Apple and Google top Best Global Brands in 2015
Interbrand has released its latest annual ranking of the world’s most valuable brands and for the third year running, Apple and Google have topped the list. The 2015 edition of the Best Global Brands reveals that technology brands show no sign of slowing down with six out of the top ten made up of technology companies.
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For the third year running, Apple has topped the list and Google has come second, with both companies leading the list for the third year in a row. Apple is valued at $170 billion while Google is valued at $120 billion and the consultancy derives its valuation from a company’s financials, ability to influence purchase decisions and the extend that it can support premium pricing (which explains why Apple has topped the list).
Microsoft and IBM swapped places, with the Redmond-based Windows-maker valued at $68 billion in fourth place. Korean giant Samsung stayed in seventh place with a valuation of $45 billion while Amazon (who is technically classified as a retailer), is up 29 percent to $38 billion in tenth place. Other brands in the top ten include Coca-Cola, General Electric and McDonald’s.
Elsewhere on the list outside the top 10:
- Intel rank in 14th with a 4 percent increase to $35 billion
- HP dropped 3 percent to $23 billion in 18th place
- Social giant Facebook rose 54 percent to a valuation of $22 billion in 23rd place
- Camera giant Canon dropped 4 percent to $11 billion in 40th place
- Siemens ranked 53rd ($8.5 billion)
- Sony dropped 5 percent to a valuation of $8 billion in 58th place
- Panasonic rose 2 percent to $6.4 billion in 65th place
- Huawei rose a whopping 15% percent to $5 billion in 88th place
This year’s edition also saw PayPal and Lenovo enter the list at 97th and 100th place with valuations of $4.25 billion and $4.11 billion but the list isn’t great for everyone; as might be expected, troubled Finnish company Nokia joined troubled gamer Nintendo in dropping out of the list.
What do you think of the companies on (and off) the list? Let us know your views in the comments below guys!
HTC One A9 heading to the US in October
HTC is planning to release a new smartphone on October 20th and a model has just been spotted passing through the FCC and GFC, all but confirming that the HTC One A9 is heading to the US.
According to the listings, there appear to be three HTC One A9 models on the way. There’s what looks to be an international version sporting various network bands and the 2PQ9100 model number, which might be called the A9u. There’s also a 2PQ9120 variant which supports LTE bands 2,4,5,7 and 12, which are commonly used by US carriers. A third 2PQ9300 model supports LTE bands 25 and 26 additionally, which are both specific to the Sprint network.
The FFC and GFC listings are light on other details, but the latter also confirms that the smartphone will be known as the HTC One A9.
See also: HTC One A9 leaked image shows device in 6 different colors
The HTC One A9 has leaked a few times already in the past month and it looks to be a mid-range handset. The last rumor pinned the phone on a Snapdragon 617 SoC, a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and a 13 MP camera, although things may have changed since then.
The handset is likely to be unveiled at HTC’s launch event on October 20th. Are you looking forward to the official announcement?
Lenovo PHAB Plus launches in India for Rs. 18,490
Lenovo announced its PHAB Plus smartphone in China in August and last month, we went hands on with the super-sized smartphone at IFA 2015. Now, the company has launched its handset in India via retailer Amazon India and the big-screen device can be had for Rs. 18,490 (approx. $284). The handset doesn’t seem to be officially supported in India however, as Lenovo hasn’t the listed the handset on its local website.
The PHAB Plus aims to reinvent the concept of a phablet by offering a large 6.8-inch Full HD display at a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch and is powered by a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with an Adreno 405 GPU and 2GB RAM. Under the hood there is 32GB inbuilt storage, which can be expanded further using a microSD card while on the back is a 13MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and a 5MP front facing snapper.
The Lenovo PHAB Plus runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop with Lenovo’s Vibe UI skin on top, while the handset also sports dual-SIM functionality to let you use two SIMs at once. Other notable specs include LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microUSB, which can charge the 3500 mAh inbuilt battery. The handset also features a rear speaker equipped with Dolby Atmos and as we covered in our hands on, Dolby Atmos is a great unique selling point for Lenovo’s larger-than-life smartphone.
Head over to Amazon India to buy the Lenovo PHAB Plus now. What do you think of the PHAB Plus and will you buy it? Let us knows your views in the comments below guys!
HTC says that monthly security updates are “unrealistic”
Following the discovery of the Stagefright exploit that could affect nearly all Android devices, Google and a number of major OEMs pledged monthly security updates to ensure that users would be quickly protected from any future security issues. Although it has already rolled out some security patches, HTC has refused to commit to guaranteed monthly patches, and it appears that the company doesn’t want to promise something that it can’t deliver.
Answering questions via Twitter, HTC’s America President Jason Mackenzie states that, despite the company’s efforts to push them out, it is unrealistic to say that these type of updates can be guaranteed every month. This is not an unreasonable statement once you take into account the number of handsets that would require an update and the added delay from carrier testing and approval, but the news is not reassuring to those concerned about device security.
@bkerensa @htc 3. We will push for them, but unrealistic for anyone to say guaranteed every month
— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) October 3, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The revelation comes shortly after a second Stagefright vulnerability was discovered. The latest exploit can affect devices with malicious code just through previewing audio files. A patch for this issue is expected to appear in October’s monthly Android update from Google, but who knows when other OEMs will get around to releasing their fix.
What do you think about the current state of Android security patches?
Philips Announces New Hue Bulbs, Hue Bridge 2.0 With HomeKit Compatibility
Philips today announced its first HomeKit-enabled product, debuting the Hue Bridge 2.0, an updated version of its original Hue Bridge. With the Hue Bridge 2.0, its line of Philips Hue lights are able to work with Apple’s home automation platform, allowing all existing and future Hue bulbs to be controlled with Siri voice commands.
Commands like “Turn lights red” can be used for specific colors, while commands like “Set the lamp to 30 percent” can be used for dimming. Lighting scenes that have long been available in the Philips Hue app can now be turned on using Siri. With HomeKit integration, an entire household of lights can be manipulated with a single command.
While most HomeKit apps support other HomeKit products, the Hue app will work differently. It can be used to control the Hue line of lights and set up light-specific scenes, but it is not able to incorporate other HomeKit products. Hue lighting scenes will be made available in other HomeKit apps, however, so it is possible to group the Hue lights with other products, using one command to do things like unlock a door and turn on the lights at the same time.
“Lighting is the most accessible aspect of the connected home, and as the lighting expert for the Internet of Things we are taking connected lighting to the next phase,” said Eric Rondolat, Chief Executive Officer at Philips Lighting. “By integrating Philips Hue with Apple HomeKit, we are broadening people’s experience of light beyond what has been previously possible, providing seamless interoperability with other connected home devices.”
The new Hue Bridge 2.0 looks similar to the existing Hue Bridge, but it is square like the Apple TV rather than round. Along with the new bridge, Philips is also debuting a new set of lights. The new Hue bulbs are somewhat brighter at 800 lumens instead of 600 lumens.
The original Hue Bridge will not be updated with HomeKit compatibility as it does not have the necessary hardware, but Philips plans to continue to support it with software updates. Original Hue Bridge owners will need to purchase a Hue Bridge 2.0 to access HomeKit, but will get a discount of $20 on the product.
The new Hue Bridge 2.0 is priced at $60, but customers who own an existing Hue Bridge can get it for $40. The full lighting kit with new bulbs and the new bridge is priced at $200. All new Hue products are available beginning October 6 from Apple retail stores, Best Buy, and Amazon.
Google patents hologram enabled Google Glass
Google Glass may have dropped off the radar, but Google is still hard at work on the project behind closed doors. The tech giant has recently filed for a new patent that enables the wearable head-gear to display holographic projections.
Instead of the flat display beamed into the wearer’s eye with the current generation, the new patent would allow for a device to overlay CGI on top of the real world, to create a three dimensional heads up display. This technology would open up Google Glass as an augmented reality platform, offering something a little closer to Microsoft’s Holo Lens. The new design also apparently allows for a wilder field of view, is more efficient and easier to wear.
Augmented reality has plenty of useful and entertaining applications. Examples could include real time in-view navigation or traffic tips, 3D interactive user interfaces for work or social platforms, and, of course, playing games in your living room.
See also: Google Glass team reportedly named Project Aura; new talent and devices incoming
Google seems pretty heavily invested in the idea of augmented reality, heaving led a half-billion funding round for Magic Leap, a company that works in augmented reality gaming content production. The company released its SDK with support for a number of 3D game engines earlier in the year. Perhaps Magic Leap will end up designing content for Google’s holographic headset.
Of course, patents don’t always result in final products. While it is likely that Google is experimenting with this type of technology right now, it may or may not end up in a future consumer version of Google Glass.
Jack Dorsey is back in charge of Twitter
Jack Dorsey has announced that he is re-taking the reins of the social network that he helped build. Dorsey had been the interim CEO since it was announced that previous CEO Dick Costolo was stepping down in June of this year. Twitter created a search committee after Costolo’s departure that included former Twitter CEO, Evan Williams, to find a new boss. Turns out that the figure was there, all the time. In addition, Dorsey will remain as CEO of Square, the mobile-payments firm he founded when he left Twitter. This will be Dorsey’s second term as CEO, the first abruptly ending in 2008 when he was replaced as CEO by Ev Williams.
Dorsey will have his hands full as the company struggles to grow its active user base. During its last quarterly results, Dorsey noted that the company needs to do a better job explaining what Twitter actually does. It’s been exploring ways keep new users engaged. These include experimenting with surfacing trending news items and buy buttons. As he explains in his 140-character missive, Dorsey will be the CEO of both Twitter and Square, with Adam Bain, Twitter’s current head of revenue and partnerships becoming the social network’s COO. At the same time, former CEO Dick Costolo has resigned from Twitter’s board and is no longer with the company.
We are naming @adambain COO of Twitter, we’re working to change the composition of our Board, and I will serve as CEO of Twitter and Square!
— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015
If Dorsey can figure out how to get new users to stay with the service is yet to be determined. What is certain is that the market thinks his new job as CEO is a good idea. The company’s stock jumped over five percent earlier today when Recode broke the story that Twitter would name Dorsey as it’s new CEO before the official announcement.
1/ delighted for @jack and the team and excited for the future of Twitter. https://t.co/hY7ZEttA2t
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
2/ @jack is a calm and thoughtful leader. He is bold, forthright, decisive, and the team loves working with him. https://t.co/2M3y7oEB45
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
3/ as I step off the board, two reminders: those banging pots and pans outside Twitter know the least about what’s going on inside Twitter
— dick costolo (@dickc) October 5, 2015
[Image credit: AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS]
Source: SEC
BRAVEN BRV-PRO a waterproof and shockproof Bluetooth Speaker
While I’ve had Bluetooth headphones in the past, I’ve never had a dedicated Bluetooth speaker. Not that I haven’t wanted one, it’s just that they are generally pretty expensive for a decent sounding speaker. The BRAVEN BRV-PRO is not on the cheap end of the spectrum, but it brings some pretty awesome features to the table that we’ll be taking into account in this review.
BRAVEN BRV-PRO overview
The Braven BRV-Pro is billed as a rugged Bluetooth speaker for people with an active lifestyle. In a large part, they were able to accomplish this. The speaker itself is encased in a metal housing with several robust rubber bumpers strategically placed in areas where the speaker may impact if it were dropped. Adding to its ruggedness is the IPX7 waterproof rating.
In my opinion, one of the best features is the versatility of the speakers. Braven makes a whole host of accessories that you can add to the speakers. Here is the complete list of accessories for the BRAVEN BRV-PRO.
- BRV-PRO Action Mount $14.99
- This allows you to mount the speaker to a GoPro camera mount
- BRV-PRO Solar Panel $49.99
- BRV-PRO battery pack $49.99
- BRV-PRO stacking plate $19.99
- This allows you to use two BRV-PRO speakers together in tandem
- BVR-PRO Glow deck $29.99
- Provides light
BRAVEN BRV-PRO setup
The setup is pretty easy. You just need to hold down the play button for a few seconds to put it in pairing mode. From there, just search for Bluetooth devices from your phone. The only other thing that you’ll need to do is completely optional. If you purchased any accessories, you’ll need to remove the baseplate with the included hex key and attach the accessory with the same hex key.
I received the solar panel attachment and found that it was fairly easy to attach. However, if I had multiple attachments that I wanted to change in and out, I think it would turn out to be a real hassle to do that on a regular basis.
If you don’t purchase any accessories, you’ll still need to attach the included strap, if you wish to use it. To attach the strap, you’ll need to either remove one if the plastic clip ends and then feed it through the metal pieces on the end. Then reattach the clip to the strap. Alternatively you can also remove the metal pieces with the hex key, place the strap and reattach the metal pieces.
BRAVEN BRV-PRO usage
I found the sound quality to be great and there is absolutely no distortion at higher volume levels. For the size of the speaker, it was able to reproduce the lower bass notes and the highs sounded great.
The only knock on the sound quality is that the sound was noticeably quieter if the speaker was pointed away from me. I believe that is, because of the waterproofing of the speaker, the sound is focused in a forward direction.
The waterproofing itself worked great. I took the speaker in the shower with me and it played music even when it was wet. The only downside is that when the water gets into the speaker grill, the water will distort the sound from the speaker. A few taps from behind was enough to remove the water from the speakers and the sound returned to normal.
The solar panel is also waterproof, but I found that after taking the speaker in the shower with me, the solar panel’s hinge began to squeak when opened or closed.
One gripe that I have about the speaker is the amount of time required to press the button to change the song. It takes approximately 3 seconds of holding the button down before it will actually change the song. Even then, it won’t change until you release the button.
The speaker is equipped with a microphone, so it can be used for hands-free phone calls. One area in which I feel they missed the boat was that they did not integrate voice controls. It would be awesome to press a button and interact with the phone via Google’s voice commands through the speaker.
The build quality of the BRV-PRO is outstanding. My only complaint would be that the hatch on the rear of the speaker that covers the USB ports and audio in port is a pain in the rear to get unlatched. When you flip the lever up, you have to then manually slide the latch up while moving the hatch open. The latch should just move up automatically.
The built-in battery will last you all day and then some. It can charge your phone when your phone’s battery is running low too. The optional solar panel will help you listen to the music longer, however, if the battery is dead, the solar panel does not provide enough juice to play music from the current it produces. I left mine in my window sill all day and only got 2 dots of battery charge. Granted, it was not in direct sunlight the whole time, so it may charge faster if left in direct sunlight the whole time.
BRAVEN BRV-PRO summary
Overall this is an awesome speaker for someone with an active lifestyle. It’s built like a tank and takes a beating like one too. The optional accessories will allow you to further customize the speaker to make it your own. Having said that, the less active person can enjoy the great sound quality of the speaker as well. The speaker is available at www.braven.com for a very affordable $149. What do you think? Are you looking for a rugged Bluetooth speaker? Let us know in the comments.
The post BRAVEN BRV-PRO a waterproof and shockproof Bluetooth Speaker appeared first on AndroidGuys.
YouTube Kids update adds Chromecast support
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YouTube has had Chromecast support for quite some time now, but it’s newer, more child-friendly version has yet to get this functionality – till today. YouTube Kids has gotten an update today to add Chromecast support as well as bug fixes and the like, making it less likely your kids will ruin their eyesight on tiny mobile devices screens and using the TV instead. The YouTube Kids update should be rolling out already, so make sure to check your Play Store to see if the update’s been pushed through – we’ve got the Play Store link below too for your convenience:
http://playboard.me/widgets/pb-app-box/1/pb_load_app_box.js
For those who don’t know, YouTube Kids has been around since February of this year and gives parents the piece of mind that everything available in the app is content that is safe for children – the comments have even been disabled to stop things getting out of hand.
What do you think about the YouTube Kids update? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: TalkAndroid
The post YouTube Kids update adds Chromecast support appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
[Infographic] From the HTC Dream to Marshmallow, Android continues its path to world domination
Back when Android.Inc was founded in 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Milner, Nicks Sears, and Chris White, I wonder if they had an inkling of how popular the Android operating system would become. Google acquired the company in 2005, and thanks to the influx of resources from the search giant, the first Android smartphone (HTC Dream) would soon be released to an unsuspecting world. It’s been an interesting ride, as documented in the great little infographic below.
The HTC Dream was released on October 28th in 2008, with a massive (back then) 192MB RAM, 256MB internal storage and a single-core 528MHz processor. And now? Now we have phones with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and 8-core processors clocked at more than 2GHz. It’s been a fantastic journey for the world’s most popular mobile operating system, and it isn’t finished yet. In 2015, BlackBerry has belatedly turned to Android, and Google has just announced the LG-produced Nexus 5X and the Huawei-made Nexus 6P.
Source: Mobilemadhouse
Come comment on this article: [Infographic] From the HTC Dream to Marshmallow, Android continues its path to world domination
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