Category: Latest

All the Latest, News, Reviews, Updates, How To, Mobile Phone news, Global and International News, From Cameras to Automobiles, from TV To PC and a lot more! Constantly updating!

Klipsch Releases Mode noise-canceling headphones

Klipsch has just added the Mode noise-cancellation headphones to its lineup of premium devices. Not only are they active noise-cancelling headphones they are also able to sustain this through their leather wrapped head-cups for upto 45 hours on a single battery.

Apart from the above theu will also have a 40mm woofer and a 15mm tweeter driver for deep bass, dynamic midrange with active crossover and crisp clean highs. They also feature a detachable cable and a foldable design. While the price is said to be set at 350 US $ ( INR 15000 approx) there is no confirmation yet.

Expect to drop a semi huge chunk of money for them when they release this fall.

[Klipsch]

July 13, 2011
HTC Tells Apple to not be a Nasty Sue Baby

Apple has been suing every bit of competition they find in the market including their latest attack target – HTC. In an attempt to weaken the morale of the folks at Cupertino HTC’s general counsel Grace Lei said:

HTC is disappointed at Apple’s constant attempts at litigations instead of competing fairly in the market.

This comes after a previous attempt from Apple to stop imports of products by HTC in the US. Final resolution of the previous case is due this month, while Apple has already planned ahead.

July 13, 2011
Researchers at MIT Develop Foldable and Printable Solar Cells

Scientists at MIT have developed a new technique for creating solar cells. The process doesn’t require the high temperature and pressure treatment that regular cells require, bringing the cost down significantly. They have used a vapor deposition process which is similar to the process used to give the silver lining to the inside of a bag of potato chips, and were able to print an array of working photovoltaics to a sheet of untreated paper, plastic and even cloth.

This breakthrough technology cant be used to power too many things just yet as the cells work at only one percent efficiency. Despite this bottleneck, the cells provide many advantages over traditional silicone based photovoltaics, namely, they are flexible, in both physical terms as well as the materials used, and they are much much cheaper to manufacture. Don’t go looking for these on the market just yet though. They should be available in a couple of years.

July 13, 2011
Panasonic Announces UT-PB1 Dedicated E-reader Tablet, with Android

Panasonic has just announced a EBook Reader Tablet for the Japanese market. The device is based on the Android OS and features a 7-inch 1024 x 600px display, expandability via micro SD slot, a front facing camera, and WiFi. The device will come with 600 Preview titles when its launched. Weighing in at just 400gms. There is no news on Pricing or date of release.

July 12, 2011
3-in-1 Computer – Gigabyte’s Booktop

With the earliest models debuted last fall, Gigabyte has just officially announced at Computex 2011 the Booktop T1125P 3-in-1 computer: a laptop whose rotating screen can convert the machine into a tablet-like device, and which when docked into a special station can be used in a desktop configuration.

On the T1125P, is a 11.6-inch capacitive multi-touch display that is fixed to a 180-degree hinge, which lets the laptop be closed with the screen facing outward for use as a tablet. The device itself contains a USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, as well as two dual-channel stereo speakers and two woofers. an ultra low voltage intel core i5/i3 processor plus Nvidia GPU with 1GB dedicated visual RAM translates to a responsive, high-quality multimedia experience. a built/in 3.5G modem facilitates mobile internet connectivity, while the docking station features a DVD drive. when docked (which is necessarily in the vertical position), the device in addition to charging can be used for processing power and as a second screen to an external monitor.

Gigabyte also announced the Booktop M2432 which features a 14 inch backlit LCD and has a Core i3/i5 sandy-bridge processor. This allows the device to function as a laptop or a desktop when docked, but not as a tablet. The dock contains an in-built Nvidia GPU.

July 12, 2011
Apple Files second Patent Infringement Complaint against HTC – Shares Drop

Its only been a couple of months and Apple has slammed HTC with the second patent infringement case. The US International Trade Commission is reporting that HTC is being accused and is being asked to stop the import of “personal electronic devices”. Last year, Apple filed a separate action against HTC with the U.S. International Trade Commission, where HTC then leveled its own patent infringement claims against Apple. Preliminary rulings for those cases are expected this week.

Shares in the world’s No.5 handset maker, HTC Corp (2498.TW), tumbled more than 4 percent on Tuesday, after Apple Inc (AAPL.O) sued the company in a fresh complaint with a U.S. trade panel.

HTC said its net profit doubled in the second quarter, beating market expectations. But analysts suggested that because the operating income tracked forecasts, they expected shares of HTC would consolidate before the investor conference at the end of this month, when the company gives guidance for the third quarter. There are rumours out there that HTC would need to pay Apple T$20 billion ($693.64 million) in compensation.

That would lower down profit expectations considerably.

July 12, 2011
100 Disc Changing Xbox 360

How many times have you had to get off your beanbag to change the disc in your Xbox 360? Well those days are past. Ben Heck, self styled modder, tinkerer and designer, the creator of such wondrous mods as the PS3 laptop and the portable Ninetendo 64, has come out with another great mod. He’s taken an old 100 CD changer and combined it with an Xbox 360 creating a version of the console that can store 100 discs.

As we get more and more used to downloading and viewing content, changing discs seems so yesterday. As we all know, progress breeds laziness, and if that’s true, this mod marks true progress.

Unfortunately, not only is this mod not available for purchase, its also not yet completed. We can’t wait to see this thing in action.

July 12, 2011
Mcafee Mobile Security and WaveSecure for Android
McAfee has issued a Press Release regarding its Mobile Security and WaveSecure security softwares for smartphones and tablets on the Android Platform. Read the full PR for more information.

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McAfee today announced the it is extending its mobile device portfolio for consumers with McAfee Mobile Security and McAfee WaveSecure Tablet Edition. These mobile device offerings change the mobile security landscape by offering security safeguards that help consumers secure their mobile devices for personal use, commerce and work.

According to a mobile security report released last week by McAfee and Carnegie Mellon University titled, “Mobility and Security: Dazzling Opportunities, Profound Challenges,” respondents named their top three security concerns to be the loss of personal or work data through the accidental loss of a device, physical theft of the device, or loss of their data due to their device “crashing.” In addition, close to half of all respondents said they were using their smartphones both for personal use and work, demonstrating that consumers want more than just personal device security.

McAfee Mobile Security software, available for both smartphones and tablets, provides a comprehensive mobile security solution by combining three leading McAfee mobile security products: WaveSecure, VirusScan Mobile and SiteAdvisor® for Android. It is ideal for users who want protection for their data and privacy in the event of loss or theft, protection against the growing threats of viruses and spyware targeting mobile devices as well as protection from Web based threats, such as phishing sites that probe for personal and sensitive information.

With McAfee Mobile Security, consumers can now access the following features and functionality in a single download:
- Back-up and restore data to help protect sensitive information and irreplaceable photos. Even if the device is missing, it can be backed up before it is wiped clean of information.
- Protection against misuse (such as excessive phone charges) as well as safeguarding personal data with remote locking capabilities
- An audible alarm to help users find the device or disrupt a thief, and or pop-up a notification with instructions for returning the device
- Remotely remove data from a lost or stolen device via the McAfee Web portal, mobile Web portal or via a SMS message from a buddy device
- 24/7 real-time anti-malware protection against viruses, worms and spyware, Trojan horses and battery sapping malware
  - Protection from malicious Web sites, phishing, identity theft, and credit card fraud when shopping online. SiteAdvisor software for Android provides color coded site ratings appear right next to the search results, allowing Android users to confidently browse and search the mobile Web.
  - Management of mobile device protection allows consumers to quickly execute needed security tasks, backup, locate, wipe, etc. via the McAfee Web portal and simple device interface
  - All backed by McAfee Labs with its 24/7 global presence and dedicated team of threat researchers
The WaveSecure Tablet Edition offers Android users with WiFi the ability to find their missing device with alarm and location tracking, prevent misuse with remote lock and wipe and preserve important memories and personal data with remote backup, even from a lost or misplaced device. Users can also trigger an audible alarm to help them find the device or disrupt a thief, and send a brief SMS message with instructions for returning it.

“With device growth eclipsing PCs, consumers need tools to not only protect their personal information, but also to provide safeguards for business data should they decide to use that device for work,” said Todd Gebhart, senior vice president and general manager of consumer, small business and mobile, McAfee. “It’s far too easy to leave a mobile device in a cab or at the airport, which can mean lost photos, contacts and other important content. Also, the threats to mobile devices are in many ways the same as in the online world. Beyond device lost or theft, users can be hacked, infected or phished on a mobile device just as easily as they can online.”

Availability and Pricing:

McAfee Mobile Security and WaveSecure software are available in the following languages; Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, French (European and Canadian), German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (European and Brazilian), Swedish, Spanish (European and Mexican) and Russian. McAfee Mobile Security software is available as an annual subscription of $29.99 USD per year from McAfee and the Android Market. McAfee WaveSecure software is available as an annual subscription of $19.99 USD from McAfee and the Android Market.

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July 12, 2011
Biometric ATM Uses Fingerprints Instead of a PIN

Using an ATM is pretty straightforward for most of us. But that might not be the case with people who are illiterate/semi-literate. It makes it a lot harder for such people to use the machine, but a new machine is looking to change all that.

As banks look to expand to rural areas in the developing world, universal literacy cant be assumed, so an ATM machine is required that doesn’t need people to be able to read. NRC Corp’s machine fits the bill. It identifies people using a biometric fingerprint scanner and then allows them to choose the amount that they would like with suitable pictures on the screen. This makes it easier for a illiterate person to withdraw money and removes the barriers that they face with traditional ATMs.

At the moment, the machines are being tested in the US, but the company hopes that it passes the tests soon before being installed in rural areas of India and China.

July 12, 2011
iRiver Story HD – Google’s New E-Book Reader

Google had launched an e-bookstore in December but the store never really took off as using it with an e-book reader was quite a pain. You had to download stuff to your PC and sync it across to your device. Now, a new e-book reader is all set to change that process and challenge the likes of the Kindle and the Nook.

Created by iRiver, the company behind a range of MP3 players, the device is called the Story HD and hooks directly into the Google Library. The Story HD will pull books directly from the Google Library without having to use a PC to perform a sync to the device. This means that the device will have access to over three million free titles as well as access to hundreds of thousands of paid books.

There are over 80 devices that currently support Google’s e-book format when synced via a PC including the Kindle and the Nook. None of the readers natively support the e-bookstore however, if you have a smartphone, you could just use the Google Books app to access the store.

The iRiver Story HD will be available for $140 online. The device will have built in WiFi as well as a black and white screen with a QWERTY keyboard. For comparison, the Nook and the Kindle are available for the same price as well.

July 12, 2011
Acer Aspire Ethos

Acer’s new Ethos laptop series was designed from the ground up for entertainment and features a removable track pad that doubles up as a remote alongside powerful audio and video ready hardware.

The detachable track pad, is capable of controlling multimedia playback on the device from a distance, and features a sensor enabling it to be used either horizontally or vertically. The Aspire Ethos also features Acer’s Clear.Fi media sharing platform, enabling digital media stored on any Clear.Fi-ready device on the home network to be shared and accessed from any other.

The 8951G model of the Ethos boasts 5 built in Dolby speakers as well a a pair of Acer sub-woofers for surround-like sound and has a full HD 1920x1080p 18.4 inch display. The 5951G comes with 2 built in speakers and an Acer Bass Boost system along with a 15.6inch 1366×768 display.

The frame-less laptop utilizes Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 on top of Intel Core I Processors, alongside a Nvidia Geforce T500 graphics processor. The integrated power-smart long-life battery lasts over three times as long as conventional notebook batteries. A USB 3.0 port, multi-in-1 card reader, web-cam, and built-in microphone round out the hardware offerings of the device, while an instant on arcade key permits fast booting for movie, music, and photo playback. Mobile devices may be charged via USB even when the laptop itself is turned off.

July 11, 2011
The Samsung NC215s – The Solar Powered Netbook

Samsung has released a Solar powered netbook that will be available in the US and Russia. The rear side of the display houses a solar panel that can generate an hours worth of power for every two hours of exposure to direct sunlight.

The netbook’s 10.1 inch 1024x600px display is specially designed for extra brightness and is also layered with an anti reflective coating for use outdoors. The netbook features either a dual-core N570 or single-core N455 Intel Atom processor, with a choice of a 250 or 320 GB harddrive. A sleep mode called ‘Samsung Fast Start’ combines the stability of hibernation with the fast reloading of sleep, while ‘sleep-and-charge’ enables the charging of external USB devices even when the computer is off. A full charge of the six-cell battery is reported to provide up to 14 hours of use. The Samsung NC215S is expected to be released in the United States in early July at a cost of 400 USD, and in Russia in early august, for 13,999 rubles (500 USD).

July 11, 2011
The Air Pick – Release Your Inner Rock Star

There have been many times that we’ve heard a song and strummed on our air guitars imagining ourselves to be Jimmy Page or Jimmy Hendrix. We thought we were awesome and the crowds went wild for us. Well, when we landed back into reality, we realized that not only did we not know how to play the guitar, but we didn’t even have one.

Well those days are past because a new product is on the market for all of us air guitarists. It’s called the Air Pick. The Air Pick is shaped like a standard plectrum and has a speaker with some electronics built in. It comes pre-loaded with up to 3 songs and can play the chords in time to your strumming. Songs would include such classics as Smoke on the Water, Born to be Wild and Satisfaction. It’s time to release your inner Rock Star.

July 11, 2011
Edit : The iPhone 5, What to Expect?
The Anticipation clock of most humans starts to ring with the sight of an Apple Product Launch. This time around people are expecting 3 new launches. The iPod refresh, the iPad with some minor changes and most importantly the iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4s).

The iPhone is the most successful smartphone ever made, with in excess of 18.5 million devices sold this year the iPhone has set records that are yet to be matched. Why everyone loves the iPhone? There could be several answers:
- The User Interface
- The OS
- The Hardware
- The Looks
- The Company Name / Brand Value
- Pricing
It could be any or all of the factors from above, we really don’t know. The iPhone has always been marketed as a magical device, with the right amount of hype. Keeping price at a point where it was just above the competition and just low enough to be an approachable target (for those looking for a smart phone) . This strategy has also led people into believing that Apple Devices are super premium and most people in India still hold them at gold value (sometimes more value that those useless super value phones).

Whatever the reason behind the iPhones popularity, we know a new one is coming and following rumors and yearly cycles , here is what we think the iPhone 5 is going to be like.

Name

The most obvious guess for a name of the upcoming iPhone would be the iPhone 5 , but unless Apple is planning some major changes the new iPhone may just as well be called the iPhone 4s. Whatever said and done the word “iPhone” will be there and a 5 would sound much better than an iPhone 4s. Some people suggest that the new device will be called iPhone 4 HD, but that seems like an unlikely name for a device from Cupertino.

Hardware

There is no guessing the obvious, Apple has already shown off their A5 chipset in the iPad 2 , and just like the iPhone 4 had the iPads chip, the next iPhone will have the new Apple dual core A5 chip. This will boost the speed and performance of the iPhone 5 (we are just going to stick to that name for now) upto four times. Also, in tow will be RAM upgrades and a bigger 8 megapixel camera sensor, which has been talked about.

Various rumors and speculation points to a larger Edge to Edge display on the front of the device. A possible 3.8 inch or even 4 inch capacitive display can do no harm to Apple’s Jesus phone, giving it a larger screen – real estate would require pumping in more pixels per inch to retain the “Retina Display” badge.

Design

Now this is where the controversy starts. The iPhone 4 had a impressively new design which was loved by everyone when it was launched. Mostly everyone appreciated the new stainless steel design, although there were some who said that it was not as nice looking as the original iPhone. The new design brought a lot of possibilities for Apple especially in the components department. A machined design meant that they could stuff their components into the phone and still have room for a large battery. The frame of the iPhone was the most impressively designed structure to be ever used in a SmartPhone, leaving only the glass front and back in question, which did end up weakening the whole device and making it prone to damage.

The Antenna design, dubbed Antennagate put Apple in the wrong kind of limelight and has ever since been know as the “break all or make all” theory for last years Jesus phone. Everyone thought the antenna problem would diminish the sales of the iPhone 4, but it actually gave them so much publicity that the device did better than expectations from the company HQ.

Using a similar antenna on the next iPhone would be a not-so-smart move from Apple, although there are those who would still buy the device, a large chunk of the audience would think that Apple ignores the consumer, and move onto alternatives.

The tear drop design has had many references in rumors of the upcoming iPhone 5, a device machined out of Aluminum (unibody is Apple’s forté) which is really slim for the most part but thicker in arears that will hold the antenna and battery. A device of such design will do fantastically well with the young consumer base of Apple’s baby.

Operating System

We all know the iPhone 5 will have the iOS 5, which will radically enhance the usability of the phone. With dedicated notifications, iMessage, iCloud, Newsstand, Twitter integration, Wireless Device syncing, new photo editing, and the use of volume button as a dedicated camera shutter release. The iOS 5 is ready to give stiff competition to its competitors, still remaining the most secure and bug free mobile OS below the stratosphere . There are still basic features missing from the iOS, bluetooth file transfer being one of them.

One More Thing!

Apple may introduce a new cheaper iPhone this year, to target the Android buying generation. A similar strategy already kind of exists with the iPhone 4 being the pedigree and the iPhone 3Gs being sold for Rs. 19,990 (USD 400).

But these rumors point to a completely new and cheaper device id, possibly a US $ 200 iPhone ( they could relaunch the 3GS at 200 $/ or drop in a sim card in the iPod touch). Nobody really knows till Steve walks up on stage ( hopefully) with the next “Magical” device and amazes the audience watching the event worldwide.

No matter how many expectations are met, the iPhone 5 is coming and its coming soon. So hold on to your monies and wait for its arrival, for you never know what technologies might make you drop loyalties and compel you to make the switch.

Here is a list-up of all the expectations we have
- A Completely new design
- An 8 Megapixel camera possibly on the opposite side of the back panel.
- Separate Camera Flash for better allumination
- Larger screen with the same Retina resolution
- The new A5 chip with 1 GB RAM
- 32/64 Gb capacities
- HD Facetime Camera
- Slimmer profile
- Back panel made out of tougher glass/ Aluminum / Steel
Expectations can run wild, leave a comment below if you have any other expectations!

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July 11, 2011
Introducing the USB Vault

Are you paranoid about your data? Have you ever misplaced (read lost) your pen drive? Is software encryption not good enough for you? If you answered yes to these questions, then have we got the device for you!

A Russian designer felt that his data wasn’t secure so he drafted up a design in AutoCAD and came up with this device. It adds a layer of physical security to a regular pen drive by adding a five wheel combination lock to it. Specifics are scarce but we believe the device was laser-cut from the design and is made of brass.

Not only does the device look cool, but it appears to be secure as well. We’ve lost our fair share of pen drives over the years, but we imagine that with such a device, if nothing else, our data WILL be secure.

July 11, 2011