Panasonic’s behemoth camera phone hits the US for $1,000
Did you take one look at Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-CM1 and vow to pay whatever it took to get this smartphone/mirrorless camera hybrid in the US? You now have a chance to put your money where your mouth is. Panasonic has started selling an unlocked version of the CM1 in the US, and it’ll set you back an eye-watering $1,000 — suddenly, that 128GB Galaxy S6 seems like a bargain. There’s a good reason for the giant price tag, mind you. While the phone half is no great shakes between its 4.7-inch 1080p screen, Android 4.4 KitKat and a Snapdragon 801 chip, you’re also getting a big 1-inch, 20-megapixel imaging sensor with a bright, high-quality f/2.8 lens. If you already treat your smartphone as a camera that just happens to make calls, this might be your handset of choice.
Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile
Via: DPReview
Source: Panasonic
‘Kerbal Space Program’ is coming to PS4
Imaginative rocket designers have good news out of E3 tonight, as the Kerbal Space Program team revealed that its quirky construction and space flight simulation is coming to the PlayStation 4. There’s no release date yet, just the announcement, but it’s yet another notable score on Sony’s list of indie developer wins. Considering it took a couple of years for the original to go from Steam Early Access star to official release we wouldn’t hold our breath, but hopefully the team has enough resources to make a quick transition to the console.
Devnote Tuesday: #Kerbal Space Program is coming to #PlayStation4! pic.twitter.com/rBFnIqZjf8
– Kerbal Space Program (@KerbalSpaceP) June 17, 2015
Yes, we’re going to PS4.
– Maxmaps (@Maxmaps) June 17, 2015
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7kTbo1wmN-w?rel=0
Source: Kerbal Dev Team (Tumblr)
Details regarding LG’s upcoming Nexus phone’s camera surface
The camera was one of the weak spots for the Nexus 5. The flagship Nexus device manufactured by LG in 2013 had an inconsistent camera that never seemed to deliver quality shots. Now, in 2015, the company allegedly has plans to produce one of two Nexus phones. A media outlet from South Korea claims to have knowledge of LG’s plans for its upcoming Nexus phone’s camera.
The report, published by iNews24, states that the phone may use a 3D camera module. The capabilities of such technology in a Nexus phone are unknown but maybe Google has plans with Photo Sphere integration.
The report also claims that the processor will come from Snapdragon 810 and Google eyes October for a launch alongside Android M.
Yet another vague report from Asia causes plenty of people, myself included, to wonder what Google has coming.
Source: iNews24
Via: G for Games
Come comment on this article: Details regarding LG’s upcoming Nexus phone’s camera surface
HTC BlinkFeed ads are official: select markets will see them starting today
On Tuesday, owners of devices featuring HTC’s BlinkFeed started to notice advertisements appear in their feeds. An official announcement was made to notify consumers that the service would be monetized in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, and China.
Hit the break to see what BlinkFeed promotions will look like.
The ads, or “promotions” as HTC calls them, are tailored for users through Yahoo, Twitter, and Appia. HTC will also insert ads for its devices and accessories into the feed. They are native and that means users will see them blend in with content. HTC realizes that some people despise ads, especially on products that cost hundreds of dollars; therefore, the company does have plans to opt our of seeing them in BlinkFeed.
Not everyone in those markets will see the ads right away because HTC wants to test and analyze their effectiveness.
Source: HTC
Come comment on this article: HTC BlinkFeed ads are official: select markets will see them starting today
Pushbullet developers release Portal, an app to transfer files between your computer and phone
The quickest way to send notifications and content to and from your phone and computer is through Pushbullet. Today, the developers introduced a new serviced Portal that allows files to be smoothly transferred between phones and computers.
Users simply start by heading to Portal’s starting site to retrieve a QR code that pairs the devices over a WiFi network. It then is able to move files, covering everything from photos and videos to spreadsheets and documents, with a simple drag and drop action. Portal can even handle entire folders being transferred at once.
The different between Pushbullet and Portal is that the former cannot handle an influx of files and ones large in size. Also, Portal requires both devices to be connection to the same WiFi network. That is actually what allows users to move large files with Portal.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Pushbullet
Come comment on this article: Pushbullet developers release Portal, an app to transfer files between your computer and phone
BitTorrent Shoot app lets you easily share files without size limitations
It’s mind-boggling how complicated sending a simple file can be, even in the midst of all the technological advancements we have developed. Most internet services have size limitations; Bluetooth is slow and sometimes doesn’t work when using different platforms; and you could just use a microSD card, but a lot of newer phones are no longer supporting those. Not to mention – who even wants to deal with the hassle of manually transferring a file?
BitTorrent has just released an app that could end all the torments involved with sharing a photo or video. The application is called Shoot, and it allows you to conveniently send files to your friends. It is amazingly easy to operate and has no size limitations. You can even send a 2-hour video to your friends, if you so choose to!
How does Shoot work?
This is not your typical file sharing service. Nor is it a cloud storage service, really. The idea is simple. The application has two functions: you can send files or receive them. That’s it! If you choose to send a file, you get a navigator that allows you to select what you want to send. When you are done choosing, the app creates a QR code other Shoot users can use to download the selected file(s). If you press on the option for receiving a file, the camera will be activated and you can promptly scan the code. Whatever files were selected will be securely and privately transferred right away.
Be careful with data!
Keep in mind this app does use the internet to transfer files, though. You may not want to be on a cellular network while using Shoot if your data is limited. BitTorrent did make it easy for you to stop worrying about data consumption by adding a toggle that forces the app to only work on WiFi networks. Make sure you use it!
Compatibility and price
The best part about Shoot is that there is no platform limitations here. It is available for the three biggest mobile operating systems – Android, iOS and Windows Phone. And yes, you can share between all of them.
All of this does come with a price (albeit a low one). The first 3 transfers are free, but you will have to pay a one-time fee of $1.99 to send any more images and videos. The key word here is “send” as users can continue to receive files completely free of charge.
The only hard part will be getting all your friends to use it. I know I will keep it on my phone and recommend it whenever necessary. How about you?
Lenovo exec hints at things to come this summer
It seems that Lenovo has something up their sleeve for this summer and the release of the latest Motorola products. This will mark the first time that a Motorola product has been released since the Nexus 6, and with Lenovo at the helm without any other influence. Recently, Lenovo’s chief executive was interviewed and shared just a glimpse at what to expect this summer.
We have many new models in development with the Moto brands, so you may see in summer us launching some every exciting products, including phones and watches.
With that, we can expect to see AT LEAST an updated Moto X and an updated Moto 360
As for the Moto 360, there’s not much to be said as of yet, however, we can only look forward to Lenovo improving upon the already beautiful design and functionality of the Android Wear device. There has been no mention about with Lenovorola will keep the Moto Maker for both the Moto 360 and the Moto X
The post Lenovo exec hints at things to come this summer appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC soon bringing ads to a BlinkFeed near you
Ads are popping up all over the place, everywhere you turn. Well HTC is joining the ad parade by stating that they would be bringing ads to HTC’s BlinkFeed across several markets including the U.S., U.K., and Germany. These ads will be brought to users of BlinkFeed from the likes of Yahoo, Twitter, and “HTC auto promotions for new accessories or devices.”
In the press release found below, HTC did make mention that users will be able to opt out of the ads however, they gave everyone the old song and dance about “this way will help you discover new and useful apps and/or products and services.” Honestly, there are more than enough ads across devices, mobile or desktop, and it’s getting to a point where we need to cut it back just a bit.
It’s important to note that this rollout is a pilot, so right now we’re only testing and analyzing the effectiveness of this particular native format implementation. It’s too soon for us to say when or if these promotions will be rolled out to additional markets.
If you’re worried about some type of software update coming to your HTC device, don’t. BlinkFeed will automatically begin to populate, so there’s really no way of avoiding the inevitable until the ads begin appearing and you can opt out of them.
What are your thoughts on HTC bringing “un-intrusive” ads to your BlinkFeed? Is it a bit much or obtrusive, or is it something that should just be expected in the world of today? Let us know in the comment below.
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Facebook Hello 2.0 update brings notifications and more
Back in April Facebook’s Messenger team introduced Hello, a contacts app which syncs with your Facebook account and your phone’s contacts info making your phone smarter. Hello allows you to quickly see who’s calling, block unwanted calls, and search for people and places on Facebook. Hello also allows you to call and text people free via Messenger.
| Version 2.0 ushers in loads of updates. |
|---|
| Answer calls with one swipe with the new call card layout |
| Filter contacts to show only people with phone numbers |
| Access your Hello contacts in all your other apps |
| Change your contacts’ photos or sync them with Facebook |
| Get notifications for missed and blocked calls |
| Use Hello with two sim cards and choose which one to use to call |
| Easily create shortcuts on your home screen for your top contacts |
| Use Hello with right-to-left languages |
Along with the above features Hello is sporting a tweaked user interface. The initial release of Hello was extremely promising although it fell short of allowing me to completely replace my pre-installed contacts application. The biggest issues I had is that when adding a contact in Hello it would not be added in my stock contacts app. Also when a contact called the Hello screen was very slow and at time unresponsive. Furthermore when the call came in you had to swipe the hello app left or right which in return took you straight to your stock dialer screen.
With Hello I found myself missing a lot of calls due to the fact I first had to unlock my device then fiddle with the sluggish Hello user interface.
In version 2.0 that all has been changed with the new card layout. The card layout now allows you to answer a call with an easy responsive swipe. Facebook has been putting in extra work this week attempting to keep your attention on their social networking site. Earlier in the week releasing Moments a photo sharing competitor to Google’s photos and now the Hello update.
Hello is an intelligent well designed contacts application that utilizes Facebook extensive knowledge and what your friends share with you. Although Hello will only display information of the person who is calling you, as long as they have already shared it with you on Facebook. So unfortunately you still will receive calls that you want know who it is and un displayed contact photos .
Tell us what you think about Hello and if you are going to give it a try. Leave comments below.
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The Kodak IM5 is now available for purchase in Europe
Kodak’s first smartphone is here. The Kodak IM5 has been released today in the Netherlands after its’ announcement at CES 2015 in January. Available for $315 off contract, or free on contract with various carriers, this marks the Kodak’s entry into the smartphone market.
The UI of the Kodak IM5 is a bit different, as while it runs Android KitKat, the Kodak UI is simplified, aimed at consumers who are looking for “a smartphone that is easier to use than what they are currently using.” You could compare the default UI of Kodak’s IM5 to the simplified modes found on more and more Android devices across the smartphone market.
Kodak did mention that while the IM5 was released with Android KitKat, the device should see an update to Lollipop, however did not mention when users could see that update come to their devices. As for the specs, here’s the good ole’ list for you to check out:
- 5 Inch 720×1280 display
- 5MP front-facing camera
- 13 MP rear-facing camera with a unique image management software
- 1.7 GHz Octa-Core MediaTek processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of expandable storage
- 2100 mAh battery
These aren’t the most impressive specs, however, it’s not probable that Kodak was trying to fly high with the big boys with the IM5. The IM5 seems to be designed for the middle of the road or even lower end consumers that are looking for some type of entry device with a decent camera. The simplified UI could definitely appeal to some users out there who don’t want the “fancy” phones.
While released in the Netherlands today, Kodak did mention that the IM5 would become available across the globe, however it’s unknown when that statement will come to fruition. Let us know your thoughts on the Kodak UI and the Kodak IM5 in the comment section below.
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