Unlocked, SIM-Free iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Models Now Available in U.S. with 3-5 Day Shipping
As indicated yesterday, Apple has begun selling unlocked, SIM-free versions of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on its U.S. online store.
Pricing for the SIM-free versions of both phones are the same as the other unsubsidized models. The 16, 64, and 128 GB versions of the iPhone 6 are sold for $649, $749, and $849 respectively, while the 16, 64, and 128GB configurations of the iPhone 6 Plus run $100 higher than the aforementioned iPhone 6 models.
The SIM-free versions of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are the same as the full-priced, carrier-specific models that have been sold by Apple since the launch of both phones. For example, the iPhone 6 models offered by T-Mobile have been unlocked since launch, although it is unknown why Apple chooses to advertise both. The SIM-free and T-Mobile versions of the iPhone 6 can be used with a number of GSM carriers around the world, as a user only needs to provide a compatible Nano SIM for cellular connectivity.
All storage capacities and colors of the SIM-free iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are shown as ready to ship within 3-5 business days. The phones are also expected to be offered at Apple’s retail locations starting today.
HTC unveils the Desire 826 for Asia
I know a lot of people were hoping the HTC Hima would be unveiled this week at CES, but you will have to settle for the Desire 826. HTC has been committed to the budget category of smartphones, and the 826 is no exception.
The Desire 826 sports a polycarbonate body that includes a 5.5-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080) display, a 1.7 GHz octa-core 64-bit Snapdragon 615 processor, 2 GB of RAM, 13 MP rear camera, an Ultra Pixel front-facing camera, BoomSound, 2,600 mAh battery, Android 5.0 Lollipop, and the HTC Eye Experience.
It will land in Asia later this month with no commitment that it will make its way to other locations. No pricing was offered up.
Be sure to check out our complete CES 2015 coverage.
source: HTC
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Telegram Messenger Beta update allows you to set custom notification sounds
If you’re a fan of Telegram Messenger, you’ll be glad to know that the beta client just got an update that allows you to set custom notification sounds. Along with the ability to customize push notification sounds, version 1.1.4.0 is faster, features smoother animations and better optimized fonts for full-HD displays.
Hangouts for iPhone and iPad updated with location sharing and more
Google has released an update for the company’s Hangouts app, available on iOS for the iPhone and iPad. Today’s update includes new sticker packs, status messages, location sharing and more, bringing this offering up to speed with the Android counterpart.
Here’s the list of changes included in version 2.5.0:
- New sticker packs!
- When friends ask where you are, share your location in one click with smart sharing suggestions.
- Leave status messages so that people know what you’re up to or how you’re feeling.
- Find your friends and family on Hangouts more easily by phone number.
- See SMS and Voicemail from your Google Voice account.
- Improved video call experience and miscellaneous bug fixes.
Head to the App Store to download the latest update.
- Free – Download Now
The bendy LG G Flex 2 is coming to AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular
When LG announced the original G Flex in October 2013, some speculated when/if it would hit the US, especially given that its rival the Samsung Galaxy Round didn’t leave its native country. Some weeks later, at CES 2014, it was officially confirmed. When it comes to the G Flex 2 however, there is no question as to its American debut, as AT&T, Sprint, and US Cellular have already confirmed their plans to sell it.
AT&T already has both a press release and a product page for the device, although no release date or price has been given. Sprint on the other hand, not only states a Q1 release, but also proclaims it will be the exclusive [American] carrier for the Volcano Red color variant, however silver will also be available for those who prefer a device with less flare. Also contained in the Sprint press release is a somewhat damning bit of news for those on Verizon or T-Mobile, as the text reads, “[Sprint is] proud to be one of only two national carriers in the U.S. to offer LG G Flex2.”
While Verizon never sold the original G Flex, T-Mobile most certainly did, which begs the question as to why the Uncarrier may have chosen to forgo releasing the sequel. Granted there is still a possibility of launching it at a later date, but why not strike while the iron is hot? It is also worth mentioning that Japan’s G Flex was a CDMA variant, thus Verizon technically could have launched it but passed.
It seems US Cellular will also be carrying the G Flex 2 as it had the following to say “to follow up on LG’s device announcement from today, U.S. Cellular will carry the LG G Flex 2 this Spring. We will share more details as soon as we can.”
LG has not offered any specific pricing information for the G Flex 2, but from what we gathered the device will sell at around the same price as the LG G3.
So now that the G Flex 2 has been confirmed for release in the USA, and possibly in the near future at that, who plans to buy one?
AT&T Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2015 – AT&T1 will offer the new LG G Flex™ 2 with even more features than the popular LG G Flex. The LG G Flex 2 boasts a sleeker and more stylish curved design with a shaper display, powerful hardware and intuitive software features optimized for its form factor. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.
“We’re thrilled to add the powerful, new LG G Flex 2 to our leading device portfolio,” said Jeff Bradley, SVP, Device Marketing and Developer Services, AT&T. “AT&T customers will also get a great network experience from the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network and the network that has the nation’s strongest LTE signal.” 2
The LG G Flex 2 brings a stunning 5.5-inch Full HD P-OLED display, the latest Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 800 series processor and features an Advanced Self-Healing back that repairs most scratches and nicks from everyday use. Furthermore, with the LG G Flex 2, you can enjoy a long lasting 3,000mAh battery, powered by a fast charging feature, allowing for up a 50 percent charge in less than 40 minutes.3 Features include:
- Processor: The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series processor
- Display: 5.5-inch Full HD P-OLED
- Storage: 32 GB ROM with microSD slot
- Camera: Rear 13- MP OIS+ with Laser Auto Focus and Dual LED Flash/ Front 2.1- MP
- Battery: 3000mAh with fast charging3
- Operating System: Android 5.0 Lollipop
- Dimensions: 5.87 x 2.96 x 0.35 inch
- Weight: 5.36 oz
For more information, please visit att.com/gflex2.
Sprint Press Release
YouTube set to support 360 degree video footage in the coming weeks
Google has announced that they’re hard at work on letting you upload 360 degree video footage onto YouTube. They didn’t specify exactly how the footage will work, but it’s supposedly set to debut on the video streaming service in the coming weeks.
Of course, if you want to upload any 360 degree video, you’re going to have to use a camera that actually supports it. Your smartphone or point-and-shoot isn’t going to get the job done. Viewing the videos also seems like it’ll be tricky, especially on something small like a smartphone screen, but Google might just implement an IMAX-esque panoramic view on widescreen monitors or tablets. There’s also a lot of potential with VR headsets like Google cardboard or Samsung’s Gear VR, but that might be putting the horse in front of the cart at this point.
We’ll keep you updated as soon as Google announces anything else. For the rest of our CES 2015 coverage, click here.
source: Gizmodo
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Volkswagen Debuts new Practical Features for Tech/Vehicle Integration
CES is shaping up to be a great week, and Volkswagen is doing everything it can to make it even better. Volkswagen is premiering a few concept vehicles for the week, all based off of the Golf R.
The Golf R Touch (pictured) if a version of the popular Golf R with a 12.8″ high-res infotainment screen in the center console, a Control center underneath to control climate and media functions, and a digitalized instrument panel on a 12.3″ screen behind the steering wheel. The information on the panels can be rapidly updated to help you stay in touch with your vehicle—just the way it should be.
The e-Golf will also incorporate a plethora of apps using Android Auto, amongst other software interfaces, to connect your tablets and phones to the car and allow an unprecedented amount of control of the media center to the back-seat. Navigation and parking features are also included to help you find your way to a place with available parking.
Inductive charging is the plan for the future of the car, as is an on-board guide to help you find an affordable recharging station. Your phone or smartwatch with be able to use Digital Key, which lets you get in without needing a key in your hand. Another pretty neat feature is the Perfect Parking feature, which helps you parallel park, reverse perpendicular park, and get out of a parallel parking spot.
Volkswagen has great things planned for the future of the car, so stay tuned for more information this week!
Source: VW Media
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Bitcoin exchange loses $5 million in security breach
Bitstamp has just suspended its Bitcoin exchange services, because some of its operational wallets have been compromised. And, while it’s nowhere near the scale of the Mt. Gox debacle (850,000 Bitcoins gone), the company says hackers still made off with 19,000 BTC or roughly $5 million. The service clarifies on its website (which now shows a splash page) that the stolen money came from its online wallets only and that the “overwhelming majority” of its reserves are stored safely offline. According to ZDNet, the service had $96.9 million store in offline storage in May 2014, but the amount might have gone down due to fluctuating Bitcoin values.
Bitstamp says it will honor any transaction made before January 5th, 4AM Eastern, but it warns users (in bold and all caps) not to transfer anything to “previously issued bitcoin deposit addresses” anymore as those transactions cannot be honored. It also promises to go back to business in a few days once it’s done moving to a more secure server.
Some users believe this page lists the illegal transactions that’s crippled Bitstamp, since they’re worth 18,868 BTC in all made over the weekend. But we still don’t know what exactly went down, especially since no group of hackers has stepped forward to claim the security breach. Seeing as authorities still don’t have a clear picture of the Mt. Gox fiasco in 2014, we might have wait a long while before we find out what happened to Bitstamp.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Misc
Via: ZDNet
Source: Bitstamp
CES 2015: Connected Kitchen Gadgets Proliferate With Scales, Food Printers, and Coffee Makers [iOS Blog]
2015’s Consumer Electronics Show is just getting started, and one of the major themes this year appears to be connected smart gadgets for the kitchen. While some of the devices shown off this week have been around for some time already, their focus on a hassle-free kitchen experience is a major presence at this year’s show.
Pure Imagination showcased its smart scale device, the Perfect Bake, to start off the week. Already available from a number of retailers such as Brookstone, the device is a smartphone-connected scale that uses weight adjustments to correctly measure recipe requirements without use of a traditional measuring cup.
Including three mixing bowls of varying size, an oven thermometer, and a tablet/phone stand, the Perfect Bake can not only be used with personal recipes, but its iOS/Android app comes pre-loaded with hundreds of new baking ideas for users to try out. The comprehensive app allows recipes to be scaled to quantity, pan size, and even adjusts the ingredients in real time when you accidentally over-pour a particular ingredient. The Perfect Bake can be purchased now, most notably from Brookstone, and retails for $69.99.
Elsewhere in the show, XYZPrinting unveiled its new Food Printer that turns various ingredients into uncooked food. XYZ focused on showing off how ingredients like chocolate or dough can be printed into cookies or decorations for cakes, all of which require the need to be baked before consumption, of course.
As noted by CNET, XYZPrinting’s Food Printer has a touchscreen that allows users to choose pre-set design shapes for their food, with additional options available for download. Customers can even upload their own design makings via USB. Though the food printers have received a bit of coverage in recent months, XYZPrinting appears to be one of the early entrants: the company says its Food Printer will be available as early as the second quarter of 2015.
British-based startup Smarter is announcing its latest take on a smart coffee machine, following 2013’s iKettle, with the simply titled Smarter Coffee machine. Billed as “the world’s first bean to cup, wifi enabled coffee machine,” the device syncs with a free iOS/Android app that, amongst other things, wakes users with a pre-scheduled morning cup of coffee, sends a reminder when it needs a refill, and, thanks to a “Welcome Home” mode, can ask a user if they want to start a pot going when arriving at their house.
The machine, which can sync with various fitness bands and adjust the strength of morning cups of coffee alongside a user’s overnight sleeping data, also allows customers to adjust coffee strength manually within the app. The carafe that comes with the device can be used for up to 12 cups and allows for single-mug use as well. The Smarter Coffee machine will cost £129.99 and is set to be released next month, although no confirmation on release outside the UK has been given.
CES 2015: SMS Audio Star Wars themed headphones are strong in the Force
Who wouldn’t want Star Wars themed headphones? SMS Audio has today announced the addition of four new designs to its SMS Audio Star Wars themed headphones including the likes of R2-D2, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and a TIE Fighter. This figures to be pretty timely seeing as hype for the upcoming Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, is […]
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