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Wednesday, September 2, 2015

FYI: New Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Won’t Work With First Gen Chargers

Just a heads-up, but if you are buying the new Moto 360 (2nd gen) and happen to have a bunch of chargers lying around from the original Moto 360, we have been told that those chargers are “not compatible” with the new watch. Same goes for the 2nd gen’s chargers – they are not compatible with the original 360. I couldn’t tell you why because I don’t have either in front of me, but that’s what the review information I have states. 

It’s a bit odd, since both wirelessly charge Moto 360 watches and are a similar design. I mean, Qi wireless charging is Qi wireless charging, right? Maybe the old watch just doesn’t fit properly in the new charger?

Below, you can see top down images of each. There is a bit of a difference in the tray that the watch sits in, but still, it’s a bit odd. Once we have a review unit, we’ll test it, don’t you worry.

2nd gen 1st gen

NEW vs. OLD

Here is the quote from Motorola:

“Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) watches are not compatible with our first generation of wireless chargers. Moto 360 (1st Gen.) watches are not compatible with our second generation of wireless chargers.”

If you want additional chargers outside of the charger that comes with the Moto 360, stores like the Google Store will have them for around $40.

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Check Out Motorola’s First Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Commercial

Motorola has released its first TV spot for the new Moto 360 (2nd Gen) smartwatch, highlighting the device’s design and ability to streamline your mobile life. 

During the minute-long spot, a few of the usable apps for Android Wear are highlighted, such as the Delta and Lyft apps, as well the user’s ability to use voice controls to speak to the watch.

Be on the lookout for this to hit the airwaves soon.

Pre-order your new Moto 360 yet?

Check Out Motorola’s First Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Commercial is a post from: Droid Life



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This is the New Verizon Logo

Apparently, it’s logo changing week with major tech companies. This is Verizon’s new logo that will arrive tomorrow on Verizon’s website, before making its major rollout to their marketing materials on September 10.

Thoughts?

This is the New Verizon Logo is a post from: Droid Life



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NVIDIA Falling Behind on Replacement SHIELD Tablet Shipments After Recall Affects Nearly 90K Owners

In late July, NVIDIA issued a recall for SHIELD Tablets purchased between July, 2014 and July, 2015. According to an email hitting the inbox of at least one purchaser that we know of, NVIDIA and the 3rd-party company who handles the replacement of affected tablets is struggling to meet the needs for a portion of the nearly 90,000 owners affected. 

As it was, the wait for a replacement tablet was set between 2 to 4 weeks, but we have one reader who has not had a usable tablet for 5 weeks now after submitting a claim for a replacement. As stated on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website, which details the recall, 83,000 tablets in the US are affected by the recall, in addition to another 5,000 that were purchased in Canada.

Here is the email hitting patient customers’ inbox.

Dear NVIDIA tablet owner,

We apologize for the delay in sending your replacement SHIELD Tablet.

We are fulfilling claims as quickly as we can, in the order in which they were received. In some cases, we are running behind our target delivery of 2-4 weeks. We’re doing everything we can to accelerate the schedule.

We’ll notify you when your unit ships. In the meantime, should you have any questions, please contact us at nvidiashieldtablet@stericycle.com.

Thanks for your patience.

NVIDIA

Are you still waiting for your SHIELD Tablet replacement? Let’s hear about it.

Via: CPSC
Cheers Eric!

NVIDIA Falling Behind on Replacement SHIELD Tablet Shipments After Recall Affects Nearly 90K Owners is a post from: Droid Life



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Huawei Watch and Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Now Available for Pre-Order on Google Store

If you are looking for another place to pre-order the Moto 360 (2nd Gen) or Huawei Watch, they are now live on the Google Store. You won’t find the complete list of options for either device, but if you would rather purchase your next smartwatch from Google, use the links below. 

For all of the information you will need on the Huawei Watch, click here. And for everything you need to know about the Moto 360 (2nd Gen), click here.

Google states the ASUS ZenWatch 2 will be made available to purchase in the coming weeks.

Did you pre-order one of these bad boys yet?

Google Store Links: Moto 360 (2nd Gen) | Moto 360 for Women | Huawei Watch

Via: Android Wear

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Moto X Pure Edition and Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Pre-Orders Now Live!

Now that everything is official, it’s time to pre-order! Both the Moto X Pure Edition and Moto 360 (2nd gen) will be available starting today for order through Moto Maker. Orders should ship later in the month.

Ready?

Motorola Links:  Moto X Pure Edition | Moto 360 (2nd gen)

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Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Specs (Official)

By now, you should have read the announcement from Motorola about the new Moto 360 (2nd gen). The follow-up to the most popular Android Wear watch is now official and up for pre-order starting today at $299. Oh, we took it for a spin as well, and compared it to the original Moto 360 in case you were looking for all the info you need in order to consider buying one.

If that wasn’t enough, below we have assembled the full specs for the new watch and all of its variants. You will see the differences in sizes, battery capacities depending on those sizes, the newer processor used this time around, and more.

Questions? 

Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Specs


OS Android Wear
COMPATIBILITY Works with Android and iPhone*

* Requires a phone running Android 4.3+ or iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus with iOS 8.2+. Features may vary between Android and iOS platforms. (check compatibility at g.co/WearCheck)
DISPLAY Backlit LCD
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Mens 42mm and Womens: 1.37” (35mm), 263ppi (360 X 325)
Mens 46mm: 1.56” (40mm), 233ppi (360 X 330)
WATCH CASE DIMENSIONS Mens:
46mm diameter by 11.4mm high 42mm diameter by 11.4mm high

Womens:
42mm diameter by 11.4mm high
BATTERY Men’s 42mm and Women’s: 300mAh - Up to 1.5 days of mixed use with Ambient off. Up to a full day of mixed use with Ambient on.

Men’s 46mm: 400mAh - Up to 2 days of mixed use with Ambient off. Up to a full day of mixed use with Ambient on.

Wireless charging with charging dock included
PROCESSOR Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 400 with 1.2 GHz quad-core CPU (APQ 8026) Adreno 305 with 450MHz GPU
MEMORY 4GB internal storage + 512MB RAM
CONNECTIVITY Bluetooth® 4.0 Low Energy Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
SENSORS Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Vibration/Haptics engine
HEART RATE Optical heart rate monitor (PPG)
WATER RESISTANCE IP67 dust and water resistant* - Not waterproof4
MICROPHONE Dual digital mics
BANDS Womens: Requires a 16mm band

Additional Coverage:

Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Specs (Official) is a post from: Droid Life



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Motorola Announces New Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Collection With Sport Model, Pre-Orders Open Today

Enough with the leaks, already – it’s now official. Motorola has announced the new Moto 360 (2nd gen) collection, which includes both men’s and women’s lines, along with a new Moto 360 Sport model that is coming later on down the road.

What’s new this time around? Well, you get two sizes of watches to choose from with the regular non-Sport Moto 360. There are 46mm and 42mm options for men, with the women’s collection also carrying that 42mm size. The new Moto 360s have more battery life (up to 2 days), design tweaks (lugs added), quick-release watch bands, a more powerful health experience, and something like 400 combinations of options through Moto Maker. (Full specs)

Speaking of  Moto Maker – below are your new options. Not only can you choose from a handful of different colors (including regular gold and rose gold), but there are new bezel treatments, mixing and matching of colors, and of course, metal or leather bands. This is pretty intense customization here,

moto 360 moto maker options

As for the Moto 360 Sport, you get a similar Android Wear experience to the regular Moto 360, but Motorola tossed in a GPS, silicon band with UV coating, and a special AnyLight hybrid display that allows the display to be read easier in bright or dark light. It’s exactly what you are picturing a sporty smartwatch would be.

The new Moto 360 (2nd gen) is up for pre-order today starting at $299. Prices top out around $429 depending on how you customize it through Moto Maker.

Motorola.com, Google Store, and BestBuy.com are all selling the regular Moto 360 (2nd gen) today. Soon, you will be able to buy it at Nordstrom, Best Buy stores, and Verizon.

The Moto 360 Sport will arrive at some point “soon.”

Additional Coverage:


The New Moto 360 Collection: Giving you more choice with the watch that makes time for you

Any watch can tell the time ­ but what about one that can g​ive​you time? The new Moto 360 Collection — w​ith more styles, more features and more battery — offers ​countless design possibilities to suit your tastes, plus new experiences that will free you up to do more of the things you love.

Designed around you

The original Moto 360 was the first smartwatch that actually looked like a watch. With the second generation, we’ve refined the classic and timeless design and created a watch collection specifically designed for men, women and fitness enthusiasts. Taking further inspiration from the traditional watch world, Moto 360’s c​ase design now features lugs specifically tailored for men and women, and polished bezels in new styles.​With new quick­release bands, you can easily swap between leather and metal bands in seconds to match your look for the day.

The first modern watch you customize yourself

You’ve got unique style… so should your watch. You can customize your Moto 360 in the Moto Maker design studio. Now, choose from additional bezels, colors, materials, even a new double wrap band. Then get your personal creation in just a few days.

Apps that make life easier

Powered by Android Wear​, Moto 360 gives you complete control right from your wrist so you can stay in the moment, without constantly grabbing your phone from your pocket or purse.

Get notifications and important info at a glance. Respond to messages with your voice. Start your car with the MyFord mobile app, then lock the front door with the Kevo app. Hail a cab to get to the airport with Lyft, then show your boarding pass at the gate with your Delta app. All without ever reaching for your phone. Plus, Moto 360 is WiFi­enabled, keeping you connected even if your phone is out of Bluetooth range.

The new Moto 360 exclusive Live Dials also make it easier for you to dive in with shortcuts right on the watch face to the apps you use most.

Choose a better health and wellness experience

Moto 360 features Moto Body, a holistic experience that helps you lead a healthier lifestyle. Ever wonder how many steps you’ve taken in a day or how many calories that trip up the stairs actually burned? The new watches feature incredibly accurate sensors, so you can track your heart rate and the calories you burn. And that translates into valuable feedback and coaching to help you improve and stay fit.

Moto 360 Sport

For fitness enthusiasts, there’s also a new Moto 360 Sport.

With the new Moto 360 Sport, you can now leave your smartphone at home during your daily run. Built­in GPS accurately tracks your speed, distance, and pace, while a heart sensor tracks other important vitals. You can even store and play music right from your wrist, because we all need a good workout mix to push us during that last mile or rep. Plus, you can see all this information clearly, even in bright sunlight, with the new AnyLight hybrid display.

Take your workout to the limit without worrying about your watch, thanks to a durable yet comfortable design. Strong silicone construction with special UV coating wicks away moisture and resists fading or staining, while side ventilation channels help you stay cool.1​

Last but not least, the new Moto 360 and Moto 360 Sport has even more battery life than our 2​ first generation​, now offering up to two full days of use.

How to design and buy

Moto 360 will be available in various countries across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Starting today in the U.S., you can pre­order your own Moto 360 on Motorola.com, Google Play and BestBuy.com. It will be available starting in late September at Nordstrom, Best Buy and Verizon. Availability and ship times vary by style. Prices vary by design and range from $299.99 – $429.99. We’ll share more details on Moto 360 Sport availability soon.

Motorola Announces New Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Collection With Sport Model, Pre-Orders Open Today is a post from: Droid Life



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Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Quick Overview and Tour!

You have a super difficult decision to make over the next few days, assuming you are at all interested in buying a smartwatch. The Huawei Watch is looking all sorts of promising, even with its massive price tag, but now you also have the new Moto 360 (2nd gen) to consider. Not only that, but there are multiple Moto 360 sizes to choose from, along with up to 400 combinations of bands, colors, and other options through Moto Maker. Seriously, this is a tough call.

To hopefully help get you on the right path, we spent some time with the new Moto 360 (2nd gen) and captured our first impressions on video. Below, you will see each size, a couple of the configurations, and also a whole bunch of images of the device on wrist and with different finishes that are new to Moto Maker.

Here are the full specs as well.

Let’s go! 

moto 360 2nd gen-11

moto 360 2nd gen-7

moto 360 2nd gen-2

moto 360 2nd gen-13

moto 360 2nd gen-12

moto 360 2nd gen-16

moto 360 2nd gen-20

moto 360 2nd gen-26

moto 360 2nd gen-25

moto 360 2nd gen-8

moto 360 2nd gen-3

moto 360 2nd gen-30

Additional Coverage:

Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Quick Overview and Tour! is a post from: Droid Life



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Moto 360 Sport Quick Look

Today’s semi-surprise announcement from Motorola was the new sport version of the Moto 360, dubbed Moto 360 Sport. As the name suggests, this is a Moto 360 made for fitness fanatics who want a watch that doesn’t need to be paired at all times with their phone. This is a watch that can be taken for a run and sweat on, yet still manage to track every single step and stay clean, thanks to built-in GPS and its specially made silicon band. 

Motorola is calling this “one of the first true fitness training watches that runs Android Wear,” and they are sort of correct. Last year’s Sony Smartwatch 3 had a GPS and silicon band, so it was a great option for working out, it’s just that Sony wasn’t marketing it as a “sport” watch.

With that said, the Moto 360 Sport has a special AnyLight hybrid display, which “combines a traditional backlit transmissive screen with a front lit reflective technology,” to make it easily seen both indoors and in sunlight. You can actually switch between modes depending on your lighting situation, so that you get the best experience. Motorola says that this display is a “first of its kind.”

Of course, this watch runs Android Wear and is a part of the Moto 360 family, so you can load up music for on-the-go situations, pair it with Bluetooth headphones, and listen to tunes.

Motorola hasn’t said when we can buy the Moto 360 Sport or how much it will cost, only that it will be available later this year.

moto 360 sport-3

moto 360 sport-2

Additional Coverage:

Moto 360 Sport Quick Look is a post from: Droid Life



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Video: Moto 360 (2nd Gen) vs. Original Moto 360

We’ll have much more time for full comparisons later, but since we spent some time with the new Moto 360 (2nd gen), we thought we should at least show you how it compares to last year’s original Moto 360.

There aren’t a ton of differences, but Motorola did upgrade this new watch in a number of ways over the original release. For one, the watch body now has lugs. Whether you like the look of them or not, Motorola says that this allowed them to increase battery size and also make it easier to switch watch bands. And that’s true, the battery has increased from 310mAh to 400mAh in the 46mm model. They also added a new quickrelease switch to watch bands, making them much easier to swap out. 

As for the rest of the differences, well, you have a modern Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor in the new model, instead of the 6-year old TI OMAP clunker they put in the original Moto 360. The display resolution has been upped a bit as well to 360×330 (up from 320×290) and the side crown has been moved to the 2-o’clock position. Other than that, you are still looking at 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, IP67 dust and water resistance, Bluetooth LE, and a heart rate sensor.

Motorola has stepped up their game in the Moto Maker department, though. This time around, there are some 400 combinations, giving you the power to create the ultimate personal watch. From golds to rose golds to silvers to black metal finishes, metal, leather, or silicon bands, and a couple of different sizes to choose from, the possibilities are substantial.

The new Moto 360 (2nd gen) is available for pre-order today with a starting price of $299.

Additional Coverage:

Video: Moto 360 (2nd Gen) vs. Original Moto 360 is a post from: Droid Life



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Moto X Pure Edition Hands-on (Part 2)!

If the Moto 360 (2nd gen) and smartwatches aren’t really your thing and you would rather talk phones, then this post is for you. We spent some extra time with the Moto X Pure Edition this week, just before pre-orders kick off later today. We didn’t learn anything new necessarily, only that this phone needs to get here now. 

After using the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ for the past couple of weeks – two arguably large phones – the Moto X Pure Edition feels right at home in hand, which is something I wasn’t sure I’d ever say about a phone with a 5.7-inch QHD display. But I am. This phone feels just as good in hand as the previous Moto Xs, only it’s slightly bigger. It has that same welcoming curve, great button placement, and superb screen-to-bezel ratio.

In the video below, I walk through some of the specs again, but mostly talk about the device in hand, some of the Moto Maker options, etc.

Enjoy! Then go pre-order, if you want.

moto x pure edition-2

Additional Coverage:

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Hulu Intros Commercial-Free Subscription Option for $12 a Month

Even with the limited amount of advertisements you already see on Hulu, there is now an option to wipe them out completely. Starting today, Hulu has an ad-free option for subscribers, priced at $11.99 a month. 

The limited commercials option is still available, priced at the usual $7.99 a month price. Hulu is unlike Netflix, which to me, focuses more heavily on their in-house shows and movies, while Hulu is basically streamable cable television. You have all of your regular shows, like South Park, Empire, Modern Family, the Night show lineup, and so much more.

If you don’t use Hulu, but are now interested thanks to no ads, you could try it out free for a week.

Hulu Link

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Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, Z5 Premium Specs (Official)

There are three new devices from Sony this morning, all of which should have your attention. Sony came out swinging at IFA, announcing the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium. Each devices is loaded with top-tier specifications, especially the Z5 Premium with its 5.5″ “4K TRILUMINOS” display.

Each device features a Snapdragon 810 processor, Quick Charge 2.0 compatibility, beefy batteries, microSD card slots for up to 200GB of storage, reworked Sony-made camera modules, and plenty more.

Take a look at the full specs below. 

  XPERIA Z5 XPERIA Z5 COMPACT XPERIA Z5 PREMIUM
OS Google Android™ 5.1 (Lollipop) Google Android™ 5.1 (Lollipop) Google Android™ 5.1 (Lollipop)
PROCESSOR Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994)
Adreno 430 GPU
64-bit Octa Core processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994)
64 bit Octa Core processor
Adreno 430 GPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994)
Adreno 430 GPU
64-bit Octa Core processor
MEMORY AND STORAGE 3 GB RAM
Up to 32 GB flash memory
Up to 200 GB microSD™ card
2 GB RAM
Up to 32 GB flash memory
Up to 200 GB microSD™ card
3 GB RAM
Up to 32 GB flash memory
Up to 200 GB microSD™ card
SIM Single SIM
Dual SIM
Nano SIM
Single SIM
Dual SIM
Nano SIM
Single SIM
Dual SIM
Nano SIM
BATTERY LIFE Up to 2 days' battery life
2900 mAh
Up to 2 days battery life
2700 mAh
Up to 2 days' battery life
3430 mAh
QC2.0
DURABILITY Waterproof and dust tight (IP65 and IP68) Waterproof and dust tight (IP65 and IP68) Waterproof and dust tight (IP65 and IP68)
WEIGHT 154 grams 138 grams 180 grams
DIMENSIONS 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm 127 x 65 x 8.9 mm 154.4 x 76.0 x 7.8 mm
COLORS Graphite Black
White
Gold
Green
Graphite Black
White
Yellow
Coral
Chrome
Black
Gold
DISPLAY 5.2” FHD 1080p (1920x1080)
Triluminos display for Mobile
X-Reality for Mobile
Dynamic Contrast Enhancer
4.6" HD 720p (1280x720)
Triluminos display for Mobile
X-Reality for mobile
Dynamic Contrast Enhancer
5.5'' 4K UHD (3840x2160), 806 PPI
Triluminos display for mobile
X-Reality for mobile
Dynamic Contrast Enhancer
MAIN CAMERA 1/2.3'' 23 MP Sony Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor
Hybrid Autofocus 0.03 sec *
5 x Clear Image Zoom
Up to 8x Digital Zoom
Wide-angle G Lens (24 mm)
Up to ISO 12800 Photo/3200 Video
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode – video stabilisation
4K video recording
Pulse LED Flash
1/2.3'' 23 MP Sony Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor
Hybrid Auto Focus 0.03 sec *
5 x Clear Image Zoom
Up to 8x Digital Zoom
Wide angle G Lens (24 mm)
Up to ISO 12800 Photo / 3200 Video
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode - video stabilisation
4K video recording
Pulse LED Flash
1/2.3'' 23 MP Sony Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor
Hybrid Auto Focus 0.03 sec *
5 x Clear Image Zoom
Up to 8x Digital Zoom
Wide-angle G Lens (24 mm)
Up to ISO 12800 Photo / 3200 Video
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode – video stabilisation
4K video recording
Pulse LED Flash
FRONT CAMERA 5 MP front camera Sony Exmor R™ for mobile sensor
Full HD video
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode – video stabilisation
Wide-angle lens (25 mm)
5 MP front camera Sony Exmor R™ for mobile sensor
Full HD video
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode - video stabilisation
Wide angle lens (25 mm)
5 MP front camera Sony Exmor R™ for mobile sensor
Full HD video
SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode – video stabilisation
Wide-angle lens (25 mm)
NETWORK GSM GPRS
UMTS HSPA (3G)
LTE (4G) / LTE (*4G) Cat 6
GSM GPRS
UMTS HSPA (3G)
LTE (4G) / LTE (*4G) Cat 6
GSM GPRS
UMTS HSPA (3G)
LTE (4G) / LTE (s4G) Cat 6
CONNECTIVITY aGPS
Bluetooth® 4.1 wireless technology
DLNA Certified®
WiFi MIMO
MHL 3.0
NFC
Fingerprint sensor
aGPS
Bluetooth® 4.1 wireless technology
DLNA Certified®
WiFi SISO
MHL 3.0
NFC
Fingerprint sensor
aGPS
Bluetooth® 4.1 wireless technology
DLNA Certified®
Wi-Fi® MIMO
MHL 3.0
NFC
Fingerprint sensor
SOUND High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancelling
Clear Audio+
S-Force Front Surround
Auto-headset compensation
Stereo Recording
FM Radio
High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancelling
Clear Audio+
S-Force Front Surround
Auto-headset compensation
Stereo Recording
FM Radio
High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancelling
Clear Audio+
S-Force Front Surround
Auto-headset compensation
Stereo Recording
FM Radio
ENTERTAINMENT PlayMemories, PS4™ Remote Play PlayMemories
PS4™ Remote Play
PlayMemories
PS4™ Remote Play

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Report: Google is Hosting Event September 29 to Unveil Nexus Phones Made by LG and Huawei

According to a report out of CNET, Google plans to unveil two Nexus phones on September 29 at an event in San Francisco. Their sources claim that Google has partnered with LG to make a smaller Nexus phone and Huawei to make a larger Nexus phone. Rumors, of course, along with a number of leaks, have suggested the same for weeks now. 

Google declined to comment, so (for now) CNET is operating under the classic journalist line of  “according to people familiar with the company’s plans.” In other words, nothing is official quite yet. September 29 isn’t far off, so if Google is planning an event, we should know very soon.

Keep in mind that Google hasn’t done many product events in the past like this. They tried to early on for the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4, but seemed to run into one natural disaster or another and eventually gave up on them, instead opting to announce new Nexus products with waves of posts to their official blogs. If my memory serves me correctly, the last event was for the Nexus 7 (2013) and Chromecast.

Wow, though. We just got the Note 5 and S6 Edge+, both of which are great phones. Motorola is giving us the Moto X Pure Edition pre-order today. The OnePlus 2 is out there somewhere in invite land. And now we have two Nexus phones coming at the end of the month? So much fun to be had.

Via:  CNET

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ASUS ZenWatch 2 Coming to Europe in October for €149

Back in June, ASUS announced the ZenWatch 2, but never spoke of availability or pricing. This morning, we have a few more specs, plus European pricing. As of right now, ASUS states that the ZenWatch 2 will hit Europe in October, priced at €149. It is very likely we shall see it hit the US, but we have yet to receive a timeframe or official price. 

The ZenWatch 2 features a Snapdragon 400 processor, as well as IP67 water resistant rating. Coming in two sizes, with three different colored casings (Silver, Gunmetal, and Rose Gold), buyers will be able to choose between 18 different strap material and color combinations. Now that’s a lot of options.

According to ASUS, the ZenWatch 2 features 2-day battery life, thanks to an “enhanced” battery. This includes 35% faster charging times, taking just 36 minutes to charge the ZenWatch 2 from zero to 50% capacity.

ASUS also worked in a bit of custom software, making connection between ASUS smartphones and the ZenUI much more feature rich. New software included is Smart Assistant, Business Helper, and ZenWatch Message.

When and if ASUS gives us official North America info, like pricing and availability, we will let you know.

 ZenWatch 2

Via: ASUS

ASUS ZenWatch 2 Coming to Europe in October for €149 is a post from: Droid Life



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Sony Announces Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium

Let’s all just forget that the Sony Xperia Z4 or Z4v or Z3+ ever existed, OK? Sony just announced the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium, and they are all you should care about from Sony at the moment and going forward. These are next-level flagship phones, one of which has a 4K screen. A 4K screen. What? Why? Who cares! 4K in a phone!

During its press event today at IFA, Sony said to expect the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact in October. The 4K-monster Xperia Z5 Premium will arrive in November.

So, what’s up with each phone? A lot.

The standard Xperia Z5 features a large 23MP rear-facing camera with F2.0 G Lens, with Sony stating it is their first completely re-imagined smartphone camera module since the Xperia Z1. Capable of snapping shots in as little as 0.03 seconds, Sony claims you can shoot faster than you can blink an eye. Both the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are powered by a Qualcomm-made Snapdragon 810 64-bit processor, with the Xperia Z5 featuring a 5.2″ display and the Compact featuring a 4.6″ display. All three new devices are compatible with Quick Charge 2.0.

The big boy, named the Xperia Z5 Premium, features a 5.5″ ‘4K TRILUMINOS’ display, bringing you four times the resolution of a standard Full HD display. Thanks to technology built-in, most 3rd party content viewed on the device will be upscaled to 4K, meaning your Netflix, YouTube, and other media will appear extremely crispy, regardless if it is 4K content or not. The Z5 Premium also features a Snapdragon 810 processor, 32GB of RAM, expandable storage for up to 200GB of space, and a 3,430 mAh battery for long life.

Across the lineup, each device is equipped with Sony’s audio processing technology capable of delivering rich sound through headphones, a fingerprint reader built into the power button, plus access to the PS4 Remote Play application.

The Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will launch globally in October of 2015, and the Xperia Z5 Premium in November. Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Premium will be available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM variants.

Sony Xperia Z5 Sony Xpera Z5 2 Sony Xpera Z5 3 Sony Xpera Z5 4 Sony Xpera Z5 5

Press Release


Sony unveils next-generation smartphone camera with Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact, and the world’s first 4K smartphone Xperia Z5 Premium

  • Xperia Z5 brings the best camera in a leading smartphone3, with an elegant waterproof4 design
  • Xperia Z5 Compact shares the same flagship experiences in a no-compromise hand-sized body
  • Ultimate smartphone Xperia Z5 Premium redefines mobile entertainment with the world’s first 4K UHD smartphone display5 and 4K Ultra HD upscaling technology 
  • Next-generation smartphone camera experience designed with Sony’s interchangeable lens camera αTM technology, built to capture split-second moments – a brand new 23MP Exmor RSTM for mobile sensor, supporting the fastest autofocus in a leading smartphone6
  • Integrated fingerprint sensor power button for intuitive unlock

Berlin, IFA, 2nd September 2015 – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today unveiled its next-generation Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact, and the world’s first 4K smartphone Xperia Z5 Premium – each engineered to make everyday experiences better.

“Smartphones are part of people’s lives” said Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO at Sony Mobile Communications. ”Since users already create, share and enjoy most of their content on the go – we’ve set out to bring Sony’s latest innovations in camera, design and display to ensure the Xperia Z5 series is the best possible lifestyle and entertainment platform.”

A mobile camera experience unlike any other

Xperia Z5 features Sony’s brand new large 1/2.3 Exmor RSTM for mobile 23MP sensor and F2.0 G Lens – it’s Sony’s first completely re-imagined smartphone camera module since Xperia Z1, designed with Sony’s interchangeable lens camera αTM technology for clear,  vivid imagery every time.

The camera is capable of the fastest autofocus in a smartphone, a powerful blend of speed and accuracy to capture split-second moments with ease. It delivers a ground-breaking speed of just 0.037 seconds – faster than the blink of a human eye (average 0.1 – 0.4 s), so whether you’re jumping for the frisbee in the park, diving into the pool or catching air on the vert ramp, you’ll have the power to preserve spontaneous action in real-time.

A combination of the large 23MP Exmor RSTM for mobile sensor and advanced processing software lets you get close to subjects; whether it be a landmark, architecture or other objects of interest, with 5x clear image zoom with minimum loss of quality. And, advancements in low-light photography mean you can capture clearer photos at night or in darker surroundings with less noise and blur – perfect for capturing a sunrise or night skyline.

With the continued popularity of content capture for social media, Xperia Z5 series brings significant advancements in the evolution of Sony’s SteadyShotTM with Intelligent Active Mode for video. Further improvements mean you’ll be able to continuously capture action smoothly, such as riding a bike or skateboard, free from jolts or shudders. It also features better low-light performance without blur.

Designed for life, with the same flagship experiences in a choice of form factor

Designed by leading creatives at Sony’s Creative Center studios in Sweden and Japan, Xperia Z5 presents a svelte continuous plate form, with a metal frame and frosted glass back. It’s striking, comfortable to hold and waterproof for everyday convenience. With a 5.2” display, sleek looks and Fall 2015 fashion and interior design cues, colours range from elegant to expressive for any personal style or taste; White, Graphite Black, Gold and Green.

For those who prefer a compact smartphone, Xperia Z5 Compact brings the same great camera technology and features in a pocket-friendly compact device. It delivers uncompromised performance in a beautifully compact design with a 4.6” display, perfect for one-handed use. And, Z5 Compact let’s you express personal style with fresh, vibrant colours including Yellow and Coral, in addition to White and Graphite Black.

Both devices represent iconic Sony craftsmanship with premium materials throughout, including frosted glass finishing to the rear and a subtly etched Xperia logo side engraving, as well as capless USB for quick efficient connection and charging.

To the side, a new integrated fingerprint sensor power button means each device is personal, protected and easily unlockable with a simple pick up and press in one natural movement. It will also support the FIDO standard; authentication via fingerprint for online payment services – with news on first partners shared closer to launch.

Powerful performance that meets demands

Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, featuring octa-core CPUs, 64 bit capabilities and ultra-fast 4G LTE speeds, letting you reach new levels of performance for video, photography and gaming. Whether you’re multi-tasking over Wi-Fi or the latest 4G network, both devices deliver the speed you need. Download email with attachments in seconds and enjoy video streaming with no delays or unwanted buffering.

Powerful smartphone features demand smart power management, Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are equipped with Sony’s incredible up to two-day8 battery stamina and innovative power-saving technology, which gives you superior long-lasting battery performance. With Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 enabled on the new devices, you can get 5.5 hours usage with just 10 minutes of charging with a certified Quick Charge™ 2.0 charger, such as the Quick Charger UCH10 (dependant on market variants)9.

Sony’s 4K leadership now in a mobile device – Xperia Z5 Premium, the world’s first 4K smartphone

Xperia Z5 Premium is the world’s first 4K smartphone with a sharp, vivid 5.5” 4K TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile and IPS, where breathtaking detail is depicted with pinpoint accuracy for the most natural images, at four times the resolution of Full HD.

Xperia Z5 Premium will upscale your favourite content to 4K, enhancing any native or third party videos or photos so you can view Netflix, YouTube or your holiday shots in rich, vibrant 4K detail. And, Xperia Z5 Premium is built to allow you to get creative by capturing in 4K and immediately enjoying the content on Z5 Premium, with the option of preserving any moment as an 8MP quality image.

And, why not port the memory card from Sony’s 4K Action Cam FDR-X1000V to Xperia Z5 Premium to enjoy your footage immediately – or simply connect to the big screen either wirelessly via DLNA or with MHL 3.0 to enjoy your content on a 4K TV.

Xperia Z5 Premium is designed from the ground up as a high-performance mobile device, also powered by the Snapdragon 810 processor. A high capacity 3430 mAh battery lasting for up to two days, with quick charge capability eliminates the need for regular charging.

Xperia Z5 Premium features a large 32GB internal memory, with the capability to take a 200GB external microSD card, which offers extra room for 4K videos and movies, and images too. Xperia Z5 Premium also features Sony’s innovative memory on display feature – the data transfer between processor and device is optimized so Xperia Z5’s display memory technology remembers the display of images seen on your smartphone and caches the image or video so that you don’t need to reload the full image each time you view it – preserving battery power in the process.

A flagship series powered by an entertainment and content ecosystem

Across the Xperia Z5 series, Sony’s rich expertise in audio technologies lets you enjoy sound in incredible detail and clarity. High-Res Audio reproduces high frequency sound for a studio quality experience. DSEE HXTM upscales the audio fidelity of your existing MP3, AAC or Spotify tracks to near High-Res Audio quality. And for high quality wireless music listening, Sony’s LDAC™ codec transmits data three times more efficiently than legacy codec over Bluetooth.

And now for the first time, Sony’s new High-Resolution Audio Headset MDR-NC750 allows you to enjoy combined Hi-Res Audio music with Digital Noise Cancelling – your tunes as they were intended to be heard, with ambient background noise reduced by up to 98%.

Keep playing your favourite PlayStation®4 (PS4™) games wherever you are in the home with PS4 Remote Play10. Simply connect your Xperia Z5 series device to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi and use the DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller to ensure you never miss a minute of the action – whatever room you are in.

And to ensure you continue to enjoy the best experiences that Sony has to offer, all Xperia Z5 series users will benefit from access to Xperia Lounge Gold – delivering the world of Sony entertainment at your fingertips. Get access to exclusive competitions and offers; be among the first to try out new apps; and enjoy the latest movies, TV episodes and music included with your device.

Smart style, with new accessories

A range of stylish and protective Style Cover Window cases will be available for each Xperia Z5 series model at launch, in respective corresponding device colours – each will let you access your favourite smartphone widgets through a smart window.

Stereo Bluetooth® Headset SBH54 is versatile headset with a doubling handset function, designed for users who want a convenient companion device to a large screen smartphone, allowing you to take and make calls, see messages, play music and enjoy FM radio.

Availability and specifications

Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will launch globally from October 2015, and Xperia Z5 Premium from November 2015 – Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Premium will be available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM variants11.

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Is Motorola Working on a Moto X Force That Could Also be the DROID Turbo 2?

During Motorola’s launch event for the Moto X Pure Edition, Style, Play, and G (3rd gen), the company told us to expect even more phone options later on in the year. We assumed they meant new DROID phones (like the DROID MAXX 2) would arrive, but leaker @upleaks may have revealed another to be on the lookout for. 

The device is thought to be called the Moto X Force, or “bounce” if you need a codename. The phone is said to have a 5.43-inch QHD display (likely 5.5-inch with on-screen buttons), Snapdragon 810 processor, 32/64GB storage options, 3GB RAM, 21MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, and a 3760mAh battery. @upleaks also mentioned that the phone could be “shatterproof” and may arrive in December.

It sounds a lot like the Moto X Pure Edition, only with a Snapdragon 810 and a “shatterproof” design.

The internet thinks this may end up as the DROID Turbo 2, though we have nothing to back up those claims. If the Moto X Force is real and coming in December, it could very well end up as a Turbo variant. Verizon is in need of new DROID phones at the moment. And while the DROID MAXX 2 looks decent and all as the US version of the Moto X Play, Verizon also needs a flagship, which this Force appears to be.

Interested? Thoughts on a phone being shatterproof?

moto x force1

Via:  @upleaks [2]

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Huawei Watch Hands-on Gallery

We were recently fortunate enough to attend a press briefing held by Huawei where we were given the opportunity to get a bit of one-on-one time with the all-new Huawei Watch. We went in with high expectations, and frankly, we left amazed with Huawei’s attention to detail in its newest wearable offering.

From the first time you pick it up, and this goes for all of the models, it feels premium. But what does that word even mean? To us, the smartwatch oozed luxury, crafted with materials of the highest quality, such as the leather found on a few of the bands offered. Although, we must say, top marks go to the rose gold-plated model, featuring a heavy, yet gorgeous shine to it.

In total, there are six different models to choose from, each offering something different. If you prefer a more classic, not too gaudy appearance, the stainless steel with black leather should suit you nicely. But if you want to be seen from down the block, the rose gold casing with alligator strap should be your watch of choice. Huawei appears to have spared no expense, focusing in on creating a smartwatch watch-lovers would want – not just tech nerds such as myself.

I was also impressed by the the amount of different watch faces that come preloaded on each model. I was not able to count them, but it was around 15 or so. Each match up with their respective casings quite well, looking super sharp and crisp on the 1.4″ circular AMOLED display.

In the near future, be on the lookout for a complete hands-on video, as well as a full review. And if waiting is not your game, the device is now up for pre-order, priced at $349 to $799. If you feel inclined, you can check the device’s full specs here.

Feast your eyes on the Huawei Watch.

Huawei Watch 11

Huawei Watch 15

Huawei Watch 5Huawei Watch 10

Huawei Watch 12

Huawei Watch 24

Huawei Watch 9

Huawei Watch 13Huawei Watch 14

Huawei Watch 22

Huawei Watch 4

Huawei Watch 18

Huawei Watch 25

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Huawei Watch Specs (Official)

With the Huawei Watch now up for pre-order, it is time you learn about everything the device has to offer. First off, note that Huawei is not marketing this device to “early adopters,” but instead, will target fashion-first buyers who want a great looking timepiece first and foremost, with functionality following close behind.

Each differently priced model of the Huawei Watch features a fully-circular 1.4″ AMOLED display, powered by a Snapdragon 400 processor and 512MB of RAM. Huawei states they worked closely with Google to ensure that the watch will continue to perform at peak levels for years to come, because hey, you don’t buy a $799 smartwatch and expect to replace it in a year or two, right?

Below, feast your eyes on the full list of Huawei Watch specs. 

OS Android Wear 1.3
OS Support Android 4.3 and later
iOS 8.2 and later
Size 42mm diameter, 11.3mm thin
Display 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display
400x400 pixels, 286 ppi
Materials Sapphire crystal
316L Stainless Steel
Black version: DLC coating
Rose gold model: Genuine rose gold plated
CPU 1.2 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400
Memory 4GB ROM, 512MB RAM
Network Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi
Sensors Gyroscope + Accelerometer, PPG (Heart Rate Sensor), Barometer
Audio Built-in microphone
Battery 300 mAh

Additional Huawei Watch coverage:

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Huawei Watch Made Official, Pre-Order Now Live Starting at $349

After a few long months of waiting, the Huawei Watch is finally here. Made official this morning, the device is now up for pre-order, with prices ranging from $349 all the way up to $799. 

The Android Wear-powered smartwatch comes in a variety of options — there are stainless steel, black, and rose gold-plated bodies, plus different band options for each. The watch utilizes standard 18mm bands, meaning you can easily replace the bands with whatever band you would like. Sadly, the rose gold-plated options won’t be available for pre-order until later this year. For a detailed breakdown of models and pricing, see the below chart.

For specs, the Watch features a 1.4-inch full-circle AMOLED display (400×400 pixels, 286 ppi), 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 4GB of storage, 512MB of RAM, Bluetooth 4.1, WiFi, Gyroscope + Accelerometer, PPG (Heart Rate Sensor), Barometer, Sapphire crystal, 300 mAh battery, and runs Android Wear 1.3. The watch is compatible with any Android device running 4.3+, but also supports iOS 8.2+.

To pre-order the Huawei Watch, you can head over to Huawei’s website, Google Store, Amazon, or Best Buy. Huawei states September 17 will be the official availability date.

Watch Body Band Pricing
Stainless Steel Black Leather $349
Stainless Steel Steel Link Bracelet $399
Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Mesh $399
Black DLC-coated Stainless Steel Black-plated Link Bracelet $449
Rose Gold-plated Stainless Steel Alligator-pressed Brown Leather $699
Rose Gold-plated Stainless Steel Rose Gold-plated Link Bracelet $799

Additional Huawei Watch coverage:

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