Two Big Wireless Charging Players Announce Plans to Merge
The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) have announced plans to merge completely by the end of the year. This merging will lower the number of competitors from three to two, with the last remaining competitor of the new group being the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and its Qi charging standard.
The merging with double the power that each of these groups has by giving each the resources, partnerships, and technologies they’ve earned and created on their own previously. Some of the partnerships shared between A4WP and PMA are AT&T, Qualcomm, Samsung and Powermat (the company that put charging mats in 200 Starbucks across the U.S.), and one key piece of tech shared by the two is the resonant technology that allows you to charge multiple devices on one charging pad at once.
Hopefully joining forces will benefit both parties in this situation, but more importantly, it will hopefully help us: the consumers. New technology available everywhere is a great deal for all of us. Here’s to wishing them the best in their new union!
Have anything you’d like to add? Let us know in the comment section below.
Source: TechnoBuffalo
Come comment on this article: Two Big Wireless Charging Players Announce Plans to Merge
Sony unveils a stainless steel SmartWatch 3
One of the best Android Wear smartwatches just got even better, with Sony unveiling their excellent Smartwatch 3 watch with a stainless steel band. If you haven’t read our review of the Smartwatch 3 then check it out, but one of our comments was the lack of additional wristbands, which now is completely addressed. Not… Read more »
The post Sony unveils a stainless steel SmartWatch 3 appeared first on SmarterWatching.
Read the rest at SmarterWatching.com!
The post Sony unveils a stainless steel SmartWatch 3 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Acer Chromebook 15 hands-on
Acer steps up its Chromebook game with a new 15-incher that doesn’t skimp on specs
We got pretty excited when Acer announced it was iterating on its Chromebook 13 with a new 15-inch model, and today at CES we had a chance to play around with the all new Acer Chromebook 15. The new model is bigger and beefier, and while it looks similar to the previous 13-inch model it has several design changes.
Acer has taken a similar white chassis and black keyboard, but added a bit of a grippy pattern around the outside to make it easier to hold. It also isn’t quite as svelte as the ARM-powered 13-incher, instead picking up extra thickness and fans to support a new Intel Core i3 processor. The extra space also affords the room for large user-facing stereo speakers, which should be a big improvement.
Smart pacifier tracks your babies and their fevers
No parent likes to see their tyke battle a little sickness, only to have to exacerbate the little one’s discomfort with constant thermometer probes. But what if temperature monitoring could actually be a soothing experience for the baby? Enter Pacifi, a child’s pacifier with a thermometer built into its silicone teat and a Bluetooth chip that sends temperature readings to a paired smartphone. From within the Pacifi app for Android and iOS, you can view a live reading and see previous ones in a timeline graph, allowing you to track improvement or decline in the child’s condition. This data can also be easily shared — with your doctor, for example. And if your child happens to be on a course of treatment already, you can set dosing reminders from within the app, too.
Oral temperature readings aren’t as accurate as other, more uncomfortable methods. That’s why Blue Maestro, the makers of Pacifi, has included a calibration feature. You’re advised to initially take two readings — one with the pacifier and one with, say, an ear thermometer — and correct any discrepancy manually. This offset value will then be added to any subsequent results for consistency.
But taking a baby’s temperature isn’t the only thing Pacifi does. It also acts as a proximity monitor, sending a notification to the paired smartphone if your child tries to escape. If the pacifier moves out of the 30-meter range, the Pacifi app with make a note of the last known location using your phone’s GPS, pointing you in the direction of your lost child or, hopefully, just a lost pacifier. And if you do misplace the thing, you can trigger a miniature siren that’s built into it to help track it down.
For easy washing, the Pacifi is hermetically sealed, which also means you can’t replace its battery. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem, though, because it’s expected to last between 12 and 18 months before running out of juice (based on a one-reading-per-day estimate). The Pacifi is currently up for preorder at £25/€30/$39, but as it’s technically a medical device (just like the TempTraq Bluetooth thermometer patch), it won’t launch in earnest until it’s been given the green light by regional regulators. European approval is expected as soon as next month, at which point Blue Maestro will start the same process in the US, with an eye to launch at some point during the first half of this year.
Filed under: Misc
Source: Blue Maestro
CES 2015: Shure Announces Line of Portable Digital Microphones for iOS and Mac [iOS Blog]
Audio electronics company Shure today announced its new line of MOTIV digital microphones, which are intended to make it easy for users to record audio both at home on their computer and on their iOS devices.
Portable plug-and-play no longer means sacrificing sound quality. From the brand trusted with music history’s greatest moments, MOTIV™ features intuitive controls, smart technology and retro design. Capture your music, podcasts, videos and stories at the level of sound quality that honors your vision.
The MV88 is a digital stereo condenser microphone that connects to any iOS device with a Lightning connector. The microphone is mounted to a 90-degree hinge that rotates and allows for users to put the microphone in multiple positions for both audio and video applications. The ShurePlus Motive Mobile Recording App allows the microphone to record with five preset modes for voice and instruments.
The MV51, a digital large-diaphragm condenser microphone, comes with headphone output and a kickstand that’s compatible with any mic stand. A touch panel on the front allows users to access gain, mute and headphone monitoring volume adjustments. The MV51 also features seamless 24-bit / 48 kHz digital recording that Shure says delivers “unmatched” audio results. It includes cables that can connect it to PCs, Macs, Android and iOS devices.
The MV5 digital condenser microphone is more of a standard microphone that comes with a detachable stand and in two different colors that are regionally dependent. This microphone also has headphone output for realtime monitoring and is available with either cables for PCs and Macs or iOS devices.
From left to right: MV88, MV51, MV5, MVi.
The MVi digital audio interface allows users to connect any XLR microphone or 1/4-inch for guitars, bass or keyboards into any iOS device, Mac or PC. The device comes with a touch panel that allows “easy, real-time access” to volume, gain and mode selection. It also has five preset modes and Shure says it offers the convenience of a professional studio in a portable package. Like the MV5, it’s available with either cables for PC and Macs or iOS devices.
Finally, Shure unveiled the free ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App, which allows users to select between five preset modes, adjust microphone gain, compression, equalization and stereo width control. The app also allows users to share audio files via email and text.
The MOTIV Digital Recorders will launch in summer 2015. However, it’s currently unknown how much the devices will cost.
BMW wants you to control your car’s features from a Samsung tablet
BMW loves the idea of letting you control your car from mobile devices — so much so that it just teased some especially deep mobile integration at Samsung’s CES keynote. The automaker’s new Touch Command feature (hinted at in last year’s Vision Future Luxury concept) will let you use a Samsung tablet to operate many of your vehicle’s creature comforts. You can adjust the music, climate control and even the ambient lighting without having to reach for the usual in-car knobs or touchscreens. Neither BMW nor Samsung has said much about when you’ll get to try Touch Command for yourself, but here’s hoping that it arrives soon.
Filed under: Tablets, Transportation, Samsung
Dish is bringing TV streaming to your Android device with Sling TV
Dish Network has just their over-the-top television streaming service alternative for folks who don’t want to pay for pricey cable packages. The service is called Sling TV, and it will launch sometime in Q1 of 2015. For only $20 a month, there are no contracts, commitments, and no hardware installations. Users of the service can stream a ton of popular networks like ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, the Food Network, the Travel Channel, Adult Swim, ABC, CNN and many more. What’s more, Dish has made Sling TV compatible with just about every popular device and OS out there:
- Android
- Google Nexus Player (Android TV)
- Amazon Fire TV & Fire TV Stick
- Select LG Smart TVs
- Roku Players
- Roku TV models
- Select Samsung Smart TVs
- Xbox One
- PC
- iOS
- Mac
Dish is allowing users to add on additional streaming packages for a $5 premium every month. Right now, the additional packages include a Kids Extra, News & Info Extra, as well as a Sports Extra package coming in the near future. If you’re interested, all you need to do is download the Android app, sign up for the service, and you’re good to stream, whenever and wherever you’d like!
It’s tough to tell whether Sling TV will be a hit with users or not, especially with cheaper services like Netflix and Hulu+ out there. Even though other streaming services don’t pick up actual live television channels, we’ll have to see how the service does after launch. Any Dish customers out there looking forward to Sling TV? Let us know what you think!
“Sling TV provides a viable alternative for live television to the millennial audience”
Supported Internet-connected devices for Sling TV are expected to include Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google’s Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Mac and PC. Sling TV expects to announce its availability on additional streaming devices and smart TVs in the coming months.
“Sling TV provides a viable alternative for live television to the millennial audience,” said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH president and CEO. “This service gives millions of consumers a new consideration for pay-TV; Sling TV fills a void for an underserved audience.”
“Consumers can now watch their favorite shows on their favorite devices that they already use to watch video. Live television, including ESPN, for $20 per month with no commitment or contract, is a game changer,” said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. “The arrival of Sling TV lets consumers, who’ve embraced services like Netflix and Hulu, take more control of their video entertainment experience.”
What to watch on Sling TV
At launch, Sling TV is offering a core programming package with live and Video-On-Demand shows, sports, movies and online video, as well as two optional add-on packs.
Priced at $20 per month, “The Best of Live TV” core package includes 12 Nielsen-rated sports, lifestyle, family and news networks: ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN. This package additionally features an array of Video-On-Demand entertainment and the best of online video with unique content from Maker Studios, the global leader in online short-form video.
Consumers can tailor their experience with add-on packs for access to additional programming, at $5 per month. Sling TV will offer a “Kids Extra” add-on with Disney Junior, Disney XD, Boomerang, Baby TV and Duck TV, and a “News & Info Extra” add-on with HLN, Cooking Channel, DIY and Bloomberg TV. A “Sports Extra” package is coming soon.
Sling TV expects to expand its core package, Video-On-Demand content, online video and add-on packs throughout 2015.
Where to watch Sling TV
At launch, subscribers can watch live TV by downloading the app to supported versions of iOS and Android, or by visiting the upcoming Sling website from Macs and PCs. Alternatively, the Sling TV app is expected to be available on Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google’s Nexus Player, select LG Smart TVs, Roku players, Roku TV models, select Samsung Smart TVs and Xbox One, with other streaming devices and smart TVs to follow in the coming months. Sling TV’s user interface provides a consistent experience across all platforms.
How Sling TV works
Sling TV is designed to deliver a high-quality television experience inside and outside the home, anywhere a wired, Wi-Fi or mobile broadband connection is available. The service is delivered over an IP-based content delivery system that leverages adaptive bitrate streaming technology. This allows for the highest quality streaming experience possible regardless of network quality fluctuations or location.
Customers will be able to pause, rewind and fast-forward most live channels and Video-On-Demand content. For certain channels, the service includes a 3-Day Replay feature that gives customers the ability to watch some shows that have aired in the past three days; no DVR is needed. Sling TV’s features are available across all supported platforms.
About Sling TV
Sling TV L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), provides over-the-top television services including domestic and international live and Video-On-Demand programming. Sling TV’s international OTT service (DishWorld) currently provides close to 200 channels in 16 languages across multiple devices – televisions, tablets, computers and smartphones – to U.S. households. Sling TV is a next generation service that meets the entertainment needs of today’s contemporary viewers. Visit www.sling.com.
Follow us on Twitter @Sling: http://www.twitter.com/Sling
About DISH
DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14.041 million satellite TV customers, as of Sept. 30, 2014, with the highest-quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corp. is a Fortune 250 company. Visit www.dish.com.
Subscribe to DISH email alerts: http://about.dish.com/alerts
Follow us on Twitter @DISHNews: http://www.twitter.com/DISHNews
Sling TV and Slingbox: separate brands, separate products
Sling TV is an emerging over-the-top service that is independent from Sling Media’s line of Slingbox products and services. Sling Media is the leading provider of multi-screen TV solutions giving consumers the ability to access their live and recorded traditional pay-TV service anywhere in the world, on any connected device. For more information on Slingbox, visit www.slingbox.com.
Secret updated to support anonymous posting to specific events
After relaunching with a new look, Secret has gotten another pretty cool feature today. Now you can anonymously post messages to specific events that aren’t tied to your friends or locations, which is useful for pretty big conventions and events. Not coincidentally, the Secret team is testing out this feature first with CES 2015.
There’s a new section in the app for those of your attending CES this year that will let you view anything posted specifically for this event, and it’s all just as anonymous as ever, for better or worse. This is better than, say, using hashtags on Facebook or Twitter since it’s confined specifically to CES 2015, so it’s much easier to keep your ear to the ground to figure out what’s going on around you. The concept is cool, and hopefully they’ll continue doing this for major events in the future.
If you’re not at CES, though, you can still keep up with our full coverage here.
Come comment on this article: Secret updated to support anonymous posting to specific events
ASUS ZenPhone Zoom announced at CES 2015
To complete the ASUS saga today, we have the ZenPhone Zoom. The optical zoom was announced at three days ago on YouTube.
There isn’t much about this phone yet. We have Android Lollipop, 5.5″ display, 13 MP back camera with 3x optical zoom and a 5 MP front camera.
By the sounds of it, we have the ZenPhone 2 with optical zoom. ASUS didn’t share the chipset paired with the the ZenPhone Zoom, or much else about it actually.
The 3x optical zoom lens only renders the ZenPhone Zoom at a modest 11.95 mm. This is a big improvement over Samsung’s optical zoom offerings that are about twice as thick.
ASUS is hoping to offer the Zoom for $399 in Q2.
The post ASUS ZenPhone Zoom announced at CES 2015 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
CES 2015: The stainless steel Sony SmartWatch 3 has just been announced
One of the complaints of the Sony SmartWatch 3 at its launch was that while it was a nice simple device, it didn’t quite feel like it warranted a big investment like some of the flashier, subjectively better built wearables like the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R. Sony has addressed this complaint by today […]
The post CES 2015: The stainless steel Sony SmartWatch 3 has just been announced appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
AIVAnet 