Last chance deal: Non-fiction made easy with Blinkist, $49
We’ve all been in a situation where quickly brushing up on a subject could have tipped the scales of fortune in our favor. What have you missed out on by being ignorant to an idea? Living …
6
Jan
Last chance deal: Non-fiction made easy with Blinkist, $49
We’ve all been in a situation where quickly brushing up on a subject could have tipped the scales of fortune in our favor. What have you missed out on by being ignorant to an idea? Living in New York City, public transportation is a vital part of everyday life. I see folks playing Candy Crush or Temple Run and think about what society might be like if we spent these menial moments in transit to sharpen our greatest instrument instead of distracting it. Now, I’m not going all Bradley Cooper in Limitless on you but I think we can all agree that digestible serving-sized information is a provocative idea. The good folks at Blinkist also agree!
Blinkist is a mobile app that distills the reading process down into vital information that helps you tackle new topics in record time. Think “Cliff’s Notes” but for nonfiction. Blinkist has an expansive library with a vast range of topics that are sure to appeal to every thinker’s palate. With access to over 500 books, you’ll be burning through a variety of data at lightning speeds. Compatible with your tablets, PC, and smartphones, Blinkist transforms downtime. Normally priced at $120, AndroidGuys readers can secure a 2 year subscription for just $49. This deal ends tonight, so get in while the gettin’s good.
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6
Jan
We’re live from Sony’s CES 2015 press conference at 5 p.m. PST
It’s been an eventful day here at CES 2015, and we’re not done yet. At 5 p.m. PST today — 8 p.m. on the east coast — it’s Sony’s turn. The Japanese manufacturer has teased the arrival of a new Android 5.0 Lollipop device, but it’s unclear what form this will take — phone, tablet, TV or something entirely different.
Whatever emerges, we’ll be live from Las Vegas to bring you full coverage of Sony’s CES presence. Join us at 5 p.m. PST for all the announcements!
6
Jan
Dell Venue 8 claims world’s thinnest tablet title, implements Intel RealSense
Dell is probably not the first name that comes to mind when thinking about Android tablet devices, but the company hopes to change that. The Dell Venue 8 7840, which has been in the works for a while, is finally available for retail purchase. The tablet can be purchased through Best Buy for $399. Dell brings a couple unique features to the table with the device that may make it worthwhile to look at.
First is the thin size of the tablet. At the rounding level, the Dell Venue 8 is the same thickness as the iPad Air 2 at 6.1 mm thick. Go beyond that first decimal place though and Dell is able to make their claim of world’s thinnest tablet. Looking to the width and height dimensions, Dell’s tablet comes with an 8.4-inch OLED screen that implements an “Infinity Edge-to-Edge” display which gives the device some thin bezels on three of four sides. Resolution is a nice 2560 x 1600. The Venue 8 comes with an Intel Atom processor running at 2.3 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage which is expandable via microSD. On the down side, the Venue 8 ships with Android 4.4 KitKat instead of Android Lollipop.
The rear-facing camera is the second unique selling point for the Venue 8. The camera itself is only an 8 MP unit, but it incorporates Intel’s RealSense technology. RealSense technology can scan a real-life object and generate a 3D scan of the object. The 3D scan can be used to pull depth information as well as generate 3D printable instructions. The Venue 8 is the first mobile device to implement this technology.
If you think you want to place an order for a Dell Venue 8, hit the source link below.
source: Best Buy
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6
Jan
Lenovo announces the sharp Vibe X2 Pro at CES 2015
Lenovo introduced the P90, Tab 2, and Vibe Band today in Las Vegas. The company also announced the Vibe X2 Pro. It is a stunning handset that comes in Electric Blue, Champagne Gold, and Rock Pink as color options. The layered design on the sides of the Vibe X2 Pro give it a unique look.
The specifications of the Vibe X2 Pro are not necessarily dull, but they are not cutting edge either. The 5.3-inch display is 1920×1080 resolution. Under the hood is a Snapdragon 615 processor from Qualcomm paired with 2GB of RAM. The processor is 64-bit and clocked at 1.5GHz. The energy efficient processor working with a 2410mAh battery should provide for some lengthy battery life.
Both rear and front-facing cameras are 13MP with a slew of gesture and touch-up software tools.
At its core, Android 4.4 KitKat can be found. Lenovo included its Vibe UI 2.0 software to mask any signs of stock Android.
Pricing and availability of the Vibe X2 Pro has yet to be announced, but Lenovo did confirm that the handset will not make its way to the United States.
Hit the break for the full press release. Click here for our full CES 2015 coverage.
Lenovo Introduces New High-Performance Smartphones and Mobile Accessories
Ultra-fast P90 smartphone with latest Intel 64-bit processor and Intel LTE-Advanced modem, VIBE X2 Pro limited edition with selfie flash accessory and VIBE VB10 smartband wearable
LAS VEGAS – January 5, 2015 – Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show a lineup of full featured devices and accessories designed to enhance the mobile experience of consumers on-the-go. The Lenovo P90 makes its debut appearance as the first smartphone powered by the newest 64-bit Intel® Atom™ processor and Intel XMM™ 7260 LTE-Advanced modem for outstanding mobile performance and speeds, while the award-winning VIBE X2 gets a bigger, bolder look with the X2 Pro limited edition smartphone and VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash. The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 wearable accessory rounds up the lineup with its E Ink display and industry-leading battery life.
First smartphone powered by Intel® Atom™ 64-bit processor and Intel LTE Advanced Modem
The Lenovo P90 is the first smartphone to utilize the combination of the newest 64-bit Intel® Atom™ Z3560 processor with Intel’s 5-mode XMM™ 7262 modem. These powerful components allow the P90 to provide incredible processing speeds in addition to supporting LTE-Advanced FDD & TDD for high-speed connectivity in global markets.
The Lenovo P90 smartphone is designed to provide the power and performance to let consumers go fast and get things done. Featuring a huge 4000mAh battery, the P90 is equipped to meet the pace and demand of today’s lifestyle from morning until night. The P90’s vibrant 5.5-inch FHD display, at an impressive 400ppi, lets mobile users enjoy content and relive their best moments with vivid colors and high-quality resolution.
In addition, the P90 sports an advanced 13MP rear camera with state-of-the-art stacking sensor and optical image stabilization for brilliant shots, even in low-light. The 5MP front camera is equipped with beautification features and gesture controls, while 4G LTE data speeds are ideal for streaming video and music, or gaming on the go. The P90 will be offered in Pearl White, Onyx Black and Lava Red.
VIBE smartphones gets bigger and faster with X2 Pro
Sporting the same eye-catching, award-winning layered design of the Lenovo X2, the Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro limited edition smartphone brings craftsmanship, power and style to the next level with its sleek, lightweight full-metal body. The VIBE X2 Pro packs a 5.3-inch FHD display with stunning visuals and a 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Octa-Core processor that delivers jaw-dropping performance and long-lasting battery life.
For greater ease of use, the Lenovo X2 Pro incorporates the intuitively designed VIBE 2.0 user interface, featuring personalized lock screen, Instant On camera, elegant transparent icons and more. The smartphone also utilizes dual 13 megapixel auto-focus cameras (front and rear) with LED flash, gesture controls and beautification features, which combines with the new VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash to capture flawless selfies.
Perfect selfie shots every time, all the time
The Lenovo VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash is the must-have accessory to capture every moment, no matter the lighting conditions. The pocket-sized flash plugs into the audio jack, giving the user a quick way to create ideal lighting and shutter sync to deliver brilliant, natural-looking pictures outside, inside and everywhere in between.
The Selfie Flash works by using 8 diffused LEDs to supplement available light for natural color tones, even in low light condition. The rechargeable flash provides up to 100 selfies in a single charge to snap and share pictures day and night, while the 100% shutter sync times seamlessly to capture picture-perfect selfies.
All-week, always-on wearable connectivity
The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 wearable accessory is designed to let users live their lives more connected and with less worry. Equipped with features like E Ink display, up to seven-day battery life with the display and Bluetooth always turned on, fitness functions, phone notifications and waterproofing, the VIBE Band helps users stay fit, connected and in the know anywhere they go. The E Ink display means no glare and a clear display – even in sunlight.
Users can receive instant notifications – calls, SMS, Facebook, Twitter, WeChat and more – with space for up to 150 characters on the crisp display, while fitness functions & tracking monitor fitness levels and activity to help users stay focused on their health goals. The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 works with any Android or iOS mobile device and is competitively priced at $89.
Quotes
“As lifestyles and everyday habits become more and more mobile, consumers today are looking to devices that deliver both performance and long lasting battery life in sleek, stylish designs,” said Shao Tao, vice president, Mobile business unit, Lenovo. “These are some of the driving forces behind our new range of mobile devices that offer blazing fast processing speeds, innovative new features and extended battery life to enhance the mobile experience of the most demanding users.”“The Lenovo P90 smartphone is an impressive addition to the growing portfolio of Intel-powered smartphones,” said Hermann Eul, Intel’s vice president of Mobile Communications. “As one of the first smartphones powered by Intel’s latest processor coupled with the LTE-Advanced XMM 7260 modem, people will enjoy exceptional speed and 64-bit performance that will provide users with a great mobile experience. We are proud to continue our work with Lenovo on this major milestone.”
Availability3
The Lenovo P90 will be available beginning in February, 2015.
The Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro will be available beginning in April, 2015.
The Lenovo VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash will be available for use with the VIBE X2 Pro.
The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 will be available beginning in April, 2015.
1Available in select geographies.
2Requires enabled device and may require software or other 3d party applications to provide the described features.
3Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Products may only be available in selected markets. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $39 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com.
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6
Jan
Google Launches ‘Google Cast’ for Audio Streaming as AirPlay Alternative With a Twist [iOS Blog]
Google today announced Google Cast for audio, a new music streaming technology in the vein of Chromecast that lets users stream sound from their smartphone, tablet, or Chrome-based web browser to Google Cast-ready speakers.
The service uses pre-existing apps like Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Google Play Music, amongst a sizable list of others, to play a user’s songs on a selection of speakers from companies like Sony and LG. With the long list of supported apps and sites, Google Cast supports a wide variety of input devices from iPhone, iPad, Android Phones and tablets, to any Mac or PC with a Chrome browser.
While Google Cast at first glance appears similar to Apple’s AirPlay in that it is a standard available to speaker manufacturers to ensure support for wireless audio streaming, Google Cast speakers stream content from the cloud rather than directly from the control device. As a result, Google promises users will receive the best sound quality and can multitask on their devices without disturbing the streams.
The company promises the first Google Cast-ready speakers from Sony, LG, and HEOS by Denon will be made available this spring. Alongside the promise of a wider array of brands supporting the service with their own speakers throughout 2015, Google states that these devices will accompany “a growing Google Cast ecosystem,” which plans to include Android-based TVs, gaming consoles, and even set-top boxes.
6
Jan
HTC unveils the low-cost Desire 320 handset for the UK and Germany
Almost a year ago, HTC announced the lower-end Desire 310 for select markets. It offered decent specifications with a low price point, and that really hit home with a lot of users. Now the company is back at CES 2015 with a newer version of the handset, the Desire 320. The device is pretty average in terms of entry-level smartphones, though it does offer a few bonus software features like Blinkfeed and HTC’s Video Highlights functionality.
The Desire 320 totes a 4.5-inch display with 480 x 854 resolution. It comes with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, either 512MB or 1GB of RAM (depending on region), 4 or 8GB of on-board storage, microSD card expansion up to 32GB, and is running Android 4.4 KitKat. It also features a 5MP rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, a 21oomAh Li-Po battery and will come in Vanilla White or Dark Gray. Unfortunately, the Desire 320 isn’t 4G LTE compatible.
Specific pricing and availability hasn’t entirely been announced, but we do know it’s coming to the UK sometime soon. The device is also already on sale through Telus and Koodo in Canada, and will come to O2 Germany towards the end of this month for €149.
HTC COMBINES AMAZING VALUE AND ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE WITH THE HTC DESIRE 320
HTC packs all the smartphone essentials into one entry-level phone, with super-fast processing power, HTC BlinkFeed and Video Highlights
LONDON, 5th JANUARY – HTC Corporation (“HTC”), a global leader in mobile innovation and design, has today announced the HTC Desire 320. As the successor to the HTC Desire 310, it is packed with all your everyday essentials and delivers a smooth browsing experience, seamless multi-tasking and the ability to create quick, personalised videos. The latest addition to the HTC Desire family has been designed for the entry-level market and delivers a quality user experience in an affordable handset, offering real value for money.
“Marrying super-fast processing with premium HTC features in a compact form, the HTC Desire 320 delivers a quality experience for the budget conscious well beyond its entry-level model status” said Peter Frølund, UK and Nordics General Manager, HTC. “Following on from the success of the HTC Desire 310, it boasts enhanced power and memory to enable more people to benefit from a quality smartphone experience that delivers the perfect balance between smart essentials and value.”
Seamless experience
Behind the slick operation of the HTC Desire 320, which runs on Android™ 4.4, is a fast Quad-core 1.3 GHz quad-core processor capable of handling an array of tasks, from watching videos, playing the latest games to juggling your favourite apps, delivering a smooth experience every time.
Packed with features
For an entry-level handset, the HTC Desire 320 is packed with features. Whatever your pace of life, the 5MP camera ensures you’re able to capture every key moment as it happens, in still or video format, brought to life on its stunning 4.5″ screen. Furthermore, the HTC Desire 320 allows you to get creative with mini movies using HTC’s Video Highlights functionality. Simply take your favourite photos and videos, select a sequence and a favourite track, to create an impressive show reel in seconds, ready to share with friends and family.
The HTC Desire 320 also brings you the renowned HTC BlinkFeed for up to the minute news, perfect for those who like to stay connected and keep up with the latest action as it happens. Combining content from your favourite news and social media sites into an easily digestible feed on your home screen, personalised updates are brought straight to you at a glance. Wherever you are, you can catch-up on the latest articles with Offline Reading mode. Simply download and add articles to your reading list when connected to Wi-Fi to access and enjoy at a later date, perfect for those who enjoy reading on the move.
Availability
The HTC Desire 320 comes in Vanilla White and Dark Gray. UK availability will be announced in the near future.
6
Jan
Panasonic is bringing its Lumix CM1 camera/smartphone to the U.S.
Earlier today, Panasonic has announced the Lumix CM1 at CES 2015. AndroidandMe notes the device originally was slated just for the European market. However, with today’s unveiling, the company has revealed the device is indeed coming to the United States.
The Panasonic Lumix CM1’s main selling point appears to be a 20-megapixel camera with a f/2.8 Leica lens, a manual control ring, and a mechanical shutter. Nonetheless, it is equipped with some rather high-end specs, including Android 4.4 KitKat, a 4.7-inch 1080p display, a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a micro SD card slot, and a 2,600mAH battery.
The Lumix CM1 will be released this summer for $1,000 as an unlocked GSM device that will function on AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks.
Source: AndroidandMe
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5
Jan
Elgato reveals line of HomeKit-enabled sensors at CES
We suspected we would see some new HomeKit-enabled devices at CES 2015, and we haven’t been disappointed so far. Elgato is the latest company to announce its HomeKit-enabled wares, which are comprised of several devices in its new Eve line. The devices help users monitor everything from air quality and temperature to water consumption.
From Elgato:
- Live smarter by knowing more about the place you care about most. The Eve app puts your home at a glance, right on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
- Eve senses outdoor temperature, humidity and air pressure.
- Easily access real weather data at your home, right on your
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.- Powered by a sophisticated sensor analyzing microscopic particles (VOC), Eve senses indoor air quality, temperature, humidity and air pressure.
- With door & window senses, Eve will assess the status and security of your home at a glance and make smarter choices to improve your indoor climate.
- Eve understands your water consumption and temperature. Keep an eye on how much water you are using and analyze your showering habits.
- Instantly see how much energy your appliances are using, and switch them on or off with a simple tap.
Pricing and availability haven’t been revealed, but Elgato is currently showing the devices off at CES.
Source: Elgato
Press release:
Las Vegas, NV – January 5, 2015
Elgato will be showcasing Eve at CES 2015, its upcoming Apple HomeKit-enabled system for monitoring your home from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The soon to be launched range of Eve products uses energy efficient Bluetooth Smart technology and sophisticated sensors to analyze your home. Access data on air quality, temperature, humidity, air pressure, energy and water consumption right in Elgato’s Eve app. You can gain insights that can help improve the comfort of your home, making your house a smarter place.
See Eve at the Elgato booth, #70837, located in the Smart Home Marketplace, Sands Expo Center.
Built for Apple HomeKit
Apple HomeKit technology provides an easy, secure way to control HomeKit-enabled accessories using Siri on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. After installing your Eve product, configure it from the Eve app with just a few simple steps. The Eve app works with Eve products and other devices that are built for HomeKit. You can even create your own commands to control multiple home settings. For example, you can automatically turn off the lights, lock your doors, close the garage door, and set the thermostat to the desired temperature, all with one command.
Improve your comfort
Live smarter by knowing more about the place you care about most. The Eve app puts your home at a glance, right on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Eve senses outdoor temperature, humidity and air pressure. Easily access real weather data at your home, right on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Powered by a sophisticated sensor analyzing microscopic particles (VOC), Eve senses indoor air quality, temperature, humidity and air pressure.
With door & window senses, Eve will assess the status and security of your home at a glance and make smarter choices to improve your indoor climate.
Eve understands your water consumption and temperature. Keep an eye on how much water you are using and analyze your showering habits.
Instantly see how much energy your appliances are using, and switch them on or off with a simple tap.
Pricing & Availability
Eve sensors for air quality, temperature, humidity, air pressure, energy and water consumption will be available later in the quarter. Pricing for individual Eve sensors will be announced at launch. The Eve app will be available for free on the App Store.
5
Jan
Samsung’s CES 2015 event liveblog
CES. It’s a massive playground full of electronics, and no one has a presence larger than Samsung. The manufacturer makes gadgets from appliances to cellphones to speakers, and of course increasingly massive HDTVs. It also tends to take an …odd approach to these kinds of presentations, leading to surprises like Michael Bay’s sudden exit last year. Who knows what we’ll see in 2015, but come along for the ride right here when the event starts at 5PM ET.
[Image credit: Yaacov Dagan / Alamy]
5
Jan
An exclusive look at Bragi’s ambitious headphones, the Pebble of personal audio
Eleven months ago an audacious Kickstarter campaign promised a sports headphone like nothing we’d ever seen before. Bragi’s spec-sheet for “The Dash” read like a ridiculous wish list. There was touch control, two separate ear buds (that connect to each other wirelessly, as well as to your phone), 4GB of onboard storage and a self contained media player. That’s impressive enough, but Bragi didn’t stop there. The Dash would be stuffed full of sensors like an accelerometer, heart rate monitor and an oxygen saturation sensor. It didn’t stop there either. Some pretty special sounding software meant that The Dash would serve as a personal trainer through audio feedback, there would be a “transparent” mode so you can hear ambient sounds and more. Bragi didn’t stop there.
The Kickstarter campaign was a massive success, with The Dash smashing its modest (and perhaps naive) original goal of $260,000. It went on to raise a total in excess of $3-million, making it the highest funded campaign in Europe. People were obviously excited about these do-it-all headphones. But, with success, comes the inevitable backlash of doubters and nay-sayers. And not just from the now-weary Kickstarter community. Meeting with Bragi CEO, Nikolaj Hviid, at CES, he told me many big industry players told him what he was trying to do with The Dash, simply wasn’t possible. They were wrong. Conclusively. Because I just saw them for myself – the first time the working product has been seen outside of the company.
The version I saw weren’t the final software, and the hardware didn’t have the gloss and finish that the final product will, but it’s essentially the same hardware. They look very close to the initial renders we saw, not unlike a set of ear molds for swimming, with enough design touches to let you know these are a designed product. Hviid placed them in my ears, and I instinctively tapped the side of the right bud. Music started playing. Tap twice, and the track changes. You don’t need to think too much about how to use them for their most basic purpose.
Many worried that because the headphones weren’t connected physically, that they might feel loose, or be prone to falling out. The set I tried had the smallest buds (they come with “skins” with different sized buds), and I normally pick the larger ones when using in ears. My attempts at jumping up and down in the Sands exhibition center were met with bemused looks by those passing, but the headphones didn’t budge. Whether this would still be the same 8 miles into a run, ears full of sweat, I can’t confirm, but Hviid assures me, the fit has been tested. Put it simply, they aint going nowhere.
My time with The Dash was more about seeing the product for real. Testing the audio is difficult. I’m reluctant to pass any considered judgement until we get to really put them through their paces. But, it might be a good time to mention that Hviid has worked with companies like Harmon Kardon and AKG. He’s worked on numerous audio products. His team? They include members who’ve worked on products by Jabra. There’s software expertise from Samsung and the iPhone. The team is not green.
The most exciting thing about Bragi, and The Dash, is the sense that this will be a living product. Kickstarter backers can expect to receive theirs in February. Everyone else, starting in April. But the product has been designed to improve over time. There is an API for developers to create their own apps that work with The Dash — so expect tie-ins with Runtastic and the like. Bragi themselves are committed to improving the firmware over time too, Hviid giving the example that The Dash might soon “learn” what activity you are doing through sensor data, so that when you start a run (or ride), the headphones “ask” you if you started running, and you just nod to kick of the activity tracking.
There are bigger picture possibilities that Hviid is keen to impress on me too. He likes the idea of using the sensors, and the brain’s spatial awareness for audio to create things like skiing tutorials that guide you (through spatial sound) as you carve through snow. Or my favorite, adding real-time translation to make them a real life Babel fish. Ambitious? Yes. Realistic? Well having seen how far the company has come, the obstacles they’ve overcome (each earphone is it’s own, tiny, proprietary computer), I’d say: never say never.
Filed under: Wearables
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