The LG Band Play is a new smartphone that focuses on audio and camera quality
LG has just announced a new mid-ranger, the LG Band Play, that aims to focus on both audio and camera quality. This Korea-bound smartphone not only features bass-reinforced 1W speakers, but also a powerful 13MP rear-facing camera and a 5MP front-facing shooter. The rear camera also comes with a wide-angle lens as well as LG’s popular laser autofocus feature.
As for the other specifications, the LG Band Play also features a 5.0-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1280, a 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM, 16GB of on-board storage and the ability to add more storage via a microSD card. Additionally, the device has a 2300mAh battery and runs Android 5.1 out of the box.
LG is putting emphasis on the phone’s “focus mode”, which allows the user to focus on their current task without getting distracted by various data-enabled activities like surfing the web. The phone will even block the alarm clock from sounding as well as automatically reject calls when this mode is turned on.
As of right now, there’s no word on international availability. But if you happen to live in Korea, the device will be available from this Thursday, June 25th for 394,800 KRW in both Black and White color options.
SBK15 brings motorcycle racing to your Android device, available now on Google Play
If you’ve been searching for an addictive Superbike racing game for Android, odds are you’ve stumbled across developer Digital Tales’ SBK14 racing game, which made its way to Android devices a few months ago. But if you’re looking for a realistic game with more bikes, riders and tracks, you should check out SBK15, which is out now in the Google Play Store.
Much like the first game in the series, SBK15 focuses on giving users as realistic of a Superbike experience as possible. Players can choose from actual bike brands such as Aprilia, Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati, Suzuki, MV Agusta and BMW, as well as popular riders like Tom Sykes and Sylvain Guintoli. So what does SBK15 offer over its predecessor? Take a look below:
- 13 WSBK rounds, including the brand-new Chang International Circuit in Thailand
- 24 elite riders grouped in 14 racing teams
- 3 game modes, namely Championship, Quick Race and Time Attack
- Enhanced physics engine
- Maximum control flexibility, with 9 configurations including gyroscope and virtual controls
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It should be noted that while this game is just about as realistic as it gets in terms of mobile games, there’s no external controller or multiplayer support, which is what many users come to expect from racing games nowadays. All in all, though, it’s fun, and you definitely can’t beat the price tag. If you’re interested, SBK15 is available for free from the Google Play Store.
Color-changing condoms could tell which VD you just got
A group of teenage inventors have struck upon a clever (albeit still very conceptual) way to alert folks to the presence of various venereal diseases before the burning starts: fluorescing condoms that light up when they encounter dangerous bacteria or virii. The team from Isaac Newton Academy in Illford, England developed the “glowing condom” concept, dubbed S.T.Y.E, as part of this year’s TeenTech awards. It would reportedly operate as a normal condom does but also incorporate a sheath of molecules that attach to the diseases and set off a fluorescent reaction. The added layer would literally glow different colors when in contact with various STDs — green for chlamydia, yellow for herpes, purple for HPV and blue for syphilis.
“We wanted to create something that makes detecting harmful STIs safer than ever before, so that people can take immediate action in the privacy of their own homes without the invasive procedures at the doctors,” Daanyaal Ali told the Daily Mail. “We’ve made sure we’re able to give peace of mind to users and make sure people can be even more responsible than ever before.” Here’s hoping they actually become a real product.
[Image Credit: AFP/Getty]
Filed under: Misc
Source: Daily Mail
Samsung doesn’t want Windows Update running on your computer
As if you needed another reason to do a clean install of WIndows with any new computer, Samsung’s got you covered. It turns out that a piece of the bloatware from the OEM is apparently disabling Windows Update because it interferes with Samsung’s own software updater. The one that, as you might infer, keeps its bloatware up to date on Windows desktops and laptops. A Microsoft MVP (community member, not Redmond employee) chatted with a Samsung customer service rep, asking why this was happening and the rep replied that Windows Update will install drivers for all the hardware on a machine that may or may not work. So, it prevents such a thing by keeping Windows Update turned off. Fine if you aren’t worried about security updates but love keeping things like Samsung’s auto-back-up tools up to date. It’s almost like Samsung wasn’t paying attention to Lenovo and Superfish earlier this year.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Samsung
Via: Gizmodo
Source: BSOD Analysis
Latest Qi spec promises fast wireless charging for your phone
Before long, you won’t have to choose between charging your phone quickly and plunking it on a convenient wireless charger. The Wireless Power Consortium has rolled out a new version of the Qi standard that supports 15W fast wireless charging, much like the sort we saw late last year. The organization isn’t making any performance claims at the moment, and it’ll be a while before phone makers have compatible devices on store shelves. However, it’s safe to say that this will save you some agonizing wait times — you could return home from work, drop your phone on a pad and expect to have a meaningful amount of energy when you head out for the evening.
[Image credit: Aaron Yoo, Flickr]
Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Tablets, Mobile
Via: Pocketnow
Source: Wireless Power Consortium (PDF)
Instagram update brings all new features
Instagram just announced two new features in their app that will help users connect to the world as it happens. The update includes an all new Explore page, with trending “Tags and Places” as well as a powerful search bar that will make it easy to find people and places that you’re looking for.
“We’ve completely reimagined the Explore page to make discovery on Instagram immediate and effortless. “
The all new Explore page will present you with “Trending Tags and Trending Places” as they emerge in real world, which will allow a user to connect to the events that are happening near them and around the globe. In addition to the “Trending Tags and Places”, at the top of Explore page, you will find new curated collections that will be updated regularly. This collection features interesting places, stunning architectures, and extreme athletes categories.
“We’ve dramatically improved the ability to find what you’re looking for“
Instagram has also upgraded the search capabilities of its application. The new top search bar lets you search across people, places and tags all at once. With the new Places search, you can now find images from just about any location on Earth. This allows you to scout out your next vacation spot in the South Pacific, get a look inside that hot new restaurant, or experience your favorite music festival.
The new update is rolling out today and will be available to you very soon. However, the new Explore page is only available for users in the US for now, but the Instagram team says they will work to expand these features worldwide once all of the bugs are ironed out. On the other hand, the new search functionality is available now to everyone worldwide.
Source: Instagram
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Google’s new “Chromebox for meetings” is aimed at large business video conferencing
It was only last year when Google launched Chromebox for meetings, which consists of a Chromebox, camera, speakers, and some other hardware designed for small businesses to be able to video conference. Now Google has launched a brand new Chromebox for meetings bundle aimed at large businesses. The original bundle could handle up to eight people in one room for $999 while the new version can do up to 20 people in one room for $1,999.
Vidya Nagarajan, Senior Product Manager, Chrome for Work said:
Today, we’re expanding to bigger spaces. Chromebox for meetings now supports larger meeting rooms, so groups of up to twenty can seamlessly sync with colleagues around the world and still feel like they’re in the same place. Companies of all sizes, including Whirlpool Corporation, Netflix and Foursquare have tested Chromebox for meetings for the large room and said their users have enjoyed the video quality of the HD meetings.
The new hardware to support larger rooms includes:
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Pan-tilt-zoom camera: USB-enabled 1080 HD PTZ delivers professional video quality for larger conference spaces.
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2x microphone and speaker: Capture conversations in longer rooms with an additional mic and speaker.
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Enhanced dual screen support: Now you can connect two monitors to the PTZ camera and dual microphone and speakers, so your participants can get the richest video conferencing experience.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Google’s new “Chromebox for meetings” is aimed at large business video conferencing
Qi wireless charging is getting a speed increase
Do you find wireless charging very slow? Well that is all about to change very soon. The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced today that a new Qi wireless power standard is coming. It is similar to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology meaning it should be very fast.
Wireless chargers are great for convenience, but really suck to use. Currently they are so much slower compared to just plugging your device in and much slower if your device supports quick charging. It is excellent to hear that wireless charging is finally getting a speed increase. The new version will deliver 15 watts of power as opposed to the current slow 5 watts. This will allow you to wirelessly charge your phone in virtually half the time.
Just like an infomercial “that’s not all”, WPC is saying the new Qi specification will be backward compatible with all existing Qi products. Unfortunately there are no software updates for Qi chargers making me think they are only referring to devices like phones with Qi charging built in and not the older wireless Qi pads.
WPC Increases Power, Improves User Experience with New Qi Wireless Power Standard Specification
Latest Update Paves the Way for Fast Charging of Mobile Phones
PISCATAWAY, N.J., June 23, 2015 – The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the driving force and leader in the global adoption of wireless power technology, today announced that the latest version of the Qi specification now makes it possible to deliver 15 watts of power to mobile phones that support wireless fast charging. This Qi fast charging feature enhances the charging experience by decreasing the time required to wirelessly charge devices.
Several manufacturers already offer wired fast charging for their devices, providing as much as 60 percent charge in as little as 30 minutes. The latest Qi specification empowers them to extend this speed to wireless charging as well. Once again this is a first in wireless charging, creating more choice for consumers in the eco system of Qi-compatible products, an ecosystem that already offers the largest choice in wireless chargers, addressing the many different needs of consumers at home and on the move.
“With a deployed base of well over 50 million units, hundreds of registered products and users all around the world, we understand the importance of a specification that supports innovation,” said Menno Treffers, chairman of the WPC. “This release marks an important milestone for Qi, introducing the first higher power class and paving the way for our members to address more demanding applications with products that work seamlessly with the installed base of Qi-compatible products.”
In addition to the new Qi specification, the WPC also approved the test procedures and tools needed to verify that fast charging products are compliant with the new Qi specification, as well as being backward compatible with all existing Qi products.
The new specification is initially available only for members of the Wireless Power Consortium. It will be made available as a public document at a later date.
Come comment on this article: Qi wireless charging is getting a speed increase
Xperia Z3+ overheats and crashes in seconds
Remember those issues surrounding the Snapdragon 810 that caused Samsung to ditch the processor in its Samsung Galaxy S6 range due to overheating issues? Well it seems that the Sony Xperia Z3+ has confirmed that there is an overheating problem.
In a video captured reviewing the device, the Sony Xperia Z3+ is shown overheating and crashing in a matter of seconds while running the built-in Camera app.
Shooting standard images or capturing 1080p video seems to not be a problem at all, but when attempting to capture 4K video or using some advanced built-in features like augmented reality mode, the Xperia Z3+ overheats and shuts down.
Sony has already insisted that the overheating is normal and isn’t a problem, but clearly this isn’t intended behaviour. Sony are already working on a fix for the issue and will be delivered as OTA updates for the camera. Whether it’s the Snapdragon 810 or the Camera app itself causing the issue remains to be seen and will have to wait until after the Camera app is updated to conclude.
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