HP Elite Slice: Innovative, modular, mini PC
The aim of the HP Elite Slice is to get the PC back onto your desk. Moving on from tower PCs, the Slice wants to put everything in front of you in a slickly designed package.
That’s what HP told us when we encountered the Elite Slice at Showstoppers at IFA 2016. While HP has been all about business recently, the Elite Slice has a huge amount of consumer appeal: this is a PC that’s all about innovative design.
The main unit itself bears a striking resemblance to the Mac Mini. It’s a flattened squirkle, but one of the interesting things about the design is that copper venting that runs around it. Copper is very much the tech colour of 2016.
Like the Mac Mini, the Elite Slice is designed to be a complete solution and a replacement for a desktop device. Sure, it’s not going to find fame with gamers, but in a modern office or home, the Slice will settle in nicely.
Aside from being a compact desktop PC, the Elite Slice’s raison d’être is modularity. The main body will offer you Core i3, i5 or i7 processors and a host of physical rear connectivity – HDMI, Display Port, Ethernet, USB-C, USB – but with options for a different top cover.
The flattened top isn’t just somewhere to be gathering dust, it can be a wireless charger for your phone, or you can opt for the collaboration cover, bringing your call controls to the top of your PC, in handy reach. It’s begging for media controls, but with business being the first consideration, we guess that audio isn’t.
The thing to note about these covers is that they must be specified at the time of purchase – they cannot be added afterwards.
So far we’ve just been talking about a small format PC and the real action comes in those modular accessories. To boost the sound offering there’s a speaker module, tuned by Bang & Olufsen. (Again, calls for a media control cover?) Using a USB Type-C based connection, these modules just stack together with one sitting on the next and connecting together.
For those who still need physical media, there’s a DVD player option too and it’s all just plug and play, so should be really simple to expand your PC to your requirements.
Above all, this is about innovative design. It’s a good-looking PC and one that will smarten up any desk and help us move out of the post-tower era.
Prices for the US start at $899, for which you can get a Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD and it’s available through store.hp.com. Prices for the UK are still to be determined, but you can sign-up to be alerted once it’s available.
Garmin Virb Ultra 30: A genuine GoPro Hero competitor
When approached at their stand during the IFA trade show in Berlin, Garmin’s reps proudly told us – when asked – that the company’s latest action camera was better than a GoPro. Of course, we were sceptical, until they showed us how it worked and everything it can do.
From a feature list side, it’s got more than enough to compete with the market-leading Hero series, but it is more expensive.
Focusing on the camera technology first, we’re looking at a 12MP sensor which is capable of recording Ultra HD (4K) video at 30 frames per second, and shooting slow motion video at 720p HD resolution with a frame rate up to 240 frames per second.
To make sure its footage is steady, it has 3-axis image stabilisation. So whether you’re filming on choppy seas, or rough terrain, the end video should still be very watchable.
Like most Garmin gadgets, it has a built-in GPS for high precision location tracking, but can also gather data like how high a user is jumping, or how far or fast they’re travelling, and can add those metrics to the footage in attractive graphics.
There’s an easy-to-use touchscreen on the back, which can be used to control the camera and works even when it’s covered by a waterproof case, unlike the GoPro Hero 4 which requires you to switch to physical buttons when encased in the waterproof protection. This waterproof case itself is designed with anti-glare coating over the monitor and lens to ensure footage is still clear.
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As well as the touch screen on the back, the Virb Ultra 30 has all of its buttons built-in to the top of the camera, including a very tactile and well-built power switch. There’s also a highly sensitive microphone to ensure audio capture is clear and usable.
As if all those controls and features aren’t enough, it can even respond to voice commands using Sensory TrulyHandsfree technology. That means you can say things like “OK Garmin, start recording”, or “OK Garmin, remember that.” The latter command tags individual moments within a long video, so that they can be found easily later.
It records video to microSD, but can be controlled using the smartphone app, and the footage can be edited on the company’s own software on the smartphone too.
The small Hero-like form factor lends itself well to being mounted to helmets, bikes, dashboards, or anywhere else you’d like to have the camera stuck.
You can buy the Virb Ultra 30 for £449.99, and it comes shipped with a waterproof case. Price-wise, that makes it around £40 dearer than the Hero 4 Black from GoPro, and more than £100 more expensive than the Hero 4 Silver. Still, if its features all work together well, it may well be worth the extra outlay.
IFA 2016: The rose gold edition
No, Apple didn’t invent the color pink, but it certainly made “rose gold” famous. It all started last year with the company’s first rose gold iPhones, the 6s and 6s Plus, which quickly inspired other manufacturers to embellish their own devices with identical hues. It’s no surprise, then, that the IFA 2016 show floor is filled with rose gold gadgets, although some would prefer to be described as “copper” or “luxury pink.” Whatever it may be, it’s become a major trend in the tech world, one that shows no sign of slowing down. With that in mind, take a look at some of the best rose gold gadgets we found in Berlin.
We’re live all week from Berlin, Germany, for IFA 2016. Click here to catch up on all the news from the show.
Sainsbury’s to triple the number of in-house Argos pickup stores
Sainsbury’s certainly isn’t dilly-dallying after completing its acquisition of Home Retail Group, owner of Argos and Habitat, last week. The supermarket already has plans for its new purchase, namely tripling the number of Argos “digital stores” housed within Sainsbury’s locations. These miniature stores are primarily click-and-collect points, though they also stock thousands of items (but not the full catalogue) for instant purchase, later pickup or home delivery.
The plan is to increase the number of Argos stores-within-stores from 10 to 30 by Christmas, ahead of the holiday rush. Perhaps not a monumental expansion, but the whole point of Sainsbury’s acquiring Home Retail Group was to combine retail presences, product ranges and services to create something that would better compete with online rivals. And you have to move quick with new pickup points if you want to convince customers that click-and-collect is more convenient than click-and-wait.
Especially when Amazon is adding new services and expanding others seemingly every month. Sainsbury’s and Argos aren’t ones to be left behind, though. Argos launched UK-wide same-day deliveries last year, for example, and more recently Sainsbury’s began trialing one-hour grocery deliveries in London’s Wandsworth borough.
Source: Financial Times
Alcatel’s standalone VR headset is a tough sell
While Samsung’s Gear VR requires a smartphone and full-fledged headsets like the Oculus Rift require a computer, Alcatel’s newly announced Vision doesn’t need either. Indeed, it’s a standalone VR headset, which is still something of a rarity in the VR world. Intel announced its own Project Alloy about a month ago and smaller companies like Sulon have come out with prototypes, but the Vision is the first working model I’ve actually had the chance to try on. As cool as it is though, I have to admit it faces stiff competition from the likes of Gear VR as well as Daydream-compatible phones and headsets.
At first glance, the Vision looks more like a kind of fighter helmet rather than a VR headset. Instead of using straps, the Vision utilizes a sort of brace that fits around your head. On the front is a set of goggles, which is then attached to a large back pad via a pair of flexible plastic arms. The reason for such bulk though, is that the 3,000 mAh battery is actually located in the rear. The result is a surprisingly balanced and comfortable fit despite its size.
In fact, I didn’t feel weighed down at all while wearing it. I was a little concerned with the lack of adjustable straps, but the Vision clamped on my head pretty securely. I did think it needed some kind of additional nose pads — it kept slipping a little on me — but it was otherwise fine. The eyewear area was roomy enough for my glasses and the extra padding around it added to the overall comfort. There’s a touchpad on the right temple, while the power key lies on top. It also has a headset jack to which you can attach your favorite pair of headphones.
Instead of a smartphone, the Vision comes equipped with a pair of 3.8-inch AMOLED displays, each with 1,080 x 1,020 resolution. I watched a couple of videos and played a game or two on the Vision and while the performance seemed fine, the resolution was a little blurry and the screen-door effect was apparent; definitely not any better than that of the Gear VR. It was still plenty immersive though, and I enjoyed tapping at the touchpad to zap away oncoming robots. On the inside, the Vision has specs that mimic most smartphones. It has an octa-core CPU, 32GB of storage, 3GB of RAM, Bluetooth, LTE WiFi as well as the usual accelerometer, gyro and proximity sensors. The Vision will apparently have around 3 hours of battery life.
It’s unclear how much the Vision will actually be but we hear that it’ll likely cost around $500 or $600. Seeing as you can get a Gear VR and a compatible smartphone for around that price, we’re not sure if the Vision offers a compelling alternative, especially since the Samsung option appears to have a far wider content library. Plus, we’ve yet to see what Google has to offer in terms of Daydream-compatible handsets. Still, if you fancy a VR headset without the constraints of a phone or a PC, the Vision might be a good one to try out. It’ll be available in China before the end of the year while the US should see it in early 2017.
We’re live all week from Berlin, Germany, for IFA 2016. Click here to catch up on all the news from the show.
Apple Music 12-Month Membership Gift Cards Now Available for $99
Apple has begun selling gift cards for Apple Music annual subscriptions at the discounted price of $99. The 12-month gift cards work out at $8.25 per month, offering an 18 percent saving over the standard $9.99 monthly subscription rate for Apple’s streaming service.
Currently the gift cards are being offered at brick-and-mortar Apple stores and select third-party sellers like Best Buy, but eGift cards can also be purchased online at PayPal and Walmart for instant activation.
Elsewhere, residents in the U.K. can use PayPal’s online eGift shop to buy 12-month Apple Music gift cards for £99, which works out at £8.25 instead of £9.99, for those willing to sign up for a full year.
Apple still offers eligible students 50 percent off an Apple Music subscription, while the family plan lets up to six people pay $15 per month, or $2.50 each.
The new Apple Music, which has seen a significant redesign in iOS 10, will launch to the public this fall.
(Via 9to5Mac)
Tag: Apple Music
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What time is the PlayStation 4 Neo and PS4 Slim launch and can I watch it online?
Sony is hosting a dedicated press event in New York on Wednesday, 7 September, where it is expected to refresh its PlayStation 4 console line-up with two newly announced machines.
The company will also likely talk more about the imminent PlayStation VR headset and some of its launch titles, especially as its out from 13 October.
Pocket-lint will be attending and reporting live from the event, but in case you would also like to watch it live, here are main things you need to know.
- What to expect from Sony’s PlayStation New York event: PS4 Neo, PS4 Slim and more
- PlayStation 4 Slim: Release date, rumours and everything you need to know
- PS4 Neo (PS4K) vs Project Scorpio: What’s the rumoured difference?
- Sony PlayStation 4 Neo: What is PS4.5/PS4K, when is it coming and what will it offer?
- Xbox One S vs PlayStation Neo (PS4K): What’s the rumoured difference?
What will be launched at the Sony PlayStation New York event?
The two much-rumoured and leaked consoles Sony is expected to add to its line-up are the PS4 Slim and PS4 Neo.
If numerous online leaks are to be believed, the PS4 Slim is a thinner, smaller version of the standard console, with a modified DualShock controller that also has a lightbar strip at the top of the touchpad.
The PS4 Neo is perhaps the more exciting of the two, as it’ll be Sony’s most powerful, impressive console yet. SCE boss Andrew House suggested it’ll even be capable of 4K gaming, so we can’t wait to see the actual announcement and confirmation of its abilities.
What time will the Sony PlayStation New York event start?
The PS4 Slim and PS4 Neo launch event will kick off at 3pm ET in New York’s PlayStation Theater. That means you’ll be able to keep a beady eye on the action from 8pm in the UK, midday on the West Coast of America.
Where can I watch the Sony PlayStation New York event?
Sony will be hosting the launch event online, with a livestream to be available on the day.
However, it is yet to reveal details of the stream but is expected to tomorrow, 6 September, or on the launch day itself. We are 99 per cent certain to be hosting it here on Pocket-lint, so you should bookmark this page.
Alternatively, you could try the PlayStation Twitch feed as the company traditionally streams footage of its events there.
We’ll update when we know more.
Fitbit Charge 2 preview: Taking charge
Fitbit announced two new activity trackers in the run up to IFA 2016, one of which was the Charge 2, which succeeds both the Charge and Charge HR.
The new device follows the design cues of the Fitbit Alta and brings with it a lovely big display, interchangeable straps and a few additional features compared to its predecessors.
We got our hands on it at the consumer electronics show in Berlin to see what it was like and find out whether it could be the new activity tracker to beat.
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Fitbit Charge 2: Design
The Fitbit Charge 2 can still be recognised as a Charge device, though it has quite a few changes compared to the Charge and Charge HR. For starters, the display on board the Charge 2 is five times larger than that of the older devices and it sits on a solid, stainless steel body like the smaller Fitbit Alta. The result is a lovely looking device that is certainly more appealing than its popular predecessors.
On the underside of the display is where you’ll find the PurePulse heart rate monitor, along with the clips for changing the 21mm-wide textured elastomer strap to one of the other available options for a different look. The straps are fastened with a stainless steel buckle, as the Charge HR was, and it feels secure and comfortable on the wrist.
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The stainless steel body gives the Charge 2 an air of premium about it and the chamfered edges look great. There is a button on the left-hand side, as there was with the previous Charge devices. This allows you to flick through the various metrics on the display from steps counted to heart rate and everything in between. The larger display is nice and easy to read with crisp text and it makes the Charge 2 that little bit more exciting than the previous options, especially with the addition of smartphone notifications.
There are several colours available for the Charge 2 including plum and silver, which is shown, along with black and silver and blue and silver. These are the three standard options, but there is also a lavender and rose gold option, along with a black and gunmetal option. We loved the plum but if we had a choice, that lavender and rose gold option would certainly be the one we’d opt for – it’s lush.
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Fitbit Charge 2: Features
The Fitbit Charge 2 carries over all of the features found on the Charge HR, meaning it adds a few to the Charge before you even consider the extras. As we mentioned, heart rate monitoring is on board, and the Charge 2 will also measure steps counted, distance travelled, floors climbed, calories burned, active minutes and sleep.
In addition to these, the Charge 2 introduces Connected GPS, meaning it uses your phone to provide map and route data. It also offers Multi-Sport tracking and smartphone notifications, both of which can be found on the Fitbit Alta. The Multi-Sport tracking means the Charge 2 will automatically recognise certain sports, such as yoga, while smartphone notifications include calls, texts and calendar alerts but no third-party alerts sadly.
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It isn’t waterproof like the new Fitbit Flex 2 or Withings Activite Steel HR so you can’t take it swimming, but the Fitbit Charge 2 does introduce two new features comprising Cardio Fitness Level and Guided Breathing.
The Cardio Fitness Level feature will give you a personalised fitness score over time, while Guided Breathing will provide personalised breathing sessions based on your heart rate. Basically if your boss has annoyed you and your heart rate has increased dramatically, the Charge 2 will help calm you down.
First Impressions
The new Fitbit Charge 2 is a lovely looking device that improves on its predecessors in a few areas, but especially in design.
We of course couldn’t test out the accuracy of the Charge 2 during our brief time with it, but we have high hopes if its predecessors are anything to go by.
Our biggest complaint with the Fitbit Alta was that it didn’t offer heart rate monitoring and it wasn’t waterproof. Well, the Charge 2 is pretty much a larger version of the Alta with the missing features, expect the waterproofing. Is the Charge 2 the activity tracker to beat? We don’t know that until we review it but no doubt it will be in the running.
- Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Flex 2: Release date, specs and everything you need to know
- Fitbit Charge 2 vs Charge HR vs Charge: What’s the difference?
Microsoft and Mercedes bring your office calendar to your car
You can’t always escape work when you’re in your car, but Microsoft and Mercedes-Benz think they can at least make those corporate invasions more tolerable. They’re working together on an In Car Office project that, to start with, will integrate your Microsoft Exchange info with your car’s infotainment system. It’ll auto-populate your car’s navigation unit with driving directions for that upcoming meeting, for example, or offer to make a hands-free call to get in touch with your client when you’re on your way.
The two haven’t spilled the beans on the full extent of what they might do. Thankfully, you won’t have to wait too long to try this out — In Car Office will reach Mercedes cars sometime in the first half of 2017. You don’t absolutely need this if you’re diligent about memorizing your meeting details, but it hints at a future where your car regularly anticipates what you need, rather than waiting for you to fill in the blanks yourself.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Mercedes-Benz (Facebook)
HSBC’s ‘selfie verification’ helps customers open a bank account
In a bid to replace the password, banks have jumped about the biometric bandwagon and are experimenting with new ways to authenticate their UK customers. Between them, HSBC and Barclays have already trialled fingerprints and used Voice IDs over the telephone, but HSBC now wants to let business customers use “selfie verification” to pass identity checks for new accounts via its new smartphone app.
The bank will let new customers snap a front-facing photo on their iOS or Android phone and have it cross-referenced against their passport or their driving licence. Execs believe it’ll save business customers time as they’ll no longer need to visit a branch to verify who they are. “We also expect the convenience and speed of a ‘selfie’ to become the verification method of choice for our customers” said HSBC’s global propositions boss Richard Davies.
The app utilises facial tracking technology, which matches specific parts of a customer’s face to photos used in official documents from over 150 countries. It’s similar to Mastercard’s Identity Check, an online system that maps a user’s face instead to verify online payments.
Source: Independent
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