World’s most advanced digital camera will power a space telescope
If you think the 50-megapixel sensor in your new DSLR is hot stuff, you haven’t seen anything yet. The Department of Energy has given the all-clear to build the Large Synoptic Survey Telecscope’s 3.2-gigapixel digital camera, which promises to be the most advanced in the world. It’s not just the resolution (which easily eclipses that of sophisticated airborne surveillance cams) that lets scientists make such a bold claim. It will photograph patches of sky 40 times larger than the Moon, and pick up more light than any optical telescope on Earth — both important factors when you’re trying to study the early universe, track poorly-lit asteroids and understand dark energy. While the LSST’s camera won’t even see its first test runs until 2019, the output could easily justify those years of work.
Via:
Symmetry
Source:
SLAC
Tags: camera, departmentofenergy, gigapixel, largesynopticsurveytelescope, lsst, science, space, telescope
Samsung’s Gear S2 is a classy Tizen watch with a rotating bezel
Remember that time Samsung teased a new smartwatch after unveiling some phones we knew were coming? You should! This was seriously only two weeks ago, guys. Anyway, Samsung is finally talking specifics about the watch — known as the Gear S2 — ahead of the murky mobile maelstrom brewing in Berlin right now. First off, it’s actually even smaller than we thought it would be. Earlier leaks pointed to a round smartwatch with a 1.65-inch screen running at 360 x 360 — turns out the resolution was right, but the Gear S2’s screen is only 1.2 inches across.
Just don’t expect a dainty little thing. Samsung says the Gear S2 is about 11.4mm thick; that’s just a hair heftier than Huawei’s own fashion-forward smartwatch, and that thing already looks a tad ridiculous. Oh, and as the lack of the word “Galaxy” in the name suggests, Samsung’s Gear S2 runs Tizen instead of Android Wear. That means it’s thankfully free of the pervasive sense of sameness baked into every Google-approved smartwatch, a fact that’s only reinforced by the wearable’s rotating bezel controls. Samsung hasn’t done a great job of explaining how this control scheme works, but we’ll probably be spinning that dial to sift through installed apps and zoom in and out of photos. Throw in a 1GHz dual-core processor and an NFC radio to make the watch a mobile-payments gizmo (we’re looking at you, Samsung Pay) and we’ve got an interesting little wearable, if nothing else.
To absolutely no one’s shock, it looks like Samsung has a Gear S2 for just about everybody. In case the silver Gear S2 up there with the white wriststrap doesn’t do it for you, there’s also a dark gray variant with a matching gray band. There’s a 3G-friendly version with an eSIM too that’ll let you make phone calls right from your wrist (if you don’t mind a thicker body). And because fashionistas are notoriously fickle, Samsung also prepared what it calls a “Classic” version with a black chassis and a black leather strap for good measure. Alas, there’s no word on how much any of these will cost, so we’ll probably have to see what’s happening at IFA anyway.
[Images credit: Samsung]
Tags: galaxygear, gear, gears, GearS2, samsung, smartwatch, tizen, wearable
Google Here shut down amidst privacy, interest concerns
Google appears to have been working on a secret project called Google Here that would have added some new features to their Google Maps product, but Alphabet CEO Larry Page decided to kill it off. Google Here would have combined Google Maps with location detection triggered by wireless beacons installed by retailers to launch “app-less” apps on a user’s smartphone.
According to the information that has surfaced, Google Here was a fairly large project that spanned several departments and was led by Dan Cath and the Google Maps team. Sources familiar with the project say it was shut down amid concerns that it was too invasive and there was not enough information available indicating retailers would buy in to it. Some have noted Nokia’s Here mapping service may have created a small marketing glitch as well.
The idea behind Google Here is similar to what some apps have built-in – certain actions will be triggered when a smartphone is determined to be close to a given destination or location. For example, some to-do apps give user the ability to set a location like “grocery store” and when the user is close to that destination, a message will pop up to remind them of what is on their grocery list.
Using beacons installed in retail locations of participating merchants, a user’s phone would operate in a similar manner, albeit without any previous interaction by the user. For example, if a user had a Walgreen’s loyalty card and entered a Walgreen’s, Google Here would automatically bring up the loyalty card on the user’s screen.
However, even if a user had not previously interacted with a location, they may get a nudge from Google Here. For instance, if a user visited a Starbucks, they may receive a notification to install the Starbucks app for a discount.
This second example was one that Google and potential partners were especially interested in as it was a way to push offers to individuals who were not otherwise customers. Increasingly, especially for retailers, they are finding it difficult to get customers to install their specific apps and it was thought Google Here might provide a way around that.
Sources say one of the problems that became clear was that a successful user experience would require more than installation of a beacon. Retailers would have to invest in a development team to put together mobile advertising to take advantage of the platform. This cost could turn off a lot of retailers, especially smaller ones, from participation.
Google appears to have identified their own issue with making Google Maps into a push notification platform. They worried this would be received as invasive and annoy smartphone owners.
Although Google Here may have been killed off, sources think similar concepts are still in the works inside Google.
source: Fortune
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LG G Pad X 10.1 heads to AT&T this week
This Friday, AT&T will be adding another tablet to its deep lineup of devices. The LG G Pad X 10.1 will be available to customers online on September 4 before reaching retail stores a week later.
Key specifications:
- 10.1 inch Full HD (1920×1080) display
- Quad-core processor clocked at 2.26GHz
- 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot
- 7400mAh battery
Corporate synergy is in effect with the G Pad X 10.1 as the DirecTV app is pre-installed. The app offers quick access to DirecTV’s programming guide and streaming catalog. AT&T’s acquisition of the TV provider closed in July, likely meaning that many devices to come will also have the DirecTV app pre-installed.
While the two-year contract price is $249, AT&T lowers the cost to $17.50 per month for twenty months through its installment plan.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: AT&T
AT&T To Offer Customers LG G Pad X 10.1 With DIRECTV App Included Starting September 4
GET LG’S LATEST INNOVATIVE TABLET WITH ACCESS TO THE NATION’S MOST RELIABLE 4G LTE NETWORK(1) FOR $17.50 PER MONTH FOR 20 MONTHS
DALLAS, Aug. 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The new LG G Pad X™ 10.1 offers high performance and big-screen viewing with the new DIRECTV app already installed. AT&T2 will begin selling the tablet online at www.att.com on Sept. 4 and in its retail stores nationwide on Sept. 11.
The LG G Pad X 10.1 is available in Brilliant Bronze for $17.50 per month for 20 months with an AT&T Tablet Installment Plan3. You can add the tablet to a new or existing Mobile Share Value Plan for an additional $10 per month access charge.4 You can also buy the device for $249.99 with a two-year agreement.5
Device Features
The LG G Pad X 10.1’s slim, rounded metallic design delivers a large viewing area that is compact and comfortable. You can be productive and enjoy amazing browsing or entertainment experiences with the tablet’s 10.1-inch full HD widescreen display. The display offers you true colors, sharp text and clear images in a lightweight, portable design.The Dual Window split screen allows side-by-side viewing of two compatible apps, offering a convenient option for multitasking. By pairing an existing Android™ smartphone to the new LG G Pad X 10.1, the QPair™ feature6 lets you answer calls, receive and reply to text messages and stay on top of social networks even when your phone is across the room. Enjoy improjeved e-Reading through Reader Mode, a solution that helps reduce eye strain by dampening the screen intensity often associated with LCD tablets.
Additional key features include:
- DIRECTV®: The DIRECTV Everywhere app turns your tablet into an entertainment powerhouse. DIRECTV customers can watch live TV, the hottest shows and movies on demand and view your DVR playlist.7 Set your DVR from almost anywhere, discover new shows, and control your TV and more.8
- Cameras: 8MP auto-focus rear camera. A simple hand gesture with the Gesture Shot feature of the 2MP front camera will activate a three-second timer countdown letting you capture perfect selfies.
- Operating System: Android 5.1.1
- Processor: The powerful 2.26 GHz Quad Core processor and 2GB of RAM delivers smooth videos, gaming and content streaming.
- Storage: A 7400mAh battery gives long-lasting performance. 32GB9 of storage on-board, expandable by up to 128GB with available microSD card (card sold separately).
Supporting Quote
“As one of the first tablets to offer the DIRECTV app already installed, the LG G Pad X 10.1 is a game-changer for entertainment,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Device Marketing and Developer Services, AT&T. “With the G Pad X 10.1 you can walk out of an AT&T store watching your favorite shows on DIRECTV, before the service is even installed in your home. Combining this with a high speed processor, Full HD screen, and the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network, the G Pad X 10.1 is a comprehensive mobile entertainment system at an affordable price.”Device Eco-rating
The LG G Pad X 10.1 earned three out of five stars on AT&T’s Eco-Rating 2.0 system. The 2.0 system rates the social and environmental factors of AT&T branded handset devices and tablets. AT&T created the Eco-Rating 2.0 system to empower consumers to make better informed decisions when selecting a device. For more information about this device’s rating, AT&T’s Eco-Rating 2.0 System, and how you can join AT&T in making a difference, please visit http://att.com/ecospace.Supporting Resources
- View the LG Pad X 10.1 video: http://go-att.us/LGGPadX10-1HL.
- For more information on the G Pad X 10.1 visit: att.com/gpadx10.
1Reliability based on nationwide 4G LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.
2AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
3Req’s well-qualified credit & 20-month 0% APR installment agmt. Eligible data plan is required & is extra. Deposit may apply. Tax due at sale. If wireless svc is cancelled, device balance due. Fees, other charges & restr’s apply.
4Mobile Share Value plan min of $20/mo for 300 MB plan charge plus $10/per month tablet access charge. Other devices have add’l access charge ($10 to $40/mo). Fees, other monthly charges, overage, & restr’s apply. See att.com/msv for plan details.
5Monthly wireless service (voice & data) required. Early termination fee (up to $150) & other fees, charges & restrictions apply.
6Requires smartphones with Android 4.1 and above. Bluetooth required.
7Subscription required. Limited programming available. Functionality varies by compatible device and location. Only select networks corresponding to your package selection are available for live streaming and may vary by location and device. Additional charges may apply. All functions and programming subject to change at any time. Visit directv.com/everywhere for complete details. Android is a trademark of Google. Functionality varies by compatible device. Only select networks corresponding to your package selection are available for live streaming. Additional charges may apply. Other conditions apply. Visit directv.com/everywhere for a list of compatible devices (sold separately), equipment requirements and complete details. GenieGo and HD DVR required. Remote viewing only available on certain devices from certain providers. Additional data charges may apply. Other restrictions apply. Visit directv.com/GenieGo for a list of compatible devices, equipment requirements and more information.
8Not all channels available. Standard programming fees apply. In-home live-streaming feature requires home-based Wi-Fi and connected HD DVR. Out-of home viewing requires high-speed internet connection. Content varies by device, TV plan and viewing location. Data charges may apply.
9Portion of memory occupied by existing content.About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high speed Internet and voice services. We’re the world’s largest provider of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. In the U.S., our wireless network offers the nation’s strongest LTE signal and the most reliable 4G LTE network. We offer the best global wireless coverage*. And we help businesses worldwide serve their customers better with our mobility and secure cloud solutions.Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at http://about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at www.youtube.com/att.
© 2015 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Reliability and signal strength claims based on nationwide carriers’ LTE. Signal strength claim based ONLY on avg. LTE signal strength. LTE not available everywhere.
*Global coverage claim based on offering discounted voice and data roaming; LTE roaming; voice roaming; and world-capable smartphone and tablets in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier. Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be limited/restricted in some countries.
Come comment on this article: LG G Pad X 10.1 heads to AT&T this week
LG to display smart home products at IFA 2015, including retrofit device
LG has announced they plan to showcase some of their latest smart home technology at IFA 2015. Headlining the devices will be the LG SmartThinQ Sensor which can be used to retrofit any normal home appliance to become a pseudo-smart appliance. LG also indicated their new devices will be compatible with the AllJoyn open platform for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The SmartThinQ Sensor is a small, circular device that users can attached to any existing home appliance. The device includes a variety of sensors that can detect things like vibration or temperature. Using that information, like when a normal washing machine has stopped vibrating indicating it has ended its cycle, the SmartThinQ Sensor will then communicate this to a user’s smartphone to let them know the cycle is done.
LG says the combination of the SmartThinQ Sensor and the SmartThinQ app will allow users to control a variety of appliances and even systems like their air conditioning remotely.
In a more traditional smart home vein, LG will also unveil their Smart Lightwave Oven and Smart Air Conditioner. These devices will be AllJoyn compatible. Unlike traditional devices that use the SmartThinQ Sensor to provide feedback based on physical conditions, these smart appliances from LG will be more capable in providing users with control and information remotely beyond simple notifications.
LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution Company president and CEO Jo Seong-jin says,
“Adoption of smart home appliances has been slow because of the perception that the technology is not easily accessible. LG is committed to continuing its leadership in the smart home market with innovations such as LG SmartThingQ, which provides real-life benefits and offers new lifestyle conveniences through technology that is easy to use.”
Would you be interested in retrofitting your traditional appliances to add some smart home features?
source: LG
Come comment on this article: LG to display smart home products at IFA 2015, including retrofit device
Sling TV now available on Amazon Fire Tablets
Expanding on the range of devices user’s can access Sling TV, the provider has announced that they now support current versions of the Amazon Fire HD and Amazon Fire HDX tablets. These devices join the Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick as supported Sling TV devices from Amazon. To help entice Amazon tablet owners to check out Sling TV, they are offering a 14-day free trial for owners of Amazon tablet devices.
Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV, says, “Amazon customers now have more ways to access the best live and on-demand content TV has to offer today. With the introduction of Sling TV on Amazon Fire HD and HDX tablets, millions of Amazon customers can now access their entertainment in and outside of the home.”
You can read the full press release from Sling TV below:
Sling TV Launches on Amazon Fire Tablets
- Sling TV now available on current versions of Amazon Fire HD and Fire HDX tablets, in addition to Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
- Amazon Fire HDX 8.9, Fire HDX 7, Fire HD 7 and Fire HD 6 tablet customers can watch Sling TV free for 14 days
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sling TV released its app for Amazon Fire HD and HDX tablets, rounding out its live Internet TV offering on Fire devices, including Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. Amazon Fire HD and HDX tablet device owners can now download the Sling TV app in the Amazon Appstore. For a limited time, new Sling TV customers with an Amazon Fire HDX 8.9, Fire HDX 7, Fire HD 7 or Fire HD 6 tablet can also take advantage of a 14-day free trial of Sling TV.
“Amazon customers now have more ways to access the best live and on-demand content TV has to offer today,” said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. “With the introduction of Sling TV on Amazon Fire HD and HDX tablets, millions of Amazon customers can now access their entertainment in and outside of the home.”
“We are thrilled to have Sling TV available to our Fire HD and HDX tablet customers,” said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Appstore. “Since launching on Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Sling TV has been extremely popular with our customers and availability on Fire HD and HDX tablets makes it even more convenient for them to watch their favorite live television shows without a cable subscription.”
The Fire HD and Fire HDX tablets are the latest to be added to the roster of Sling TV supported devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Google’s Nexus Player, current-generation Roku players and Roku TV models, Xbox One, iOS and Android devices, Mac and PC.
To purchase a compatible Amazon tablet, visit Amazon.com. To access the 14-day free trial offer, new Sling TV customers must download the Sling TV app from the Amazon Appstore on an Amazon Fire HDX 8.9, Fire HDX 7, Fire HD 7 or Fire HD 6 tablet and follow instructions to activate the offer in-app. After the free trial, the customer’s credit card will be charged for the applicable subscription unless they cancel.
Sling TV’s “Best of Live TV” includes more than 20 channels for $20 per month. The core package delivers ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, A&E, TNT, HISTORY, H2, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Rey, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, ABC Family, Disney Channel, CNN, Bloomberg TV, Lifetime and Galavisión. This package additionally features access to WatchESPN, including ESPN3 and an extensive library of VOD entertainment. Customers can choose to customize their entertainment experience with the addition of HBO® for $15 per month. Additional a la carte-like add-ons include “Sports Extra,” “Hollywood Extra,” “Kids Extra,” “Lifestyle Extra,” “World News Extra” and Latino add-ons, “Deportes Extras” and “Películas & Novelas Extra,” each for $5 per month. In addition to live channels and VOD entertainment, Sling TV customers have access to popular content from Maker Studios.
About Sling TV
Sling TV L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), provides over-the-top television services including domestic and international live and Video-On-Demand programming. It is available on televisions, tablets, computers and smartphones. The Sling TV programming portfolio includes content from Disney/ESPN, HBO, AMC, A&E, Turner, Scripps, EPIX, Univision and Maker Studios. Sling Latino offers a suite of standalone and add-on Spanish-language programming packages tailored to English-dominant, bilingual and Spanish-dominant U.S. Hispanics. Sling International currently provides more than 200 channels in 18 languages across multiple devices to U.S. households. Sling TV is a next-generation service that meets the entertainment needs of today’s contemporary viewers. Visit www.Sling.com.
Follow @Sling on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Sling #TakeBackTV
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Check out the first trailer for EA’s upcoming card-based RPG, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
Electronic Arts first revealed its plans to bring a new card-based RPG, called Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, to Android back at E3 2015 in June, though up until now, details have been quite scarce regarding the new mobile title. Today that changes, as the popular video game developer has just released the first trailer, giving us a good look at how exactly the game will function.
The trailer shows off some gameplay clips, featuring iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Mace Windu and even Ahsoka Tano. For those who aren’t able to check out the video at this time, here are a few screenshots taken from the trailer:
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EA plans to bring Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes to Android sometime this holiday season, though exact availability details are still unknown at the moment. We’ll be sure to let you know when we learn more.
AIVAnet 