Nanowire battery can extend your phone battery life by hundreds of thousands of times

Science has done it again. Another battery breakthrough is here to change batteries forever, this time by extending life thanks to nanowires.

The battery advancement, made by researchers at the University of California Irvine, means these batteries can offer longer lives than current lithium-ion units. In fact these nanowire batteries can withstand hundreds of thousands of charges without showing any signs of degradation.

That could mean future batteries last a lot longer – ideal for electric cars. Imagine buying a car or phone in the future where you never have to worry about battery damage or how you charge it to protect that. These could even be used in future spacecraft.

Nanowires, which are thousands of times thinner than a human hair, have a high conductivity and large surface area, making them ideal for future batteries. The issue has always been that they easily broke down after several charges.

The Irvine researchers coated the gold nanowires in manganese dioxide shells encased in an electrolyte of gel. The result is no loss of power even when recharged 200,000 times over three months.

Now we simply need nanowires to get manufactured en masse, while advancing capacity and there could be a viable alternative to current battery options. We say simply.

READ: Future batteries, coming soon

Facebook Messenger gets group calling with up to 50 friends

While Facebook is obsessed with bots, it’s not the only new feature the company has been working on for Messenger. The app will soon be getting group calls which, as its name implies, allows you to have an audio-based conversation with multiple people. With the latest version of the Messenger app, it’s just a matter of tapping the phone icon while you’re inside a group chat. Once you’ve done this, Facebook will give you a secondary screen to manage the people on the call. TechCrunch reports that you can have a maximum of 50 friends on a single group call.

Facebook hasn’t talked about group video calling, although it stands to reason the feature is in its long-term roadmap. Unlike WhatsApp, which seems content to be a simple and secure SMS replacement, Messenger is being developed as a more advanced, helpful and socially integrated chat application. Group video calling is one of the few ways that Skype and Google Hangouts continue to trump Messenger — removing that differentiator would likely extend Facebook’s dominance on mobile.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: David Marcus (Facebook)

Windows 10 Mobile preview lets you text from your PC

Microsoft is trying hard to unify Windows 10 across devices, so now your PC can act like a phone. The latest Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview update features an app called “Messaging Everywhere” that lets you send and receive cellular text messages from a Windows 10 PC. You’ll need to have a supported Windows 10 Preview mobile device, like a Lumia 650 or 950, and activate the feature from your Microsoft account, as below. That will sync up messages on all your selected Windows 10 devices, so you can send and receive SMS messages without pulling out a phone.

In the same update, Microsoft has eliminated Skype Integration from Windows Mobile messaging in favor of an upcoming Universal Windows Platform (UWP) version of the app. Microsoft was originally keen to integrate the widely used video and voice chat app with Windows 10’s messaging service, and released a preview late last year. However, it abandoned that idea last month, saying folks “want to eliminate app clutter,” and removed integration from both mobile and desktop preview versions of Windows 10. It recently released a UWP preview for PCs, but mobile insiders who want Skype will need to use the existing Skype for Windows Phone app for now.

Meanwhile, Windows 10 preview desktop insiders just received an update to that very UWP version of Skype, bringing it more in line with the regular Windows app. It now has group features, letting you message, call or video chat with multiple folks. Other new features include the ability see multiple video callers at once, delete messages and mark any group as a favorite. As for the Skype UWP preview app on Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft says it’s coming “soon.”

Source: Microsoft (1), (2)

Google is bringing TV listings to search results

In its quest to bring more valuable information to search, Google will soon add live TV listings to results, allowing you to find out exactly when and what channel your favourite film or TV show is on next. The new module won’t just include cable or over-the-air availability, the search giant will also display which apps and websites also host the content you’re looking for, whether it’s on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes or another streaming service.

Google is staying quiet on when we can expect the new feature to roll out — noting that it’s “coming soon” — but when it does, you’ll be able to select your TV service provider to personalize your results. It will display cards describing what the movie or TV show is about, who stars in it and other relevant information, which might save you from clicking through to sites like IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes.

Although the company has included a selection of streaming providers, there’s no word on whether subscription services like Netflix or Amazon Video will be included. We’ve contacted Google for more information on its partners and enquired as to whether it’ll be available internationally.

Via: The Verge

Source: Google Search Blog

Apple Patents Lightning Compatible Wired-Wireless Headphone System

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an Apple patent today that describes a hybrid analog/digital stereo headphone system capable of switching seamlessly between wired and wireless audio modes (via AppleInsider).

The patent for “Audio class-compliant charging accessories for wireless headphones and headsets” distinguishes the system from traditional headphones by its use of an electrical connector capable of transmitting both digital and analog signals, which would make it compatible with Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector protocol.

The wired contacts in the connector utilize “differential signaling” that enable it to transfer power and audio data through a single cable without compromising sound quality, while the wireless component of the headphones comprises an internal battery, processor, memory, and antenna for communicating with a source device such as an iPhone.

Design details are sparse, but the patent notes that the hardware would fit into in-ear, on-ear and over-ear styles of headphones.

As with all Apple patents, the usual caveat applies in that the invention may not see the light of day in any future product. That said, the system it describes is consistent with rumors that Apple plans to ditch the headphone jack for the fall 2016 iPhone 7 in favor of a Lightning-equipped headphone accessory or Bluetooth-based wireless listening solution similar to the Bragi Dash headphones.

Tag: patents
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Rival Handset Makers Face Inventory Losses Following China iPhone SE Launch

The launch of the iPhone SE in China has squeezed market share from local brands causing handset makers to rein in their inventory stockpiling for future component shipments, according to sources in the supply chain (via DigiTimes).

The introduction of the relatively low-priced iPhone SE into the Chinese market has reportedly affected the performance of brands including Huawei, Xiaomi Technology, Vivo, and Oppo. The intensified competition means handset makers are reluctant to build up inventories based on what they now perceive as over-confident shipment prospects, said the sources.

The conservatism follows similar trends last year when shipment numbers failed to meet expectations. Camera module makers in particular were exposed to a high level of inventories in 2015 after optimistic shipment projections, but ended up shipping only 70 to 80 percent of their stockpiles. As a result, camera module suppliers have grown skeptical of prospects from vendors marketing smartphones with dual lenses.

Sources also noted that Apple’s efforts to upgrade the internal voltage of its power supply devices from 15 volts to 20 volts to improve charging efficiency has left power supply makers with excessive inventories.

Apple is expected to include a dual-lens camera in the iPhone 7, set to be released in the fall of this year. However, according to respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the dual camera will be exclusive to Apple’s 5.5-inch iPhone.

Tag: digitimes.com
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B&O Play BeoPlay A1 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Credit B&O Play for creating a Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t look like anything out there already. The new dome-shaped Beoplay A1 is not only the smallest wireless speaker from the Danish company, but also the most affordable at $249 or £199 in the UK (pricing for Australia hasn’t been announced but that roughly translates to AU$319).

Designed by well-known Danish furniture designer Cecile Manz, the aluminum-clad A1’s clearly meant to take on Bose’s popular SoundLink Mini II wireless speaker, and it’s one of the best sounding mini-Bluetooth speakers I’ve heard, though it better be considering its elevated price point.

The BeoPlay A1 charges via USB -C and has an audio input.

Sarah Tew/CNET

While it looks sleek and has no protruding buttons B&O Play says it’s “robust enough to handle the bumps and scrapes of everyday use.” It comes with a leather carrying strap, though no protective carrying pouch, which is too bad.

The speaker has two drivers — a 3.5-inch mid cone woofer and a 3/4-inch tweeter. It manages to play very loud for its size, delivers a surprising amount of bass, and is very strong in the mid range where vocals live. That said, like all these small speakers, it does have its limitations, and has a harder time resolving more complicated tracks (a lot of instruments playing at the same time) at higher volumes. That said, it will fill a small room with sound and would work well in a kitchen, bathroom, home office or dorm room.

BeoPlay A1 (pictures)
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As its shape implies, it also doubles as a speakerphone and it’s a good one. The other plus is the strong battery life — it’s rated at 24 hours thanks to a 2,200mAh internal rechargeable battery and an efficient adaptive power management system. It’s worth noting that it charges with a USB-C cable, not a standard Micro-USB cable.

Yes, you can certainly get mini-Bluetooth speakers that cost a lot less and perform pretty well for their size. But if you don’t mind the high price, this is very nice speaker that offers impressive sound for it size.

Here are the A1’s key specs:

• Measures 5.2 inches by 1.9 inches (133mm by 48mm) and weighs 1.3 pounds or 600 grams
• DSP algorithm with advanced high-slope filtering creates a spacious 360-degree soundscape
• Up to 24 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels
• Charges with included USB-C cable
• Speakerphone capabilities
• Available in moss green and natural for a suggested retail price at $249, £199. Both colors are available in B&O stores, on the B&O website and at select third-party retailers.

Acer Predator gaming laptops, desktops, projector and more hit India

Acer has taken the wraps off its Predator range of gaming-focused machines that are headed to India. That includes Acer Predator laptops, desktops, monitors and projector.

The Acer Predator range is in the same market as the Dell Alienware or Asus Rog machines that are focused on top end gaming. The Predator line should help to extend the offerings for mobile and desktop gaming to Indian buyers.

This is high-end stuff though with only the more serious gamers likely to spend the big money required to own one of these high performance machines.

So what’s available?

Acer

Acer Predator 15 and 17 laptops

Acer will launch two gaming laptops at around 15-inch and 17-inch sizes. Each will be powered by sixth gen Intel Core i7 processors, Nvidia graphics, DDR4 memory and solid state hard drives. All that is cooled by a triple fan setup that allows performance that includes 4K video rendering. That’s the speed taken care of then.

Of course the look is also a big part for gamers. The Predator laptops will feature a black chassis with symmetric lines and red accents throughout. They will also feature grippy soft texture coatings for maximum gaming performance comfort.

On the sound front the laptops will offer built-in subwoofers and Dolby Audio surround with the 17-inch version sporting SoundPound 4.2 and the 15-inch getting SoundPound 2.1.

The screens vary across the lines. The Predator 15 comes with either a 15.6-inch Full HD screen or a 4K UHD option with 3840 x 2160 resolution. The Predator 17 features a 17.3-inch display but only comes in the Full HD version.

Both laptops ship, running Windows 10, in April and start at Rs 1,79,000 which is about £1880 or $2700.

Acer

Acer Predator G6 and G3 desktops

The Acer Predator G6 and G3 desktop gaming rigs come packing sixth gen Intel Core i7-6700K processors that can be overclocked, 64GB of RRD4 dual-channel RAM and up to 4TB storage, all cooled by an IceTunnel system.

The larger G6 comes with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 GPU and UHD 4K2K display for a 3840 x 2160 resolution, plus Sound Blaster X-Fi MB5 audio.

The Acer Predator G6 and G3 desktops will start at Rs 1,20,000 which is about £1260 or $1810.

Acer

Acer Predator Z650 projector

The Acer Predator Z650 projector offers a 100-inch screen from 1.5 metres away. It’s 1080p with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and offers 3D projection for gaming PCs connected to it. There’s also built-in DTS Sound with dual 10W stereo speakers.

The Acer Predator Z650 will cost Rs 1,29,000 which is £1360 or $1945.

Acer

Acer Predator X34 G-sync and Z35 gaming monitors

The Acer monitor range for the Predator series includes the curved 21:9 G-sync Predator X34 with Nvidia G-sync tech, DTS audio, two 7W speakers, zero-frame and aluminium base plus ambient lighting. The IPS offers 100 per cent sRGB and a 178-degree viewing angle.

The Z35 is a 35-inch curved G-sync panel with up to 200GHz refresh rate and feature Dolby HD audio from the 9W stereo speakers.

The Acer Predator monitors start at Rs 39,000 which is £410 or $588 and goes up to Rs 1,10,000 which is £1160 or $1660.

READ: PlayStation 5 might never happen, reveals Sony

Scientists design fast, flexible transistor for wearables

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have devised a cheap method to make impressively fast and flexible silicon-based transistors. Their technique involves using beams of electrons to create reusable molds of the patterns they want, as well as a very, very tiny knife to etch minuscule trenches into those patterns. The result is a small, bendy transistor — though not as small as a the Navy’s single-molecule design — that can transmit data wirelessly and has the potential to operate at a whopping 110 gigahertz. In other words, it’s capable of some extremely fast computing and could lead to wearables a lot more powerful than those available today.

Lead researcher Zhenqiang (Jack) Ma says it’s possible to scale up the manufacturing process for mass production. Manufacturers could, for instance, use rolling pins to stamp the patterns onto rolls of flexible plastic. Ma and his team, who have published their study in Scientific Reports, said their process is ready for use in the real world:

“We don’t want to make [flexible electronics] the way the semiconductor industry does now. Our step, which is most critical for roll-to-roll printing, is ready.”

Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Opera Web Browser for OS X Gains Free Unlimited VPN Feature

Norway-based company Opera Software has integrated a virtual private network (VPN) feature into the latest developer version of its free Opera web browser for OS X.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel from the user’s computer to the VPN server, hiding browsing activity from other users on the local network and enhancing security and privacy online. A VPN shields a user’s real IP address, allowing them to bypass firewalls, block tracking cookies, and access geo-restricted content regardless of their true location.

VPNs usually come in the form of separate plug-ins or apps that require a paid subscription, making Opera one the first major browsers to include one as standard. The launch of the feature comes after Opera’s acquisition of U.S. VPN company SurfEasy last March.

Currently Opera’s built-in VPN allows users to choose virtual locations in the US, Canada, and Germany. Opera says more countries will be available when the feature makes it to the stable public release of the browser.

Mac users can download Opera 38 developer release and give the free, unlimited VPN a try. After installation, simply click “Opera” in the menu bar, select “Preferences” and toggle the VPN switch on.

According to Global Web Index, more than half a billion people (24 percent of the world’s online population) have tried or are currently using VPN services. According to the research, the primary reasons people use a VPN are for better access to entertainment content, browser anonymity, and the ability to access sites restricted by their workplace or country.

In January, Netflix began blocking users who try to bypass country-based content restrictions by using a VPN. Canadian subscribers to the streaming service appear to have been the latest targets of the crackdown after VPN-tunnelled users in the country began seeing error messages on their screens over the weekend when trying to access the service’s much larger U.S. catalogue of movies and TV series.

Tags: privacy, Opera browser
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