Huawei P8 announced: 64-bit octa-core, OIS camera, sleek metal unibody
At its light-themed event in London today, Huawei introduced its newest flagship creation, the P8.
The Huawei P8 (the “Ascend”branding has been dropped) is a 5.2-inch Full HD device that impresses through its sleek metallic design and intriguing camera features. The device follows the well-received Ascend P7 from last year, a phone that we appreciated for its design, great display, and powerful front camera. It remains to be seen whether the P8 remedies the issues we highlighted in our review, including the mediocre speakers, rear camera, and performance.
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The Huawei P8 comes in an attractive 6.4-millimeter thick package, in Mystic Champagne, Titanium Grey, Gold, Carbon Black. The device takes cues from the Ascend P7, but also channels the Ascend Mate 7, with the major difference being the rounded edges and the rectangular element around the camera on the back.
Huawei P8 specs and features
Specs of the Huawei P8 include a Kirin 930 processor (made by Huawei), featuring eight 64-bit cores in a big.LITTLE arrangement, four Cortex A53 cores at 2GHz and four Cortex A53 at 1.5GHz. 3GB of RAM and storage space starting from 16GB (expandable) complete what should be a decent experience.
Huawei managed to cram a 2,680 mAh battery in the 144.9 mm x 71.8 mm x 6.4 mm body (144 grams) and – impressively – the camera on the back doesn’t stick out like it does on many high-end devices these days. Speaking of which, you get a 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a dual-LED flash, while the front shooter is a 8MP unit. Huawei is promising some intriguing software features for the camera, including a “light painting” mode that lets you record light graffiti, a “movie director” mode, a time lapse mode, and the obligatory beautification features. Technical tidbits include a image processor that Huawei claims rivals DSLR offerings, as well as a “world’s first” four-color 13MP image sensor.
The P8 runs Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, with Huawei’s EMUI 3.1 on top. We’ll update this section with more details as we get them. In the meantime, here’s two new Huawei videos, one highlighting some of the device’s features and the other basically talking about Huawei’s “vision” for the P8 as tool for creativity.
Huawei P8 price and availability
The Huawei P8 will cost less than €500 ($530) when it arrives in May. A version will be sold in the US from May, while the UK and Europe can expect it from later this month.
We’ll be bringing our hands-on impressions of the new Huawei P8, but meanwhile, tell us your impressions.
Xiaomi backed Ninebot acquires Segway
Ninebot, a Chinese startup company specializing in self-balancing vehicles, has just acquired rival US company Segway. Xiaomi, Shunwei Capital, Sequoia Capital and WestSummit Capital recently put together a joint investment worth $80 million into Ninebot. However, it is not known how much of this investment was put towards the Segway acquisition.
Ninebot is a three-year-old robotics startup company which currently ships its products to 38 countries around the world. It sells self-balancing single-wheel vehicles and more familiar Segway-esque scooters, among other products. Interestingly, Segway had accused Ninebot of infringing on its patents just a few months ago and had sought an import ban against the company back in September.
The company is now a member of the Mi Ecosystem, however Ninebot and Segway both confirmed that the brands would continue to operate under their own names. Xiaomi adds another range of products to its ever expanding portfolio, but importantly, the Segway brand could act as gateway for Xiaomi to break into western markets, such as the US.
This latest purchase brings Xiaomi’s total number of acquired startups 27, leaving no doubt that the company wants to, and is becoming, much more than just another low-cost smartphone manufacturer.
Opera Mini version 8.0 update brings a revamped interface and new data saving options
If you’ve been looking for an alternative to Google’s Chrome browser on your Android device, perhaps you should try out Opera Mini. The app has just received a big update to version 8.0, which adds a ton of new features and a redesigned interface. The UI enhancements aren’t quite Material Design, but the interface is much cleaner and the Speed Dial shortcut page looks much more intuitive. There are also new options in the Settings that will let you scale the browser to whatever size device you’re working on – whether that be a phone or a tablet.
Opera Mini has always been pretty good about saving you as much data as possible, and now the Opera team has brought that data out in the open. Now when you click on the big “O” in the corner, you’ll see a data gauge that will let you know how much data you’ve saved overall. There’s also a new private browsing mode, similar to Google’s Incognito Mode, and gesture support to initiate web searches much more easily.
Here are all of the changes you’ll see in the version 8.0 update:
- New skin, native look & feel
- Swipe support: swipe bookmarks to delete, swipe downloads to abort or swipe tabs to close
- High DPI support
- Group favorites into folders by dragging
- Combined omnibar: type URLs and get suggestions when typing.
- New data counter shows your daily progress on saving
- Visual tab gallery
- Private tabs
- Revamped bookmark manager. Save, sync & share
- Swipe up or long press to search
- Merged start page with speed dial and discover
The new version is now live in the Play Store, so head to the link below to grab the update!
Android 5.1 factory images now available for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, And Nexus 7 LTE 2013
Android 5.1 is slowly making the rounds and next up is the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, and Nexus 7 LTE 2013. Factory images were posted for all three, and the actual OTA update was captured for the Nexus 4.
Flashing a factory image is really easy, so be sure to check out our extensive guide which will guide you every step of the way. If you happen to have an unlocked bootloader, you don’t even have to lose your data. We show you how to do that as well.
source: Google Developers
Come comment on this article: Android 5.1 factory images now available for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, And Nexus 7 LTE 2013
Huawei Ascend P8 announced: metal-bodied flagship with 8-core, 64-bit CPU
A new flagship phone for Huawei brings an improvement in build quality and new camera capabilities.
At today’s launch event in London, Huawei has taken the wraps off its latest flagship smartphone, the Ascend P8. Building upon the metal construction we’ve seen in earlier Huawei devices, the Ascend P8 boasts a steel body, a 13-megapixel OIS camera with a host of new tricks, and Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Tim Cook offers lunch with himself for charity auction
Apple CEO Tim Cook will have lunch with you and a guest at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California if you are the winning bidder in the Charitybuzz online auction.
The winning bidder will also get two VIP tickets to attend one of Apple’s upcoming keynote events. This is the third year in a row that Cook is participating in this auction event. Last year, the winning bid was $330,001, and 2013’s auction topped out at $610,000 so you had better save your money now if you have any chance of winning. As with the last two auctions, the proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
If you are still interested in bidding, keep in mind that while the cost of the lunch itself is part of the deal, travel to and from Cupertino, along with any accommodations, are not included with the winning bid. Depending on Cook’s schedule, it may take up to a year to set up the lunch date. Both the winning bidder and the guest will be subject to a security screening.
The charity auction will end on May 6 and at the time of this writing the highest bid is “just” $37,000, but we have a long wait before the final bid is made.
Source: Charitybuzz
Android 5.1 rolling out to Nexus 7 2013 LTE, OTA and factory image available
The Android 5.1 rollout is probably the slowest in living memory, with some of Google’s Nexus devices still waiting for it more than a month after the official announcement of the new version.
Now a new Nexus device is joining the ranks of the up to date, with Android 5.1 going out to the LTE version of the Nexus 7 (2013).
The Nexus 9 has taken over as Google’s reference tablet, but the 2013 Nexus 7 remains a popular and beloved device among Android fans. Android 5.1 will bring to the Nexus 7 2013 LTE bug fixes, performance improvements, and a handful of UI changes and new features. Learn about all things Android 5.1 from this post.
For those who are on the latest version of Android 5.0.2 (LRX22G), updating is as simple as flashing this OTA file. For a full-on system refresh, which also means you will lose your data, a factory system image is available as well.
Of course, the safest and easiest way is to wait for the OTA to hit your device on its own.
We’re still waiting for the Android 5.1 update for the Wi-Fi version of the Nexus 7 2013, but, at least in theory, it shouldn’t be too far behind. Let us know if you’ve got the update on your Nexus tablet!
Nokia is buying Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion
Nokia, the telecom giant that sold its handset business to Microsoft in 2013, announced it would be acquiring telecom equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion.
The move was announced just a day after Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent confirmed they had entered acquisition talks. The deal will make Nokia the world’s top seller of telecom equipment and services, ahead of Ericsson, Huawei, and ZTE.
After dominating the mobile industry for a decade and a half, Nokia failed to rise to the challenge of the iPhone and Android, with an ill-judged bet on Windows Phone sealing its fate in the handset business. Nokia sold its handset assets to Microsoft, but the Finnish company kept its telecom equipment business, its Here maps unit, as well as a lucrative patent licensing business.
Alcatel-Lucent is a multinational corporation that formed in 2006 when France-based Alcatel merged with Lucent Technologies, a company that AT&T spun off in 2006. A major player in the telecom hardware industry, the Franco-American company also owns the famed Bell Labs, a research subsidiary that employed eight Nobel Prize winners and developed major technologies including the transistor, laser, and the UNIX operating system.
In 2004, Alcatel-Lucent entered a joint venture with China’s TCL to produce cell phones under the Alcatel brand, but since then TCL took over the venture, and today there’s no relationship between Alcatel-Lucent and the Alcatel OneTouch smartphones.
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Similarly, Nokia has “lent” its brand to Foxconn, which uses it to sell the Nokia N1 tablet; after the expiration of the non-compete agreement that Nokia currently has with Microsoft, Nokia-branded smartphones may be launched as well. With that said, Nokia’s contribution to such a device could be minimal and is entirely hypothetical.
To clarify again, Nokia buying Alcatel-Lucent does not affect the Alcatel OneTouch line and does not signify that Nokia is back in the smartphone game. But it does show that Nokia, even without its legendary phones, is far from dead and will remain a major force in technology for years to come.
Huawei P8 launch event, live from London: watch it here
Huawei is gearing up to unveil its newest flagship, the P8. Dropping the “Ascend” part of the name but walking in the footsteps of last year’s Ascend P7, the P8 shapes up to be a sleek and powerful Android device that can stand its own against the likes of Galaxy S6 and One M9.
Huawei is introducing the P8 at a London event that will be livestreamed starting in about an hour, and we will be there to bring you hands-on impressions of the device and relevant comparisons.
More on Huawei
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You can watch the Huawei P8 event right here, and keep an eye on the site for timely posts going in detail on Huawei’s latest. The leaks have ruined the surprise when it comes to the P8, but Huawei may have something else in store as well. Stay tuned!
Best Wireless Chargers for Samsung Galaxy S6
While some hardware features like expandable storage and a removable battery are no longer available, Samsung’s latest flagship did add something new in the form of wireless charging capabilities — built-in this time around, and not requiring additional receivers like previous generations. The best part is that the Samsung Galaxy S6 is compliant with both the Qi and PMA standards, which means that you don’t have to worry about which type of charger you choose, or may already have. That said, if you are in the market for a new wireless charger to use with the Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, here is a roundup of some of the best options out there!
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Samsung Wireless Charger for the Galaxy S6
The latest wireless charger from Samsung is an official accessory of the Galaxy S6, and is very easy to setup and use. This sleek charger leaves a small footprint, requiring minimal space. Properly aligning the device on the charging pad is needed though, and the built-in LED indicator light will alert you if the device is not properly aligned and when a good charge alignment is acquired (LED lights up blue). If using with the Galaxy S6, it will also alert you when your device is fully charged (LED lights up green). The charger also comes with over-charging protection.
Of course, this charger is also compatible with any other smartphone that comes with Qi wireless charging capabilities. While officially priced at the $69.99, the Samsung Wireless Charger is available on Amazon for $49.99, with color options including black sapphire and white pearl.
Yootech Qi Wireless Charging Pad
This compact and light-weight wireless charging pad is a great option for those looking for a wireless charging solution on a budget. It’s compact nature makes this device very portable, and the charger also comes with a standby mode to stop the continuous charging of the battery after it is full. A green indication light shows when the alignment is perfect and that the phone is charging, and a red light shows when it goes into standby mode. This charging pad can also be used with cases of a certain thickness, even if it is recommended that the case be removed to avoid overheating the phone. Keep in mind that an AC adapter isn’t available with this product. The Yootech Qi Wireless Charging Pad is available for $13.99, with black as the only available color option.
P.I. Mobile Store Qi Wireless Charger
This ultra thin charging pad is another sleek and portable wireless charging solution. An aspect that some users will appreciate is the fact that the charger is silent and doesn’t come with the beeps that other chargers do, with only the LED lights being used to indicate whether the alignment is correct and the device is being charged. While the charger will work if the device is protected by a case, cases with thickness that exceeds 5 mm may reduce performance. Keep in mind that an AC adapter is not available with this product. the P.I. Mobile Store Qi Wireless Charger is available for $19.97.
TYLT Vu
The TYLT Vu may be one of the more expensive options available, but could be well worth the price for some, with it serving a dual purpose of being a wireless charger as well as a desktop cradle. The cradle sits at an angle that makes it comfortable for media consumption while the device is charging. It’s made with a soft touch rubber at the top, with a sturdy plastic frame for support. It boasts a minimalistic design, but does come with an LED light to show whether the phone is charging or not. It uses a proprietary power cable, that tucks into the bottom of the charger, and remains out of sight when the cradle is kept on your desk, adding to its sleek look. The TYLT Vu is available in multiple color choices, including black, green, red, and blue, with a price point starting at $58.99.
TechMatte Wireless Charger
The TechMatte Wireless Charger is durable, compact, and lightweight, with a sleek design, and comes with an LED light to indicate charging status. The charger also offers an energy efficient idle mode that helps protect your device from overcharging. Unlike some other chargers on this list, an AC adapter is also available with this product. While this charger will work with protective cases, those with a thickness of more than 5 mm may result in a reduced performance. The TechMatte Wireless Charger is available for $23.99.
Anker Ultra-Slim Wireless Charging Pad
The Anker Ultra-Slim Wireless Charging Pad holds true to its name and is about the same size and thickness of a coffee cup coaster. Proper alignment is required, and a LED light indicates charging status. This charger also comes with a power efficient idle mode to prevent overcharging your device. Charging devices with a case on is possible, but like most other chargers, will see a reduction in performance if the case is thicker than 5 mm. The Anker Ultra-Slim Wireless Charging Pad is available for $25.99.
2-in-1 RAVPower Portable Wireless Charger
The RAVPower Portable Qi Wireless Charger is a wireless charger with an in-built battery extension pack with a 4,800 mAh unit, which is perfect for when you’re on the move. The charger is comparatively larger than most, and comes with a soft touch rubber finish, with a power button design on the center to indicate where the charging chip is located. There is an handy LED indicator to show how much of the battery life is left, and another to show when the device is charging. To make full use of the battery pack, there is also an additional USB port to charge any non qi-compliant devices you may have. This wireless charger is available in black or white, and is priced at $44.99.
Qifull Wireless Car Charging Dock
The Qifull Wireless Car Charging Dock comes with both a suction cup mount and an air vent bracket, and adapts both portrait and landscape orientation. It comes with a button on the back to adjust the width of the charger holder dock. 3 transmitting coils works together to fully cover the wireless charger for full direction transmission. Built-in strong automatic protective IC gives high efficiency and safety while charging, and a LED light to shows the charging condition, with the color changing from blue to green to show when the device is fully charged. The Qifull Wireless Car Charging Dock is available for $44.80.
CHOETECH Qi Pocket Wireless Car Charger
The CHOETECH Qi Pocket Wireless Charger is a stylish wireless car charging solution, with it featuring a stylish faux leather pocket where the device can be placed to charge wirelessly. This charger also comes with a three coil solution, and a metal hook on the back makes it easy to connect to both horizontal and vertical air vents. Of course, with this product, you will not be able to use your device as you would with any other car mount. The CHOETECH Qi Pocket Wireless Car Charger is available for $39.99.
AIVAnet 