Category: Brands and Companies

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Google Glass to Make a Comeback in 2015 With Intel Chips

A new report by The Wall Street Journal has revealed that 2015 will see the launch a new version Google Glass which will be powered by an Intel Chip and will offer longer battery life than the present Explorer Edition. Intel has joined hands with Google as a part of their strategy to push their market in the wearable segment.

Google Glass has already gone through some minor changes since its launch, one to add compatibility with prescription lenses and another to double the RAM; however, entirely new chipset could mean some serious changes. The Intel chips will replace a processor from Texas Instruments Inc. included in the first version of the Google Glass.

According to the WSJ, Intel plans to promote the Glass to hospital networks and manufacturers. Google launched the web-connected eyewear in 2012, but it carried a hefty price and was regarded as something that only nerds would wear. Limited battery life and an impractical four-figure price tag worked against the Glass’ widespread adoption up until now. With a more modern processor and a refreshed design, it might see consumer interest rekindled.

Intel chips are mostly used in personal computers and servers in data centres, but the company has targeted the tablet and wearable markets for new power-efficient versions of its x86-based processors. It competes with rivals such as ARM and Texas Instruments. At CES 2014, it showed off smart earbuds that can measure a runner’s heart rate. In March, Intel purchased the high-end health tracker maker Basis Science. The chip maker’s XMM6321 3G cellular radio was incorporated into MICA, a fashion bracelet that was unveiled in September.

Google has been pushing Glass as a workplace-computing device. Recently, through a program called Glass at Work, Google is working with software developers including Augmedix and APX Labs to encourage use of Glass in industries such as health care, construction and manufacturing where employees work with their hands but need information.

December 1, 2014
Details of the Monster 12.9-inch ‘iPad Air Plus’ Leaked

Back in August, Bloomberg reported that Apple will launch a 12.2-inch iPad in early 2015, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Since then, the reports and leaks of the device have been scarce. However, this weekend, a leak from the Japanese magazine Mac Fan reveals what they believe to be schematics and specs surrounding Apple’s rumoured tablet, which is now supposedly bigger with a display at 12.9 inches.

The company is expected to jump size significantly from the 9.7-inch iPad Air, that’s currently available. It is believed that the move is the outcome of the recent sluggish iPad sales. Purported measures of the previously rumoured device are 305.31×220.8×7 mm (12×8.7x.28 inches). The slate is said to feature Apple’s next generation A9 processor.

The launch of bigger iPad makes sense as the company is opting for ‘bigger the better’ mantra for their other devices too like iPhone 6. The rumoured iPad is not the only monster slate in the market as Samsung launched 12.2-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro earlier in February.

AppleInsider has cited another Japanese publication called Macotakara that has some details which align with the information shared by Mac Fan. Macotakara said that the upcoming ‘iPad Air Plus’ will feature a 12.2-inch display with speakers and microphones on multiple edges. Macotakara also claimed that the iPad Air Plus won’t be as thin as the 6.1 mm iPad Air 2, but will be as slim as an iPhone, measuring somewhere between 6.9 mm and 7.1 mm.

The same report by Mac Fan also added that the iPad mini 4 will be powered by Apple’s existing A8X processor and sport a new, thinner design. It also says that following the launch of the iPad mini 4, the iPad mini and iPad mini 3 will be discontinued.

If these rumours are true, what we don’t understand is what will happen to the Apple MacBook Air family if a 12.2-inch iPad launches. Well, maybe the company will merge the MacBook Air and Pro lineup to make more space for the iPad Air Plus in the market. However, this may result in utter confusion and may cost Apple another setback in the iPad sales. Anyhow, these are just the production of rumour mill for now, the plan of the company will be revealed when the time comes. Until then, we wait.

December 1, 2014

The Stylish ASUS ZenWatch Likely to Hit Indian Shores by March 2015

ASUS ZenWatch is all geared up to launch in India by March 2015. The stylish looking watch has already made its mark in the smartwatch arena and is the hot favourite in the Android wear smartwatch league. The device is expected to be priced below Rs. 20,000 in the Indian market, though there is no official statement from the company in terms of pricing. We can expect the ZenWatch to be strategically priced, as the Moto 360 (its main competitor) is selling in India for Rs. 17,999. The other first-gen Android wearables like the LG G Watch and Samsung’s Gear Live are priced at Rs. 14,999 and Rs. 15,900 respectively.

ASUS ZenWatch has already received some rave reviews and is claimed to be one of the best Android wearables currently in the market. The smartwatch is one hell of a looker and comes with a 1.63-inch 320×320 AMOLED display. The screen is curved to give off a 2.5D effect and the watch is powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor along with 512 MB RAM. Check out the key specs in the table below:

Specifications	ASUS ZenWatch
Display	1.63-inch AMOLED, 320×320 pixels
Processor	1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400
Storage	4 GB
RAM	512 MB
Battery	1.4Wh
Operating System	Android Wear
Dimensions	50.6×39.8×7.9 mm

It is also rated IP55 for water and dust-proofing, so it can easily handle those accidental splashes. The ZenWatch also has a 9-axis sensor for tracking activities and movements like step counts, heart rate and relaxation levels. In short, it’s a personal wellness manager that helps users keep a close watch at their fitness goals.

Overall, this unique piece of hardware is one heck of a device we just can’t wait to get our hands on it.

December 1, 2014

Cyanogen Ditches OnePlus in Favour of Micromax in India

While Indian smartphone lovers were anticipating the launch of the ‘Flagship Killer’, OnePlus has dropped a bomb that was not expected by anyone. The company has shared some disappointing news on its official blog. Well, Cyanogen had granted exclusive rights in India over the Cyanogen system to another company.

That means, the flagship killer will be reaching the country with the popular Cyanogen OS onboard for now. However, it won’t be getting any official support or future updates. The company also added that the One will continue to be supported globally and receive frequent OTAs.

The reason for this disappointment is a recent agreement between Cyanogen and homegrown smartphone maker Micromax, through which the latter has exclusive rights to offer devices with the custom platform in India. So, while the company has no other choice than to bring the OnePlus One to the country with the CM11S OS inside, it’ll be developing its own firmware as a replacement in the future.

The company estimated that they will be able to release our first community build to Indian users next month and have a production-ready build in February. The system will be based on Lollipop, the company said, and will be built to be stable, fast, and lightweight. The smartphone manufacturer also revealed that it will be bloatware-free and will only carry the features important to users. It further stated that they don’t have any intention to iterate Google’s Material design and stock Android experience.

Cyanogen OS was one of the main reason a lot of people wanted to get their hands on the OnePlus One. The fact that Cyanogen saves users from the trouble of rooting, unlocking the bootloader and flashing a new ROM as well as assures them that the phone will be supported in the long run, have made it popular and it has built quite a following in recent years.

As we reported earlier, OnePlus One is going to launch on 2nd December (tomorrow) in India and will be sold exclusively through Amazon.in. The device is expected to be priced around Rs. 24,990 for 64 GB and Rs. 19,990 for 16 GB variant.

December 1, 2014
OnePlus One Goes Invite-Free This Black Friday

Much has been said and heard about the ‘flagship killer’. Earlier it was said that OnePlus One will be accessible to only a selected few through invite system and later, the news of its availability on Amazon through the same system surfaced. Now, forget about all what you have heard as the OnPlus One is open for all on Black Friday in selected countries (United States, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Portugal).

The official site of OnePlus One showcases a banner which says that the handset will be available on order to all the willing customers till stocks last. The official forum alarms you that the offer is valid till Black Friday only and the ordered phones will reach the buyers by 25th December.

The 16 GB variant of Silver White colour is available at $299 and will reach your doorstep in 10 business days, while the 64 GB Sandstone Black model costing $349 will be delivered as soon as in 5 business days.

Not only One, the company is also offering smartphone accessories like JBL E1+ Earphones, OnePlus Silver Bullet Earphones, OnePlus Tempered Glass Screen Protector, OnePlus HD Screen Protector, OnePlus Screen Protector, OnePlus One Flip Cover, OnePlus One Clear Case, and OnePlus One Data Cable at discounted rates.

Other Offerings by OnePlus

However, India will not be able to avail this offer now, but they will surely receive this device post its launch in India on 2^nd December, exclusively on Amazon. The smartphone (64 GB) is expected to cost Rs. 25,000. For more updates, keep checking iGyaan.in.

November 28, 2014
Micromax Fast Capturing Samsung’s Rapidly Losing Ground

A few months back, Samsung got its first jolt in rating when Xiaomi kicked it from the top of the podium to second spot in China. A few days later, Samsung was overtaken in the Indian market by the homeboy Micromax in Q2 2014. Samsung denied the news and said that it was still at the top. Well, seems like Samsung’s woes have not finished yet.

Market research firm IDC is reporting a drastic fall in Samsung’s market share. At the same time, Micromax is showing positive gains. While Samsung slipped from 29% market share to 24%, Micromax gained a healthy lead of 2 percent and went from 18% to 20%.

Samsung’s sales have been falling over the last couple of years. The culprit can easily be found. The electronic giant has not brought any exceptional device in a while, and even the innovative Note 4 is out of the reach of the average consumers. Samsung is also facing stiff competition from Chinese and Indian brands who are fast adopting high specs, low price formula.

Though Micromax too doesn’t have any exceptional device in its portfolio, its Indian brand appeal comes to its rescue. The company has been berated for its unsavory after sales service. Recently, the company has hinted at making products based on CyanogenMod that would take care of most of its headaches. The custom ROM is known globally for its stock android experience with amazing customisability features and regular updates. The CyanogenMod-based devices will be released under the brand name ‘Yu’ and are expected to be launched next month. If Micromax plays its cards right, it can literally go places with the Yu. The advice for Samsung has been around for a while, it is to go back to the drawing board and start from scratch, and finally the company is paying heed to it. We just have to wait another quarter to know the further fate of these companies.

November 28, 2014
Microsoft to Unveil the Consumer Preview of Windows 10

Everyone is excited about the upcoming Windows 10. Not only is Microsoft bringing back the familiar look that we have come to love and appreciate, it is bound to come with better features than ever before. The company already unveiled a beta version for developers, and it touched on the basic tweaks. But coming January, the company will be unveiling a preview for the consumers and will give more details of its arrival in the market.

The Verge reports that Microsoft is expected to hold its press conference to unveil the product by the end of January. The preview by Microsoft seems to be taking things to a new level. The best bit of this new OS update is that it works across multiple platforms as one operating system. They have also introduced a feature called ‘Continuum’ that makes it easier to switch from touch to non-touch devices.

Windows 10 Start menu

The other important upgrades in the upcoming version include the return of the much-missed Start menu. This time around, the menu is empowered with Windows 8 style live tiles and is customisable. Taking cues from Mac OS X, the company is also adding multiple desktops to Windows 10. For the nerds out there, Microsoft has made it easy to use Command prompt in this version, well about time.

Microsoft has also said that Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for personal users, which is just fantastic. The company will be making an official announcements on dates by the end of the year, and we’ll get you all the latest on its arrival.

November 28, 2014
Samsung to Build Next Generation A9 Chips for Apple

On the market front, Samsung and Apple may be arch rivals. They’re like Batman and Bane from the comics of course and not from that dumb sequel of the epic Dark Knight. But when it comes to dealing with hardware for the devices, the companies constantly collaborate with each other. Samsung has been a provider of displays and processors for Apple devices in the past and now the company has won a deal to help develop the chip that will power the next generation iPhones.

Samsung won the contract to develop the new 14 nanometer thin chips. The Korean giant has been involved in the chips of Apple’s flagship smartphones since their inception in 2007. But for the development of the A8 chip for the current generation iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple involved Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Samsung is still providing about 40% of the present generation A8 chips.

The A8 chips in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is a 20nm thin 64-bit chip. Smaller chips have the benefits of being more power efficient and with the development in technology they are getting better at performance. With this chip, you can expect an even better battery life from your next iPhone.

November 28, 2014
European Parliament Overwhelmingly Supports Breaking Up Google

It was reported earlier that the European Parliament was considering a draft proposal to break the search and other businesses of search engines. This proposal was put on vote, and it has received overwhelming support. It is important to know that the resolution is non-binding on any party, but it now puts pressure on the European Commission to introduce regulations on search engines.

Although the resolution doesn’t name a specific search engine, but it’s easily assumable that the target is Google. The company enjoys a comfortable hold on the market with a 90% market share. It spooks the legislators that an American company forms such a monopoly in the continent. There are multiple business malpractice allegations against Google too. The allegations have led to anti-trust investigations against the company. One of the major reasons for this proactive crackdown of Google is the privacy concerns.

The resolution received 384 votes in favour of the motion and 174 against it. Andreas Schwab, the German Conservative Lawmaker and co-sponsor of the bill said that this is a clear sign for the European Commission to prevent monopolies and create a level playing field for the companies.

France and Germany have even called for review of the competition rules of the EU so as to enhance the accountability on global internet companies. They intend to make it easier for governments to target these companies.

Google has yet not commented on the issue. The vote count is definitely going to get the balls rolling in Google’s defense team. The case matters because it is questioning one of the basic and most essential components of the internet, the search. They are seriously considering regulations for the internet. It won’t be an easy task as Google is now literally the gateway to the internet and most of its ‘intuitions’ comes from integrating search with its other service. It will be interesting to see where this path takes us and the information superhighway.

November 28, 2014
GizmoPal Wearable Allows Kids to Call their Parents with One Button

Well, why should adults have access to all the new gadgets that are changing the way we live and do our work. That’s what LG thinks, and in line with this, LG introduced KizOn in South Korea earlier this year. KizOn is a wearable device for children that makes it easy for them to communicate with their parents.

Now, the toddler-focused wearable is sailing to the west with the launch of GizmoPal (US nomenclature) on Verizon. The GizmoPal is designed for kids anywhere from pre- to middle- school to easily make and receive phone calls using a single calling button and auto-answer feature.

It only requires a pre-configured number setup and, then using a single button, kids can easily make or receive a call. All what the child has to do is press the button to make or answer a call, followed by speaking into GizmoPal and listening through its speaker—no complicated steps that can cause confusion.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Dr. Jong-seok Park” author_title=”President and CEO of LG Electronics”]

GizmoPal was developed in response to customers’ opinions that technology should be used to improve the lives of all consumers. It occurred to us that children had the most to gain because they’re the most vulnerable.

[/quote]

The GizmoPal also comes with a companion app available for iOS and Android. This app uses GPS to allow parents easily monitor their child’s location at all time. Obviously, it will need Verizon service to work as intended, the fee itself is only $5 per month. The new wearable is available now on the carrier’s site for $80, while it will go on sale from 11th December in physical stores.

November 27, 2014
Universal Studios Shops New Steve Jobs Project

All you Apple fans have something to look forward to. The new Steve Jobs movie has been picked up by Universal Studios. This news surfaced less than a week post Sony Pictures reportedly dropped the project. As per sources, the new Steve Jobs movie has been acquired at a price tag of more than $30 million. Following the last year’s flop Jobs, the yet untitled movie is said to have a much better script, director, and cast.

The upcoming movie based on Walter Isaacson’s biography ‘Steve Jobs’ will be penned by Aaron Sorkin. X-Men star Michael Fassbender is attached to star in the project. The film will be directed by Danny Boyle, the A-list director of Hollywood and winner of 8 Academy Awards. Aaron Sorkin, who has movies like The Social Network, A Few Good Men and The West Wing in his portfolio, has been a celebrated scriptwriter with a strong hold on biopics. Scott Rudin, the first producer to scoop an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, Mark Gordon along with Guymon Casady are financially backing the project.

The film was due to start shooting this winter, but because Fassbender’s involvement is announced recently, the same is now likely to be delayed. You can expect the film to go on floors in early 2015.

November 27, 2014

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 830LC Review

In today’s highly competitive tablet market, manufacturers are bound to offer an interesting set of specs just to have that slight edge over their rivals. Lenovo recently launched its Yoga Tablet 2 in an attempt to make a mark in this overcrowded tablet market. Does it have what it takes to compete against the big boys including the likes of iPad Retina, the Galaxy Tab 4 or for that matter, the wildly popular Nexus 7. Based on an entirely different form factor, a decent set of specs and a Full HD display, the Yoga Tablet 2 was dying to come to our test lab for a review, and we did not disappoint it.

SUMMARY

Strategically priced at Rs. 20,990, the 8-inch Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 packs a rather interesting set of specs along with a very innovative design. But does it packs enough punch to become a tablet worth shelling out your hard-earned cash? Let’s find out:

HARDWARE

The Yoga Tablet 2 830LC is powered by an Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor clocked at 1.86 GHz. It has a massive 6,400mAh battery that should provide enough juice, while optics includes an 8MP f/2.2 rear camera along with a relatively docile 1.6 MP front snapper.

On the memory front, the Yoga Tablet 2 offers 16 GB of inbuilt storage expandable up to 64 GB via MicroSD bundled with 2 GB of RAM.

KEY SPECS

Specifications	Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2
Display	8-inch Full HD IPS display 1920X1200 pixels
Processor	Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor clocked at 1.86 GHz.
Storage	16 GB + microSD
RAM	2 GB RAM
Camera	Front 1.6 MP HD, Rear 8 MP
Battery	2 Cell 6400mAH Li-Cylindrical
Operating System	Android 4.4 KitKat

BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN

The 8-inch form factor of tablets is always considered rather comfortable, so the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 comes across more of a paperback. It allows easy one-handed usage and comfortably slips into your briefcase making it ultra portable.

To kick things off, the first thing that will grab your attention is the tablet’s all metal-magnesium alloy body. Perfect balance of right build and design is what you can expect from this tablet. There’s something intriguing about holding the Yoga Tablet 2; the alloy body gives it a very niche look, being lightweight at the same time.

The real kicker is the nifty stand that flips out in three positions, offering great comfort and viewing angles, no matter which way you want to use it. Whether you’re lazing around or sitting upright at your desk or for that matter even while working out, it truly emanates that hands-free experience. In addition, there’s also a hinge hand that makes it very comfortable to hold on to.

Certainly, it is one of the most innovative designs at the moment from the usual rectangular slab we’re used to. Be it catching updates from IGN or watching Homeland, you’ll simply love the hassle-free usage.

However, there’s only one USB port in the entire device with no HDMI slot, which is kind of lame and can certainly put off prospective buyers.

DISPLAY AND MULTIMEDIA

Given the price of the tablet, it is quite remarkable to have a Full HD display at this price point. The 8-inch screen renders vivid colours and excellent viewing angles. It’s a great device with a gorgeous display whether you’re watching movies, browsing and even gaming. We were quite impressed with the tablet’s 8-inch display.

Playing games or watching your favourite TV sitcoms on the Yoga Tablet 2 is no doubt fun. In addition, the front-facing Dolby stereo speaker packs enough punch that further enhances the whole multimedia experience. Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 is an entertainment powerhouse.

CAMERA

The camera on the Yoga Tablet 2 is apparently its only weaker link. Optics includes an 8MP primary camera. Meanwhile, the 1.6 MP front camera is only decent enough for video chats. There seems to be some issue with our review unit’s battery, so we were not able to take camera samples as the camera unit was detecting low battery backup. Going by the specs, it’s safe to assume that the camera is one of the weaker links of the tablet.

Eventually, we had to give the camera a very low rating which has affected the tablet’s aggregate score.

OS and UI

The Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 runs on a forked version of Android 4.4 KitKat with a highly customised UI on top. The UI is very reminiscent of the iOS with the same dropdown menu including the home screen.

Hence, there’s no app tray which some of us would not be comfortable with, but overall, the UI is quite user friendly with nicely laid icons. It will depend on users whether they find Lenovo’s tweaked UI useful. The new layout and icons would need getting used to, though there are some nifty pre-loaded apps that will certainly come in handy for users. Have a look at the screenshots below:

PERFORMANCE

The 8-inch tablet has a relatively powerful Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor clocked at 1.86 GHz. The chipset is perfectly capable of handling multiple apps and runs graphically intensive titles like Asphalt 8 without any hassles. The chipset combined with a hefty 2 GB RAM further bolsters the tablet’s performance, leaving enough room to run multiple apps at the same time.

The tablet’s benchmark scores are quite impressive and translate into real time performance. Yoga Tablet 2 can handle everything thrown at it from 1080p flicks to graphic intensive games like Asphalt and Real Racing. Have a look at the benchmark scores below:

TABLET NETWORKS AND BATTERY

In terms of connectivity, the Yoga Tablet 2 offers great mobility with 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities including support for 4G LTE. There’s also a SIM slot just in case you’re not in a mood to switch devices. As there’s no internal speaker, one needs to find a suitable place to have a conversation apparently. And of course, you have other options like Bluetooth, earphones etc.

The 8-inch tablet powered by a Li-ion 6400mAh battery looks quite superb on paper. The battery unit is much larger as compared to the iPad mini and Nexus 7 2013 which come with 4490 and 3950 mAh units respectively. Once fully recharged, Lenovo claims that the battery can last for 18 hours. Though, we would not be able to give you an accurate measure of the tab’s battery performance as our review unit always shows the battery level at zero percent. Still, we could use the tablet for two days in a row after charging it once. The screenshot below might give you a general idea of the tablet’s battery performance.

So eventually, this has affected the tablet’s overall rating as we had to give a 5 on 10, which otherwise would have been at least 7.5.

VERDICT

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 hits the right spot in terms of performance, a Full HD display, innovative design and ease of use. The tablet features one of the best designs in the tablet market, compliments to the nifty little kickstand that significantly increases its usability.

Apart from the relatively docile camera unit and lack of HDMI connectivity that is rather surprising, the Yoga Tablet 2 has all the attributes you would look for in a mid-range modern day tablet. If you are planning to invest in a mid-range tablet with a great display and top-notch performance, the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 should suffice all your needs. It has the attributes to give serious competition to the iPad mini 16 GB and Nexus 7 2013.

[tw-column width=”one-half”

GOOD THINGS

Innovative Design
Ease of Usage
Sharp FullHD Display
Impressive Performance
Great Build Quality

[/tw-column]
[tw-column width=”one-half” position=”last”]

BAD THINGS

Weak Camera Unit
No HDMI Connectivity
No Bundled Headset

[/tw-column]

November 27, 2014

Sony Reportedly Shifting its Focus to PlayStation From TVs and Smartphones

According to recent reports, Sony is in the process of shrinking down its TV and smartphone business to focus more on gaming consoles. With PS4 sales reaching a 13.5 million milestone, it’s apparently the only division that is generating profits for the company. Following a recent forecast that predicts 30 percent downfall in Sony’s mobile division by next spring, the Japanese giant is now making the PlayStation brand its utmost priority.

A recent report from Reuters revealed that Sony has devised a 3-year plan for a shift that will focus primarily to boost the sales of PlayStation division by 25 percent, while reducing support for its mobile and television divisions. Thanks to the PS4, the company has generated a $265 million profit which compensated for the loss from its television and mobile business.

The Japanese electronics giant has been posting yearly losses that have eventually resulted in the fall of its share price. The PlayStation 4 sales have been so strong that despite facing losses in other divisions, the company’s revenue grew by 7.2 percent. Let’s see how beneficial will this step be for the company.

November 27, 2014
BlackBerry is Paying You Up to $550 to Give Up Your iPhone

If the tech industry worked solely on the basis of efforts, BlackBerry would have been on the top right now. Anyhow, that’s not the case and the company has been struggling to revive its ancient glory. BlackBerry has been trying to push it’s new flagship smartphone, the Passport, into the market and has tried many marketing strategies to meet the goal.

In a desperate attempt to sell the Passport, the Canadian company’s has been thinking creatively to try and bring back the lost customers to other competitors in the mobile space such as Google and Apple. The company has launched a new marketing strategy called Trade-Up Program which intends to woo phone users to trade in their devices for its flagship smartphone, the Passport.

If you are ready to exchange your iPhone, BlackBerry will give you up to $550. All you have to show is a proof that you have purchased of a BlackBerry Passport. If qualified, payments will then be made via Visa Prepaid Card. BlackBerry is ready to exchange iPhone 4s, 5c, 5s and 6 for up to $550. The offer, which is only available in the US and Canada, is valid from 1st December to 13th February, 2015.

The BlackBerry Passport is a solid option if you are interested in the trademark, BlackBerry keyboard, and the weird square display doesn’t bother you. Interested? Don’t forget to read the Term and Conditions first.

November 27, 2014
Sony’s Next Smartwatch May be Entirely Made Out of E-Paper

Sony is under a lot of pressure to return to profitability and reach back to the rank of the biggest consumer electronics brand in the world. Recently, apart from the Playstation family, no other device in the company’s consumer portfolio has seen an upwards momentum. In this trying times, Sony is working on something unique, a smartwatch made entirely out of e-paper.

There have been previous attempts into making an e-paper smartwatch. Central Standard Timing’s CST-01 is a Kickstarter-funded smartwatch with an e-ink display. With a ‘thinness’ of 0.80 mm, it holds the enviable spot of the world’s thinnest watch. It would be interesting to see what Sony comes up with its massive innovation budget.

Central Standard Timing’s CST-01 has an e-ink display and is 0.8 mm thin.

It is being reported by Bloomberg that the device will be developed by a new division within the company. This division is responsible for bringing innovative devices to Sony’s portfolio, and the e-paper smartwatch might just be the breakout star that this division was looking for. The watch is expected to be made almost entirely of e-paper including the straps.

The company is in an emergency reinvention mode and is working towards cutting down the heavy losses that have been incurred in the past years. The company is already planning on cutting down its smartphone and TV portfolio. This is the right time to come up with a unique and affordable product. Sony still has a lot of goodwill in the consumer market, which it can utilise to bring about the growth it desperately needs. Sony is known for design, and if a Kickstarter project can create the slimmest watch, we hope Sony can churn out something that upholds the brand we have come to appreciate over the years.

November 26, 2014