Review TechRadar: Phone and communications news 07-29-2014

TechRadar: Phone and communications news TechRadar US latest feeds

Thousands of Free eBooks BookBub brings you free & bargain national bestselling eBooks in the genres of your choice! Sign up now & join 1.5 million happy readers. From our sponsors

In Depth: Lacking fitness: why your iPhone won't be replacing your doctor just yet Jul 29th 2014, 13:00, by John McCann Mobile healthcare Tracking health and fitness on your smartphone is big business these days with numerous companies developing trackers and apps to help you stay on top. The explosion of interest in this market was further highlighted by both Apple and Google earlier this year, as they revealed health related integration in their iOS 8 and Android L mobile platforms. Apple has advanced the technology the furthest with its HealthKit API for developers and Health app, which aims to gather information from a variety of sources and compile them in one place to give you a full report on your health. It's even got a number of hospitals onboard in America, opening the door to the data being used by healthcare professionals to aid treatment. This may sound great, but it's not ready to take our hospitals by storm just yet, as Dr Dushan Gunasekera - founder of the myHealthCare clinic in London - explains. The first stepping stone "The technology in its current form is not a complete solution, this is a stepping stone towards a future where we'll be able to use wearables and smartphones to aid medical examinations and diagnoses," says Gunasekera. "It's an exciting step in technology and it's one that I welcome and I believe a lot of other doctors will too." At this early stage in the cycle of mobile healthcare the data which is being collected is difficult to verify as accurate and that's one of the biggest obstacles manufacturers will have to overcome. "The benefits of Apple health [and rival offerings] are dependent on the quality of data," Gunasekera tells us. There's pressure on device manufacturers to ensure their systems are monitoring our bodies as accurately as possible. We're seeing technology, including heart rate monitors and pedometers being built into our smartphones and smartwatches, and while these paint a relatively good picture their accuracy is still some way off medical standards. Take it seriously "We need third-party manufacturers to produce consumer solutions of current medical equipment, allowing patient's to monitor a variety of health data in an easy and unobtrusive manner," Gunasekera explains. "When devices which can gather data to a medical standard are readily available to consumers, the data on our smartphones can be taken more seriously by medical professionals and it can be used to accompany diagnoses." Dr Gunasekera does see some immediate benefit from the systems Google and Apple are touting with their new operating systems. "The Medical ID page in iOS 8 is mostly beneficial for paramedics in an emergency, when you're abroad or if you require the data quickly." On an iPhone running iOS 8 there will be a medical info button on the lockscreen, allowing emergency services to get a brief overview of your medical history, highlighting any possible complications. Benefits, issues and the future There are some clear benefits for both doctors and patients if the data collected by our mobile devices, and associated connected devices, can be relied on. "Where Apple Health is heading is good for life-threatening events. For example, users can hook themselves up to a monitor to keep an eye on data for preventative reasons," says Gunasekera. "With a wide variety of health details stored on your smartphone, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, glucose levels and heart rate, patients could well see consultation times reduced by at least three to four minutes." Fewer questions, faster appointments "Doctors won't have to ask the general questions they ask every time, allowing them to get to the root of the issues quicker," he continued. "Patients could be seen more quickly and wait times will also take a tumble." After several weeks, months and years of patient tracking, doctors will be able to view a detailed history of a patient's vital statistics. Patterns can then be tracked and monitored, and thus it will help treat the patient more efficiently. "With a potential reduction in consultation time, practitioners could open up more appointment slots in a day, allowing more patients to be seen and allowing for a greater flexibility in surgeries, hospitals and clinics." Home monitoring isn't without its risks, though. "A balance needs to be struck between unnecessarily worrying patients [as a result of data readings that could be interpreted unfavourably] versus the benefits conferred to the patient's health professional," says Gunasekera. "Not all patients will be receptive to the idea of having their medical details recorded 24 hours a day, and there will be concerns over the security of the information." Integration with appointment apps such as Zesty - which aims to find patients an doctors appointment last minute - could see data easily transferred between practitioners. "All medical records are now kept in software devices. While it might be beneficial for patients to have their own medical records on their devices, data protection might be a hurdle. "Having your medical records stored on your mobile device is something that would help Zesty and similar solutions, if you're seeing a GP who isn't your regular doctor." Into the future Looking further into the future, and chips embedded beneath your skin reporting vital data wirelessly to your phone isn't quite as hare-brained a concept as it may seem. "Some of this may sound space age, but we're nearing the point where we'll have implants which will automatically beam information on our bodies to a device (or smartphone). There's already an implant for diabetics that can transmit blood glucose levels to a monitor, allowing suffers to better manage their insulin intake and diet. "Another example would be for pacemakers to automatically report any irregular heart activity direct to a smartphone or patient's GP, and the GP can decide whether they need to see the patient or monitor activity further." Sound good? Asking where you can sign up? Hold your horses. This is still very much the beginning of what will be a long road, but the early signs are positive and in the future, going to the doctor could be a lot less stressful. Gunasekera sums it up: "The offerings from Apple in iOS 8 and Google in Android L in their current forms are the first step in bringing medical monitoring to the consumer market. "There is still a way to go before the information can be properly used by doctors, and even longer before this information can be properly relied on. It's unlikely to be genuinely useful in the next two to three years." Incoming update for Nokia X brings better app control Jul 29th 2014, 09:43, by James Rogerson Even though Microsoft has pulled the plug on Nokia's Android adventure it hasn't stopped the Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL from being updated with some new features and enhancements. They're getting an app switcher to bring them more in line with the Nokia X2. This allows you to easily switch or close apps. Just swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the app switcher icon and then tap the app you want to switch to or tap the 'x' icon to close it. The update also includes improvements to the Nokia Store, integrating third party app stores so you can manage all of your apps in one place, as well as making it easier to find and download apps and games. Plus the store is getting a new home screen Spotlight widget to help with app discovery and adding support for one-click downloads so you can get apps faster. Out now Last but not least the update adds Outlook.com, OneNote and One Drive if you haven't already downloaded them. The new software has already started rolling out as an over-the-air update. You should automatically be notified when it's available but you can also manually check for it from the settings screen by heading into 'About phone' then 'System updates'. The Nokia Lumia 530 is a cheap alternative to the X. HTC may be launching the One M8 for Windows Jul 29th 2014, 09:05, by James Rogerson As if HTC's naming conventions for its flagships weren't already awkward enough it looks like it might now be launching a flagship Windows Phone handset with the same name as its Android one. More specifically we might soon be getting an 'HTC One M8 for Windows,' which is a bit of a mouthful. We first caught wind of this clunkily named number from @evleaks, which reported a little while ago that HTC was working on a Windows Phone handset complete with BoomSound and Duo cameras. That certainly sounds One M8-ish, but back then it was going by a 'HTC W8' code name, a name which we hope it returns to. It wasn't clear whether this would be a Windows Phone version of the One M8 or just a phone which inherits a few of its features, but since then sources for Engadget have claimed that it's called the 'One M8 for Windows' and that it will come with voice over LTE when it arrives on Verizon in the US, though that's a feature that we won't currently be able to make use of over in the UK. Will it really be the same? We've also heard from Tom Warren of The Verge that it will be a Windows Phone version of the HTC One M8. Aside from BoomSound and the Duo cameras it's still not clear how much of a replica it will be, but an HTC One M8 running Windows Phone would certainly be an exciting prospect. It's worth noting also that the impending update to Windows Phone 8.1 adds support for interactive cases, so we may also be in for a Windows Phone version of the Dot View case to accompany it. Engadget's tipster claims the phone will reach the US by the end of September at the latest, so we should know more soon. Fingers crossed for a UK release and a better name. If HTC does launch the One M8 on Windows Phone it might worry the Lumia 930. Facebook is going to force you to download its Messenger app Jul 29th 2014, 08:55, by Hugh Langley If, like us, you were a little peeved that Facebook had broken off the messaging section of its app into a separate application, there's a good chance you've stubbornly resisted moving over. But unfortunately Facebook is now forcing people to make the switch. Facebook confirmed to TechRadar that the Messaging section of the conventional iOS and Android apps is soon to be removed. "In the next few days, we're continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they'll need to download the Messenger app," said a spokesperson. "As we've said, our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences. Messenger is used by more than 200 million people every month, and we'll keep working to make it an even more engaging way to connect with people." Another day, another app As Facebook reminds us, there have been plenty of pre-warnings; resisting users of the conventional app will be familiar with Facebook's constant nagging to switch over to the new Messenger system. But breaking Messenger off into its own entity makes perfect sense for a company that, earlier this year, told us its focus will be on standalone experience. Facebook recently bought Whatsapp for a cool $19 billion, so between that and Messenger, Facebook's plan for mobile messaging domination is shaping up nicely. What does Facebook plan to do with WhatsApp? Vodafone taking on Optus, Telstra with its 850MHz network Jul 29th 2014, 02:17, by Farrha Khan Vodafone has announced that it will be using its extensive 850MHz spectrum holding, so far used for its 3G mobile network, to expand its 4G network. The telco's existing low-band 850MHz spectrum will now be re-allocated, or "re-farmed", and will allow its 4G coverage to reach 95% of Australia's metro population by the end of 2014. "I am pleased we are able to use the flexibility of our new network to provide our customers with an even better 4G experience. This provides Vodafone the platform for the next stage of our network evolution," Vodafone CTO Benoit Hanssen said. Vodafone has successfully trialed the network across greater Newcastle, NSW, on a range of 4G-compatible devices at more than 40 sites. Taking on 700MHz While Telstra and Optus purchased some of the 700MHz spectrum band during the Digital Dividend auction, Vodafone bowed out. Hanssen says that most smartphones in the market already use 850MHz, while 700MHz compatible devices are only just starting to emerge, though it should be noted that the 700MHz networks won't be switched on nationally until early 2015. "Australian smartphone customers already have handsets that will work on Vodafone's low-band 4G 850MHz network," Hanssen said. "Customers on other networks will therefore require a new device in order to experience low-band 4G services." Here's our guide to the best 4G network in Australia Windows Phone 8.1 update details reveal 7" devices, app folders and more Jul 28th 2014, 19:43, by klee Exciting updates to Windows Phone 8.1 are just around the corner as Microsoft inadvertently spilled the beans on some of the biggest changes coming soon to its mobile OS. Microsoft accidentally revealed its release notes for Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1, otherwise known as Update 1, on its Developer Center. Among the upcoming changes is the addition of app folders. It's a little sad this long-held iOS and Android feature has taken so long to come to Windows Phone, but we suppose it's better late than never when it comes to better app tile organization. The update also adds a Cortana entry into the phonebook, allowing users to trigger speech controls through a car's navigation system. This could be useful for activating speech on handsets in cars that don't support the feature via Bluetooth. Yet another big updates users will be able to take advantage of is the added support for voice over a Wi-Fi connection, a great service for those who don't have a lot of mobile minutes to spare. Big screens, interactive covers The premature spill also reveals Microsoft is preparing Windows Phone 8.1 for some of its biggest devices yet. The update adds support for screens 6.01- to 7-inches in size with 1280 x 768 WXGA resolutions. Once the update takes, Windows Phone 8.1 devices with 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution screens will also become a possibility. Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 also introduces the possibility of interactive case accessories. Like the covers made for the HTC One M8 and LG G3, these will allow Microsoft's mobile devices to display information on a phone screen even when a case is in use. While there aren't any interactive covers nor 7-inch Windows Phone devices yet, the update indicates they could be here before long. Touchy touchy Although the gift-bearing update isn't yet upon us, Microsoft did release some new interactive lock screens to the current version of Windows Phone 8.1. The Live Lock Screen beta brings the newfangled lock screens first debuted at Build 2014. They replace boring swipeable pictures with rotating image locks and text that slips off the screen's edge as users unlock their device. Currently there are six themes Windows Phone 8.1 users can access upon installing the app. However, users might be better off sticking with the lock screens they already have as PC World reports many of the new ones are buggy. Supposedly the experience lags quite often while other users have reported the Live Lock screens cause their devices to crash repeatedly. Microsoft is going in a different direction under Satya Nadella Samsung Galaxy Alpha leak reconfirms disappointing 720p screen Jul 28th 2014, 18:12, by klee The Samsung Galaxy Alpha just keeps on getting more disappointing every time we hear about it. The latest making it through the rumor mill suggests the smartphone will feature a 4.8-inch 720p screen similar to the Galaxy S3. SamMobile has confirmed the markedly low screen resolution by digging into Samsung's developer console. The alleged documentation also clearly lists the device as the Galaxy Alpha and not the Galaxy S5 Alpha, as some previous reports have suggested. Aside from the disappointing low-resolution screen we've discovered the handset won't have a microSD card slot - an odd omission as it's seen on nearly every Samsung device. The Galaxy Alpha is also said to come equipped with 32GB of storage, a fingerprint scanner and a nano SIM slot. Downward slope Originally the Galaxy Alpha was thought to be a higher-end mode premium version of the 4.7-inch Galaxy S5. But the re-confirmed 4.8-inch screen size and rumored resolution dims hopes this is handset is a step-up from the S5. Over the past few days, more and more images of the Galaxy Alpha have leaked out revealing another plastic-backed device from the Korean smartphone maker. As it turns out, Samsung can only produce a very small number of metal-cased devices - as Apple is taking up the majority of China's manufacturing supply. However, rather than being a full metal-back phone, leaked images show the Galaxy Alpha will take major cues from the Galaxy S5's pocked plastic back and aluminum sides. What does this metal shortage mean for the Samsung Galaxy F? No sapphire screen for the iPhone 6 after all? Jul 28th 2014, 15:55, by Hugh Langley The latest episode in our ongoing series 'iPhone 6: will it or won't it have a sapphire display?' doesn't bring good tidings, we're afraid. Word is coming from researcher LEDinside, a subdivision of TrendForce, that Apple has not shown interest in using sapphire for its 4.7-inch iPhone. Or that it hasn't been able to make the magic happen, at least. If Apple were to launch a 4.7-inch iPhone in September with a sapphire screen, relevant component suppliers should have started shipping the new parts by the end of June. Apparently that hasn't happened. While it's possible that things could be pushed until the last minute, we'd have to agree that, if this is true, signs aren't good for seeing a sapphire-loaded iPhone 6 this year. Go big and go phone So where do we currently stand with the rumoured 5.5-inch version iPhone 6? A separate report claims that the larger iPhone will enter production in September but won't arrive in stores until December. However, we're going to throw a vat of doubt on this one straight away. December feels too late for an Apple launch, as for a lot of people this is in post-Christmas present buying territory. The same report says the iWatch will enter production in November but doesn't say whether it's also expected in December. Releasing the iWatch alongside the iPhablet (iPhone Air, whatever) makes a lot of sense, but again, we'd expect it to happen before December rolls around. iWatch: everything you need to know about the mythical, wearable beast Updated: Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini release date and price: where can I get it? Jul 28th 2014, 13:50, by John McCann The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini was announced on July 1, boasting a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 4.5-inch 720p Super AMOLED display, waterproof chassis and fingerprint scanner. It also sports 16GB of internal memory, a microSD slot, 8MP rear camera, 2.1MP front camera and a 2100mAh battery. If the smaller version of the Galaxy S5 whets your appetite read on to find out where you can get it, and how much it'll set you back. Everything you need to know about the Galaxy S5 Mini Phones 4U Phones 4U was the first major retailer to throw its support behind the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini and confirm that it would be stocking it. We haven't had any movement since that announcement however, with the S5 Mini still listed as "coming soon" and your only option for now is to register for updates. Carphone Warehouse Carphone Warehouse is yet to reveal its plans for the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini. Three Three has confirmed that it will be stocking the handset, and has given TechRadar a Galaxy S5 Mini release date of August 22 - which is a lot later than we were expecting. O2 O2 has also confirmed that it'll be stocking the Galaxy S5 Mini, although a spokesperson for the network was unable to provide us with any price or release date information. EE and Vodafone Neither EE or Vodafone have currently confirmed whether or not they'll be carrying the Galaxy S5 Mini. We have contacted both of them and will update this article as soon as we hear back. Online retailers If you fancy getting hold of the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini SIM-free there are a number of online retailers who have the handset on their books. You can pre-order the Galaxy S5 Mini on Expansys for £389.99, although the site provides no information on when it expects stock to arrive. Over on Unlocked-Mobiles the S5 Mini is a little more expensive at £394.98, but with stock expected from July 28 you could be one of the first to get their hands on the smartphone. The cheapest SIM-free price at the moment though can be found on Clove, which is asking just £360 for the Galaxy S5 Mini. Stock is expected "late July". Londoners will enjoy blazing 5G speeds by 2020, promises Boris Johnson Jul 28th 2014, 09:58, by Hugh Langley Londoners will have access to 5G mobile speeds by 2020, according to Mayor Boris Johnson. As part of a wider plan for London's infrastructure between now and 2050, Johnson will pledge this week to bring 5G to London in the next six years. That may sound like an ambitious target, with 5G still in the early stages. The University of Surrey is involved in the project to bring the faster speeds to the country, but right now it's unclear what the 5G standards will even be. But earlier this year we reported that the EU was teaming up with South Korea to research and develop 5G, and with South Korea also aiming for a 2020 5G rollout, this will hopefully play a helping hand to the UK. Bozza's got a plan Back at CeBIT, David Cameron also announced that the UK would collaborate with Germany in its 5G research, with the University of Surrey chosen as one of the involved parties. "Rapidly improving the connectivity of this great city is a key part of the Infrastructure Plan for London," said Johnson as part of the new initiative. Sounds great, but in the meantime can we get working on improving 4G? The mayor will also pledge that better information on broadband speeds about individual properties be made available to the public, something that will be very welcome indeed. Until that day comes, here's everything you need to know about LTE and 4G

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions