Mobile Devices - Page 142

The Wireless Power Consortium has updated its Qi specification to version 1.2, something that allows the new Qi standard to blast its wireless powers up to 45mm, or 1.77 inches away. The current standard is only capable of 7mm, or 0.27 inches, so this is quite the increase.

Better yet, Qi 1.2 chargers and receives will be backwards compatible with Qi 1.1 devices, so a Qi 1.1 receiver (such as your Qi-capable smartphone) will be able to enjoy a power transfer range of up to 30mm. The Wireless Power Consortium has said that Qi 1.2 is capable of pushing out an incredible 2000W of resonant energy through the air for powering kitchen appliances.

This means we will eventually see kitchen top appliances being powered without cords, which will be great. The new version 1.2 standard also allows for a single inverter to power multiple coils, which should see much more affordable multi-device chargers.

HTC has been rumored to be working on a new Windows Phone 8.1 device that is said to be a version of the flagship HTC One M8 smartphone. New rumors are now suggesting that the Windows Phone version of the M8 will hit stores next month.

The rumors were substantiated when HTC began sending out invites to a media event in New York on August 19. The media invites don't say exactly what the event is about, so it could be unrelated to the Windows Phone device.

Rumors suggest that the Windows Phone device will be called the HTC One W8. Previous rumors claimed that the device would hit Verizon stores by Q3 of this year and that it would use the same hardware as the Android version on the market already.

According to Samsung's Senior Vice President of Mobile Communications, Kim Hyun-joon, the South Korean giant will be launching two new smartphones within the next six months to fight off the competition.

One of these new smartphones will be built using "new materials," which should arrive as the new flagship smartphone from Samsung, the premium Galaxy S5 we've all been waiting for, while the other one will be a large-screen model according to analysts. This large-screen smartphone should materialize into the Galaxy Note 4, which should rock some pretty serious specifications. The Samsung executive also said that the company will be launching new models into the mid-to-low-end market with enhanced specifications.

These teases of new devices are thanks to the company seeing its net profit drop 19.6% from the previous year due to "mismanagement of inventory, stiff competition and a strong Korean won that made its products less competitive overseas" reports The Wall Street Journal. Samsung's mobile division saw profits drop 30%, which is the company's biggest profit generator. The company said in a statement: "Prospects for growth remain unclear as competition over global market share intensifies in the mobile industry".

Battery life in our smartphones and tablets is something that needs drastic improvement, but it looks like we see the light at the end of the tunnel with some new technology thanks to researchers out of Stanford.

These researchers have developed a new lithium battery that could double smartphone and tablet battery life, something that enables denser, more efficient lithium within the battery's anode. This is done by using a nanoscopic carbon shield that keeps the unstable chemical stable, but when uncontrolled, drains the battery life much faster.

The result of this is that we have a battery that lasts much longer, but will not degrade as quickly, and on top of that - it will be much safer. Stanford's Steven Chu, who was previously the US Secretary of Energy, says that smartphones powered by these advanced lithium cells could have two to three times the battery life that smarpthones do now. He also said that automakers could build cheap electric cars, that still have a decent range on them.

We don't really know what is going on with the new Nexus, with LG saying that it will not be making the new Nexus, and with all of the news of the Android Silver program, we truly don't know what to expect. That was however, until the latest rumor popped up that Motorola - which Google sold to Lenovo - would be constructing the new Nexus for the search giant.

Android Police has the hot rumor in its hands, giving it a "confidence level" of 6.5 out of 10. The rumor is that Motorola is working on a new smartphone with Google that goes by the codename of Shamu. Shamu will reportedly be aimed at major US carriers, as well as other large carriers throughout the world, carriers that most likely already handle the Nexus 5.

Shamu will reportedly feature a large 5.9-inch screen with an unknown resolution, and something that makes this rumor stand out: a fingerprint sensor. We are meant to be expecting this new smartphone in November, which should be an interesting time for a smartphone release. We'll have more information on the new Nexus as it materializes.

Apple is still reportedly preparing two next-gen iPhones, with a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch version. It looks like we could see the 4.7-inch version launched first, with the larger 5.5-inch model to be launched several months later. Why? Well, there's a good reason for that, in Apple's eyes anyway.

DigiTimes is behind the new report, citing their usual anonymous supply chain sources, where they said: "The different timetables have been set as Apple does not want to repeat the mistake it made in 2013 when it launched the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c simultaneously, said the sources". There are still conflicting rumors that Apple will launch both new iPhones at the same time, but I think we will see a staggered release.

Apple won't want to cannibalize its own sales, and it knows that releasing two new bigger iPhones at the same time will do just that. There are a lot of people who have been waiting for a 'bigger iPhone' and being torn between two models won't help. One will sell more than the other - I'm banking on the 4.7-inch version - which will allow Apple to do a Samsung. Samsung launches a Galaxy Note around six months after its flagship Galaxy S smartphone, where Apple could start doing the same thing - releasing the 4.7-inch version, waiting six months to launch the bigger 5.5-inch iPhone 6.

For something that we've been teasing for a little while now, NVIDIA has just taken the official wrap off of its Shield Tablet. We now have confirmed specs, with the new device being an 8-inch tablet featuring the slightly higher than Full HD resolution of 1920x1200.

The new Shield Tablet is powered by the company's more than impressive Tegra K1 processor, is compatible with the new Shield wireless controller, something that will let you get your game-streaming fun on. This will allow you to run your games remotely from your PC at home. With its mini-HDMI connection, you can throw up 1080p content to the Full HD TV near you.

Because it's an Android-based device, you get the best of both world's - the Android games, as well as PC games. This is something most other devices don't even begin to offer, especially at $299. NVIDIA is doubling down with the Shield Tablet, by turning the Shield brand into a product family. The new NVIDIA Shield Tablet is also the first global launch that the company has taken on. The new Shield Tablet starts off with the Wi-Fi-only 16GB version priced at $299. The 32GB model with LTE capabilities is priced at $100 more, at $399.

According to sources of The Wall Street Journal, Apple has ordered a huge number of next generation iPhones. The Journal's sources have said that the company has ordered a huge 70 to 80 million units, with this order being split between the two screen sizes.

Remember that we should have both a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 arriving, with the 4.7-inch being teased the most so far. If we put these figures up against the order that Apple placed for the iPhone 5S and 5C, Apple ordered between 50-60 million. The iPhone 5S was met with big demand, which saw Apple experiencing shortages for consumers.

Things have changed in the past year for Apple, with the company signing a rather large deal with China Mobile, which has over 790 million subscribers on its network. We should expect Apple to bake in considerable changes into the iPhone 6, in both the software and hardware departments.

We've been hearing about the next-gen Shield device from NVIDIA for a while now, something that should come to us in the form of a new tablet. The latest rumor is that NVIDIA will launch its Shield Tablet on July 29, starting at a competitive price of just $299.

The new NVIDIA Shield Tablet will come in two sizes, 16GB and 32GB, with the 16GB version being Wi-Fi only at $299. The 32GB version will feature LTE connectivity, with an additional $100 cost for a total of $399. There will reportedly be two accessories sold alongside it, the first being the Shield Controller for $59 and the second being the Shield Cover for $39.

NVIDIA will cram in some great technology and options into the Shield Tablet, starting with an 8-inch 1920x1200 IPS LCD display, microSD card support up to 128GB, Stylus support and it will also be 4K/Ultra HD ready. Inside of the Shield Tablet we should find NVIDIA's very capable Tegra K1 processor, which will feature 192 CUDA cores. Other than that, we have 2GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel cameras are featured up front and back, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n.

It's not uncommon to walk into a restaurant and see customers using their smartphones, taking photos of the dinner party and of their food, or communicating via phone, text, or email. However, there is some concern that heavy smartphone use can be a disruption that interferes with how the restaurant runs smoothly.

Some chefs and restaurant managers have complained that smartphones and social media "ruin the dining experience," and some establishments have banned patrons from using phones while at the table. However, being so heavy handed could drive patrons to other restaurants, because banning smartphone use seems a bit over the top, restaurant industry experts warn.

Restaurants need to find a way to ensure they are able to cater to customers, while also ensuring service runs smoothly. As Patrick Duxbury, TAO Downtown restaurant general manager noted: "Those pictures go up on social media, some of them instantly on Instagram and Facebook, and it gets out there."

EXCLUSIVE - We just received photos that appear to be of Apple's upcoming iPhone 6 smartphone from a source who will remain anonymous.

The quality of the photos aren't great, but as far as we can tell, they appear to be accurate images of Apple's soon-to-be-released new 4.7-inch smartphone. If rumors are correct and based on historic data, Apple is set to launch the iPhone 6 in September to major countries around the world.

Additionally, if rumors are correct, this is the smaller version of the iPhone 6, Apple also plans to release a larger 5.5-inch model.

Japan Display Inc. (JDI) and MediaTek are working together to provide the market with 120Hz-capable mobile displays that will see ultra-smooth gaming on mobile devices, but the smartphones that will house these new super-fast displays will be chewing down some serious battery life, too.

With most flagship smartphones, we have 50Hz or 60Hz displays, which is absolutely fine for most video playback, gaming and everything else you throw at it. But for the next-generation of mobile games, and in my opinion virtual reality headsets, 120Hz is vital. MediaTek's MT6596 and MT6795 system-on-chips are both capable of 120FPS.

Jeffrey Ju, General Manager of the MediaTek Smartphone Business Unit said: "120Hz mobile displays are not only a pleasure to view and use, but they also ensure mobile users can see every aspect of detailed screen action with the maximum possible fluidity. We are pleased to have partnered with Japan Display to revolutionize the mobile experience for consumers to experience premium technology". I think we've just seen the future of VR displays unveiled, and I would be confident in saying that this is the type of display that Oculus VR is waiting for its Rift CV1 (Consumer Version 1) headset.

VIA has launched its 10.1" Viega tablet, designed for business and enterprise users that need a durable tablet for use out in the field. Mobility is increasingly important for many businesses, but trying to take an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab, for example, is risky business in factories, on job sites, and other locations where it could be damaged.

The tablet features a 1.2GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 chip, 1GB DDR3 DRAM, Mali-400 DP GPU, and 16GB eMMC flash that powers a 10.1" LED blacklit screen. The tablet also has a micro SIM and micro SD card slot, 2 USB micro USB ports, 1 micro HDMI-output, along with an optional 2-megapixel front and 5-megapixel rear camera. The tablet runs Google Android 4.2, and can be customized based on customer needs. VIA also included Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC connectivity support for its Viega tablet.

"As more and more enterprises seek to increase productivity and improve customer service by equipping their staff with mobile devices, they are quickly learning that it is critically important to deploy customized solutions built to withstand the demands of their target environments rather than standard off-the-shelf products," said Epan Wu, VIA Embedded Platform Division head, in a statement. "With its rugged design, enhanced security features, and customization support, the VIA Viega addresses this need and provides the longevity support that enterprise level customers require."

Apple has quietly opened a store on eBay to sell certified refurbished iPhone 5 smartphones that are unlocked. All of the smartphones on this particular store are GSM version of the iPhone 5. The smartphones include a one-year Apple warranty and are being sold at aggressive prices.

The Apple store is called the Factory Outlet eBay Store and has six devices listed in factory restored and unlocked guise. iPhone 5 model on the store sell for between $449 and $499 per device.

The phone models on the eBay store are exclusive to the store. Devices are noted to be burn-in tested and professionally repacked with a final inspection performed by Apple. It's worth noting that ahead of the official launch of the latest iPad in 2013, a similar store popped up for refurbished older iPad models and disappeared before the launch of the new tablet.

It looks like we can expect the elusive OnePlus One smartphone to receive Android L quickly after Google releases, something that OnePlus might be able to bake onto its phone before most of the other leading Android smartphones on the market.

OnePlus announced the news on Friday, after it was hit with questions as to when it would be pushing Android L to One smartphone. The company said that the One's new CyanogenMod build is based on Android L, and will be available after a couple of months after Google makes its final Android L code available.

The company said in its full statement: "So a lot - I mean, a lot - of people are asking about whether we'll be getting on the Android L train. It was announced while I was asleep and when I got back to work the morning after, there were already a bunch of forum posts and (strangely) customer support requests about it. Well, we're keen to announce today that the OnePlus One will indeed be getting the L treatment. When, you ask? That depends on Google. We promise to have it done within three months of their releasing a final build".

For something that Microsoft teased back in March, Kinect 2.0 is finally headed to the PC. The 3D camera will be made available for PC on July 15, without the Xbox logo being printed on it.

The PC-compatible 3D camera is priced at $100 more than its Xbox One counterpart, at $200. Considering Microsoft knocked $100 from the price of the Kinect-less Xbox One, one has to wonder what the 100% increase in price represents. It should be the same hardware inside, but I'm sure we'll find out what the PC-compatible Kinect 2.0 sensor is capable of in a just a few days time.

In case you needed added confirmation of how addicted we are to our smartphones, almost one in two U.S. consumers say they wouldn't last one day without their smartphones, according to a report from Bank of America.

Furthermore, using a smartphone is more important than coffee or television, changing "the way we live our daily lives," according to Marc Warshawsky, Bank of American SVP and mobile solutions executive. Not surprisingly, millennials from the ages of 18-24 believe their mobile phones are more important (96 percent) than their toothbrush (93 percent) or deodorant (90 percent).

Banks want to utilize smartphones and mobile technologies to keep users engaged, and it's been working for Bank of America - with 31 percent of mobile BoA users logging in at least once per day, and 82 percent access their accounts at least once per week.

There have been rumors that Google would nix its Nexus program, replacing it with Android Silver - a premium Android lineup of devices. But, according to the Head of Android Engineering, Dave Burke, the Nexus program isn't going anywhere.

Burke said: "People have been commenting about Nexus because there is something else and they think that means the end of Nexus. That is the totally wrong conclusion to make". When it comes to the talk about Android Silver, Burke's leaps are sealed: "Android Silver is not something that we are commenting on right now. But the prospect of Silver doesn't mean that Nexus is going away".

Project Tango is one of the more impressive concept technologies that Google has shown off in the recent years, but now we know that the technology is coming to consumers, next year.

Google is working with LG on Project Tango for consumers, another team up with the South Korean giant - the makers of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 smartphones. Google and LG haven't given an exact date as to when we should expect Project Tango next year, but it'll be interesting to see how it arrives to us, and what services and apps it will work with. Maybe we'll see it work with Google Cardboard for some uber-realistic VR and AR content.

We just reported about the new 4.7-inch iPhone 6 launching in both 32GB and 64GB variants in September, but if you're after 128GB of on-board flash storage, you'll need to upgrade to the bigger 5.5-inch version of the iPhone 6.

Chinese site Wei Feng is reporting that the 128GB variant will only be baked onto the 5.5-inch version of the iPhone 6. This is going to be the big point between the two new iPhone 6 models, with the 4.7-inch model coming with a smaller screen and smaller on-board storage options, but for those who have a requirement of everything bigger, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will have an option of 128GB.

We should expect Apple to launch the new 5.5-inch iPhone 6 alongside the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 in a few months time.