the cheaper device, but also haven’t felt like I’ve been using an inferior product. I’ve found the speed and touchscreen responsiveness of the GlowLight doesn’t quite match that of the Paperwhite, but software- and store-wise, they’re easily comparable.
Barnes & Noble didn’t want its newest e-reader to be a black slab like most others, instead opting for a more rounded design in white, with a grey silicon trim. You can swap that out for other silicon bands in rose or violet (£15 for a pack of two) if grey isn’t your colour, too. B&N succeeded in making the Nook GlowLight more playful than the competition, and its lack of sharp edges, soft bumper and light weight made me more inclined to travel with it in my back pocket. (I tend to carry the more fragile-looking Paperwhite around in a case, in a bag.) The problem with it being white, though, is that it’s a magnet for mucky fingerprints and worse, dye from jean and trouser pockets (see the gallery for a closer look at the stains I couldn’t scrub off).
I still prefer the Paperwhite in most respects, and honestly, I’m too invested in the Amazon ecosystem already to consider moving. How much a person has committed to one platform of another will ultimately have the biggest impact on their purchasing decisions, and the Nook GlowLight turning up so late to the UK can’t help. It might not be quite as good as the competition, but the Nook GlowLight still offers a great e-reading experience at a very reasonable price.
Source: Barnes & Nobile
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NYT: Russian hacker group has over a billion stolen logins
Russia and internet security don’t exactly go hand in hand, and the latest news that over a billion user-name and password combos being pilfered doesn’t exactly help the country’s reputation. Researchers at Hold Security have found that some 420,000 websites have been hacked, according to The New York Times. The report goes on to say that even though the companies can’t be named due to confidentiality agreements, some sites remain vulnerable and are aware that their data has been compromised. NYT also reports that the data itself hasn’t been sold. Instead, the scammers are spamming victims for others and collecting fees for the work. Hold says that it’s begun the process of alerting individual websites that’ve been breached and that it’s also working on a tool for users to test if their login information has been gleaned without their knowing.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Internet
Source: New York Times
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Virgin Media’s biggest ever expansion to bring cable to 100,000 London homes
Not content with upping the top speed for many of its existing broadband customers, Virgin Media is also working hard to bring new subscribers into the fold. That’s why the company today announced that as part of its biggest ever expansion, it’ll extend its cable network to 100,000 more London homes. Virgin is focusing solely on East London, with broadband work already underway in Bethnal Green, the Isle of Dogs, Newham and West Ham. Homes in Stratford, Stepney, Poplar, Bow and East Ham are also down for future upgrades. With cable running to their properties, residents will enjoy the benefits of competition, allowing them to choose between Virgin Media 152Mb broadband speeds or BT’s fibre-optic network, which delivers an average of 76Mb and counts Sky and TalkTalk as wholesale suppliers.
Filed under: Household, Internet
Source: Virgin Media
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Uber’s latest service has you splitting your ride fare with strangers
Uber likes to undercut conventional taxi pricing, but it can get expensive if you’re by your lonesome — just ask anyone who has had to pay surge pricing to get to the airport. You may not have to cough up the full amount the next time you’re going solo, though. The company has just launched the beta for UberPool, a service that has you sharing a car with strangers. If you’re a tester, Uber will try to match you up with another person who’s taking a similar route; whether or not there’s another rider, your fare gets cut in half. The mobile app will also tell you who’s being picked up first and the name of your buddy, so you’ll have a decent excuse to start a conversation.
At the moment, UberPool is in private testing as it tweaks the service and gets up to speed. Google, a fan of shared transportation, will be part of the dry runs. A wider beta is launching on August 15th, and Uber is taking sign-ups if you want a heads-up about a possible launch in your city. That may take some time — Uber is quick to acknowledge that this is a “bold social experiment” that may make people uncomfortable, and it’s willing to iron out any kinks. However, the pooling might pay off for both you and Uber if everything works out. The company could make better use of its drivers, and your costs might drop sharply enough that you can afford to travel more often.
Filed under: Transportation, Internet, Mobile, Google
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Uber
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AIVAnet 