Easymind breaking boundaries
It’s not every day that you see a new kind of app. The Play Store seems flooded with just about every type of app you can get, almost like everything possible has already been thought of and made. The developers at Easymind saw an opportunity to make a tool that would bring convenience to the masses by allowing users to vote on polls, either private or public. The app is a small 23MB and requires an Internet connection.
Setup
You need to create an account upon opening Easymind. It is indeed a bit of a nuisance, however it is certainly necessary as users can create private polls and share it with their friends. This becomes particularly handy when you have a group chat. There are quite a few Settings but few of them are actually toggles, most of them are for account settings. There is a tutorial to help you in the beginning, so you’re not left in the dark
Function
I’m sure you’ve experienced the moment when everyone wants to eat at a different restaurant or watch a different movie. So, now someone can be assigned to create a poll and the rest of you go to his account and, granted that the poll creator has granted you access to his poll, vote for your option. It is easy to create a poll. You can add different voting options and set a time for how long the poll is open for. Unfortunately the results are only displayed when the time runs out, so you have to wait until the end to get any idea of the results. Easymind has added a nice feature here that shows you the demographics of voters (Age, Sex) on each option available. It knows your age and sex from when you signed up. A handy feature is that you can limit who can vote, if you feel it’s necessary. So if you only want females to vote, just change it when you create a poll!
The user interface is decent, however at times I found myself confused at where the previous screens could be found. You can follow people an easily view their public polls.
Is it for me?
Almost certainly! Unless you don’t text that often or aren’t that kind of person who would go have a picnic, you should definitely try it out. It might be a nuisance setting up, but that’t the only hurdle.
What we liked
- Its applicability in real life
- Easy to use
- For private and global use
And not so much…
- Confusing user interface
- Independent of any messaging apps
Easymind should try integrate it better with social messaging, as the work between inviting new users and having to use two apps may seem a bit demanding for some users. They have certainly created something that has the opportunity to be big, constant work and improvements on it should insure that the “possibilities are infinite”, as they say in the app description.
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Marshall created an audiophile smartphone
We always love when random companies decide to produce a smartphone. Today we have a new one, by Marshall, who’s name is most associated with their historically successful pro-audio amplifier business. It is called the London and you’ve guessed it, puts audio in front of everything else.
Let’s review what the London will do for your pricey set of cans, beginning with the on-board audio chipset. The London uses a Wolfson WM8281 ‘Audio Hub’. Wolfson has always been a highly regarded audio solution for smartphones (often found in Galaxy phones), so it’s a great choice. The WM8281 is capable of high resolution 24-bit 192 KHz playback and probably the best solution for a smartphone at the moment.
Looking at the top of the device, we see a couple unique features.
First, those dual headphone jacks are sadly not for a dual-channel set up. They are two headphone sources, so another person can share your audio experience. A neat thing is that each source has independent volume control. Thus, your ears don’t have to be blasted due to your friend’s hearing loss. Though I do wonder, can you watch a movie while the other listens to music? That’d be rad.
Another thing you might’ve noticed on the top is a gold button, with Marshall’s signature ‘M’ on it. This is a dedicated button to launch you into your music or the Global Equalizer that Marshall has developed for the phone.
Since you’re going to be rockin’ out frequently, there is also a gold scroll wheel for ‘tactile precision’ control of the volume.
With all this said, you’re probably expecting mediocre specs elsewhere? You’d be right, they’re fairly yesteryear:
- Display: 4.7″ 720P IPS LCD, with Gorilla Glass 3 protection
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, quad-core @ 1.2 GHz
- Memory: 2 GB of Ram
- Storage: 16 GB on-board, with microSD support
- Cameras: 8 MP rear and 2 MP front
- Battery: 2,500 mAh, removable
- OS: Android Lollipop 5.0.2
A couple other notable mentions is that the London houses front-firing stereo speakers, contains the high quality Bluetooth aptX, and comes with Marshall’s Mode earphones.
The price of the London is quoted at 4,995 Swedish Krona, which translates to roughly $585 USD. It is expected to begin delivery on August 17th. Are you swayed to push specs to the side for a better audio experience?
Source: Marshall Headphones
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Oculus buys VR hand-tracking company Pebbles Interfaces
It’s pretty easy to see why Oculus VR wanted to scoop up this company: Pebbles Interfaces specializes in technology that detects hand movement via “custom optics, sensor systems and algorithms,” the Oculus blog explains. “Over time, technology breakthroughs in sensors will unlock new human interaction methods in VR and revolutionize the way people communicate in virtual worlds.” We’re talking about hands as controllers in virtual reality here. Pebbles joins the hardware engineering and computer vision teams at Oculus, where it hopes to make VR more immersive with improved human-computer interaction.
Oculus revealed its own brand of motion controllers, the Oculus Touch, back in June. The Touch is two separate handheld devices with two buttons and one analog stick each, and it’s closer to a natural input system than using, say, an Xbox One controller. But it seems that Oculus has been interested in device-free movement for a while: In December, Oculus acquired Nimble VR, a company that transfers your real-life skeletal movement into virtual reality. Yep, hands in VR. In May, Oculus acquired Surreal Vision, a company that transforms physical spaces into VR worlds. Yep, hands and entire rooms in VR.
Source: Pebbles Interfaces, Oculus
Samsung begins testing Samsung Pay in Korea
Samsung’s Apple Pay competitor is almost ready for primetime — but first, it’s going through a bit of testing. The company announced that it’s begun a Samsung Pay trial for select owners of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Plus in Korea. To refresh, Samsung Pay is the company’s spin on mobile payments, and while it packs in NFC, it also takes advantage of Samsung’s acquisition of LoopPay for “magnetic secure transmission.” That allows you to hold your Samsung phone next to any magnetic card stripe reader to make a payment. Apple Pay and other mobile payments offerings rely on NFC, which isn’t as widely supported at most retailers. There’s no word when Samsung Pay will officially launch (Samsung says “it won’t be long”), but rumors point it landing alongside the Galaxy Note 5 in August.
Filed under: Misc, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Samsung
Apple in ‘Advanced Talks’ With Mobile Telecom Groups for Standardized ‘e-SIM’ Cards
Apple and Samsung are in talks with mobile standards organization GSMA to introduce electronic SIM cards, according to Financial Times. The talks are happening around the GSMA’s impending announcement of the creation of a standardized embedded SIM card for consumer devices, which would involve both Apple and Samsung if the talks go through.
Rumors of Apple creating its own SIM card line began in late 2010, when a report from Gigaom claimed the company was working with digital security firm Gemalto to create the custom built-in SIM. The iPhone 4s was even rumored to be “SIM-less,” pointing once again to an electronic SIM card pre-built into the device to save space, and inaccessible to the user.
The e-SIM would essentially allow customers to avoid being locked in to a dedicated mobile carrier, letting them sign up to their network of choice and even switch instantly if they changed their minds.
With today’s news, the networks expected to be on board with the new e-SIM standard include: AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchison Whampoa, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone. GSMA’s chief executive, Anne Bouverot, claims all parties are “heading towards an agreement” regarding the standardized e-SIM card. But, as the Financial Times points out, thanks to the technical specifications of the e-SIM, it will be “at least a year” before any devices supporting the new card reach the market.
The GSMA said: “With the majority of operators on board, the plan is to finalise the technical architecture that will be used in the development of an end-to-end remote SIM solution for consumer devices, with delivery anticipated by 2016.”
“We have got everyone back on one point, with Apple and Samsung agreeing to be part of that specification,” said Ms Bouverot. “We have been working with them and others to create an industry solution for machines and will agree a solution for consumer electronics.”
The deal with Apple is yet to be finalized, however, with the GSMA noting it is “continuing to work with Apple to secure their support for the initiative” and an actual agreement with Apple “is still in progress.”
Last year, Apple took its first steps toward opening up carrier access on some of its devices, introducing an Apple SIM card for cellular versions of both the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, allowing users — particularly in the United States — to switch easily between AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, taking advantage of each carrier’s short-term data plans as they saw fit. EE in the UK was also included in the Apple SIM program, and just weeks ago a partnership with GigSky expanded Apple SIM service to over 90 countries.
The e-SIM standard has been under consideration for several years, but many carriers have resisted the concept over concerns it will be too easy for customers to switch. Even with Apple’s physical Apple SIM card, AT&T moved to locking cards to the carrier’s service. The company gave no reason why it decided to prevent the Apple SIM from functioning properly beyond “it’s just simply the way we’ve chosen to do it.” With only a handful of carriers currently on board and a 2016 launch date for the new e-SIM cards, it remains to be seen how quickly they will be able to gain momentum in the industry.
Misfit introduces the entry-level Flash Link while lowering Shine and Flash prices
The amount of health and fitness devices on the market is anything but sparse. And the companies behind them are showing no signs of backing down. Misfit, which already has the Shine and Flash activity trackers, has announced an entry-level device to remain competitive and attract new consumers. The Flash Link is a simplified device that users can carry around and collect data about their day-to-day activities. It can be attached with a clip rather than strapped on a wrist. The Flash Link is essentially the same of the Flash but without the band.
There is also a new app to build upon the functionality of the Flash and Flash Link. The Link app converts those devices into smart buttons to take pictures, control music, and operate slideshow presentations. Both IFTTT and Logitech Harmony integrations are on the way with additional functionality. Misfit notes that the app is not ready and will go live next month.
Alongside the launch of the Flash Link, Misfit has lowered the prices of the Shine and Flash to $69 and $29, respectively. The entry-level Flash Link, though, is available for just $19.
Misfit’s Flash Link: More Powerful At a Lower Price
BURLINGAME, CA July 16, 2015–Today Misfit, makers of Shine and Flash Fitness and Sleep Monitors, announces Misfit Link, a new software experience that makes Flash an even more powerful tool to control and connect with the world around you.
The new Misfit Link app lets you use any Flash to take a selfie with your phone camera or Snapchat; control your music with Spotify, Pandora, and more; or advance slides in a presentation. Additional functionality coming soon, including IFTTT and Logitech Harmony integrations. The iOS app is available for download now; an Android version will be released next month.
Misfit is also unveiling a new hardware offering: Flash Link, an easy to use activity tracker and smart button compatible with the Misfit Link app with a suggested retail price of $19.99. At this price, Flash Link is the lowest-priced multifunctional and modular wearable product on the market.
Misfit Flash Link is available now on misfit.com and includes the tracker / smart button device and a companion clip so you can wear it anywhere. In addition to announcing Flash Link and the Misfit Link app, the Company is now making Shine and Flash available for $69.99 and $29.99, respectively.
“We’re focused on making products everyone can use. Flash Link is not just a more affordable wearable, it’s a more powerful one,” said Tim Golnik, Misfit’s Vice President of Product and Design.
Flash Link will be available later this quarter in retail locations worldwide.
About Flash Link
Flash Link is an easy-to-use activity tracker and smart button. A low priced, modular, and multi-functional wearable, Flash Link gives users even more ways to connect with the world around them. Use any Flash or Flash Link with the Misfit Link app to take a selfie, control your music (pause, play, skip songs, adjust the volume), or advance slides in a presentation.About Misfit
Misfit invents and manufactures wearable and smart home products. The Company was founded in 2011 by Sonny Vu with John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi, and Sridhar Iyengar, co-founder and former CTO of AgaMatrix.
Come comment on this article: Misfit introduces the entry-level Flash Link while lowering Shine and Flash prices
Motorola hosting event on July 28th, expect it to be filled with new hardware
Motorola just announced they will be hosting an event on July 28th and we can infer that this is when the company will unveil its latest round of hardware. The unveiling will take place in three major cities simultaneously – London, São Paulo, and New York City.
The tagline for the event states “Yes, We’re in a relationship with our phone” and “A better mobile relationship is on its way.” According to recent leaks, we should see the new Moto X flagship and the more affordable Moto G. The company may also release some new low-end handsets and possibly the new Moto 360 smartwatch. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard many rumors about the latter, so Motorola could be waiting even longer to show the world its next smartwatch.
What are you most excited about?
Source: Motorola
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Unknown LG device with Snapdragon 808 and 4GB RAM surfaces online
Earlier today, an unknown handset visited Geekbench. The device is manufactured my LG and contains a Snapdragon 808 chipset with 4GB of RAM. The mysterious device is listed under the code LGE LG-F600L and has a single core performance of 1082, and a 3298 multi-core performance. These are good numbers and hint towards a flagship device.
LG has already confirmed they will be making the next iteration of Google’s Nexus line. The device is expected to feature around a 5-inch display and will be released alongside a Huawai-made Nexus device in the fourth quarter. These devices should debut alongside the new version of Google’s mobile operating system, Android M. Could this be the new Nexus handset? Maybe.
Rumors have also led us to believe this could be the new LG G Pro. The LG G Pro is supposed to be a follow up handset for the second half of 2015. The company mentioned this shortly after they released the high end LG G4. The LG G Pro is expected to come in the fourth quarter as well and recent leaks suggest an all-metal build with around a 6-inch display.
All we can do is wait for an official announcement. Either way this is shaping up to be a beast of a handset.
Source: Geekbench
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: Unknown LG device with Snapdragon 808 and 4GB RAM surfaces online
HBO Now available on Amazon Fire tablets, coming to Play Store later today
HBO has today made its Now streaming service available on Amazon’s Fire tablets, and plans on bringing the service to the Google Play Store later today. HBO will have a list of supported devices on its website when Now official lands on the Play Store.
While Now is available on Amazon’s Fire tablets, it isn’t available on the Fire TV or Fire TV stick. Support will be added in a few weeks time, along with compatibility with the Chromecast.
Keep in mind that HBO Now does employ a subscription fee: $15/month for all of your favorite shows, such as the hit fantasy series Game of Thrones. Alternatively, HBO GO requires a cable subscription for access to HBO’s many TV shows.
HBO originally announced that its Now streaming service would be coming to Android with eventual Chromecast support during Google’s I/O 2015 developer conference.
For those that aren’t sure about the subscription fee or just want to do a quick binge-watch, HBO Now offers a 30-day free trial before any payment is requested, giving you just enough time to catch up on the Game of Thrones series without paying a dime.
source: HBO
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OnePlus will have 50 times more inventory at launch than it did with the OnePlus one
The OnePlus two announcement is slowly drawing closer. OnePlus plans to announce its new flagship device on July 27th, just one day prior to Motorola’s event. According to Venturebeat, the company will be prepared this time having produced nearly 50 times the amount of supply compared to its last handset in order to fill the demand.
There has been much criticism about how the company goes about selling its products but, as of now, we can expect a similar route to the OnePlus One. The company is said to be preparing the use of reservations to invites. So prospective buyers will have to make a reservation, wait for an invite, and then finally purchase the OnePlus 2.
If you want to watch the announcement, the company is broadcasting in virtual reality, and you can order their cardboard virtual reality headset to stream.
Via: Venturebeat
Come comment on this article: OnePlus will have 50 times more inventory at launch than it did with the OnePlus one
AIVAnet 