Subscribe:

Ads 468x60px

Labels

Google Glass, Moto 360 now available via Play Store

This week, to add to all the hysteria at IFA 2014, Google has updated its device store on the Google Play displays with two new devices – that is the Google Glass Explorer Edition and the Moto 360. It’s worth mentioning that Glass was already made available in the UK, but now it’s available in the US as well – at least, conveniently through the Google Play Store. Also, Motorola’s new roundface thingamajig has also been made available.



It has taken a while, but it is a relief to finally say that Google Glass is now available for the US public. We’ve been waiting to say that for a long time. Make no mistake about it though, you will still need to plump up a cool USD$1500 for the Glass Explorer Edition. Frames are an additional USD$225, and Shades are another USD$150. If you want the proprietary Google earbuds – yes, you want them – that’s another USD$85. So get ready to shell out if you want the coolest toy around.


glassww-600x360


Also, the Moto 360 has also been displayed now at Google’s device store-front – although there are speculations that at the moment the device may be out of stock via the Google Play Store. The pricing is still the same, USD$250 whether you get it from Google or direct from Motorola. Check out our Moto 360 review right here.


We’re hearing that there might be an ongoing "Free Frame or Shade with Explorer Edition Purchase" promo with Glass, so that might be something you want to check out. And the Moto 360, well, it’s just oozing pure class and quality – if you can actually get your hands on one these days where the demand for it is high.


VIA: SlashGear





Nest Protect 2.0 software and updated app makes smoke alarms smarter

Nest made its name with the smart thermostats that allow people to control how much power they use and more. Nest also makes some high tech smoke alarms called the Nest protect smoke and CO alarms. Those smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will be getting a software update over the next two weeks that will bring them to software version 2.0.



Some cool features will be coming in that update including a new steam check algorithm. Most smoke detectors can't tell the difference between steam and smoke, but the new Nest software can. The nest app will also be getting an update on Android and iOS. The updated app will allow users to see what caused Heads-Up or Emergency Alarms over the last ten days.


The Nest What to Do feature is being updated in the app to version 2.0 and allows users to customize notifications given when an emergency alarm is activated. The notifications can be programmed with an emergency contact number as well.


The updated app will also show carbon monoxide levels allowing you to see the level of CO that triggered the alarm and how long the levels stay that high. Pathlight controls will allow users to adjust the brightness of the integrated light on the alarms using the app. The update will also allow Nest products to work with hidden WiFi networks. the updated app is available on Google Play.


SOURCE: Nest





Samsung Smart MultiXpress printers are powered by Android

Smartphones and tablets aren’t all that gets unveiled at IFA 2014. Samsung has rolled out what it claims to be the world's first printer powered by Android. Ten models fit into the new Smart MultiXpress multifunction printer line running the Android operating system.



The benefit of having Android running the PC is that the printer is able to operate independently without a PC. Android also gives the printer a consumer friendly user interface. Each of the printers has a 10.1-inch touchscreen panel allowing users to print from a browser or email and directly print maps or images from the web.


Samsung's printers have the same Samsung Smart UX center that is found on the Samsung Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets. The printers are also compatible with the Samsung eXtensible Open Architecture printing solution platform that can be customized for specific business needs.


The printers use a 1GHz dual-core CPU inside for faster printing performance. There are four categories containing the ten printer models including the X4300 A3 color MFP series, K4350 A3 monochrome MFP, M5370 series of A4 monochrome MFPs, and the M4580 series of A4 monochrome MFPs. Pricing and availability on the printers is unannounced at this time.


SOURCE: Samsung





HP unveils 11-inch and 14-inch Chromebooks for the holidays

HP has unveiled a bunch of new products that will be launching in time for the holiday shopping season. Among the new products are several new Chromebook computers including new 11-inch HP Chromebook and a new 14-inch HP Chromebook.



The 11-inch Chromebook will feature an 11.6-inch HD resolution display and promises long battery life. HP says that the 11-inch Chromebook will provide long battery life and will be offered in turquoise, white, or black colors and the notebooks will use the latest Intel processors under the hood.


HP has also unveiled a 14-inch Chromebook with a 14-inch FHD display. It will use an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor and promises impressive graphics performance. Power efficiency was a focus for the 14-inch Chromebook giving it more runtime per charge.


It has a slim and fanless design making it quiet. HP will offer the machine in black or white with a choice of accent colors including silver, orange, turquoise, and green. HP's 11-inch Chromebook will launch in the US on October 5 starting at $279.99. The 14-inch Chromebook will launch on October 22 starting at $299.99.


SOURCE: HP





Top 5 Android Wear Apps – XDA Developer TV

tkstopwearapps

Google’s Android Wear has garnered a lot of attention in recent months. Google is trying to streamline and standardize the wearable market. This helps take the focus off the experience of the base software and perhaps hardware, and focuses it on the actual Android Wear Apps themselves!


In today’s episode, XDA Developer TV Producer TK shows off his Top 5 Android Wear Apps. He talks about 5 apps and watch faces that in no particular order really help expand your Android Wear Device capabilities. TK talks about ACW Watch Face, Weather Wear Watch Face, MacroDroid – Device Automation, Lockable, Wear Mini Launcher, Wear Camera Remote and Wear Volume. So check out this video!




Be sure to check out other great XDA Developer TV Videos



The post Top 5 Android Wear Apps – XDA Developer TV appeared first on xda-developers.


Isis to become Softcard in official rebranding

Isis is a company that makes wallet software that is designed to allow users to shop, pay, and save money using their smartphones. The problem for the company is that a militant group from the Middle East that goes by the acronym ISIS is something that no company wants to be associated with.



To eliminate any sort of association by name alone, Isis announced in July that it would be rebranding itself with a new name. The time has come for that branding to take effect and Isis will become Softcard. With the name of the wallet software changing, people that use the current Isis Wallet app will wonder what is going to happen.


Isis Wallet software will continue to work and over the next few weeks an updated app will launch and all branding will change to Softcard. A normal app update will change the app on user devices to the new branding.


Isis says that it has chosen to move quickly on the rebranding, but for a short time, the current Isis branding will still be visible. At least customers will be able to continue using the app through the transition without having to worry about finding another app.


SOURCE: Isis





Huawei Ascend A7 and Ascend P7 Sapphire Edition unveiled

Huawei has rolled out a couple interesting smartphones with the Ascend G7 being unveiled in Germany this week and the Ascend P7 Sapphire Edition being unveiled in China. The Ascend G7 features a 5.5-inch screen with HD resolution and enhanced 4G LTE Cat4 connectivity. The G7 also gets a 13MP rear camera.



The G7 is 7.6mm thick and tips the scales at 165g. Huawei uses Nano molding Technology to create the metallic unibody design. The native resolution for the 5.5-inch screen is 1280 x 720. Under the hood, the smartphone has a Qualcomm quad-core 1.2GHz processor and a 3000 mAh Li-Polymer battery. The 13MP rear camera has a 28mm wide-angle lens and BSI sensor with the 5MP front camera having an 88-degree wide-angle lens. The G7 will sell for 299 euros and will launch in several markets this month with others to follow.


p7-sapphire


The Huawei Ascend P7 Sapphire Edition debuted in China and the big feature of this phone is a sapphire glass cover over the 5-inch screen. Sapphire glass is one of the hardest materials available and resists scratches and cracking better than the Gorilla Glass common on the market.


Huawei says that the P7 Sapphire Edition will be the first smartphone in China with a Sapphire screen. Other than the new screen material, the P7 Sapphire Edition is the same as the standard Ascend P7 we reviewed back in May.


SOURCE: Huawei (1), (2)





Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)