Tory Burch Collins hybrid smartwatch coming for Christmas 2017

Like many fashion labels these days, Tory Burch is entering the smartwatch market. It is to release a hybrid device – analogue with smart features – at the end of the year.

Made by the Fossil Group, the Tory Burch Collins hybrid smartwatch is based on the brand’s existing menswear watch line, The Collins. It has a clean-line design and four styles will be available, with different straps.

One will come with a navy perforated leather strap with “pops of red”, another with a grosgrain fabric strap in navy and ivory colours, and others with gold-tone bracelets with top rings in orange or navy.

• When is Android Wear 2.0 coming to my smartwatch?
• Best smartwatches 2017: The best smart wristwear available to buy today

The watches will look analogue, with classic watch faces, but have the ability to link to an iOS or Android smartphone. This ensures it can change time automatically when travelling through different timezones, notify you when you have a call, text or email, and track your activities.

There is also sleep tracking functionality and the ability to start and stop music at the touch of a button on the watch.

It uses a cell battery rather than rechargeable version.

Price and exact availability are yet to be revealed, but it will be stocked by Tony Burch boutiques and in department stores around Christmas time. You will also be able to buy it on tonyburch.com.

These are the Samsung Gear S3 smartwatches you’ll never own

Samsung is attending Baselworld in Switzerland this year to illustrate the connection it has, as a tech manufacturer, with the watch industry. And to prove that point has created three concept timepieces based on the Gear S3 – albeit with very different styles.

It is displaying different, custom watch straps and colour variations of the smartwatch launched last year. A collaboration with Switzerland-based luxury watch designer Yvan Arpa has also resulted in the three concepts.

Samsung Gear S3 mechanical concepts are strangely alluring pic.twitter.com/vWcldBLPL0

— Chris Hall (@christhall) March 23, 2017

One is a traditional analogue watch, with Swiss-made movement and detail, but styled to look like the Gear S3. Another is a Gear S3, heavily customised with premium materials and finishes. The last is a Gear S3-powered pocket watch.

• Samsung Gear S3 review: Android Wear, beware, this is the smartwatch to beat

Sadly, none of them are planned for release – more to show what can be done when the tech and watch industries combine.

“Samsung’s presence at Baselworld demonstrates the evolving world of technology and horology,” said Arpa.

“Samsung is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship in all of its products to reflect the heritage and evolution of the watch industry.”

Arpa was also involved in the original design phase of the Gear S3 Frontier and S3 Classic models available in shops now.

Existing Gear S3 customers will be getting an update shortly that improves features, including S Health, and delivers additional content from partners, such as Spotify and Nest.

Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD-F20 UK price confirmed as £450

Casio didn’t bring the first Android Wear watch it launched – the WSD-F10 – to the UK, but we’ve now had it confirmed that the new version will be coming to the UK.

Casio confirmed at Baselworld 2017 that the new Pro-Trek Smart WSD-F20 model will be launching in the UK on 21 April and that it will be priced at £450.

The new model, announced in January at CES 2017 was the first watch to confirm Android Wear 2.0 and comes with a range of features for the outdoors type.

• Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD-F20 preview: Rugged outdoor smartwatch shows Android Wear can be great

Aside from the huge display that will bring you things like offline mapping, letting you pre-load maps for your area, it’s also equipped with sensors, including a barometer, compass and GPS as well as that essential protection from the elements and 5ATM waterproofing.

Casio’s unique twist really comes from the dual-layer LCD, giving you full colour when you need it, and low power from the monochrome display, with battery savings too. Casio boasts that you’ll get 2 days of battery life from this watch.

Otherwise you have all the benefits of Android Wear 2.0, meaning a fresh new customisable interface, great standalone apps and a superb experience when paired with your Android smartphones.

The Casio Pro Trek Smart will be available to by from a number of locations, including direct from Casio and from Cotswold Outdoor.

AT&T, Verizon join companies pulling ads from Google and YouTube

YouTube video creators are fighting against the video service’s filter screening out LGBTQ+ voices, while on the other end, advertisers are worried about a different type of content. In a movement that started with several UK brands (McDonald’s, BBC, Channel 4, Lloyd’s and others), companies and regulators have become concerned that ads are being placed by Google on websites and videos promoting extremist and hateful views.

Although Google has promised new tools will give partners more control over where ads appear, and also said it will review the kind of content allowed on YouTube, it may not be moving fast enough. Now, AT&T and Verizon (parent company of AOL, which owns Engadget), are pulling online ad campaigns.

As reported by Variety, Verizon stated that “Once we were notified that our ads were appearing on non-sanctioned websites, we took immediate action to suspend this type of ad placement and launched an investigation.” Its action followed AT&T, which named Google specifically, in a statement that “We are deeply concerned that our ads may have appeared alongside YouTube content promoting terrorism and hate. Until Google can ensure that this won’t happen again, we are removing our ads from Google’s non-search platforms.”

As much as we talk about projects like Android, self-driving cars and AI, Google is still largely an advertising company (in January it reported that of $26 billion in revenue overall for Q4, $22.04 billion came from advertising across various platforms). As such, even a temporary loss of business from two of the largest advertisers in the US is the kind of painful prompt that may speed up its action.

In a comment to TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson said “We don’t comment on individual customers but as announced, we’ve begun an extensive review of our advertising policies and have made a public commitment to put in place changes that give brands more control over where their ads appear. We’re also raising the bar for our ads policies to further safeguard our advertisers’ brands.”

Source: Variety, New York Times, TechCrunch

Vudu’s mobile app rips digital copies of your Blu-rays

Walmart’s Vudu streaming arm has unveiled the “first mobile offering” to convert nearly 8,000 movies on DVD and Blu-ray to digital HD files, it says. It’s an expansion of the company’s existing desktop conversion service, but lets you convert your physical library using the mobile Vudu app instead. As before, the price to convert files you already own is $2 for either a Blu-ray disc to HDX or a DVD to SD, or $5 to up-res a DVD to HDX (hint: your TV might do the latter already).

To use it, you just scan your disc using the Vudu app, then download the digital file to your TV, console, set-top box, phone, tablet or, (ironically) Blu-ray player. “The average movie collector owns nearly 100 DVDs and Blu-rays,” says Vudu GM Jeremy Verba. “We are constantly looking for ways to help them unlock additional value from the movies they already own.”

If you have a Blu-ray drive on your computer, it’s not hard to rip your collection yourself, though that’s technically still illegal. Considering that most folks probably don’t have such drives anymore (almost no laptops don’t come with them nowadays), the service does make some sense.

Walmart has partnerships with most of the major studios, including Sony, Paramount, Fox and Universal, which presumably take a cut of the digital conversions. A notable exception to that, however, is Disney, which has the rights to the Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar franchises, to name just a few. The service is now available on the Vudu app for iOS or Android, and users get one complimentary mobile conversion.

Source: Walmart

UK police often misuse sensitive data for personal reasons

It’s no wonder people are so fervently concerned with privacy when little by little, it seems harder to maintain. You could now be denied entry into the US if you refuse to unlock your phone and hand it over to border agents, for example; and on the more secretive side, London police have just been credibly accused of spying on innocent Greenpeace protestors and journalists for years. While it’s hard to avoid becoming numb to stories of clandestine surveillance campaigns and creeping state powers, a recent and illuminating report from The Police Federation of England and Wales details the extent at which officers are routinely breaking data protection laws by using work resources for personal reasons.

More of a reminder than a report, The Police Federation — a union-esque staff association for officers — notes that its Crime and Misconduct Claims division is being made aware of roughly two cases of data protection breaches every week. These typically involve personal use of the Police National Computer and Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems. “In the majority of cases, the officer thinks that they are doing it for the right reasons — they’re either looking into family members, friends, neighbours or others they know, often because they are concerned about those individuals or people close to them,” says Andy Ward, a higher-up in Crime and Misconduct Claims.

Perhaps just as alarming, the bulletin recommends informing a superior of intent to access data for personal reasons, or even for a friend, so a supervisor might find a lawful argument to search on their behalf, or pass it on to someone else. “What they should not do, for example, is take the law into their own hands and look up their ex-wife’s new boyfriend themselves — even if it is because they are worried about the safety of their children — or find out who owns the car parked across the street.” No shit, Andy. No shit.

Via: The Register

Source: The Police Federation of England and Wales

Complete your steampunk cosplay with a Samsung pocket watch

As the world’s biggest watch show continues to pump out smartwatch variants from nearly everyone, at Baselworld, established player Samsung apparently wanted to pay lip-service to the horological items that came before watches got smart. It unveiled a handful of concept devices, including one Gear S3-esque device that houses a mechanical Swiss-made movement — apparently instead of your smartwatch touchscreen. It also had three more typical Gear S3 watches with upgraded build materials — classier Gear S3 smartwatches. However, my attention was drawn to the device on the far left: a hybrid pocket watch version of the Gear S3 that appears to pair two smaller watch faces with a compass, for bonus … “innovation” points.

Details are scant: do either of the pocket watch faces use Android Wear? Is there actually pent-up demand for Samsung-made, compass-packing pocket watches? Fortunately, this can all be excused in the name of conceptual artistry, but the company brought out Switzerland-based luxury watch designer, Yvan Arpa (who apparently advised on the original Gear S3) to praise Samsung’s commitment to reflecting “the heritage and evolution of the watch industry” in the companion press release. What’s rarer than a gold Apple Watch? A Samsung pocket watch. Because you’re probably never going to see one again.

Source: Samsung

Tim Cook Hails China Investment, Says Apple ‘Here to Stay’

Apple CEO Tim Cook sat down for an interview with Chinese media outlet Caixin on Tuesday, in which he emphasized Apple’s ambitions in China and its long-term commitment to investment there.

Despite Apple’s need to see off competition in the country from the likes of Chinese mobile makers Oppo and Huawei, Cook took pains to explain that Apple isn’t simply in China to grab a piece of the market, but that it is actively working to create jobs and improve people’s standard of living in the country.

Tim Cook poses for a photo during his visit to Ofo

“We’re not just someone who’s here to access the market,” Cook told Caixin. “We’ve created almost 5 million jobs in China. I’m not sure there are too many companies, domestic or foreign, who can say that. … There’s deep roots here. I think very highly of the country and the people in it. We’re here to stay.”

As reported earlier this week, Cook has spent the last few days in China to celebrate the company’s announcement that it is building several research and development facilities in the region. On Wednesday he stopped in at Beijing-based bicycle sharing startup Ofo, which counts ride hailing company Didi Chuxing as one of its investors.

Apple surprised analysts last year when it bought a $1 billion stake in Didi, earning it a place on the company’s board. Speaking to Caixin, Cook said the investment in Didi was an exceptional case and not a general direction for Apple.

“We’ve never invested in a developer before, and yet we met Didi, and Didi was so impressive. One, we thought their management was so great, we thought their idea was great,” Cook said. “And we liked the holistic view, they were doing everything from taxi to the more-traditional private-car thing. There was a strategic alignment. They needed some funds to continue to grow. We really want them to be successful and be global.”

Cook kicked off his China visit with a wide-ranging talk on Saturday at the China Development Forum, where he underlined his support for globalization. When asked by Caixin about the subject, the Apple CEO said there were three groups of people he always kept in mind.

“My view on globalization is that you can think of three groups of people. There’s a group of people that globalization has helped tremendously. There’s a group that globalization did not help. There’s a group of people that globalization hurt,” Cook said. “Globalization has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. But I also recognize is that it did not help everyone.”

Commenting further on the recent political steps away from globalized investment, such as the protectionist policies of the Trump administration, Cook admitted it was important for policymakers to address the issues that have led to resentment by some, but said it would be a mistake to roll back the process of globalization.

“You want to keep this going because it’s great. But we must fix this,” Cook said. “I do think there are ways to address it. I don’t think it’s an impossible task. I hope the politicians will put their attention on fixing that problem. … I’m optimistic. We must be. There are so many good things in the world. We just have to make sure we focus on the thing to fix.”

Cook is likely to remain in the country until at least Friday, when Apple will launch its special edition red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus globally. Despite the missing (PRODUCT)RED branding in China, Cook told MacRumors that proceeds from sales of the red colorway iPhones will still go to help the fight against HIV/AIDS, which has been called a “looming epidemic” in the country.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tags: China, Tim Cook
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple to Begin iPhone 6, 6s, and SE Manufacturing in India Over Next Few Months

Government officials in India today confirmed that Apple will begin manufacturing iPhone devices within its Bangalore plant over the next few months, in a bid to boost the company’s presence within the Indian smartphone market.

As was previously reported, Wistron will take the brunt of iPhone manufacturing in the country, focusing on the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, and iPhone SE.

In terms of timeline, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s will begin production in the next four-to-six weeks, while Wistron will hold off adding the iPhone SE to the production line for another three months, according to the officials familiar with Apple’s plans speaking to The Wall Street Journal. Today’s news falls directly in line with a report from February that said Apple was planning to begin assembling iPhone SE devices within India in the coming months.

“Almost all preparations have been done for launching Apple’s first phase project in Bangalore through Wistron,” the official told The Wall Street Journal.

“We’ve been working hard to develop our operations in India,” an Apple spokeswoman said. “We appreciate the constructive and open dialogue we’ve had with government about further expanding our local operations.” A Wistron spokesman said the company doesn’t comment on “rumor or speculation.”

Apple has been slowly and steadily ramping up its presence in India, over the past few months laying the groundwork by negotiating terms with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking tax concessions from locally manufactured iPhones, and setting up a local distribution center to streamline logistics as its presence in the country grows.

In regards to the tax concessions, the Indian government has yet to accept Apple’s demand, but it did mention that it “will try to accomodate as much of their demands as possible” as the relationship between Apple and India grows.

“Apple is closely working with [the] government to move forward with its India plans. We want Apple to manufacture in India. They are also very keen,” an official who works closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, declining to be named. ”We will try to accommodate as much of their demands as possible, but they too appreciate and understand our limitations.”

Last summer, a report from Strategy Analytics detailed Apple’s struggle within India due to the iPhone’s expensive price tag, outlining a total 35 percent fewer iPhone devices sold in 2016 than in 2015.

Tag: India
Discuss this article in our forums

Diesel enters smartwatch market with a bang, with Diesel On oversized Android Wear 2.0 device

Diesel is finally entering the smartwatch field. The fashion label has dabbled in hybrid, connected watches and trackers in recent times but will now release its own Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch in collaboration with the Fossil Group.

Its first watch will be the Diesel On, a touchscreen device with a round AMOLED display and Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor running the show.

As it uses Android Wear 2.0, it will be compatible with iOS and Android smartphones, via Bluetooth, and the entire Google experience will be accessible from the watch.

• When is Android Wear 2.0 coming to my smartwatch?
• Best smartwatches 2017: The best smart wristwear available to buy today

That means it will support the many apps available on the Google Play Store, work with Google Assistant, offer the entire Google Fit tracking system and can be customised to your own personal tastes. It can also play music on the device itself, through the phone connection or Wi-Fi.

Where the Diesel On differs from rival smartwatches, however, is in its design. It has a distinct Diesel look and you can customise the strap with multiple options, including leather, silicone, denim and canvas alternatives.

Custom watch faces will also be available to you.

All styles will be “outsized” and available from the holiday season. Prices will start at $325 (around £260 in today’s exchange rate).