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7
Nov

What a name: Michael Bastian and Hewlett-Packard unveil the MB Chronowing smartwatch



MB Chronowing smartwatchA while back, we heard that Hewlett-Packard (or HP as it’s probably better known as) and renowned designer, Michael Bastian, were collaborating to create a smartwatch. Little did we know that it would have the most badass name in the history of smartwatches: the MB Chronowing smartwatch. The device was effectively unveiled to subscribers of online retailer, Gilt, who is the exclusive seller of the device and opened pre-sale of the device today. Two versions of the MB Chronowing were unveiled including the standard MB Chronowing and the slightly more premium MB Chronowing Limited Edition Black smartwatch – make no mistake though, both will set you back a pretty penny with the standard version priced at $434.10 AUD (around $370 USD) and the Limited Edition version coming in at $807.30 (around $690 USD).

MB Chronowing smartwatchThat’s a pretty steep price to pay, but the watches are impeccably designed. As expected, the MB Chronowing isn’t running an operating system that we’re familiar with and is only configurable with a companion smartphone app available for both Android and iOS. There looks to be a fair number of customization options which can display music, weather and notification info on the main screen with the smaller, clock screen configurable too. For more info, be sure to visit the Gilt website at the source link below.


What do you think about the MB Chronowing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Gilt


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The post What a name: Michael Bastian and Hewlett-Packard unveil the MB Chronowing smartwatch appeared first on AndroidSPIN.

7
Nov

Home Depot hackers stole 53 million email adresses on top of credit card info


The Home Depot store exterior outside building

The hackers that got into Home Depot’s computers didn’t only steal 56 million credit card details — the company has recently discovered that they also got away with 53 million email addresses. According to the retailer, no passwords were stolen along with the email ads, but it still wants to warn customers, in case they receive some phishing emails in their inbox. So, if you have Home Depot-loving family or friends who aren’t as tech-savvy, make sure remind them not to click on dubious links sent to their emails and to activate two-factor authentication when available. In addition to finding out that its customers’ emails had been pilfered, Home Depot now also knows how the perps got into their system in the first place.

Apparently, the high-tech thieves got a hold of a refrigeration contractor’s log-in credentials, which granted them entry into Home Depot’s computers. From there, they managed to worm their way into point-of-sale systems, mostly the self-checkout lanes, by taking advantage of a Windows vulnerability. That’s where they installed malware to harvest personal data: malware that remained undetected until the hackers got bolder and sold the victims’ credit card info during Labor Day this year. Both Microsoft and Home Depot claim they’ve already patched the holes in their system. The retailer said it’s also added tough encryption to customers’ payment data and that it plans to transition to chip-and-PIN technology in the near future.

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Via: Physorg

Source: The Wall Street Journal

7
Nov

Digital assistant Amazon Echo announced


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Amazon has released a new device that puts a unique twist on the digital assistant market. Rather than existing as a piece of software only on a smartphone or tablet, the Amazon Echo puts that technology on a piece of hardware ready to be deployed around the house. The device is always on and will respond to a wake word to provide information, answer questions, or even fill a room with music.

The Amazon Echo comes equipped with seven microphones that employ enhanced noise cancellation and far-field technology. This means users can speak in a normal voice from anywhere in a room. Speaking is important because the device is voice-activated and according to Amazon, will learn speech patterns, vocabulary and personal preferences making it smarter over time.

Besides the voice input capabilities, Amazon also built the Amazon Echo to delivery crisp, clear sound with a nice immersive bass response. Users will be able to access services like Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and TuneIn for musical content. The Amazon Echo is also Bluetooth enabled so users can stream content from sources like Spotify, iTunes or Pandora using a phone or tablet.

Amazon is also releasing an Amazon Echo app for multiple platforms that can be used to manage alarms, create shopping lists and perform other functions.

Amazon is only selling the Amazon Echo by invitation. You can hit the source link to request an invitation. Amazon Prime members can get the Amazon Echo for $99 while the normal price is $199.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Amazon

Come comment on this article: Digital assistant Amazon Echo announced

7
Nov

Alleged specifications for Vivo’s upcoming flagship phone surface


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If you are looking for cutting edge specifications, look no further than Chinese hardware manufacturers. They pump out premium devices better than any other region. The upcoming X5 Max (PD1305) from Vivo is lining up to be an absolute beast. A specification sheet surfaced online recently showing what the X5 Max will allegedly have to offer.

Here is a rundown of what the leaked spec sheet lists:

  • 6-inch display with 2560×1440 resolution
  • Snapdragon 805 process with 3GB of RAM
  • 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot that goes up to 128GB
  • 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and dual-LED flash, 8MP front camera with 88-degree wide view lens
  • 3500mAh battery
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat covered by Vivo’s Funtouch 2.0 software

Source: Weibo
Via: G 4 Games

Come comment on this article: Alleged specifications for Vivo’s upcoming flagship phone surface

7
Nov

TalkAndroid Daily Dose for November 6, 2014


TalkAndroid_Daily_Dose

With hectic schedules, it can be hard to keep track of everything in your news feed. That’s why we created the TalkAndroid Daily Dose. This is where we recap the day’s hottest stories so you can get yourself up to speed in quick fashion. Happy reading!!

Accessories

Google puts two Nexus 6 cases in the Play Store, labeled as “Coming soon”

Powermod releases chargers with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology

Apps

Runtastic’s new Sleep Better app is a powerful sleep tracker for your smartphone

Microsoft offering sign up for Office preview on Android tablets

HTC Weather app now available on Google Play Store

You can now make international voice calls with Google Hangouts in India

WhatsApp update now shows when messages have been read

Google rolls out Material Design update for Japanese Input application

Chrome

ShadowCrypt is a Chrome extension that encrypts tweets, status updates and emails

Chromecast

Primecast app puts Amazon Prime Instant Video content on Chromecast

Phones

LG working on a G Flex Mini

Here’s what Lollipop will look like on the LG G3

Motorola Solutions making phones for public safety employees

Google’s Nexus 6 prepping for release in more countries

Samsung working on a 5.9-inch 4K Super AMOLED display for next year’s Galaxy Note 5

Samsung to launch new phone series after Galaxy A arrival

Unlocked Xperia Z3 hits the Sony online store, ships Nov. 10 for $679.99

Sony Xperia Z3, Z2, and Z3 get AOSP version of Lollipop

Alleged specifications for Vivo’s upcoming flagship phone surface

Smartwatches

LG G Watch R now available through the Play Store

Motorola announces Champagne Gold Moto 360, new slim bands, new watch faces, Moto Body, and more

Samsung will offer watch straps and bangle options for the Gear S

Updates

No root needed for screen recordings in Android Lollipop

Wearables

Huawei TalkBand B1 coming to U.S. retailers on Nov. 14th

Miscellaneous

See which apps and games are draining your phone battery and chewing up the most storage

Android sees market share growth in latest Comscore report

Digital assistant Amazon Echo announced

Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Daily Dose for November 6, 2014

7
Nov

Powermod releases chargers with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology


powermod_quick_charge_2-0_productsThere are not many devices on the market that take advantage of Quick Charge 2.0 technology, but that is in part due to the chargers are not being available. The only device on the market with a corresponding charger is the Moto X (2014) and DROID Turbo. On its way, though, is one for the HTC One (M8). Due to the limited availability, Powermod has taken the matter into its own hands by releasing two chargers that have Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology. The in-vehicle chargers costs $19.95 and the wall charger is $29.95. These prices are cheaper than what you would find elsewhere.

You can click here to see the full list of devices compatible with Quick Charge 2.0 chargers.

Source: Powermod
Via: HTC Source

Come comment on this article: Powermod releases chargers with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology

7
Nov

CBS takes on HuffPost Live with its own streaming news network


Yesterday, rumors began circulating that CBS was getting ready to launch a digital news network, and well… here it is. Just as Variety had reported, The Eye’s new 24/7 streaming channel is named CBSN. But, what is it exactly? Simply put, it’s CBS’ answer to HuffPost Live, featuring 15 hours of live, anchored coverage on weekdays (from 9AM to 12AM ET), complemented by an on-screen interface with a list of topics being discussed throughout the day. Aside from its original productions, CBSN will also have simulcasts of special reports and breaking news from CBS sometimes, as well as other content from sibling properties like CBS News, CBSSports.com and Entertainment Tonight.

Additionally, CBSN is taking pride in the fact that it’s launching on plenty of platforms from day one, such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku set-top boxes, Roku TV, within the CBS News app for Windows 8/Windows Phone 8 and, of course, on the web — more are expected “before the end of the year.” With CBSN and its recently launched All-Access TV service, CBS shows that it is preparing well for the digital era — which, in the end, benefits none other than viewers like yourself.

The more the merrier.

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Source: CBSN

7
Nov

Verizon XLTE-Ready Ellipsis 8 now available


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Last year during the same time, Verizon introduced the Verizon Ellipsis 7 and now, they introduced its successor – Verizon Ellipsis 8. It is not a high-end Android tablet, but it is XLTE ready which means you will be able to enjoy Verizon’s super fast internet. There are some other changes under the hood as well.

Ellipsis_1024-x-640The tablet comes with an 8-inch display with HD resolution (1280×800), 1.5GHz quad-core processor, a 5 megapixel camera, 5000 mAh battery, and hopefully Android 4.4. The battery will run for 14.51 hours (that’s some calculation by Verizon), so it can be said that it is pretty good for everyday use. Verizon Messages app is pre-installed as well, and you can expect other Verizon software in it too.

ellipsis-8-pressIt will be available for $249.99 without any contract, and for $149.99 if you get it with a 2-year deal. You can also lease it with Verizon Edge for $10.41-a-month over 24 months. Are you planning to grab it? Don’t forget to tell us in the comment box below.

Source: Verizon


The post Verizon XLTE-Ready Ellipsis 8 now available appeared first on AndroidGuys.

7
Nov

Call Handling Pro: A replacement for Sony’s smartwatch call handling [‘Watch’ This App]



If you’ve had problems with Sony’s smartwatch call handling and are looking for an app to replace it, then it may be time to check out Call Handling Pro. For the SmartWatch 2 it includes a phone book, a call log, and ringer mode switcher. It also includes a widget support for the SmartWatch 2… Read more »

The post Call Handling Pro: A replacement for Sony’s smartwatch call handling [‘Watch’ This App] appeared first on SmarterWatching.


Read the rest at SmarterWatching.com!

The post Call Handling Pro: A replacement for Sony’s smartwatch call handling ['Watch' This App] appeared first on AndroidGuys.

7
Nov

Amazon surprises everyone, announces the Echo


amazon-echo

The people at Amazon must have been bored today.  Out of the blue they announced the Amazon Echo.  The Echo is a do it all gadget, that combines a voice controlled personal assistant and bluetooth speaker.  While this seems like an unlikely combination, the Amazon Echo looks like something that almost anyone could find a use for.

Once setup, you use a “wake word” to get the Echo going.  You can follow the wake word with just about any command you want.  You can ask questions, set reminders or alarms, play music and even add items to your shopping lists.  Amazon says you can even talk to the Echo when you have music playing.  It will be interesting to see where Amazon takes the Echo from here.  If it is successful, will Amazon let us order stuff over the Echo?

If you are interested in an Echo, you need to request an invitation from Amazon.  If you are given an invitation it will come in the next few weeks.  The Echo will cost $199 for non-prime customers and $99 for prime members.  You can request an invitation here.

Source Amazon


The post Amazon surprises everyone, announces the Echo appeared first on AndroidGuys.