Lenovo declares war on Chromecast with Lenovo Cast
Lenovo has declared war against Google by announcing its own media streaming gadget that is compatible with Android, iOS as well as Windows devices. Costing merely $49, the fancy looking Lenovo Cast connects to TV and other large screens via HDMI port, and streams media to bigger screens.
Unlike the Chromecast that is reliant on Wi-Fi to establish a connection between a mobile device and a big screen, the Lenovo Cast uses Miracast and DLNA – something that almost every Android device comes preloaded with. Once the media streaming device is attached to a TV, it is capable of mirroring your phone or tablet’s screen to TV.
The Lenovo Cast supports 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, which is definitely better than the Chromecast. And if you count its compact look and compatibility to devices across entire mobile ecosystems, the Lenovo Cast is going to be a great buy this August.
Via: Android Police
The post Lenovo declares war on Chromecast with Lenovo Cast appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG G4 up for pre-orders on Verizon
If you have been waiting to lay your hands on LG’s latest flagship phone – the G4 on Verizon, you need not wait any longer. You can now preorder the LG G3 in Genuine Black Leather, Metallic Gray and Verizon-exclusive Ceramic White, and your orders will start shipping even before the handset becomes available in stores on June 4th.
The post LG G4 up for pre-orders on Verizon appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Powerful Image Editing App ‘Pixelmator’ Expands to the iPhone [iOS Blog]
Back in October, popular Mac image editing app Pixelmator was brought to iOS in the form of an iPad app, and as of today, that iOS app is being expanded to the iPhone. Pixelmator for iOS is now a universal app, giving iPhone users a way to edit their images with Pixelmator‘s powerful image editing tools for the first time.
iPhone support is an important step in Pixelmator‘s evolution and will let the company reach a much wider customer base. For many people, the iPhone has largely replaced point and shoot cameras. Image sharing site Flickr, for example, lists Apple’s iPhones as the top three most popular cameras.
There are already a wealth of image editing apps available for the iPhone, but Pixelmator sets itself apart with a solid set of tools packaged in an accessible interface and iCloud interconnectivity with the Pixelmator Mac app.
Pixelmator for iPhone offers the same tools available in the iPad app, so those who have used the previous version of the app will be familiar with its capabilities. On the iPhone, Pixelmator‘s photo editing tools are likely to be the most useful, letting users adjust colors, fix lighting, add filters, crop, straighten, and distort photographs.
There are also powerful retouching tools that can be used to remove unwanted objects from images, much like in the Mac app. Tools have granular adjustments for making minor tweaks to the look of a photo, and there are brush-on effects in the “Retouch” menu that let users paint on image-correcting adjustments with a finger.
Pixelmator can also be used by artists and mobile designers to create original paintings, drawings, and compositions directly on the iPhone. It has support for more than 100 brushes and it includes a color picker and an eyedropper for managing colors. There’s a smear tool for softening image edges, and a wet-painting feature for creating watercolor images. Pixelmator also includes support for words, shapes, and layers, with non-destructive layer styles and blending modes.
Like the previous iPad version, the new Pixelmator has support for iOS 8 features like iCloud Drive, Extensions, and Handoff. Images created on the iPhone will sync to the iPad and the Mac automatically, and it’s also possible to begin an image on one device and switch over to another using Handoff. A Photos extension mades Pixelmator‘s editing tools available directly in the Photos app.
The iPhone app is being included in the existing Pixelmator app as an update, so all consumers who have previously purchased Pixelmator for iPad can download the new iPhone app at no charge.
Pixelmator for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for $4.99. [Direct Link]
Granular permissions control to be announced at Google I/O
Confirming a Bloomberg report from earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reports that Google is finally going to give users control over exactly what permissions they want to grant to each app.
According to two persons familiar with the matter, the feature will be introduced during the Google I/O keynote today. The WSJ report lacks details, but the feature should reportedly bring the Android app permissions system in line with the more user-friendly approach of iOS.
Separately, Android Police reports that app developers will have to adhere to the new granular permission system by asking users to approve each category of permissions when first using the app. Besides in-app permission granting, the permission settings for each app will also be available from a new section in the Settings menu.
It’s not clear yet how exactly Google plans to handle the transition from the current model, which sees users granting permissions in bulk, to the new, granular model. It seems there will be no easy way for developers to prepare their apps for the eventuality that the user denies access to certain permissions. In other words, devs will have to figure what to do if a certain permission is denied – in some cases, only some features will be disabled, but what happens if the user denies a permission that it’s needed for the core functionality of the app?
Granular permissions have actually been available in Android before, albeit for a brief while. The feature, dubbed App Ops, was hidden in Android 4.3, but Google removed it with the Android 4.4 update, claiming it was just an internal debugging tool.
We should find out everything about this cool new feature later today. Stay tuned with us for our extensive Google I/O coverage starting today at 9:30AM Pacific/12:30PM EST!
Moto Maker now available in China at an introductory price
Motorola’s parent company Lenovo held today its first tech conference and one of the biggest announcements was the launch of the Moto Maker customization program in China.
Starting today, Chinese customers can order highly-customized versions of the Moto X (2014) from MotoMaker.cn. Just like in the United States and Europe, buyers in China can now pick materials, colors, trimmings, engraved messages, and accessories for their Moto X. Natural materials like wood and leather are among the options.
In China, a customized Moto X (2014) will cost from 2,799 yuan (around $450), but only until June 2. After this date, the price will jump to 3,099 yuan. The non-customized Moto X (2014) will go for 2,699 yuan, while two other Motorola phones are on sale right now: the Moto G (2014) and the rebranded Nexus 6 known as Moto X Pro.
The launch of Moto Maker in China speaks about Lenovo’s commitment to the Motorola brand, even in its own market, where the Lenovo name is better known than in the West. Motorola is Lenovo’s premium brand, especially in developed market, though we’ve seen some pretty attractive Lenovo-branded devices as well.
Just today, Lenovo introduced a smattering of new devices, including a VR headset, a streaming device, and new tablets; but what really piqued our interest were the Magic View concept smartwatch and a smartphone concept with a built-in laser projector.
Lenovo TechWorld 2015 – the highlights
Today, Lenovo held its TechWorld event in Beijing, China and alongside announcements of new consumer products, the company also showcased some concept devices that show the company’s future products may also be truly spectacular. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of TechWorld 2015:
Laptops and Tablets
We’ll kick things off with Lenovo’s new tablets and laptops range:
ThinkPad 10 tablet
The updated 2nd-generation ThinkPad 10 tablet runs full Windows 10 and is Lenovo’s first product to run on Microsoft’s newest operating system. The ThinkPad 10 combines a quad-core Intel Atom processor with 64GB or 128GB internal storage and 2GB or 4GB RAM along with a 10.1 inch WUXGA display, which sports 1900×1200 pixels resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
The ThinkPad 10 also has a 5MP camera with LED flash, 1.2MP front camera, non-removable 32Wh battery that lasts up to 10 hours and is 9.1mm thick. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner, ThinkPad Pen Pro with Cantonese writing support – the first digital stylus to support this complex language – dTPM encryption and a smart card reader. The ThinkPad 10 will cost $549 before taxes and subsidies and will be available once Windows 10 launches later this summer.
Read more about the ThinkPad 10 at our sister site, TabTimes.
Lenovo Z41 and Z51 laptops / IdeaPad 100 notebook
From a Windows tablet to two laptops and a notebook; Lenovo introduced the Z41 and Z51 laptops and the IdeaPad 100 notebook.
First up are the Z41 and Z51 laptops, which feature 14 inch and 15 inch displays respectively and are focused on multimedia consumption. These laptops start at $499 and run Windows 8.1 until Windows 10 launches later this year.
The specs vary by region and the price point you choose but the available options include the latest Intel Core i7 processor, a full HD display with integrated Intel or AMD graphics cards, 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD or SSD, an array of ports and 4 hours battery life.
The IdeaPad 100 is designed to provide competition for the notebook market and provides a full Windows experience at an affordable price point. The notebook has a start price of $249 and comes with a 1366×768 pixels resolution display with integrated Intel graphics and an Intel processor.
Like Lenovo’s laptops, the customisation options vary by region and price point but max out at an Intel BayTrail-M N3540 processor, 8GB DDR3 RAM and either a 500GB hard drive or 128GB solid state drive. These notebooks are again quoted at offering up to 4 hours battery life from a single charge.
Read more about the new laptops and notebook at our sister site, TabTimes.
The Concepts
From the consumer devices to the concept and cool devices that showcase exactly what Lenovo can do:
Lenovo Magic View dual-screen smartwatch
The Lenovo Magic View is a concept smartwatch designed to solve one of the major problems with current smartwatches; the super small display. The Magic View looks similar to the Moto 360 but offers a Virtual Interactive Display (VID) between the watch face and the wrist strap, that allows you to view images up to 20 times the size of the standard watch screen.
The VID also has benefits for privacy concerns as it can be used to view information that you would otherwise not like publicly displayed on your wrist. As an example, the VID could be used for bank balance updates, which you would not necessarily want displayed for all to see.
Read more about the Lenovo Magic View here.
Lenovo Smart Cast smartphone
Lenovo wasn’t done with the concepts there though as the company decided to show us what the future for its smartphones could hold.
The Smart Cast smartphone is a truly unique device as it features the world’s first laser projector on a smartphone as well as the world’s smallest pico projector. In use, the smartphone allows you to project your content onto a large wall or project a keyboard or other controls onto any surface.
As an example, famed Chinese pianist Lang Lang took to the stage during the keynote to demo the projector and it showed that the technology has several real-world applications. From projecting content to being used as a teaching aid, the projector could be open up new realms for technology that were previously only concepts.
Read more about the Lenovo Smart Cast smartphone here.
Other highlights
From the concepts to other consumer devices that took our eye:
Lenovo Cast
The Lenovo Cast is Lenovo’s answer to the Google Chromecast but trumps Google’s offering in a few key ways. While the Chromecast is limited to support for just Cast technology, the Lenovo Cast also supports DLNA and Miracast which essentially means it can convert any HDMI-enabled display into a fully-fledged multimedia device.
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The other key feature compared to Chromecast is support for dual-band Wi-Fi; one of the biggest issues with the Chromecast is that it only supports the 2.4GHz channel so if you have a dual-band router, you’ll often need to split the channels for your Chromecast to consistently work. The Lenovo Cast solves this and also comes with a mount to attach the puck-shaped device to the back of your TV.
Read more about the Lenovo Cast here.
Lenovo VR Googles
From media streaming to an entirely new world of virtual reality and Lenovo has entered the VR race with its new Lenovo VR Goggles. Designed just like the Gear VR, the goggles use your Lenovo smartphone as the display and come with a handheld remote control to navigate the on-screen menus.
Read more about the Lenovo VR Goggles here.
So there you have it, our highlights from Lenovo’s TechWorld 2015. Our very own Darcy is in Beijing for Lenovo’s event and captured the photos in the gallery above but for now, which was your favourite device shown off at TechWorld 2015? Vote in our poll and let us know your views in the comments below
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Chrome for Android version 43 brings Touch to Search and quicker checkout [APK Download]
If you’ve been using the beta version of Chrome for Android, then like me, you’re used to seeing the ‘touch to search’ option appear whenever you highlight some text to copy & paste. If you’ve been content using the stable channel of the Chrome for Android browser however, you’ll be happy to find out that this ‘Touch to Search’ feature is present in the latest version that is rolling out, Chrome 43.
As you can see from the images above, the ‘Touch to Search’ option appears in the same bar as the Select All, Cut, Copy and Paste functions. Chrome 43 also brings improved performance, the ability to securely complete checkout forms as well as some unspecified bug fixes. This update brings chrome up to version number 43.0.2357.78, and you can either update the app via the Google Play Store or you can download from APK Mirror and install it manually.
Source: Chrome Releases Blog
Come comment on this article: Chrome for Android version 43 brings Touch to Search and quicker checkout [APK Download]
The new Shazam identifies boxed items, books and magazines
It’s true: Shazam’s adding more useful features to its application, as was reported by Reuters back in March. Now, the famed discovery software can identify more than music, movies, TV shows and commercials, which has been the core functionality to date. With this new version, introduced today, Shazam is capable of recognizing packaged goods (like a Blu-ray or themed toys), books and magazines, as well as other merchandise that’s typically available at physical retail stores. To use it, the only thing you have to do is open the app on your iPhone/Android smartphone, fire up the camera and, lastly, point it toward a compatible item’s Shazam-printed logo or QR code.
So far, the company’s only teamed up with a handful of brands, including Disney, Levi’s and HarperCollins, to demonstrate the powers behind visual Shazam — although more are expected to enable their products in the future. One example of how this works is a magazine ad for Tomorrowland, starring America’s aging heartthrob George Clooney, which can be scanned with the application and, in a matter of seconds, brings up a trailer for the film. Shazam CEO, Rich Riley, says it’s not only about keeping users engaged to his service, but also letting firms connect to customers with the single tap of a button. The idea, ultimately, is to transform “static images into dynamic pieces of content.”
Google’s experimental 3D-scanning tablet goes on public sale for $512
If you’re fascinated (or baffled) by Google’s spatially aware, three-dimensionally scanning Project Tango tablet, you can now buy and try one yourself. The in-development tablet is now (still?) $512, invite-free at the Google Store. While the device is no longer a conceptual toy, it’s still expressly aimed at developers, as Google looks to them to add functionality — and ideas as to what to do with those spatial sensors built inside. Perhaps the most unusual part is that this wider retail release was dropped a mere day before Google I/O kicks off. Don’t get too aggrieved if Project Tango 2 suddenly appears.
Via: Android Police
Source: Google Store
Apple Watch charges faster with secret port, but not by much
Apple doesn’t want you hacking around its Watch, so it was kind of a deal when an accessory maker discovered a diagnostic port that would enable just that. The company, Reserve Strap, now has a video (below) that proves direct charging via the port is about 5 percent faster than the standard inductive way. While that might not sound like a lot, it confirms that it’ll be relatively easy to build straps that add battery life and other functionality. In fact, Reserve Strap pivoted on its own $249 design ($250 on preorder) after making the discovery, as shown below. If that’s too rich for your blood, we imagine other accessory makers will now follow suit.
Via: 9 to 5 Mac
Source: Reserve Strap
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