HP unveils the compact Pavilion Mini and the Stream Mini Windows desktops
HP has announced two new small desktop computers at CES 2015, the HP Pavilion Mini and the HP Stream Mini. Both are designed to take up less space on your desk while still providing the power that you need.
Neptune Promises “Killer” Wearable in 2015
Canadian firm Neptune, which in 2013 crowdsourced development on Pine, the world’s first “standalone” smartwatch (i.e. doesn’t require a phone to function), now appears to have a successor in the works, described as a “killer” by Neptune CEO Simon Tian:
“Wearables in general have so far struggled to achieve mass appeal, largely because there hasn’t really been any clear value propositions offered that are actually meaningful for the general user. Most devices on the market today are limited to very basic applications like fitness tracking or receiving notifications from your phone. We at Neptune believe that we’ve come up with a device – a ‘killer’ wearable – that provides genuine and unique benefits for the average user. It has the potential to finally bring the product category to the mainstream.”
Pine raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter in a single day, ultimately raising over $800,000. The bulky smartwatch shipped in summer 2014 to mixed reviews.
So what will Pine’s successor entail? What defines the “ultimate” wearable? Neptune is mum on specifics at this point, but if you want to receive updates via their newsletter, you can grab it at getneptune.com.
Source: PRWeb
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CES 2015: iSketchnote Transfers Pen and Paper Sketches and Notes to iPad Instantly [iOS Blog]
iSketchnote demonstrated its iPad note digitization product at CES 2015, showing users a way to automatically transfer notes and sketches created with a real pen into digital files that can be edited and shared on the iPad. 
The note digitization is mainly handled by the Slate, which is a Bluetooth-enabled writing platform that allows users to place their favorite notebook or a piece of paper on top and draw or write as they normally would with real-time conversion. The Slate’s writing surface contains a coating that holds the paper in place and is scratch-resistant, and weighs less than 14 ounces while providing up to 10 hours of battery life in stand-alone mode. The surface also features ports for a micro SD card and micro USB for charging.
Once digitized, users can access their sketches, drawings and notes on their iPad with the free iSketchnote app, which allows for color and pen tip customization along with layer creation for more complex drawing. Users may also share digitized creations with their friends, and can even send them back and forth with enhancements and enable a video replay to share the process of a piece of work.
iSketchnote is also offering pens optimized for the Slate and paper, which naturally glide on paper and contains a permanent magnet ring that is embedded within the base. The pens contain refillable cartridges with high quality ink and are offered in blue, black, and red.
iSketchnote is offering the Slate, two pens, and a premium kickstand-enabled cover for $179.99 in an iSketchnote Pack, which is available for the iPad 3 and newer and all versions of the iPad mini. The company also says the first iSketchnote Pack orders will ship later this year.
Dell Venue 8 7840 featuring Intel RealSense is now up for grabs for $399
Remember the super-thin tablet that Dell was working on last year in collaboration with Intel? Dubbed the Dell Venue 8 7840, the high-end tablet is now available on Best Buy for $399. Cased in 6.9mm thin chassis, the tablet features an 8.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels and a quad-core Atom Z3500 processor clocked at 2.3 GHz in addition to a PowerVR G6430 GPU.
Apart from running Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box, the tablet has 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB expandable inbuilt storage and a duo of an 8-megapixel camera and a 2-megapixel front shooter. The Venue 8 7840 supports data transfer through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.
Additionally, Intel has brought RealSense technology experience to the tablet that enables the users to scan, modify, print, and share in 3D using hand-and finger-sensing technology. The 3D object tracking is supported by two HD cameras present on the back of the device. This combination of cameras work simultaneously to provide a triangular distance between objects in a photo and thus providing a 3D experience.
Via: Android Central
The post Dell Venue 8 7840 featuring Intel RealSense is now up for grabs for $399 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
We’re at CES 2015! Here’s what’s coming
A new year, a new edition of the wildest consumer electronics show in the world. International CES 2015 is starting tomorrow, but lots of companies have jumped the gun to get a little extra attention, and more news and announcements are coming today!
We’ve always been well represented in Vegas, but this year we’re stronger than ever – Darcy and Derek are there, our US editor Andrew, and Josh, Lanh, and Kevin from the video team. More boots on the ground means more sweet coverage of all things Android – and there’s plenty to talk about.
Here are my (lucky) colleagues riffing about the CES experience — check out Lanh’s awesome celebratory hairdo at 1:30!
Nvidia already held its big show, where it introduced the new Tegra X1 “superchip.” Here are some of the things you can look forward to today:
- LG event – Monday, 8AM PST: the G Flex 2 is coming
- Asus event – Monday, 10:30 AM PST: possibly new ZenFone
- Qualcomm event – Monday, 12PM PST: 2015 technology preview
- Samsung event – Monday, 2PM PST: 2015 smart home, IoT technology preview
- ZTE event – Monday, 4PM PST: new smartphone
- Sony event – Monday 5PM PST: new Android Walkman, more?
In addition to all these events, companies will drop press releases all day, and there will be a ton of news to follow. From tomorrow, we’ll start meeting with manufacturers and then it’s down to trawling the booths for the coolest tech at the show. This year we’re also looking to talk to companies hawking audio gear and all types of tablets, for our sister sites Sound Guys and TabTimes.
We’ll be handing out our customary awards this week, to the best, most original, and most interesting devices at the show – and this time, we’re not just focusing on mobile devices.
Stay tuned to our CES 2015 tag page for more news, video, and impressions throughout the week!
LG G Flex 2 press release leaks out early before its CES 2015 announcement
Presumably only a few hours before the device is due to be officially announced at CES 2015, the LG G Flex 2 press release has been leaked early in its entirety, including all the details about the device including several press images that really show what kind of device LG‘s second generation G Flex is going […]
The post LG G Flex 2 press release leaks out early before its CES 2015 announcement appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Keeping up with Engadget on the ground at #CES2015
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And if you look at the lyrics to the Andy Williams classic, it can easily be adjusted for the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (and despite impending sleep deprivation, we’ll still do our very best to “be of good cheer.“) We’re perched up in a gorgeous trailer (with plants!) and broadcasting live from our delightful stage right in the heart of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Engadget is sharing the news on nearly every social media platform out there, so pick your poison: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Vine, Google+, Tumblr, Pinterest, RebelMouse and App.net. But for the most important updates, @Engadget on Twitter is your best bet and we’re also going to pop additional content onto @EngadgetEvents including our stage happenings and other miscellany as we run around.
In addition to the official channels, you can keep up with our team on Twitter. Use this list or individually follow the folks below for an unfiltered look at CES through our eyes. If you’d like to see all the conversation surrounding #CES2015, check out our Tagboard!
Aaron Souppouris – Senior Editor (@engadget)
Ben Gilbert – Senior Editor (@realbengilbert)
Billy Steele – Associate Editor (@wmsteele)
Blake Hamilton – Video Producer (@blakehamilton)
Chris Velazco – Senior Editor (@chrisvelazco)
Christopher Trout – Executive Editor (@mr_trout)
Dan Cooper – Associate Editor (@danielwcooper)
Dana Wollman – Managing Editor (@danawollman)
Devindra Hardawar – Senior Editor (@devindra)
Edgar Alvarez – Associate Editor (@abcdedgar)
James Trew – Deputy Managing Editor (@itstrew)
Jamie Rigg – Reviews Editor (@jmerigg)
John Colucci – Engagement Editor (@johncolucci)
Jon Turi – Associate Editor (@jonturi)
Jonathan Hall – Video Producer (@jmhall_)
Joseph Volpe – Features Editor (@jrvolpe)
Mat Smith – Senior Editor (@thatmatsmith)
Michael Gorman – Editor-In-Chief (@numeson)
Nicole Lee – Senior Editor (@nicole)
Richard Lai – Senior Editor (@richardlai)
Richard Lawler – Senior Editor (@rjcc)
Terrence O’Brien – Managing Editor (@terrenceobrien)
Tim Seppala – Contributing Editor (@timseppala)
Will Lipman – Photographer (@lipmanphoto)
Track your CrossFit workouts with xFit WOD for BlackBerry 10
For those who adhere to the CrossFit strength and conditioning program for their workouts then there is this new application to aid you. If you are not familiar with CrossFit, it incorporates various different types of high-intensity workouts including aerobic exercise, gymnastics, and Olympic weight training to improve fitness, endurance stamina and strength.
Nest adds 15 new partners, including Philips Hue lighting and LG
Nest has been steadily expanding their services through their ‘Works with Nest’ program, teaming up with other hardware and software companies to bring extra functionality and smarts to your home, and convenience to your thermostat.
The Google owned company has announced the addition of fifteen new Nest partners across a handful of segments.
Perhaps the most recognizable new partner to the smart home enthusiasts out there, is Philips. Philips has a line of color changing light bulbs, called Hue, that can now be controlled by your Nest thermostat and Protect smoke alarm. A simple use is to flash the lights in the house when the smoke alarm goes off, but I suppose you could tie the color of the Hue lighting to the temperature of the home, just for fun.
Vendors like August and Unikey / Kevo smart lock will allow Nest owners to do things like turn down the heat in the home when you lock the front door.
While Philips lighting and smart door locks are very convenient, their integration with Nest may be overshadowed by the two biggest new partners on the list, LG appliances and Whirlpool appliances. That’s right, your fridge will be able to enter a low power mode when Nest knows you are not home, or Nest can notify you when your dryer has finished. Personally, I would hope for a smart thermostat setting that adjusts accordingly on big cook days, when the oven is on for hours on end, heating the kitchen but not the rest of the house.
Not all of the new partners will have their Works with Nest integration up and running right away, here is your full list:
Available now:
- August smart lock
- Automatic driving assistant
- Insteon
- LG appliances
- Lutron
- Ooma Telo
- Philips Hue
- Unikey / Kevo smart lock
- Withings Aura sleep system
Coming soon:
- Beep Dial (February)
- Big Ass Fans (February)
- Osram smart bulb (February/March)
- Whirlpool appliances (April)
- Zuli smart plug (April)
- Chargepoint home EV charging stations (June)
All in all, not a bad set of additions to the existing list of Works with Nest partners, including companies like Dropcam, Jawbone, Mercedes and Rachio sprinklers. Be sure to hit up the Nest website for more details.
Are you excited for any of these new Works with Nest partners?
Dell Venue 8 7840 with Intel RealSense 3D camera now available from BestBuy
Back in September 2014, Dell unveiled a new range of tablets dubbed the Dell Venue 8 7000 Series. These new tablets have a couple of cool features. The first is that the devices are only 0.24 inches (or just over 6mm) thick, and the second is that they includes a 3D camera.
With little fanfare the Dell Venue 8 7840 has now appeared on BestBuy’s website and is available for purchase. The 7840 looks remarkably like the model shown during the launch of the 7000 series and keeps the distinctive asymmetrical build, as well as the target thickness of 0.24 inches.
The 7840 comes with an 8.4″ OLED infinity display, with a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600. It runs Android 4.4 KitKat, comes with 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. At the heart of the device is an Intel Atom Z3580 quad-core processor, which is clocked up to 2.3GHz. The choice of processor isn’t surprising since the tablet was unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum, plus the RealSense 3D camera also comes from Intel. However, it is important for consumers to understand the differences between ARM and Intel processors.
As for the Intel RealSense technology, it is basically a 3D camera setup that comprises of three cameras, the main 8MP camera and then two smaller ones which add the 3D capabilities. According to Intel’s website, RealSense allows tablets “to see the world in three dimensions and enabling entirely new ways to use them. From scanning a toy and duplicating it with a 3D printer, to dramatically changing the lighting on a picture taken a week ago, the way we use our tablets will evolve in exciting new ways.”
The full name of the new range of tablets is the “The Dell Venue 8 7000 Series Android Tablet” which leads me to think that Dell could also ship Windows variants of these tablets, something it already does for other Venue 8 tablets.
You can get a Dell Venue 8 7840 from BestBuy for $400.
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