HTC announces the Taiwan-bound Desire 825 and Desire 830

HTC has announced the Desire 825 and Desire 830, two new smartphones for the international market. Both featuring a 5.5-inch display, the differences here are mainly on the inside. Sure the back of the phones looks slightly different, as does the front, but the components on the inside are what most will really notice.

The Desire 830 features mid-OIS optical anti-shake in the rear-facing camera so you can make sure your pictures are as clear as possible. On the Desire 825 you’ve got the Sensor Hub, which supports a new personalized sports management center. This will let you recognize your movements, gestures and actions to provide an immediate status of personal data.

The Desire 825 is now available for NT $ 7,990 million, and the Desire 830 will go on sale May 6 for NT $ 9,990 million.

Press release:

5.5-inch mid-range series debut new flagship HTC DESIRE

Excellent value for money HTC Desire 830 experience perfect dynamic pictures
HTC Desire 825 value for money to enjoy the ultimate video fun

Taipei, Taiwan (BC May 3, 2016) – the global leader in innovation and design HTC (High Tech Computer Co., Ltd., hereinafter referred to as “HTC”) today (3) announced the launch of its flagship HTC Desire series in order of new members -HTC Desire 830 and HTC Desire 825, to young and lively two-tone design with a large 5.5-inch screen with HTC BoomSound combine Dolby audio stereo sound, easy to have the luxury audio visual. HTC Desire 830 is the flagship for the first time in mid-OIS optical anti-shake with the main camera, clearly happy jumping save each moment, to accompany you to record the history of each youth with a full range of experience.

Global innovation and design of HTC North Asia general manager of leading brands Dongjun Liang said: “HTC launched in April annual flagship HTC 10, shocked the high-end smartphone market, boutique and design fast and smooth user experience with many of the world’s first video, power, fast charge and is equipped with features such as the world’s media and consumer praised and enthusiastically purchased flagship phone the only benchmark. in order to meet the diverse needs of consumers, the launch of HTC Desire series of new machines, continuing HTC Desire series widely consumers reputation and cost-effective, but also to enjoy the best rates for HTC Desire 825 high-quality acoustic moments and HTC Desire 830 optical anti-shake caused by ultra-stable shooting, make a richer product mix intact, to provide consumer who purchase more comprehensive choice. “

HTC Desire 830 with a lively two-tone exterior design with classic hit color elements, fully meet the distinctive style of a favorite of consumers. Equipped with 5.5-inch Full HD high definition big screen and 13 megapixel main camera, and more at the same level for the first time mobile phone equipped with OIS optical anti-shake function, easy to capture happy, exciting and dynamic time, with Zhang Zhangqing neat image clarity record and store memories; additionally equipped with ultra-sensitive camera before UltraPixel camera self-timer, even if dimly lit environment, but also to show the effect of bright, attractive and self-timer.

HTC Desire 825 will be the embodiment of the artist’s canvas back cover, use a specially designed nozzle with a pigment, to create a very personal style splash of color in design. With the most representative HTC BoomSound sound and Dolby Audio sound, the same level phone for the first time in more Hi-Res equipped with high-fidelity sound, can be real show of original music delicate moving. HTC Desire 825 HTC Sensor Hub support new personalized sports management center, a strict management of personal life belongings. HTC Sensor Hub weather will recognize your movements, gestures and actions to provide immediate status of personal data and automatically with a variety of popular fitness app link

HTC Desire 830 suggested retail price of NT $ 9,990 million, offers vanilla and vanilla orange and blue for consumer choice; May 6 stores starting at HTC, HTC online store and Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone telecommunications, satellite telecommunications and Taiwan Asia-Pacific stores have started selling. HTC Desire 825 suggested retail price of NT $ 7,990 million, providing satellite color white and gray night for consumers to choose; from May 3 to HTC store, online store, and HTC in Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom started selling exclusive outlets; consumption in accordance with individual needs may choose the most suitable tariff plan, detailed data plan, please contact the respective carriers.

India rejects Apple’s plan to import refurbished iPhones

As iPhone sales start to decline for the first time in 13 years, the company has been looking to emerging markets to make up the slack with first-time buyers. But Cupertino’s plan to boost marketshare in India by importing and selling refurbished iPhones was just met with a firm rejection by the country’s telecommunications ministry.

Despite the global drop in sales, Apple actually sold 56 percent more iPhones in India over the last quarter. While that number looks good on paper, Apple devices still only make up about 2 percent of Indian phone shipments, Bloomberg Technology reports today. By selling refurbished iPhones in India, Apple hoped to reach a wider audience of “price-conscious” consumers without sacrificing the top-tier pricing it commands in other markets.

According to Bloomberg Technology, the world’s most valuable company faced strong opposition from local manufacturers who claimed Apple’s plan would hurt the Indian government’s own Make-in-India program if Apple were allowed to enter their markets with cheap, recycled versions of last year’s iPhones. Meanwhile, Apple has been trying for years to open retail stores in India and believes it can circumvent the government’s locally made mandates by qualifying as a “provider of cutting-edge technology.”

Bowers and Wilkins sells to a tiny home automation startup

Bowers & Wilkins has been cranking out solid audio gear for the better part of three decades, but it’s being acquired by a company that’s only been around since 2014. Eva Automation, a Silicon Valley startup founded by former Facebook CFO (and San Francisco 49ers co-owner) Gideon Yu, is the new owner of the audio brand. Little is known about the company other than its 40-person staff has the somewhat vague mission of “making products that will change how people interact and think about the home.” Although it has been around for two years, Eva Automation hasn’t released any products yet.

The most obvious question is why a trusted name in audio would sell to such a young company. Well, Bowers & Wilkins CEO Joe Atkins hinted at a sale last year before talks with Eva began. Atkins also admitted that the company doesn’t have the know-how to build audio gear that leverages the cloud, despite a range of devices that allow users to play music with features like AirPlay. We’ll have to wait a while to see any new products, as Yu says the first new gear is planned for mid-2017. Perhaps Amazon’s Echo will see some competition next summer.

“We will have much, much more to announce when the time is right about our vision and our products,” Yu explained in a letter announcing the acquisition. “In the meantime, we will continue to work hard on developing a truly special, highly integrated, and easy to use home A/V experience that I know you’ll love.”

Eva Automation’s acquisition of a well-established company is a bit of a reversal in the startup world. Usually it’s the long-running brands nabbing up newcomers, but the opposite is happening here. While financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, Caledonia Investments did sell its 20 percent stake in Bowers & Wilkins for £24 million cash and £500,000 dividend. With some quick math, that gives you a rough figure of around £122.5 million ($175 million) for the total value.

Atkins will remain CEO of the joint venture with Yu serving as executive chairman. Atkins, who owns 60 percent of Bowers & Wilkins, will maintain “a significant” stake in the company. What’s more, no layoffs are planned, and the current lineup of Bowers & Wilkins audio gear is staying put for now. For reference, B&W has a staff of 1,100, all of which stand to keep their jobs after the deal.

“It will take some explaining,” Atkins told Bloomberg. “I think when the verdict comes back, it will be clear that this is exactly what Bowers & Wilkins should be doing.”

Via: Bloomberg

Source: Eva Automation

Review: Twelve South’s New ‘TimePorter’ is a Handy Travel Storage and Charging Solution for Apple Watch

Earlier this month, Twelve South announced its latest product for the Apple Watch, a travel tote and portable charging stand called the TimePorter. Starting today, Twelve South is launching the $50 TimePorter and has begun accepting orders for the accessory.

Just ahead of the TimePorter’s launch, Twelve South shipped a TimePorter to me so I could share an early hands-on look at the product, which, in a nutshell, is one of the more useful Apple Watch travel accessories that I’ve used.

When it comes to size and design, the TimePorter looks a lot like a standard eyeglasses or sunglasses case, with the same general shape and dimensions. Covered in soft leather in either black or white, the TimePorter measures in at about six inches wide and an inch and a half tall and was comparable in size to some of the sunglasses cases I had on hand.

The size can also potentially be a downside because it is larger than some other stands and travel solutions, but at the size of an eyeglasses case, it’s going to fit comfortably in most bags or backpacks.

At the top of the TimePorter, there’s a cutout to accommodate the Apple Watch charger (you need to provide your own), and dual hinges at the side open it up, again like an eyeglasses case. Inside the TimePorter, there’s a flexible silicone ridge for winding up the cable of the Apple Watch charger while the puck sits on the surface. At the sides, there are holes for the end of the cable that connects to the power adapter for charging purposes.

The inside of the TimePorter is lined in the same soft silicone the cable winder is made out of, so it’s not going to scratch Apple Watch bands or whatever else is placed inside. The TimePorter can hold the full length of the 2m Apple Watch charging cable, or the smaller 1m cable (the smaller cable is in the photos).

Getting the charger inside the TimePorter is simple. There’s a silicone plug at the top that’s popped out (so this can be used as a case without a charger if desired) and the Apple Watch charging puck is placed inside to fit flush with the outside of the case. The cable is routed downwards into a groove and then wrapped tightly around the cable winder so it’s out of the way. When charging, the cable can be unwound slightly so the USB end can be pulled through the end of the TimePorter to plug into an outlet or computer.

The Apple Watch cable and charging puck are securely in place in the TimePorter when wound correctly, but I did notice that the force of opening and closing the case or pressing on the top could cause the charger to be pushed out of place. This isn’t a big deal, but some repositioning will be required here and there.

With the cable wound up, there is ample space in the TimePorter for the power adapter to be fully ensconced inside, plus there’s room for storing additional Apple Watch bands. The power adapter sits at one end and bands fit next to it or under it (I tucked the prongs into one of the silicone slots for more space). There’s also room for other accessories, like a small battery pack, but whether or not a battery pack would fit would depend heavily on its size.

I didn’t have a battery pack small enough on hand, but if you bought a cheap one for the express purpose of charging the Apple Watch, it’d turn the TimePorter into a complete all-in-one charging solution.

The top of the TimePorter serves as a stand for the Apple Watch and it’s surprisingly versatile. Open loop Apple Watch bands can be placed across the top lengthwise or wrapped around the body, while closed loop bands also wrap around the body. When used around the body, the position of the Apple Watch can be changed by opening the hinge of the TimePorter.

Because it can be used in two ways, it’s going to accommodate all Apple Watch bands, including the heavy Link Bracelet which isn’t compatible with all Apple Watch charging solutions on the market.

I have a 38mm Apple Watch with bands in the smallest size, and these smaller bands are not able to take advantage of the TimePorter’s features as well as larger bands. With the Milanese Loop, I was able to fit it around the body of the TimePorter, but I couldn’t open the case very far to adjust the angle. With larger bands, the case can be opened further to angle it towards a bed when sleeping, but this positioning does put the Apple Watch in portrait mode, not landscape mode.

With the Apple Watch Sport band, it wasn’t able to close around the body of the TimePorter so I could really only use it lengthwise, laid across the top of the stand. In this position, I was able to open the lid of the TimePorter to orient my watch into Nightstand mode. It worked well for my 38mm stainless steel Apple Watch with a Sport Band, but because it was only held up with the strength of the magnetic connection between Apple Watch and charger, it was precarious.

Lengthwise positioning with the case open for Nightstand mode likely won’t work for all Apple Watch models, so it’s best to think of the TimePorter as a stand that isn’t going to work with Nightstand mode.

Bottom Line

Twelve South has priced the TimePorter at $49.99, a competitive asking price for an accessory that’s able to hold a power adapter, extra bands, and other Apple Watch odds and ends, in addition to serving as a charging stand.

Most travel solutions for the Apple Watch have been incomplete, offering features like storing the Apple Watch itself or including a built-in battery. Neither of these functions are particularly useful. When we travel, most of us wear our Apple Watches, and the majority of the time, we’re traveling to places where power is available.

Twelve South recognizes that what people need when traveling is a versatile way to charge and a way to store a full charging setup and extra accessories in a convenient package, and that understanding of what’s truly useful when traveling is what makes the TimePorter one of the best Apple Watch travel accessories I’ve seen yet.

Pros:

• Multipurpose with storage space
• Priced affordably
• Multiple viewing angles
• Accommodates all Apple Watch bands

Cons:

• White leather may get dirty
• Stand angles are more limited with smaller Apple Watch bands
• Apple Watch charger sometimes pops out and needs to be realigned
• Doesn’t really support Nightstand mode

The TimePorter can be purchased from the Twelve South website or Amazon.com for $49.99.

Note: Twelve South provided a TimePorter to MacRumors free of charge for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received.

Tags: Twelve South, TimePorter
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