Turing Phone can now be reserved – are you getting one?
Turing Robotics Industries knows they are catering to a niche market, but they don’t quite know how much interest there is for their Turing Phone just yet. The company may have missed the expected July 31st pre-order date, but they are making up for it by allowing you to reserve a phone.
In essence, it’s pretty much just the company’s way of finding out how many people are interested in buying a Turing Phone, likely to estimate production. You give them your information, but have no commitment to buy a Turing Phone when it is finally released. And since there is no contract, they also don’t have a need to sell you a phone if they don’t have one for you.
The reservation process is very simple. Just choose a color option (beowulf, pharaoh or cardinal) and a storage option (16, 64 or 128 GB), and then give them your information. That’s it!
Just in case you don’t know the Turing Phone, it’s a secure handset that is strong both inside and out. The device comes with water protection, a strong body made of liquidmetal and pretty good specs.
Turing Phone specs
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
- 5.5-inch 1080p display
- 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
- 3 GB of RAM
- 16/64/128 GB of internal storage
- 13 MP rear-facing camera
- 8 MP front-facing camera
- 3000 mAh battery
Those are specifications you don’t often find in rugged, security-focused smartphones. We spent some time with it and can tell you the phone is pretty snappy. The UI may not be ideal for Android purists, as it is very heavily modified, but the phone takes care of business, and it looks good doing so.
Of course, the Turing Phone is not cheap. The 16 GB version will cost $610 USD, while 64 GB and 128 GB versions will be priced at $740 and $870, respectively. This goes right in line with other high-end smartphones in the market, yet the Turing Phone’s specs are not on par with those. Those interested in this device want it for other reasons, though, and the phone has enough power to function well.
So what do you guys say? Are any of you interested in buying the Turing Phone?
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 should be an evolutionary upgrade
Still wondering what Samsung is going to unveil at its August 13th event? Well-known tipster Evan Blass (aka @evleaks) might have just removed what few doubts are left. He not only posted official-looking snapshots of both the Galaxy Note 5 and its curvier S6 Edge+ sibling, but revealed purported specs for the Note 5. From all indications, at least the Note 5 is going to be more of a refinement (at least, in terms of hardware) of the Note 4 than a revolution. You’re still looking at a 5.7-inch quad HD display, a 16-megapixel rear camera and 32GB of built-in storage. The biggest changes are the Galaxy S6’s octa-core processor, a bump to 4GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel front cam… and, unfortunately for some, the removal of the microSD card slot.
There are no new details for the bigger Edge, although it’s expected to be little more than an upsized version of the unusually-shaped phone you already know. At this point, the only big questions left are the software and release date. At least the Note 5 is poised to ship with Android 5.1, but Samsung usually has a few extra pen-oriented features up its sleeve. And while it’s likely that the new gigantophone will be unveiled sooner than many people expected, it’s not certain how soon you’ll get one in your hands.
Rains->Pours. Samsung Noble (SM-N920/self-reported): Exynos 7420 SoC (4×2.1GHz+4×1.5GHz), 5.66″ 2560×1440, 4GB/32GB, 16MP/5MP, 5.1.1, no SD.
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 1, 2015
Filed under:
Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung
Via:
SamMobile
Source:
Evan Blass (Twitter 1), (2)
Tags: android, android5.1, galaxynote5, galaxys6edgeplus, mobilepostcross, samsung, smartphone
Build your own smart, modular speaker with SparkBlocks
You’ve seen modular controllers and even modular phones, but here’s a new twist: a modular speaker system. Meet SparkBlocks, a crowdfunded audio system that’s just as elaborate (or simple) as you want it to be. The basic unit is little more than a portable speaker with a 4-hour battery, but you can attach components that turn it into much more, including a media hub. Hook up a SmartBlook and you get a tiny touchscreen computer that can answer phone calls, get alerts and download apps. Other add-ons will boost audio quality, charge your phone, clip on to your bike and even light up your camping trip.
It’s an ambitious project, and it won’t necessarily be cheap depending on how much you want. You need to spend at least $89 (normally $119) for the core block, and you’re realistically looking at $199 or more for ‘full’ kits with Bluetooth, extra battery capacity and better sound. You can even drop $1,300 to create a 5.1-channel surround sound unit. If the SparkBlocks technology ships as planned in April 2016, though, it could save you the trouble of hunting down a small audio system that meets your needs — you’ll just build it yourself.
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, Peripherals, HD
Source:
Kickstarter
Tags: audio, crowdfunding, hdpostcross, kickstarter, sparkaudio, sparkblocks, speaker, video, wireless, wirelessspeakers
Android Auto gets Audiobooks.com app, but it’s not that great
Audio books are hugely popular amongst drivers because it allows people to listen to their favorite book while driving. What otherwise would normally be a huge time waste suddenly becomes more productive. With Android Auto becoming more available it should be no surprise that Audiobooks.com has created an app to work with it.
Unfortunately reports are coming in that it isn’t that great yet. There is no Google Wallet support, no PayPal, or anything else in the phone app. However they do say browsing titles is easy to do and there is a fair amount of free content for you to try without needing an account. You can also search all the free books directly in Android Auto.
Once you login on your phone you can receive 1 free credit a month for $14.95, which you can then put towards a book or get a book totally free each month if it’s under $15. Once you download a book you can plug your phone in and listen through Android Auto with your car speakers.
Playback is said to be decent with a play/pause button, and 30-second forward and reverse buttons, however nothing else. The bad news is the forward and reverse buttons are said to be too skinny/small and not look like what you would expect them to look like. Although not totally Audiobooks.com’s fault as Android Auto does not have standardized buttons between apps.
If you are one of the small few with an Android Auto car, feel free to try Audiobooks.com’s app and tell us your thoughts.
Source: Android Central
Come comment on this article: Android Auto gets Audiobooks.com app, but it’s not that great
ES File Explorer updated with Material Design UI
File managers are necessary, even if we may not use them all the times. You need to keep those files organized and move them around from time to time; might as well do it in a nice Material Design interface. Popular ES File Explorer File Manager has been updated with Matias Duarte’s design language for Android.
The UI now offers a clean and simple perspective of what used to be a cluttered experience. The black and gray hues have been replaced with white and blue colors, and a floating action button has been added to the lower-right corner. In addition, the developer has removed the lower bar and placed all options on top.
#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 */
The latest update brings the app to version 4.0, but design seems to be the main improvement. There’s likely your usual set of bug fixes and performance improvements, as well. As it goes with all updates, this one is now showing up for everyone just yet. But keep it tuned to the Google Play Store and your update should come in due time. If you want it now, you can get the APK file here.
For now, let us know what you think of this upgrade? Are you a fan? Do you prefer the older interface?
Disney explains why its 3D animation looks so realistic
Have you watched 3D-animated Disney flicks like Big Hero 6 and wondered how some of its scenes manage to look surprisingly realistic? Today’s your lucky day: Disney has posted a top-level explanation of how its image rendering engine, Hyperion, works its movie magic. The software revolves around “path tracing,” an advanced ray tracing technique that calculates light’s path as it bounces off objects in a scene. It takes into account materials (like Baymax’s translucent skin), and saves valuable time by bundling light rays that are headed in the same direction — important when Hyperion is tracking millions of rays at once. The technology is efficient enough that animators don’t have to ‘cheat’ when drawing very large scenes, like BH6‘s picturesque views of San Fransokyo. Although Disney’s tech still isn’t perfectly true to life, it’s close enough that the studio might just fool you in those moments when it strives for absolute accuracy.
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, Software, HD
Source:
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Tags: animation, bighero6, disney, hdpostcross, hyperion, light, lighting, movies, pathtracing, raytracing, video
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo confirmed to get Lollipop
If you’re the owner of a Galaxy Note 3 Neo, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Samsung haven’t forgotten you when it comes to Android 5.0. Despite Android M being right around the corner, Samsung took to Twitter to confirm that the device will receive Android Lollipop in the UK.
@Antonio46366149 We can confirm that the Note 3 Neo will be moving to lollipop. Have you tried manually looking for updates? 1/2
— Samsung UK (@SamsungUK) August 1, 2015
The new software will be Android 5.0, so it is already woefully out of date, but an update nonetheless from the Android 4.4.3 the device is currently running.
Included in the update for the Galaxy Note 3 Neo is a redesigned recent apps menu, new lock-screen card notifications, easier accessible quick settings, and improved battery life.
The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo confirmed to get Lollipop appeared first on AndroidGuys.
MotoMaker customization options for the Moto X Style
The Moto X Style was announced last week along with the Moto G and Moto X Play. Unfortunately, the Moto X Play does not appear to be coming to the US, but the Moto X Style will make an appearance under the name of Moto X Pure Edition according to Motorola’s US website.
The Moto G is already on sale now, and we are well aware of all the color combinations available for the Moto G. What we weren’t to sure about was what color options will be available for the Moto X Style/Pure Edition.
Today, I am happy to share with you all of the 18 color inlays, 7 accent colors and 3 frame options that will be made available for the Moto X Style. 
As you can see, there are 4 leather options, 4 wood options and 10 CSR options for the back of the Moto X.
CSR, coated silicon rubber, is a soft grip back that is meant to have a soft feel and a warm look. The silicon was created specifically to resist discoloration and keep its color throughout time so that you can choose the brightest color and have confidence that it won’t lose its color.
The four leather options still come from the Horween tannery just like last year’s leather options.
Looking at the graphic above, what color combinations would you pick? I am thinking a cabernet CSR backing with dark gray accents just like I said I would pick for the Moto G. I just happen to really like purple, and I am not apologizing for it!
Source: MotoMakers Group
The post MotoMaker customization options for the Moto X Style appeared first on AndroidGuys.
You can download the OnePlus 2’s wallpapers right here
People will not be able to purchase the OnePlus 2 until August 11 (invites required, of course), but the handset’s wallpapers are already available to download. The company detailed the default wallpaper, Hans, a few days ago before posting twenty-five wallpapers online. There are apparently twenty-seven wallpapers shipping with the OnePlus 2, though, and that means two of them are missing on OnePlus’ site. OnePlus did not explain each and every wallpaper. Instead, the company noted that they cover different genres for everyone.
Hit the break for the gallery to download the wallpapers.
- Select a wallpaper from below
- Open the wallpaper in a new tab
- Save to get full resolution
Source: OnePlus
Come comment on this article: You can download the OnePlus 2’s wallpapers right here
Hitchhiking robot lasts just two weeks in the US
Hitchbot might have made it across Canada, but it appears that the US wasn’t quite so kind to this mechanical traveler. The hitchhiking robot’s American journey has ended after a mere two weeks thanks to a vandal attack in Philadelphia. While the team behind Hitchbot vows that its experiments with artificial intelligence and human interaction are “not over,” it’s clear that this nomad isn’t about to resume its cross-America trek all that quickly. You’ll hear more details on August 5th — here’s hoping that this includes plans for Hitchbot to bum rides once again, whether it’s in the States or abroad.
Filed under:
Robots
Via:
Gizmodo
Source:
Hitchbot
Tags: ai, america, artificialintelligence, hitchbot, hitchhiking, robot, ryerson, travel, us
AIVAnet 