Welcome to Gadgets Reviews and News: 01/11/14

Saturday, 11 January 2014

Sony fuels speculation that it will release a Windows Phone

Sony is rumored to be considering launching a Windows Phone this year, and now the company has confirmed it’s still in discussions with Microsoft. Speaking to TechRadar this week, Sony’s European mobile chief, Pierre Perron, says the company doesn’t want to be a “single OS manufacturer, noting it’s not a viable position long term. "[Working with Microsoft] is an interesting proposition for us in the PC environment, and we continue our engagement with them,” says Perron. "We are exploring this as part of our discussion in mobile space too. One thing is using the platform [Windows Phone] itself, and another is 'what can we deliver on top of it'?"Images of prototype Sony Windows Phoneshave emerged several times over the past few years, and it’s almost certain that the company has been experimenting with Microsoft’s phone software. Perron has also previously revealed Sony was working with Microsoft in 2012. The latest hints come just weeks after rumors suggested Sony and ZTE were both considering Windows Phone 8 hardware. Microsoft is expected to detail a Windows Phone 8.1 update in April, and it’s almost certain that associated hardware will be ready for when the new software launches. Any future Sony Windows Phone may be branded with Vaio, the same moniker used for Sony’s range of Windows PCs.Nokia currently dominates Windows Phone market share and it’s understandable that Microsoft would want to rely on other phone makers to push the platform. The software giant is even considering lowering licensing fees for Windows Phone in an effort to attract more hardware partners. It’s key for Microsoft to find additional support for Windows Phone through established phone vendors, and it’s possible that Sony might be the next big name to put its name to Windows Phone hardware.

Here's how to stop anyone on Google+ from emailing your Gmail account

Google announced deeper integration between Gmail and Google+ on Thursday, confirming your Google+ connections will now auto-appear as potential recipients when composing an email.

Google has long kept Gmail contacts updated via Google+, but now the Internet giant allows its free email service to suggest your Google+ connections as recipients when you're composing a new message.

Google said its new feature will roll out “over the next couple of days” to anyone who uses both Gmail and Google+. However, if you'd like stop this feature (i.e., stop anyone on Google+ from emailing your Gmail account), you're in luck.

Pocket-lint has compiled a step-by-step guide on how to adjust your settings and disable the feature. Thus, you'll never get random emails from people on Google+. Check it out below.

But first, learn about how Google already tries to prevent Google+ connections from spamming your inbox...

Google's security measures

Google's new Gmail/Google+ integration might seem like a serious breach of privacy, but Google has actually added a few security measures to protect you.

For instance, your email address isn't visible to Google+ connections unless you reply to their emails. Similarly, their email addresses aren't visible to you until you reply.

Google's new feature also works with Gmail’s inbox categories. That means emails from people in your circles will appear in the Primary category. All other Google+ messages will go to the Social category, if you've enabled this setting.

In addition, you'll only receive Google+ emails in the Social category once. That's because you must respond or add people to your circles in order to receive further communication.

Got it? Good. Now, if you still want to adjust your settings and disable the feature, continue reading.

Email via Google+ settings

Gmail will let you control whether people on Google+ can email you with a new setting called “Email via Google+”. If this setting isn't visible yet, then it hasn’t rolled out to your account. Be patient - it'll land soon.
With this setting, you can choose the type of people on Google+ who can email you. This includes "anyone on Google+," "extended circles," "circles," and "no one." To choose your preference, follow the steps below.

Go to Gmail’s setting page. (Just click the gear symbol in the top right of Gmail, and then click select Settings.)
Scroll down to the “Email via Google+” section under the “General” tab.
Click the drop-down menu, and then change “Anyone on Google+” to your preference. (Selecting “No one" will completely disable Google's new feature.)
Scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click on “Save Changes".

Voila! You've disabled Google's new feature. You no longer need to worry about receiving emails from anyone on Google+

At least three' more major US retailers reportedly suffer data breaches

Target and Neiman Marcus could be the tip of the iceberg, if a new Reuters report is correct. The organization writes that at least three other US retailers also suffered data breaches "using similar techniques" to the one that penetrated Target last month. Reuters doesn't specify the names of the companies affected, only that they are "well-known US retailers" which do their business in shopping malls, and aren't yet certain whether the people responsible for the Target breach — which exposed up to 70 million names, email address, and phone numbers — perpetrated these cyberattacks as well.

Target's business was notably affected by its breach, with the company announcing that sales might have fallen as much as 2.5 percent compared to the prior year due to the breach, so it's not surprising that other companies might not have come forward to announce that their data had been compromised unless compelled by law. However, Reuters' sources suggest that the other companies experienced smaller breaches than the one at Target, so perhaps the type or amount of data stolen wasn't sufficient to require a major announcement.

Microsoft is currently working on an "Update 1" for Windows 8.1, but the company has bigger plans for the future of Windows as part of a "Threshold" wave of updates. Windows watcher Paul Thurrott reports that the company’s Threshold plans will involve a release of Windows 9 around April 2015. Microsoft will allegedly unveil its vision for Windows 9 at the company’s Build 2014 developer conference in April, with a release planned for a year later.

It appears that Microsoft is currently planning to use the Windows 9 branding and vision as a way to move away from some of the criticisms of the Windows 8 operating system. It’s not immediately clear what type of changes will be made to Windows 9, but "Metro 2.0" inside the new OS will reportedly include a major focus on improving Microsoft’s new app world and tiles. Previous rumors have suggested Microsoft is planning to separate out its Windows 8-style ("Metro") apps to allow them to float and run in separate windows on the traditional desktop. The Verge understands Microsoft is also planning a Start menu return for Windows 9, but that the company may deliver this early in a second "Update 2" for Windows 8.1 later this year.

BUILD 2014 WILL SET THE VISION FOR WINDOWS 9

Microsoft will reportedly use three major milestone development points for Windows 9, but it’s not clear how many of them will be released to the public during the development period. The software maker is currently in the final planning stages for Windows 9 and work is expected to begin after the Build 2014 developer conference in April. It sounds like Microsoft will use Build 2014 as a launch point for its vision of Windows 9, detailing some of the planned changes in an attempt to generate excitement around the company’s future plans.

Windows certainly needs excitement, Windows 8-style apps, and innovation if Microsoft is to succeed with its vision of a hybrid tablet and desktop operating system. If Microsoft manages to pull off a Windows 9 release with significant improvements over Windows 8 then that may relegate Windows 8 to a Vista-like release in the minds of consumers. The company clearly isn’t confident with any continued use of the Windows 8 brand in the same way that Apple does with its OS X point releases. While there will be further tweaks to Windows 8.1 shortly, Windows 9 looks to be the next major release.

When you’ve got a design for a watch as ubiquitous as the Casio G-Shock on the market, you’re allowed to be late to the new technology party. This year Casio’s entry in the STB-100 comes in the form of Bluetooth 4.0 and a sports-tracking collection of bits and pieces in their slightly modified G-Shock design. While we’re not about to suggest this watch is in any way more all-inclusive than its smartwatch competitors from Sony, Samsung, Pebble, and the many others shown off this week at CES 2014, Casio still retains that built-in fan base they’ve cultivated for years.

Attaching itself to the iPhone alone, this particular sports watch is aimed at two groups - those that already own a G-Shock and want to expand their collection into the Bluetooth/smartwatch realm, and those that are looking for a sports-tracking device and don’t want to appear to actually be wearing one of these new-fangled “Smartwatch” thingies, so to speak. Casio has molded this device to look as naturally un-smart as any past model.

The iPhone app for the STB-100 - as they were showing off this week - is just about as bare-bones as a connected app gets. You’ll be able to control your music and track your steps in a variety of ways. You'll be able to track your running pace, time elapsed while running, distance traveled, and data for biking with its built-in cadence sensor.

For an Apple user used to listening to music on the go, this device’s control setup allows you to be able to press a button on your watch to switch music tracks, and that’s about it. Something rather similar to what you’re doing already with the wire connecting you to your earbuds, more than likely. One way or another, you’ll be able to skip a track.

At the moment it does not appear that Casio is doing just one whole heck of a lot with the data you’re getting,* but it does seem that they’ll be expanding their software soon - we’ll have to wait and see. Wait for the actual release of this device this year, that is.

*UPDATE: This watch will be connecting to Abvio’s Runmeter, Walkmeter, and Cyclemeter, as well as the app known as Wahoo Fitness. Casio is also working with other developers to expand this collection in the near future.

Source:www.slashgear.com

Nintendo 3DS game sales hit 'record-setting' 16 million in 2013

Nintendo wants to remind you that while Microsoft and Sony have experienced recent successes with their new gaming consoles it, too, has seen a significant uptick in sales. But for handheld games.
The company published an annual overview on Friday, revealing it sold a "record-setting" 16 million 3DS games in 2013. That's a 45 percent increase over last year. Nintendo also announced that US consumers gobbled up 11.5 million Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS handheld consoles last year, compared to 35 million units total for lifetime sales.
Due to the response from consumers, Scott Moffitt, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Nintendo USA, claimed the company has no plans to slow down in 2014: "With more games featuring fan-favorite franchises on the way, the best days of Nintendo 3DS are still to come," he explained.
In fact, Nintendo has more Nintendo 3DS games planned for early 2014, including Bravery Default (launching on 7 February), Azran Legacy (launching on 28 February), Yoshi’s New Island (launching on 14 March), Disney Magical, (launching on 11 April), and more.

Announced at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, Sony will soon be introducing a new approach in gaming. Beginning this year, Sony will be rolling out a method that will allow subscribers to play some of their greatest gaming hits without the use of a console. Amazing and yet disturbing news considering how many millions of people have just purchased PS4′s, outselling Microsoft Xbox One’s by a million units.

What Sony’s proposing is to being allowing their latest smart TVs, (2014 Sony Bravia), PS4′s, PS3′s and PSVita’s to stream back catalogue games through the cloud. We already know that Sony plunged heap loads of dollars, (the $380m acquisition of Gaikai in 2012) and man hours into developing their new cloud server system, we just didn’t know how vast their scope was in doing so. Now that it’s complete, Sony fully intends to take full advantage of its capabilities and plan on continuing to do so far into the future.

The initial roll out will be a US only, restricted test of the services beginning later this month with plans to begin a more expansive launch this summer. The Sony Bravia TVs will be the first devices utilizing this new service, but Sony also plans to open the market up to 3rd parties. While Sony has yet to provide many details as to what other platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, etc. will be able to access this fine new feature, Samsung, one of Sony’s chief rivals, has said that they plan on Partnering with Sony to allow their TVs to offer game access as well.

Laptops are not in the best of places in the current computer market. Tablets are rapidly overtaking their place as the most popular format for getting your web surfing and email done. But they’re not going down without a fight, as Toshiba proves with their latest laptop.

4K…ish

Granted, their new laptop, the Satellite P50t, isn’t quite a 4K laptop. The screen resolution is actually 3,840 x 2,160 display, which is close enough, really, since the screen is only fifteen inches; realistically you won’t be able to tell the difference between a 4K playback and a Blu-Ray, unless it’s a particularly bad upscaling. But it’s still much, much higher resolution than many laptops, and that’s enough in this arena to draw a lot of attention. Really, let’s face it, with this kind of thing, it’s about the raw numbers!

But What Kind Of Power?

That said, Toshiba was rather tight-lipped about anything else about this computer. The processors promise to be about in line with what you can get from computers in this price range, and by all accounts, it’ll be a fairly standard computer otherwise. Which is an interesting choice, not least because Toshiba seems to be competing against themselves with a dirt-cheap Chromebook that has at least an inch on the competition. Apparently Toshiba will be fighting it out with screen sizes this year.

Higher And Higher

Still, no matter how you slice it, it’s fairly impressive that Toshiba has managed to cram such a pixel-dense panel into such a relatively small space. And it is nice to see that even if laptops are struggling to keep their market share, companies are still willing to put out flashy models. And hey, if nothing else, with Netflix streaming 4K soon, you’ll be able to put that fancy high resolution laptop to use.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Is A Midrange Phablet Coming Soon

There are some joys to owning a larger phone. Games are easier to play. Images are clearer. Children sing constantly wherever you go. OK, maybe not that last part, but there is something about a bigger phone that can be appealing… or at least, so Samsung hopes.

My Name Is Neo

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is, despite the name, not a step up from the Note 3, Samsung’s current high-end megaphone. Instead it’s actually a midrange version, situated halfway between the Note 2 and the Note 3. Essentially imagine those two phones having a relatively inexpensive baby, and you’ve got the general idea. The Note 3 Neo will have the looks of the Note 3, but a more modest processor.

Neologism

Essentially, the big difference is in the guts of the Neo. It’s got a “hexa” processing set up, which means there’s a 1.7 Ghz dual-core processor and a 1.3Ghz quad-core stuffed in the Neo. That’s a better setup than the Note 2′s lonely quad-core processor, but the Note 3 is packing two quad-core processors, so if it’s raw power you want, you’re going to have to buy a Note 3. Also taking a step down is the camera, which is essentially the same as the Note 2′s. But it does get the smart gestures and the Magazine UX, so those are some good bonuses.

Oh, and yes, it will still come with the little pen that slots into the body. It wouldn’t be a Note without one of those, after all.

Aiming For The Middle

There’s no pretending that the Galaxy Note 3 Neo is anything other than a midrange phone. But by the same token, it’s nice to know that they’re still making those phones, and that people who want to get a bigger phone without breaking the budget will be able to have their needs met. Or at least those of us playing Tapped Out will be able to get more real estate.

Source:www.gadgetreview.com

Need a cheap, high performance desktop? Today you can grab a Dell XPS 8700 Haswell-powered desktop for $700, tying the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this config. The tower’s fully equipped with Core i7-4770 processor, GeForce GT 635, and 8GB RAM.
Pair that with a $135 HP Pavilion 23xi IPS LED monitor – you’ll be getting the best deal ever on it by $18. Photos and videos will pop thanks to the increased color gamut coverage and wide viewing angles.
And if you want to brush up on educational literature, Amazon makes it a little easier and cheaper today with a sale offering up to 80% off educational books on Kindle

Cull:www .gadgetreview.com

The bicycle is one of the more effective means of conveyance out there. But it’s also not necessarily one best-suited to our connected lifestyle; if you see a cyclist on his or her phone, you’re probably seeing somebody about to get hit by a semi. But that doesn’t mean there can’t be some phone-friendly innovations on your bike, and Trek and Samsung would like to show off a few.

Charging While Pedaling

The first, and simplest, addition is a charging cradle between the handlebars. Designed, as you may have guessed, for Samsung devices, you simply slot your device in between and can use it as a GPS or other tool while your pedaling ensures it doesn’t lose any juice. In other words, it’s fairly similar to devices we’ve seen and tried out, but with a Samsung focus. The other bike is, however, the more interesting.

Tracking Your Cycling

The second prototype uses sensors and syncs with your Galaxy Gear to track your workout as you cycle. That’s pretty interesting not least because it’s been difficult for cycling fans to get accurate data on what they’re achieving; most cycling apps are essentially running apps with different algorithms. If the sensor set becomes more common, it might be better able to tell you where you’re slacking and where you’re doing well. And, hey, it’d bring cycling in line with most other sports.

Charging Up

These bicycles are just prototypes, for now: Samsung was showing them off as part of their CES booth, and it’s not clear when, if ever, we might see this technology gracing bike shops. But it’s definitely some interesting stuff, and if anybody’s got the reach to put a product like this out there, it’s Samsung. We’ll keep you posted when it starts looking like it’ll be widely available.

Coming completely out of left field with a release of Star Wars headphones - officially licensed and everything - was 50 Cent and SMS Audio. It’s difficult to describe the way this new cross-section of Star Wars headphones looks and feels without being there with them in your own hands, as it were. It’s almost as if they’re made to look like they’re made for children, but continue to impose the possibility of high-end sound - an interesting market to be going after, for sure.

Since we’ve already had a close-up look and listen with this model in is original form - and in pink, if you like - there’s little to be said about the sound quality of the “Street by 50” model of on-ear wired headphones. They sound great - they’re balanced well and are made to be used by the higher-end hobby user. What’s left now is to decide who will be considering owning this particular set of cans, now that they’re branded the way they are.

From afar, these headphones look rather strong. The Boba Fett model - the green one with the leafy logo on the sides - appeals to us the most when glanced upon from a distance. It’s a bit strange seeing these sets up-close, though, as the extra-fat logo blasts of plastic makes the whole set seem a bit less authentic, visually, than we’d like. This is only a first-impression, of course, but for now they seem more like a younger-audience-aimed design than anything.

The full set of “limited edition” Star Wars SMS Audio “Street by 50” model on-ear headphones will be available in Q2 2014 here in the USA. They’ll be appearing with a cool $199.95 USD price-tag, and we’re unaware - at the moment - of how many of each set will be produced. More likely than a limited number of units is the idea that they’ll continue to be produced until SMS Audio’s licensing term with Lucasfilm (owned by Disney) expires.

Also making an appearance this week were a set of Street by 50 on-ear wired headphons in a "Sport Collection." These brightly colored beasts are IPX4 rated for liquid protection and resistance - for sweat, most likely. This new collection also works with OVALFIT perforated leather memory foam around 40mm drivers - these will also be coming in with give color choices soon - orange, yellow, pink, blue, and green with black, all for MSRP $179.99 USD.

Lenovo ThinkPad 8 is an 8.3-inch Windows tablet, which is touted as a “full PC in the Palm of your hands”. That’s a bold statement, and we’ve seen Windows tablets before that couldn’t hold up under the pressure. As Microsoft tries to find a true cross-reference OS, Lenovo tries to bring some true power to back it up. In Las Vegas at CES 2014, we got the chance for a quick hands-on with the new Windows tablet.

To start, the ThinkPad 8 is comfortable in-hand. The form factor is one we were suspect of, as Windows lends itself to a larger screen. Though screen size isn’t everything, it’s important when considering a Windows tablet, and we were just plain suspicious of the ThinkPad’s size. Comfortable to hold is one thing, a pleasure to use is the real benchmark, though.

Backed by an Intel quad-core Bay Trail processor, the ThinkPad 8 has a 2MP camera up front, and an 8MP shooter around back. Running Windows 8.1, and weighing just under a pound, the 8.8mm ThinkPad packs a lot into a small package. The screen is 1920 x 1200, making it more than capable of handling Window’s “metro” UI. In using the ThinkPad, we found ourselves happily surprised by what’s on offer, but a full PC?

Yes. The ThinkPad is, in regard to hardware, a full PC in a tiny package. While not the most robust Windows PC you can find (it’s still a tablet, after all), it gets the job done. The aluminum casing instilled a sense of confidence, and the responsiveness of the ThinkPad 8's screen and processor made it a pleasure to use in tablet form. Synced to a screen (we used Lenovo’s phenomenal 4K2K monitor), it actually becomes a very simple Windows PC. Again, not the top-end PC you might need, but for the professional on-the-go, it’s a true winner.

For consumers, this one offers even more utility. A PC wherever you go, whenever you want, without much compromise. Lenovo promises up to 8 hours battery life, which we sadly couldn’t task, but we’re not doubting that — yet. In our testing, we’d easily call this the best small Windows tablet on the market right now. We also really liked the Smart Cover Lenovo has for the ThinkPad 8, which is much like Apple’s offering. A neat flip-down corner wakes the rear camera, and brings quick shooting for those moments you just need to capture quickly.

Sony introduces two new Handycam models with projectors at CES 2014

For shooting videos, nothing comes in handier than a small camcorder. For actually viewing those videos, nothing is more frustrating. We’re often left to huddle around the small screen, or fumble with cables in an attempt to tether it to a TV or monitor. Sony has an interesting new take on viewing video, which we got the chance to check out at CES 2014.Their new lineup of Camcorders with projectors built right in seems like unnecessary novelty, but we’re not so sure about that.

To start, their lineup of full HD camcorders are really nice offerings on their own. Optical Steady Shot and 60x zoom bring the best Sony has to offer in camcorder technology, and has all the Sony acoutremants like the BIONZ X processor and Exmor sensor. Bump up to the PJ540 from the PJ340 and you get a better viewfinder, 5.1 channel microphone, and lighting. Both models come with a 25-lumen projector, which Sony has cobbled into a camcorder before, but these are a step up from their previous offerings.

Projectors can be suspect, especially in such a small package, but Sony has a pleasant offering here. We displayed video up to about 10 feet away with no problem, but you shouldn’t expect the best of both worlds with this one. The projector lacks things like focus we’d find with a standalone, but in such a small package, we’re impressed nonetheless.

Sony tells us these will be available this summer, but you should probably be sure you need them. We’re told the PJ340 will check in around $499, and the upgraded PJ540 will hit the $699 mark. Good camcorders in their own right, these are two that have the interesting projector added on, which is reflected in the price.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact hands-on

In the announcement of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, the company made a rather pointed suggestion - our best doesn't have to be our biggest. Working specifications that closely match those of the Sony Xperia Z1, this miniature device works with high-end processing power and a 20+ megapixel camera. Right next to the Xperia Z1, the Xperia Z1 Compact also looks like it's working with a display that's just as brilliant - as you'll see below.

This device has impressed us in a way that's not only based in the device itself, but in the idea that it'll open up a new trend for smaller smartphones through 2014. While users have been asking for smaller devices - like the Galaxy S4 Mini and HTC One Mini - to work with top-level power for some time, Sony delivers. They deliver in a variety of colors to boot!

This machine works with the ability to pair with the Sony Smartwatch 2, it's got a matching set of peripherals if you wish, and it's made with metal and glass. While we're still not too impressed with the fingerprint-magnet this device appears as right out of the box, we still come away impressed with the overall feel of the machine

Galaxy Note 3 mini (or Neo) brings line back a couple steps

A device with the (code) name Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo has appeared this week with specifications and a look that suggest Samsung is going back to basics. It’s like a combination of the Galaxy Note 3’s pen and back panel and he rest coming from the original Galaxy Note - even the camera and the LED flash are in the same place. Inspect these leaked images while you can.
You’ll find this device appearing through a leaked set of images from SamMobile where they suggest this device may be revealed in full at Mobile World Congress 2014. We’re not even a day out of CES 2014 and it’s time to move on, it would seem.

This device is tipped as working with a 5.55-inch display with Super AMOLED technology and 1280 x 720 pixels across it. That’s 265PPI, if you’re counting, and it’s attached to an 8-megapixel camera as well. Supposing you’ve not already agreed that this machine is made up of the parts of the original Galaxy Note, you’ll love it when it’s revealed that you’ve got a 3100mAh battery and what’s likely to be some sort of Qualcomm Snapdragon processor due to its ability to roll with 4G LTE.

Inside you can work with a microSD for memory expansion, or you can stick with this machine’s 16GB of internal storage right out of the box. It’s got four CPU cores and a couple of GPU cores at least. THere’s NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and an IR-blaster in this machine as well - and USB 3.0 for good measure.

UPDATE: It would now appear that we’re actually working with the Samsung-made Exynos 5260 hexa-core processor in this device. That means “Heterogeneous Multi-Processing”, or HMP, which also means the ability to roll with 6 cores at once. Strange stuff indeed.

iPhone 6 camera tipped to retain 8-megapixel sensor

It’s been suggested this week by suppliers overseas that Apple’s next iPhone will continue to work with an 8-megapixel sensor. While this - for those of you only counting these megapixels - means that the end resulting photos will be the same amount of pixels wide and tall, there’s still plenty of room left for improving the resulting images therein. It’s also been suggested that Apple’s current OIS - optical image stabilization - will be improved in their upcoming engine.

The tip comes from Nomura Securities in China where the China Post reports their chat with the team - apparently there’s been a rumor of similar parts being used in the next iPhone compared to the one that’s out right this minute. This bit of news apparently had adverse effects on Largan Precision, suppliers of Apple’s camera module.

Stocks “tumbled” for Largan once it was suggested in China that Apple’s next iPhone will not work with a 16-megapixel camera as it’s been anticipated by “industry observers”. Instead it could very well be that Apple’s improvements in the camera environment will be to the image quality, not the size of the image

In other words - the misconception that the amount of megapixels you’ve got is the most important factor in the quality of your camera prevails. Apple’s mod recent camera works with larger pixels and a new and improved flash module - next we’ll likely see tweaking in the pixels and the delivery once again. Stick around as the iPhone 6 rumors and leaks continue for the next several months at least!

VIA: MacRumors

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