| Mass Microsoft reshuffle sees devices take equal billing with software Jul 11th 2013, 14:22, by Kate Solomon 
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced that the company is set to work differently, promising one single experience across its broad range of devices and services. All Microsoft devices, from desktops to Xboxes via Windows Phones, are set to fall under the same division in the brave new world, with the company promising "a complete family of Windows-powered devices". It goes on to say that Microsoft plans to "strive for a single experience for everything in a person's life that matters" - taking in phones, tablets, televisions, Xboxes and even "a small wearable". "One experience, one company, one set of learnings, one set of apps, and one personal library of entertainment, photos and information everywhere. One store for everything," it explains, although it hasn't mentioned the one ring to rule them all and in the darkness bind them at this point. One loveSo it sounds at this point as though we're looking at a unified Microsoft software experience, with Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox interfaces all coming together under one umbrella, with one app store selling apps that work across all platforms. As for hardware, Microsoft plans to put equal focus on that side of things, speaking of "a full spectrum of both partner and first-party devices" - meaning those rumours of multiple Surface tablets on their way may not be too outlandish, nor, either, those currently-quiet whispers of a Microsoft-made Windows Phone handset. Indeed, "our family will include phones, tablets, PCs, 2-in-1s, TV-attached devices and other devices to be imagined and developed" - like those "small wearables", perhaps? Ballmer's note promises a "nimble, communicative, collaborative, decisive and motivated" company. Doesn't sound much like the Microsoft we currently know; but as Ballmer signs off, "Let's go." Okay, Microsoft. Let's see what you can do.     |  | Windows Phone 8 given boost as its lifecycle doubles Jul 11th 2013, 14:15, by Hugh Langley 
It's fair to say we were all pretty disappointed with Microsoft's announcement that it would stop supporting Windows Phone 8 on July 8 2014, after just 18 months, without even a mention of when Windows Phone 9 might take its place. But Redmond has seen the error of its ways and now says it will instead refrain from pulling the plug until January 2016, by which time we would expect WP9 to be in full swing. The announcement came via the Windows Phone Blog, which told us that Microsoft was investing more in the features that will win over business customers. Microsoft means businessOn top of the announcement that told that Windows Phone 8 will be getting incremental updates until the start of 2016, an "enterprise feature pack" will be released in the first half of 2014 packed full of business-focused new tools. The one caveat is that updates can still be controlled by phone manufacturers, with region and device capabilities also affecting whether you'll be able to download them or not. But it will all be good news for those eagerly waiting to get their fingers on the Nokia Lumia 1020, which will be officially announced later today. Although it's fair to say that Nokia probably won't have much to tell us that we don't already know.     | | Blip: Nokia Lumia 1020 outed early in video Jul 11th 2013, 12:08, by Hugh Langley 
We're just hours away from the Nokia Lumia 1020's unveiling but some trigger-fingered person in charge of AT&T's YouTube channel just hit the switch early and posted an advert for the phone. Of course, the advert's all about the photo features - the 41-megapixel camera, 6x zoom and 720p. See it all for yourself below. There aren't many more details given beyond that but a full leak of the phone's spec sheet has seemingly filled in the gaps. Nokia might as well call the whole event off. YouTube : www.youtube.com/watch?&v=GRV2KTcGz50More blips!Go read more of our blips. Go go go!     | | Buying Guide: 10 top gadgets for your summer holiday Jul 11th 2013, 11:55, by Jamie Carter 
Even when you're getting away from it all, there are some things you want to take with you. But how do you know which gadgets are worthy of taking up your valuable packing space? These are our 10 picks for the technological traveller: everything on this lists has been designed for travel. From smaller, lighter, luggage friendly versions of your must-have gadgets to life-savers for your life on the road, we've got your packing covered. 1. Sennheiser PXC 250-II
A pair of bulky noise-cancelling headphones come somewhere near the kitchen sink on most people's packing list, which makes these dinky Sennheisers something of a revelation. The headband has two comfy skull pads while the ear-cups press themselves effectively to close the gaps.Most impressively, the NoiseGard noise cancelling function (which can be toggled on and off) works almost as well as models four times the size (and three times the price). The only drawback is an AA battery compartment on the audio cable, but it's a small price to pay on these expensive, but good value headphones. 2. Vanguard Alta 225CT tripod
You need a tripod to get your best shot, so it's a pity that when you're on holiday and most likely to have exotic scenes and great adventures to record, you're Made from carbon fibre and weighing-in at just 810g (that's less than the smallest Macbook Air), this three-legged, five-section tripod from Vanguard stretches from 42cm to a mighty 115cm. It sits easily in the side pocket of most small backpack, and its built-in spirit level means you can always be confident of shooting straight. 3. Reef Men's Quencha TQT sandals
Picture the scene: you're on the beach, sunset's drawing near and you've a bag full of beer to get stuck into … but did anyone pack a bottle opener? Probably not, but if you're sporting a pair of Quencha TQT (which stands for Thirst Quenching Technology) sandals from Reef there's a nice surprise in the sole, where a bottle opener has been cleverly stashed away. Also featuring an airbag in the heel and a comfy nubuck strap, these Reefs come in black and lime green. 4. LAT56 backpack
Looking more like futuristic body armour than a simple gadget bag, this tough aircraft cabin-sized backpack from LAT56 keeps your gadgets protected as you barge through the world airports, bus stations and hotels. The secret is the use of specially moulded EVA foam that's got a bit of give in it, but only a bit; cue zip-up side-pockets that are sturdy enough to take a pair of sunglasses (though also perfect for chargers and cables) and a slightly bulging front that's there to protect your gear, but also happens to be the shape of a folded-up shirt. At the back behind some unusually comfy shoulder straps is a bombproof NASA-spec memory foam laptop compartment for models up to 15.6 inches, while inside are some dividers that can be flattened for full access to its 15-litre capacity. 5. Panasonic DMC-FT5 tough camera
The fact that it's got built-in GPS tells you straight away that the Panasonic DMC-FT5 is built for roaming. It can geotag images as you go, so you'll never be left wondering exactly which picturesque mountain you decided to photograph. It could also probably survive a fall down that mountain, thanks to its orange battle armour. Although it suffered a few scars when we dropped it during our tests, it carried on working perfectly and delivering clear images. Some will miss optical zoom, though the flip-side of its 'no moving parts' design is a totally waterproof, underwater mode that makes this portable a great candidate for snorkelling or diving. 6. Geneva Sound System Model XS
Travel speakers are routinely sold with tall stories of turning tables into speakers and hotel rooms into discos. Ignore all that and go straight for the best-sounding by size: this Swiss-made speaker system that doubles as an alarm clock. Connecting to a smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth, the Model XS also throws in a DAB+ radio. And it all snaps shut in a travel-friendly clamshell case. It's also really useful for business trips, able to act as an impressive hands-free speaker for conference calls. 7. Petzl Tikka Plus 2 headtorch
You'll see Maglite torches in the gift sets on the plane, but it's an LED head torch from Petzl that you really need. Powered by three AAA batteries and comfy to wear, the biggest beam is powerful enough for upcountry hiking in the pre-dawn darkness while a less powerful setting is just right for finding your hotel room late at night. It also features flashing modes, and red light setting for stargazers trying to preserve their night-vision while dodging guy ropes on campsites. 8. Thule Perspektiv SLR Daypack
Is this the finest outdoorsy camera bag available? If you're taking your DSLR on holiday, this backpack from Thule with easy-vis bright blue compartments galore can take a camera and multiple lenses. It's ideal as both cabin baggage and for day trips, but that's not what makes it special. Though its undercarriage is pleasingly tough and strong, it rather unexpectedly hides a useful rain cover, which covers the entire (and already water-resistant - even the zips and seams) daypack in the event of a downpour. There's even a totally waterproof section for storing SD cards, a stash pocket and a clever tripod clip on the front, and - best of all - it's comfy to wear on a hike around town or up a mountain. 9. Goal Zero Yeti 1250
For long-term campers and caravanners headed off to remote parts with gadgetry in tow, a generator is a noisy necessity. But there is a less intrusive option: this silent (if heavy at 54kg) option from Goal Zero, which stores a mighty 1500W of power within. That's enough to recharge a laptop twenty times over. About 15 hours refuels it from a wall outlet, or even via a USB cable, but if you're off on a long trip to (say) the Australian Outback you'd be a fool not to add the optional solar panel that recharges the Yeti inside 20 hours. 10. SATcase for Android
Probably overkill for two weeks in the Med (unless you own a yacht), but adventurous types take note. Aimed at hikers, sailors and aviators, the SATcase (due to be launched later this year) transforms any Android smartphone into a satellite phone - thereby bypassing the globe's patchy 3G network. SATcase is the first satellite phone kit that swaps a bulky receiver unit for a smartphone app, and comes in a rugged case. It also contains a 406 beacon that search and rescue teams can find using the COSPAS-SARSAT system.     | | Full Nokia Lumia 1020 specs leak leaving literally nothing to the imagination Jul 11th 2013, 11:50, by Kate Solomon 
Nokia's event may not be taking place until later today but it hardly seems necessary at this point; what looks to be the full spec sheet for the Lumia 1020 has hit the web. As expected, the spec sheet outlines a 41MP camera sensor with a 3x zoom and six-lens camera with Xenon flash. There's also a 1.2MP HD camera on the front, the specs say. Supposedly, we're looking at a 4.5-inch AMOLED screen (which jives with previous speculation) with a resolution of 1280 x 768 - so HD but not full HD - with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory to play with. PowerhousePowering it, the spec sheet suggests, is a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon of indeterminate edition, although previous leaks have suggested the Snapdragon 800, a quad-core processor, which seems less likely in the face of this latest spec splurge. The list also posits that the handset will come in yellow, black and white, with a camera grip accessory and a wireless charging cover peripheral to boot. These specs come by way of UnleashThePhones, which seems to have lived up to its name, although we haven't been able to verify the source and none of the information is particularly new so they could just be chancers. Either way, we'll find out if the Nokia Lumia 1020 is indeed the phone to save Nokia later on today - we'll be live at Nokia's New York event so check back for the news as it breaks.     | | Insanely thin LG display announced in time for the Optimus G2 Jul 11th 2013, 11:00, by Hugh Langley 
LG has been one of the spearheads of the display revolution, and when it comes to smartphones it's just put everyone else to shame by unveiling whats it claims to be the world's slimmest full HD panel for handsets. The panel is a crazy 2.2mm slim with a 2.3mm bezel, and measures 5.2-inches diagonally. All of which arrives conveniently in time for the Optimus G2, which looks to be sporting a barely-there bezel in the leaked images we've seen. The display also features a full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and LG Display claims that the screen will provide good visibility under strong sunlight. The screen can also manage 535 nits of brightness. Out of thin airSo how did LG manage to slim down so much? It's all thanks to a special new technology called Advanced One-Glass-Solution in which dual flexible circuits sit between the panel and touch film and reduce the lines on the panel by 30 per cent. The Optimus G2 is rumoured to have a Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.3GHz, 2GB RAM, a 16-megapixel camera and - hint, hint - a 5.2-inch display. We're prepared for the LG Optimus G2 to go official at the press event on August 7, and we'll be there to give you the news as it breaks.     | | Blip: Offline mapping button was lost, now found in Google Maps update Jul 11th 2013, 09:03, by Kate Solomon 
The latest Google Maps app arrived yesterday and it was an all-singing, all-dancing tablet-friendly update but for one notable exception: instead of hitting a simple button to make maps available offline, Google wanted you to waste tedious seconds typing in the command "OK Maps" into the search box. We were confused, you were confused, everyone was confused. In what world was this a sensible development? In no world, apparently, as Google has now made a "Make this map area available offline" clickable boxout for the app. Revolutionary stuff. More blips! Don't get lost in the forests of tech news - let our handy little blips be your guide.     | | Opinion: This is the phone that will save Nokia Jul 11th 2013, 04:20, by Gareth Beavis 
It's a bold statement, I know. But the Lumia 1020 is going to be the device that not only reminds people how good Nokia used to be, but will also herald a real change in the company's fortunes… and bottom line. If you're not familiar with the new handset incoming from Nokia (and let's face it, that's embarrassing for you, given the overflowing glut of leaks appearing from every corner of the internet) the once-behemothic brand is finally taking the excellent Pureview technology it so heartlessly stuffed into a terrible Symbian handset and whacking the 41MP sensor it into a decent chassis. FutTv : 78OByhMJR28m3Not only that, it will be powered by Windows Phone 8, an OS that, while not perfect, is a much better platform to navigate and is fast becoming entrenched as the third smartphone ecosystem. Oh, and did I mention it would be a real upgrade in terms of spec too? The processor it'll use is a little woolly right now, but 2GB of RAM is nailed on, which is a first for a Windows Phone and will really help with chugging through those high-end snaps. It will even be packaged in something that doesn't require a spare bag to carry around; sure, it will be chunky as that sensor isn't slim, but multiple renders show a fairly slimline chassis that should slide into the pocket with ease. Wait, I remember that…So, a phone that doesn't look hideous and brings a real howitzer of a USP? That sounds like the Nokia I used to know, and you did too. The Nokia that showed the mass market it could own a cameraphone with the 7650, the Nokia that was the main proponent in bringing a colour screen to handsets… heck, the Nokia that gave us mobile gaming on a grand scale with Snake. Three years ago smartphones were all about convergence, and if Nokia had tried this kind of thing then it would have failed miserably because it needed a phone that did everything really well to take on HTC and Apple. Oh, wait, hang on… we had the Nokia N8, didn't we? Point proven. But now things have changed. The base level of functionality on most phones is awesome and more than most will ever need. People are getting tired of really powerful handsets that have a whopping screen in a predictable rectangular design. And ask most of those buying a new phone what they care about most, and they'll say something about battery and 'I want a decent camera'. The game is afootAnd that's what Nokia is about to do. Bring out a phone that can compete on spec generally, but obliterate the competition on the imaging front. It's been dabbling with such a thing with the Lumia 920 and 925, but this is a whole new level. The fans are going to go nuts... Actually, that's the only downside. The Lumia 925's anodised aluminium exterior is barely cool, and already we're seeing a new flagship device that usurps it. When the 1020 was rumoured to be called the 909 (as a nod to the previous 808) I thought it fitted perfectly: a great USP, but not as strong as the recent flagship, keeping the masses who bought into Nokia's recent marketing happy. And yes, they'll be annoyed when the see the Lumia 1020, but I've changed my mind now. Nokia needs to go big with a handset. Really big. It needs something that will turn the heads of those umming and ahhing about buying an HTC One or an iPhone. Something that those who love looking through their albums will get a real kick out of, without feeling they've had to compromise on spec, design or price. Of course it's not going to rival the Galaxy S4 for sales, as it's still going to be a niche product, albeit a niche device that many will want to sport. If, in a year or so, Nokia is announcing booming profits and Samsung, Apple and HTC are all looking nervously over their shoulders, this is the phone to point to as the reason. Of course, that might not happen, so if things are dire at the Finnish firm and it's finally been bought by Microsoft, then just point to the N8 as the reason it all fell apart…     | | Meet the family: Motorola Droid Mini poses with siblings in leaked snap Jul 10th 2013, 21:36, by Chris Smith 
Another day, another purported Motorola Droid handset breaking cover. This time it's the little heard-of Motorola Droid Mini. Courtesy of yet another press shot Twitter leak artist @evleaks, the Droid Mini is pictured alongside the Droid Ultra and the Droid Maxx, devices also touted for the first time within the last week or so. None of the devices have been officially announced by Motorola, as yet, as the Google-owned company focuses its attention on the forthcoming launch of the much bandied about Moto X handset. The @evleaks post which claims to introduce the "The Motorola Droid Family, 2013" showcases a smaller device that looks to be around 3.5- or 4-inches in size and could be Moto's answer to the Galaxy S4 Mini and yet-to-be-confirmed HTC One Mini Android phones. Droid Ultra coming August 8?In more Moto news, we could see the first of these rumoured devices in less than a month's time. Judging by a leaked TV commercial storyboard obtained by AndroidCentral, the Droid Ultra will be introduced by Motorola on August 8. The storyboard details a tough, scratch resistant phone with improved voice commands such as "Hello Moto. Open Spotify." The site has since pulled the image, presumably under instructions from somebody's legal team. - Catch all the latest on the Lumia 1020 before Nokia's event Thursday.
    | | HTC One tipped for a 2013 refresh, with next year seeing the 'M8' Jul 10th 2013, 21:04, by Michael Rougeau 
If there's one thing we know it's that smartphone makers (the successful ones, at least) never stop improving (or trying to improve) on old designs. HTC is no different, and today a report claimed that company plans to release a new, updated version of its 2013 flagship the HTC One before the end of the year. Further, this refurbed HTC One is said to be followed in 2014 by a successor: an HTC One 2, codenamed "M8." You may remember that the HTC One we have now was codenamed M7 from the start, so the company is certainly staying true to its naming schemes. The report comes from Pocket Lint, which claimed to have spoken with "a source familiar with the matter." This is the first real chatter we've heard of an HTC One successor (not that we didn't expect one after the One's singular success), and while the source didn't provide any further details, he or she did have slightly more to say about the updated HTC One supposedly coming out at some point this year. SpeculationThe HTC One may be due for some software updates, but this report claimed that a more substantial hardware overhaul is also in the works. The site speculated that the HTC One's Snapdragon 600 could be upgraded to an 800, at the very least. Its HTC Sense UI could be tweaked and other aspects could be optimized as well. The year is more than half over, so we might learn more about the new HTC One soon, if it is in fact real, and of course, there's always a chance it's not. But don't expect the same for the HTC One 2 "M8," as the source said that HTC is using multiple different codenames for the device so as to thwart spies and sleuths.     | | As BlackBerry 9720 leaks again, should we expect the A10 to sport a 5" screen? Jul 10th 2013, 19:56, by Chris Smith 
Is BlackBerry about to jump into the era of 5-inch smartphones with its rumoured flagship A10 handset? According to Boy Genuis Report's 'trusted sources,' the smartphone maker formerly known as RIM is preparing to launch its largest ever handset, with a high-quality, 5-inch Super AMOLED display The report said the device, codenamed Aristo, 'closely resembles a Samsung Galaxy S4', with rounded, softer edges than the rather rigid Z10 touchscreen handset launched earlier this year. The A10 will apparently pack 2GB of RAM, however concerns over battery life and compatibility with the BB10 software will keep the processor at dual-core rather than making the leap to quad-core. A focus on gaming is also predicted, with the Canadian company working hard to ensnare developers to boost its app store offerings. BB7 to live on with 9720?Beyond the A10 proclamations, the site also brought another purported snap of the BlackBerry 9720, the rumoured refresh of the iconic Bold 9700 device. The new pic, shown next to the 9700, presents a revamped styling that looks a lot like the recently-launched BlackBerry Q5 budget QWERTY handset. As we reported yesterday, the 9720 is newsworthy due to the company's plans to offer the handset running the BlackBerry 7 OS it's trying to move away from as it establishes BB10. On Tuesday, a BlackBerry spokesperson confirmed to TechRadar: "We intend to launch one additional product this year to support the BlackBerry 7 segment."     | | Apple could cut a deal with Sharp to equip tech with IGZO displays Jul 10th 2013, 17:58, by JR Bookwalter 
The rumor mill has been attempting to connect the dots between an Apple HDTV and Sharp's IGZO display panels for more than a year, but the real deal could be happening elsewhere in Cupertino's product line. Reports today suggest Apple is in "serious talks" with Sharp for a big shift into the company's indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) display panels beginning in 2014. According to a report from Korea IT News (via Patently Apple), Sharp and LG Display are gearing up to increase production of IGZO panels, which are capable of lowering energy consumption for devices that use them. But while most of the Apple-related chatter between the three companies has focused on a mythical television set, the fruity firm may be laying the groundwork for a bigger shift across existing product lines. Wild about IGZOThe latest report claimed Apple will implement IGZO display panels into both the iPad line as well as a MacBook refresh coming in the first half of next year. Sharp's IGZO semi-conductor is used in thin film transistors (TFTs) capable of controlling substances such as glass, and are capable of moving electrons up to 10 times faster than existing amorphous silicon. For Apple's mobile and notebook product lines, adopting IGZO would allow existing battery technology to last even longer than it does today, thanks to the lower power consumption of the display panel itself. LG Display is said to be upgrading its current OLED and LCD production lines to accommodate IGZO panels, but none of the companies have yet confirmed that talks are actually taking place.     | |
No comments:
Post a Comment