Scientists are developing an invisibility cloak for solar panels
Current solar panel technology has enough trouble as it is converting sunlight into useable current, what with their paltry 20 percent average efficiencies. And it certainly doesn’t help matters that up to a tenth of every solar panel’s active collection areas are obscured from the sun by electrical leads called “contact fingers.” But researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a novel workaround: they’re wrapping the finger contacts in little invisibility cloaks.
Like other invisibility cloaks, this system works to wrap light around the object. The fingers are still visible to the human eye — I mean, they’re not really invisible — but the light that hits the top of the contacts is redirected to the solar panel underneath through some tricky physics. The team is currently looking at two alternative methods for accomplishing this feat. The first method involves wrapping the fingers in a polymer coating with a precisely tuned refractive index. The other involves etching grooves into the fingers themselves that refract light around the components. Current computer models of both methods suggest that panel efficiencies would increase by about 10 percent should the contact fingers be made to disappear.
[Image Credit: KIT]
Source: KIT
Sony starts pushing out the Android 5.1 update for the M2 Dual
Sony’s pretty busy on the update front today. Having just started rolling out the much-anticipated Lollipop update to the Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra, it’s now pushing out an identical update to the M2 Dual in the United States. This update transports the latest build of the operating system to the handset, in addition to a patch for the Stagefright vulnerability.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
- Android Lollipop 5.1
- Call Drop Improvements
- Data Performance Improvements
- Battery Life Enhancements
- Temperature Management
- Camera Enhancements
If you live in the United States and have not yet received the OTA update, you can head into “Settings,” then “About Device,” and select “Check for Updates” to manually scan for the upgrade. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification informing you that an update is ready for your handset.
Come comment on this article: Sony starts pushing out the Android 5.1 update for the M2 Dual
Google Nexus team takes it to Reddit to answer all your questions on the Nexus 5X and 6P
We pretty much covered everything revolving the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, but there are always specific questions people need answering. This is why the Google Nexus team took it to Reddit to resolve all your doubts. Participating Googlers include Hiroshi Lockheimer, Dave Burke, Krishna Kumar and Sandeep Waraich.
Sadly, the session took place from 11 AM to 12 PM Pacific. The good news is that the Google team answered plenty of very interesting questions. We thought we should grab the most interesting ones and list them for you. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Hi. What kind of security goes into keeping our finger prints safe when using imprint? Are the prints encrypted and stored on the device?
DB> Fingerprint features are securely encrypted on the device, and processed in the secure Trustzone protected area of memory. The Android 6.0 fingerprint APIs do not provide any access to the fingerprint material to apps. Fingerprint features never leave the device and are not shared with Google (so for example if you setup a new phone, you need to re-enroll your fingers). If your phone is ever lost or stolen you can easily find, lock, and erase your phone using Android Device Manager.
Any word on what panel is used for the screen in the Nexus 6P?
SW: It has a Samsung WQHD AMOLED panel. We have spent a lot of time tuning the white-point and color gamut for these panels – hope you will enjoy the accuracy of the display.
Nexus 6P has the latest generation panels from Samsung. One of things we deeply care for is the quality and accuracy of the display through which all of us connect with the stuff we care about. We created a very tight spec (white-point temperature, delta-E variance, color-space accuracy, etc) for the 6P WQHD AMOLED panel, so it was important that we use the most cutting edge panel technology available.
Is the rear facing camera on the 6P and 5X identical?
KK: Yes. Both devices have the same camera – a 12.3MP camera, with a large 1.55um pixels, which works great in all conditions – especially low light. And both have LDAF for fast auto-focus.
What does the “X” and the “P” stand for?
HL> X for the core of the Nexus brand (plus it sounds cool!), P for premium.
What made the team decide to partner with Huawei and LG this year for the Nexus devices?
HL> 5X: We wanted to bring the LG-Google band back together. So many N5 fans, we couldn’t possibly disappoint! 6P: Always nice to work with new players — we have a history of working with a bunch of folks: HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Asus and now Huawei!
Do you have a timeline for enabling of VoLTE and band 12 support for T-Mobile USA?
We’re hard at work with T-Mo to get Band 12 on Nexus devices by ship date.
Where is the NFC antenna located in the 5X and 6P? I’m asking for ease of use for Android Pay and Nexus Imprint. Hopefully the NFC antenna is at the top. Thanks!
SW/KK: On 6P the NFC coil sits just above the Nexus Imprint fps is exposed behind the camera coverglass (which is GG4 BTW). On Nexus 5X, the coil is wrapped around the back camera. And we have tested it rigorously for payments experience and it works great! And for peer-to-peer and reader mode too BTW.
What is your favorite new feature about the phone that once I start using I won’t understand how I lived my life without it before?
SW: Nexus Imprint. It is fast (it really is!) and highly accurate. You won’t even see the lockscreen anymore. And the location of the sensor is such that you will get right in your homescreen by the time phone is in front of you. Check out some hands-on videos around this.
KK: The camera on these devices is great – the picture quality is awesome – especially for low light pictures. Sloooo-mo on these devices is a lot of fun.
HL: USB Type-C!
DB: I think the “premiumness” of both phones is my fav feature. Particularly loving the all-metal aluminium – I mean alum-in-um – and the diamond cut edges of the 6P
Who wins the best shirt award on the Android team? Matias Duarte with his colorful dress shirts or Dave Burke with his graphic Ts?
DB> With a shirt like this, is there any competition? https://twitter.com/lockheimer/status/648935061459353600. Come on!
How is the food were you work and what is your favorite part of working there? Thanks!
We take our Android release names from our favorite snacks, so you can tell we may not be eating the most balanced diets.
Action Launcher update brings Quickfind and new features
Action Launcher 3, the homescreen launcher based on material design has been updated once again with Quickfind in the new app drawer, similar to Google Now Launcher.
The new default app drawer for Action Launcher scrolls vertically with the Quickfind bar at the top, and most used apps right beneath that followed by the rest of your apps. As you’re typing for the desired app, tapping enter or go on your keyboard will launch the first app in line.
The Google search bar is also updated to Google’s new logo and gives you the option of coloring the mic, like in the Google Now Launcher.
The update also brings a total of 12 animations for switching desktop screens, bringing more customization to this launcher. As usual, this update fixes performance issues and memory leaks, reducing the issues of launcher redraws and slowdowns.
The post Action Launcher update brings Quickfind and new features appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG V10 hands-on and first impressions
The LG V10 has finally been announced and you can bet we rushed to get our hands all over it. After spending some quality time with the device, we can tell you we like what we see so far. Is it the phone for you? It could be, but that is a question we would rather leave for the full review. For now we simply want to give you a quick look at the new high-end smartphone and show you a glimpse of this very unique gadget.
Design
Though the phone definitely has an eccentric style to it, it retains the overall look LG has now become famous for. It includes signature elements such as the rear button layout and ultra-thin bezels, as well as the overall shape that characterizes LG handsets.
The most significant differences with the LG V10 are the materials and build quality applied. The latest LG flagship features a resistant metal frame composed of SAE grade 316L stainless steel. In addition, the back cover and other parts of the device are covered in plastic. But this is no regular plastic – it’s Dura Skin, which is soft to the touch, yet durable. Aside from helping with nicks and scratches, Dura Skin aids in handling shocks, allowing the phone to achieve a military standard 810G rating. This is something you can usually only get from those bulky heavy duty cases.
The back also happens to have a very interesting pattern, but some of you may be more excited about the fact that you can pull it off, which grants access to both the removable battery and the microSD card slot. These are both LG staples users will appreciate, as the features are a rare thing in current Android smartphones. It’s kind of an “LG thing” now.
Also different are the rear buttons. They may look similar to those in previous LG handsets, but the manufacturer has added capacitive features to the power button, as well as a fingerprint reader.
And of course, we can’t forget the obvious inclusions to the front of the device, which really set the LG V10 aside from the competition. There is a small secondary screen bar above the main display, as well as a dual front-facing camera setup right next to it. Both new elements make this a rather tall phone, so handling does take some time getting used to.
Display
Let’s talk about that gorgeous screen. The V10 sports a 5.7-inch IPS LCD Quantum Display with a QHD (2560x1440p) resolution. That equates to a pixel density of 513 ppi. In terms of panel quality, Quantum Display was introduced with the LG G4, so we can expect a similar experience with this handset. Colors are not saturated or deep, but this is a good thing for those of you who prefer color accuracy, which is definitely something these LG panels are good at.
But the sensation here is that second screen, isn’t it? It’s actually quite an interesting little addition. The 2.1-inch ticker has a 106×1040 resolution, and for now it’s mostly used for displaying the weather, time, date and battery info while the main display is off. Once you turn that bigger panel on, this ticker area becomes a second screen for your shortcuts and favorite apps. Pretty convenient. We certainly hope more functionality is added with time; there’s plenty of potential here.
Performance & Hardware
We can find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 SoC under the hood, as well as an Adreno 418 GPU and 4 GB of RAM. Not much to see here, as this is a processing package we have seen before with the LG G4. Regardless, this is not a bad thing – the LG G4 performs amazingly, and so does the LG V10, which does come with an additional GB of RAM. This should help with multi-tasking, as well as easing a bit of the load that comes with running that secondary display.
Other hardware specs are also important, and the LG V10 comes with enough to keep your needs met. This thing has a whopping 64 GB of internal storage, which should be plenty for most. If that’s not enough, though, you can also expand your memory via microSD by up to 2 TB.
One of the most notable additions to the hardware is the fingerprint reader, which you can find embedded in the power button. Obviously, this sensor can be used to unlock the phone and turn the display on. It is also compatible with Android Pay and other Android-supported biometric processes.
Audiophiles will be satisfied by the addition of 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC by ESS Technology. This new system detects connected devices and provides sound control options. The V10 is also the first to adopt Qualcomm’s QFE2550 closed-loop antenna, allowing for better voice quality and improved network coverage.
On the battery front, we can find the same 3000 mAh battery the LG G4 features. This is no longer something special, but users do appreciate having the ability to carry spare batteries. Those removable batteries change everything.
Camera
You won’t be disappointed with the LG V10 camera; the handset sports the same photography technology we found on the LG G4. That 16 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture can do marvels, and it just so happens to be among the very best in the industry. Camera enthusiasts will especially like the high level of control the camera app offers. One can manipulate the ISO, shutter speed and more.
Now, one part that is definitely not the same as with any other previous LG smartphones is the front-facing shooter. Yes, there are two cameras in the front – but why? It turns out the dual 5 MP lenses don’t do anything fancy, but the little they do definitely helps. They make shots wider, which is a welcomed addition for those dandy selfies.
Software
Have you used an LG smartphone before? Those who have will feel right at home with the LG V10. It still runs that G UI, on top of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The interface continues feeling a little bloated, even if not as much as in the past. What is most important is performance, though, and the level of optimization does make for a smoother, snappier experience.
The second screen is an important factor in the software side of things, and it will definitely change the way you use your phone. This ticker can be set up as “always on” to show the weather, time, date and battery icon when the main display is off. After turning the main screen on, the secondary display will show your shortcuts and favorite apps.
My favorite part about the secondary screen is that it displays any notifications that come through while you are using the phone. This means your videos, games or any other content won’t be interrupted! Pretty sweet.
Wrapping up
So there you have it, guys. This is your first look at the LG V10, and so far it’s looking to be one of the most unique devices of 2015. It is rugged, innovative and very powerful. You can be sure we will be all over it when it’s time to review it, so do keep it tuned to Android Authority for more details. This phone will be a fun one to cover!
But what do you guys think? Are you liking the LG V10? Thinking of buying one, or do you feel its “extras” are more gimmicks than anything? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
More 2016 GMC trucks will be receiving Android Auto
GMC is expanding it’s range of vehicles that support Android Auto. Come March 2016, a software update will bring Android Auto to the 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the new IntelliLink system with an eight-inch-diagonal screen. Owners of those vehicles can head to a GMC dealer to get the upgrade.
General Motors own GMC, and seem to be adding Android Auto to many of their cars. They recently sent out an Android Auto update for many new 2016 Chevrolet vehicles too.
Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC said:
“Providing Android Auto capability on all of our IntelliLink systems ushers in a new era of staying connected in a convenient manner,”
Source: GMC
Come comment on this article: More 2016 GMC trucks will be receiving Android Auto
Sony is now rolling out the Lollipop OTA for the Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra in the US
If you’re the proud owner of either an Xperia Z1 or Z Ultra and reside in the United States, you may want to listen up, as Sony has just started rolling out the long-awaited Android 5.1. update for both handsets in the region. In terms of added functionality, the upgrade brings the latest build of the open-source operating system, as well as a multitude of bug fixes, stability improvements and speed optimizations, including a fix for the ever-so-scary Stagefright vulnerability.
All the changes you’d expect to find in the Lollipop software are bundled into this upgrade, which has build number 14.6.A.0.368 attached, such as support for multiple accounts, improved notifications, stronger 256-bit encryption, a smoother multitasking experience, refined unlocking methods, streamlined performance, increased battery life and, of course, Material Design.
As is the norm, the update is being rolled out in stages, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device to hit your unit, you could always search for the upgrade manually. To do so, open the Settings app, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”.
Come comment on this article: Sony is now rolling out the Lollipop OTA for the Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra in the US
[Deal] You can now pick up a brand new, factory unlocked Nexus 6 for $299.99 on eBay
If Google’s recently-announced Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P didn’t tickle your fancy and you find yourself still drawn towards bagging yourself the original Nexus 6, you’re in luck as independent retailer, QualityCellz, has just taken to eBay to kicked off a fantastic sale on the device. For a limited time only, you can pick up a brand new, factory unlocked 32GB LTE model of the handset for just $299.99.
For those thinking that the Nexus 6 is old hat now because it has a couple younger siblings on the way, it’s not. It’s a very powerful device that’s still able to compete with many of the flagship smartphones currently on the market. This is a direct result of its beefy internals, which include a 6-inch qHD display, a 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, Adreno 420 GPU and a 3,220mAh battery.
It’s important to bear in mind that as this is an unlocked variant of the Nexus 6, it will only work on GSM carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T and not with CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint. A full list of supported carrier bands can be seen below:
- 2G : 850/900/1800/1900
- 3G : 850/900/1900/2100
- 4G LTE : 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 17(700), 20(800), 28(700)
If you like the sound of the Nexus 6 and would like to take advantage of this deal – hit the source link below.
Source: eBay
Come comment on this article: [Deal] You can now pick up a brand new, factory unlocked Nexus 6 for $299.99 on eBay
Rhapsody’s new music feature is designed for kids
Over the past few months, Rhapsody has focused on making its mobile apps prettier. But now the music-streaming service is announcing something a little bit different: a feature designed with children in mind. KIDS, which will be available via an update for Rhapsody’s iOS and Android apps, is a mode for young ones to experience without parents having to worry about them running into Dr Dre’s Compton — or another album with Parental Advisory. Instead, KIDS consists of three main sections with kids-friendly, parent-approved music, like recently played songs, a tab for bookmarks and another for curated content from Rhapsody’s editorial team. The company says it’ll offer tracks from Kidz Bop and Disney, among others.
Source: Rhapsody (YouTube)
LG officially announces V10 ahead of New York event
Looks like LG is as excited as we are about it’s V10 smartphone, the first in a new premium line from the South Korean company, so much that it announced the phone a day ahead of its event in New York tomorrow.
First in the new “V” line from LG, the V10 is a modest evolution of the G4, with similar specs such as the Snapdragon 808 chip, same 16 megapixel rear camera and same removable 3,000 mAh battery.
What’s new in the V10 is the bigger 5.7 inch QHD Quantum Dot display with a resolution of 2560x1440p, with a small secondary display above the main screen and below the front-facing camera at 160×1040. This secondary display is the highlight of LG’s new phone that’s “always on” and displays information such as the time, weather and notifications when your main screen is off. The new small screen also acts as a quick-launch area when using your phone for apps you use most often. It can also be used for quick contacts, similar to the Galaxy S6 Edge.
Also new for this phone is not one, but two front-facing 5 MP cameras, with one capturing images in a wide field of view at 180 degrees, and the other one capturing 80 degrees. The V10 will use these two cameras to capture 3D images using new software from LG.
While the V10 shares the same camera as the G4 (which is one of the best in the smartphone market), LG is pushing for better software that pushes the limits of standard video capture. V10 users will have full manual control over things like ISO, shutter speed, white balance, focus, and frame rate. The V10 can shoot video in HD, FHD, or UHD resolution, and there’s even an option to shoot in a 21:9 aspect ratio for ultra-wide screens.
Finally, the V10 offers 4GB RAM and only one 64GB storage option, all housed in a sleek, steel metal body.
As if the G4 wasn’t a powerhouse enough, LG looks to steal even more thunder in the later half of the coming years with this new line, obviously competing with Google’s Nexus 6P and Galaxy Note 5. Full specs and renders listed below:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
- 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) IPS Quantum display with a secondary 2.1-inch (160x 1040) IPS Quantum display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 64GB of internal storage with microSD card slot for up to an additional 2TB
- 16MP rear camera with F1.8 Aperture and OIS 2.0 / 5MP front dual-lens camera
- 3000mAh removable battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm, 192g
- LTE-A Cat. 6 support
- Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue
LG V10
…
The post LG officially announces V10 ahead of New York event appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 