CES 2015: SVALT Launches Stylish Cooling Dock for Apple MacBooks [Mac Blog]
SVALT today announced the launch of a new cooling dock designed for Apple MacBooks and select PC laptops, which the company promises offers a 12x improvement in cooling, 129 percent improvement in CPU power, and 53 percent improvement in CPU Turbo Boost by eliminating CPU throttling due to heat issues.
Created from solid aluminum and designed to match up with the style of Apple’s MacBooks, the two-pound SVALT D is compact and holds a closed MacBook vertically in a dedicated ledge. A 12-volt fan sends air through the laptop’s closed screen to reduce system temperatures while allowing GPU resources to be used for an external display.
Transform your laptop with a level of performance and functionality previously limited to the highest-end desktop computers. Heat buildup in the laptop negatively impacts performance and long term durability. Anchored by the passive cooling capacity of a highly engineered 2 pounds of aluminum, SVALT D enhances cooling with a 12-volt 80x25mm fan to drive airflow through the laptop’s closed screen position air vent. Airflow is directed over the internal electronic components and bottom panel, feeding cool air into one or more of the laptop’s fans and driving waste exhaust air out vents, flushing out heat.
The company says that real world results using the SVALT D will depend on the laptop used, the workload, and ambient temperatures, but it detailed testing on a 2012 11-inch MacBook Air:
– Fan: Red 1600-1700RPM
– Environment: 21 Celsius +/-1 and 50dB +/-5 office standards
– Cooling: 13C increase without SVALTTM D verses 1C increase with SVALTTM D
– Power: 0.748W increase with SVALTTM D verses -2.616W reduction without SVALTTM D
– Turbo Boost: 1.000GHz increase and sustained max Turbo Boost with SVALTTM D verses a throttled 0.653GHz increase without SVALTTM D
– Noise observation: slightly louder than background noise at 2ft from front
The dock ships with a power supply and it can be used with the fan on or off. There are two fan options — a higher-powered red fan that runs at 1700RPM/15 dBA and a quieter Yellow fan that runs at 1200RPM/12 dBA.
The SVALT D works with current-generation MacBook Air and Retina MacBook Pro computers, including 11, 13, and 15-inch models. The SVALT D is currently in production, and the company plans to begin taking orders in February. The dock will be priced between $130 and $150.
Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 launching in Europe
For those of us in Europe who are looking for a more premium looking Samsung device then you’ll be able to pick up the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 soon.
Whilst Samsung haven’t actually confirmed the release of the devices, the European firmware for the two handsets managed to find its way online, clearly indicating their impending release.
The post Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 launching in Europe appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Future Samsung devices to support enhanced software themes
SamMobile reports that Samsung is making software themes a priority on all future devices, with the Galaxy S6 being the first to offer this customization. This follows the release of the Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5, two mid-range devices that featured themes.
These new themes will be similar to past ones and will be integrated into a function most likely called Themes Center. Users will also be able to change system sounds, fonts, and Events. With Events, themes can be set for particular events, such as for holidays or anniversaries.
A new themes store will also be included. However, it is not yet known if consumers will be limited to just pre-installed software themes or if they will be able to use third-party ones. SamMobile notes that it is possible that any of this may change.
FEATURED POSTS
The post Future Samsung devices to support enhanced software themes appeared first on AndroidGuys.
McDonald’s outlets in the UK to get over 600 Qi charging spots
Aircharge has just announced a new partnership with McDonald’s UK which would bring over 600 Qi wireless charging spots to 50 outlets across the region. This would allow customers to charge their Qi compatible smartphone wirelessly as they enjoy their meal.
These charging spots are designed to withstand any sort of liquid or dust covering so they will not be harmed by regular use in a restaurant like atmosphere. With some prior testing done in select McDonald’s outlets, Aircharge has ascertained that this feature is a huge hit with the customers, with some even willing to wait 30 minutes for their turn with the charging station.
Given that there are a bunch of smartphones today that support Qi wireless charging by default, more customers will be able to enjoy this feature. So if you live in the UK, make sure you drop by at one of the McDonald’s outlets to check for a Qi charging spot.
Catch all the action from CES here.
Source: Qi At CES
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Dell’s impressive new XPS 13 is now available on Microsoft’s online store
If you’re salivating like we were over Dell’s new near bezel-less XPS 13, you’ll be stoked to know that you can now order the device through the Microsoft online store. The impressive laptop was originally only available from Dell’s online store, but you now have have more than one option for ordering.
Crossy Road finally makes its way to Google Play
The day has finally come, folks. After months of being available exclusively on iOS and the Amazon Appstore, Crossy Road has finally hopped into the Google Play Store. The game takes most of its inspiration from the classic arcade game, Frogger, and offers up a unique block-like world to play in. Just like Frogger, your goal is to make your way across roads, rivers and train tracks while dodging cars, trucks and trying not to fall in the water. Collect as many coins as you can to digitally purchase more characters. If you’d like to take a step further, you can buy new characters instead of waiting to randomly win them.
The best part? To celebrate the launch on the Google Play Store, the developers have included the bugdroid as a playable character. We have no idea when the character will come up if you’re trying to win it randomly, though. If you don’t want to wait, the little Android mascot is available for $0.99.
Crossy Road is available for free in the Play Store. While the game does offer a few in-app purchases, they aren’t pushy or in-your-face like many other games out there. Seriously, this is one of the most addicting games we’ve ever played, so you should probably check this one out. Follow the Play Store link below and start hopping away!
Nest Teams Up With Automatic for Energy Saving Temperature Tweaks Based on Vehicle Activity [iOS Blog]
During CES 2015, Nest announced a number of new partnerships, including one with auto accessory maker Automatic. For those unfamiliar with Automatic, the company produces an easy-to-use OBD port accessory that plugs into a range of different vehicles to provide at-a-glance car information on the iPhone.
Automatic’s Connected Car Adapter is now capable of interfacing with the Nest Thermostat, letting customers create new interactions that will allow the Nest Thermostat to be adjusted based on vehicle activity.
For example, users can create a setting in the Nest app that wakes the Nest up when the car gets near to the house, or set it to Away mode when leaving to save energy. The Nest and Automatic integration allows the thermostat to detect the location of the car, so it’s possible to set the Nest Thermostat to adjust house temperatures as a user is driving towards their home.
A wide variety of rules can be created through the new integration between the two products, using filters for location, time of day, day of the week, and more, for more precise control over temperature when away from the home.
The Automatic integration offers customers a chance to maximize potential savings through intelligently chosen rules that give the Nest thermostat a more timely understanding of when heating or cooling is needed–and when it’s not needed.
“At Automatic, we’ve focused on saving people money from the very start with our fuel-efficiency coaching, which has saved many users hundreds per year on fuel costs. Now we’re thrilled to extend the connected car’s benefits into people’s homes, to make life more automated, convenient, and efficient,” said Thejo Kote, CEO of Automatic. “The home and car are people’s two most expensive budget items. The Automatic and Nest platforms now work together to make those less of a burden in every way we can.”
Both Nest and Automatic have been working hard to build partnerships to connect their products to a range of other devices. Automatic, for example, also integrates with the Jawbone UP, select Ford vehicles, and app IFTTT.
The Nest Thermostat now works with an even wider range of products, including Whirlpool washers and dryers, Philips hue lights, Kevo Smart Lock, Dropcam, Rachio sprinklers, August Smart Lock, and more.
The Nest Thermostat can be purchased from the Nest website for $249.
The Automatic connected car adapter can be purchased from the Automatic website for $99.95.
Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 launching in Europe
Consumers in Europe searching for a handset with a more premium feel will be excited to know that Samsung plans to release the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 there. Despite facing production issues at the start, Samsung will launch the two handsets in Europe. Samsung has not publicly confirmed its plans to do so; however, firmware for European versions of the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 surfaced online. Clearly, this means that their arrival is imminent.
Via: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 launching in Europe
Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 launching in Europe
Consumers in Europe searching for a handset with a more premium feel will be excited to know that Samsung plans to release the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 there. Despite facing production issues at the start, Samsung will launch the two handsets in Europe. Samsung has not publicly confirmed its plans to do so; however, firmware for European versions of the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 surfaced online. Clearly, this means that their arrival is imminent.
Via: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 launching in Europe
Alcatel Onetouch opens online store to sell devices in the US
Alcatel Onetouch has made a name for themselves in the European market, but have been pretty scarce in America so far. Though the company has sold devices to the US in the past, they haven’t really made a huge footprint in the States. That may change soon, as Alcatel Onetouch has just announced the launch of their new e-commerce store to sell unlocked devices to consumers in the US. In the past, Alcatel has really only sold devices through carriers, so this is a big step forward for the company to really break into the US market.
The website is powered by Amazon, which gives users the opportunity to checkout using Amazon’s payment system. The store is launching with only a few devices for now, but more will be added overtime. The list of available smartphones include the Idol X+ and Idol 2 S, and the tablets currently being offered are the Pop 8 and Pop 7. All four of these devices are 4G LTE-compatible, so US consumers aren’t going to have to make many sacrifices when it comes to data connectivity.
What’s more, Alcatel plans to extend the e-commerce store to Canada sometime in Q1 2015, as well as open up availability to more European countries in the near future. Alcatel has made a name for themselves selling midrange devices at very low price points, and the company hopes their business model will catch on in America. If you’d like to get your hands on one of these devices, head to the new Alcatel Onetouch online store.
“Launching this e-commerce channel allows us to form a more direct relationship with our customers, while providing them greater access to affordable, feature-rich technology,” said Steve Cistulli, Senior Vice President of North America for ALCATEL ONETOUCH. “Bringing our key global devices to consumers, unlocked, is a natural progression of our growth in North America and is another step we’re taking to ensure consumers have the choice and opportunity to buy the smart devices they need at affordable prices.”
This first for ALCATEL ONETOUCH in North America is an expansion of the online channel shop.alcatelonetouch.com which went live in Europe in November 2014 offering a full range of accessories for customers in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. In 2015, the European e-commerce store will expand to include other countries in Europe.
In the U.S. this new online sales channel, powered by Amazon, gives consumers the opportunity to experience the best of ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s global technology with the flexibility to choose what fits their needs best. These are the first unlocked devices and accessories offered directly to shoppers online in the U.S. by ALCATEL ONETOUCH, which includes some of our most popular smartphones and tablets. Accessories available on the webstore range from device covers and NFC tags, to 1800mAh power banks and Bluetooth headsets.
SMARTPHONES AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
IDOL X+ (4G):
- 5-inch Full HD IPS 1920×1080, 440 PPI capacitive touch display
- 2.0GHz octa-core MediaTek processor
- 13MP rear camera with auto-focus, LED flash, 4x digital zoom and EIS video stabilization
- Ultra-slim, lightweight design, weighing only 4.5 ounces
- 2500mAh battery for up to 16 hours of talk time and up to 600 hours of standby time
- 2GB RAM / 16GB of storage (Expandable to 32GB via MicroSD)
- Android 4.4 KitKat operating system
- Available starting at $275 (USD)
IDOL 2 S (LTE):
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) HD IPS 1280 x 720 16M color display
- 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
- 8MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash and 4x digital zoom + 1.3MP HD front camera
- Lightweight design, weighing only 4.4 ounces
- 2150mAh battery for up to 7 hours of talk time and up to 400 hours of standby time
- 1GB RAM / 8GB of storage (Expandable to 32GB via MicroSD)
- Android 4.3 operating system
- Available starting at $198 (USD)
CONNECTED TABLETS AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
POP 8 (4G):
- 8-inch IPS 1280×800 16M color capacitive touch display
- Quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek processor
- 4060mAh battery for up to 3.5 hours of gaming, 5.5 hours of video playback and 350 hours of standby time
- 1GB RAM / 4GB of storage (Expandable to 64GB via MicroSD)
- 2MP main camera with additional front facing camera
- Lightweight, thin design, weighing just over 11 ounces
- Available starting at $199 (USD)
POP 7 (4G):
- 7-inch TFT 1024×600 16M color capacitive touch display
- Dual-core 1.3GHz MediaTek processor
- 3240mAh battery for up to 8 hours of browsing and 280 hours of standby time
- 1GB RAM / 8GB of storage (Expandable to 32GB via MicroSD)
- 2MP main camera with additional front facing camera
- Lightweight, thin design, weighing just over 10 ounces
- Available starting at $149 (USD)
To shop the new ALCATEL ONETOUCH web store in the U.S., or learn more about the company, visit www.alcatelonetouch.us.
About ALCATEL ONETOUCH
ALCATEL ONETOUCH is simple, unexpected, down to earth, irreverent and colorful. We believe that what makes technology smart is what you can do with it rather than what it can do.
ALCATEL ONETOUCH is a brand within TCL Communication, an international multicultural company which designs, develops, and markets globally a growing range of mobile and Internet devices. TCL Communication is a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2618.HK) and part of TCL Corporation, one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world.
ALCATEL ONETOUCH is a SMART MOVE.
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