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To much applause, Apple's CEO unveiled their latest mobile operating system, iOS 8, at the WWDC event in San Francisco yesterday. It's easily one of the biggest iOS releases ever, but this time, rather than having a bucket load of new end user features, Apple has instead focused on tons of developer features. Most of these features are usually invisible to the end user, and make an impact only when widely utilized by developers. But there are some iOS 8 developer features that already show potential, in terms of prospective apps and functionality for the us, the end users. So we have picked out 5 completely new ones, which, we think, will matter to us, when iOS 8 lands on our iPhones.
Homekit -
Apple has been rumoured to enter the home automation space for quite a long time now, and with iOS 8, it is finally happening. We had already seen some crazy apps for controlling all the devices from a hotel room and even device-specific apps for smart LED lighting like Phillips Hue or Thermostats like Nest, but they all used their own technologies and platforms, making control of different items app-specific. Apple's Homekit will provide a common network protocol ...
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Intel showcased world's first 14nm fanless mobile PC reference design at the ongoing Computex 2014 in Taipei. Dubbed as Llama Mountain, the tablet is based on the company's upcoming Broadwell processor and is runs on Windows 8.1.
The device which is 2-in-1 can be easily switched from laptop to a tablet boasts of a 12.5-inch screen that is 7.2mm thin and weighs 670 grams. This means that the device is thinner than the iPad Air which is 7.5 millimeters thick. It includes a media dock that provides additional cooling for a burst of performance. Intel says that the design is based on Intel's next-generation Broadwell processors that will be in market later this year.
Llama Mountain is powered by the Broadwell Y series silicon, which will be branded the Core M processor. Intel claims that it is the most energy-efficient Core processor in the company's history. It must be noted that Llama Mountain is just a prototype which Intel tends to showcase to other PC makers.
Moving on, Intel also announced that almost 130 new Intel-based Android and Windows tablets are debuting in the market this year, of which 10 of them are from Foxconn. 
At the WWDC 2014 event in San Francisco, Apple announced a number of software features for both iOS and OS X operating systems. Among these announcements was the announcement of the iCloud Drive which would help Apple establish itself in the cloud storage market.
Apple already had iCloud that provided sync across various Apple platforms for the users, but it did not give them a file manager like the other cloud storage and service providers do. With iCloud Drive, Apple hopes to provide the users with what they want. Apple iCloud Drive allocates a folder for each of the applications that use iCloud and you can access the folder in the Finder.
Another major feature that Apple introduced with the iCloud Drive is support for Windows. Now even Windows users can storage their files in Apple's Cloud storage - iCloud. Even if you do not use any iCloud-enabled applications, you can just use the iCloud Drive as a backup for files and you will find that it will sync across all the devices.
Apple has also changed its pricing to be on par with the competition. As usual, you get 5GB cloud storage for free. You get 20GB for 0.99$ per month and ...
Among the numerous announcements at the Apple WWDC 2014 event in San Francisco, the announcement that brought the largest cheers and applause from the audience was the announcement of 'Swift', a new programming language. Apple's Craig Federighi said that Apple wanted to create a language without the complications of Objective-C and they came up with 'Swift'.
One of the biggest advantages of 'Swift' is that the developers will be able to have a real time view of the results as they type the code which was not possible in Objective-C. The press release for Swift reads as follows
Swift is a powerful new programming language for iOS and OS X® that makes it easier than ever for developers to create incredible apps. Designed for Cocoa® and Cocoa Touch®, Swift combines the performance and efficiency of compiled languages with the simplicity and interactivity of popular scripting languages. By design, Swift helps developers write safer and more reliable code by eliminating entire categories of common programming errors, and coexists with Objective-C® code, so developers can easily integrate Swift into their existing apps. Xcode® Playgrounds make writing Swift code incredibly interactive by instantly displaying the output of Swift code.
To make the transition from Objective-C to ...
Google has unveiled its first designer frame for the Google Glass with American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (DVF). The ‘DVF Made for Glass collection’ will be available to buy from the Google Glass website, Net-a-Porter and Mr. Porter starting June 23.
Users can choose from five frames and eight glares (shades) from these limited edition collection of DVF Google Glass. The original Titanium frame Google Glass come mere in one colour i.e black. Hence, people who want to wear the Glass and look trendy instead of a geek can choose from these frames. This is not the first time DVF has teamed up with Google for Glass as the designer had used the technology at a fashion runway show in New York last year.
Earlier in January this year, Google had first partnered with Luxottica group whose portfolio includes Ray-Ban, Oakley, Vogue-Eyewear. Of course, these branded Google Glass will cost you more than the original. The DVF Frame plus Glass will cost $1,620, while prescriptive lenses are an extra $105 as compared to the regular Google Glass which bears a price tag of $1,500.
Google Glass went on sale in the US last month after making it briefly available to people in ...
At the WWDC 2014 event in San Franscisco, Apple made a number of announcements that were improvements to the iOS and OS X platforms. One of the things that was common to both the platforms was a much better and improved in-built search engine. Spotlight, as Apple calls it, is now smarter, brighter and faster.
On the iOS, the search can be accessed by swiping down from the home screen. As always, results start appearing as soon as you start typing. But what has changed is the content that appears. The new spotlight search now provides more useful information about the content. If you are trying to search for a movie, then it displays the showtimes in nearby theaters. It allows users to open apps a well.
The OS X counterpart takes after the popular productivity application - Alfred. The new spotlight now occupies the center of the screen, unlike the notification bar adjacent position on the previous iterations. The new spotlight comes up with a lot of information about whatever you are searching for. For example, if you are searching for a contact, it shows the contact card and also displays the email conversations with them if any. It returns Google ...
Sony has launched XSP- N1BT, a Smartphone Cradle Receiver that would let you turn your smartphone into a car stereo. You can use the smartphone to control music, navigation, phone calls and text messages. This lets you place the smartphone securely in the dash. The new AppRemote interface uses the smartphone’s touchscreen to control head-unit functions via Bluetooth (Android devices) or via USB (iPhone). It also offers voice operation of both the head unit and the smartphone.
You can also use the XSP-N1BT as CD, USB and tuner source even without a smartphone. It comes equipped with a one touch NFC connection feature and it can also read your incoming mail, SMS, SNS automatically from car speakers. You can also use it as hands-free phone since it has a built-in microphone.
Features of Sony XSP- N1BT
Connect to your smartphone instantly with One-touch NFC and Bluetooth 3.1
Enjoy voice control and hear your messages read out with the App Remote 2.0
Charge on the go with a 1.5A high current battery charger
Hear everything loud and clear with an Advanced Sound Engine and a 10-band equalizer
Hear powerful sound with 4x55W Dynamic Reality amp
Built-in FM Radio and iPod Control Feature
External Mic Supplied & Steering Remote Input ...
KeyPoint Technologies, popular for Adaptxt Keyboard is bringing its keyboard to iOS devices. Apple opened up the iOS 8 to third-party keyboard developers. Swiftkey, Swype and Fleksy that are popular on Android devices had already announced that they would bring their keyboards to iOS. These third-party keyboards would have system wide access to all the services or applications.
Adaptxt launched Wink It for Android with emoticon and image prediction recently. Apple already has QuickType keyboard that predicts the user's next word automatically as they type. Even though this feature is already available in most keyboards for Android, it would be interesting to see how the competitors plan to implement these features.
Announcing the Adaptxt keyboard for iOS, Sumit Goswami, CEO of KeyPoint Technologies said,
We applaud Apple on iOS 8 and its decision to open up to third parties for an enriched experience. We have been working for some time on an iOS keyboard app. We are excited that Apple’s iOS 8 will support keyboards like ours in the fall when it debuts.
We have been putting a lot into development to fine tune our context-aware typing that identifies the location of the user and what application they are running to provide more accurate and contextual ...
At the Apple Developer Conference event WWDC 2014 in San Francisco, which was held yesterday, Apple announced a lot of improvements and new features for their OS X and iOS operating systems. The iOS 8, as it would be called, will succeed iOS 7 and will be available for devices - iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. Of course it would debut on the upcoming iPhone 6. However, iPhone 4, which was a significant milestone for Apple has been left out of iOS 8 support, meaning that iOS 7 would be its last operating system.
The iPhone 4 has modest specifications when compared to the current day smartphones, but still manages to run iOS 7's graphics and animation heavy UI. When iOS 7 was launched for iPhone 4, it was a slow and painful experience for the users. By leaving out the iOS 8 update for the iPhone 4 users, Apple has done the right thing by not providing a patchy and slow interface.
All the iOS devices since iPhone 4S would be eligible for the iOS 8 update and the update is expected to be available in Fall, later this year.
To much applause, Apple's CEO unveiled their latest mobile operating system, iOS 8, at the WWDC event in San Francisco yesterday. It's easily one of the biggest iOS releases ever, but this time, rather than having a bucket load of new end user features, Apple has instead focused on tons of developer features. Most of these features are usually invisible to the end user, and make an impact only when widely utilized by developers. But there are some iOS 8 developer features that already show potential, in terms of prospective apps and functionality for the us, the end users. So we have picked out 5 completely new ones, which, we think, will matter to us, when iOS 8 lands on our iPhones.
Homekit -
Apple has been rumoured to enter the home automation space for quite a long time now, and with iOS 8, it is finally happening. We had already seen some crazy apps for controlling all the devices from a hotel room and even device-specific apps for smart LED lighting like Phillips Hue or Thermostats like Nest, but they all used their own technologies and platforms, making control of different items app-specific. Apple's Homekit will provide a common network protocol ...
Soon after Google pushed out the Android 4.4.3 factory images, Motorola has announced that the unlocked variants of Moto X (T-Mobile), Moto G (U.S and Brazil) and Moto E (U.S.) would start getting the Android 4.4.3 (KitKat) update starting this week. This minor update would bring improved dialer with a new interface, new colors to enhance consistency and usability and several stability, framework and security fixes in addition to accuracy improvements to the power profile.
For Motorola devices, this update would bring improved camera image quality for the Moto X, pause option for video recording and Motorola Alert app for Moto X and Moto G. Check out the complete changelog for each devices.
New features in Android 4.4.3 update for Moto X
Camera - Improved image quality Improved camera image quality including better consistency of exposure, more realistic flash coloring, improved photos in low light conditions using front camera.
Camera - Pause video recording Added the ability to pause video recording with a convenient pause/resume button on the viewfinder.
Updated Phone dialer - Updated Phone dialer with a new graphical layout and colors to improve consistency and usability.
Enables Motorola Alert Application download - New Motorola Alert application sends periodic alerts with your location to your selected contacts.
New features in Android ...
We are here at Taipei , Taiwan for Computex 2014 and today is the day 2 of the Ford Superfan Contest . Ford is showing off the all new 2015 Mustang for the first time at Computex 2014.
Contest 2 question
In Asia Pacific, the all-new Ford Mustang will come with which two engine options?
Do tweet your answers with the hashtag #fordcomputex for a chance to win some goodies every day from June 3rd to June 6th here at FoneArena
Click here to tweet your answer and enter into the contest.
Catch a Live demo of What’s at the Ford Stand and the AppInspire Wall
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow7zwpuDgjA
Do follow the event on Facebook at the Ford Computex page
And the winner for day 1 is Vipin Kumar.
Instagram's focus so far has been on simplicity and while the company did start building in more features, the focus still remained on the 18 filters built in. Instagram, now owned by Facebook, has been able to build a huge community by leveraging this simplicity. Now it is about to take a step forward by adding in extensive editing controls.
Instagram 6.0, set to roll out over the next few days for both iOS and Android, will let you adjust contrast, saturation, warmth, brightness, highlights, shadows, vignettes and sharpness in all photos. This brings it right in line with some of the more advanced editing applications out there. Tapping the tool brings up a slider that you can use to make adjustments on a 100 point scale. This works across all the variables involved. Additionally, Instagram 6.0 also allows you to adjust filter strength which is something that can come in extremely handy depending on the image involved.
Instagram 6.0 comes at a time when applications like VSCO cam, Snapseed and many others have started eating into its market share due to their granular controls. The advanced controls should go a long way in helping Instagram retain and grow its market ...
Motorola which has bounced back in the smartphone business with its budget and mid range smartphones is now moving to accessories. The company has launched a bluetooth audio streaming device that connects to your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer up to 300 feet of “roam range”.
Dubbed as Moto Stream, the device can wirelessly stream music throughout your home speakers and has the ability to connect up to 5 Bluetooth devices simultaneously and also has NFC to pair easily. It offers a “Heist Mode" which allows any user to change the track at any point of time.The Moto Stream uses Bluetooth to stream music and hence works with Android, iOS, Windows Phone and more.
Users can play purchased music or tunes from streaming services such as Spotify, Google Music and Pandora. Finally, the device has a funky colourful look and is shaped as a small polygon with different colours that light up when connected.
The Moto Stream is available today for $49.99 from Motorola.com and will be available from Radio Shack stores in the US on June 6. Motorola is still technically a Google company, the Lenovo’s $2.9 billion purchase of the company is expected to complete later this year.
Check out the video ...
Google released Android KitKat factory images for Nexus devices and Motorola also announced that it will bring the latest update to its devices (X, G and E) this week. Now, owners of Google Play Edition HTC One M7, M8 and Sony Z Ultra are receiving the 4.4.3 update. HTC has also uploaded the kernel source for this update for the One M7 and M8 devices.
Moreover, Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition owners are also receiving 4.4.3 update along with the aforementioned lot. Google had said that the latest update is mostly under-the-hood improvements to security, stability, power profiles, and general bug fixes. Also, we know that the update will bring a revamped dialer with lighter colour scheme and new UI.
Other Google Play Edition devices are expected to receive similar updates in near future and you will get an update once it is available.
Via
MediaTek has announced LinkIt, the company's latest development platform aimed at wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) markets at the Computex 2014 in Taiwan. LinkIt has built-in MediaTek Aster System on Chip (SoC) that is designed for developers to create affordable wearable and Internet of Things products for super-mid markets.
MediaTek would also launch MediaTek Labs, a worldwide ecosystem initiative for the developer community later this year that would support developers in creation of wearable devices and IoT applications based on the LinkIt platform. It would offer software development kits (SDKs), hardware development kits (HDKs), technical documentation, as well as technical and business support.
In addition to the MT2502 Asher that includes the Modem, microcontroller and Bluetooth, the LinkIt platform also comes with optional MT3332 GPS and MT5931 WiFi modules.
Highlights of MediaTek LinkIt
MediaTek Aster measures only 5.4x6.2mm and is specifically designed for wearable devices
Developer platform supported by reference designs that enable creation of various form factors, functionalities and internet connected services
Synergies between microprocessor unit and communication modules, facilitating development and saving time in new device creation
Modularity in software architecture provides developers with high degree of flexibility
Supports over-the-air (OTA) updates for apps, algorithms and drivers
Plug-in software development kit (SDK) for Arduino and VisualStudio; ...
Motorola announced the Motorola Moto X nearly nine months ago and it was the company's first smartphone after being taken over by Google. The smartphone was the company's flagship and at that time, it could not compete with the top of the range specs laden flagships that came with 1080p displays and powerful quad-core processors. Moto X took a different approach by making the smartphone extremely compact and it was branded as Made in USA.
At launch, the smartphone was priced at $549 off contract which was on the expensive side. It has been nine months since then and Motorola had slashed the price of Moto X once. Now, they are doing it again - but this time, it is a limited period offer and you get $100 off on the 32GB variant of Moto X. The 32GB variant of Moto X now costs 349.99$ and will be available for the discounted price only for two days - June 4 and June 5.
Motorola had launched the Moto X 16GB in India a couple of months back for Rs. 23,999 (regular version) and Rs. 25,999(for the wooden back edition).
Ostendo Technologies is working on advanced chip that can bring hologram technology to our smartphones. The California based company has created a tiny Tic Tac-sized projector that can project visible 3D holograms and bring us closer to virtual reality, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Founded by Dr. Hussein S. El-Ghoroury, the company claims that incredibly small projectors can now be used to power entire holograms and just one chip is enough to supply the power for a full image. The company has been working for past nine years on this technology with an employee strength of 115. Ostendo's hologram technology can piece together 3D images with up to 5,000 pixels per inch. The small projector can be easily fitted into the smartphone and has the ability to project 3D images on surface at sizes of up to 48 inches.
The device dubbed the Quantum Photonic Imager is controlled by a computer chip that will in turn control the brightness, contrast, angle and colors that each light beam will be comprised of in the 1,000,000 pixels it projects.WSJ report further states that first release will be available in the summer of 2015 and is expected to work only in two dimensions, but the next update ...
In a bid to further enhance its Internet.org initiative, Facebook has acquired mobile data startup Pryte for an undisclosed sum. Facebook's Internet.org is a global project which aims to provide mobile internet access to users in underdeveloped parts of the world.
Founded in 2013, Pryte enables smartphone users to download applications using temporary mobile data allowances. The Helsinki-based startup has yet to start its operations has developed mobile internet packs based around particular app usage. These plans are more suitable in the emerging markets as it enables limited data package download instead of buying bulk data. Pryte has also been developing relationships with wireless companies from booming emerging markets
Since we launched Pryte we have worked to reimagine the way mobile data works in an app-driven world, by enabling partnerships between app and content providers, and mobile operators. Now, we're joining Facebook, whose mission to connect the world by partnering with operators to bring people online in a profitable way aligns closely with our team’s goals.
said Pryte in a company blog post.
The Pryte's team will be part of the Internet.org effort and work out of Facebook's offices in London and Singapore. Facebook kick started its acquisition spree this year in February by buying WhatsApp for $19 billion. In March ...
At the Computex 2014 keynote, Microsoft showed off new smartphones running Windows Phone 8.1, manufactured by their new partners. This includes, Prestigio, BLU, YEZZ, InFocus. All these devices are based on Qualcomm reference design. Microsoft announced new OEMs at the MWC 2014 back in February and added couple more OEMs to the list at the Build 2014 in April. Recently the company announced BLU and Amagatarai K-Touch as their partners. New Windows Phone devices from new manufacturers is expected to increase the market share of Windows Phone.
BLU would launch a 5-inch device running on Windows Phone 8.1. Complete specifications of the device is not available yet. It is expected to launch in the U.S, Europe and Latin America by this month. The Prestigio MultiPhone 8400 DUO and the MultiPhone 8500 DUO are powered by 1.2 GHz quad-core processors, have a 8-megapixel rear cameras with LED flash and come with Dual SIM support.
The Prestigio MultiPhone 8400 DUO has a 4.0-inch (480x800 pixels) IPS display, features a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera in addition to a 8-megapixel rear camera. The Prestigio MultiPhone 8500 DUO 5.0-inch (720x1280 pixels) IPS display with Corning Gorilla glass protection, 1 GB RAM, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, in addition to a ...
The Android logo is about to get a makeover according to a recently leaked video. A video that was leaked by @Upleaks on Twitter shows a boot animation video of the LG G Watch. LG G Watch is the first Android Wear smartwatch to hit the markets this year.
The 17 seconds long video shows a very colourful dots in yellow, blue, red and green, which are used in Google logo. It is similar to the boot animation of Nexus devices. Also, the animation suggests features the LG G Watch offers like the alarm and weather forecast.
At the end of the video the android logo appears but not in traditional green colour along with the small green mascot. This time the android logo is slim along with cleaner typeface. It is not confirmed whether this logo is for Android in general or is specifically limited to Android Wear. Either way if there is a new logo it is expected that Google will introduce it at the I/O conference later this month.
Check out the video below for the "possible" new Android logo
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yks-GuClSJ8
Via:Phandroid
