Yes, 10-core smartphones will be a thing in 2016
When MediaTek first launched an octa-core mobile processor back in late 2013, many folks — including Qualcomm — called it a gimmick, but said feature has since become quite popular amongst device manufacturers, to the point where Qualcomm eventually had to come up with its very own octa-core offerings. Just to stay one step ahead of others, MediaTek is now prepping the launch of a deca-core aka 10-core chip dubbed the Helio X20, which will succeed the octa-core Helio X10 (MT6795) that’s already powering HTC’s Asia-only One M9+ plus several upcoming Chinese flagship phones. MediaTek is sampling its new chip in Q3, and the first commercial devices to use it will arrive as early as end of this year.
While ten cores may seem an overkill, the 20nm Helio X20 is actually more about its “Tri-Cluster” architecture that consists of two 2.5GHz Cortex-A72 cores, four 2GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 1.4GHz Cortex-A53 cores. So basically, on the CPU side the Helio X20 is very much a Helio X10 with two more Cortex-A72 cores, but with the original eight Cortex-A53 cores running on slightly lower speeds.
Finbarr Moynihan, MediaTek’s General Manager of International Corporate Sales, analogized the addition of a third CPU cluster to having an extra gear in a car, in order to improve its fuel efficiency across different terrains. In other words, there’s no longer a sudden jump from the low-power cluster to its high-power counterpart, so you get a better overall curve across the power-performance spectrum. This also allows the low-power cluster to go even lower in terms of power required, and the high-power one to be even more powerful — hence the use of Cortex-A72 instead of yet more Cortex-A53 cores.
So here comes the classic question: Can all ten cores run simultaneously? Moynihan says while that’s allowed, the chip’s software will always pick the ideal clusters to handle different threads. For instance, mail apps and simple messaging apps can run on the low-power cluster, whereas casual games and multimedia apps can make do with the middle cluster, thus leaving high-power cluster to heavy games and other heavy duty apps. Statistically speaking, you won’t often see all ten cores operating at the same time.
“I think it’s much more likely that it will be a subset of the ten cores but in different configurations, depending on the load that might be on at the same time,” the exec added. “In theory, the scheduler can turn on all ten [cores] if necessary; of course, subject to any thermal constraints that the device may have.”
Compared to its predecessor, the more premium Helio X20 also benefits from the additional integrated Cortex-M4 hub (for low-power sensors and low-power MP3 playback), dual 12-bit camera processors, improved graphics performance yet lower power requirement on that plus the modem, as well as Carrier Aggregation for the faster Cat 6 LTE — a feature that Moynihan admitted the Helio X10 often gets criticized for excluding.
“Adding the next-generation modem and the Carrier Aggregation feature specifically, I think, makes this platform relevant on a much more global scale for higher tier and even flagship devices.”
Ultimately, we’ll need to see how well can the Helio X20 handle its clusters, as well as how efficient the new integrated modem is in real life. The bad news is we won’t get to do so until early 2016 the soonest, but the good news is MediaTek and device manufacturers have almost half a year to fine tune the chip’s performance, so time will tell.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile
Warner Music made more money from streaming than it did downloads
So it seems that while streaming services don’t offer much of a payout for artists, at least one label is apparently doing pretty well off of them. Warner Music Group announced today that for the first time ever it made more money off of streams than it did selling downloads. With income from Spotify and YouTube, the outfit raked in some 33 percent more money in its second quarter while digital music sales only increased by a paltry seven percent. The Deftones’ label says that it’ll keep working with streaming partners to keep this sort of thing happening and to “ensure artists and songwriters receive appropriate value for their work.” Hopefully that means a re-appraisal of streaming royalties for the people who, you know, actually make the music that’s being streamed.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Internet
Via: Recode
Source: Warner Music Group
Micromax launches $110 Yu Yuphoria with 64-bit processor, 4G LTE and Cyanogenmod
Micromax has done it again! After creating buzz around the world with the Yu Yureka that piggybacked on Cyanogenmod, Micromax has launched the Yu Yuphoria with a 5-inch 720p display, metal frame, a 64-bit processor and Android Lollipop 5.0. based Cyanogenmod OS 12. And yes, all of that for under $110.
With its low-cost Yu line, the company is vying to take on popular mid-rangers by Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and Motorola. Marketed as “miracle in metal,” the Yu Yuphoria is 8.25mm thin around its waist and weighs just 143 grams. The display panel is protected by Gorilla Glass 3.
Powered by Snapdragon 410 and Adreno 306 GPU, the handset has 2GB of RAM that is becoming a standard among mid-rangers these days. Also, it comes with 16GB internal storage that can be expanded via a microSD card. In the imaging department, the Yu Yuphoria sports a 5-megapixel front camera with an impressive f/2.0 aperture and an 8-megapixel f/2.2 rear camera.
The device scores points on the connectivity front (dual-SIM and 4G LTE) and audio output. It features a Wolfson audio chip, which promises 85+ decibels of sound. Wolfson is the same speaker that is used in Samsung’s Galaxy S flagships. The Yu Yuphoria features 2,230mAh battery and also supports Quick Charge 1.0. To read more about charging technology, follow this link.
There is no word on whether the phone will be available outside India, and even there buying it during flash sales will be an uphill task.
Via: GSMArena
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Apple Watch Band Swap Sites Rise in Popularity as ‘BandSwapper’ Pivots [iOS Blog]
Just a few weeks after the Apple Watch launched to the public on April 24, a handful of start-up websites have begun Apple Watch band exchange programs (via Wired). These sites allow customers a range of services, from the ability to trade in their unwanted band for money to go towards a higher-priced model, to swapping out full bands for different colors in the same style.
That’s the basis of iBandSwap, a new band exchange website that creator Alistair Barclay says around 530 users have signed up for, with approximately 148 “matches”, or band swaps, taking place so far. iBandSwap not only allows for full band trades, but partial ones as well, with Barclay mentioning Black/White and Pink/Blue are the first and second-most popular swap configurations on the site respectively.
Interestingly, the site also allows for swapping individual links from the stainless steel Link Bracelet watch band. One user, for example, found he needed more links than Apple provided due to his large wrist, so on iBandSwap he’s attempting to put up some of his extraneous bands to receive extra links from someone using a Link Bracelet with a smaller wrist.
All of these interactions happen independently from any input with the actual website, with both parties receiving one another’s contact information upon a successful match, and any shipping process remains delegated to the users. No money is exchanged in the process.
“It’s a small risk,” Barclay says, “and I like to think that most people who are buying a Watch are good people and have no interest in duping someone, as there isn’t really any money involved.”
iBandSwap isn’t alone in its Apple Watch band-swapping cause, with sites like StrapSwap and the France-based Band-Band providing similar swap meets and basic e-commerce band selling services to customers tired of their original strap. All of these sites were faced with the initial hurdle that was Apple’s confusing description over exactly how many bands came with Apple Watch Sport models, but iBandSwap, StrapSwap, and Band-Band have kept chugging alone and remained nearly identical in structure as initially planned.
BandSwapper, however, has taken a different approach as its Apple Watch Sport-focused swap site was hit hardest of all by the three-band interchangeability confirmed by Apple in the days leading up to the Watch launch. According to the team, they always had a back-up idea for BandSwapper and have decided to pivot to that plan B entirely. It’s now called WatchDots, and allows customers to place small stickers on the top of the Digital Crown and contacts buttons, aiming to provide lower-end Watch models with a similar look to the Edition line of color-matched Digital Crown buttons.
Apple Watch Edition (left) and Apple Watch Sport with WatchDots (right)
“On the high-end gold model, the digital crown is color-matched to your band,” explains co-founder Adam Hoyle. “The Sport doesn’t have this, it’s just all aluminum.” Pricing hasn’t been officially announced yet, but WatchDots will be under $10.
WatchDots hasn’t officially launched yet, but those interested can enter their email address on the official website for updates and a 25% off promo code on their first order. These sites are no doubt just the first wave of band swapping and selling services provided online, with new experiences to launch – and currently established ones to raise in popularity – as more Apple Watch units and bands become more widely available in the coming weeks.
Second-gen Android One hitting Turkey with souped-up specs and a significant price hike
Android One devices are coming to Turkey, with a twist. While Google and its local partners offer Android One phones in India and other Asian countries for around $110, the first Turkish model features better specs and a $260 price tag.
The first Turkish Android One phone is made by General Mobile and its specs include a 5-inch HD display with Gorilla Glass 4, a Snapdragon 410 64-bit processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera and LTE. The device is running Android 5.1.1 and is guaranteed to receive Android updates for two years.
The General Mobile Android One phone is a marked improvement over the first-gen Android Ones released late last year in India. Those came with a 480 x 854 4.5-inch display, MediaTek processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 5MP main camera.
The General Mobile Android One will be available from May 15 for 699 Turkish lira, which is about $260, through retailer Telpa.
Turkey is more affluent than the markets in Southeast Asia where Google has introduced Android One so far, and the superior specs of the General Mobile Android One are probably an adaptation to the higher standards of local phone buyers. That reflects in the price tag, though higher tariffs on electronics could also play a role. A Galaxy S6, for instance, starts from the equivalent of $930 unlocked at Turkish retailers.
Turkey is the seventh country where Google rolls out Android One, after India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
How do you feel about these specs and price for an Android One device?
Colby Brown returns to offer tips on the LG G4 camera
The camera is the big focus with LG’s new G4 handset, and the company even brought in professional photographer Colby Brown to tout the camera features ahead of its launch. Now he’s back to offer five useful tips to help get the most from the G4’s camera.
Tips include how to get the most vivid colors into your shots, how to help reduce noise, and exactly what to do with those new manual mode settings, such as ISO. The video also makes sure that you don’t forget about the enhanced optical image stabilisation, selfie hand gestures and low-light capabilities available with LG’s improved f/1.8 16 megapixel rear sensor and 8MP front facing camera.
We have been pretty impressed with the G4’s camera features and picture quality during our hands-on time. If you would like an even closer look at the LG G4’s camera capabilities, be sure to check out our Camera Focus and full review of the flagship.
More on the LG G4 camera
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Verizon gets Huffington Post, Techcrunch, and Engadget in AOL buyout
Verizon has signed an agreement to purchase AOL for $50 per share, which is around $4.4 billion. Under the deal Verizon will take ownership of The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, Engadget, MAKERS and AOL.com.
It might seem a bit odd that a wireless carrier is buying a company like AOL. I don’t really think Verizon is buying AOL to snap up the last few subscribers from its old dial-up service. However it does seems that Verizon wants to be more than just a carrier. “Verizon’s vision is to provide customers with a premium digital experience based on a global multiscreen network platform,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO. “This acquisition supports our strategy to provide a cross-screen connection for consumers, creators and advertisers to deliver that premium customer experience.”
“Verizon is a leader in mobile and OTT connected platforms, and the combination of Verizon and AOL creates a unique and scaled mobile and OTT media platform for creators, consumers and advertisers. The visions of Verizon and AOL are shared; the companies have existing successful partnerships, and we are excited to work with the team at Verizon to create the next generation of media through mobile and video,” said Tim Armstrong, who will remain as the AOL chairman and CEO.
This does raise the question about the independence of The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, and Engadget.
In other words Verizon wants to offer it subscribers a network on which it can access content, and it wants to offer some of that content itself, a strategy that actually dates back to the original AOL dial-up service on the 1990s.
In an internal memo sent to all of AOL’s employees, Armstrong said that “Mobile will represent 80% of consumers’ media consumption in the coming years and if we are going to lead, we need to lead in mobile.” He goes on to add that, “Verizon will propel AOL and comes to the table with over 100 million mobile consumers, content deals with the likes of the NFL, and a meaningful strategy in mobile video.”
Of course, this does raise the question about the independence of The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, and Engadget. Every Editor for every major media outlet has at one time or another had to consider the tensions between running certain stories and the pressure to “please” a parent company or owner. So the question is this, will Engadget and TechCrunch face conflicts about their content and the needs of their new parent?
What do you think?
HTC One M7 GPe finally receives Android 5.1
It has been one month since Android 5.1 appeared for the HTC One M8 GPe and was promised for the One M7 GPe. We are not clear about the cause of the long delay, but the update is finally here for the M7 GPe too.
Starting today, users can grab the LMY470 update over-the-air. The update weighs in at a substantial 280MB and will update your One M7 GPe handset to Android 5.1 Lollipop.
Android 5.1 doesn’t introduce any major new features, but does make adjustments to wireless connection set-ups, system volume controls and notifications, and introduces a small selection of new animations. HD Voice Calling, dual-SIM support and Device Protection have also been thrown in for good measure.
If you have S-OFF setup in your bootloader, you can also grab the update file to flash manually through the stock recovery. Otherwise, hammer away at that “check now” button to see if the update has come through.
Google and Lionsgate celebrate Mad Men’s last episode with an interactive web experience and free episode
If you’ve been watching the TV program, Mad Men, then you probably already know that its last episode will air on Sunday, May 17th. To celebrate this, Google has teamed up with the show’s production company, Lionsgate, to showcase ‘The Mad Men Experience‘, an interactive website documenting the program’s characters, themes and storyline. You can relive some of your favourite moments from the program while taking in some of the behind-the-scenes action and interviews with the actors.
If you haven’t actually watched Mad Men before, Google is making it easy for you to get started by offering the very first episode of the first season free of charge on Google Play in the US, Uk, Australia and Canada. As you would expect, you can also purchase all the other episodes via the Play Store as well. All you have to do to get your hands on the first ever episode is either scan the QR code or just click the Play Store link below. To visit ‘The Mad Men Experience’, just click the source link below.
Source: TheMadMenExperience
Come comment on this article: Google and Lionsgate celebrate Mad Men’s last episode with an interactive web experience and free episode
Verizon is buying AOL for $4.4 billion
AOL, Engadget’s parent company, has just been acquired by Verizon for $4.4 billion, or around $50 a share. The carrier believes that a tie-in between the two businesses will boost Big Red’s online video and content strategy. AOL itself, far from just being the name on all those discarded dial-up internet CDs, is also a player in the online ad business — and has developed several behind-the-scenes products for marketers.
In an email to employees, AOL chief Tim Armstrong pledges that the deal will create “the best media technology company in the world.” It appears that AOL will be run as a separate division within the business, but using Verizon’s distribution channels to widely circulate content from its brands, including TechCrunch and The Huffington Post.
Verizon will also distribute AOL’s video shows onto its mobile and internet-based video channels, much like it already does with content sourced from the NFL. It’s also easy to presume that both will also work with the company’s forthcoming web TV service that it rescued from the flames of Intel’s doomed OnCue project.
Filed under: Meta, Internet, Verizon
Source: Verizon
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