ZTE could be making a 4K smartphone, but what about 4K content?
Rumored to be the Star 3, it looks like ZTE is working on a new smartphone that could sport a 4k device, as part of its effort to become the world’s third largest smartphone vendor.
Chinese online publication MyDrivers reports that ZTE will put a 4K display on its rumored Star 3 smartphone. The TFT panel it’s rumored to have on-board is also said to employ a special crystal structure, which will reduce power consumption whilst improving the durability of the display.
Devices with 2K panels have become popular with recent flagships, but we still have yet to see content that fully takes advantage of these gorgeous and advanced solutions. Netflix doesn’t even stream 1080p, except for on Nexus devices. If we have yet to fully take advantage of 2K technology by providing 2K content, are we ready for a flood of 4K devices?
4K is an awesome technology and, as you know, it looks gorgeous. It’ll be a great feature to just have on the ZTE Star 3. I’m not against it by any means, but what good is it if there’s barely any content to show off or enjoy the new technology with?
You buy it, show it off to your friends, but wait, you can’t show them the full capabilities because 4K content is still in its infancy. YouTube recently added 4K support, but there’s only a few videos that are shot in it–videos you probably wouldn’t even want to watch regularly. There’s also the whole part that most people don’t even have the hardware to watch that content because it can be so expensive.
Until 4K technology comes down in pricing and there’s a bevy of content available, devices like these aren’t practical–they’re just paper weights.
source: MyDrivers
via: GizmoChina
Come comment on this article: ZTE could be making a 4K smartphone, but what about 4K content?
U.K. carrier EE launches 4G enabled action cam
Hoping to compete in the action camera space currently dominated by GoPro, U.K. wireless carrier EE announced today the launch of the 4GEE Action Cam, the world’s first action cam with 4G technology built-in. To capitalize on the built-in connectivity, EE has built-in support for live streaming of video being captured by the device using the skeegle platform. The 4GEE Action Cam is the first of several 4G devices EE plans to launch as part of a new EE Connected Strategy.
EE says they are looking “beyond mobile phones” as they work to help customers take advantage of the 4G network that has been built since 2012. EE plans to develop their own products aimed at the home, personal items, the car, and businesses.
The 4GEE Action Cam will be capable of broadcasting live streams as well as capturing video to an SD card. The camera is capable of capturing full 1080p HD video, although live broadcasting will cut that down to only 720p. Likewise, users can opt to reduce video to 720p in exchange for bumping up to a higher frame rate of 60fps, useful for shots planned to be seen in slow motion or exceptionally fast action. The camera will also be capable of capturing 13MP still images.
To help users capture great shots, the 4GEE Action Cam comes with an accompanying viewfinder watch that can also be used to control the camera. Users can also opt to use an app on their iOS or Android device which can not only control the camera, but gives users the ability to manage pictures, videos, data usage and top-ups.
The new skeegle platform for broadcasting video includes three functions:
- Broadcast – providing live streaming of up to 10 minutes;
- Replay – a guide to all skeegle videos captured with the device;
- Circles – the method used to identify and manage contacts who can view live streams.
EE will start selling the 4GEE Action Cam on June 16th through their retail locations, telesales, and their online store. The device will also be available through a variety of partner retailers like Amazon and Jessops. On a shared plan, buyers can get the action cam with now up front cost and a £15 ($23 USD) per month fee for 24 months or £99.99 ($154 USD) up-front with a £10 ($15 USD) monthly fee. Consumers can also opt for pay-as-you-go options starting at £299.99 ($460 USD) up front with 2GB of data good for 30 days.
source: EE
Come comment on this article: U.K. carrier EE launches 4G enabled action cam
Android Auto will be featured in 2016 Cadillac models
For Android Auto to achieve any type of success, Google will need automobile manufacturers to feature the platform in their cars. Obvious enough, right? Over the last few months, automobile manufacturers have been proclaiming their commitment connected car platforms. General Motors announced today that Android Auto, in addition to Apple’s CarPlay, will be featured in 2016 Cadillac models.
Hit the break for more.
Android Auto will follow Apple CarPlay’s debut; therefore, buyers of compatible Cadillac vehicles will need to return to dealers for a software update to activate Android Auto. Both connected car platforms will work with Cadillac’s Cue, an in-house platform with an 8-inch display. David Leone, Cadillac’s Executive Chief Engineer, touted the luxury brand for leading the way with wireless charging and 4G LTE in cars and now having leading platforms in its vehicles.
General Motors plans to start the 2016 model year this summer.
Cadillac Enhances Phone Integration for 2016 Models with Apple CarPlay, CUE Upgrades
APPLE CARPLAY AVAILABLE AT LAUNCH; ANDROID AUTO COMING LATER IN MODEL YEAR
NEW YORK – Cadillac’s 2016 model year products will feature enhanced connectivity and control, including the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the predominant new systems for in-car phone integration. These additions are part of a broader enhancement of CUE, Cadillac’s user experience, with new features and a faster, streamlined operation.
Apple CarPlay will debut in 2016 Cadillac models featuring CUE’s 8-in multi-touch screen except the SRX Crossover, a model that will move to an all-new generation in early 2016. Android Auto is expected to be phased into 2016 production at a later date. The 2016 model year will begin this summer.
“Cadillac’s product transformation includes continuing upgrades to connectivity and in-car technology,” says David Leone, Executive Chief Engineer. “In 2015 Cadillac became the first luxury brand to feature broad use of wireless charging and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, and now in 2016 we’re moving quickly to enhance phone integration and overall system performance.”
Phone Integration
Cadillac CUE provides owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A “Projection” icon will appear on the CUE screen, to enable simpler, easier access to key smartphone functions, including navigation, contacts, hands-free text messaging and select applications supported by Apple or Google.
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. This allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.
Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto.
Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a steering wheel button, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. In addition, Cadillac added wireless charging and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi service in the 2015 model year.
Both phone integration systems require the phone to be connected via USB. Apple CarPlay requires iOS 7.1 or higher or an iPhone 5 or later or higher, Android Auto requires Android Lollipop operating system.
CUE Enhancements
A more powerful processor will be added to CUE for all 2016 models, enabling faster system start-up, voice recognition, navigation searches, and media playing.
For the navigation system, the control structure has been simplified for easier destination entry and quicker destination searches. Map screens have been redesigned for easier use, including one-touch control of commonly used features like “muting” voiced navigation instructions and route cancellation.
For the Escalade, CTS and XTS product lines, the Cadillac CUE screen will add Surround Vision, a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s perimeter. Driving mode information will be expanded to the screen as well.
Come comment on this article: Android Auto will be featured in 2016 Cadillac models
Apple Bumps Developer Test Device Limits to 100 Per Device Type, Including Apple TV [iOS Blog]
Through Apple’s developer program, users have long been able to register the Unique Device Identifiers (UDIDs) for up to 100 individual devices to qualify them for testing Apple beta software and their own apps. Some users saw that limit raised to 200 several years ago, but the higher limit was never officially implemented by Apple.
With yesterday’s move to merge Apple’s developer programs, the company has also rolled out new limits for registered devices, as noted by a number of MacRumors readers. The total limit is now 500 devices, but it is broken down by device type with up to 100 slots each for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, and Apple TV devices now available.
A number of readers have highlighted the inclusion of Apple TV as a supported device, believing it points to third-party app development for the set-top box as had been rumored for launch at WWDC but was reportedly pushed back just weeks ago. The Apple TV has actually been a supported device for UDID registration for quite some time, and Apple has regularly offered developers betas of upcoming Apple TV software for testing.
Image via Ouriel Ohayon
Even so, the limit of 100 Apple TVs per account seems generous for simply testing Apple’s beta software, so the question is whether the Apple TV was given the same limits as other device types for simplicity’s sake or if the company is setting the stage for broader third-party app development for the platform later this year.
As was the case previously, once a device is registered it counts toward the user’s limit for the remainder of the developer subscription year, preventing users from rapidly deleting and adding devices to game the system.
The Wait is Over: eBay for Apple Watch Launches Today on App Store [iOS Blog]
eBay today released its long-anticipated Apple Watch app for the online marketplace, just over one month after Apple quietly removed the app from its list of featured Apple Watch apps after failing to launch in April. TechCrunch reports that the eBay for Apple Watch app enables buyers and sellers to receive updates and alerts for items they are tracking on the eBay storefront.
eBay for Apple Watch is broken down into four simple categories that can be accessed from the app’s home screen: Activity, Buying, Selling and Watching. Activity provides alerts about auctions that are ending soon, items in which you have been outbid on, items that will be shipping soon and more. Meanwhile, the Buying, Selling and Watching sections are rather self-explanatory.
“Watching is for the items you’re keeping tabs on but haven’t yet bid on. Buying lets you see an overview of those items you’re actively bidding on; and Selling is to track the items you’ve listed on eBay. Within each of these sections are the key details you would need to know at a glance – like the time left on an auction, the current price, the number of bids, item photos, etc.”
eBay for Apple Watch focuses on providing quick at-a-glance information, and enables sellers to quickly reply to messages received from other users, although buyers still have the option to place bids from their wrists in just a few seconds. eBay is also updating its iPhone, iPad and Android apps with user enhancements and regional support for additional payments in Germany and India.
eBay for Apple Watch is free on the App Store and rolling out today. [Direct Link]
Governments want to get rid of passwords, too
It’s not just giant tech companies that want to put an end to passwords. Both the US’ National Institute of Standards and Technology and the UK’s Office of the Cabinet have become the first government bodies to join the FIDO Alliance, giving them a direct say in building more secure (and more universal) sign-in systems. Given how often governments depend on fingerprinting, smart cards and other physical identification methods, the move makes a lot of sense — they want to encourage security measures that make it tougher for hackers to swipe sensitive data. It’ll be a while before you see the influence of these new partners, but you may well be using government-grade ID to access your PC or phone in the future.
[Image credit: Shutterstock/Pedro Miguel Sousa]
Filed under: Internet, Software
Source: FIDO Alliance
Samsung’s NX500 camera delivers 4K video in a small package
Samsung’s NX500, introduced earlier this year, is basically a smaller version of its NX1 flagship mirrorless camera. The main difference between them is their look, although the top model does feature better continuous shooting and shutter speeds. Inside, the NX500 packs the same APS-C, 28-megapixel sensor as its bigger sibling, along with a DRIMe Vs image processor, an ISO range of up to 51,200, NFC, WiFi and a 3-inch, tilting Super AMOLED screen. It can also shoot 4K video at 24 (4,096 x 2,160) and 30 fps (3,840 x 2,160), making it a decent future-proof option for anyone who wants to record higher resolutions than 720 or 1080p.
Thanks to its compact body, it’s super light too, weighing in at only a little more than half a pound — I only wish it wasn’t mostly made out of plastic, because it does have a slightly cheap feel to it. Not a dealbreaker, perhaps, but definitely worth noting. On paper, the NX500 easily stands out from the growing list of mirrorless shooters. For the most part, though, the same can’t be said about its real-world performance. The pictures and video it produces are good, but not great — especially when compared to a direct rival like Panasonic’s Lumix G7.
During my time with the camera, which was paired with a 16-50mm PZ lens, I found that it struggled a bit in low-light situations and when shooting moving subjects. That was a surprise given its top-of-the-line spec sheet. You can certainly get the shot you’re looking for, but your patience will be tested. Still, the NX500 does perform well outside of those scenarios, like during the day or in well-lit places, and that may be more than enough for some people. Meanwhile, 4K movies came out looking colorful and sharp; it’s also nice to have the option to shoot at either 24 or 30 fps, depending on what suits your needs. That said, I wouldn’t recommend using the continuous autofocus setting in video mode, as it had trouble keeping up with subjects from time to time.
Simply put, the NX500 comes with a lot of solid attributes, including its small size, high-res pictures, 4K video and a menu system that’s a pleasure to use. Just don’t expect to be blown away by most of it. For $800, kit lens included, you may be better off spending the extra cash on Samsung’s NX1, a camera that performed well when we tested it a few months ago. There’s no doubt that the NX500 is a wonderful little camera, but I’m more excited about the potential for its second-generation model. In the meantime, here’s hoping its minor quirks can be fixed via software update.
To view full-resolution sample images shot with the Samsung NX500, click here.
Massive 6.8-inch Lenovo phone visits TENAA
With the leaks season in full swing it’s now time to see what Lenovo is up in the smartphone game. As you’ll see below a giant Lenovo phablet with the model PB1-770N has been spotted at TENAA. Indeed, this one could have an absurdly huge 6.8-inch display.
Measuring 186.6 x 96.6 x 7.7 mm, it’s nice to see Lenovo has maintained a relatively thin device at 7.7 mm. This is pretty impressive stuff considering there’s a huge 3500 mAh battery inside.
Reportedly, the device comes with 4G LTE connectivity, with support for TD-LTE, FDD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, CDMA2000, CDMA 1X and GSM network bands. Lenovo’s huge phablet is said to be running a version of Android (probably Lollipop) with Lenovo’s custom UI on top.
The body from the back looks much like that of an iPhone 6, a metal unibody construction perhaps. In regards to the display, the whopping 6.8-inches puts it merely 0.2 inches short of being declared a tablet with calling capabilities. The Lenovo phone is similar to Huawei’s recently announced P8Max.
The TENAA listing doesn’t mention any other specifications about the phablet, but it is expected to be running on a high end processor, probably a 64 bit octa-core and at least 3 GB of RAM. Will you prefer Lenovo’s phablet or Huawei P8Max? Do you think such a big phone is overkill or unwieldly?
The post Massive 6.8-inch Lenovo phone visits TENAA appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Buy one get one free offer on leather backs for your LG G4
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
LG’s recent flagship device, the LG G4, is live across all US carriers and that means if you picked one up, or plan to soon, you should start considering accessories. The LG G4 is one of the few high-end devices on the market that kept the removable back a standard feature of the device. LG was also keen to take the opportunity to create a slew of back plate options for customers. While certain carrier models offer certain back cover options, it is easy enough to swap it out for something different. In an effort to help you get the best look for any occasion, LG is offering up a buy one get one free promo on all their leather backs now through June 30th.
The LG page tells you to choose your carrier to see what backs are available, which doesn’t make a lot of sense as all five colors options are available for all carriers. In all truthfulness, they are available for any LG G4 since the external aspects of the device are the same everywhere. The leather backs aren’t cheap by any means as they retail for $69.99 each. Head over to the LG G4 leather back cover page and choose your two colors, add them to your cart and checkout. Before you spend the money you will see the second back cover is listed for free in your cart. The covers are still in a pre-order status at the moment, but they are slated to start shipping out after June 26th.
Get your BOGO offer at LG.com
The post Buy one get one free offer on leather backs for your LG G4 appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
A $1,495 toaster oven takes the guesswork out of cooking
It may look like the toaster oven you fed yourself with that time you were on the lamb and hiding in a seedy motel, but this thing could be the future of cooking. Meet June, which its creators call “the computer that cooks.” Essentially, it’s a… toaster oven, but one that comes packing a NVIDIA Tegra K1 chip, a five-inch touchscreen and a “full HD” camera that’s embedded in the ceiling. This smart oven is designed to take all of the stress out of cooking, as well as make your baking exploits social media friendly.
The secret to June’s on-paper success is in its heating elements, which are made of carbon fiber and apparently can reach maximum power in just five seconds. That enables the device to reach temperatures of 350 degrees Fahrenheit in just over four minutes, far faster than that lumbering unit in your kitchen. The speed of the heating also means that the built-in system can make minute adjustments to the temperature to ensure your food is perfectly cooked.
For instance, if you wanted to roast a chicken, the hardware has a built-in scale, so it’ll be able to do all of the fiddly pounds-to-minutes calculations for you. Then, you can shove a temperature probe into the middle of your meat (which connects to the inside of June) to enable the system to variate the heat where necessary. Finally, the camera in the ceiling can, not only try to guess what food you’re cooking by sight, but also let you watch your meal being cooked without having to open the front door. All you have to do is watch the action unfold on your smartphone, and yes, you can share the pictures of your cakes partway through baking to your Instagram chums.
So, you’re sold on one, right? Before you open your mouth to utter the immortal “shut up and take my money,” you should be warned that this costs a pretty penny. If you pre-order before July 10th and stump up a $95 deposit, then you’ll be able to grab this device for $1,495. Yes, that’s the price of a decent stove at Home Depot, but if you don’t pre-order before then, the markup rockets to $2,995. That said, if this technology is proven to work and the second-generation version comes in a stove format, we’d certainly think about making the splash. Still, that probably works out to a cheaper dollar-per-meal rate than something like the Rotimatic, right?
Filed under: Misc
Via: Gizmodo
Source: June
AIVAnet 