Samsung could help Apple avoid large patent payout

A review board at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has invalidated a claim against Apple with help from rival Samsung. The two firms are normally on opposite ends of the rope when it comes to a tug of war over patents. The story began about a year ago, when a Texas court ordered Apple to pay $533 million to holding firm SmartFlash, after it argued Apple’s iTunes infringes three of its patents. SmartFlash’s claims related to technologies for payments, storage and copy protection. It’s the payment patent that the review board has dismissed, stating that it covers a “fundamental economic practice long in existence in commerce.”
Samsung’s involvement isn’t entirely selfless. The Korean giant was also accused of infringing the same technology, moving it to persuade the USPTO to review the validity of the patents in the first place. Apple still faces a review of the other two patents, verdicts for which should arrive on April 4 and May 30. Only then will we know if the iPhone-maker needs to issue a payout, and for how much. For Apple’s part, it not only claims the patents are invalid, but that it doesn’t even use the techniques they cover. SmartFlash, which makes its money licensing patents, can challenge the USPTO’s decision.

Source: Bloomberg

Nest reportedly falling short of expectations, could be in trouble at Alphabet

Nest could be in trouble under the Alphabet umbrella, according to a Recode report. The publication notes that while Nest pocketed $340 million last year, it’s below expectations Google had set for its acquisition, now spun off as a subsidiary of Alphabet. According to multiple sources familiar with the deal that took place, funding for Nest also runs out this year unless extended by Alphabet.

“Google also brought on CEO Tony Fadell, a former Apple exec, to inject Google with Apple’s hardware sensibility. But now it’s future is up in the air as it’s clearly fallen short of those lofty expectations. In late 2013, as Fadell negotiated the sale to the search giant, the two parties settled on two provisions. Fadell ensured that he would have an operating budget from Google; in return, Google created a significant retention clause to ensure that Nest’s key executives and engineers stayed aboard.”

It seems as though Nest has endured a rocky few years with its rather pricey acquisition of Dropcam playing a major part in actually reaching the set annual sales target of $300 million. But the tough times may only just be kicking off as Recode also notes how many Nest employees are nearing the point when their stock vests, meaning they’ll no longer be shackled to Alphabet and will be free to depart.

LG Innotek unveils new super-fast wireless charger to get you off cables for good

LG subsidiary Innotek has unveiled a 15-watt wireless charging transmitter for smartphones. Boasted as being able to provide just as much charge as regular wired chargers, this module will enable consumers to charge their smartphones without having to plug their handset into the wall, all without sacrificing on charge speed.

It’s stated that the new transmitter can supply enough power to a smartphone to charge a completely discharged battery to 50% in just 30 minutes, three times faster than existing 5-watt wireless solutions. Following World Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and AirFuel Alliance standards, the charger can be used with all supporting gadgets.

Production of the new chargers is expected to commence this year.

Press Release

LG Innotek Unveils Transmission Modules for Quick Wireless Charging

Seoul, Korea, Mar 31, 2016 – LG Innotek, a global materials and components manufacturer, today announced the newly developed 15-watt transmission modules for wireless power charger that can supply the same amount of electric power supplied by wired chargers. It plans to start its mass production within this year.

The transmission module has been developed for smartphone wireless power charger with performance equivalent to wired chargers. It shortens the entire charging time and enhances user convenience since it is compatible with diverse charger specifications.

Wireless power chargers consist of transmitter and receiver. The transmitter supplies power to smartphone in the form of charger pad or holding platform. Embedded in smartphones, the receiver charges the battery by generating induced current by responding to the transmitter part.

LG Innotek has further enhanced the charging speed, compatibility, and application areas with the new 15-watt transmission module for wireless power chargers.

The module for wireless power chargers supplies power to charge a fully discharged battery up to 50% within 30 minutes. Its charging speed is three times faster than the existing 5-watt wireless charging modules.

Furthermore, this product features outstanding compatibility since it supports diverse wireless charger specifications. It can be used on majority of commercial smart phones supporting wireless power chargers. It interoperates with the 9-watt receiving modules that were recently supplied along with WPC 15W or PMA 5W. It also follows the standards of both World Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and AirFuel Alliance, which are international standards organizations on wireless power chargers.

LG Innotek’s 15-watt transmission module can be used on wireless power chargers installed on vehicles as well as wireless chargers used at home or office. The company has secured quality at the level of automotive electronic parts under a strategic alliance with developers of the world’s major power chipset manufacturers.

The company’s core technologies include those for wireless communication, power circuit design, and new materials make success of the development of the 15-watt transmission module for wireless power chargers.

In addition, the company has supplied wireless power charger receiving modules to global smart phone manufacturers such as LG Electronics, Motorola, and Kyosera starting with Google Nexus 4 in 2012. It attracted attention by last year’s introduction of 5-watt transmission modules that exceeded 70% charging efficiency.

LG Innotek plans to respond actively to market changes as the current wireless power charger market so far, which is formed around home or offices, will expand to automobiles and public places. The company has already supplied modules for wireless power charger to the global automotive company in June last year.

“The development of the 15-watt wireless charging module is a success achieved through our active response to the needs of the customers and changes in the market. We will continue to provide convenient, safe, and pleasant user experiences by concentrating all our resources on the creation of customer values.” said Gil-Sang Park, head of the company’s Automotive Components and Electronics laboratory.

Flagship smartphone camera showdown: iPhone 6S Plus vs SGS7 edge vs LG G5

Phone cameras have become mighty impressive in recent years, almost making dedicated cameras redundant. As we push into 2016 the new wave of flagship devices come with formidable camera specs. And having reviewed the LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and iPhone 6S Plus in recent months, it’s the perfect opportunity to test these phones cameras’ mettle in a dedicated head-to-head.

The headline-grabbing numbers and features of this trio – from megapixels to wide apertures, and laser autofocus to dual cameras – certainly do their job and swing the punches, but what’s the story in the real world and which is the best of the bunch? We go deep in our G5 vs SGS7 edge vs iPhone 6S Plus camera showdown.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Screen size / user experience

We’ll start with what seems trivial, but phone design, screen size and interface all have an impact on user experience.

All three phones here have large displays, the iPhone and Samsung are 5.5-inch, the LG is 5.3-inch. Each has its own fortes and downfalls. The iPhone is the lowest resolution but, really, this doesn’t matter in practice – if anything it looks the best in terms of colour. The SGS7 edge has added pop due to its Super AMOLED panel, so shots off screen look a little flatter, and those curved edges make it a little tricky to use in landscape orientation.

But of the three it’s the Samsung we favour the most for two reasons: one, the refresh rate maintains super-smooth playback even in low-light conditions, which is great for framing; and two, the touch shutter is the quickest of the bunch to react and fire off a shot (press-and-hold and it reels off batches of images).

Pocket-lint

One thing the G5 lacks that both iPhone and Galaxy offer is a click-and-drag exposure compensation adjustment. On the iPhone this vertical slider with “sun” symbol is easy and accurate to drag to make subtle adjustments and, for our money, the best implementation. The Galaxy offers a similar solution in a horizontal “lightbulb” slider though.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Aperture

The more light that a lens lets in, the more a camera module has to play with. And as the Samsung has the widest aperture – the smaller the number, the wider the opening, thus the more light – this is part of the reason its real-time playback is so smooth.

A wider aperture narrows the focal plane in an image too, which can deliver a more pronounced blurred background (especially when the focus point is closer to the lens). But the differences between the Samsung’s f/1.7 and LG’s f/1.8? It’s negligible; it’s one sixth of an f-stop. Between f/1.7 and the iPhone’s f/2.2, however, it’s five sixths of an f-stop – which, like-for-like, means the sensitivity (ISO) can be kept lower to stop processing having to work so hard.

However, and like with the similar resolution between different devices tale, don’t get too hung up on marginal differences in aperture values. The difference is fairly marginal but, even so, it’s the smaller number of the Samsung that sees it the victor here once more.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Focal length / angle of view

One of those things that’s not discussed too often is phone camera reviews is how wide-angle a lens is. The smaller the number the wider the field of view, which has practical benefits – such as fitting a bunch of people into a group shot – but also exaggerates distortion the wider it gets.

The LG G5 has a clever work-around solution: two cameras. Yep, that’s what the ugly lug on the back of the phone is: one 16MP sensor with an as-yet-unknown official focal length (we’ve compared it to the other two and it’s the least wide-angle of the bunch, somewhere at the 30mm equivalent we suspect), and one 8MP sensor with a far wider 135-degree angle of view (think of a 180-degree line as being your arms outstretched, whereas 135-degrees covers 75 per cent of this periphery). Sounds gimmicky, but we think the super-wide second lens is bloomin’ brilliant – and it’s easy to toggle between the two options within the camera app in a split second.

Here the difference between the 26mm of the Samsung and 29mm of the iPhone might sound negligible, but it makes a fair difference in what you’ll squeeze into the frame. We find the Samsung a little too wide perhaps (although it’s arguably the most practical), the iPhone sits in a good sweet spot, while the G5 has perhaps been a little too cautionary with its main camera (but compensates with the ultra-wide second solution).

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Autofocus speed

The difference between those two G5 cameras, however, is that the 16MP one can utilise the phone’s laser autofocus system for speedier capture than the 8MP wide-angle’s contrast-detection system. We’re particularly fond of how the G5 provides ample feedback with focus points, or you can press-to-focus anywhere on the screen instead.

Pocket-lint

LG G5 differing angles of view from its two cameras

But just because it’s got a snazzy name and uses actual frickin’ laser beams, does it mean it’s the fastest? Well, yes and no. Point-and-shoot and the G5 is snappy with its pre-defined autofocus points. Break the mould, however, by selecting your own focus point and the SGS7 edge is as fast or faster – depending on the shooting conditions. The iPhone 6S Plus is slightly slower than the other two handsets, but not by a giant amount.

Accuracy, however, we’d give to the G5. Even when it’s being a little slower to acquire focus than the S7 edge the G5’s small focus area seems more precise – almost thoughtful – in its acquisition. But if it’s all-round speed then, perhaps surprisingly, the SGS7 edge, on average, is the nippiest of the bunch in our experience.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Image stabilisation

Not so long ago optical image stabilisation was a relative rarity in phone cameras. Not so for this trio, though, each of which uses microscopic lens-based movements to counteract for handshake and movement. That’s especially helpful for keeping shots sharp when the light dips. It’s all rather clever, isn’t it?

But which is best? Each maker has their own claims (or absence of) on how effective systems are by x-amount of f-stops, but we can’t pick one from the other. In bright conditions you’ll know no different, it’s when the light fades things kick in.

What is apparent, however, is that the differing available aperture values make the biggest difference: we’ve more often found the iPhone using 1/4-second shutter speeds compared to 1/15th-second of the SGS7, making the Samsung easier to hold steady for sharper results, for example.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Manual shooting & raw capture

We’re not going to get too hung up on manual shooting ability, as a lot of phone users aren’t going to need or want such controls. Phone makers know this, and even the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge’s and LG G5’s manual modes – named “Pro” and “Manual” respectively within the “Modes” section of the app – are neatly tucked away by default. But if you do want shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, raw capture and other controls then these two cameras offer them.

The iPhone sticks to its straightforward usability premise, without a full manual mode or raw capture, but with easy-to-use exposure compensation – plus there are third-party apps that can be downloaded to make yet more out of the 6S Plus’ camera arrangement. We’ve even had rather a lot of fun with the DxO One camera add-on.

READ: DxO One review

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Resolution / sensor size

There’s a lot of talk about resolution these days. But think of it like this: even a 4K Ultra-HD TV delivers 8.3-megapixels, which is more than enough resolution for a still image, so anything at that number or greater means it’s happy days.

But – and there’s always a but – you don’t want too much resolution (i.e. photo diodes, which translate into pixels) crammed onto a small sensor surface. Doing so causes issues with the ability to capture light as “cleanly”, which can result in images with more image noise present – that mottled, dotted pattern, which can also show as red, green or blue colour noise.

To counteract, makers are aiming to squeeze slightly larger sensors into phones, while maintaining the sweet spot of resolution. So while the iPhone 6S Plus has a decent sensor, the LG G5 and SGS7 edge both use a slightly larger surface.

The spread of resolution is therefore different: while the iPhone 6S Plus has the same resolution as the SGS7, the Apple device’s smaller surface means each “pixel” is smaller. But not the smallest: the G5’s higher resolution means squeezing more pixels onto the surfaces makes each one smaller. That runs the risk of lesser image quality – but clever processing can counteract such assumptions.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Image quality

So, to the actual results. We’ve been shooting with all three phones in daylight through to low-light to see how they perform. Comparing actual results between all three is tricky because we’re not comparing like-for-like settings in each case: if the camera chooses a slower shutter speed because its aperture can’t equal the settings of a competitor, then we can’t control that across all three devices. Our comparison, therefore, is very much a real-world “here’s what the device does” and how the results thereof compare.

And it’s with quality that the iPhone shows its worth: of all the shots, from all three phones, the balance of colour and contrast throughout the 6S Plus’ shots gives it the most immediate appeal; its shots look the most “camera like” straight out of the device which, to a fair degree, makes it the most appealing. We found its HDR (high dynamic range, which balances highlights and shadows) results the most pleasing too.

When zooming in that little extra, to really dig at the detail at 100 per cent scale, it’s actually the Samsung that can eke out a little extra – a combination of widest aperture and largest “pixels” on sensor being the helping hand here. However its the least accurate when it comes to colour, often with very pink/magenta tones throwing things off, and contrast that is often excessive. Processing can also be harsh in areas and diminish detail in lower-light shots.

The G5 is an interesting balance because it doesn’t go wild on the processing front, therefore not pushing contrast to excess or smoothing out details to mush. In a way, the LG gives the most raw-like results of the three devices, with plenty of detail to boot, but also a little more colour noise as a result when shooting in low-light conditions – not that it’s hugely noticeable. The added resolution of the 16MP camera (and therefore smallest pixels) doesn’t make a vast difference nor hinder results, but on balance it’s perhaps exactly that: the most balanced of the three.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Special additions

As you might have seen on the telly, Apple is pushing its Live Photos feature quite hard in the iPhone. The idea is simple: a still image “comes to life” when you touch it (well, within an Apple ecosystem anyway, it’s not shareable with Android phones in such a format) with moving image and sound. Fun, but not brand new – we’ve seen such ideas before in HTC and Nokia devices. Even the S7 edge offers a similar, but far more tucked-away feature.

With the LG G5 there’s a significant addition in the make-up of the handset too: modules or “Friends” as LG likes to call them. These physical add-ons vary from a VR headset to a hi-res audio addition. But it’s the camera extras that are most interesting, with a battery-and-controls-boosting addition available (which we’ve not used for this test, to be clear) and even a dual lens 360-degree camera.

All three cameras have dual tone flashes to make the most of warmer skin tones as needed. It was a stand-out feature when first introduced, but now seems to just be the going standard.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Video

Apple hit a home run with its slow-mo modes, which are still the most accessible and varied of the three devices here – it’s the only one to offer 1080p at 120fps, for example, the other two have 720p at 240fps only.

The other big news, but of course, is 4K capture. Which all three devices offer at 30fps, keeping up with the current trends and ensuring that true flagship experience. None of the devices can play it back pixel-for-pixel on the native phone screen, of course, but that’s besides the point.

LG G5 vs SGS7 vs iPhone 6S Plus: Verdict

Which brings us to the wrap-up. And it’s not as clean-cut as we thought it might be. There are all kinds of additional depths.

Here’s our summary:

1. The iPhone’s images are the most pleasing straight from the device. However, it’s not the fastest to focus and sometimes conditions can get the better of it.

2. The Samsung offers the snappiest user experience. However, its images, while often the most detailed of the bunch, are the most colour-skewed.

3. The LG’s dual camera approach is a stroke of brilliance – and we’re big fans of the 135-degree second camera. Overall it’s the most balanced of the three: delivering good image quality, without overdoing processing, and delivering an accurate autofocus experience. In many ways, that makes it the best of the bunch – depending, of course, on what you’re looking for.

Force our hand and, well, we’d probably pick the S7 edge. One, because it’s the most exciting phone of the bunch; two because we’d be ok spending a little extra time applying new colour filters to any shots taken.

Whichever you choose, this current collection of flagship smartphones offer an excellent camera experience.

‘Pokemon Snap’ strikes a pose on Wii U next week …in Japan

It’s been almost 17 years to the day since Pokemon Snap released on the Nintendo 64 and we still haven’t seen a sequel. The quirky on-rails first-person “shooter” that had you taking pictures of the pocket monsters in their natural habitat released just as Poké fever was catching on here in the States, but since then fans’ imaginations have been the only place for a follow-up. Next week on April 4th Nintendo is releasing the game on the Wii U Virtual Console. In Japan. Where it’ll cost a paltry ¥1,028 ($9.15).

Is it a sign of a sequel to come? One to make use of the Wii U’s gyroscopic gamepad that’d be perfect as a viewfinder for a modern version of the game, or just another tease? Only Nintendo (and perhaps Professor Oak) knows the answer to those questions. For now, just be happy that at least one region can play the game without having to drag the old N64 or Wii out of the closet.

Via: Kotaku

Source: Nintendo (Japanese)

‘Black Mirror’ season three won’t be shown on Channel 4

Last September, Netflix commissioned a new season of Black Mirror from Charlie Brooker and the House of Tomorrow team. It was pitched as a “Netflix original,” although the company stressed it would premiere internationally “in all Netflix territories outside the UK and Ireland.” Here, it said, plans were “still being determined.” As The Guardian notes, that’s because Channel 4 — which funded and aired the first two seasons — was still in the running for first broadcast rights on its home turf. Not anymore.

The negotiations have now wrapped up, with Netflix proving the victor. It means the next season of Black Mirror will now premiere globally on Netflix, including the UK. Channel 4, meanwhile, won’t be showing the programme at all. “Black Mirror couldn’t be a more Channel 4 show,” Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer said. “We grew it from a dangerous idea to a brand that resonated globally. Of course, it’s disappointing that the first broadcast window in the UK is then sold to the highest bidder, ignoring the risk a publically owned channel like Four took backing it.”

Netflix, on the other hand, is understandably thrilled with the outcome. Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix, said:

“Netflix has been the proud home of Black Mirror in most of the world and are thrilled to support Charlie and Annabel’s amazing vision for the new season that will premiere only on Netflix globally, including the UK.”

Black Mirror season three is effectively a Netflix exclusive, so you’ll need a subscription to watch each new episode later this year. An exact release date hasn’t been given, although the company has teased it’ll be coming out “soon.” As with earlier seasons, we suspect it’ll deliver some pretty dark and unnervingly believable visions of our society in the near future.

All new episodes. Coming soon. #BlackMirrorhttps://t.co/Ug5LY66VoY

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 29, 2016

Everything we learned at the ‘Uncovered: Final Fantasy XV’ event

We have a release date , this is not a drill. Square Enix put on an entire soiree last night to preview the heck out of what we’ll be getting come September 30th. It wasn’t enough to merely say when it’s launching, but also reveal a companion anime, full-length movie and two limited edition versions of the game. There’s also a new platinum demo, available now. But before you play that, here’s all the important bits, if you just had to sleep.

Where to buy Apple’s iPhone SE in the UK

“Let the 4-inch form factor not perish with the aging 5s,” bellowed Apple; and thus, the iPhone SE came to be. Apple’s latest handset, aimed at smaller paws and skinny jeans, is a curious blend of old and new. That’s true of the design, at least, but inside you’re effectively looking at an iPhone 6s, the only major difference being the lack of 3D Touch. And as you may have guessed, the little power puncher goes on sale today. But where, and for how much?

The iPhone SE has the lowest launch price of any iPhone that’s come before it, and that’s being reflected in what carriers and contract resellers are able to offer. There are plenty of tariffs available that don’t demand an upfront payment and better yet, you’re not really paying over the odds each month to compensate. Bear in mind the figures above are for the 16GB model and most come with modest data allowances (500MB or 1GB), but still, you’re looking at a nice low barrier of entry.

As far as competition between MVNOs is concerned, there’s not a great deal in it. As usual, Tesco Mobile has the best offer, just, at £26.50 per month with no upfront and a 1GB data cap. Virgin Mobile’s iPhone SE 1GB plan is £28 per month, Carphone Warehouse’s iD network is slightly more expensive at £29.50 per month for 1GB, and giffgaff’s 1GB tariff is £26.57 per month with an initial payment of £35. The absolute cheapest MVNO contract can be found at Virgin Mobile, but £23 per month and no upfront payment only gets you a 250MB data allowance.

Tracking down a pay-as-you-go iPhone SE plan has proved impossible, meaning an unlocked, SIM-free model is the way to go if you want to pay a lump sum and be done with it. You won’t find any variation in pricing whatsoever just yet, though. So, whether you go direct to Apple, or hit up Currys, Clove, Carphone Warehouse, John Lewis or anywhere else, the best prices you’ll find are £359 for a 16GB model, and £439 for 64GB of storage.

Feds agree to unlock iDevices for an Arkansas prosecutor

Arkansas prosecutor Cody Hiland doesn’t have to go after Apple to unlock an iPhone and an iPod belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a 66-year-old couple. According to Associated Press, the FBI has agreed to help him crack the devices open. The prosecutor believes that one of the teenagers charged of capital murder and aggravated robbery used his iPod to talk about his plan to kill the victims. He thinks he can find more evidence in the device, as well. Based on recent events, the agency could be more than capable of delivering on its promise.

If you haven’t heard, the Department of Justice dropped its case against Apple after the third-party entity it brought in managed to unlock the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone 5c. The feds wanted the company to unlock the shooter’s device for them, but Apple refused to comply to the very end and fought back in the name of privacy and security for months. They didn’t reveal how the third-party entity hacked the device, and it’s unclear if they’ll be using the same method to access the devices connected to this case. By agreeing to the prosecutor’s request, though, the feds are showing that they don’t need Apple’s help, at least until they want to access the company’s newest devices.

Source: Associated Press

WiFi distance detector could shut out router invaders

Researchers from MIT have figured out how to detect the distance between WiFi users and a single router, a feat that could make drones safer and public internet more secure. They did it by measuring the “time of flight” of WiFi signals between the transmitter and receiver, and multiplying by the speed of light to calculate distance. That concept isn’t new, but MIT’s CSAIL team, which has already looked through walls using WiFi, managed to build a working prototype.

During tests, the device calculated time-of-flight down to 0.5 nanoseconds, making it 20 times more accurate than other systems. In a four-room apartment, researchers picked out a user’s correct room location 94 percent of the time, and figured out if someone was using WiFi inside a cafe with 97 percent accuracy. They also tested it on a drone, keeping it a set distance away from the operator with a 2-inch margin of error.

Previous attempts at WiFi user calculation required multiple routers for triangulation, but MIT’s system works with a single access point. There’s no word on plans to commercialize the product, but the fact that the CSAIL team made a working prototype is always a promising sign. If the tech was incorporated into a router, it could shut out snoopers or internet thieves in many circumstances, making public and private WiFi much less of a security crapshoot.