Sunset Overdrive available to Gold members for 40% off, new achievements added
For a limited time, Xbox One owners with an Xbox Live Gold membership can get Sunset Overdrive at a steep discount. The third-person action game will be available from the Xbox Store for 40% off for a limited time beginning today, Jan. 20. That brings the price down $59.99 to $35.99.
Panasonic’s mirrorless GF7 gets classic looks, trendy selfie features
If you just can’t get enough of you, Panasonic has joined the recent parade mirrorless cameras marketed at selfie photographers. The Lumix GF7′s micro four-thirds, 16-megapixel sensor will give you much nicer shots than your smartphone ever could without being a burden to haul around. Panasonic transformed the GF7 into a more classic-looking camera than the GF6 and managed to shave a few millimeters from the already-small form factor, too. The 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot screen switches to selfie mode as soon as it’s flipped around, and built-in WiFi lets you activate the shutter via a smartphone. It’s also nicely spec’d with 1920/60p video, 25,600 ISO and a 5.8 fps shooting speed. You’ll be able to get one February 20th for $600, with a 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that’s wide enough to capture you and at least several pals.
Filed under: Cameras
Source: Panasonic
Sony Xperia Z4 rumor roundup
CES is in the rear view mirror now, and Mobile World Congress is approaching quickly. While CES is generally somewhat mild when it comes to Android-related announcements, MWC is the complete opposite. Not only do we expect the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the HTC One M9 to debut sometime in March near the MWC timeframe, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Sony Xperia Z4 make an appearance as well.
Despite the fact that MWC is only a little over a month away, most of the rumors related to the Xperia Z4 have been pretty mild or they’ve come from sources that are pretty hard to confirm. Still, we have done our best to gather up all the best-known rumors about the Z4 in order to give our readers a sneak peak as to what the Xperia Z4 might bring to the table.
Keep in mind that these rumored features and specs are subject to change, and sowe wouldn’t take this post too seriously until we get even closer to the Xperia Z4’s arrival. In other words, read this post only if you enjoy speculating as much as we do!
Design
Somewhat blurry alleged image of Xperia Z4
Aside from some leaked James Bond movie material that allegedly shows off the Sony Xperia Z4, there have been little details about what to expect from Sony’s next-gen Xperia Z as far as design is concerned. That said, it seems a safe bet to assume that Sony will continue with the design language it started with the original Xperia Z, simply refining and slimming the design with each iteration.
That means you can expect a device that’s waterproof, has front-facing speakers, and a metallic frame with metal power and volume buttons. Judging by the evolution seen with the Z3, we also hope to see the bezels shrink down once again — one can dream at least.
Display
Xperia Z3
When the first flagships started to surface with 1080p resolutions, everyone quickly followed suite, making Full HD the standard when it came to flagships. So far it’s unclear if QHD will have the same level of impact. While we think it’s pretty likely that Samsung will introduce QHD to the Galaxy S6, at least one rumor claims otherwise. The HTC One M9 is also rumored to be keeping a 1080p display. So what about the Z4? It depends on who you ask.
Some rumors claim that the phone will offer the same 5.2-inch 1080p profile found on both the Xperia Z2 and Z3. Then again, there are also reports Sony will jump up to 5.5-inches and will introduce a QHD display. It’s really too early to say which rumor is right, though perhaps Sony will increase the display this time around in order to give the Z4 a bigger boost up in appearance and specs when compared to the Z2 and Z3.
Specs
Let’s be honest, when you put the Xperia Z2 and Z3’s spec sheet next to one another, it is really hard to tell the difference. Thankfully, the Z4 should finally give us a more substantial update.
There are a number of rumors floating around regarding what processing package Sony will utilize, with some saying it will offer a Snapdragon 805 — the same chip as the Galaxy Note 4. Other rumors claim Sony will offer up a 64-bit Snapdragon 810, the same chip that HTC, Samsung and LG are expected to introduce in their next-gen flagships.
Every rumor is consistent on one area, and that’s RAM. The Xperia Z4 is expected to feature 3GB RAM. Rumors also suggest the phone wil come in 32GB, 64GB and even possibly 128GB models. Turning to battery life, rumors are a bit inconsistent. We’ve heard both 3400 mAh and 3220 mAh mentioned as possible sizes, but it’s too early to say for sure.
As for other sensors? It’s hard to say what Sony will or won’t introduce. Sony tends to be a bit more sparse with all the extra sensors when compared to companies like Samsung, but with fingerprint readers becoming more commonplace, it’s possible Sony could follow suit. We also expect LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and other standard sensors.
Camera
Xperia Z3
Sony has been utilizing the same 20.7MP IMX220 sensor since the Xperia Z1, so they are certainly due for an upgrade. While the IMX230 is expected to show up sometime in the future months, it’s likely not going to be ready for mass production in time for the Z4. So what does that mean for the fate of the Xperia’s camera?
On one hand, it seems possible we could see the 20.7MP IX220 one more time. On the other hand, rumors suggest Sony has another sensor in store (outside of the IMX220 and 230) for the Z4 that will allegedly have a whopping 27MP sensor. Honestly, we doubt that the latter of these is the case, as much as we’d love to see Sony upgrade its camera experience.
It’s unclear what the front camera on the Xperia Z4 will be, though Sony has been offering a 2.2MP front shooter since the Xperia Z2 and so we wouldn’t be too surprised to see the same front cam return.
Software features
Z3 Compact — looking at the UI
In Sony’s typical style we expect to see the return of the minimalist Xperia UI, this time running on top of Android 5.0 Lollipop. We really don’t know much about what will be new in terms of software, though at the very least we expect to see the return of all the Z3’s special features such as PS4 remote play and more.
Release date and possible pricing
The Sony Xperia Z4 is expected to be announced sometime in March, likely during Mobile World Congress. The phone should then hit store shelves in April or May, at least if the rumor mill proves correct.
As for US carrier availability? At the very least, it’s possible T-Mobile will get the phone, as they have been a pretty consistent partner for Sony. That said, Sony recently expanded its relationship to Verizon with the Xperia Z3v, so it’s possible Big Red could also see the device. As for AT&T, Sprint and other minor carriers? Anything is possible, especially if Sony wants to continue to increase its reputation in the states.
Turning to pricing, judging by the past, we expect the Sony Xperia Z4 to price somewhere in the $600 – $800 range unlocked. Of course that’s really just speculation at this point.
Wrap up
As you can see, there’s a lot we don’t know about the Sony Xperia Z4. We hope to see a bigger update than the Z3 saw when compared to its predecessor, but at this point we can’t say for sure how much bigger this upgrade will be.
We aren’t 100% convinced that the twice-a-year flagship model is necessary as specs continue to slow down, but at least Sony has consistently improved the user experience and build quality over the years.
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TAG Heuer to Combine Swiss Watch Expertise With Technology in ‘Different Craftsmanship’
LVMH luxury watch chief and TAG Heuer interim head Jean-Claude Biver spoke recently with Bloomberg, revealing some early details about the company’s upcoming smartwatch product. Biver was a notable early critic of the Apple Watch, saying Apple’s wearable effort looked like it was designed by “a student in their first trimester,” although he appears to have shifted his perspective more recently.
In this week’s Bloomberg interview, Biver recognizes the technological shortcomings of the Swiss watch industry, which lacks the communications and hardware background to produce a smartwatch. Instead, TAG Heuer will develop its smartwatch using a “different craftsmanship” that merges the mechanical know-how of the Swiss watch makers with the technology expertise of Silicon Valley.
For a smartwatch, “we can’t produce the engine, the chips, the applications, the hardware — nobody can produce it in Switzerland,” Biver said. “The hardware and the software will come from Silicon Valley. But the watch case, the dial, the design, the idea, the crown, that part of the watch will, of course, be Swiss.”
Biver earlier confirmed TAG Heuer was looking to work with technology companies on its smartwatch device and told Bloomberg in his latest interview that the company will reveal these partnerships in the next six weeks. Google and Intel are among the companies rumored to be collaborating with the luxury watch maker.
Besides the typical smartwatch functions of GPS location tracking, step counting, and smartphone integration, TAG Heuer may also differentiate its product by offering exclusive apps that promote its brand and partnerships such as the sports teams that it sponsors.
Though he may be creating a competing product, Biver told Bloomberg he plans to buy an Apple Watch when it launches.
“It’s a fantastic product, an incredible achievement,” he said. “I’m not just living in the tradition and culture and the past, I also want to be connected to the future. The Apple Watch connects me to the future. My watch connects me to history, to eternity.”
Apple is expected to launch the Apple Watch as soon as March. The wearable band will be available in a variety of configurations designed for the average user, the sports enthusiast, and the luxury customer looking for a high-end smartwatch.
Chrome to Mobile and Print to my Phone are both going bye-bye next month
Google is shutting down both Chrome to Mobile and “Print to my Phone” early next month. Chrome to Mobile was that browser extension that allowed you to easily send whatever web page you were viewing on your desktop, right to your mobile device. I often found it useful, but Google started Tab Sync a couple of year’s ago that might not be as quick, but is a lot more useful.
Tab Sync shows you every Chrome page that is open on every single device that you have so it’s a lot more versatile. All you need to do is tap on any of those open web pages from your mobile device, and it will open. I stopped using Chrome to Mobile ever since Tab Sync was introduced.
Print to my Phone is a feature in Google Cloud Print that allows you to choose one of your mobile devices as a printer option. I can say that I have never used the option, nor have I ever heard of it, so it’s no surprise that Google is shutting it down.
source: +Moshe Brevda More info on Tab Sync: Google
Come comment on this article: Chrome to Mobile and Print to my Phone are both going bye-bye next month
Avoid these horribly bad passwords in 2015
Data security is still a hot topic, thanks to the numerous high profile hacks that have taken place over the past few months. So, at the very least, we should all probably pick reliable passwords to protect our various online accounts with. Fortunately, SplashData’s newly compiled worst passwords of 2014 list gives a few suggestions for passwords that you should avoid.
Looking at the list, “123456” and “password” have somehow managed to retain their top positions from 2013 as the worst possible choices, with “696969” and “batman” joining the ranks as some of the most popular newbies last year. Sports teams, children’s names, and curse words are also rather popular throughout the top 100, and should probably also be avoided. Here’s the list of SlashData’s top 10, which you should definitely not use.
According to the data, 2.2 percent of exposed passwords were made up from the top 25 list and many of the poorest passwords are still being used from last year. However, the good news is that this is actually one of the lower figures seen by the researchers, so the number of people using these key words could slow be beginning to fall.
SplashData suggests using mixed character passwords of eight characters or more and using different passwords for different services. If you’re a little stuck trying to figure out how secure your password is, Microsoft has this handy tool available for free.
Report says Microsoft won’t launch the first Windows 10 mobile preview until February
A new report claims Microsoft will launch its public preview of Windows 10 for mobile devices sometime in February. The mobile version is supposed to work on both Windows Phones as well as small tablets with Intel and ARM-based processors.
UK minister calls for Netflix to offer the same content when Brits travel abroad
At the moment, if you travel abroad and open up the Netflix app you’ll notice that its library of films and TV shows is vastly different. That’s because the company has cut a variety of agreements with rights holders in different countries, which restrict what content it can make available to its subscribers. So while Netflix might have a deal to offer Doctor Who in the UK, it doesn’t necessarily have the rights to offer it in other parts of Europe. It means that if you’re abroad and want to continue binge-watching the Time Lord’s adventures, you could be out of luck. It’s a frustrating reality of the media industry, and why some savvy streamers have turned to proxies and VPNs in order to access Netflix’s library in other countries. Now, the UK’s Business Secretary Vince Cable wants to cover up these restrictions altogether with a “single online market” for Europe. It would, in theory, make services such as Netflix “portable,” so that whenever you travel abroad your library remains the same.
Under such a system, you would be able to watch Netflix’s UK catalogue of films and TV programmes anywhere across the continent. However, any additional shows normally available to Netflix subscribers in other countries would remain remain out of your reach. Of course, Cable didn’t detail exactly how his proposals would be implemented, and we suspect such a change would cause quite a tangle for Netflix and rights holders trying to work out which royalties need to be paid. These international complexities are, at least in part, why Netflix has been so focused on its own original content recently, and why we’re keeping a healthy degree of skepticism that such an idea will ever get off the ground.
[Image Credit: Liberal Democrats, Flickr]
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet
Via: The Telegraph
Source: BIS
(Update: live now) OnePlus is allowing anyone to buy the One for two hours tomorrow
Update: the shopping window is now open. Get your OnePlus One here.
Original post:
With its high-end specs and low-priced cost, not to mention CyanogenMod pre-installed, the OnePlus One managed to earn its fair share of attention last year when it launched. Ironically, the so-called flagship killer also managed to accumulate a large amount of bad press as well, given the company’s questionable marketing tactics and the fact that outside its native country of China, it’s strictly an invitation-only affair.
OnePlus is offering a very limited window, once again, for all those interested, to buy the phone freely (but not for free, of course). A countdown page is currently displaying the hours until the event begins on January 20th. For those in North America, your call time will be 7PM-9PM EST, for Europe, 19-21 GMT, and for Asia, 19-21 HKT. And yes, that is correct; the phone will be available for two hours, thus ironically ensuring that even when anyone can buy the device, it’s still not without caveats. The phone starts at $299 for the 16GB version and $349 for the 64GB version.
The effort spent to obtain a OnePlus One certainly pays off even down to the packaging!
It will be interesting to see what OnePlus decides to do with the One after the presumed launch of an upcoming “OnePlus Two” device: will the original still be offered in sparse doses for the general public, or will it become more akin to the Google Glass Explorer program (well, prior to this month at least). It’s also worth noting that, in China, the phone is freely available to anyone at anytime, sans CyanogenMod however.
Official LG G Flex 2 intro video highlights unique features
If you prefer your smartphone features reeled off to heroic backing music provided by a string quartet, then you should definitely have a gander at LG’s G Flex 2 official introductory video above. Don’t worry, this video is much better than the incredibly odd advert for the original LG G Flex.
In case you missed any of it, the G Flex 2 is packing in some seriously impressive hardware. Between the 1080p flexible display, Android 5.0 Lollipop, and a new high-end 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 SoC, you’re looking at a cutting edge piece of kit. LG has also made some improvements to technologies seen in its previous handsets, including the miraculous self-healing back cover from the original G Flex and a faster camera laser focus system from its flagship G3.
We rather enjoyed our hands on time with the G Flex 2 at this year’s CES. In fact, the smartphone was one of our top picks from CES 2015, awarded for its impressive 1080p curved display, build quality, and cutting edge hardware specs.
Which, if any, of these features have caught your eye, or is the G Flex 2 a tad gimmicky for your tastes?
AIVAnet 