Sony unveils the Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium with a 4k display
Leading up to IFA 2015 there have been a ton of Xperia Z5 leaks. Finally, we get to see the real thing. We already knew roughly what we were going to get with the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact, but one we didn’t hear as much about was the Xperia Z5 Premium with the world’s first 4k display.
A big Z5 feature is a new large 1/2.3 Exmor RS™ for mobile 23MP sensor and F2.0 G Lens. Sony says this is the fastest autofocus smartphone camera in the world, which takes only 0.03 seconds. That is faster than the blink of an eye.
Just like in previous models, the Z5 will have a very clean and elegant design with a combination of metal and glass, while keeping it’s waterproofing. It has a 5.2″ 1080p display and will come in White, Graphite Black, Gold and Green.
It’s smaller variant, the Z5 Compact has a 4.6″ 720p display, making it easier for one handed use. It comes in Yellow and Coral, in addition to White and Graphite Black.
All the new Z5’s will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, a 64 bit octa-core CPU, 3GB of RAM (2GB on Compact), quick charge, and new battery standby features that are capable of two days of use. A fingerprint reader is also built into the power button making it easy to find and use.
The real excitement is for the Z5 Premium edition. It is the world’s first 5.5″ 4k display smartphone. That gives it a pixel density of 806 ppi. To make sure everything always looks good, Sony have stated that it will upscale all your content. That means everything from photos, Netflix, YouTube, and more, will all look great on it. The camera is also capable of recording 4k and being able to watch it in 4k right on the device. To power everything, the battery is 3430 mAh and also capable of lasting two days. Internal storage is only 32GB, but supports microSD cards up to 200GB. More than enough space for all those 4k videos. As for colors it comes in Chrome, Black, and Gold (see picture at the top for colors).
Source: Sony
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Google will unveil new Nexus smartphones on September 29th in San Francisco
We’ve been hearing tons of rumors lately about Google’s upcoming lineup of Nexus smartphones, and it looks like we’ll finally see them officially unveiled in late September. The company is set to hold an event in San Francisco on September 29th, just in time for the holidays.
We’re expecting two Nexus devices, one of which will be a larger Huawei device and the other will be a smaller LG phone. These devices will probably be among the first Android devices to run Android Marshmallow, which we typically see with Nexus devices.
We’ve got a pretty solid idea on what both smartphones will have in terms of hardware, but pricing is still up in the air. Before the Nexus 6 last year, Google tried to set a trend with low cost devices. There’s no telling which direction the new Nexus devices will go, but we’ll know for certain by the end of the month.
source: Cnet
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Verizon follows Google, unveils new company logo
Google isn’t the only company this week that’s rolling out a new logo. Verizon has coincidentally followed suit and revealed a new, more modern logo. The font has changed slightly, but Verizon is keeping their trademark red checkmark.
Verizon says they’re updating their logo to reflect their new place in the changing technology landscape. The market is significantly different than it was 15 years ago, which is pretty similar reasoning to Google’s change.
You can expect the new logo to start rolling out to all of Verizon’s branding and services over the next week.
source: Verizon
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Google joins other tech companies to create a new video format
Google has teamed up with 6 other tech giants to create a next-generation video format. The partnership includes key players like Amazon, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, Netflix and Mozilla (aside from the Search Giant), a collective which is to be named the Alliance for Open Media.
You may be asking yourself what exactly the issue is with current video formats. Why are all these companies teaming up for a new solution, if our videos are already great? The main issue is that most popular video formats were not made with browsers and mobile devices in mind, they were simply adapted to them. The idea is that this next-generation standard would offer more flexibility, better support and improved browser compatibility.
The Alliance’s initial focus is to deliver a next-generation video format that is:
- Interoperable and open;
- Optimized for the web;
- Scalable to any modern device at any bandwidth;
- Designed with a low computational footprint and optimized for hardware;
- Capable of consistent, highest-quality, real-time video delivery; and
- Flexible for both commercial and non-commercial content, including user-generated content.
These guys will join forces and harness their specific areas of expertise to create a royalty-free video codec, placing a high emphasis on the above-mentioned characteristics, as well as encryption, adaptive streaming and more.
“Customer expectations for media delivery continue to grow, and fulfilling their expectations requires the concerted energy of the entire ecosystem. The Alliance for Open Media brings together the leading experts in the entire video stack to work together in pursuit of open, royalty-free and interoperable solutions for the next generation of video delivery.” -Gabe Frost, executive director at Alliance for Open Media
I am usually uncertain about new formats and their success, but with so many huge players on board, I find it difficult for this project to fail. Google and company are off to a good start, and more details will be revealed as the program develops. For now, all we can do is wait and see how this project unfolds. What do you guys think? Do we need a new format? Maybe this will be the one we have all been waiting for!
Internet-connected baby monitors are vulnerable to attacks
Don’t call a priest just yet if you hear strange voices coming out of your child’s baby monitor — it’s more likely a hacker than some kind of supernatural entity. Security firm Rapid 7 has released a study that shows just how vulnerable at least nine internet-connected baby monitors are. The team tested models from eight manufacturers (including Philips and Withings) this 2015 and found that hackers can easily break into them, not only to scare the living daylights out of a family, but also to monitor their activities. For instance, some models have unencrypted web apps, so hackers can use that flaw to gain access to their cameras.
Others allow users to add people to the list of viewers without authenticating themselves, giving interlopers the power to invite other intruders to livestream what the baby monitor sees. These are but a couple of examples to give you an idea. Unfortunately, among the eight manufacturers whose products were tested, only Philips was responsive and promised to patch up its device’s security hole.
Rapid7 warns that it’s not just pervs with lots of time on their hands parents should be worried about. Industrial spies could also take advantage of the devices’ flaws to steal secrets or keep an eye on high-profile execs who use their phones or computers to connect to their kids’ internet baby monitors. You can read the full report on the firm’s website, containing a list of products they tested and their corresponding weaknesses.
[Image credit: Alamy]
Filed under:
Misc
Via:
Ars Technica
Source:
Rapid7
Tags: babymonitor, internetofthings, philips, rapid7, withing
Valve’s testing a new look for Steam on TVs
The November release Valve’s fancy Steam Controller is right around the corner, and the company seems to be getting the rest of its platform ready for launch day. Specifically, Valve is giving Steam’s Big Picture Mode a visual overhaul, redesigning UI navigation in the TV-interface’s game library with a more dynamic layout, making tweaks to game-specific pages within that library and updating the look of user profile pages. Valve is also adding FLAC, OGG, Vorbis and M4A support to its music player, as well as experimental Streaming-host support for Macs. Curious? Try it out for yourself by opting into the Steam beta client in your settings menu, or simply check out the gallery below.
Slideshow-316951
Filed under:
Gaming
Source:
Valve
Tags: beta, gaming, pcgaming, steam, steambigpicture, SteamBigPictureMode, valve, videogames
Experience bullet time in Epic’s crazy VR demo
Game-tech powerhouse Epic Games and its Unreal Engine are capable of some seriously impressive stuff, and now the North Carolina-based outfit wants you to experience what it’s capable of in the virtual reality space. “Showdown” is the demo that the outfit’s been showing off at industry events for the past year or so (I got to try it at CES back in January) and it’s by far the most bad-ass bullet-time walk toward a hulking, missile-happy, bipedal robot I’ve ever experienced. The path is predetermined, sure, but as the street explodes into chaos around you, it’s entirely possible to duck down or peer around objects like pop cans or even cars as they hurtle toward you in slow motion.
Epic says that the “project and all its assets” are available for immediate download and it’s compatible with the Oculus Rift Dev Kit 2 and beyond as well as Sony’s Project Morpheus, and the HTC Vive Steam VR setup. Oh, and it’s free.
Filed under:
Gaming, Home Entertainment, Software, HD
Source:
Unreal Engine
Tags: bullettime, demo, epicgames, free, gaming, hd, hdpostcross, oculus, oculusrift, showdown, unreal, video, vr
New Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides features make schoolwork less miserable
Being a college student myself, Google Drive has been one of the best tool to use for writing papers, working on group projects, and otherwise staying organized. The best part is, I don’t have to spend my precious student’s budget on it: it’s free!
Google is continuing to add value to Google Drive with its slew of updates, tailored for students (although, anyone can use them!).
First up, the “Research” tool, which has been accessible in Google Docs on the web version for awhile is now available in Docs for Android. This allows you to search Google without having to leave Docs, and then insert what you find directly into your Doc.
Next, you can now dictate your Docs! This is available in both the web version and app. Voice typing will even recognize formatting commands like “new paragraph” or “exclamation point”. Voice typing is even available in more than 40 languages, helping language students, and students around the world.
The next update isn’t a new feature so much as a change of location and design. Looking at revision history is now accessible in a fancy little button that says “See new changes” (shown above). This lets you see what recent changes were made and by whom, especially useful when collaborating on a project.
Forms has also been updated with a new design, and now easier ways to insert images, GIFs, or videos.
Also added are a bunch of new templates in Docs, Sheets, and Slides! Now templates for reports, portfolios, resumes, and more are all available to make your project look that much better.
Sheets has been updated with a fancy new feature called Explore.
“ Explore creates charts and insights automatically, so you can visualize trends and understand your data in seconds on the web or on your Android. It’s like having an expert analyst right by your side.“
The last new feature is something for Google Classroom users. Teachers can now instantly send websites to the entire class with a Chrome extension.
This is one big update, and a few of these are definitely features I’m excited to try out myself!
Do these features seem useful to you? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
SOURCE: Official Google Blog
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Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact and Z5 Premium availability – what we know so far
Sony took the stage at IFA 2015 and announced its latest smartphone series this morning. This includes the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Premium. We can finally put the rumors to rest and focus on the facts. Now that you know all the details, we are sure your plan is to buy these smartphones as soon as they become available… but when will that be?
While not all information about this has been uncovered, we do know quite a bit about the phone’s release window and different market availability. Let’s run you through the details, shall we? By the way, this post will continue to be updated as soon as we learn more, so keep it bookmarked!
General availability
Sony is keeping it pretty hush on the pricing, but they did mention the Xperia Z5 family will be priced competitively with other premium handsets. This likely means they will range somewhere between $500 and $700? I would think so.
As for the actual launch, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed we can expect the Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact by October, which is pretty soon. Xperia Z5 Premium customers will have to wait a bit more, though, as the larger handset is expected to launch in November.
United States availability
Sadly, us USA residents are left in the dark; at least for now. Sony has announced no release information for these handsets yet. The same applies for American carriers. We are sure at least one (if not all) of these handsets will make it to the stateside, though. After all, the Japanese manufacturer is good friends with T-Mobile and Verizon.
We’ll definitely let you know as soon as we find out more!
UK availability
Any of our British readers looking to get a new Xperia Z5 series smartphone? We have both good and bad news for you. Let’s start with the bad: we have no details on the Xperia Z5 Premium release. The good news is that you will have plenty of options for the other two handsets, though.
The Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will be available from EE, Vodafone, Virgin, Three and O2.
EE – This carrier is not wasting any time. They plan to offer the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact in Graphite Black. Not a fan of the classic look? You can also opt for a golden Xperia Z5.
Virgin – Aside from the Graphite Black Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact, Virgin will also offer a couple other colored handsets. Namely, the Xperia Z5 in Green and the Z5 Compact in Coral.
Vodafone – Of course, Vodafone couldn’t stay behind. These guys are looking to cater to the public with Graphite Black versions of both the Z5 and Z5 Compact. Just like Virgin, this carrier couldn’t stay behind and decided to also put the Green Z5 and Coral Z5 Compact in its shelves.
Three – This mobile service provider will be less colorful, but that should be OK for most of us. They will have the Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact in Graphite Black. A Green Z5 will also be added to the collection.
O2 – Yes, O2 is also offer the same two handsets in Graphite Black. In addition, the Z5 can be purchased in Green and the smaller phone in Yellow.
Canada availability
There’s no details on a Canadian release, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see some of these devices reaching our northern neighbors soon. Likely within the same time frame as the USA.
Online availability
Of course, there will be plenty of online availability for all Sony smartphones. If you can’t get one officially, you will likely be able to import any of these phones from a plethora of websites. Sony is closing its online stores, though, so you likely can’t get these new Xperia Z5 handsets directly from them.
Know any others?
We try to keep our eyes everywhere, but we know sometimes you catch some details faster than us. Have you heard any more details on availability in your own markets? Please do hit the comments and let us know!
IFA 2015: The Sony Xperia Z5 is now official, features world’s fastest autofocusing camera
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After several months of not very well kept secrets, the Sony Xperia Z5 is now official after Sony announced its latest flagship at IFA 2015 in Berlin. Not much about the device is particularly surprising, but we were interested to see more of Sony’s new camera which it kindly obliged. The focal point of Sony’s Xperia Z5 presentation was the 23MP Exmor RS camera which features on its whole Xperia Z5 family line and boasts the world’s fastest autofocus, requiring just 0.037 seconds. Having used last used the LG G3’s laser focus, I can tell you that a fast focusing camera makes all the difference. Check out Sony’s feature video on the new camera:
This marks the first time that Sony has overhauled the camera since the Z1 and makes the Z5 seem like a worthy upgrade for the first time in years. If you’re interested in the device’s other specs – which we know you are – you’ll be looking at a 5.2-inch 1080p IPS display powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB RAM. 32GB storage, IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance, and a 2,900mAh battery that Sony says will last two days rounds out the pretty ordinary specs. Oh, and the power button now also has a fingerprint scanner built into it, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Sony says that the Xperia Z5 is going to be available in October in four colours, including White, Graphite Black, Gold, and Green. What do you think about the Sony Xperia Z5 now that it’s official?
Source: Sony Mobile via XperiaBlog
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