Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition for the Galaxy S6 to be available online May 8, pre-orders start April 24
The latest version of the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition will be compatible with both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Samsung announced it briefly at their Unpacked event in March, and they have followed up with availability details for the U.S.
Pre-orders will start tomorrow, April 24 at BestBuy.com, with the ability to purchase one at either BestBuy.com or Samsung.com starting Friday, May 8. BestBuy stores will also carry the device starting on Friday, May 15. They will also offer demonstrations so you can try it before you buy it. It’s not clear how many Bed Buy stores will actually carry it, but the press release does say that it will expand into hundreds of stores over the summer.
The Gear VR Innovator Edition is different than something like the Oculus Rift or HTC’s Vive in that it uses your smartphone as the display. The advantage is that it’s more affordable, but the downside is that you can’t use your phone for other things when it’s in the VR headset and the battery will drain pretty quickly. I have spent some time with the Gear VR for the Galaxy Note 4, and I can safely say that the experiences are pretty amazing.
This new version of the Gear VR Innovator for the Galaxy S6 has some enhancements over the Note 4 version. It’s smaller and the straps have been redesigned. One thing I noticed with the Note 4 version is that it can get hot in there and the lens can fog up a little. Samsung responded by adding a built-in fan for better ventilation and comfort.
Of course the Galaxy S6 has a 64-bit octa-core processor so video should be smoother than what was experience with the Note 4 edition.
Apps for the Gear VR are available in the Oculus Store of which you will be able to install on your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge. The store offers both free and paid games, as well as videos made exclusively for the Gear VR.
Samsung didn’t divulge the pricing, which is a little strange considering that pre-orders start tomorrow, but we are expecting it to come in at $199.
Full Press Release:
Samsung Expands Mobile Virtual Reality Category with Gear VR Innovator Edition for Galaxy S 6 in the U.S.
Preorders to start Friday, April 24, available online May 8
April 23, 2015 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (Samsung), today announced that the GearTM VR Innovator Edition for S 6, compatible with both the Samsung Galaxy S® 6 and Galaxy S® 6 edge, will be available for preorder starting Friday, April 24 at BestBuy.com, and available for purchase online at Samsung.com/GearVR and BestBuy.com on Friday, May 8. Powered by Oculus, the latest Gear VR broadens the reach of mobile virtual reality and offers Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge users the opportunity to immerse themselves in new worlds and experiences.
In addition to online availability, the Gear VR Innovator Edition for S 6 will be for sale at Best Buy retail locations starting Friday, May 15, with Gear VR demonstrations and availability expanding to hundreds more Best Buy stores throughout the summer.
“We’re excited to bring our amazing virtual reality offerings to even more people with the Gear VR Innovator Edition for S 6,” said Nick DiCarlo, vice president and general manager of immersive products and virtual reality at Samsung Electronics America. “The continued expansion and availability of the Gear VR platform is a strong signal to VR developers and content creators about the viability of this new opportunity. Along with our great partners Oculus and Best Buy, we’re pushing this mobile VR revolution forward and are grateful to work with the amazingly open and passionate VR community.”
“Expanding Oculus virtual reality to the innovative Samsung Galaxy S 6 and S 6 edge is a huge step towards helping tech enthusiasts get involved in this new revolution,” said Max Cohen, head of mobile at Oculus. “The beautiful screen really makes VR worlds pop, whether you’re playing a game like a new, full version of Herobound, watching streaming movies in Oculus Cinema, or seeing amazing vistas in high-quality photos and videos that convince your brain into thinking you’re there.”
Samsung’s continued expansion is bringing virtual reality to Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge users in an affordable and accessible way. The addition of Gear VR Innovator Edition for Galaxy S 6 to the Gear VR lineup means that three of Samsung’s premium and best-selling smartphones can now be used as VR devices to deliver immersive and captivating 360-degree content.
- Unmatched Viewing: Featuring the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge industry-best 577 ppi and Quad HD Super AMOLED® displays, users can view videos, short films, games and other content on the Gear VR like never before and with less pixelation.
- Improved Headset: With a reduction in size, redesigned straps, improved airflow and a built-in fan for better ventilation, the Gear VR is even more comfortable to wear.
- Smoother Performance: With a powerful new octa-core, 64-bit processor, the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge allow for more computing power, better graphics and more efficient battery usage – giving users a more robust VR experience.
- Extensive Content Library: The Oculus Store gives users easy access to an ever-growing library of regularly updated VR content, including the free and paid games, apps and videos created exclusively for Gear VR.
- Samsung’s Milk VR: Exclusive to the Gear VR, Samsung’s Milk VR delivers premium, immersive 360-degree videos with new content debuting daily, helping to build-up a virtual reality video ecosystem and a regular habit of VR viewership. Videos, from channels in music, sports, action, lifestyle and more, are available in both Instant Play (adaptive streaming) and Best Quality (download in the highest quality available, 4K x 2K). Samsung’s Milk VR continues to expand the roster of top brands, entertainment companies and networks contributing to the library of high quality VR experiences, including GE, Matador, Refinery29 and Spike Digital Entertainment, among others.
More details are available at http://www.samsungmobilepress.com and http://www.samsung.com/gearvr.
Samsung Gear VR Product Specifications:
|
Gear VR |
Dimensions |
196.1(W) x 98.5(L) x 82.8(H) | |||
| Sensor | Accelerator, Gyrometer, Proximity (Mount/Unmount Detection), Ventilation Fan | ||||
| Motion to Photon Latency | <20ms | ||||
| Field of View | 96 degrees | ||||
| IPD Coverage | 54 ~ 70 mm (Fixed Lenses) | ||||
|
Accessories |
Replaceable Face Form, Carrying Pouch, Lens Cleaning Cloth | ||||
| Color | Frost White | ||||
| Connectivity | microUSB connection to the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge |
Read and follow warnings and instructions with the Headset before use. The Headset should be calibrated before each use. Not for use by children under 13. A virtual reality experience may trigger health reactions. See a doctor before use if you have a history of seizures. Stop use if you experience health reactions.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), is a recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA delivers a broad range of digital consumer electronics, mobile products and wearables, wireless infrastructure, IT and home appliance products. Samsung is the market leader for HDTVs in the U.S and one of America’s fastest growing home appliance brand. To discover more, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 307,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of US $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at http://www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com
Samsung, Gear, Galaxy S, Super AMOLED and Milk VR are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.
Come comment on this article: Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition for the Galaxy S6 to be available online May 8, pre-orders start April 24
ElevationLab Debuts $30 Apple Watch ‘NightStand’ [iOS Blog]
ElevationLab early this morning revealed a new product aimed at charging and securely fastening the Apple Watch, called the “NightStand.” Aimed at securing the Watch with a strong base, NightStand isn’t only one of the more reasonably priced Apple Watch stands to come along, but has the unique functionality of being able to mount vertically onto surfaces as well.
Similar to ElevationDock, the company’s popular iPhone charging base, the NightStand for Apple Watch aims “to make charging un-annoying and effortless.” Thanks to what the company calls the “NanoPad”, the dock holds strong to any smooth surface it is placed on, which ElevationLab assures will provide customers with a quicker, one-handed charging experience.
NightStand makes daily charging a breeze. Just set your watch on, from out of the corner of your eye, no careful alignment required. Locks to your bedside table so you never have to hunt for the cord. Undocking is one-handed. Solid, soft, seamless construction. Low-profile, minimal design.
NightStand is molded in solid, medical-grade silicone with a gorgeous matte finish. Its softness protects from scratching (like traditional padded watch stands and winders do), it naturally kills germs, has a pleasant amount of flex, and comes in beautiful colors.
One of NightStand’s most interesting features is its ability to be mounted vertically, thanks to an included “ultra-strong, optional to use, custom 3M adhesive back.” ElevationLab promises it’s as easy to place on a wall with a smooth surface as it is on a horizontal area, assuring a painless removal process as well that may require the adhesive to be slightly heated with a hair dryer in extreme cases.
The NightStand is available in three colors – Bright Red, Matte Black, and Cerulean Blue – and can be pre-ordered from ElevationLab’s official website right now for $29. The docks, unfortunately, won’t ship for over a month, with an estimated May 29 date currently sitting as the ballpark dispatch date for pre-orders made soon.
Djay for Apple Watch Lets You Mix Tracks on Your Wrist, Djay Pro for Mac Gains Video Mixing
Algoriddim’s been in the business of turning iPads, iPhones, and Macs info full-fledged DJ systems for both pros and home mixers for years now, and as of today, the company’s also ready to bring DJing to the wrist with the new djay app for the Apple Watch.
Built into the latest djay 2 iPhone update, djay for Apple Watch is an app that came to fruition after months of testing and experimenting with ways to bring a functional, ultra portable DJing experience to the wrist. Algoriddim’s developers set out to distill the essence of DJing into an Apple Watch-sized package without compromising on function — the goal was to create an app that could be used to DJ an entire party on the wrist.
djay for Apple Watch interfaces with the iPhone’s iTunes music library, letting DJs select tracks from playlists and mix songs on their wrists. Several songs can be cued up and there are controls for navigating backwards and forwards and looping sections of a song, all in sync with the beat. A Glance view gives a quick look at what’s currently playing.
Mixer and transition controls let DJs sync the beat of two songs and introduce crossfading to meld one song into another gradually. There are a set of audio effects that can be added to songs, and an Automix mode can be activated with a Force Touch press to let the app automatically mix songs from an iTunes playlist or Spotify with beat-matched DJ-style transitions. A Spotify Match feature like the one in the djay iPhone app will even find tracks that go well with the song that’s currently playing in Automix mode.
Whether practicing on-the-go, mingling with guests at a party, or rocking out on the dance floor, djay on Apple Watch frees the DJ from the DJ booth and opens the door to completely new ways to mix tracks.
With djay on Apple Watch, users can browse their entire iTunes library plus cue up and mix their favorite songs, all while controlling audio effects and loops for each deck individually – right from their wrist. Or they can simply use Apple Watch to engage djay’s popular Automix feature that pulls tracks from Spotify and mixes them automatically.
Along with djay for Apple Watch, Algoriddim is also launching a major update to its djay Pro app for the Mac. Free for all existing users, the 1.1 update adds live video mixing, bringing all of the features of vjay to djay, and it introduces support for several Pioneer CDJ and XDJ systems, popular equipment choices for professional DJs.
With support for the Pioneer CDJ, djay Pro is the first and only app that lets the CDJ interface directly with Spotify and iTunes playlists. The app’s new video mode lets djay Pro users add visualizers to music and mix videos in real-time, with transitions, title and image overlays, and visual effects.
In celebration of the launch the new djay Pro Mac app and the Apple Watch app, Algoriddim is making djay 2 for the iPhone and the iPad free for the next week. That means all users who download djay 2 for iPhone will have access to the djay Apple Watch app beginning April 24.
djay 2 for iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store or free. [Direct Link]
djay 2 for iPad can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
djay Pro for Mac can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $49.99. [Direct Link]
Liquidmetal-made Turing Phone is as strong as is secure
Keeping your personal information private is certainly one of the most important aspects of owning a smartphone in today’s age. There are a few methods you can take to help prevent your information from getting into the wrong hands like using VPN networks, encrypting your mobile device, or even jumping onboard with a secure platform like the Blackphone. But a new device out of Turing Robotic Industries (TRI) aims to help out with this problem in a different way.
TRI has just announced the Turing Phone, a mobile device capable of directly verifying the identity of other Turing devices using the company’s decentralized authentication technology. Turing says that this authentication method creates a protected network that is “entirely insulated from cyber-threats and privacy intrusions”. In essence, users will be able to exchange sensitive information like social security numbers and bank account info without having to worry about it getting into the wrong hands.
From TRI:
TRI’s technology provides a dramatic improvement over the logic of Identity-Based Encryption, because both the master public key and the unique private key are anonymously pre-bundled into the phone.
The Turing Phone aims to not only protect your information digitally, but physically, as well. Dubbed the first ever Liquidmetal phone, the Turing Phone is molded from a single slab of Liquidmorphium – an alloy comprised of zirconium, copper, aluminum, nickel and silver. This material is tougher than both titanium and steel, which will help protect the device from drops and scratches. TRI says it’s more sustainable from a production standpoint, too. The phone can apparently be produced at a near 100% yield rate with minimal waste.
The Turing Phone will be available this summer, and no pricing information has been revealed at this time.
It will be interesting to see whether or not the Turing Phone can provide as much protection as it’s claiming. There’s surely a market for secure smartphones in the enterprise space, and from the sounds of it, the Turing Phone offers up a unique way of keeping your info safe. If you’d like some more information on TRI or the Turing Phone, head on over to the Truing Robotic Industries website.
Groundbreaking device brings unprecedented materials and authentication technology to the smartphone market
San Francisco – April 23, 2015 – Turing Robotic Industries (TRI), the pioneer in trustworthy mobile device technology, today announced that its flagship Turing Phone will launch in summer, 2015. The first-of-its-kind smartphone is a breakthrough in trustworthy communications and mobile engineering.
Using TRI’s decentralized authentication technology, each Turing Phone is capable of directly verifying the identity of other Turing devices without the need for a third-party Key Center. This end-to-end authentication creates a protected communications network that is entirely insulated from cyber-threats and privacy intrusions. Within this circle of trust, users can exchange sensitive data such as social security numbers or bank wiring instructions and know that the information will reach only the device intended.
TRI’s technology provides a dramatic improvement over the logic of Identity-Based Encryption, because both the master public key and the unique private key are anonymously pre-bundled into the phone.
“Building trustworthy communications on the mobile internet has been a challenge,” said S.Y.L. Chao, CEO of TRI. “Our vision with the Turing Phone is to help mobile users navigate within a circle of trust. We’re beginning with the smartphone and plan to rapidly extend this technology into robotics and other domains linked to the Internet of Things, where security concerns are a huge impediment to innovation.”
The Turing Phone also features a revolutionary design that is both tougher than conventional materials and more sustainable from a production perspective. The Turing Phone is molded from a single unit of LiquidmorphiumTM, an amorphous alloy of zirconium, copper, aluminum, nickel and silver that provides greater tensile strength than either titanium or steel, protecting the phone from shock and screen breakage.
LiquidmorphiumTM was developed by Prof. Lugee Li, founder of New Technology and Material, Inc., and material scientist Dr. Atakan Peker, co-inventor of the liquidmetal alloy. The Turing Phone body can be produced at a near 100 percent yield rate with minimal waste.
“With efficient production using LiquidmorphiumTM, the Turing Phone can be produced at a cost and scale that will allow trustworthy networks to develop exponentially,” says Li.
To learn more, visit www.turingri.com
About Turing Robotic Industries Corp.
Inspired by Alan Turing’s work in mathematics, cryptography and artificial intelligence, Turing Robotic Industries Corp. (TRI) builds trustworthy mobile technologies. The company’s mission is to help individuals and organizations create trustworthy networks in which communications and data are safe from cyber threats. The Turing Phone, the company’s flagship liquid-metal phone, facilitates this mission by employing a decentralized authentication methodology using static key exchange. Turing’s anonymous key distribution infrastructure is able to provide unique identifiers and trustworthy connectivity for an infinite number of devices. Turing Robotic Industries is based in San Francisco, California and Shenzhen, China. To learn more visit www.turingri.com.
Xiaomi Mi 4i closer look: picture gallery and videos
The Xiaomi Mi 4i was announced earlier this morning, a powerful mid-range device with an impressive price tag of roughly $200. While we’ve already seen a few hands-on images of the device , it’s time to take an even closer look at the Mi 4i. First, we have a gallery with over 25 images showcasing the device, followed by numerous videos that show off the durability testing the Mi 4i goes through, and much more.
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Starting with the Xiaomi reliability test video, Xiaomi gives us a quick look at the testing process that the Mi 4i goes through, including a water resistance test, a drop test, a press test, UV exposure, and much more.
In the second video, Xiaomi briefly shows off the automated assembly process for the Mi 4i.
In this next video, Xiaomi shows off how the “Sunlight Display” on the Mi 4i improves readability significantly.
Last but not least, Xiaomi demonstrates the Mi 4i’s anti-greasecoating by writing on the back of the phone with a marker and then showing how easy it is to remove the damage.
What do you think of the Xiaomi Mi 4i, worth every penny of the $200 asking price? Would you pick one up if it ever made its way to your region?
BBC Three’s online switch delayed until next year
BBC Three’s transition from a traditional channel to an online-only property, with new media playing a key role in its evolution, ain’t happening any time this year. The channel was set to be switched off this autumn, but its execution has now been pushed until “after Christmas” while the BBC Trust considers its position. The regulator effectively has the power to approve or deny the move, with a definitive answer expected in June.
In the meantime, the Trust has a lot to think about. It’s currently running a second public consultation to assess the impact the move will have on viewers, and not everyone is keen on the idea — a petition to save the channel has been signed by nearly 280,000 people so far. Also, the Trust has to decide whether the new direction for BBC Three makes sense, and whether proposals linked to it do, also. These include extending CBBC programming and filling the dead airwaves with a new time-shifted channel BBC One+1, which the government has suggested isn’t a clever use of licence fee cash.
The idea that the BBC Trust could decide to keep BBC Three operating as it does now is extremely unlikely, though. Commenting on the delay, BBC Three boss Damian Kavanagh said: “We won’t be rushed.” Those words alone signal it’s pretty much a done deal, and preparations for a move online have been underway since the plan was announced early last year (not to mention the testing of waters that took place beforehand). Several original shows have been axed on account of budget constraints already, including award-winning zombie drama In The Flesh. ITV securing broadcasting rights to Family Guy and other Seth McFarlane creations that’ve called BBC Three home for years is telling of the channel’s creeping demise, too. The fact is the delay is just that: a delay. But for BBC Three loyalists, you can at least take some comfort in knowing the channel will still have a slot in your EPG while your calendar reads 2015.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
Source: BBC
This smartphone is extra-secure and stronger than steel
How do you stand out if you’re a fledgling smartphone maker that can’t compete on specs alone? If you’re Turing Robotic Industries (formerly QSAlpha), you pour your energy into clever design — both inside and out. The newly unveiled Turing Phone keeps up the company’s emphasis on security, with its own server-free encrypted communication between owners and a fingerprint reader that encourages you to lock down your device. There’s also an Apple-like magnetic charging system, so you won’t send your phone flying. However, the real star of the show is the frame. It’s built from “liquidmorphium,” a metal alloy that’s reportedly stronger than steel or titanium. While there’s also aluminum, ceramic and plastic on the body, that exotic structure should reduce the chances that you’ll wreck your handset through a nasty drop.
Performance-wise, it’s not so cutting edge. You’re looking at last year’s Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM and a 5.5-inch, 1080p screen. That’s certainly competent, but you probably won’t regret snagging that Galaxy S6. Its biggest advantages are a healthy amount of built-in storage (up to 128GB) and the combination of an 8-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel rear shooter with dual flashes. There’s broad support for North American and European LTE bands, too, so you shouldn’t miss out on fast data.
Like the idea? Be prepared to wait, and pay a fair amount. Turing tells us that its phone should ship on August 10th, and it’ll sell for $740 unlocked in 64GB form, or $870 for a 128GB variant. There are promises of carrier deals as well, although it’s not saying which networks are on deck. Given that many big providers tend to be leery of supporting relative newcomers, a direct order will likely be your best bet.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: Turing Robotic Industries
You can preorder Samsung’s new Gear VR for Galaxy S6 on April 24
If you just snapped up a Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, it won’t be too long until you can get your hands on Samsung’s new Gear VR headset. Samsung just announced that the revamped Gear VR will be available for preorder on April 24 on Best Buy’s website. There’s no word on how much it’ll cost you, but hopefully it’ll be somewhere around the original Gear VR’s $200 price. If preordering isn’t your thing, you can pick it up from Samsung’s online store and Best Buy’s site on May 8, as well as its retail stores on May 15. And yes, you’ll also be able to try it on at some Best Buy locations. While the Gear VR didn’t impress us as much as HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset, it’s still a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, with a lighter frame and wider viewing field. It’s not exactly a reason to pick up a Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge yet, but that could change over the next year as Samsung adds more VR content.
Sony Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia C3 get the taste of Lollipop
After doling out Android 5.0 Lollipop updates to its Xperia Z series flagship phones, Sony has begun rolling out software updates for two more devices: Sony Xperia T2 Ultra and Sony Xperia C3. The Android 5.0 upgrade for these devices was announced last month.
Many Xperia T2 Ultra owners in Czech Republic, Germany and Taiwan reported having received software update notifications on their device. The updates should be available globally within a few weeks but there is no word on the exact date from Sony yet. It is noteworthy that only the single-SIM variant is receiving the Lollipop upgrade currently.
Meanwhile, the single SIM model of the Xperia C3 (D2533) has begun receiving software update in Taiwan, but it should be available in more countries soon.
Once these devices receive the sweetness of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, they will be on build 19.3.A.0.470.
Source: GSMArena
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Custom 1.3GHz Retina MacBooks Begin Shipping Out to Customers Early [Mac Blog]
With most of the past few days covered in Apple Watch shipping news, the build-to-order version of the new 12-inch MacBook has flown slightly under the radar. But, this morning, Apple began updating customers who opted-in for the 1.3GHz model of the notebook with shipping dates almost two weeks earlier than initially expected.
First given a vague 3-4 week shipping estimate by Apple, the 1.3GHz MacBook has now received a delivery estimate as early as the middle of next week for some customers in the United States. The build-to-order option took slightly longer to ship than the basic 1.1GHz and 1.2GHz models due to its custom upgrade processor parts.
Those two regular models of the notebook began shipping out to customers soon after its April 10 launch alongside the Apple Watch. Although many expected the new MacBook to be sold in Apple retail locations, the company opted to keep the 12-inch Retina device mostly to its online storefront for the time being.
AIVAnet 