Blackberry fans line up here: pre-orders for the new Classic are open

<b>Platform loyal BBM addicts have a new device to consider -- other than the Passport -- now that Blackberry is taking pre-orders for its upcoming phone.</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGIjPZBXAfca5YhyXLCH8f7hamPlFbvIGJ9BGgnEC2oHSz9FrCLkZJCqIczLz9nfnAyg-QdBZgsI3a7dVO7zzYeF2Jj-QuYS0M7w5mK3XWFE5C56OcSE4ow2LsSPuXTiHOVvwrMF_RV6f/s1600/Blackberry-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blackberry fans line up here: pre-orders for the new Classic are open" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGIjPZBXAfca5YhyXLCH8f7hamPlFbvIGJ9BGgnEC2oHSz9FrCLkZJCqIczLz9nfnAyg-QdBZgsI3a7dVO7zzYeF2Jj-QuYS0M7w5mK3XWFE5C56OcSE4ow2LsSPuXTiHOVvwrMF_RV6f/s1600/Blackberry-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Blackberry fans line up here: pre-orders for the new Classic are open" /></a></div> <div> <b><br /></b> <div> The Classic (aka Q20) brings the design, keyboard and trackpad users are used to, plus a large square touch screen, the latest version of BlackBerry OS and support for Android apps. Currently only a GSM version is available (no Verizon, Sprint or US Cellular support here) in the US for $450 and shipments are expected to start in mid-December. Oddly, BlackBerry hasn't revealed more details or specs about the phone, but those should be revealed closer to its release. Our best look at the phone came from this leak, feel free to take a look back before deciding to whether to place an order.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div>

Blackberry fans line up here: pre-orders for the new Classic are open

Platform loyal BBM addicts have a new device to consider -- other than the Passport -- now that Blackberry is taking pre-orders for its upco...

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Aviary's first update under Adobe brings Creative Cloud sync, free add-ons

<div> Back in September, Adobe snatched up Aviary to pad its mobile portfolio, and the photo-editing app has released its first major post-acquisition update.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1iZfDyRWTIQV7le0lRLoBYIDJcZQuiLL_Vpcmc2k-XhI0vP0ClQEz02Gn2Sn4L5QXVmLsEToOKKOSl4GHvrLpoMcCg7FyFt2khPfqg5aQ9IB3F6zTBNQb02P5D68kczQR4Gmc3sgK5R6/s1600/Aviary's-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aviary's first update under Adobe brings Creative Cloud sync, free add-ons" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1iZfDyRWTIQV7le0lRLoBYIDJcZQuiLL_Vpcmc2k-XhI0vP0ClQEz02Gn2Sn4L5QXVmLsEToOKKOSl4GHvrLpoMcCg7FyFt2khPfqg5aQ9IB3F6zTBNQb02P5D68kczQR4Gmc3sgK5R6/s1600/Aviary's-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Aviary's first update under Adobe brings Creative Cloud sync, free add-ons" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> In what will come as no surprise, Aviary now syncs all of your in-app tools with Creative Cloud after you sign in with a requisite Adobe ID. What's more, those effects, stickers and more that usually require shelling out funds are free until the end of the month -- all $200 worth. Stencil overlays (another in-app purchase) and vignettes make their debut alongside adjustments for fade, highlights, shadows and tint via easy to use slider controls. Finally, the iOS versiongets a revamped Draw tool that offers a more natural feel. Both that and the Androidupdate are ready for download, and if you're looking to test drive 'em, Aviary is free via the respective app repositories.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Aviary's first update under Adobe brings Creative Cloud sync, free add-ons

Back in September, Adobe snatched up Aviary to pad its mobile portfolio, and the photo-editing app has released its first major post-acquis...

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Samsung faces the bad news: sales of its high-end phones are sliding

<b>Confirming its own estimates from earlier this month, Samsung announced tonight that it accumulated an operating profit of $3.9 billion in Q3.</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo9PrYrm_3oVBwAu3jhz5qglEaEDci_-8rOrIHwx3-x7g1P99tzgTkMCsmFt4PQ5tuO4N_FdPM7-hu-p-lrMAAFmo1Bnx3rSQBTgdFROFrKgMl9Ny4x8G7FiVGJ6-teaHvjcCVlqpoKp8/s1600/Samsung-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Samsung faces the bad news: sales of its high-end phones are sliding" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo9PrYrm_3oVBwAu3jhz5qglEaEDci_-8rOrIHwx3-x7g1P99tzgTkMCsmFt4PQ5tuO4N_FdPM7-hu-p-lrMAAFmo1Bnx3rSQBTgdFROFrKgMl9Ny4x8G7FiVGJ6-teaHvjcCVlqpoKp8/s1600/Samsung-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Samsung faces the bad news: sales of its high-end phones are sliding" /></a></div> <div> <b><br /></b> <div> That's not a bad haul for most companies in the July to September period, but last year Samsung proudly celebrated a record profit of $9.6 billion and now it's down to less than half that. Now the company is breaking down the reasons behind the drop, and everything starts with the flagship Galaxy S smartphones. Reuters notes that phones drove its growth over the last couple of years, but profits in that area dropped from 6.7 trillion Korean won last year, to 1.75 trillion in the same period this year.<br /> <br /> That drop came as a result of price cuts for older phones and "declined shipments" of high-end models. Even slightly higher sales of midrange smartphones apparently weren't enough to right the ship, and the Galaxy Note 4 hasn't been on sale long enough to contribute. Worse, the phone sales have an effect across the company for its display, memory and CPU businesses. It expects to sell more Ultra HD and curved TVs to close out 2014, but investors will likely be more interested in how it responds to cheaper Chinese phone manufacturers.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div>

Samsung faces the bad news: sales of its high-end phones are sliding

Confirming its own estimates from earlier this month, Samsung announced tonight that it accumulated an operating profit of $3.9 billion in Q...

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Hands On With The Motorola Droid Turbo From Verizon

<b>The latest Droid device is now fully unveiled, and it’s truly a beast.</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSp39AIYIY92HBI3vIxj2nVOTVTCAKiniNPfgIBAALfDE7Xwv8C294cYWmi5zAG9Lh0Unu-cll51nnHfTmlVCMPSAB7bu3CarSAnZmatdwVNln36b_3uMZdnRsBkH94n_Y1jW0_U9I9_Y/s1600/Motorola-Droid-01-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hands On With The Motorola Droid Turbo From Verizon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSp39AIYIY92HBI3vIxj2nVOTVTCAKiniNPfgIBAALfDE7Xwv8C294cYWmi5zAG9Lh0Unu-cll51nnHfTmlVCMPSAB7bu3CarSAnZmatdwVNln36b_3uMZdnRsBkH94n_Y1jW0_U9I9_Y/s1600/Motorola-Droid-01-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Hands On With The Motorola Droid Turbo From Verizon" /></a></div> <div> <b><br /></b>The most prominent and highlighted feature of the phone, its ability to charge quickly and last for up to 48 hours, is hard to test properly in a matter of hours. However, the look, feel, and general build of the device is already making an impression on me.<br /> <br /> Motorola handed out devices at the launch event, and I walked away with a Ballistic Nylon version of the device.<br /> <br /> But that’s not to say I’m a fan of the nylon. It seems like a material that would pick up dust and dirt and food in any one of its many pockets and crevices and forever look like a piece of trash. And matters aren’t helped by the front of the device, which looks all the more cheap and plastic-ish thanks to the nylon on the back.<br /> <br /> I’m thinking the Metallic version, pictured in the gallery below, may actually be more practical and look a little more subtle.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCcoLm0A4Q8XpWLmnKaEPGsfueecnnn3wEIPh61mCi4FwT3vKymWs1l3Rx1kBF-92K5QMWsUPMuH4GfJ5AzXXCoSo_UOLytfDVQZieNex_dPOxkUr7k64pThYMd4Euekt4rxcC8Zmt6iL/s1600/Motorola-Droid-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hands On With The Motorola Droid Turbo From Verizon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCcoLm0A4Q8XpWLmnKaEPGsfueecnnn3wEIPh61mCi4FwT3vKymWs1l3Rx1kBF-92K5QMWsUPMuH4GfJ5AzXXCoSo_UOLytfDVQZieNex_dPOxkUr7k64pThYMd4Euekt4rxcC8Zmt6iL/s1600/Motorola-Droid-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Hands On With The Motorola Droid Turbo From Verizon" /></a></div> <div> <br /> Still, it feels like a sturdy phone that could withstand more than a few hard drops (though we hardly recommend testing this out for yourself.) It’s also quite thick and feels heavy, weighing in at 176 grams, with that super dense 3900mAh battery under the hood.<br /> <br /> The pure Android experience is nice in a world of Android phones with way too many features, and the 5.2-inch display is quite nice. It also doesn’t feel too big, given the size of the display and the battery.<br /> <br /> The phone comes with a handful of different discounts from Verizon, which you can check outhere, and starts at $199 on-contract for the 32GB model on October 30.</div>

Hands On With The Motorola Droid Turbo From Verizon

The latest Droid device is now fully unveiled, and it’s truly a beast. The most prominent and highlighted feature of the phone, its abil...

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Droid Turbo's long battery life, new tech offset weight

<b>There’s a lot to like in Motorola’s Droid Turbo, including its 48 hours of battery life and extremely sharp screen.</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWGyjBET5rrNFFlgZPopF1TsTafLpDbJlnjcBSM9sGvdk80rVI97HpQTx5iSqBoSXnhjMWZHSd2Xw5Le5y_BjMQ5BukhhEAQOn6E4kQI7LxMSqf7z8HM6q4kmStKH-MyMSXbDwQi0pJgg/s1600/Droid-Turbo-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Droid Turbo's long battery life, new tech offset weight" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWGyjBET5rrNFFlgZPopF1TsTafLpDbJlnjcBSM9sGvdk80rVI97HpQTx5iSqBoSXnhjMWZHSd2Xw5Le5y_BjMQ5BukhhEAQOn6E4kQI7LxMSqf7z8HM6q4kmStKH-MyMSXbDwQi0pJgg/s1600/Droid-Turbo-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Droid Turbo's long battery life, new tech offset weight" /></a></div> <div> <b><br /></b>The Android smartphone has a 5.2-inch screen, but felt slightly heavier than competitive handsets during a hands-on review. Yet, it could appeal to users who need a durable handset with long battery life and the latest technologies.<br /> <br /> The Droid Turbo will be available starting on Thursday through Verizon Wireless in the U.S. A base model with 32GB of storage will be priced at $199 with a two-year contract, and a 64GB version will sell for $249. The smartphone is exclusive to Verizon, and variants won’t be sold outside the U.S.<br /> <br /> The handset has a slightly curvy back, much like the Moto X devices, and is easy to hold. It has on/off and volume buttons, a USB 2.0 port at the bottom to recharge the smartphone, and a headset jack at the top. The SIM card was built into the handset, and there were no external display connector ports.<br /> <br /> No Bendgate here<br /> <br /> The Droid Turbo won’t easily crack or break, so don’t expect any Bendgate controversy. The smartphone has a solid exterior made of kevlar, which is also used in bulletproof vests. There’s also a layer of ballistic nylon, which is used to add durability to wallets and backpacks, and patented “nanocoating” to protect the smartphone from spills. Another new material called metallized glass fiber adds shine to the device.<br /> <br /> The smartphone can display images at a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. The benefits of this screen—which offers more depth than regular 1080p HD—were immediately noticeable, and 4K video on YouTube looked vivid and bright, with no frozen frames or jitters.<br /> <br /> One of the more attractive features is a 21-megapixel camera, similar to the one in the recently introduced Nexus 6. The camera was easy to operate thanks to user-friendly software, and there’s also an option to shoot 4K video. Driving the speedy application and graphics performance is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon’s 805 processor, which is capable of processing 4K video for storage on the handset.<br /> <br /> A 64GB model weighs 176 grams, and feels somewhat heavy. By comparison, the recently introduced HTC Eye, which also has a 5.2-inch screen, weighs 160 grams. But size and weight sacrifices had to be made for the thick 3,900 millamp-hour battery, which provides the smartphone with two days of battery life on general use.<br /> <br /> A step up on the Droid Maxx<br /> <br /> The battery life isn’t much of an improvement from the predecessor, the Droid Maxx, which was introduced last year and had a 3,500 milliamp-hour battery. But with Droid Turbo, a higher capacity battery was needed to deal with the screen, higher-resolution camera and faster processor, a Motorola representative said.<br /> <br /> Binge watching of TV shows could drain battery quickly, but like its predecessor, Droid Turbo remains the smartphone to beat on battery life.<br /> <br /> There are also some innovative applications on the handset like Droid Zap, which allows users to share photos and videos with just a finger tap. The Moto Assist “learning engine” can change the smartphone profile depending on user behavior, background sounds and camera images. For example, the smartphone will be able to detect if a user is in a meeting, and shut down background noise for notifications.<br /> <br /> The smartphone comes with Android 4.4.4, code-named KitKat, but the OS will be upgraded to Android 5.0 by the end of the year. A lot of bloatware showed up in the review unit, including NFL Mobile, IMDB, Amazon and Audible apps. Bloatware can hurt battery life, and an Amazon app ran on the smartphone’s startup. It was possible to disable most of the bloatware, though it took some time and effort.</div> <div> <br /></div>

Droid Turbo's long battery life, new tech offset weight

There’s a lot to like in Motorola’s Droid Turbo, including its 48 hours of battery life and extremely sharp screen. The Android smartpho...

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Google's new Fit app plays well with Strava, Runkeeper and others

<b>Google is aiming to keep its users healthy—and away from Apple—with a new app that takes a broader view of fitness tracking.</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaQSQRvbEQRw-Z7J1mCvrVtOr7D7OsjK3IV1WxGpGxlFfL5B0tSUCPwARpVYsvuGoxikc9aXkKnyMjOCjaHT2OaPu5y7MGNFMSJvUitybiOU99JByGRSXassKAkBC33LNpyQ9gyXjNATj/s1600/Google's-app-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Google's new Fit app plays well with Strava, Runkeeper and others" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaQSQRvbEQRw-Z7J1mCvrVtOr7D7OsjK3IV1WxGpGxlFfL5B0tSUCPwARpVYsvuGoxikc9aXkKnyMjOCjaHT2OaPu5y7MGNFMSJvUitybiOU99JByGRSXassKAkBC33LNpyQ9gyXjNATj/s1600/Google's-app-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Google's new Fit app plays well with Strava, Runkeeper and others" /></a></div> <div> <b><br /></b>Google Fit, released Tuesday, will use the sensors in Android phones to track and organize people’s walking, biking and running activity. Users can set goals and check their progress from within the app on their smartphone, as well as on the web, tablets, andAndroid Wear smartwatches.<br /> <br /> Mobile fitness apps are a dime a dozen these days, but Google is trying to add value by letting Fit act as a hub for third-party apps like those from Strava, Withings and Runkeeper. Fit users can access data gathered by those apps within the Fit app, instead of having to switch between them. That functionality makes Google Fit the prime competitor to Apple’s HealthKit, a software platform for iOS 8 that lets third-party apps share their data with Apple’s Health app.<br /> <br /> Google Fit is available for devices running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above.<br /> <br /> Whether Google Fit catches on likely depends on the number of integrations it will support with other apps, and how well it presents the combined data.<br /> <br /> It’s unclear if other popular apps from device makers like Fitbit or Jawbone will be integrated with Fit, and Google didn’t immediately comment.<br /> <br /> Apple, meanwhile, had some problems last month with third-party app launches for HealthKit, due to a bug that has since been fixed.<br /> <br /> In addition to it being an app, Google Fit is a software development kit. Its APIs aim to let developers access data from other sources to make their own apps more powerful. Fit, therefore, could be a win for Google by strengthening the broader ecosystem of health apps, and then weaving them into Fit.<br /> <br /> Fit API partners include Basis, Adidas and Motorola.<br /> <br /> Google is becoming increasingly active in health and biosciences. The company’s working on contact lenses that measure blood glucose levels for people with diabetes, and has formed a subsidiary called Calico to combat aging-related diseases. Googleacquired Lift Labs last month, which makes a mechanical spoon for people suffering from tremors.</div> <div> <br /></div>

Google's new Fit app plays well with Strava, Runkeeper and others

Google is aiming to keep its users healthy—and away from Apple—with a new app that takes a broader view of fitness tracking. Google Fit,...

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Xiaomi is moving some of its users' data out of China

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <b>Xiaomi's a force to be reckoned with in China -- its new phones routinely sell out online in seconds -- but its influence is steadily growing outside its native home.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7CCXNWgkVyogOt3eGopXPAU5PArjosqHJ-aFcj8Z8f1Rd0xc_YR5rBrz9b27irb45fPBLZYGLPyXUcq-GtJ7nQy7jdrv-CRrfhCmhVEFLRwahkrBy1nwBq10Lnx7hINRGX7FITLDn2OI/s1600/Xiaomi-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7CCXNWgkVyogOt3eGopXPAU5PArjosqHJ-aFcj8Z8f1Rd0xc_YR5rBrz9b27irb45fPBLZYGLPyXUcq-GtJ7nQy7jdrv-CRrfhCmhVEFLRwahkrBy1nwBq10Lnx7hINRGX7FITLDn2OI/s1600/Xiaomi-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Xiaomi is moving some of its users' data out of China" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xiaomi is moving some of its users' data out of China</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> That's why the company's infrastructure has been quietly shifting these past few months, and VP/former Googler Hugo Barra pulled back the curtain on what Xiaomi's been up to. Long story short: it's moving user data around the world, not only to make sure its services work better, but also to better protect its users' information.<br /> <br /> Some of the changes Xiaomi enacted are purely prosaic: it's moving its e-commerce platform to Amazon data centers in California and Singapore so the site runs faster. Great! Of course, there's something more crucial to Xiaomi's future than making sure its website loads quickly. We're talking about privacy here, and Xiaomi doesn't exactly have a spotless track record when it comes safeguarding user info.<br /> <br /> Finnish security firm F-Secure learned earlier this year that some Xiaomi phones relayed sensitive information like phone numbers and device identifiers back to company servers in China (in plain text, no less). Xiaomi quickly addressed the issue, but it was still enough to spook some curious players around the world. Take India, for instance - Xiaomi pulled off a very successful (if quiet) launch there, selling 40,000 phones in a hair over four seconds in early September. Earlier this week, though, The New Indian Express reported that the Indian Air Force has been cracking down on the use of Xiaomi phones because of their habit of relaying information back to China. Similar concerns caused the Taiwanese government to conduct its own investigation on Xiaomi phones, though officials haven't yet published their results.<br /> <br /> Xiaomi's great data shift might be the right answer at the right time. Barra noted that international users' data would no longer live in Beijing -- instead, it'll be stored on Amazon servers in Oregon and Singapore, far away from the Chinese government's curious eyes. If Xiaomi's really going to grow into the global giant it clearly wants to be, it has to do pull of the greatest feat of them all: it has to make the world's potential customers trust it. The move won't be done until later this year, but still -- it's a very clear step in the right direction.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div>

Xiaomi is moving some of its users' data out of China

Xiaomi's a force to be reckoned with in China -- its new phones routinely sell out online in seconds -- but its influence is steadily ...

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Xbox Music ditches free desktop streaming on December 1st

<b>If you're hooked on Xbox Music's free desktop-based listening, you're going to have make some backup plans very shortly. </b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32w3PSbna-1ne003kREVkxVt2m69wgqfY5zcALureBjgZxN_PtM1CVK5r9F_yzGwO8RlW73HYXCU2gpSQiFTLBrnUCKt-pe2x9eRVBAcXEf4gMljG6hCV0gPWZaIIPjcLNuhkNVeMNuHN/s1600/Xbox-Music-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32w3PSbna-1ne003kREVkxVt2m69wgqfY5zcALureBjgZxN_PtM1CVK5r9F_yzGwO8RlW73HYXCU2gpSQiFTLBrnUCKt-pe2x9eRVBAcXEf4gMljG6hCV0gPWZaIIPjcLNuhkNVeMNuHN/s1600/Xbox-Music-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Xbox Music ditches free desktop streaming on December 1st" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xbox Music ditches free desktop streaming on December 1st</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> Microsoft has announced that it's dropping the no-cost web and Windows streaming option as of December 1st; after that, you'll have to pay for a Music Pass if you want all-you-can-eat tunes beyond the 30-day trial period. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The company claims that it's refocusing Xbox Music to make it the "ultimate music purchase and subscription service," although it's not elaborating on what that entails. Suffice it to say that Microsoft has a lot of competition in the free music space. Its main rival, Spotify, has over 30 million free users worldwide on a wider range of platforms -- it wouldn't be easy for Microsoft to challenge that lead using the free tier you know today.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Xbox Music ditches free desktop streaming on December 1st

If you're hooked on Xbox Music's free desktop-based listening, you're going to have make some backup plans very shortly.  Xbo...

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Some Bank of America customers double-charged with Apple Pay

<b>Some Bank of America customers have been double-charged for purchases made with Apple Pay, the payment system Apple launched on Monday.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-S2mMd1KsRAyOvEgNaSc-AJSn7WOZ_cb0xtfIzFxl-7uIqLkCkKBcP5YjuFNSc5CI82D5zL_T8dfn3DVfIj_-Xl7iOglvLwW5A6L1BpVVsfrvI8bY-L3oWY1Sv1-VzUNOus7d3MJMdyi/s1600/Apple-Pay-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-S2mMd1KsRAyOvEgNaSc-AJSn7WOZ_cb0xtfIzFxl-7uIqLkCkKBcP5YjuFNSc5CI82D5zL_T8dfn3DVfIj_-Xl7iOglvLwW5A6L1BpVVsfrvI8bY-L3oWY1Sv1-VzUNOus7d3MJMdyi/s1600/Apple-Pay-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Some Bank of America customers double-charged with Apple Pay" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Bank of America customers double-charged with Apple Pay</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> Roughly 1,000 transactions made with Apple Pay were logged twice in customer accounts, said Tara Burke, a spokeswoman with Bank of America, which is one of the largest U.S. banks and was an Apple Pay launch partner.<br /> <br /> “We apologize for the inconvenience and are correcting the problem,” said Burke.<br /> <br /> The duplicate transactions should be removed by the end of Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Apple Pay utilizes a secure chip inside Apple’s new iPhone 6 that enables the phone to emulate an NFC (near field communications) payment card. When the Apple Pay app is loaded with a customer’s credit or debit card, payments can be made at NFC terminals by bringing the phone close to the terminal.<br /> <br /> The system is being positioned as easier and more secure than current payment cards because the card number is not passed to the retailer’s terminal. Instead, a substitute number called a token is offered to the merchant, which sends it on to the card issuer for approval.<br /> <br /> The token can only be used once, so if it’s stolen it should prove useless to cyberattackers. It’s tied to the actual card number deeper in the financial services network, further away from the retailer terminals that have been the target of so much hacking recently.<br /> <br /> Apple Pay is compatible with existing NFC payment terminals, which can be found in around 200,000 shops and taxis across the U.S.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Some Bank of America customers double-charged with Apple Pay

Some Bank of America customers have been double-charged for purchases made with Apple Pay, the payment system Apple launched on Monday. S...

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Microsoft Android Wear app lets you search Bing by twisting your wrist

<b>Slightly irked that you have to say "OK Google" whenever you want to use voice search on your Android Wear smartwatch? Microsoft, of all companies, is coming to your rescue.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla0O94bM9JEqaVA50TvxiuXNJrlQ7gP7JhS7gPb60YZa4XnJRJnZ3DHwIr-3KOeEY24AvSsN_KhqZkVlDH1cQEP5ZlKFdUJyvWakMEj5y9Wa306vt8w0f40b2eJCAo8dO7huq29J7Cozm/s1600/Microsoft-Android-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla0O94bM9JEqaVA50TvxiuXNJrlQ7gP7JhS7gPb60YZa4XnJRJnZ3DHwIr-3KOeEY24AvSsN_KhqZkVlDH1cQEP5ZlKFdUJyvWakMEj5y9Wa306vt8w0f40b2eJCAo8dO7huq29J7Cozm/s1600/Microsoft-Android-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Microsoft Android Wear app lets you search Bing by twisting your wrist" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft Android Wear app lets you search Bing by twisting your wrist</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> The developer is leading a trio of experimental Android releases with Torque, an app that lets you start a Bing search just by twisting your wrist; you only have to speak when you're asking your question. You'll get optimized output for certain kinds of search results, including maps, stocks and weather.<br /> <br /> The other apps are meant solely for your phone, but they could be equally handy. Next Lock Screen puts important at the top level of your phone, including missed calls and frequently used apps; you can also change the lock screen's background depending on your location. Journeys & Notes, meanwhile, lets you write notes to share with anyone else who visits nearby, such as tips about what to eat. All three of Microsoft's latest Android apps are free, so it probably won't hurt to give them a try.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Microsoft Android Wear app lets you search Bing by twisting your wrist

Slightly irked that you have to say "OK Google" whenever you want to use voice search on your Android Wear smartwatch? Microsoft, ...

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Google to build Play-like hardware store for Project Ara

<b>Drawing inspiration from its Play Store, Google will create a hardware store in which users can buy and sell Lego-like hardware modules for the customizable Project Ara smartphone.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCh1xSoLbnGmtI1fSJO7jBW65qcwQX8zoWd7ZeOBv3btxW_UJ77f7kqELqsRU7aqDrUchOIpDqueAqXHxuJZGRIcxsYIoDdtgM5u3G55ZlYlt84YGNg6P0sFzYVEz8ELfVGvb4BK6OAOc/s1600/Google-to-build-Play-like-Lollipop-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCh1xSoLbnGmtI1fSJO7jBW65qcwQX8zoWd7ZeOBv3btxW_UJ77f7kqELqsRU7aqDrUchOIpDqueAqXHxuJZGRIcxsYIoDdtgM5u3G55ZlYlt84YGNg6P0sFzYVEz8ELfVGvb4BK6OAOc/s1600/Google-to-build-Play-like-Lollipop-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Google to build Play-like hardware store for Project Ara" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google to build Play-like hardware store for Project Ara</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> Project Ara is Google’s upcoming build-your-own smartphone that allows users to mix and match features. The $50 configurable smartphone will come with a basic frame, and users can add or remove features by simply snapping on or taking off modular parts.<br /> <br /> For example, users will be able to individually swap out screens, cameras, antennas and CPUs, which could be a cheaper way to replace parts than buying new smartphones. Google is pursuing biometric modules, and independent hardware makers have mulled creating temperature, input, gaming, antenna and medical sensors. Modules can be designed with Google’s Module Developers Kit (MDK), which contains reference designs, specifications and guidelines.<br /> <br /> “Anybody can create a module per the specifications of the developer’s kit and put it in the Ara module marketplace, which is analogous to the Google Play Store, and sell directly to consumers,” said Paul Eremenko, head of Project Ara at Google’s ATAP (Advanced Technology and Projects) division, during a question and answer session at Purdue University earlier this month.<br /> <br /> Rankings and ratings<br /> <br /> Buyers will be able to see the most popular modules based on reviews and user ratings, much like with apps in the Google Play store, Eremenko said.<br /> <br /> A market pilot for Project Ara will begin in 2015, during which Google will try to understand usage and iron out kinks. Google has developed three Project Ara smartphone prototypes with different screen sizes, and Eremenko indicated it could be a while until final products ship worldwide. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7ZxDQbffj1o9883dwTqQ_1S-BAuKj9csUV-Yo9JCP8RHy9CnmpX8vN8Ry6GVnsKK8ShaFbTYyBkHU4DXOApVLZClS3oULgIxKROABte7QaaVSPx8IttJwGS98GqzlL5IlEA68bV4lpG-/s1600/Google-to-build-Play-like-01-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7ZxDQbffj1o9883dwTqQ_1S-BAuKj9csUV-Yo9JCP8RHy9CnmpX8vN8Ry6GVnsKK8ShaFbTYyBkHU4DXOApVLZClS3oULgIxKROABte7QaaVSPx8IttJwGS98GqzlL5IlEA68bV4lpG-/s1600/Google-to-build-Play-like-01-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Google to build Play-like hardware store for Project Ara" /></a></div> <div> <br /> “There’s a lot more that we need to do in terms of retiring technical risks on the project. We have probably two more ...prototypes to make. And during the market pilot we have a lot to learn about how people interact with this device,” Eremenko said.<br /> <br /> Modular phones are not a new concept. Israeli company Modu in 2010 announced Brewphone, to which keyboard, speaker and camera modules could be attached. ZTE isdeveloping a customizable smartphone called Eco-Mobius, which has not yet been released.<br /> <br /> The viability of Project Ara has been heavily debated, but Eremenko believed consumers will appreciate its flexibility.<br /> <br /> “If we can span price points that range from a feature phone crossover price point all the way to an aspirational, very high-end device that may be able to do...portable medical diagnostics, that could potentially help us on the way of delivering the mobile Internet to the next five billion people who are not smartphone enabled,” Eremenko said.<br /> <br /> Success defined by flexibility<br /> <br /> The success of Project Ara could ultimately lie on its functionality, which will be defined by the swappable modules. Eremenko wants to make module development easy, and his team is working on new design tools to make hardware design as simple as writing mobile apps.<br /> <br /> “Today it takes maybe 12, 18, 24 months to make a new smartphone and bring it to market and we’re hoping to get that down to a couple of months,” Eremenko said.<br /> <br /> Google is encouraging developers to come up new module ideas, and is also working on some of its own. The company is chasing the idea of “adaptive commerce experiences” in which health sensors can track monitor human biometric signals.<br /> <br /> “That includes galvanic skin response, sweat levels, your pupil dilation, gaze direction, and a variety of things that we can pick up non-invasively about you as you’re interacting with the e-commerce system. If you’re stressed or impatient or bored with the experience, we could present a differently curated experience,” Eremenko said.<br /> <br /> During the talk, Eremenko also floated the idea of secure modules with private user information, which can be swapped depending on who’s using the smartphone.<br /> <br /> Google and Linaro are developing a custom version of Android for Project Ara. Work is underway around plug-and-play recognition so modules are identified immediately without restarting the smartphone. Much like USB attachments, modules will be recognized based on different driver “classes,” such as those for storage, input, networking, imaging and others. Some modules not recognized, like high-end cameras, will be placed in isolated zones so as not to compromise the smartphone.<br /> <br /> The modules are electropermanent magnets that can turn on and off but use no power in either state. Instead of connectors, the modules use inductive coupling for data transfers.<br /> <br /> To make module development cheaper, Google ATAP is also partnering with companies like Flextronics and Quanta so developers can inexpensively turn designs into actual hardware.</div>

Google to build Play-like hardware store for Project Ara

Drawing inspiration from its Play Store, Google will create a hardware store in which users can buy and sell Lego-like hardware modules for ...

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Android 5.0 Lollipop to hit the wild on November 3

<b>Google is telling developers to step on it if they want their apps ready for a November 3 release of Android Lollipop.</b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCbmeKdXqEiiKNDp_kHDw4-8vsw6XP_eU_KvNkMLf0BkpO17oiAUAMz1wZlE4NBJkAJSL0aR43rqh-M2n0h6SkF6T8i-9RS51UUQd9B608aHc-cTJSA-7ySN3hBpQKCFVrYMJmKn9rOzh/s1600/Android-5.0-Lollipop-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCbmeKdXqEiiKNDp_kHDw4-8vsw6XP_eU_KvNkMLf0BkpO17oiAUAMz1wZlE4NBJkAJSL0aR43rqh-M2n0h6SkF6T8i-9RS51UUQd9B608aHc-cTJSA-7ySN3hBpQKCFVrYMJmKn9rOzh/s1600/Android-5.0-Lollipop-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Android 5.0 Lollipop to hit the wild on November 3" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Android 5.0 Lollipop to hit the wild on November 3</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> It’s the first specific date we’ve heard, which means the newest flavor of Android will start hitting the street in less than two weeks. The Nexus 9 preorders start shipping on that same date as well. Though as is often the case with preorders, they may show up on some people’s doorsteps early.<br /><br />With Lollipop so close, Google is gently nagging programmers in the Google Play Developer Console (pictured) to grab the latest release of Android and get cracking. They can already upload apps and schedule them for release when Lollipop goes live.<br /><br /> GOOGLE PLAY DEVELOPER CONSOLE<br /></div> <div> This isn’t a guarantee that your device will get Lollipop on November 3, but at least we know when the rollout will start. Expect Nexus devices to get it first, with others manufacturers planning to follow suit. Manufacturers like HTC have promised some phones (like the One M8 and M7) will get an update within 90 days of the official release—this would be the date to start the clock. Software updates often have to be tested by carriers before they're released, too.<br /><br />Why this matters: It’s one thing to get Android 5.0 Lollipop out the door, it’s quite another to get the rest of the ecosystem ready. Lollipop is a significant rewrite of how Android looks and performs, so it will be rather funky if third-party apps look like they don’t belong.<br /><br />Google is nudging developers to update their apps so the transition to Lollipop is a smooth one, which won’t happen if all of a sudden Android owners can't get their favorite apps to work properly.<br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Android 5.0 Lollipop to hit the wild on November 3

Google is telling developers to step on it if they want their apps ready for a November 3 release of Android Lollipop. Android 5.0 Lollipo...

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Google reveals the $649 Nexus 6, pre-orders begin on October 29th

<b>Forget the pomp and circumstance that comes with a formal launch event -- Google just outed the new Nexus 6 on its official Android blog, and it's just about everything the rumor mill said the Motorola-made device would be. The Nexus 6 is the first phone to run Android 5.0 Lollipop, and while it might look like a super-sized version of this year's Moto X -- down to the dual speaker grilles and the lock button/volume rocker placement along the phone's edge -- it packs plenty of notable improvements over its smaller, non-Nexus cousin.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDOVSWVEQnMTm5nibPgPoye7F1zgOrKl-RQAY4RRlDjGHheI9KCCDk3ycOzi6EwwexnCaeS6I5v3qiYOxfgXX4MnIYgM0Kb-1XpPs9y_bKSXEyBUtm81dmJ5HmBkpqTEp4FeYNi-iTXaN/s1600/Nexus-6-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDOVSWVEQnMTm5nibPgPoye7F1zgOrKl-RQAY4RRlDjGHheI9KCCDk3ycOzi6EwwexnCaeS6I5v3qiYOxfgXX4MnIYgM0Kb-1XpPs9y_bKSXEyBUtm81dmJ5HmBkpqTEp4FeYNi-iTXaN/s1600/Nexus-6-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Google reveals the $649 Nexus 6, pre-orders begin on October 29th" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google reveals the $649 Nexus 6, pre-orders begin on October 29th</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> A 5.9-inch Quad HD screen? Check? A more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset, clocked at 2.7GHz? You betcha. Hefty 3,220mAh battery? Of course. A camera with optical image stabilization? Sure (though it's still a 13-megapixel sensor). It's as if Motorola addressed nearly every issue we had with the Moto X, and capped things off with a big ol' Nexus logo on the back. In fact, the only component that doesn't seem to have been upgraded is the dual-LED flash on the Nexus 6's back. What's a bit curious is that the Nexus 6 seems to come with at least one Motorola-conceived feature that isn't part of stock Android: Ambient Display debuted on the Moto 360, and fires up the screen when it can tell the user wants to check the time or their notifications.<br /> <br /> That's great and all, but what about the really juicy tidbits? Well, the Nexus 6 will be available with either 32 or 64GB of internal memory (no word on a microSD slot, alas) and you've got your choice of Cloud White and Midnight Blue color schemes. Pre-orders for the Nexus 6 will kick off on October 29th with a full retail launch to follow some time in November, but expect to shell out more than a few pretty pennies for it. You'll be able to nab your own 32GB Nexus 6 sans contract for a whopping $649, making it the most expensive Nexus phone to date (though the decidedly non-Nexus Sony Z Ultra came in at the same price). Itching to pick it up with a little carrier discount? Not to worry: AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless will all be getting the Nexus at some point, and if a recent slip-up is any indication, it could be damn cheap. An error on AT&T's site suggested that the 6 could go for as little as $49.99 with a two-year contract -- if true, that'd make the Nexus half the price of the Moto X.</div> <div> <br /></div>

Google reveals the $649 Nexus 6, pre-orders begin on October 29th

Forget the pomp and circumstance that comes with a formal launch event -- Google just outed the new Nexus 6 on its official Android blog, an...

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Breakthrough batteries last 20 years, charge 70 percent in two minutes

<b>Over the years, consumer electronics have improved in almost every way, becoming thinner, lighter, and more pixel-packed, all while increasing exponentially in performance. But beating at the heart of many mobile devices and even electric cars is a technology that hasn’t kept up with the rapid pace of innovation: batteries. Specifically, lithium-ion batteries.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKvsbeDZsWwmnzs-hcZvK2Kw4S2fpKW3EaHVh05f7S0yww2I_CGRiMTvdM51JHqUrQTM7PFWt_xRJMl4gR8F1onDfeultJDwIK1_2g_n3UHwdtuJO9c40t3Tcimm8V_fe3oZcoQKfDo0w/s1600/Breakthrough-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKvsbeDZsWwmnzs-hcZvK2Kw4S2fpKW3EaHVh05f7S0yww2I_CGRiMTvdM51JHqUrQTM7PFWt_xRJMl4gR8F1onDfeultJDwIK1_2g_n3UHwdtuJO9c40t3Tcimm8V_fe3oZcoQKfDo0w/s1600/Breakthrough-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Breakthrough batteries last 20 years, charge 70 percent in two minutes" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakthrough batteries last 20 years</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> Battery tech is a limiting factor in the design of many of today’s technologies.Researchers at Nanyang Technology University say they’ve discovered a way to build a better battery, however—a battery that charges in mere minutes and lasts an amazing 20 years.<br /> <br /> Why this matters: If these batteries begin trickling into mass production, they could kill two of the biggest irritants in today’s mobile electronics: Long charging times and forced obsolescence.<br /> <br /> The benefits of fast charging need no explanation, but many of today’s smartphones and tablets won’t let you remove their batteries, essentially forcing you to buy a new device when the lithium-ion battery inside starts to fade after 500 or so charges. A battery that lasts 20 years could dramatically change how long people hang on to their smartphones, especially with the mobile industry’s recent trend of decoupling hardware fees from services subscriptions. Together, the combo could further reduce the two-year upgrade cycle so common in the mobile industry.</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcSXgFa-VGWYi_hAnMsGPFH81kmaNhAQoS7HZPTI4iyDaAR3Zugp4UFtqWkSVbb27h-wvqQXkrpOTfuwFQ9olL7crVz2CViTdmfhbuDAEH2ucBeLbOLmn9X8uK-P_Uzt5DLOv949TBaBc/s1600/Breakthrough-01-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcSXgFa-VGWYi_hAnMsGPFH81kmaNhAQoS7HZPTI4iyDaAR3Zugp4UFtqWkSVbb27h-wvqQXkrpOTfuwFQ9olL7crVz2CViTdmfhbuDAEH2ucBeLbOLmn9X8uK-P_Uzt5DLOv949TBaBc/s1600/Breakthrough-01-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="NTA associate professor Chen Xiaodong with research fellow Tang Yuxin and PHD student Deng Jiyang." /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NTA associate professor Chen Xiaodong with research fellow Tang Yuxin and PHD student Deng Jiyang.</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> Enabling the nifty new tricks doesn’t require a full reimagining of how we design batteries, either. The researchers replaced the graphite used in the anode of lithium-ion batteries with a gel made from titanium dioxide nanotubes "a thousand times thinner than the diameter of a human hair."<br /> <br /> Using tiny titanium dioxide nanotubes rather than graphite also speeds how quickly electrons and ions flow in and out of the battery, by ditching an energy-slowing additive needed in today’s batteries. The NTU researchers say their battery charges far faster than traditional lithium-ion batteries, going from empty to a 70 percent charge in just two minutes. Two minutes!<br /> <br /> NTU associate professor Chen Xiaodong, the inventor of the titanium dioxide gel, says batteries built with it could hit the market within two years, with an unnamed company already licensing the technology. The Nanyang Technology University press release has more detail about the technical aspects of the discovery if you’re interested.<br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Breakthrough batteries last 20 years, charge 70 percent in two minutes

Over the years, consumer electronics have improved in almost every way, becoming thinner, lighter, and more pixel-packed, all while increasi...

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Blackphone tweak makes app updates less annoying for the security-conscious

<b>The clandestine Blackphone finally has its own dedicated app updater, eliminating the need to restart the device every time new software from Blackphone or its app partners arrives.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydGecjCuQMGyoztneAL9PT7QEN0aEK29dIlWhiKlS-b3tL1sf2U5DgW2thm73wTiBOZK_e7gZ-gcwrjMT63oBcjx1JZJeaJMUQotIH5h6l7bEQsJHLBDVbWpndbn7T0sul8mk5K9WUz2p/s1600/Blackphone-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydGecjCuQMGyoztneAL9PT7QEN0aEK29dIlWhiKlS-b3tL1sf2U5DgW2thm73wTiBOZK_e7gZ-gcwrjMT63oBcjx1JZJeaJMUQotIH5h6l7bEQsJHLBDVbWpndbn7T0sul8mk5K9WUz2p/s1600/Blackphone-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Blackphone tweak makes app updates less annoying for the security-conscious" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackphone tweak makes app updates less annoying for the security-conscious</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> And that's not the only new feature in the Blackphone's PrivatOS 1.0.5 update, which also adds a custom build of the K-9 email client, a panorama camera mode, and call audio improvements, along with numerous smaller improvements and bug fixes.<br /> <br /> The company posted the full release notes on it site. If you have a Blackphone, an over-the-air update should hit your device soon.<br /> <br /> The story behind the story: The Blackphone runs a forked, privacy-focused version of Android called PrivatOS, which is built for better control and visibility of data coming to and from the phone. It doesn't even have access to the Google Play Store, so you have to sideload apps yourself.<br /> <br /> Because the OS is built specifically for this device, many of its features are rather rudimentary compared to run-of-the-mill Android devices—such as its inability to elegantly handle updates (until now). But if you get the Blackphone it's not because you want to post selfies to Instagram—the device is designed for privacy and security enthusiasts zealous about keeping firm control over their data. <br /> <br /> One of its core apps is the Blackphone Security Center, which lets you view and control what information is going into and out of your phone. Contacts, messaging, and phone calls connect to the encrypted Silent Circle service.<br /> <br /> The company that builds the Blackphone is even located in Switzerland, which it says has better privacy laws than other western nations. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Blackphone tweak makes app updates less annoying for the security-conscious

The clandestine Blackphone finally has its own dedicated app updater, eliminating the need to restart the device every time new software fro...

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Sony’s PS4 game streaming Xperia Z3v lands on Verizon Oct. 23 for $199 on contract

<b>Sony announced Thursday that it’s finally bringing one of its Android-powered smartphones to more than one carrier in the U.S.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvREU8pHt7JdaOK0niDRwSYeyzlr1cCbRjAICsh2XG5zXQc25inOL_O9o4ueY5pAwspKLs7mODh-_mPsKdRfx9OB68nOoWagAw01ncGHV8yz4AVHCwKtJ3s4Sze4yht37B1svT6gjeGaL/s1600/Sony-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvREU8pHt7JdaOK0niDRwSYeyzlr1cCbRjAICsh2XG5zXQc25inOL_O9o4ueY5pAwspKLs7mODh-_mPsKdRfx9OB68nOoWagAw01ncGHV8yz4AVHCwKtJ3s4Sze4yht37B1svT6gjeGaL/s1600/Sony-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Sony’s PS4 game streaming Xperia Z3v lands on Verizon" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sony’s PS4 game streaming Xperia Z3v lands on Verizon</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> Verizon Wireless will be the second carrier ever to offer one of Sony’s flagship phones, the Xperia Z3v (the carrier previously only offered an Xperia tablet). Big Red will also carry the Sony SmartWatch 3 when it launches next month. Sony's Xperia Z3 variant will go on sale for $199 with 2-year contract on October 23.<br /> <b><br /> FLORENCE ION</b><br /> <br /> The Xperia Z3v at a glance.<br /> <br /> The Sony Xperia Z3 was introduced last month at IFA 2014 in Berlin, but this is a special variant with Verizon-exclusive features. Like the Z3, the Z3v is powered by a 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM, and it features a 5.2-inch full HD display and a 20.7-megapixel camera with Sony’s Exmor RS mobile sensor. Verizon users will also have access to wireless charging, 32GB of storage—16GB more than the T-Mobile variant—and a slightly spruced-up design, which resembles the handset’s predecessor, the Xperia Z2. The battery, at 3200mAh, is slightly larger than the regular Z3.<br /> <br /> Why this matters: Sony offers a solid lineup of Android-powered handsets, but it’s been struggling to gain much traction stateside because of the apparent exclusivity of its devices. Previously, if you wanted to adopt one of Sony’s latest flagships, you had to be a T-Mobile subscriber or buy an unlocked device online. It seriously limited those who were with a bigger carrier, like Verizon, from even considering a Sony handset.<br /> <br /> The expansion to other carriers should help Sony resonate with more customers in the U.S. It’ll be interesting to see how well it sells at Verizon six months from now, especially considering the other Android flagships it’s going up against.</div>

Sony’s PS4 game streaming Xperia Z3v lands on Verizon Oct. 23 for $199 on contract

Sony announced Thursday that it’s finally bringing one of its Android-powered smartphones to more than one carrier in the U.S. Sony’s PS4...

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Sony Xperia Z3 review: a classy flagship with great battery life

<h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">Sony Xperia Z3 review: a classy flagship with great battery life</span></h2> <b>When you're trying to compete in the phone-making game, there are certain challenges. On the one hand, you want to dazzle customers with innovative features. On the other hand, you want to keep the suit-wearing shareholders happy with growth and strong, continued sales.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwaDQMXg5ZrGOa5xbCpZCdK-UUaq3VvTslRN3YJeQKeq3JLQ9CXQjGqCDxZnwbTyGySlkroxdtCqXaxisEpSKjJk0qYRboBHQ-fNxKw2hSgMLkH2IiedC2Rrn4-aO17-FADXM522NHl-y/s1600/Sony-Xperia-Z3-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwaDQMXg5ZrGOa5xbCpZCdK-UUaq3VvTslRN3YJeQKeq3JLQ9CXQjGqCDxZnwbTyGySlkroxdtCqXaxisEpSKjJk0qYRboBHQ-fNxKw2hSgMLkH2IiedC2Rrn4-aO17-FADXM522NHl-y/s1600/Sony-Xperia-Z3-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Sony Xperia Z3" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sony Xperia Z3</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> The bottleneck in this equation is often technology. You can't force it to progress. So once you've more or less caught up, you're left with a choice: Innovate with software/hardware design, or take a risk with gimmicky features. Any of the above will do in lieu of the (unspeakable) alternative -- not releasing a new model this year.<br /> <br /> We're not trying to preload this review of Sony's new Z3 flagship, which arrives barely six months after its predecessor. Or maybe we are. What we're definitely doing is spelling it out right here in the intro: The Z3 looks a lot like the Z2, and after a quick glance at the spec sheet, you might argue it sounds a lot like it too. This is pertinent because, by its own admission, Sony isn't doing very well at competing in the phone-making game. Given the above, is the Z3 going to tempt existing customers to upgrade? Or perhaps lure those over from other brands? T-Mobile will be stocking it this fall, though the price isn't yet known. Currently it's £550 in the UK -- a touch above the HTC One and Galaxy S5. Let's have a look, shall we?<br /> <br /> <b>PROS</b><br /> <br /> • Fantastic battery life<br /> <br /> • High-quality finish<br /> <br /> • Great camera<br /> <b><br />CONS</b><br /> <br /> • Software feels a little dated<br /> <br /> <b>SUMMARY</b><br /> <br /> For a phone that, initially at least, looks a lot like the one it's meant to replace the Z3 has a few tricks up its sleeve. Best of all is the standout battery life. Android photographers will love the camera too. It's easy to recommend the Z3, unless you're upgrading from the Z2, of course.</div> </div>

Sony Xperia Z3 review: a classy flagship with great battery life

Sony Xperia Z3 review: a classy flagship with great battery life When you're trying to compete in the phone-making game, there are cer...

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Samsung Galaxy Alpha review: Samsung's most beautiful phone yet

<h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">Samsung Galaxy Alpha review: Samsung's most beautiful phone yet</span></h2> <b>When a company names one of their products after the first letter of the Greek alphabet, it means business. Take Samsung's Galaxy Alpha: The name alone exudes confidence. Although the term typically signifies the first in a series, the Alpha obviously isn't Samsung's inaugural Android phone; rather, it ushers in a completely new design direction for the company.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJolWsW9elQ8VVeUfl3t919I5UZw01mgw485lsZcIRCwIpt0ZGMJFVrdd4nAfYTg4YJodgzueX9aDmlAArrwpKdq4L7lxyTEekPkm-HuCbwz1ioc_M9BKnhRBfCu0PYK4vCV9iVmLyHR20/s1600/Samsung-Galaxy-Alpha-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJolWsW9elQ8VVeUfl3t919I5UZw01mgw485lsZcIRCwIpt0ZGMJFVrdd4nAfYTg4YJodgzueX9aDmlAArrwpKdq4L7lxyTEekPkm-HuCbwz1ioc_M9BKnhRBfCu0PYK4vCV9iVmLyHR20/s1600/Samsung-Galaxy-Alpha-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Samsung Galaxy Alpha" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samsung Galaxy Alpha</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> It's not a top-of-the-line flagship device on the inside, but what matters is that it actually looks like one on the outside, thanks to its premium aesthetics, metal frame and sleek body. Samsung has every reason to be confident in the Alpha's design. As always, however, there's more to a device than meets the eye.<br /> <br /> <b>PROS</b><br /> • Beautiful and elegant<br /> <br /> • Wonderful performance<br /> <br /> • Compact size makes it comfortable, easy to use <br /> <br /> <b>CONS</b><br /> <br /> • Priced too high <br /> <br /> • Lacks several features found in the Galaxy S5<br /> <br /> • Battery life is nothing special <br /> <br /> <b>SUMMARY</b><br /> <br /> The Alpha is Samsung's first phone with a metal frame, and it's the most aesthetically pleasing Galaxy phone we've ever seen. Unfortunately, it's priced at a premium and doesn't have the same set of features that you can get on the Galaxy S5 for the same price. </div> </div>

Samsung Galaxy Alpha review: Samsung's most beautiful phone yet

Samsung Galaxy Alpha review: Samsung's most beautiful phone yet When a company names one of their products after the first letter of t...

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<h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">Netflix for Android lets you quickly spot what you're searching for</span></h2> <b>Netflix's Android app hasn't made searching very easy so far. While it'll give you thumbnails, the heavy emphasis on text in results has sometimes meant scrolling through gigantic lists.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRAhRJUn7wz3eiSXUUhnGpZ72tr2mG8fBC8_G8Y0iK4F3yUTfjqbbVyUKqpiMNF2P6-rKPZY1xUFvCR9tFmkbOq-0OKbLE8HX9nC-PuSHqM-_Fzo3rxsOMpc_VaS_s5BwMPJ63aKimR1m/s1600/Netflix-for-Android-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRAhRJUn7wz3eiSXUUhnGpZ72tr2mG8fBC8_G8Y0iK4F3yUTfjqbbVyUKqpiMNF2P6-rKPZY1xUFvCR9tFmkbOq-0OKbLE8HX9nC-PuSHqM-_Fzo3rxsOMpc_VaS_s5BwMPJ63aKimR1m/s1600/Netflix-for-Android-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Netflix for Android lets you quickly spot what you're searching for" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Netflix for Android lets you quickly spot what you're searching for</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> It should be much more elegant as of today, however; a just-launchedupdate has brought visual search (previously found just about everywhere else on Netflix) to Google's platform. Look for a title and you'll get nothing but pictures, making it easier to find an iconic movie or TV show based on its artwork.<br /> <br /> Prefer iOS instead? Don't worry, you're getting a treat as well. As on Android, visual search on the iPhone can now help you track down actors, creators and directors. You can find everything Netflix has from David Fincher (such as House of Cards), for example. Whichever device you call home, you'll find your illustration-heavy upgrade at the source links.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div>

Netflix for Android lets you quickly spot what you're searching for Netflix's Android app hasn't made searching very easy so f...

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<h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">Moto G review: still the best budget smartphone</span></h2> <b>Last year's Moto G took us all by surprise. Sure, we knew Motorola wanted to reinvent the cheap smartphone experience, but the very first device in the company's cost crusade was even better than we expected.</b><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV4aXHJDQILbEK2UL6HaHG9EdDxhng-ocLnLtg1KewY3l9SPHPCiqEkhPDPqYCq5cA19TvmDi0hl_7MPH8IQSksH8t5Fwx6LC2Gs6zbC3N1bybBtYgQZ1IT6u2LBVGELsCepjZVhMn399/s1600/Moto-G-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV4aXHJDQILbEK2UL6HaHG9EdDxhng-ocLnLtg1KewY3l9SPHPCiqEkhPDPqYCq5cA19TvmDi0hl_7MPH8IQSksH8t5Fwx6LC2Gs6zbC3N1bybBtYgQZ1IT6u2LBVGELsCepjZVhMn399/s1600/Moto-G-tech24h.blogspot.com.jpg" title="Moto G review (2014): still the best budget smartphone" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moto G review (2014): still the best budget smartphone</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div> <div> Let's be honest, though: The G's greatest asset was its small, small price tag. For $180 off-contract, it became awfully easy to forgive the thing for not being the quickest, the prettiest or the smartest. Still, it was one of those gadgets that wound up being more than just "good enough"; between the price and performance, the Moto G was one of the best cheap smartphones you could own, period.<br /> <br /> Here we are less than a year later, and we've got a sequel to play with (one with the same name, no less). If you took a quick peek at what it brings to the table, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Motorola wanted to play it safe the second time around -- the new Moto G isn't a game changer, and it doesn't have to be. Does this year's model clear the "good enough" bar once again? And just how far will $180 take you this year?<br /> <br /> <b>PROS</b><br /> <br /> • Camera is much better than the original's<br /> <br /> • Near-stock Android 4.4.4 is a treat<br /> <br /> • Feels snappy despite aging internals<br /> <br /> • Inexpensive<br /> <br /> <b>CONS</b><br /> <br /> • No LTE<br /> <br /> • Screen isn't as crisp as last year's model<br /> <br /> <b>SUMMARY</b><br /> <br /> Motorola's wallet-friendly formula hasn't changed much since last year's Moto G, but that's OK -- the company changed just enough to make the 2014 version one of the best budget smartphones out there. </div> </div>

Moto G review: still the best budget smartphone Last year's Moto G took us all by surprise. Sure, we knew Motorola wanted to reinvent ...

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