The BlackBerry Priv is available for pre-order, priced at $699 USD
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The BlackBerry Priv has been one of the more interesting stories of the year, no matter your perspective on BlackBerry as a company. Its first Android smartphone does things a little differently, a little more secure, and now we know that it does things a little more expensively too. Yes, the BlackBerry Priv is available for pre-order now in the US, Canada and the UK, and the one resounding piece of news is that it’s not exactly a cheap device – in the US, you’ll need to pay $699 USD, in Canada, $899 CAD and in the UK, £559 (equivalent to $857 USD). I’m not going to even ask what price they ask for in Australia…
BlackBerry CEO John Chen said in his statement this morning:
“BlackBerry is a new company. We have new life. And we plan to continue to surprise our customers and the industry. This is just the latest move along that path.”
The pricing of the BlackBerry Priv is pretty much exactly where we expected a super-secure smartphone to be priced – but somehow, we’re still a little surprised given BlackBerry’s precarious position in the smartphone industry. BlackBerry says that the availability of the Priv is going to continue globally as time goes on – those of you who can pre-order now will start receiving their devices on November 6th.
What do you think about the pricing of the BlackBerry Priv? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: BlackBerry (1), (2) via engadget
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Tesla’s Autopilot approved for international use
At the launch of its latest Autopilot features, Tesla CEO Elon Musk noted that it would roll out the new vehicle capabilities to nations outside the United States once it got regulatory approval. Today Musk tweeted that the company has gotten approval from all those countries (except Japan). Now Tesla owners around the world can enjoy the slightly unnerving feeling of letting their Model S drive itself on the highway. Musk also announced that Autopilot 1.01 would be coming soon with improved fleet learning, better lane tracking on poor roads, curved speed adoption and controller smoothness.
Source: Elon Musk
Time Warner Cable will test internet-only TV in NYC next week
If you want cable TV without the cable box, Time Warner Cable may have something for you soon. Reliable sources tell Engadget that starting Monday, Time Warner Cable will beta test a TV service for its internet-only customers living in New York City. Similar to Sky’s Now TV in the UK, while it will support a number of hardware platforms, the plan is to focus on streaming TV through Roku’s set-top boxes, and any participants will get a Roku 3 for free. On top of their internet service, customers can pick up a “Starter” TV package for an extra $10 per month. Another option that adds Showtime and Starz will be available for $20 per month, and for those who want all the usual channels, just without a cable box, a Standard option with Showtime and Starz costs $50 per month.
Marvel’s new Cinematic Universe Blu-ray set is up for pre-order
Marvel fans, prepare your wallets for the hefty spending you’re going to do this holiday season. The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection will be available exclusively from Amazon on December 8th, for $220, with pre-orders open starting today. This limited edition, 13-disc box set follows the Phase One – Avengers Assembled Blu-ray box released in 2012, and similarly, you can expect to find a slew of goodies here as well. That, naturally, includes the latest Marvel films: Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man. You’ll also get exclusive art work from each series, bonus video content like deleted scenes, a 1:1 replica of the Orb and many other rare items.
Source: Amazon
Dyson’s big, heavy, complicated robot vacuum that never was
Introduced to the public way back in 2004, Dyson’s first robot vacuum never wheeled itself into retail. While it was apparently close enough to a finished product to pick up a sticker with a helpline number, the sheer number of sensors (over 70), and a total of 54 batteries was a problem. While it could detect stationary objects and living things it was too expensive to both produce or sell. As Dyson’s senior robot engineer, Mike Aldred, noted: “It did the job we intended… but it wasn’t the right product.” The decision was made to can the DC06, and the team decided to focus on a single (albeit complicated) sensor to guide its robot vacuums: 360-degree vision. And that’s where Dyson’s 360 Eye comes in. It’s a bit late, but from our early experiences with it, it sucks — In the good way. And if you’ve got a thing for yellow and millennial-gray plastic, a gallery of the rare (hefty) robot vacuum awaits below. Slideshow-332974
SVP of Android promises that new emoji for Android are on their way
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Apparently when Apple released iOS 9.1, it released a whole new batch of emojis that Apple users were very happy to have, and Android users were apparently unhappy not having, which has kicked the Android team over at Google into gear. It seems unusual that emojis would matter that much, but the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, has taken to Twitter to officially say that they are working on new emoji for Android.
So I have a feeling y’all want new emojis? a) Thanks for the feedback, b) We’re on it, and c) Sorry!
— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) October 23, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Again, it seems unusual that Google would need to apologize for a lack of emojis (despite the fact there are already so many), but there it is. Lockheimer didn’t suggest what kind of timeframe we should be expecting these emojis to be available in, but presumably the team is working hard to fill in all the gaps in our emoji vocabulary.
What do you think about getting new emoji for Android? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Twitter via Phone Arena
The post SVP of Android promises that new emoji for Android are on their way appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Need a smartwatch? Check out the Zeblaze Crystal on sale now at Gearbest.com (discount code)
Everyone is figuring out that mobile technology no longer requires hundreds of dollars to be spent for quality. Gearbest.com is offering the Zeblaze Crystal smartwatch, compatible with Android and iOS, for $54.99 with the discount code GLOUDSZC applied at checkout. It also comes with free shipping and a money back guarantee to ensure you are happy with your purchase.
The Zeblaze Crystal smartwatch is not only water resistant(IP65), but it will also serve as your notification center, pedometer, sleep monitor, music controller, heart rate monitor and activity reminder. The case is made from stainless steel and the band is genuine leather which offers a similar look to the latest Zen Watch. With technology advancing so quickly, it can be hard to swallow $300-500 for a wearable that might not be compatible with the latest software within a year or two.
Check out the specs of the Zeblaze Crystal smartwatch below and decide for yourself if it is worth saving a couple hundred dollars. If you’re interested in making a purchase, click this link and apply discount code GLOUDSZC at checkout.
| Hardware | Brand: Zeblaze Built-in chip type: MTK2502 Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.0 RAM: 128M ROM: 64M Waterproof: YES Waterproof rating: IP65 |
|---|---|
| Functions | Bluetooth calling: Answering, Dialing, Phonebook, Phone call reminder Messaging: Message reminder Health tracker: Sleep monitor, Pedometer, Sedentary reminder, Heart rate monitor Remote control: Camera remote, Music remote Notification: Yes Anti-lost: Yes Other functions: Alarm, Stopwatch, Calender, Weather forecast Groups of alarm: 3 sets Alert type: Ring, Vibration |
| Screen | Screen: 3D single curved tempered glass Screen resolution: 240 x 240 px Screen size: 1.54 inch |
| Battery | Battery type: Polymer battery Battery capacity: 3.7V / 280mAh Standby time: About 72 hours |
| General | People: Unisex watch Bluetooth working range: 6 – 10 meters |
| Dial and Band | Shape of the dial: Rectangle Case material: Stainless Steel Band material: Genuine leather |
| Features | Compatible OS: Android, iOS Compatibility: Android 4.4 – 5.1 and iOS 8.0 – 8.4 system Available color: Black, White |
| Weight and Size | Dial size: 4.2 x 4.9 x 1.1 cm / 1.65 x 1.93 x 0.43 inches Package size (L x W x H): 9.1 x 9.1 x 8 cm / 3.58 x 3.58 x 3.14 inches Product weight: 0.082 kg Package weight: 0.25 kg |
| Package contents | Package contents: 1 x Zeblaze Crystal Smart Watch, 1 x Chinese and English Manual, 1 x Charging Cable |
The post Need a smartwatch? Check out the Zeblaze Crystal on sale now at Gearbest.com (discount code) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit for New Wi-Fi Assist Feature
Apple was slapped with a $5 million class action lawsuit over iOS 9’s Wi-Fi Assist feature today, according to AppleInsider. The new feature is turned on by default in iOS 9 and automatically switches a user to cellular data when the local Wi-Fi connection is weak.
The feature is an attempt to create a more smooth user experience, but some users have complained that the feature increases data use, which would take some users near or over their monthly data caps. In October, Apple admitted that users should only see a “small percentage” hike in data usage and attempted to ease concerns over the feature.
In a support document, Apple explained that the feature does not work when a user is roaming, only works when apps are in the foreground and doesn’t work with third-party apps that use large amounts of data, like music and video streaming apps.
The lawsuit says that plaintiffs William Scott Phillips and Suzanne Schmidt Phillips were subjected to overage charges on their iPhones after updating to iOS 9, although the suit doesn’t list how much those charges were. However, the plaintiffs claim that the “overall amount in controversy exceeds” $5 million. The suit also notes that Apple did not clearly explain the feature until the media covered user complaints, but that at that point it was too late for the plaintiffs.
“Defendant’s above corrective action, however, still downplays the possible data overcharges a user could incur. Reasonable and average consumers use their iPhones for streaming of music, videos, and running various applications — all of which can use significant data. Defendant’s corrective statement does not disclose any basis for its conclusion that an average consumer would not see much increase in cellular usage.”
Wi-Fi assist is available on devices running iOS 9 or later, although the feature is not supported on the iPhone 4s, iPad 2, the 3rd-generation iPad and the 1st-generation iPad mini. To turn off Wi-Fi Assist, users can go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to the bottom to toggle off the feature.
“Hey Cortana” may give “OK Google” a run for its money on Android
Microsoft openly released Cortana for Android Beta back in August, but at the time, Cortana’s abilities had a few limitations that kept her from competing with the Android standby “OK Google.” Cortana couldn’t be summoned by voice commands, for instance, and she wasn’t able to launch apps or change settings. However, a major new update for Cortana for Android Beta has made the playing field a little more level.
Android users with the app can now say “Hey Cortana” aloud to get the attention of Windows’ personal assistant. This is a major step forward for Cortana, but unfortunately the device still has to be unlocked for her to be listening. This is a shortcoming not present on Windows devices. This is an area where some people believe Windows phones have a bit of an edge over Android devices. “Hey Cortana” can bring up voice commands for Windows phones even if the phone is locked, but few Android devices offer always-listening functionality for Google Now’s “OK Google.”
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It looks as though we may be on the verge of a battle of personal assistants. This update brings Cortana close to the full functionality of “OK Google,” and Android users can now choose which voice recognition software they would prefer using.
Cortana for Android has not yet received an official release, and Microsoft is still developing the app and responding to feedback from the beta release. With this update, some speculate that a full launch will come sometime in the very near future. What does this mean for you? How much do you use “OK Google,” and is there any temptation to swap to Cortana? Those who already use Cortana regularly, what makes it preferable to “OK Google,” in your opinion?
DOJ: Apple owns your iPhone’s software, so it should have a backdoor
The Department of Justice is trying to get Apple to unlock a defendant’s iPhone. While Apple has stated that it can technically bypass the phone’s passcode security, it has so far refused to do so for various reasons. So the DOJ has come up with a new strategy, force Apple to comply because it licenses the software on the phone. Because of that, the DOJ contends that the iPhone maker actually has a relationship with the phone that’s currently evidence in a case. In a reply to Apple’s response to the court order to unlock the phone, the government states, “Apple cannot reap the legal benefits of licensing its software in this manner and then later disclaim any ownership or obligation to assist law enforcement when that same software plays a critical role in thwarting execution of a search warrant.” In other words, it’s your software Apple, not the defendant’s, unlock it.
Via: Boing Boing
Source: DOJ
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