The Google Now Launcher has been updated and is now available for all Nexus and Google Play Edition devices. From my perspective the advantage of this “stock” launcher is being able to swipe right to access Google Now cards that give you just the right information, at just the right time.
With a new smartphone announcement comes the inevitable stream of new smartphone accessories. Such is the case with the new Samsung Galaxy S5 introduction at Mobile World Conference. Proporta, a British accessory purveyor has announced a new line of Galaxy S5 accessories, featuring collaborations with Quiksilver and Barbour. Check out Proporta’s full line of Galaxy S5 accessories at their website.
This year at high schools and colleges there are more cases of head lice than any time in recent memory. While most years head lice are spread between younger kids, it is the increase in older teens with lice that sparked concerned. According to lice-treatment expert Nitless Noggins, there is a correlation between the rise of ‘group selfies’ and head lice.
If you’re an OS X 10.9 user and have not done so – now is the time to hit the “Software Update..” button. Apple just pushed out release 10.9.2 which is a critical security update that patches a vulnerability which could allow a third party on a shared wired or wireless network to intercept your bits and bytes. Additional info via MacRumors
If you are a recreational tennis player, chances are you wish you could improve your game but lack the time and/or money to join a club and get a coach. But now with MyTennisCam, you can simply mount a camera, switch it on and start playing! This IndieGoGo project promises to provide feedback and analytics to help you play better. Simply place MyTennisCam on the pole of the net and start playing. Three built in high-speed cameras and sensors track your movement and the trajectory of the ball in real-time. All of the game’s data and your stats are automatically…
One key new feature announced with the Samsung Galaxy S5 was the heartrate sensor. Located below the camera on back, the sensor grabs data from your fingertip and analyzes it to give heartrate feedback. The sensor – also in the Gear Fit, Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo – is powered by Heartbeat Analytics by Firstbeat, and they’ve provided more details!
There is a large number of people excited about the Samsung Galaxy S5 recently announced at Mobile World Congress. With a new phone comes new cases and accessories. X-Doria has announced three cases and a screen protector. The products will be available from X-Doria’s Amazon Marketplace and for pre-order from the X-Doria website. Prices range from $24.99 to $29.99.
Samsung announced the Galaxy S5 this week at Mobile World Congress, so naturally it is time to start seeing some accessories for the new phone. iLuv has introduced a line of cases that promise to be stylish, protective and functional. There are also three screen film options ranging from $9.99 to $19.99. The cases retail from $19.99 to $69.99. Preorder at the iLuve website.
Sony knows not every consumer is on the bleeding edge of technology, but they still want a great smartphone experience. The Sony Xperia M2 is a mid-range Android product with big-time specs, from a 4.8″ screen to an 8 megapixel camera with various Sony apps to perfect every shot. Check out the hands-on video below for all the details!
Sony is showing off the accessories for their new Sony Xperia Z2 Smartphone and Tablet. Among them are a quality XY microphone, a noise canceling headset that uses the smartphone as the brains of the cancellation, a waterproof SmartBand fitness band, and a totally cool tablet remote that doubles as a handset for making calls via tablet. Check the video for pricing. Here’s a closer look at some of the key accessories.
Nokia may be owned by Microsoft, but they’re looking at every possible angle to gather marketshare, even by trying Android! Their new Nokia X, X2 and XL phones run a modified version of Android with Nokia-specific proprietary software. Check out the video and gallery below for a hands-on of these Android-Nokia mashups!
I’ve tried the FitBit Flex, Nike Fuel, and Jawbone UP; while each fitness band had its positive points, there always seems to be something … lacking. At their event last night, Samsung introduced their Gear 2 and Gear Fit watches; one of these may be the all-in-one watch and fitness band combo I’ve been waiting for.
Sony’s new flagship, the Xperia Z2, promises to be even better than its predecessor. It’s waterproof in freshwater for up to 5 feet and 30 minutes, has 4K video capability, and a gorgeous 5.2″ screen. I’ve had some hands-on time with one, and I love the glass body and build quality. Click through for more pics and a video walk-through.
So here’s a sweet deal for those of you looking to purchase an Xbox One. Microsoft is now offering an Xbox One Titanfall bundle, which includes the Xbox One, a digital download of Titanfall, and a month of Xbox Live; all for the price of your standard Xbox One. This almost makes me wish I wasn’t an early adopter. Almost.
There is a wolf in sheep’s clothing over in the Lexus stable and it comes in the form of the flagship 2014 Lexus LX 570 full-size luxury SUV. Be it atop the Continental Divide or the swankiest new spot in South Beach, occupants arrive in opulent style for any occasion in any location in this capable three-row luxury utility vehicle.
When was the last time you enjoyed reading on your mobile? I read more on iPad because sites are poorly scaled for phones – too few words, font too small, whatever. A new company called Spritz is partnering with Samsung to develop technology for the Galaxy S5 and Gear devices that helps speed up reading and make it more enjoyable.
Judie spent time with Plantronics during the second day of Mobile World Congress 2014 and got to see a next-generation concept headset. It tracks head movement in nine different directions. They see an assortment of great consumer applications as well as uses for first responders. Of course, the headset is also great for gaming. Check out the video!
Smartwatches are the hot gear of 2014, but they still have an aura of “geek” around them. If you’re craving something stylish AND smart, check out Creoir’s new Ibis watch. It features Bluetooth, touchscreen, iOS and Android integration and notifications, but also showcases a fashion-first design. Stay tuned for more from Judie on Ibis at Mobile World Congress!
At Mobile World Conference, The Eye Tribe, a Danish motion tracking firm has announced the beta release of the world’s first affordable eye motion tracking software development kit. With this technology, you could potentially control your smartphone just by looking at it. Affordable eye tracking brings with it a load of future possibilities. For more, check out the video below.
Sony has continued to struggle in many ways, yet at the same time keeps producing some amazing gear – and at MWC the trend continues. Today at MWC Sony launches new Xperia devices including the Xperia Z2, the Tablet Z2 and the mid-range M2. Each of these bring competitive prices, high-end features, slick designs and the legendary Sony build quality.
We brought word of the new Plantronics BackBeat FIT yesterday and posted a first look video. (See it.) Judie spent some time with both colors of the new stereo Bluetooth headset at MWC 2014. They look great, have nice specs and, most importantly, the sound terrific. The BackBeat FIT arrives in April but you can check out the gallery now.