IFA 2015: the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is now official and features a 4K display
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Sony‘s press conference at IFA 2015 wasn’t exactly filled with surprises, but the announcement of its devices confirmed some features that we didn’t necessarily believe in the rumours. Chief among its announced devices, the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is now official and boasts the world’s first 4K display on a smartphone. On its 5.5-inch display, that makes for an utterly mind-boggling 806ppi (pixels-per-inch) and Sony says that the device won’t suffer to much from this extra visual acuity thanks to a 3,430mAh battery that will last two days. While it may take awhile for the world’s technology to even take advantage of the Z5 Premium’s 4K display, the device includes 4K upscaling technology to help make the most of its early adopter status.
The Z5 Premium also wasn’t named that way for the fun of it – unlike the Z5 and Z5 Compact, the Z5 Premium will feature a special mirror-like finish that gives it a rather futuristic look. It also features the same 23MP camera on the Z5, and for all intents and purposes, is pretty much the same device on the inside as well, rocking a Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 32GB with microSD support and the same IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance. And of course, it features the same fingerprint scanner that is now embedded in the power button.
Sony says that the Xperia Z5 Premium will become available in November this year. What do you think about the world’s first smartphone with 4K display?
Source: Sony Mobile via XperiaBlog
The post IFA 2015: the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is now official and features a 4K display appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Panasonic is reviving Technics’ legendary DJ turntables
Ask DJs about their favorite turntables and they’ll frequently swear by Technics’ SL-1200 — even though it hasn’t been made since 2007, the super-reliable deck is still the gold standard for vinyl spinners. If you’re one of those enthusiasts, you’ll be glad to hear that Panasonic is bringing Technics turntables back as part of a larger revival for the audio brand. Many of the details are still under wraps, but the turntable set will have a new direct-drive motor that should improve the audio quality. The gear won’t show up until sometime during Panasonic’s next fiscal year (sometime between April 2016 and March 2017), but more development time is likely a good thing. After all, the SL-1200 thrives precisely because its makers were careful to preserve elements that worked well — a rushed product could easily hurt more than it helps. Slideshow-316938
That’s not the only Technics-badged device making a debut today, either. Panasonic has unveiled a trio of devices geared towards the home audio crowd. The highlight is arguably the EAH-T700, a set of closed-back headphones with large 50mm main drivers and 14mm “super-tweeters” that theoretically give you a very wide sound range. There’s also the Grand Class G30 series, which includes both a “reference-class” amp and a networked music server, as well as the Ottava Premium Class C500 HiFi system and black C700 speakers. While you’ll have to wait for release dates and prices, it’s evident that Panasonic is paying more than lip service to the Technics name.
[Image credit: SSPL/Getty Images]
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, HD
Source:
Wall Street Journal, Panasonic
Tags: amp, amplifier, audio, cd, dj, hdpostcross, headphones, ifa, ifa2015, music, ottava, panasonic, sl-1200, technics, turntable, turntables
US will pay over $133 million to protect OPM data breach victims
That massive data breach at the US Office of Personnel Management is going to cost the country a lot more than you might think. Officials have awarded ID Experts a contract to protect the 21.5 million affected government workers against identity theft. The arrangement will cost the government at least $133.3 million, and options could bring its value to as high as $329.8 million. Suddenly, Sony’s identity protection offer following the 2011 PSN breach seems like small potatoes. And that’s just part of a smaller effort to mitigate the effects of data breaches — the General Services Administration has handed out a separate $500 million contract for responding to these kinds of attacks.
The effort could be reassuring if you’re one of the many current or former staffers worrying about whether or not a hacker will misuse your personal info. However, there’s a question as to whether or not the money will be well-spent. Any short-term damage has likely already been done, after all. And as you might have guessed, identity theft protection may not do much to stop state-sponsored Chinese hackers from creating havoc. Look at it this way, though: the contracts may serve as a (very) expensive lesson in the importance of tight security.
[Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Filed under:
Internet
Via:
Nextgov, CNN, Beth Cobert (Twitter)
Source:
OPM.gov
Tags: breach, databreach, government, identitytheft, idexperts, internet, officeofpersonnelmanagement, opm, privacy, security
How to Move Your Data From Android to iOS
In just a couple of weeks, Apple is going to make it ridiculously easy for Android users to switch to iOS with an upcoming app alongside iOS 9 called “Move to iOS.” It will give Android users the ability to wirelessly migrate contacts, message history, photos and videos, web browser saves, mail, calendars, and more. Until then, we have to do these things manually.
Luckily, it isn’t difficult to switch from Android to iOS. It just takes a few extra steps to get all of the data you want from one device to the other. We’ve got a guide for helping you transition from Android to iOS as simply as possible.
Before following any of the instructions below, be sure to back up your Android device to ensure that you don’t lose any important data in the event that something goes wrong during the migration process.
Transferring Contacts, Mail, and Calendars
Luckily, Google makes it incredibly simple for you to sync your email, calendar, and contact information across practically any device. So, if you’ve been on Android for long enough, chances are most of your data is easily available to sync on iOS.
- Open the Settings app and tap Mail, Contacts, Calendar from the list of available options.
- Tap “Add Account.” Then select Google from the list of available options.
- Enter the required information, including your email address, password, and description.
- When prompted, toggle the Contacts and Calendars switch to the on position.
CBS Sports to Stream Super Bowl 50, Other NFL Games Free on Apple TV
CBS Sports this week announced it will expand its streaming NFL coverage on the Apple TV, with plans to stream two regular season games, four playoff games, and Super Bowl 50.
The games will be available on laptops, computers, and tablets via CBSSports.com, in addition to being available on connected television devices like the Apple TV, Roku, Xbox One, and Chromecast. Games will be streamed live and will be free to watch, with no cable authentication required.
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins in London will be the first regular live game streamed for free, and it will be broadcast on October 4 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The second regular season game CBS will show is the Carolina vs. Dallas on November 26 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. AFC playoff coverage will also be streamed, including Wild Card, Divisional, and Championship games.
“We’re very excited to offer more NFL ON CBS streaming coverage across more digital platforms than ever before,” said Jeffrey Gerttula, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CBS Sports Digital. “All NFL fans will have access through their computers, tablets and now Connected TVs to two regular season games for the first time in addition to all of the AFC playoff action, culminating with a truly historic Super Bowl.”
While CBS will be streaming NFL games to connected television devices, computers, and tablets, most iPhones will not be able to be used to stream CBS NFL content due to contractual agreements with Verizon. Verizon iPhone owners will have access to streaming content through the NFL Mobile app.
CBS’s plan to stream additional NFL games comes just days after the NFL introduced a new Game Pass subscription plan available on the Apple TV, which lets users watch live preseason games and standard season games on-demand after they’ve aired on broadcast television.
Lenovo unveils the VIBE P1, P1m and S1 smartphones at IFA 2015
Lenovo has taken the wraps off quite a few new products today. We’ve already told you about the company’s new YOGA Tablet 3 and Tablet 3 Pro, as well as the PHAB and PHAB Plus smartphones. As if those weren’t enough, Lenovo has just officially announced three new smartphones, the VIBE P1, VIBE P1m and VIBE S1.
For starters, the Lenovo VIBE P1 (pictured above) features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD Full HD display, an octa-core 64-bit 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and microSD expansion up to 128GB. It also boasts a 13MP rear-facing camera with phase-detection auto-focus, a 5MP front-facing camera, a giant non-removable 5000mAh battery and runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box. The VIBE P1 also sports an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, and supports dual Nano SIM cards.
The VIBE P1 will be available in Platinum and Graphite Grey color options in early October for just $279.
Next up is the VIBE P1m, which sports a 5.0-inch IPS LCD Full HD display, a 1.0GHz quad-core 64-bit MediaTek MT6735P processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of on-board storage and microSD expansion up to 32GB. It has an 8MP main shooter, a 5MP front shooter, a big non-removable 4000mAh battery and also runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. This one is made of plastic, though it sports a splash-proof nano coating to keep the phone dry. Unlike it’s P1 counterpart, the VIBE P1m supports dual Micro SIM cards.
The Lenovo VIBE P1m will be available in Onyx Black and Pearl White color options in mid-September for only $159.
Last but not least is the Lenovo VIBE S1, which sports a 5.0-inch Full HD IPS LCD display, a 1.7GHz octa-core 64-bit MediaTek MT6752 CPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and microSD expansion up to 128GB. There’s also a 13MP rear camera with phase-detection auto-focus, an 8MP main front-facing shooter, and you guessed it, a 2MP secondary front camera. It also has an aluminum frame and a 2500mAh non-removable battery. Like the P1, this device supports dual Nano SIM cards.
The Lenovo VIBE S1 will be available in Pearl White and Midnight Blue color options in November for $299. It should be noted that none of these devices are slated for release in North America, but will still be sold in other regions where Lenovo phones are sold.
So, what are your thoughts? Would you rather spend your money on the more inexpensive VIBE P1 or P1m, or are you interested in the two front-facing cameras on the S1?
Google Docs gains voice typing on the web and new researching tool in latest update
Starting today, Google is making it much easier for users to get work done in Docs. In an update that’s rolling out in the Google Play Store as we speak, the latest version of Google Docs gains a handy new Research tool. Now you’ll be able to search Google without ever leaving Docs, making it much easier to find the quotes or images you need without having to switch between multiple apps. After you grab the update, tap the menu button (three vertical dots), and select the Research option.
Another notable feature in the update is the addition of voice typing in Docs while working in Chrome. This will let you record your ideas through voice with ease. To record your voice in Docs, simply activate the Voice typing feature under the Tools menu when you’re using Docs in Chrome. Once it’s been enabled, all you need to do is tap the microphone button to start recording. What’s more, Google says voice typing is already available in over 40 languages. Unfortunately no other browsers are supported at this time.
Check out the video below for a short tutorial on this feature.
Additionally, Google has made it a little easier to find out what’s been added or deleted in Docs. Now once you leave a document and come back to it later, simply click on the “See new changes” button to see which changes have been made by whom. If you’d like some more information on any of these new new features or improvements, head to the source link below.
Motorola makes it official: This is the second generation Moto 360 lineup
Motorola has finally pulled the curtain back on their second generation Moto 360 smartwatch after months of leaks and speculation. One of the most hotly anticipated devices in recent memory, the Moto 360 is an evolution of the best looking smartwatch on the market with improvements in nearly all areas from the original. Not only did we get our first official look at the second gen Moto 360 but the Moto 360 Sport was also officially confirmed even though officials were tight lipped with details.
The second generation Moto 360 will come in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm. Motorola recommends that women stick to the 42mm version while men can choose from either. There are many more options for design on this version. You can customize everything from the strap, bezel color, case color and the bezel treatments.
For men Moto offers the following:
- Case colors: Black, Silver and Gold
- Bezel colors: Black, Silver and Gold
- Bezel treatment: Chamfer, Micro Knurl
- Bands: Black Metal, Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Black Leather, Cognac Leather
For women Moto offers the following:
- Case colors: Silver, Gold and Rose Gold
- Bezel colors: Silver, Gold and Rose Gold
- Bezel treatment: Peak, Micro Etch
- Bands: Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Rose Gold Metal, Blush Leather, Grey Leather, Blush Double Wrap
If you don’t like the band options offered, you’re in luck. You can buy your own. Since Motorola is now using standard lugs, you can pretty much buy any band you want and put it on your new Moto 360. The smartwatch will feature a quick-release switch so you can easily swap out your bands. On the first generation Moto 360 it was a big pain to swap out bands and you risked cracking the back of your watch.
The flat tire has returned. The black bar at the bottom of the screen contains drivers for the display and according to Motorola allows them to keep down the bezels. The Moto 360 keeps its class leading screen to body ratio, about 71%, with it’s closest competitor being around 50%.
With the launch of the second gen watch, Motorola is putting more focus on fitness. They did let loose word on the Moto 360 Sport (more on that later) but also detailed how they think they’re doing fitness better. Moto Body is Motorola’s take on a fitness tracking center for your watch. The fitness companion will actively track steps taken, calories burned and heart rate. Moto Body is different than other apps, according to Motorola, because it not only records the statistics but provides coaching and feedback to motivate you.
Another feature that you’ll see on the second gen Moto 360 is Live Dials. Live Dials are shortcuts to your most used apps that you can pin on your watch face. If you’re a frequent checker of emails and text messages, you can pin the apps on your screen for quick access and without pulling out your phone. I think this really going to be great for workouts as you can pin your fitness tracking app and your music right to the watch face and you’re up and running in seconds.
- 1.37- (360×325) or 1.56-inch (360×330) display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 4GB of internal storage
- 300mAh or 400mAh battery (with wireless charging)
- Optical heart rate monitor
The second generation Moto 360 is currently available for pre-order from Motorola.com, Best Buy and The Google Play Store. You’ll be able to purchase the watch in late September from Nordstrom, Verizon, Motorola.com, Best Buy and The Google Play Store.
The Moto 360 Sport was also confirmed today. The Sport edition of the popular smartwatch will based on the 42mm version of the second gen Moto 360 and feature more exercise friendly materials instead of leather and metal. You’ll see more rubbery materials that won’t bother you as much while getting a little sweaty.
The screen on the Sport is also a little different featuring a backlit LCD screen that will display normally in everyday situations but also a front-lit reflective screen that will make it easier to see in direct sunlight. This will make it easier to see your work-out stats better outside. The watch will be smart enough to switch whenever it thinks you require a different mode.
If you stream music to your bluetooth headphones while you work out, you’re in luck. Like other smartwatches, the Sport will let you pin music to the watch for easy streaming to your bluetooth headset of choice. There’s also GPS for more accurate tracking of your runs and biking.
There was no date announced for release but availability will become more clear in the next few months.
What do you think? Is the second generation enough of the Moto 360 enough to finally get you interested in smartwatches? Is it enough of an upgrade to get you to purchase it if you already own one? Let us know down in the comments section.
Source: Engadget, TalkAndroid, 9to5Google
The post Motorola makes it official: This is the second generation Moto 360 lineup appeared first on AndroidGuys.
3D printing resurrects Iron-Age Irish musical instruments
While 3D printing is often used for advancements in medicine or science, such as FDA-approved drugs or rocket pumps, this week it made an academic one. A PhD student at the Australian National University recently used a 3D printer to duplicate an Irish artifact previously known as the “Conical Spearbutt of Navan,” thought to be a tool and weapon. Billy Ó Foghlú’s replica was able to prove that the ancient spearbutt was, in fact, an ancient mouthpiece — likely to an iron-age horn.
While bronze-age and iron-age musical instruments, specifically horns, have been found throughout Europe and Scandinavia, the lack of mouthpieces had led historians to believe that Ireland went through a “musical dark age.” Ó Foghlú used the exact measurements of the artifact to produce a 3D copy which he then used with his own horn. He said it produced a “richer, more velvety tone,” and feels that the lack of recovered instruments in the area is due not to a supposed dark age, but because the instruments were “ritually dismantled and laid down as offerings when their owner died.”
Filed under:
Misc
Source:
Phys.org
Tags: 3dPrinting, AustralianNationalUniversity, BillyÓFoghlú, history, Ireland, MusicalInstruments, spearbutt
Machinima settles FTC charges over paid Xbox One ‘reviews’
Ever watch a YouTube review of a game or console and worry that the reviewer was a little too enthusiastic? You’re not alone. Machinima has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it mislead gamers by failing to disclose that Xbox One reviews from YouTube “influencers” (read: popular channels) were really paid promos. Under the terms of the deal, Machinima has to make sure that any promos are clearly disclosed, refuse to pay for those that aren’t, and check in on campaigns to make sure that the disclosures haven’t vanished. And in case you’re wondering: while the FTC has determined that Microsoft and its ad agency were partly responsible, it believes these promos were “isolated incidents” that didn’t reflect those two companies’ policies.
The settlement represents one of the first big steps to acknowledge the widespread problems with paid gaming endorsements in online videos. It’s no secret that console makers and game studios have spent years courting YouTube and Twitch stars, taking advantage of the absence of editorial safeguards (many streamers have to handle marketing requests themselves) and financial vulnerability. Some of those who agree to promos are up front about the payments, but others either downplay the disclosures or don’t include them at all. An FTC crackdown will hopefully push both companies and video hosts to say exactly what’s going on, letting you know right away whether or not that “let’s play” clip is a thinly-veiled sales pitch.
Filed under:
Gaming, Internet, Microsoft
Tags: ads, advertising, endorsements, ftc, gaming, internet, machinima, microsoft, payola, regulation, videogames, xboxone, youtube
AIVAnet 