Xiaomi’s Mi 4 gets a price cut down to Rs 14,999
Xiaomi’s fantastic budget phone, the Mi 4, has taken an official price cut, bringing it down to just Rs 14,999. That’s roughly 234 American dollars, which is a steal for the hardware that you’ll get with the Mi 4.
The device launched at Rs 19,999 (~$313) and features a 1080p screen, a Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage. It fits right in with Xiaomi’s aggressively priced, high-powered smartphones, and so far it’s been a huge seller for the company, moving over 10 million Mi 4 units worldwide. With this price cut, I think we can all expect it to keep selling extremely well.
It’s just too bad we never see any Xiaomi phones make their way to the US.
source: The Techolic
Come comment on this article: Xiaomi’s Mi 4 gets a price cut down to Rs 14,999
Samsung prepping security update for SwiftKey keyboard vulnerability
Earlier today, a massive security exploit involving Samsung’s default SwiftKey keyboard spread across the internet like wildfire showing the dangers of manufacturers pre-loading third-party software on their phones. The vulnerability was pretty obscure and wouldn’t affect everyone with a Samsung device, but it was still a fairly serious exploit Fortunately, Samsung has issued a relatively quick response about the whole situation.
Samsung has stated that they’re working on a fix, and it will be deployed through a security policy update via Knox. The vulnerability was based in how language packs for Samsung’s SwiftKey-backed keyboard were updated, and doesn’t affect the normal version of SwiftKey that you may have downloaded through the Play Store.
If you have a Galaxy S6, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, or Galaxy S4 Mini on any of the four major US carriers, you can expect Knox to patch things up in the near future.
source: Android Central
Come comment on this article: Samsung prepping security update for SwiftKey keyboard vulnerability
Batteries that stretch are perfect for smart watches and clothes
Used to be that the only time your lithium-ion batteries changed their shape was when they were about to explode in an airliner cargo hold. But thanks to the ingenuity of an Arizona State University research team, future power packs could not only bend but stretch up to 150 percent of their original size while providing an uninterrupted stream of power. Their secret: the ancient Japanese art form of Kirigami. It’s an an offshoot of the more well-known Origami form that involves both folding and cutting the working material.
Such a battery “could potentially be used to replace the bulky and rigid batteries that are limiting the development of compact wearable electronic devices,” Hanqing Jiang, an associate professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, said in a statement. The technology could eventually even be woven directly into fabrics. For now, however, the team has embedded the battery prototype into a stretchy smartwatch band as a proof of concept, which you can see in action in the video above.
Filed under: Wearables, Science
Source: Arizona State University
Ello’s ad-free social network comes to the iPhone
When Ello came into the social networking scene late last year as an ad-free alternative to Facebook, it was pretty barebones in terms of features. That didn’t stop it from gaining hundreds of thousands of users in a few short days and around a million new sign-ups in under a month. Ello’s growth has slowed since the initial hype, but its feature set has blossomed — search and notifications are much better, you can now post videos from YouTube and audio from SoundCloud and there are now ways to block bothersome users. You can also now “love” posts so you can revisit them later. A couple of weeks ago, Ello even removed its invitation-only restriction. Today, it’s making an even bigger announcement. Before, its mobile presence was limited to your phone’s browser. But now, at long last, it has an app.
I had a chance to try out an early version of the app for a few hours and I liked what I saw. The interface is clean and minimalist with a simple black and white aesthetic, which is very similar to how Ello is on the web. There are five menu bar options at the bottom which will take you to one of five sections: Discover, Notifications, your Friends / Noise feeds, your own profile and a compose screen. The menu bar disappears when you scroll down any one of the sections; you can bring it up again by scrolling back to the top.
Perhaps the most interesting section is the Discover tab, which shows you a list of interesting posts curated by the folks at Ello. At the very top of the page is a link that implores you to “Find & invite your friends”, which essentially hooks up the app to your phone’s own contacts list if you give it the permission to do so. You can also then search for your friends either by name or email address (that is, only if they want to be found). CEO and co-founder Paul Budnitz tells me that you don’t have to worry about Ello storing any of that information. “We hash and encrypt all your contacts,” he says. “You’re not sharing any data with us. None of that gets stored on our servers.”
Most of the other sections are pretty self-explanatory. Notifications now lives in its own tab instead of getting lumped into the friends stream. You can even enable real-time alerts whenever you get a new comment. As before, your following feed is split into Friends and Noise — the former lets you see entire posts while the latter gives you smaller previews, for a quicker scan. You can edit your profile right from the phone and you can also easily check out your list of “loved” posts. And in addition to composing text, you can also snap a photo or grab one from your library and upload the full resolution image to your page. Searching for users seems pretty fast as well.
While it’s easy to laugh off Ello’s late arrival to apps, I can actually see why it decided to do that. Ello was very rough around the edges in the beginning — performance was laggy and search was almost non-existent — and it makes sense for the team to focus their efforts on making the core desktop experience better before turning their focus on mobile. “We launched it on desktop only because most of our users were artists,” says Budnitz, explaining that long-form content and large photos are best when viewed on a computer. But the community has been growing and Budnitz and his crew finally felt that Ello could sustain more people coming in. It used to be just artists and creatives, he says, but now there are people posting cat photos and sharing everyday moments. It was time.
Budnitz also gave me a brief insight into how Ello plans to make money. He says that starting early next year, Ello will be rolling out a social commerce initiative so that anyone — be they brands or just everyday folks like you and me — can sell stuff on their streams. All you would need to do is to take a photo of something, draw a box around it with an arrow pointing to it, add a price and post it. Your followers will then be able to buy that item directly from the stream just like you can on Etsy. Budnitz is positioning this as a great tool for independent artists and small businesses, but you can use this as a garage sale tool of sorts as well. Budnitz says that he hopes to integrate it with Apple Pay too. He also wants to extend this to music and software downloads and even booking appointments with your massage therapist. And, of course, Ello will take a small percentage cut of sales.
Yet, it remains to be seen if Ello will actually catch on outside of just a few early adopters and that initial community. Most of my friends who jumped on Ello months ago have stopped using it. The last post I see on my feed was over a month ago. I’m not sure if a mobile app will change their usage all that significantly.
At the end of it all, however, Ello is still holding on to its core mission statement of not having ads and keeping the community relatively small. The team is mostly run out of Denver and Vermont and only has around 28 employees. “We don’t want to become another Wal-Mart social network,” says Budnitz. “We’re not here to sign up everyone in the world.”
The new Ello app is rolling out for iOS first, but will come to Android and Windows devices later this summer.
Filed under: Internet
Source: Ello
Vimeo completely revamps its iPhone video editing app
Vimeo has just released a redesigned Cameo video app, more than a year since it purchased the startup. According to the company, it rebuilt the app “from the ground up starting from scratch,” though it retains its core feature: the ability to create, edit and share video clips. The team made editing a lot simpler and video rendering a lot faster; they also added a bunch of new themes, fonts and soundtracks for background music that you can use. You can easily import straight from Vimeo or your iPhone camera roll, as well, without having to worry about file size and length. And, as you’d expect, the redesigned app makes it simpler to upload clips to Vimeo, where your stuff might get featured in the new “Best of Cameo” channel. The new Cameo’s now out on iTunes (or it will soon be, if you don’t see it yet) and remains separate from its parent company’s application.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/130116799?color=d39d61&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
Filed under: Mobile
V-Moda will sell 3D-printed headphone covers for $40-$40,000
Device customization is a huge selling point. Companies like Motorola and LG have been really taking advantage of this, but headphone maker V-Moda is planning to bring things to the next level. This company may not be widely recognized for consumers, but they make some pretty awesome headphones, and soon they will also be among the most customizable… and expensive.
V-MODA will be offering custom 3D-printed shields for their XS and Crossfade M-100 headsets. These plates would go over the headphones and adorn them with what seem like very intricate and often flashy designs. And because they are 3D-printed just for you, it will be possible to personalize them and make them truly yours.
So here’s the deal: customers can choose to get their shields 3D-printed in materials like fiber, aluminum and stainless steel… or they can get fancy and go for precious metals like bronze, silver, 14-karat gold and platinum. Obviously, the difference in prices is insane.
A fiber shield will cost you only $40, while stainless steel plates will go for about $100. Really, it’s only the platinum shields that will cost $40,000 – and that’s with the priciest design (studded). I do have to wonder if they will sell any of those. I wouldn’t pay that much to make my headphones flashy, even if I was a millionaire. I guess there’s always a market for these super expensive technology articles, hence they keep making them.
Anyways. If you are interested, you can head straight to the V-MODA website, choose your headphones and start customizing. You can even upload your own designs from there. I played around with it and have to say it’s quite fun. It’s a pretty awesome concept, and you don’t even have to spend thousands of dollars if you are more humble about your materials! I would be happy with steel – how about you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2MMAboQvo8
#gallery-1
margin: auto;
#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 33%;
#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Best Android phones [June 2015]
There are a wide range of smartphones that are up for grabs today with varying price points. So it can get a bit tricky to pick the best of them, mainly due to the sheer volume of devices. Some handsets, however, stand out in the crowd and we’re going to discuss the best of the best. Choice is one of the best things about choosing an Android device over other platforms.
The phones listed here have all been released by the end of June.
OnePlus One
Despite being on the market for an entire year, the OnePlus One continues to make its way onto our list on the basis of price and performance. It runs a clean, customized version of Android in the form of OxygenOS and that makes the overall experience even better.
Right now, the model with 16GB of internal storage is available for $249 and $349 returns 64GB of internal storage along with year-long subscription of Dropbox Pro. The OnePlus One features a 5-inch display (1920×1080), 13MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 3,100 mAh battery. It runs Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and this summer should see Android 5.1 arrive in the form of a software update.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
This is another device from last year that has held up months later. The Galaxy Note 4 goes to show that some devices have stood the test of time quite convincingly. The Galaxy Note 4 was launched amidst plenty of hype and buzz during IFA 2015 in September. The smartphone was soon to be overshadowed by the launch of the Apple iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a stellar handset.
Following the long range of Galaxy Note devices, this one too comes with the iconic S-Pen, an accessory that has some fancy tricks up its sleeve. On the hardware front, customers are greeted to a 5.7-inch display (2560×1440), 16MP rear camera, 3.7MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, and 3220 mAh battery.
The Galaxy Note 4, even though its approaching the anniversary of its release, still maintains a high two-year contract price. With a two-year contract, the price is $299. Without a contract, the Galaxy Note 4 costs around $699. And any carriers with payment plans charge around $29 per month. The Galaxy Note 4 really gives you what you pay for.
Nexus 6
The Nexus 6 was originally supposed to be an Android Silver device before the program was scrapped by Google. The program was touted to bring high-end hardware to consumers, a shift from the principles of selling stock Android devices on the cheap.
Although its size was a bit of a disappointment for the customers, there’s no denying that it is by far the best Nexus device to be sold by Google, perhaps after the Nexus 4 and 5. We highly doubt anyone would give the Galaxy Nexus that acclaim.
The handset has a massive a 5.96-inch display (2560×1440), 13MP camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3GB of RAM, an abundance of internal storage, Snapdragon 805 processor, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and 3220 mAh battery housed inside.
The device, available directly from Google and select retailers, will set you back by $649 and $699 for the 32 and 64GB models, respectively. Don’t forget that the Nexus 6 will likely be among the first devices to receive Android M when it launches this fall.
LG G4
The LG G4 was announced recently and is only making its way to the markets now. It’s the company’s flagship handset, which means you’re getting the very best of LG. The smartphone is selling for just under $600 from T-Mobile off contract, which is a remarkable price for a flagship smartphone.
It features all the necessary hardware to grab your attention, including a 5.5-inch display (2560×1440) and an impressive design with a leather rear panel option available as well. The device hosts a 16MP camera with an f/1.8 lens underneath its gorgeous exterior and is accompanied by an 8MP front-facing camera with an aperture size of f/2.0, which is quite impressive for a front camera.
Other specifications, too, make the G4 the beast that it is. The internal storage is set at 32GB but is expandable by 2TB through a microSD card slot. The G4’s hexa-core processor, the Snapdragon 808, is paired with 3GB of RAM so performance is not an issue. For those looking to get the G4, T-Mobile is offering a 128GB microSD card for free along with the device, thus offering you an added incentive to get the device from Team Magenta.
The price of the G4 is set around $599 without a contract but carriers have payment plans to spread the cost across twenty-four months.
Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge
Adjudged the best smartphones available in the market, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge have topped the performance and usability charts from critics and users alike. In addition to featuring a groundbreaking design and technology underneath, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge were also voted to be sporting the best camera sensors in the industry by DxOMark, which is an industry approved site for judging mobile camera performance.
If you’re in the market for a flagship Android phone and money is no bar, you can’t do much better than the Galaxy S6 or the Galaxy S6 Edge right now. The smartphones are available from all major carriers as well as plenty of retailers, so you have a multitude of options to get either of the two devices.
The Galaxy S6 comes with a 5.1-inch Quad HD display, 16MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera, Exynos 7420 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32/64/128GB options when it comes to internal storage, Android 5.0.2 Lollipop or higher, and a 2550 mAh battery. The Galaxy S6 Edge has the same hardware specs sheet but with the curved edges on either side and a slightly larger 2600 mAh battery pack.
The Galaxy S6 starts from $599 off-contract, while the pricing for the Galaxy S6 Edge starts from $699 from major carriers in the United States. Of course, you can also get the devices by signing a two-year contract for $199.99 and $299.99, respectively.
What devices do you think are among the best available right now? Let us know in the comments.
Come comment on this article: Best Android phones [June 2015]
Intel acquires Recon Instruments to expand wearable technology portfolio
Intel has reported that it acquired Recon Instruments, a Canadian organization known for making wearable displays. Brian Krzanich, Intel’s CEO made a commitment shortly after he got his current role in 2013 to wearable technology and now is acting on it. Krzanich, stated that Intel is an ideal partner for Recon.
Dan Eisenhardt, Recon’s co-founder and CEO, said the following:
“Not only is this a huge milestone for us and a pivotal event in the consumer electronics industry; we at Recon believe this is also a tremendous opportunity that will lead to amazing things, just as much for us as for our customers.
…Brian and his team, including New Technology Group head Josh Walden, share our vision for the potential of smart eyewear in the consumer and enterprise markets, and this deal reflects that shared vision.”
Recon will now have the resources to grow the business much faster and efficiently than they could have as a small start up. Eisenhardt says they plan on staying in Vancouver and will keep their employees and brand very much alive after the acquisition. He also added that Intel will help not only grow the business, but will also develop a stronger developer relations program and app ecosystem. Plus, Recon will be able to draw from Intel’s extensive technology portfolio being the most successful semiconductor company.
Source: Recon Instruements
Come comment on this article: Intel acquires Recon Instruments to expand wearable technology portfolio
Samsung Asks Court to Reconsider Appeal in Infringement Ruling [Mac Blog]
Samsung today asked the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a central part of a recent ruling that ensured Apple would receive $548 million in damages, according to the San Jose Mercury News. The Korean company wants the court to hear the case with its full 12-judge roster rather than the 3-judge panel it used in the previous ruling.
“Unlike rugs, spoons, and simple mechanical objects, smartphones incorporate hundreds or thousands of different patented technologies, and it is undisputed here that Apple’s design patents claim only partial, minor features of such devices,” Samsung’s lawyers argued in court papers.
In 2012, a jury ruled that Samsung willfully infringed Apple patents and awarded the Cupertino company $1 billion in damages. However, the award was slightly reduced to around $900 million a short time later after it was determined the original jury erred in its decision. Earlier this year, a U.S. appeals court reversed a significant part of the judgment, bringing the award down to $548 million. Samsung’s latest move would target a part of the verdict that accounts for $400 million of the $548 million in damages Samsung owes.
The move is the latest in the ongoing legal battles between Samsung and Apple. In June 2014, it was reported that the two companies were attempting to find “common ground” in their legal battles and that they were both attempting to become “more practical” about finding a solution.
T-Mobile giving away LG G Pad F 8.0 for Father’s Day
Those looking for an affordable tablet to give dad for Father’s Day should probably stop searching now (or at least take a second to consider this awesome deal). T-Mobile is giving away the LG G Pad F 8.0 for anyone signing up with a qualified plan.
So here are the details. You have to sign up under and installment plan and activate the device on postpaid Simple Choice Mobile Internet plan of with least 1 GB of data (you can opt for more, if you need to). The monthly $9.99 installment plan charge will continue to show up on your bill, but there will also be a $9.99 credit labeled as “LG Tablet Promotion 2015″.
This makes the LG G Pad F 8.0 completely free for those who pay for the service. The credit will continue to be added for 24 months as long as you keep the service alive. Cancel the plan and T-Mobile will also cancel your monthly credit, and then you would just have to pay the remainder of the full price, which totals to $239.76.
Is this tablet worth your time and money, though? Let’s see.
LG G Pad F 8.0 specs
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
- 8-inch 1280x800p display
- 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 1 GB of RAM
- 16 GB of internal storage
- 5 MP camera with flash
- 4G LTE connectivity
- 4200 mAh battery
- 8.3 x 4.89 x 0.35 inches
- 12.31 ounces
So you can tell right off the bat this is no high-end gadget; the price itself tells you that much. Does your dad need a high-end device, though? If he is not a hard-core user, chances are he will be using it for mundane things, such as social networking, browsing, emails, media consumption and the like. This tablet should handle those tasks pretty well, and even the occasional casual game.
I wouldn’t say you go out of your way to sign up for this deal unless you were already planning to get an affordable tablet with carrier service. It’s certainly a good deal, but you will be locked with paying for service for a whole two years. Not much better than a contract, if you ask me.
Are you considering signing up for one of these? If so, do keep in mind T-Mobile is only offering this deal while supplies last and for a limited time. The dates are not specified, so you best get on it soon!
AIVAnet 