Xiaomi's star rises as Chinese handset makers gnaw at Samsung's share

Xiaomi Inc, the three-year old company known as the Apple of China, has become the world`s No.5 smartphone maker by market share while Samsung Electronics Co Ltd`s lead has continued to shrink, a report by Strategy Analytics shows.

Three out of the world`s top 5 smartphone sellers were Chinese manufacturers in the second quarter, Strategic Analytics said, as China`s low-cost offerings on the Android operating system whittle away Samsung`s market share. 

The South Korean giant, which reported its worst quarterly profit in two years on Thursday, saw its share slide to 25.2 percent from 32.6 percent a year ago, while Chinese rivals Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Lenovo Group Ltd have gained, Strategy Analytics said. 

The latest figures illustrate how Samsung - although still dominant - has lost its footing two years after it overtook Apple Inc as the world`s smartphone market leader. 

Even though total smartphone sales rose to 295.2 million units during the second quarter from 233 million a year ago, Samsung was the only major manufacturer to report a drop in absolute number of shipments. 

Samsung warned investors on Thursday that the second half of 2014 will remain "a challenge", citing competition from its rivals. 

Xiaomi claimed 5.1 percent of global smartphone sales in the second quarter, up sharply from just 1.8 percent a year earlier.

"Xiaomi`s next step is to target the international market in Asia and Europe, where it will have to invest big money to familiarise Western consumers with its unfamiliar brand name," said Strategy Analytics director Woody Oh, who called Xiaomi the star performer in the second quarter. 

Apple saw its market share shrink to 11.9 percent from 13.4 percent and remained a distant second place. 

The Strategy Analytics study aligns closely with estimates released this week by IDC, which reported a similar drop in Samsung sales. 

LG held sixth place in the Strategy Analytics report and fifth place according to IDC estimates.

Motorola Moto G gets Rs 2,000 price cut; Xiaomi effect?

 The Motorola Moto G, which is sold in India via online retailing site Flipkart, has got a price cut of Rs 2,000. 

Flipkart said that the handset will now be available at Rs 10,499 for the 8GB version and Rs 11,999 for the 16GB version, till the stocks last. The handset will be delivered within two to three business days, as per Flipkart.

There are speculations in the media that the Moto G price cut announcement has come in the wake of Chinese handset maker Xiaomi's new smartphone launch in India. 

The second stock of Moto G price cut , which debuted in the Indian smartphone market earlier this month, was sold out within 5 seconds of going on sale.

Flipkart is exclusively selling Xiaomi's handsets in India.

Motorola in February this year launched the much-awaited Moto G is at Rs 12,499 for 8 GB version and Rs 13,999 for the 16 GB variant.

Moto G, which sports a 4.5-inch HD display, is powered by 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with Adreno 305 graphics, 1 GB of RAM and has a dual SIM option.

Protected with Corning Gorilla glass, Moto G has a water repellent nano-coating inside and outside, which provides protection to the handset from light splashes of water.

Moto G has a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. On the features front, Moto G has a revamped Phone app, which prioritises contacts based talk time and call frequency. The Photos app allows viewing and editing of locally stored and Google+ images.

The Indian smartphone market is witnessing strong competition between local and international players, all vying to grab a share of the multi-billion dollar market.

Moto 360: Smartwatches are now officially cool(er)

There is something seriously wrong happening in San Francisco. No I’m not referring to the unending wave of $4 ‘artisan toast’ shops that have started appearing in that city, instead I’m talking about the fact that San Fran society’s perception of tech is failing to keep up with the speed with which said tech is progressing. Ironic considering how much of it is designed there.

This was most starkly proven in late February when a woman was attacked in a San Fran bar simply for wearing Google Glass.

Now it’s important to note that there are some pretty massive economic factors that mean it has started in San Francisco. For starters the non silicon-infused/enthused population is feeling the hurt of 6,000 Converse-wearing start-ups setting up shop in their city resulting in raised house prices and the loss of the streets to the no doubt thoroughly evil 'Google busses' that ferry the tech workforce to their out-of-town design-o-domes.

It’s a global issue, and soon we’ll start noticing it more here in the UK. Conversations in pubs will strike up in which people will loudly mention the 'Glassholes' sat at the other end of the bar.

This isn’t anything new; remember when Bluetooth headsets first appeared? What started initially as curiosity turned for many into a loathing of their users. These bloody people, wandering down high streets with an air of being SO important that they couldn’t even be arsed to manipulate their sodding hands into a gripping position around their funting phones. Shouting 'Yah, sell the orphanage stock and buy radioactive waste. Squash later?'

Look around today, however, and you’ll see many people talking through their headphones.

This is of course, where I finally get to my point, and it is the just-announced Moto 360. This smartwatch is clean cut, sexy and, crucially, it looks just like a watch. Put it side by side with a Galaxy Gear and it’s like two totally unalike things in a pod. You might get more attention for wearing the Gear, but the odds of it being positive aren’t in your favour.

The reason for that is that we’re not ready for the future. People say they want it, but ultimately society has to adjust first, like a stubborn dog who’s moved house.

How many of us are actually comfortable talking to our phones – I don’t mean to other people, I mean to your plastic pals who are fun to be with, Siri and Google Now. I’d wager that if you do it’s either to show it off or try and make it say something inappropriate.

The Moto 360 works precisely because it doesn’t force us into that box of being an "early adopter". It’s the reason Pebble has been relatively successful, and why headphones with a mic on the cable have replaced bulbous, ear-mounted lozenges with blue lights flashing on them.

Motorola has taken things even further by actually encouraging you to engage less with the device, thanks to the contextual nature of its operating system. Simply pop the directions into your phone with your hands and that’s it – your phone goes back in your pocket. Not sure which left to take? Quickly glance at your watch and it’ll show you; no faffing around in menus, it’s just there. Now that sounds useful both in terms of getting from A to B and in terms of not having a youth on a bicycle suddenly appear at speed from behind you then vanish into the sunset with your smartphone in his rascally grasp.

Google Glass is a great, revolutionary, and I loved every second it adorned my gawping face. But if I had to choose a product I would actually pay for and wear every day, it’d have to be a smartwatch. Especially if it looks like a watch and I don’t have to talk to it.

Apple and Samsung head back to court for patent battle

The new case will focus on their smartphone and tablet patents and whether or not there are any infringements. 

"The parties tried hard to accuse each other's latest and greatest products, but US patent litigation is slow, which is why this 2014 trial will be about 2012 and pre-2012 products," intellectual property analyst Florian Mueller said.

The tech rivals will go toe-to-toe before District Court Judge Lucy Koh in the California city of San Jose.

Koh headed the trial last year that resulted in a jury declaring Samsung owed Apple more than a billion dollars in damages for infringing patents with older Android devices. 

The damages were later assessed and changed to $929m leaving Samsung to appeal. 

This time round could prove detrimental for Samsung as its best-selling Galaxy range is in dispute, a line of products that the company can’t afford to lose. 

"Both in the United States and globally, Apple and Samsung have established themselves as fierce competitors in the smartphone market and fierce adversaries in the courtroom," Koh said during rulings on injunctions, testimony and other matters ahead of trial.

Meanwhile Apple is already appealing a court ruling from last year regarding the company’s involvement in alleged ebook price fixing. 

Krusell Print Slim Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy S4 i9500.. Eye catchy

A graphic star! It is Krusell's frosting on the cake in the cover family if you love graphic patterns.  Precise cutouts for all functions Edge gives an ultimate facedown protection for the screen Easy to mount, remove or change Superior fitting

Time has come to dress your Samsung Galaxy S4 in style with this Krusell Back Cover Case. This model specific cover comes in trendy colors and brings style and fashion to your device. The cover has precise cutouts for all functions and is easy to mount, remove or change.

As your looks may won’t shift to other side.  It gives much more trendy looks for your s4 model.   very vibrant and gives the phone a unique look. only downside is the surface is very smooth so chances of it slipping from grip may occur. the phone cover is very light and does not offer a lot of protection; but in terms of appearance and uniqueness the case wins out.

Product Information

Technical Details

Item Weight	9 g
Product Dimensions	13.7 x 0.8 x 7 cm

Price of this product in Amazon.in is   1,495.00

Check It out Krusell 89863 PrintCover Slim Case for Samsung Galaxy S4 

Oplus launches XonPhone 5 at Rs 7,999

Oplus India, a subsidiary of Oplus Taiwan, has launched its XonPhone 5 smartphone in India. Priced at Rs 7,999, this smartphone will be exclusively available on online retailer Snapdeal.

The XonPhone 5 features a five-inch, 720x1280p IPS display and is powered by a 1.3Ghz MediaTek quad-core processor. The phone has 1GB of RAM and runs on Android KitKat. It has 16GB internal storage along with an expandable memory card slot. It has an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera.

The dual-SIM device packs in a 2,000 mAh battery. Connectivity options onboard include 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. The phone will be available in silver, grey, and gold colour variants.

Soumitra Gupta, CEO, Oplus, says, "We are extremely elated to be launching the XonPhone 5, an innovative smartphone with ultimate features ensuring a unique user experience. Our association with India's largest marketplace, Snapdeal.com, has yielded us great results for our tablet and we are affirmative that our smartphone will also witness great acceptance from the users."

All Public Restrooms Need To Have This Kohler Touchless Flush Kit

Finding a public toilet when a grumbling in your stomach strikes? Like a gift from God. Having to touch the flush that's undoubtedly flush with invisible germs from the rotating door of people who have used the toilet before you? Like a horrifying demonstration of God's wrath. Now, if only some billionaire germophobe can donate a few units of these Kohler Touchless Toilet Flush Kits to every public restroom in the world, public toilets never have to feel that way again.

An easy to install retrofit kit, it helps you turn any old toilet into the kind of high-tech restroom facility that requires no contact to flush. Just wave your hand anywhere over the tank lid and it will immediately send the necessary stream of water to send all your dump into its proper resting place.



Sadly, the Kohler Touchless Toilet Flush Kit won't work with all toilets. Most canister and flapper toilets in existence should be fair game, but those with dual-flush, top-mount flush, pressure-assist, and ballcock valves, however, will need to retain their gross "touch my germ-filled flush with your equally germ-filled hands" for the moment. Installation should be quick, requiring no more than 20 minutes unless you decided to do the work while drunk on 55% alcohol beer.



The system works by projecting an electromagnetic field through the top of the tank lid, which it uses to sense when a hand is being waved right over it. Pretty cool. Since it uses electronics to generate the field, it requries four AA batteries to operate.

The Kohler Touchless Toilet Flush Kit is available now, priced at $99.97.
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Vessyl Smart Cup Knows Exactly What You’re Drinking

Vessyl is a smart cup that can detect the kind of drink that's poured into it. Whether it's coffee, vodka, or Gatorade (yes, it can recognize brands and even flavors), this device can tell you before you even take a sip.

More than identifying the beverage in the cup, the device can also determine its nutritional information on the fly. All that data will then be sent into a smartphone app where you can check just how much watered down the draft beer they've been serving at the corner bar really is (not that you'll stop drinking it -- you'd just like to know).

Aimed at the same fitness set that rely on gadgets for their exercise monitoring, Vessyl gives people a way to get a detailed and accurate nutritional record of the stuff they drink throughout the day. It comes styled like a 13-oz travel mug, too, making it easy to bring with you wherever you go. Unlike other health monitoring devices, Vessyl can be informative even without looking at the app, since it comes with a vertical display panel that will spell out exactly the name of the drink it detects (should make for a cool party trick). The same display will also show a color-coded light that informs you of how much hydration you've had (and still need) throughout the course of a day.

Hidden inside the walls of the cup is a proprietary molecular sensor, which performs a reading of the beverage without having to come in contact with it. A motion sensor is also included, which is used to switch on the onboard display (it lights up everytime the cup is tilted).

 

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Refuel Lets You Know How Much Propane You Have Left In The Tank

Propane tanks have needed a gauge to inform users how much gas is left in the tank since forever.  And since no one appears to be doing anything about it any time soon, someone made Refuel, a third-party device that lets you check your tank’s gas levels at any time.
Another product of the growing partnership between Quirky and GE, the device consists of a plastic and rubber scale that you place under the tank, which is tethered to a disc with magnetic backing that holds the sensors, LED indicators, and other electronics that you can stick onto the gas grill’s frame.  It works by measuring the weight of the tank, then calculating how much gas is left based on that.

You can check gas levels by using the onboard LED indicators (tap it to light up), as well as on a smartphone using Quirky’s Wink app.   It also sends alerts when your propane is running out, so you never have to be stuck with an empty tank right in the middle of a backyard cookout.  The rig can work on any gas grills that don't use hanging propane tanks (yes, even that awesome BBQ Dragster), with heat-resistant parts, so you never have to worry about things getting too hot.  Dimensions are 9.4 x 9.4 x 2 inches for the base and 3.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches for the disc.  It powers using four AA batteries (good for 60 days).

The Refuel is available directly from Quirky, priced at $49.99.
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Patchnride Can Repair Punctured Bike Tires In 60 Seconds

Patchnride is a small handheld tool that you can use to quickly patch punctures on your bicycle tires.  And by quickly, they're not kidding.  You don't even need to remove the tire from the bike.  Instead, you just patch it in place using a process that can take as short as 60 seconds.
Instead of a messy and laborious 12-step process like traditional tire repair work, the device lets you fix a tire in just a few steps. You simply have to locate the puncture with the bundled leak detector, clean any debris from the area, insert the tool into the tire, press the release button, and remove the tool.  Done.  Just pump air back in and get back on the road.

Rather than use a sealant as you'd probably expect, Patchnride actually covers up the holes using patch pods that can seal any cuts up to 3mm.  One patch pod can only be used for one puncture, so make sure you bring a few every time you go out riding for an extended amount of time (you can only load the tool with one patch pod at a time).  Since it patches the tire from the inside, it's a permanent fix, too, so there's no need to bring it to a shop later for repairs.  The tool can work on, practically, any bike tire (tubular, clinchers, MTB, cruisers, tubeless , fat, and running strollers), although you'll need to buy different types of patch pods for different kinds of tires.  It measures just 5 inches long, so you can keep it in a pocket of your bike jacket, a pouch on your bike bag, or under the saddle.

Slated to ship in the Fall, the Patchnride is now on pre-order, priced at $30.
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Use The goTenna To Send And Receive Texts Without Internet Access or Cell Service

The goTenna is a radio antenna that can communicate with other goTenna units.   Designed to work with a mobile app, it lets you send text messages to other goTenna users even without cell service or internet access in the area.
Designed for off-grid use, it lets you have a way to communicate even with no access to cell towers, WiFi networks, or communication satellites in sight.  Need a way to text friends who split with the main group during a hike?  This will do it.  How about text-chatting with friends on the secluded private island while you take the Wally 55 Power Boat out for a ride?  This will work.  Basically, it’s a personal communication network open to anyone with a goTenna and a smartphone.

The goTenna is a bar-style piece of hardware that can be clipped to a belt loop or a bag zipper for easy portability.  To use, simply pair your goTenna with a smartphone (iOS and Android) over Bluetooth, launch the app, and you’re duly equipped to text anyone with their own goTenna in tow.  Since it’s a private network, texts arrive fast, with messages quickly transmitted via low-frequency radio waves in under a second.  All messages are self-destructing and come with end-to-end encryption for security.    It can send and receive messages from any goTenna within a 50.5-mile range.
The device has onboard memory that can store up to several thousand messages, in case it isn’t paired to a phone yet (it will immediately push messages as soon as it connects).  Onboard battery, however, is only good for 30 hours of active use, so you’ll have to find a way to keep replenishing the thing for use in the wild outdoors.
Slated to ship late in the Fall, the goTenna is now available for preorder.  Price is $149.99 a pair.
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Forget The Cooler, Take This Solar-Powered Anywhere Fridge To Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Can you finally bring a fridge to your next camping adventure?  That's the hope behind the Anywhere Fridge, a portable outdoor fridge that uses solar power to keep your food and beverages cold.
While it looks nothing more than a metal ice chest, the appliance comes with removable solar panels at the top that feed power to a battery module inside the machine.  There's no mention of how much electricity the setup can actually generate, but I guess they're hoping it's plentiful enough to power the compressor during daylight while trickling enough juice the battery's way to keep the thing running at night.  Will this actually work?  I have no idea, but it will be glorious if it does.

The Anywhere Fridge  comes in two sizes (80 and 30 quarts), both styled like a conventional freezer that opens from the top (which should help it retain cold air even when opened, saving the compressor from doing extra work).  It comes with an easy-to-use control panel that lets you adjust temperature between -8 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it serve as either a freezer, a fridge, or even a food warmer.  While designed to draw power from the sun, it can also be charged via a regular power outlet, as well as from a car's cigarette lighter port.
Construction is aircraft-grade aluminum for durability, with a retractable handle and a pair of small wheels facilitating easy transport (you just drag it like a trolley).  It's weather-proof, too, so you can leave it in the backyard as a personal outdoor fridge that chills your beer free of charge (take that, beer-burying eCool). When the container is empty, the entire thing can be collapsed into a flat-packed frame measuring just 5 inches thick.

An Indiegogo campaign is currently running for Anywhere Fridge.  Pledges to reserve a unit starts at $199.
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Napwrap Helps You Maintain Good Posture While Napping On A Seat

We’ve seen plenty of products designed to keep people comfortable while they catch a nap during trips, with solutions that range from strapping the person to their chair to supporting their heads with a goofy-looking brace.  The Napwrap is a new offering that keeps thing a lot simpler, using a single strap whose sole purpose is to support the user’s arms.
Why the arms?  Apparently, the position of the arms has a significant bearing on a person’s ability to take a relaxing nap while sitting down.  When your arms move, it pulls on your shoulder, which then affects the way your head is rested, making it one of the most common reasons for sudden disruptions during sleep.

Described as a "personal armrest," the Napwrap will first wrap around one of your upper arms, where it can then support the wrist on your other arm.  That’s it.  The design, basically, holds your arms in a crossed position, evenly distributing the weight and keeping your shoulders in an optimal angle to support your head.  It uses an elastic strap with fine extruded hook taps for closure, ensuring your hands don’t uncross at any point during use.
When not in use, you can just keep it wrapped around your upper arm like a mini-sleeve of sorts.   It can also be used to mount a phone on your arm (just hold it under the strap), wrapped over your face as an eye mask, or worn around your head as an ear muff.  Construction is 2mm mesh for the strap’s external side and soft bamboo velour for the side that winds around your arms.
Originally a successfully-funded Kickstarter project, Napwrap is now available commercially.  Price is $20.
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This Cute Robot Named Jibo Wants To Be Part Of Your Family

While Jibo isn’t the first attempt at building an interactive robot for the home, it may very well become the first one you actually want to own.
It’s not like the family robot old-time science fiction imagined.  It won’t fix your bed when you wake up, grab you a beer when you get home, or even wash your clothes on the weekends.  Instead, it functions more like Siri with personality, answering user queries and performing digital tasks, all while looking like an adorable robot pet.

Armed with facial and voice recognition, the 11-inch tall Jibo can identify the person it’s talking to, allowing it to tailor responses to the specific individual.  It will even recognize facial expressions, so it can guess your mood and customize the interaction to your specific state of mind.  A 360-degree mic array lets users talk to the robot even when it’s facing away, with dual speakers for providing voice feedback.  The face is a circular LCD touchscreen, which can be used for both information display and gesture controls.  Since robots are only half-awesome if they can’t do cute things (or be a giant car-juggling behemoth), Jibo has a top section that can spin, swivel, and twist from the base, allowing the body to move like it’s dancing.
Since Jibo’s functions are based on how people currently use mobile devices, it can integrate common tablet uses, such as teleconferencing, web searches, and queuing up movies on your Netflix account.  Sure, it’s a long way from the helper robots we saw on the Jetsons, but there’s a definite chance this will be the first step to get there.
Jibo is currently raising funds for production with an Indiegogo campaign.  Pledges to reserve a unit starts at $499.
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Instagram Updates Stale Photo Filters With New ‘Tweaking’ Tools

After 18 months and plenty of user feedback, Instagram rolls out a major upgrade that allows users to tweak the wildly popular, though growing stale, existing filters.

And, seriously, it’s about time.

It’s kind of amazing to think that the Instagram sensation is less than 2 years old. In that short span of time, the photo finishing app has come to rule the universe and, in their last upgrade just a few months ago, the company added video tool in an attempt to halt the spread of Vine, a competitor seriously crimping its style and market share.

But, two years is like a decade on the web, so, on Tuesday, Instagram rolled out 10 new filtering options that should bring back the fans and maybe add some new admirers.

That is, possibly, until they realize that this upgrade really only amounts to tweaking images with current filters on a sliding 1 to 100 grade scale.



It does mean that the existing filters can be edited to an even finer degree, and that should open a whole new world of possibilities for addicted subscribers who love playing around with their images just by clicking a few buttons.

The new tools, which can be accessed by clicking on the just added Wrench icon, are Filter Strength, Adjust, Brightness, Contrast, Warmth, Saturation, Highlights, Shadows, Vignette and Sharpen.

As the official blog explains the upgrade, “You take a photo to capture a moment, but often what you see in the photograph doesn’t feel the same as what you remember. From brightening up a photo of your dinner party to better capturing the warmth of a sunset portrait, these new creative tools help you bring out and share the beauty of the moment as you remember it, right inside the same simple Instagram you already know.”

That’s a pretty shrewd move.

It looks like Instagram just bought themselves another year at the top…

Photo source: Instagram Blog

ChargeAll is the World’s Smallest Portable Power Outlet (Video)

Have you u ever had to camp out next to the trash cans in an airport because it’s the only spot that reaches the electrical outlet when you need to charge your phone? No?

Well, how about running low on battery in the middle of that life changing text message? Now we’re talking.

Imagine if you could carry an electrical wall outlet around in your pocket, then you could charge up most electronic devices, including lamps, fans, laptops and even curling irons.

Now you can, with a new device called ChargeAll which its creators state is “the world’s smallest portable power outlet.

The idea has been tried before, but never on such a small scale. ChargeAll can actually fit in a pocket or a purse and the adapters on its panel can charge any device via USB or AC. That means its usefulness goes well beyond the cell phone battery backup option.

Users will be able to power up a wide range of electrical devices making the ChargeAll a must have item for any tool kit and camper’s backpack.

The video below shows what the creators of the product are hoping for if funding on IndieGoGo meets its goal. That’s working out well, as the original target of $30,000 has been met, with the current total topping $100K – and counting with nearly two more months to go.

Contributors who invest just $99 will get the first ChargeAll units to come off the line some time in the 4th quarter of 2014.

Previously, this kind of electrical backup power has only been achieved through big, noisy and smelly generators. The ChargeAll is not as powerful (devices below 85 watts only) but it’s much more portable and it doesn’t smell like gasoline.

This new device has the potential to blow the lid off the recharger market with a unit that can power devices needed most in an emergency.

You just never know when you might need a curling iron…

Check out this launch video for the ChargeAll:

Photo source: YouTube

 

Prepare To Be Oculus Rifted (Video)

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Are you ready to be Oculus Rifted?

The upstart Virtual Reality Kickstarter phenomenon, recently acquired by Facebook for 2 billion dollars, has just started shipping the first 10,000 dev kits of the DK2 system to its early buyers list, which means that, in about a month from now, the world will have changed beyond recognition.

Or, it could be sometime in August.

Either way, some of the biggest tech players in the field are hedging that the Oculus Rift VR headset system has the potential to change the way we interact with technology, with implications that go well beyond first person shooter video games.

According to the OR/VR official blog, “The very first units are expected to reach developers the week of July 14th. We’re now over 45,000 DK2 pre-orders, which is incredibly exciting. That said, we’re slightly behind in manufacturing and there’s currently a high chance that some developers with estimated shipping in July may not have their DK2s shipped until August. We have a team in China working on continued ramp of production at our factory, and we’ll work our way through the queue as fast as we can.”

Of course, these are the development kits, which means these units will be in the hands of creators looking to score with the first big name title. There’s still no word yet on when a consumer version of the Oculus Rift Virtual Reality headset system will be available, but history shows that the day is not too far off in the future.

Oculus Rift VR will certainly change the playing field for gamers, but it’s some other applications which are thought to have the most wide reaching potential, particularly virtual shopping, virtual real estate and, most optimistically, virtual medical diagnosis.

Still, it’s likely that the very first smash hit on the Oculus Rift VR headset system will probably be an already massive video game title.

Oculus Titanfall, anyone?

Here’s how IGN is covering the story”:

Photo source: YouTube

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‘Frebble’ is the Future of Long Distance Hand Holding on Skype (Video)

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Long distance lovers have enjoyed new technology for the last decade or so now that video conferencing services like Skype and Google Hangouts are so popular and easy to use. But you still can’t hold hands over the web.

Until now.

A Kickstarter campaign is trying to get a new gadget called “Frebble” funded to bring hand holding, for lovers, or just friends and family, to the Internet, adding an entirely new dimension to communicating over long distances online.

“For a granddaughter calling grandma with special news, for a husband far away from a wife, for distant grown daughters who crave the comfort of their mother’s touch, for a best friend who wants to let her friend know it will all be ok, Frebble connects – as simply, subtly and as powerfully as though the person was right there with you” promises the company behind the new product.

The elegantly designed gizmo comes in pairs (color coded even) so that the buyer can send a Frebble along to that special someone too far away for a reassuring squeeze of the hand, a simple, yet meaningful gesture in any relationship.

The device is designed to fit the hand naturally and comfortably, rather like a gear shift. When both Frebbles are active, it simulates the sensation of holding hands, especially by having the return squeeze.

It works by employing two pressure sensors at the front of the handle and two vibrating motors on the side to replicate a hand squeeze more realistically. And, just to be sure the intentions are clear, a multicolor LED will indicate a user’s connection status and, most importantly, when a squeeze is waiting.

It’s easy to see that the applications go well beyond the merely personal.

Frebble gives a whole new meaning to sealing the deal with just a handshake…

Check out this video touting Frebble’s best features:

Photo source: YouTube

View the original article here

AirType: The Greatest Keyboard Never Invented (Video)

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In today’s world of Angel Investors and crowdsourced funding, it’s easier than ever for a company to take a revolutionary prototype to market and, hopefully, change the world while bathing in a sea of cash.

But, what if the product hasn’t even been invented yet?

No problem. Just make a killer YouTube video.

That seems to be the approach the people behind a proposed new keyboard, called the AirType, are taking as they ask the eternal question, “What if we didn’t need a keyboard to type?”

In truth, the problem has already been addressed with external technology that can “cast” a virtual keyboard right on a tabletop that looks just like the real thing, even if the tactile quality is lost.

And, tablets offer much the same option with an onscreen keyboard that is close to the same size and functionality as an external hardware device.

So, why do we even need the AirType?

Because, it’s neat.

In the “concept” video embedded below, the company shows what it would be like if the AirType already existed.

Using two ergonomically molded bands, which fit around the palms of a typist’s hands (and can be clipped on to a tablet for easy transport) the product frees the user from the necessity of looking at either a real or a virtual keyboard. It’s all in the fingers.

And, the imagination.

The unique aspect of this crowdfunding proposal is that the marketing strategy makes it seem, to the casual viewer, as though the AirType already exists in its most rudimentary form.

Whether or not the product gets the funding it’s looking for or not remains to be seen. But the approach to proposing a solution to an existing problem is novel and revolutionary in itself.

Someday, all we’ll have to do is think of a new invention, and it will become real.

On YouTube anyway…

Here’s the video:

Photo source: YouTube

View the original article here

Android Wear Smartwatches Go on Sale at Google Play (Video)

Android Wear smartwatches will be available for purchase on the Google Play store after June 26 and will ship in the US after July 7 announced the tech giant at the Google I/O conference on Wednesday.
Looking like a man who just rolled out of bed after a week of hot coding and cold pizza, David Singleton, Google’s director of Android Wear engineering, demonstrated the new smartwatch tech and the details of how current and future apps will be available and how to use them, in the YouTube video below, published by CBS News.
Let’s just say the world is gonna have to get used to seeing people swatting at their wrists from now on. The seamless transition from smartphone to smartwatch as a support device will prove irresistible, especially at the low price of less than $250.
Two new Android Wear smartwatches were previewed, the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live, with both managing to look sleek and cool, despite the inherent boxiness resulting from trying to cram too much info on a tiny touchscreen.

Photo source: Android.comSingleton shows the intuitive, easy access design of the gadgets, with a range of different ways to navigate, include swiping, pinching and tapping. Press and Hold will reveal more advanced functions and, the “Dismiss” feature is probably about to enter the lexicon.
The main function of the new devices and apps seems to be as an augmentation of a user’s existing Android smartphone, allowing the simpler tasks to be performed with a swipe of the hand and, literally, with the touch of a button.
The new Android Wear smartwatches still suffer from looking a bit ungainly, however, which is to be expected. The trend in smartphones to get bigger is not likely to be reflected in this new technology. Expect these smartwatches to get a lot smaller (and, naturally, smarter) as the year progresses.
Some may even decide to hold off for a bit, until upgrades and improvements appear in the future of this new, already robust market.
But, don’t count on it…
Here’s the video:
Photo source: YouTube

MLB All Star Game Debuts New Beer Vending Machine

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In a move that’s got beer vendor lovers up in arms and suds drinking fans who hate long lines cheering, MLB and Budweiser are debuting a new vending machine at this year’s All Star game in Minnesota.

Uh-oh…

Called the DraftServ, patrons can now avoid the long lines at fountains and turn to a new vending machine that employs e-Card reading benefits with innovative features like custom pouring (a new phrase) ID check, and auto drunk fan lockout (also a new phrase.)

But, most first reactions side with vendors who are afraid they’ll be losing their already low paying jobs to a machine. Sorry, the future has to come sometime.

And it’s now. The machines will offer four flavors (Bud, Bud Light and a couple of tooty-frooty names nobody’s ever heard of) at a slightly lower price than a similarly poured-by-a-human cup of suds.

At .38 an ounce for the Buds and .40 for the specialties, a 12 ounce beer comes out to slightly less than $5, the low end of already outrageous prices at the ballpark. That will probably change, real soon.

Perhaps even more rankling are the company’s claims to better “engage” customers (how better to engage than with a machine?) and the 48 ounce limit every 15 minutes. That’s 16 brewskies an hour. Sound’s about right for what passes as a fan at today’s MLB games.

There are some funky limitations, however. The pre-loaded cards must be purchased and paid for first (even outside the stadium, which is a plus) presumably on one line. How long lines will be at the vending machine itself remains to be seen, but it does seem to add an extra step to the process.

Also, a live, human vendor must still be on hand to prevent underage drinkers from taking advantage of the new technology. And, there will still be someone around to refuse overly intoxicated patrons from purchasing even more beer.

Good luck with that.

This new technology has all the makings of a “Beerpocalypse.”

But, at least you won’t have to wait so long in line…

Photo source: DraftServ

View the original article here

How to Install Android KitKat 4.4 on your PC and Laptop

Whether it is for the tech-savvies who just love the fun in following the trend of most enhanced application systems, or the professionals who have the upgraded options to win the latest marketing strategies, Android has always been the one desirable reason opting for smart gadgets. Now the news of expansion in exploring the amazing features of Android from smart phones and tablets to computers and Laptops has invited a rush of crowd, looking for the installation of KitKat – a praiseworthy effort of Android- x86 Project.

Android KitKat 4.4 on your PC and Laptop

So, no more hovering with bowed heads on the smaller screens, anyone can now install the Android KitKat 4.4 and sneak through into the world of Android with the bigger screens of PC and Laptop. The only obvious requirement is the installation of Android-x86. Android –x86 is the unofficially launched version of Google’s operating system, so the risk of forfeiture is deliberately proclaimed as user’s sole responsibility. It is promotionally designed to work with Intel’s x-86 hardware architecture. Android –x86 also removes the restrictions for other hardware manufacturers and that is why it can support the latest Android 4.4 Kitkat. Now the only step left to enjoy these upgraded features on the PC and Laptop is to get the easy steps for the set up or installation of Android KitKat 4.4 on PC and laptop.

The installation of Kitkat, the latest version of Android, can add some great features to your computer and PC that can deliver the most advanced computing experience for its better utilization. Some features are as follows:

1. The advancement in the compatibility for accessing more numbers of multimedia files like playing full HD videos in apps with the help of ffmpeg as stagefright- plugins.
2. The resolution support of kernel.3.10.30 with enhanced driver support.
3. The most desired features of Android like camera, G-sensor, Multi-touch and Bluetooth.

There are three options through which Android KitKat can be installed on a PC or Laptop.

1. The first option is by using USB/Flash drive. This option may require the download of Unetbootin
2. The second option is CD/DVD
3. The third option allows the installation of Android on a Virtual machine.

Confirmation on the prerequisites – check your own compatibility.

Before the start of installation that begins with the download of Android x-86 ISO file, the better recommendation is to opt for the appropriate model number that is shown with the download links. If the brand is not listed with the download links then one can opt for Android x86 ISO Generic Version. The other requirements are:

1. A USB that is bootable ( This option is for the USB installation method which is also the best recommended method)
2. CD/ DVD ROM that should be with READ/WRITE features.
3. The free space in VM, PC and Laptop.

Requirements of the space are as follows:

1. Froyo – ICS requires 2GB of space
2. Jelly Bean 4.2 and 4.3 needs 8GB space
3. KitKat 4.4.2, the most advanced version requires 10 GB of space.

The installation method is nearly same for all the three options except few initial steps;

USB installation method:

1. After downloading Android x86 ISO and UNetBootin run UNetBootin. This provides an option to select and in the option select Android x86 ISO.
2. Do not select Hard Disk Drive, but select USB drive and click “ok”
3. The installation of Android x86 to the USB will begin, and after its completion the system (PC or Laptop) needs to be rebooted either manually using the USB as the source or it is done by default in some of the latest computers and Laptops.
4. Now install Android x86 from USB to the hard disk.
5. The installation will require partition which needs to be formatted if one is using a new partition. Do not format the partition if it is not known.
6. The screen will prompt the installation of GRUB bootloader, select yes followed by another yes if you do not have pre-installed GRUB bootloader or Ubunto, if you have then select no.
7. There will be another prompt asking whether to make system READ/WRITE, select “yes”.
8. If it is Android x86 4.0.3 or older version then it may prompt to install a virtual SD CARD. The SD card should be with minimum 1800MB space.
9. After the completion of the above steps the installation will be done and system needs to be rebooted.
10. After downloading Android x86 ISO, burn it on CD/DVD.
11. The device should be rebooted by selecting CD/DVD in Boot Device Selection Menu.
12. Select Install Android x86 to hard disk in the GRUB menu.

CD/DVD method:

The rest steps are the same as in USB method shown above. Simply follow the steps of 5 to 9.

After the installation the system needs to be rebooted.

So, now any one can enjoy the attractive features of Android in PC and Laptop along with other operating system like Windows and Mac.

A gadget to control Google Glass with thoughts

 Focus hard and you will be able to control Google Glass with your thoughts alone. Yes, your power of thoughts can give the computer eye wear commands to do certain things, like taking a picture and even posting it to Facebook. 

Developed by London-based startup This Place, the open source MindRDR app and Neurosky EEG biosensor work together to transmit users' thoughts to Google Glass. 

The wearable sensor and the app analyze users' brainwaves and gauge their level of focus. Concentrate hard until a horizontal white line starts to rise on Google Glass "screen."

 
When the level crosses a certain threshold, MindRDR tells Google Glass to take a picture. Stay focussed and Glass will post the photo on social media. 

"It's pretty cool when you have taken a picture and shared it, just by thinking," said Chloe Kirton, creative director of This Place. 

The technology could also be used to help those with severe physical disabilities such as locked-in syndrome or severe multiple sclerosis. 

The new app is yet to be approved by Google Glass team, reports added.

Windows 9 concept

After hearing that Microsoft may bring back the Start menu button to Windows starting with the next major release, codenamed “Threshold,” a user imagined some other ways Windows 9 (or Windows 8.2) might be improved. Andrew Ambrosino says that Microsoft has to pay attention in the future to “the little things” inside Windows, as they currently don’t work quite as expected or aren’t that user-friendly.

In addition to the return of the Start menu, the next major Windows release should also find a way for the regular Windows and the new Metro environment to coexist. Instead of having two apps, one for the “old” Windows UI and one for Metro, each with its different designs, features and notifications, Microsoft should try to unify the two environments. One way to do that is to allow users to run Metro apps inside windows in the regular desktop mode than force them to occupy the whole screen.

For what it’s worth though, a recent rumour claims that the Metro UI will be ditched in future Windows and Windows Phone versions, and will remain an optional choice for users who like it. On the other hand, a different Windows 8.2 concept has imagined a way for Microsoft to bring back the Start button without killing the Metro UI.

Ambrosino also says that Microsoft needs to address another major issue with Windows, and that’s support for stacking more than two apps on the display, so that Windows users who use big screens can fully take advantage of the added display real estate. Finally, he says that Microsoft needs to significantly upgrade its “Play To” feature that allows Windows desktop users to send content to other devices including the new Xbox One to make it easier to use, more Apple AirPlay-like.