Android Wear can switch to LTE, works without your smartphone
Your next (or first) Android wearable needs not for Bluetooth or Wifi. Android Wear’s cellular support has finally arrived, just as the first compatible watch starts to ship. LG’s Watch Urbane 2nd Edition crams an LTE radio beneath its circular 480 x 480 screen, with models that’ll work on AT&T and Verizon — carriers that are both selling the watch in the US this week.
Source: LG, Official Android Blog
The Xbox One Windows 10 update starts rolling out at 3AM ET
After months of teasing, beta testing and announcements, the Xbox One’s big update for Windows 10, an all-new UI and backwards compatibility with some Xbox 360 games will arrive tomorrow. According to Major Nelson, the new software will start rolling out at 3AM ET, although we wouldn’t advise waiting up for it for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a staged rollout, so you may not get it right away. Second, the ability to play Xbox 360 games (here’s the list) won’t switch on until 3PM ET, so you’ve got some time to get ready. Finally, assuming your Xbox is setup for “Instant-on” it should automatically grab the update and install it without you needing to do anything at all. The new Xbox One dashboard has a completely refreshed layout, but there’s a lot of info available to help you get used to it.
Source: Major Nelson
BlackBerry’s second Android phone might look like this
BlackBerry is reportedly working on another Android phone after the Priv, and CrackBerry has gotten its hands on renders of what it could look like. The publication calls it “codename Vienna,” and if these images do indeed depict its final form, then the device is dropping the Priv’s slide-out keyboard for BB’s typical candybar form, with a large screen and a textured body. This could just be an early design, though, and the phone might end up looking like something else entirely. Nothing’s certain at this point other than what BlackBerry has confirmed: it’s developing a range of new products, so expect to see more devices fresh out of the company formerly known as RIM.
[Image credit: CrackBerry]
Source: CrackBerry
Apple Releases Third OS X 10.11.2 El Capitan Beta to Public Beta Testers
Apple today seeded the third beta of OS X 10.11.2 El Capitan to public beta testers, just a day after releasing the third beta to developers and two weeks after seeding the first OS X 10.11.2 public beta. Today’s update comes three weeks after the public launch of OS X El Capitan 10.11.1.
Those who have signed up to participate in Apple’s beta testing program can download the third OS X 10.11.2 beta using the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store. Non beta testers who want to participate can sign up on Apple’s beta testing website.
The first two OS X 10.11.2 betas did not appear to offer any obvious outward-facing changes, and the minor .2 update likely includes bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements to address issues discovered since the release of OS X 10.11.1. Apple’s release notes for the developer betas asks testers to focus on Graphics, Wi-Fi, Calendar, USB, Notes, Photos, and Spotlight, giving some insight into areas where improvements might be made.
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Android Wear gets cellular connectivity, here comes LG’s Watch Urbane 2 LTE
Every Android Wear device released up until now has required a Bluetooth and WiFi connection to operate. When LG announced the Watch Urbane 2 LTE in September, people awaited Google’s immediate announcement that Android Wear could support smartwatches with ceullar connectivity. Without that support, LG’s newest smartwatch would be pointless. But Google never announced Android Wear’s official support for cellular connective. Both companies decided that tonight, oddly, is the right time to make a move.
Google’s platform for smartwatches now officially supports cellular connectivity while LG is ready to sell its Watch Urbane 2 LTE in the United States and Korea.
Here’s Peter Ludwig, Product Manager of Android Wear, commenting on the usefulness of cellular connectivity:
“With calling, messaging, and thousands of apps right on your wrist, you’ll always be able to stay in touch and on track. Say goodbye to bulky pockets and awkward armbands: cellular support for Android Wear lets you wear what you want.”
The Watch Urbane 2 LTE has a P-OLED display with 480×480 resolution, a built-in heart rate monitor, and a fancy cellular radio that allows you to use the smartwatch without a Bluetooth or WiFi connection nearby. This is the most powerful Android Wear device yet; however, battery life could be rough if the cellular radio gets demanding.
Starting right now, you can purchase the Watch Urbane 2 LTE online from AT&T. The carrier’s stores will join in selling the smartwatch on November 13. Verizon, on the other hand, will begin accepting just pre-orders on November 12 and has not named a date for when customers can expect to see their Watch Urbane 2 LTE ship. AT&T’s two-year contract price on the smartwatch is $199, but forgoing that type of commitment raises its price to $299. Verizon will likely follow that same pricing or maybe even hike it a bit.
Source: Google
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE Launching Now In United States
First Android Wear Smartwatch with Cellular Connectivity on Sale at AT&T and Verizon, Kicking Off Global Rollout
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, the first Android Wear smartwatch to feature cellular connectivity, will begin rolling out to customers worldwide starting this month in the United Statesand Korea. AT&T has announced the start of online sales and will be offering the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE in-store on Nov. 13. The new Watch Urbane will be available for pre-order online at Verizon beginning tomorrow.
Compatible with both Android smartphones – like the all-new LG V10 – and iOS devices,* the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE allows users to answer calls and check messages. They can receive and respond right from their smartwatch, even when they are not carrying their mobile phone. LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE owners can feel confident that they won’t miss out on important calls or updates when out for their morning jog, or when the smartphone is accidentally left at home.
“Staying connected is of the utmost importance to consumers today. With the introduction of the second edition Watch Urbane LTE, consumers have options when it comes to their devices and we are excited to bring the latest to the wearables category,” said Morris Lee, senior vice president and head of North American sales and marketing, LG Mobile Communications Company.
The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE features a classic timepiece design consisting of a hairline-etched stainless steel body and a full-circle 348ppi P-OLED display. The three buttons on the right side of the smartwatch provide quick access to shortcut settings, LG Health and other apps. Its high-capacity 570mAH battery and Power Saving Mode support the second edition smartwatch’s “on-the-go” wearable capabilities.
“Keeping people connected to the world is our business and the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition was designed specifically to meet the needs of customers who want to communicate anytime, anywhere,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The wearable category is still in its infancy and we plan to continue introducing exciting devices that appeal to a diverse audience.”
Key markets in Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States to follow in the months ahead. Price and purchase details will be announced locally at the time of availability.
* Cellular enabled features will vary across Android and iOS. Android Wear compatible with Android smartphones running 4.4 or higher or iOS smartphones running 7.0 or higher.
About LG Electronics MobileComm USA, Inc.
LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the U.S. sales subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc. a global innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG’s consumer-centric products — including the flagship premium G Series models — incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
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Google’s “about me” page places all your information in one place
Do you ever wish you could update all your Google information from one place? Well, now you can with Google’s new “about me” page. The changes that you make there will show up across all Google services like Drive, Photos, Google+ and more.
Before, only on Google+ could you control this information, but now you can control it for all Google services on the “about me” page. Also, you will still be able to change your information on Google+, or you can make changes from the “about me” page, either one works.
The “about me” page lets you change basic information like your name, photos, gender, birthday, and occupation. However, there is a “plus” button in the lower right corner that allows you to add work contact info, personal contact info, education, work history, places, and sites.
Source: Google (about me)
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IoT to benefit from next year’s Bluetooth enhancements
The body of companies leading Bluetooth technology’s growth will be making a push to bring huge advancements next year that are meant to benefit the functionality of the Internet of Things. For those unaware, the IoT is general name of the network of devices that have sensors to collect data and share it with others. The Bluetooth SIG announced that Bluetooth connections in 2016 will have longer range and faster speeds. Specific growth for those two areas is enormous. Range should increase by four times while speed doubles. It will also gain ‘mesh networking’, a method that connects devices to form networks covering buildings big or small.
The Bluetooth SIG is targeting the Internet of Things because of its market potential sitting at as much as $11.1 trillion by 2025.
Bluetooth Technology to Gain Longer Range, Faster Speed, and Mesh Networking in 2016
Bluetooth SIG focuses 2016 technology roadmap on enhancements for IoT
KIRKLAND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is previewing highlights from its 2016 technology roadmap. Planned enhancements for the technology are focused squarely on increasing its Internet of Things (IoT) functionality. Key updates include longer range, higher speeds and mesh networking. The host of Bluetooth advancements coming in 2016 will further energize fast-growing industries such as smart home, industrial automation, location-based services and smart infrastructure.
“There is significant demand from our members and the industry at large to enhance Bluetooth with the new capabilities we’re announcing today,” said Toby Nixon, chairman of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors. “Current projections put the market potential for IoT between $2 and $11.1 trillion by 2025. The technical updates planned for Bluetooth technology in 2016 will help make these expectations a reality and accelerate growth in IoT.”
Announced updates will provide a variety of benefits for the growing number of IoT applications. For example, the range of Bluetooth Smart, set to increase up to 4x, will transform smart home and infrastructure applications, and will deliver an extended, more robust connection for full-home or outdoor use cases. A 100% increase in speed, without increasing energy consumption, will enable faster data transfers in critical applications, such as medical devices, increasing responsiveness and lowering latency. And mesh networking will enable Bluetooth devices to connect together in networks that can cover an entire building or home, opening up home and industrial automation applications.
“The Bluetooth technology roadmap is a powerful expression of our mission to continue as a catalyst for industry innovation,” said Mark Powell, executive director, Bluetooth SIG. “Bluetooth has been adopted by countless developers and manufacturers as their connectivity solution of choice for the IoT. The new functionality we will soon be adding will further solidify Bluetooth as the backbone of IoT technology.”
Bluetooth SIG member tools, like the recently launched Bluetooth Developer Studio, and training programs will be updated to ensure strong developer support for these new IoT features. Additional features and profile updates contained in the 2016 roadmap will be previewed in the coming months.
About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart technology, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, creates new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly three billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 27,500 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com.
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Is BlackBerry already preparing its next Android phone?
BlackBerry might not stop at just one Android phone. Right on the heels of the Priv, BlackBerry is seemingly preparing another Android phone. This one, codenamed Vienna, has an always-present physical keyboard that really resembles any classic device produced by the Waterloo-based company. The Priv is different in that its physical keyboard is only accessible when sliding the display upward.
Wanted BlackBerry to go all-touchscreen? Keep waiting!
CrackBerry is the publication reporting the Vienna’s existence, noting that it “ditches the Priv’s slider in favor of the iconic BlackBerry layout” with a physical keyboard that “looks to be of the same size and design as that of the Priv’s.” But they do caution that it’s hard to be certain about the keyboard’s size. What we can tell for sure from the renders above is that BlackBerry is exploring silver, navy blue, dark green, and burnt orange colors for the Vienna. The Priv is currently offers in black only.
The Vienna, if released, will be tasked with assisting the Priv in getting BlackBerry to reach its goal of selling five million units annually. BlackBerry caved and officially revealed the Priv’s identity after numerous leaks took the honor away. Everyone at BlackBerry is probably hoping this is the first and last time we hear of the Vienna unofficially. Let’s just say they better act quickly and decide whether or not this phone is going to be on the market. Leaks wait for no one.
Source: CrackBerry
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Samsung has a new 64-bit Exynos 8 Octa processor
Samsung has unveiled their new 64-bit Exynos 8 Octa processor. The new chip features a CPU based on 64-bit ARMv8 architecture with an embedded LTE modem as well as a list of other new features.
The Exynos 8 Octa is Samsung’s first application processor to include the company’s initial premium custom CPU cores based on 64-bit ARMv8 architecture providing over 30 percent improvement in performance and 10 percent in power efficiency compared to the Exynos 7 Octa. This chip also supports enhanced heterogeneous multi-processing for efficient usage of the eight cores, four custom and four ARM® Cortex®-A53, to deliver the highest performance and power efficiency in its class.
This new chip is the first Samsung chip to combine the processor and modem onto a single chip. Also, it will support download speeds of up to 600Mbps and upload speeds of up to 150Mbps with carrier aggregation.
Samsung says they plan on mass producing the new Exynos chip in late 2015. It’s basically already late 2015 now, which means we will probably see this chip on next years Samsung phones.
Press Release:
Samsung Unveils the Latest Application Processor, Exynos 8 Octa, Built on 14-Nanometer FinFET Process Technology
First premium chipset with Samsung custom-designed CPU and embedded LTE modem
SEOUL, South Korea—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced the newest member of its Exynos family of application processors, the Exynos 8 Octa 8890. This chip is Samsung’s second premium application processor built on 14nm FinFET process technology. Unlike the previous Exynos 7 Octa 7420, the Exynos 8 Octa is an integrated one-chip solution that features the company’s first custom designed CPU based on 64-bit ARMv8 architecture and the latest LTE Rel.12 Cat.12/13 modem. This brings a new level of performance to Samsung’s Exynos processor premium line-up for mobile applications.
“The Exynos 8 Octa is a leading-edge application processor for next-generation mobile devices that incorporates Samsung’s mobile technology leadership in CPU, ISP, and modem as well as process technology,” said Dr. Kyushik Hong, Vice President of System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics. “With our custom designed CPU cores and the industry’s most advanced LTE modem, consumers using mobile devices with the Exynos 8 Octa will experience a new level of mobile computing.”
The Exynos 8 Octa is Samsung’s first application processor to include the company’s initial premium custom CPU cores based on 64-bit ARMv8 architecture providing over 30 percent improvement in performance and 10 percent in power efficiency compared to the Exynos 7 Octa. This chip also supports enhanced heterogeneous multi-processing for efficient usage of the eight cores, four custom and four ARM® Cortex®-A53, to deliver the highest performance and power efficiency in its class.
The Exynos 8 Octa is Samsung’s first integrated one-chip solution in its premium line-up that combines the application processor and modem. Samsung has delivered one-chip Exynos solutions for mid to high-end smartphones in recent years. The Exynos 8 Octa integrates the most advanced LTE Rel.12 Cat.12/13 modem that enables maximum download speed of up to 600Mbps (Cat.12) and upload speed of up to 150Mbps (Cat.13) with carrier aggregation. With such a high data transfer rate, the Exynos 8 Octa will contribute to delivering an excellent mobile experience, allowing users to enjoy and share high resolution video content on the go with ease. Also the one-chip solution benefits OEMs with a reduced number of parts needed and overall space required for a device, allowing more flexible design options.
For a graphic-intensive user interface, highly immersive 3D gaming and life-like virtual reality experiences, the Exynos 8 Octa employs ARM®’s latest GPU, Mali™-T880.
Samsung plans to begin mass production of the Exynos 8 Octa in late 2015.
For more information about Samsung’s Exynos products, please visit http://www.samsung.com/exynos.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 319,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of US $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at http://www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com.
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Acer Predator 8 now available for pre-order
Acer’s new tablet targeting gamers, performance enthusiasts, and fans of beveled edges everywhere is now available for pre-order on Newegg.
The Predator 8 is a monster of an Android device with some pretty impressive specs. The Atom x7-Z8700 processor is a 64-bit quad-core CPU chip with Intel’s Gen8 graphics architecture, and all that graphical power is showcased on a gorgeous 8-inch, 1080p display. It’s got 2 gigs of RAM and either 32 or 64GB of internal storage, depending on which version you pick. If you need more, there’s a microSD slot to boot.
The physical architecture of the tablet is pretty interesting as well. The lightweight aluminium is formed into a shape that makes the Predator 8 look like it fell out of a sci-fi action movie, and the four magenta parts are front-facing speakers that offer support for virtual surround sound that Acer calls “Predator Quadio”. The Predator 8 employs a technology Acer refers to as TacSense. It’s basically a more intelligent version of a Rumble Pak that provides vibrations for a more immersive gaming experience.
The cameras are decent, but nothing particularly stunning. This isn’t a device for nature photography, it’s a device for playing the hell out of demanding games. The rear-facing camera rocks a 5 MP sensor, while the front-facing one features a 2 MP resolution.
The Predator 8 runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, and the tablet hopes to be a rival for the Nvidia Shield tablet. The price tag is $299, which is fairly reasonable for a device with this much power under the hood.
Are you going to be picking up a Predator 8? The aesthetic seems to be a bit polarizing with some praising its unique look and others criticizing such flourishes as tacky. In a market that seems to be dominated by a minimalist aesthetic, it’s definitely a distinctive step. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
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