Avy Android-powered Smart Speaker to be unveiled at CES 2015

CES 2015 will probably be filled with hundreds to thousands of Android-powered devices. We've seen a number of products the past few days and we can expect a barrage of announcements every hour until the event is over. Joining the lot is this Avy smart speaker by Zettalya-- a new startup based in Westport, Connecticut. It's an Internet-connected speaker that allows access to millions of songs available on the Internet.

With the Avy Smart Speaker, you can access various Android apps, TV shows, and movies via streaming. As long as you are connected to the Internet via WiFi, you can enjoy media and entertainment. The speaker system comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, and a pair of 10-watt speakers.

Some features of the Avy include the TOUCH, LISTEN, WATCH, CONNECT, and GO functions. Touch feature can be experienced on the touchscreen interface where you can access millions of Android apps. With the amplifier and and Hi-Fi speakers, you can listen to music via streaming from Pandora, Spotify, or other similar services. You can use the Avy as a regular Bluetooth speaker too.

The crisp 7-inch display allows the user to watch shoes, movies, and videos on YouTube, Hulu, or Netflix. You can also connect the Avy to an HDTV via HDMI or using Chromecast. And since it runs Android apps, this means you can also use Skype or any other similar messaging apps.

With its compact size, the Avy makes for a portable speaker you can use and bring anywhere. Whether you're in your kitchen, dining area, or bedroom, just bring or connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to the Avy and it will play your favorite songs or videos.

The product is still listed on Kickstarter as part of the company's crowdfunding campaign. The Avy is priced at $169 when pre-order starts in February but you can avail of the speaker for $99 right on Kickstarted as a backer.

Avy Smart Android Speaker will start shipping in May. That's a few months from now but you can see it being shown off at the CES event this week.

SOURCE: Zettaly

Story Timeline

• Samsung Wireless HDD also shares Internet and battery


• AT&T no longer planning in-flight internet services


• LG to showcase WiFi speakers series in 2015 CES

CM12 won’t use SuperSU, functions relegated to Privacy Guard

If you are the type of Android user who usually roots their phones, you will know the drill. After root access is gained, you need an app like Chainfire’s SuperSU to manage root access for different apps. But when CyanogenMod 12 – or simply CM12 for you fans out there – arrives, there won’t be any need for SuperSU.

Controlling superuser permissions has always been one of the strengths of the CM ROMs, but we’ve learned that CM12 will bring those functions the Privacy Guard settings app. All this does is make the decisions on which apps should be allowed to have root access that much easier.

Evidence of this move is found in one of the commits for the CM12 build. Those on CM12 nightlies should see this feature pretty soon. But if you want the stable and official CM12 version, that hasn’t been launched yet, and there has been little news as to when it will be launched. So if you’re waiting, you will need to hold on to SuperSU for a bit longer.

Gaining root access usually voids your warranty, so we ask you to think about what you’re doing if you have no experience in doing the process yet. There are advantages and disadvantages to gaining root, so be sure to read up first before you take the plunge.

VIA: Reddit

Story Timeline

• CyanogenMod 11 M11 is out with another round of polishes


• CyanogenMod 11 M12 released, too early for Lollipop


• CyanogenMod outs official CM11 nightlies for Verizon LG G3

More Samsung Galaxy S6 metal frame pics leaked

Taking a break from all the CES stuff, we bring you more leaks of what looks to be more pics of the all-metal unibody frame of the Samsung Galaxy S6. It was a couple of weeks back when we wrote about the purported metal frame of the Samsung Galaxy S6 being leaked to the author of a French tech website, and now the same author is back with more pics. Viola!

Here we see four new pics apparently from a Samsung supplier of the metal cases reportedly for Samsung Galaxy S6 prototypes. At best, the author suggests that Samsung has already selected a prototype, and we’re seeing the metal casing of what should be mass produced for the upcoming Galaxy S6. But as with these leaks, the author is unable to verify. He is able to say though, that the supplier is a known partner of Samsung for their phones – that is why the author has seen it fit to blur the name of the supplier on the images.

Rumors have been pointing to Samsung doing a complete revamp of their aesthetic and design approach for the Galaxy S6 – dumping the plastics in favor of an all-metal frame. With what little evidence we have – and Samsung’s movement in releasing the Samsung Galaxy Alpha and the A-Series – there seems to be good reason to believe this. Again, we cannot confirm any of this.

There are some whispers that prototypes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 will be shown to a select group of journalists during CES 2015 in a hush-hush Samsung meeting, so we’ll see during the duration of the Las Vegas tech trade show if any new rumors spill out.

SOURCE: Nowhereelse.fr

Story Timeline

• Galaxy S6 benchmarks show 5.5-inch QHD screen and 20MP camera


• Samsung Galaxy S6 rumored to have curved display on both sides


• Metal unibody shell for Samsung Galaxy S6 leaked

Lenovo P90 smartphone hands-on

In addition to the VIBE X2 Pro unveiled today, Lenovo has announced their newest P90 smartphone. It’s the first smartphone to handle the combination of the newest 64-bit Quad Core Intel Atom Z3560 processor with Intel’s 5-mode XMM 7262 modem. The machine has a robust design that suggests a bold fashion statement to those who want a stylish phone.

The fusion of the powerful components enables the machine to support LTE-Advaced FDD & TDD high-speed connectivity in China and global markets. Intel’s 1.8 GHz Quad Core processor intent is to provide fast processing speeds that are meant to keep up with users phone habits. The machine is dressed with Android 4.4 KitKat, 2GB RAM, and 32GB ROM (read-only memory).

Display on the mobile engine is a vibrant 5.5-inch and Full HD – that’s 1920 x 1080. Behind the Full HD screen is Lenovo’s IPS Display that illuminates vivid colors and excellent viewing angles that grabbed our attention. The device has a sleek feeling with a mirror glossy display making viewing easy. Even when outside, the display is bright and vivid which won’t have you gluing your face to the screen to view.

Lenovo has taken their focus towards an enormous 4000mAh battery. Battery life becomes a higher demand with today’s lifestyle through smartphones. The goal is to have the P90 at your side throughout the entire day and night. Having a large battery doesn’t compromise the body frame of the device, impressively the machine stays thin weighing in at just 156g. Lenovo’s new phone is an international model and will be available starting February 2015.

Lenovo Vibe X2 Pro hands-on

The Lenovo Vibe X2 Pro builds off its powerful predecessor, the Vibe X2. Running on Android 4.4 KitKat and a new 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa Core 615 (1.5GHz) processor, the Vibe X2 Pro steps up its game from the previous model. This device weighs in at a mere 140g and measures in at 146.3 x 71 x 6.95mm.

Continuing with the unique multi tone design that stacks upon itself, the Vibe X2 Pro releases in vibrant colors of electric blue, champagne gold, and rock pink. The craftsmanship has upgraded with a full-metal body making it feel very firm and solid in your hands – compared to the previous model of a plastic cheap body feel.

Equipped with a 5.3-inch Full HD display the device has a nice glossy mirror finish showing high quality material – that’s 1920 x 1080. The screen is a wide-view display which allowed us to see perfect viewing angles even when outdoors.

Camera quality is becoming more of a demand in smartphones as we progress through the social media era. Lenovo is boasting and proud with its new camera technology on the Vibe X2 Pro. As #selfies become a phrase we all start to recognize, the auto-focus front and rear 13MP camera is strongly emphasized with features and tools that capture all the details of a beautiful scenery or even yourself.

The device feels quite light, nice and flat all around, with smooth rounded edges. We’ll be looking forward to giving this beautiful device a more in depth look when it becomes available for USA. As of right now it’s only an international model expected to release April 2015.

Lenovo Vibe Band VB10 hands-on

Smart watches have created itself a new category within the technology industry. With so many different options out there, who knows what’s best and most comfortable. It all boils down to opinion and preference. Lenovo has rolled out a new contender that might be able to beat out the competition. The VIBE Band VB10 is more than a fitness tracker, it interacts with your smartphone alongside social notifications. A clean metal body front cover with smooth rubber straps (~30 grams) and new features that notify you’ve steered too far from your phone make it stand out.

At first glance, the illuminant 1.43-inch E ink display takes up most of the bands face. A lightly curved display has an enamored look to shape your wrist. The 230ppi (pixels per inch) E ink display is strong in terms that sunlight won’t impair vision on screen – That’s 296 x 128 pixels (2-bit).

Integrating the band with your phone has its neat and fun features. With most communications coming in as text messages, it can become a hassle to pull out your phone just to read a text. The VB10 displays your entire message (up to 150 characters) making it easier for you to read it like time. Other features allow you to ignore calls and silence ringtones keeping your phone tucked away.

Longevity and durability were factors focused on while engineering the band. Enabling Bluetooth connection and display always turned on 24-hours, the VIBE band can withhold up to 7 days of battery life. Being an active fitness tracking band, waterproof seal is not a question. The band is rated at IPX7 meaning you can immerse yourself in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3ft – meaning showering and water sports shouldn’t be an issue.

The VIBE Band VB10 is unique in design and functionality. It stops you from losing your phone by alerting if you’ve stepped too far away from it. It monitors your steps, calories, exercise and sleep. The VB10 band will be available April 2015, having you dish out $89.

Lenovo Vibe Xtension Flash hands on

If you were to walk up to someone 10 years ago and say “take a #selfie with me”, you’d probably sound crazy. Social media today has evolved so dramatically that it defines or even mirrors our image and personality. Lenovo has set the bar by rolling out the VIBE Xtension Selfie Flash – giving you better light when taking a #selfie. A new device that helps illuminate your beautiful features.

The new external device is simply a flash. Taking on a body like a donut, the device plugs directly into the audio port of your phone. The device was made to pair with the Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro smartphone, but it also raises conflict with phones that have audio ports located on the bottom or sides versus the top where the front camera is located. The flash device activates immediately when capturing photos. Enjoyable on Android devices with compatible software.

The eight white LED bulbs sits in a ring formation outlining your face when capturing pictures. It’s bright enough to light up areas that stand as far as 3ft away. Charging the device won’t be tedious as you can take up to 100 selfies on a single charge. The design is short and stump. It’s light and has a solid feel where you won’t feel it in your pockets if you do carry it.

As this is a first new device of its kind, Lenovo can continue to improve in other aspects such as making compatibility open to other platform devices, redesigning the entire body to conform to devices that have audio ports located away from the front camera, and maybe design different sizes to accommodate larger Android devices. The device is an international model not available to the USA. Costing $29 the Xtension Selfie flash should be seen shipped April 2015.