eBay’s Apple Watch app puts auctions on your wrist
If you’re an eBay veteran, you know that every moment of a late-stage auction counts. You don’t want to lose because you couldn’t grab your phone quickly enough to make a counter-bid, after all. Appropriately, eBay is rolling out an Apple Watch app to go with its Pebble and Samsung Gear efforts. The wearable software both gives you alerts for auctions and lets you make quick bids — you might prevent someone from sniping that antique auction without even reaching into your pocket. You can also reply to messages with voice dictation, and keep tabs on your top-level buying and selling activity. The update should hit the App Store today, so check it out if you always have to beat other buyers to the punch.
Filed under: Wearables, Internet
Via: TechCrunch
Source: eBay
CarPlay and Android Auto will be in Cadillac’s 2016 models
Following in the footsteps of sibling Chevrolet, Cadillac has also revealed its plans to support both CarPlay and Android Auto. This is yet another move by the automaker’s parent company, General Motors, to not miss out on the new wave of in-car features from Apple and Google. Cadillac says it’s all part of a major overhaul to CUE, the 8-inch infotainment system that’s been powering its vehicles for the past few years. You can expect to see CarPlay in most 2016 Cadillacs this summer (save for the SRX Crossover), while Android Auto compatibility is scheduled to arrive at a later, undisclosed date.
Filed under: Transportation, Software, Apple, Google
Source: Cadillac
Bionic leg climbs stairs with ease
As advanced as prosthetic feet and legs have become, they’re frequently lousy with stairs. You usually have to reconfigure your limb to make the climb, even if it’s just for a few seconds. That won’t be an issue again if the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s efforts pay off, however. Its researchers have built a new bionic leg that lets you climb stairs, kneel and otherwise move freely without straining yourself. It revolves around a control system that tells what you’re trying to do and adjusts automatically, letting you focus on walking instead of terrain changes. The leg is only in a very limited test run backed by the US Army, but it’s expected to become a commercial product that helps amputees of all stripes.
[Image credit: Ann Simon/Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago]
Filed under: Wearables, Science
Via: Motherboard
Source: JAMA
PornTime is Popcorn Time’s naughty cousin, and it’s coming to Android
Last year we saw Popcorn Time hit the scene, offering a Netflix-like solution to pirating movies with support for PCs, Macs, Linux, and even Android. The service basically made it easy to stream movies using technology that utilized BitTorrents to get the job done. Now it looks like the same platform and technology are being utilized to bring easy streaming of high-quality porno movies via the aptly named Porn Time. Porn Time currently only offers support for Windows, Mac, and Linux but Android and iOS versions are expected to arrive sometime in the next week or two.
Porn Time currently only offers support for Windows, Mac, and Linux but Android and iOS versions are expected to arrive sometime in the next week or two. Just like with Popcorn Time, don’t expect this one to be officially offered on Google Play, though you’ll be able to download it directly from PornTime’s website.
Tech wise, there’s not much different here than with Popcorn Time: the app grabs torrent files, and then both downloads and streams the torrents on the fly.
Tech wise, there’s not much different here than with Popcorn Time: the app grabs torrent files, and then both downloads and streams the torrents on the fly.
As the service’s lead developer told VentureBeat earlier this week:
Porn Time works exactly the same as Popcorn Time does, only the content is all porn. Porn Time users can enjoy the latest, hottest porn movies instantly and in HD quality, with just a click of a button. Just like with Popcorn Time, the content can be cast directly to the big screen with Chromecast or Airplay.
We can’t say we are surprised to see the same Bittorent-based tech being used to make porn consumption easier but, unlike Popcorn Time, free porn already has a lot of competition. There are an innumerable amount of sites around these days that make it easy to watch quality pornos for free (not that’d I know …..), though we suppose for those that actually like porn movie for the stories (so like two or three people on the planet) some of the even higher caliber titles might be available on PornTime that aren’t as easy to acquire elsewhere.
Considering most sites don’t require downloading or Bittorents, and instead use more traditional embedded videos for porn watching, we can’t imagine that Porn Time will find nearly as much success among pirates as Popcorn Time has. That said, support for things like Chromecast could certainly make the platform a bit more appealing, especially if the upcoming Android app supports the feature, which we imagine it will.
ZTE to be first phone maker to win the 4K race with Star 3?
The ZTE Star 2.
While there are a number of rumors suggesting that the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 may be among the first smartphones to break the QHD barrier, a new rumor out of China suggests that ZTE might be the very first player to embraced a higher-than-QHD resolution for the upcoming Star 3.
As the rumor goes, the ZTE Star 3 will be equipped with a 5.5-inch UHD display with an impressively high resolution of 2160 x 3840 and a PPI of 806. While Sharp already has a 5.5-inch display that matches this size and resolution, it won’t be ready for mass production until 2016 and so the rumor mill claims that China-based BOE will be the maker behind the high-res screen. It needs to be said that this rumor could very easily prove to be nothing more than unfounded gossip.
The big question here is if UHD (or 4K) offers a noticeable difference when compared to QHD, or even 1080p for that matter.
All that said, for just about every major jump in resolution we’ve seen at least one Chinese company among the first to offer a bleeding edge display. For example, the jump to 1080p saw the Oppo Find 5 as one of the very first contenders, even if the HTC Butterfly (aka Droid DNA) actually was the first to make it to market. With QHD, Vivo and Oppo (with the Find 7) were among the very first, followed closely by LG with the G3.
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The big question here is if UHD (or 4K) offers a noticeable difference when compared to QHD, or even 1080p for that matter. After all, many have criticized QHD for offering a negligible difference when compared to 1080p, while causing a very noticeable difference in terms of battery drain and processor strain. With UHD, the same negatives will apply but with possibly even less to gain, with only the sharpest eye likely to note the difference.
Of course, tech will continue to march forward and even if the gain isn’t that noticeable, we are sure the display will look absolutely stunning, provided the rumor is accurate. It is also worth mentioning that ZTE will reportedly use a TFT panel with a special crystal structure that is designed to reduce power consumption while improving the display’s durability, which could help somewhat resolve the battery strain issues that come with a higher resolution display.
What do you think, are you excited to see the first UHD/4K smartphones, or do you feel QHD (or even 1080p) is more than good enough?
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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
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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]
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