Whatsapp for iOS

Pranav Dixit

Profile

Pranav Dixit

Whatsapp updates are so few and far between that we should probably open a bottle of wine every time we get them. The Facebook-owned instant messenger just got another update, and if you have an iPhone, you're in for a treat.

Whatsapp on iOS now has the ability to share the slo-mo videos that you can shoot from the iPhone 5S. You can also trim clips down right in the app, which is handy. There's also support to add Snapchat-like captions to pictures and archive chats and groups. And oh, this is the first version of Whatsapp that actually works on the iOS 8 beta without crashing every 10 seconds.

Now bring on that voice calling already!

​WhatsApp Is Getting Voice Calling

Here's the complete change log:

- Added ability to archive chats and groups

- Add captions to photos and videos

- Added fast camera access button for capturing and sending photos

- You can now share slow-motion videos (iPhone 5s only)

- You can now trim videos before sharing them

- Share Location: add support for satellite and hybrid map views when sharing a location

- Share Location: drop and drag pin lets you share a precise location

- New media auto-download preferences: Settings > Chat Settings > Media Auto-Download

- New Wallpapers: Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Wallpapers > Wallpaper Library

- New Notification tones: Settings > Notifications

- You can now attach screenshots when reporting problems

Google Glass

It's not always easy to tell when your stress levels are through the roof, and you may not always want to break out a heart rate sensor just to find out when it's time to relax. You might not have to, if researchers at Georgia Tech and MIT have their way; they've developed BioGlass, an Android app that uses Google Glass to determine how frazzled you are. The software measures your heart and breathing rates by checking for tiny movements picked up by Glass' accelerometer, gyroscope and front-facing camera. In theory, you'd only have to wear the smart eyepiece to know when it's time to calm down.
The existing project doesn't do more than record data, but future software could do a lot more. You could get instructions on stress-relieving breathing exercises, for example, or even queue up soothing songs at the very moment you need them. Glass also isn't strictly necessary, if you'd rather not wear a $1,500 headset that occasionally causes stress. Any wearable with the right sensors would do the trick. The biggest challenge is getting an accurate reading while you're moving. BioGlass currently requires that you stand still, but the hope is that it will eventually warn you when you're literally hopping mad. If all goes well, you may always know when it's time to chill out -- and hopefully avoid a ton of health problems.

Android, iOS, and Windows Phone Apps

Robert Sorokanich

Filed to: apps of the week

The app developers of the world have had another week to impress us, and they don't disappoint. Here's the best and most brightly-colored apps that were introduced or newly revamped this week. Go ahead, let your smartphone taste the rainbow.

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Multi-Platform Updates

TheScore

TheScore gives you the constant-updating, wall-to-wall sports coverage you need, whether you're planted in front of the TV on gameday or off tending to life's lesser demands. Customizable push alerts keep you informed on your favorite teams, players, game scores, videos, and more, all curated by TheScore's staff of sports bloggers. The app supports any pro sport you could ever want to follow, but this week's update to the free app is all about football, with rich graphics and detailed stats on every play.

Pin Drop

Pin Drop lets you create personal or shareable maps, keeping track of your favorite places to go, eat, visit, sightsee, and more. It helps you remember places you want to revisit, or discover new stuff near you that you may have never seen. This week's update to the free app brings a more robust private setting, overhauled privacy guidelines, and sharing with even more social networks.

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Android

MIX

MIX bills itself as the perfect Instagram companion, but it's more like Insta's muscular, more capable big brother. With hundreds of pro-grade photo effects like selective color adjustment, bokeh blur, light leak, and tilt-shift blur, MIX lets you non-linearly and non-destructively filter and edit your photos in wildly customizable ways.

Evernote

By now you're no doubt familiar with Evernote, the handy note-keeping app that helps you organize and access your jots, photos, and files, across all your devices. This week's extensive Android update adds revamped navigation, handwriting improvements, and a cleaner overall look to an already-fantastic app.

Month

If you like Android widgets and keeping an organized calendar, you'll love Month. With 70 different easy-on-the-eyes widget themes and a gorgeous, simple design, Month makes sure you never have to go poking around inside an app to figure out what's on your calendar for the day.

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iOS

Fuzel Collage

Fuzel Collage lets you tweak, merge, and modify your favorite photos into either a still or animated collage. Pick photos from your iPhone's photo albums or your social media profiles, and share your creations to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or more.

Ondes: Expressive Electronic Instrument

Inspired by first-generation electronic instruments like the Theremin, Ondes turns your iPad into a sliding, undulating, polyphonic ethereal noisemaker perfect for creating beautiful melodies or avant-garde cacophony. It's pricey, but if you're a music nut in search of some truly unique sounds, Ondes brings the noise.

Hitlist

Hitlist is one of those simple, one-task apps that just works. Punch in where you want to travel, and the app will help you track last-minute discounts, fare histories, and package deals to help you find the best price on your trip. This week's update adds push notifications, tutorials, maps, and more, to make sure you never miss the great travel deal you've been waiting for.

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Windows Phone

Help + Tips

Microsoft's official help and tutorial app for Windows Phone 8 is finally out of beta. If you're new to Windows Phone or you just want to get the most out of your device, this app will show you all the tips, tricks, shortcuts, and Cortana commands you need to be a WinPhone master.

Facebook (beta)

Facebook's official in-house WinPhone app will always be the best, and this week's make it even faster, easier, and more reliable. Updated primary and secondary tiles, boosted Messaging performance, and an overall quickening make social media easy.

Tim Cook Says

Although Apple's initial response to a recent release of stolen celebrity photos stated that its iCloud and Find My iPhone systems had not been breached, now CEO Tim Cook is talking about how to beef up its security. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Cook said that several changes are coming very soon, with email and push notifications to alert users any time someone tries to change their iCloud password, restore data to a new device or add a new device to an account. When the notifications pop up, users can respond by changing their password or alerting Apple to a possible breach. Those changes are due in two weeks, however Cook reaffirmed that criminals gained access to victim's accounts by using phishing scams to get their IDs and passwords, or answering their security questions. In response, Apple is also going to start pushing two-factor authentication harder (which currently does not cover access to iCloud from a mobile device, but will after the release of iOS 8), and Cook said its aim will be to increase "awareness" of hackers, and using security measures like strong passwords -- we'll see if there are any other security changes revealed during next week's new iPhone event.
Source: Wall Street Journal

Microsoft's Lumia 830 offers PureView imaging at a lower cost

by Brad Molen

Microsoft Devices, formerly known as Nokia's phone division, is no slouch when it comes to its device lineup. Lately, it's been focused on refining the top and bottom of its Lumia Windows Phone lineup, but the phone maker came to IFA in Berlin with a couple of devices to freshen up the middle of the pack. The company's strategy: Bring the PureView brand, which has typically been associated with Nokia's premium phones, to a more affordable price point on the Lumia 830. In fact, Microsoft bills the 830 as "the affordable flagship." The device looks very similar to the Lumia 930 in that it comes with the aluminum frame and polycarbonate back. While it uses the PureView name, the rear camera's 10MP resolution isn't quite as good as the 930 or 1020, but it's understandable given the lower price point. Still, the device will come with plenty of extra software enhancements to improve the experience.

Nokia Lumia 830 hands-on

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The device will ship with the Lumia Denim update, which is Microsoft Device's specially packaged version of Windows Phone 8.1.1 (Update 1). That refresh comes with a new version of Lumia Camera, which comes with faster shot-to-shot and pocket-to-picture times and several other enhancements to the imaging experience.
One interesting feature in the new Lumia Camera is the ability to take two pictures: One with flash and one without. When editing the final image, it offers a slider that lets you change the flash effect up in the picture. In other words, if the flash was too bright, but the image is too dark without the flash, you can now tweak the end result to somewhere in between.

As for the hard specs, the 830 comes with a 5-inch 720p display, Gorilla Glass 3, slightly curved (2.25D) glass, a 2,200mAh battery and a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400. At first glance, it's hard to discern the 830 from the 930, largely due to the aluminum sides. However, it's actually quite a bit thinner than its bigger brother, at 8.5mm, and the PureView camera module mimics the circular black one on the Lumia 1020. It also comes with a removable polycarbonate back. Even though it's a thinner device, it's still just as easy to hold and looks sleeker than the 930.
Fortunately, the 830 retains the hardware shutter key prevalent on the other PureView devices. It's on the lower-right side of the phone, which on this particular device sits right where my pinky finger rests. This makes the holding experience slightly awkward, but I imagine it'll be easy to get used to altering my grip a bit after enough time using the device.
The 830 will come in green, orange, gray and white and start shipping globally this month at 330 euro.

Tags: hands-on, ifa2014, lumia, lumia830, microsoft, mobilepostcross, nokia

FBI offers help to game developers suffering harassment, death threats

There's been a swell of online harassment, and the authorities have noticed.

by Casey Johnston 

The FBI offered its assistance to the International Game Developers Association (IDGA) back in July to help with what the organization sees as a growing tide of harassment of game developers, according to a report from Polygon. IDGA Executive Director Kate Edwards said the FBI approached her during Comic-Con in San Diego to let her know "the FBI's capability."

Edwards told Polygon that the FBI noted a rise in activity in the online harassment of game developers. Over the last year, BioWare senior writer Jennifer Hepler left her job after getting death threats from fans, and Adam Orth, a Microsoft creative director, got a "tidal wave of vitriol" for tweeting his support of always-online devices. Since the FBI's meeting with the IDGA took place, developer Zoe Quinn has been harassed over personal details aired by her ex-boyfriend, and a flight carrying Sony Online Entertainment CEO John Smedley was diverted after getting a bomb threat from a gaming hacker group. On Tuesday, thousands of developers released a signed petition "asking for tolerance and acceptance in the larger gaming community."
In addition to keeping in touch with the FBI, Edwards said the IDGA is creating a special interest group for mental health issues surrounding harassment. Last week, the IDGA released a statement condemning the personal attacks that had taken place over the last several weeks against Quinn, her supporters, and supporters of Anita Sarkeesian, who received death threats over her latest video about tropes of women in video games. "We call on the entire game community to stand together against this abhorrent behavior," the statement reads.

iWatch

Ahead of Apple’s September 9th event that will include the introduction of Apple’s first wearable computer, along new, larger iPhones, The New York Times has profiled the existing wearable market. The juiciest bit from the story? A purported quote from Apple design chief Jony Ive, relayed by another Apple designer. Said Ive, referring to the existing watch market, “Switzerland is in trouble.”
Here’s the full section:

According to a designer who works at Apple, Jonathan Ive, Apple’s design chief, in bragging about how cool he thought the iWatch was shaping up to be, gleefully said Switzerland is in trouble — though he chose a much bolder term for “trouble” to express how he thought the watchmaking nation might be in a tough predicament when Apple’s watch comes out.

So, it appears Jony did not actually say “trouble.” He said something “bolder.” Perhaps “screwed” ? :D
Apple’s watch, we first reported, will have a strong sense of fashion in addition to fitness. We’re expecting the device to have a fair-sized display along with wireless charging, a variant of iOS, integration with Apple’s new HealthKit and HomeKit services, the ability to make NFC-based mobile payments by touch, and of course, several medical-grade sensors for monitoring a user’s pulse, hydration, heart rate, and other fitness/health data points.
This also could explain Apple’s recent hire of a Switzerland-based watch company’s marketing head. It also turns out that, if the Ive quote is true, Swatch could have a lot more to worry about than just a trademark.

Apple

By Shaun Nichols

Apple has yet to formally introduce or set a release date for its next iPhone, but that hasn't stopped rabid fans of iStuff from queuing up for Cupertino's next shiny release.
Customers in New York have already begun camping out in front of the company's flagship store for the honor (and attention) of being the first in line to acquire a phone that the company has yet to confirm exists.

The punters, who according to CNBC paid $2,500 to acquire the pole position for the next iThing, are named Jason and Moon Ray (yes, Moon Ray. We're not making that up.) and along with a pair of paid line-sitters are seeking to break a "record" of 18 days of iWaiting.

This, again, for a device which Apple has yet to even introduce, let alone give a release date or price, though if the $2,500 fee to get into line was any indication money won't be an issue for the pair.
Apple has sent out word of a September 9 special event in California which is likely to include the unveiling of a new iPhone. The latest rumors suggest the company will in fact be showcasing two new iThings, though a larger-screened device may not actually be in the hands of consumers until next year. Let's hope our line-sitters aren't holding out for that model.
The event may also bring the unveiling of a long-awaited Apple smartwatch device, useful for when you find yourself stuck on a New York sidewalk for weeks on end waiting for a phone you could have pre-ordered and received on the same day in the comfort of your own home.
iPhone release queues are nothing new. Since Apple first launched the original Jesusphone in 2007, punters have lined up days ahead of the release in order to get their hands on the latest bit of Cupertino kit.
With the new model yet to even be unveiled by Cook and Co., and with pre-orders for release day delivery becoming the norm, however, the need to actually camp out for a shot at buying the iPhone has long since passed and at this point it's more an attention-getting maneuver by bored fanbois than anything else (in the case of the Rays, promoting a mobile app).
Thus far, the line-waiting seems to be a New York phenomenon. A quick trip to the Union Square Apple store near Vulture West HQ didn't turn up any early sitters, possibly because ongoing street construction limits available sidewalk space. We're sure that come release day, there will be more than a few punters kicking around outside the store.

Samsung Introduces the Latest in its Iconic Note Series - The Galaxy Note 4, and Showcases Next Generation Display with Galaxy Note Edge

Offering a new dimension to Samsung’s unique Note culture, the Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge strengthen Samsung’s category leadership with the most progressive mobile devices on the market

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​Berlin, Germany – September 3, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the expansion of its flagship Galaxy Note series with the new Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge. Blending an evolved S Pen with a superior viewing experience, the Galaxy Note 4 provides users with the most unique and powerful mobile experience on the market.

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​“The Galaxy Note series signaled extraordinary innovation within the technology industry. Its larger screen size and iconic S Pen technology launched a new standard in smartphone culture,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. “With the introduction of the Galaxy Note series, we brought the age-old culture of the pen and notepad into the digital world. The new Galaxy Note 4 introduces the most refined Note experience to-date by combining all the latest technology that users expect from the Galaxy series.”

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​Powerful Performance that Matters the Most to You

​The Galaxy Note 4 embraces Samsung’s heritage of an unrivaled Galaxy mobile experience. Its extraordinary 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560x1440) Super AMOLED display reproduces clearer and more vivid images with deep contrast, better viewing angles, and response times as fast as a millionth of a second, providing a tremendous viewing experience.

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​Due to its large screen, the refined Multi Window feature is able to maximize the user’s experience providing them with the key to easier multi-tasking. Users can choose how they access their applications with full, split or pop-up screens, and easily change the size and positioning of apps on the screen with one intuitive swipe.

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​The Galaxy Note 4 also sports an advanced camera system that is able to reproduce brighter and clearer images. The device is equipped with a 16 megapixel rear-facing camera featuring a Smart Optical Image Stabilizer that counter-balances camera shake and automatically extends exposure time in dark settings. In addition, a 3.7 megapixel front-facing camera with f1.9 offers a default 90 degree shooting angle and up to 120 degree wide angle so users can take the best group shots with friends.

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​The Galaxy Note 4‘s wide selection of enhanced essential features enable users to get even more from their mobile device. With the Fast Charging feature and Ultra Power Saving Mode, the Galaxy Note 4 charges faster and ensures that users don’t run out of power when they need it most. The Galaxy Note 4 comes equipped with multiple microphones and an improved speaker phone for better noise cancellation when speaking in loud environments. A built-in Voice Recorder offers eight different directional voice tagging and a selective playback capability that allows users to isolate and listen to specific voices in a group conversation.

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​The Galaxy Note 4 also offers an improved Fingerprint Scanner, to secure personal data and the world’s first UV sensor in a mobile device.

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​S Pen and S Note for Everyday Tasks

​Making everyday tasks much faster and easier, the Galaxy Note 4’s S Pen has been specifically evolved to serve as the primary tool that users go to for common, everyday mobile device use. This new S Pen offers a much more authentic pen experience, with a more natural brush effect that perfectly emulates writing on paper with a fountain or calligraphy pen. The S Pen also introduces a more user-friendly Air Command functionality along with other intuitive features such as Action Memo, Screen Write, Image Clip and Smart Select that allow users to create and collect content with ease. A new Smart Select feature enables users to easily piece together content from different origins, and share it with ease.

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​The Galaxy Note 4 also provides users with a choice of multiple, seamless note-taking methods integrated with Samsung’s S Note application that allows everyday tasks to get done faster and more easily. In addition to typing and writing, the innovative Snap Note feature allows users to take a picture of their notes on a paper or a classroom board, and then quickly and easily convert to the S Note. They can also further unleash their creativity by jotting down their thoughts quickly with the Voice Memo.

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​Premium Yet Functional Design

​The Galaxy Note 4 introduces a new sleek and stylish Galaxy design language. The device features a premium metal frame with fluid curvature that seamlessly blends with the device display. The Galaxy Note 4’s 2.5D glass screen, inherited from the Galaxy S3, offers extra protection while perfectly complementing the device’s rich viewing experience. A soft-textured back cover provides incredible comfort that makes it easy to control with one hand. The device not only looks beautiful, but offers a superior grip and enhanced durability.

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​Introducing Galaxy Note Edge

​Samsung’s relentless pursuit of the best in innovation through the optimization of mobile technology and the user experience has led to the debut of the innovative and unique Galaxy Note Edge. Taking the Galaxy Note experience to the next level, the Note Edge provides users with a new way to access information, engage with their mobile device, and express their personality and tastes. The Galaxy Note Edge’s unique curved Edge screen provides quick access to frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality – even when the cover is closed – all with the swipe of a thumb. Users can also receive notifications directly on the Edge Screen while watching videos without disturbing their viewing.

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​The Galaxy Note 4 will be available in "Charcoal Black," "Frost White," "Bronze Gold,” and “Blossom Pink” in global markets starting in October and the Galaxy Note Edge will be available in “Charcoal Black” and “Frost White” in select markets through Samsung’s retail channels, e-commerce and carriers later this year.

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​Full details and product images are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com.

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​Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Product Specifications:

Network	2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE) : 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz 3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz 4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) or 4G (LTE Cat 6 300/50Mbps) * May differ by country and carrier
AP	2.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor 1.9 GHz Octa-Core (1.9GHz Quad + 1.3GHz Quad-Core) Processor *May differ by country and carrier
Display	5.7 inch (143.9mm) Quad HD Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440)
OS	Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Camera	Rear Facing: 16 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Smart OIS Front Facing: 3.7 Mega pixel camera with f1.9
	Rear Facing Camera : HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Rear-cam Selfie, Beauty face, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More, Dual Camera Front Facing Camera: Selfie, Wide Selfie
Video	Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8 Recording & Playback: up to UHD
Audio	Codec: MP3, AAC/AAC＋/eAAC＋, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(＊) (＊) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support
S Pen Optimized Features	Air Command (Action Memo, Smart Select, Image Clip, Screen Write) S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen Input
Additional Features	Multi Window
	Ultra Power Saving Mode
	Voice Recorder (Normal Mode, Interview Mode, Meeting Mode, Voice Memo)
	Download Booster
	S Health 3.5
	Dynamic Lock Screen
	Briefing
Google Mobile Services	Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80) MIMO PCIe GPS / GLONASS / Baidu NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.1 (BLE,ANT+) IR LED (Remote Control), USB2.0, MHL 3.0
Sensor	Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB,IR-LED Proximity, Barometer, Hall Sensor, Finger Scanner, UV, Heart Rate Monitoring, SpO2 (Dependent on market)
Memory	32 GB Internal memory ＋ micro SD slot (up to 64GB) 3GB RAM
Dimension	153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm, 176g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 3,220mAh, Fast Charging (Adaptive Fast Charging & QC2.0)

* The availability of each service may differ by country.
* All functionality, features, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

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​Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Product Specifications

Network	2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz 3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz 4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) or 4G(LTE Cat 6 300/50Mbps) *May differ by country and carrier.
AP	2.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor
Display	5.6 inch (141.9mm) Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440 + 160)
OS	Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Camera	Rear Facing: 16 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Smart OIS Front Facing: 3.7 Mega pixel camera with f1.9
	Rear Facing Camera : HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Rear-cam Selfie, Beauty face, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot&More, Dual Camera Front Facing Camera : Selfie, Wide Selfie
Video	Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8, Recording & Playback: up to UHD
Audio	Codec: MP3, AAC/AAC＋/eAAC＋, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(＊) (＊) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support
S Pen Optimized Features	Air Command: Action Memo, Screen Write, Image Clip, Smart Select, S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen Input
Additional Features	Multi Window
	Ultra Power Saving Mode
	Voice Recorder (Normal Mode, Interview Mode, Meeting Mode, Voice Memo)
	Download Booster
	S Health 3.5
	Dynamic Lock Screen
	Briefing
	Edge screen UX : Revolving Interaction, Immersive apps(Camera, Video, S Note), Ticker board, Express me, Quick Tools, Night Clock, etc
Google Mobile Services	Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80) MIMO PCIe GPS / GLONASS / Beidou NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.1 (BLE, ANT+) IR LED (Remote Control), USB2.0, MHL 3.0
Sensor	Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB, IR-LED Proximity, Barometer, Hall Sensor, Finger Scanner, UV, Heart Rate Monitoring, SpO2 (Dependent on market)
Memory	32/ 64 GB Internal memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB) 3GB RAM
Dimension	151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3mm, 174g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 3,000 mAh, Fast Charging (Adaptive Fast Charging & QC2.0)

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Sony's Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact stuffs full performance into an 8-inch slate

by Jon Fingas 

Sony had a minor hit when it unveiled the Xperia Z1 Compact, which crammed a full-power smartphone into a smaller frame; now, it's hoping to repeat that success with tablets. Its new Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is not only one of the thinnest (6.4mm) and lightest (0.6lbs) 8-inch tablets you'll find, but is actually more powerful than the full-size Z2 Tablet. It still has a 1080p display, 3GB of RAM, an 8.1-megapixel rear camera and a 2.2-megapixel front shooter, but runs a speedier 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor. The Compact should also last for a very healthy 13 hours of non-stop video playback.
There are a few hefty software upgrades, to boot. Besides the audio upscaling also seen in the new Z3 phones, this is Sony's first tablet with PlayStation 4 Remote Play -- you can not only control your game console from the tablet, but use it as a primary screen if someone's hogging the TV. You can even buy a custom mount for your DualShock 4 controller so that you don't have to find a safe resting spot for the slate.
Sony expects the Z3 Tablet Compact to hit shelves in the fall. It's not revealing full launch details at this point, but there will be both WiFi-only and LTE models.


Source: Sony Mobile

Lenovo unveils super-thin, super-light tablet

As one of the largest laptop computer makers in the world, Lenovo has a good relationship with Intel. So it’s not surprising that Lenovo is one of the leaders trying to take Intel-powered Android tablets mainstream in the United States. At IFA on Wednesday, Lenovo is set to announce the Tab S8, an affordable eight-inch tablet with an Intel Atom processor.
The Tab S8 is shaping up to be a good deal. The $200 slate will come with a 1920 x 1200 screen, a slim bezel and a quad-core Intel Z3745 processor based on Bay Trail architecture. Unfortunately, the high-resolution screen and Intel processor comes with a tradeoff: According to Lenovo, the 4290mAh battery in the Tab S8 will only muster “up to seven hours of battery life,” a disappointment when Lenovo’s Yoga tablets boast up to 18 hours of battery life.

The Tab S8 will come with 16GB of storage space, although there isn’t a MicroSD card slot. There will eventually be a version with an LTE modem as well as four different colors to choose from.

While Android doesn’t currently have 64-bit kernel support, the next major update (currently in developer preview as Android L) will be able to take advantage of the 64-bit Bay Trail processor in the Tab S8. Although the tablet will only come with 2GB of RAM, Intel says that computer-intensive Android applications “can see significant improvements when moved from 32-bit to 64-bit.”
Lenovo is better known in the United States for notebook computers running Windows, but it could become a real force in tablet sales with more aggressively-priced Android tablets like the Tab S8.

China gives Microsoft 20 days to provide explanation in anti-trust probe

For more info visit:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/01/us-china-antitrust-microsoft-idUSKBN0GW1FD20140901

Apple 'not likely' to ship redesigned power adapter, Lightning cable with 'iPhone 6'

For  more info visit:
http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/09/01/apple-not-likely-to-ship-redesigned-power-adapter-lightning-cable-with-iphone-6

Google Sends Invites for September 15 India Event; Android One Launch Likely

by NDTV Correspondent

inShare7

Google has sent invitations for an event in India on September 15. While the invite itself says "More details closer to the date!", it is expected that the much-awaited Android One smartphones will make their debut at the event.Android One was announced back in June at Google I/O with India's Karbonn, Micromax, and Spice the confirmed launch partners, though more Indian companies have reportedly joined the list since then.

Android One smartphones with their affordable price tag and near-stock Android software are Google's attempts to regain control of the customer experience in the entry-level segment. While the success of the likes of Moto E (Review | Pictures) has made a little bit of a difference, the experience in the sub-Rs. 10,000 smartphone segment has been sub-par for most Android users.
This can largely be attributed to low-end hardware and an OS that often comes pre-installed with all kinds of bloatware due to the marketing deals that many manufacturers sign in a bid to offset some of the costs.
Sundar Pichai, Senior Vice President, Android, Chrome and Apps at Google told NDTV Gadgets that the Mountain View-based company will not subside Android One hardware. Instead, Pichai hoped that the by sharing resources between Google and the OEMs, the companies would be able to keep the total cost of manufacturing in check.
It is widely believed that Pichai himself will make an appearance at the September 15 event, given the importance of the Android One project to the company.

Tags: Android,Android Mobiles,Android One,Google,Mobiles,Sundar Pichai

Google has spaffed more cash on lobbying this year than Big Cable

Don't worry, it'll be cheaper when they use drones

By Andrew Orlowski
Google has single-handedly outspent Big Cable in terms of lobbying dollars so far in 2014.
The ad giant spent $9.3bn compared to the $8.15bn spent by the NCTA, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, according to the Open Secrets website, which keeps count.

The NCTA represents Time Warner and Comcast and is run by former FCC chief Michael Powell – so isn’t short of a bob or two.

Along with other Silicon Valley companies, Google likes to position itself as a plucky upstart – an outsider or “disruptor” battling on behalf of the consumer against much bigger and entrenched industries. In fact, its expanding wealth has seen a similar expansion in lobbying.
Not all Google’s lobbying spending is on cable and telco issues. It actually spends more on trying to reform intellectual property laws such as copyright and patents to make them more Google-friendly. Only telecommunications comes second on Google's lobbying list. After that Google lobbies on labour issues and, in the fourth biggest spending category, “consumer product safety”.
Why would Google want to change the law on consumer product safety? One example is the use of Google Glass while driving. States want to ban the wearable HUD, but Google is pushing back hard.
Yet on the other hand, the Open Secrets count isn’t complete. Google also funds over 150 “citizen groups”, trade associations, and friendly academics. This soft spending can have some predictable results. When one of the recipients of Google’s cash, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, produced its annual "Who Has Your Back?" report on technology companies' connivance with government surveillance this year, Google was awarded six out of six stars.
The report didn’t look too hard at the apparently cosy relationship Google has with the spooks, which might have painted a quite different picture.
On other occasions, it appears to have been more successful.
Last year, the UK's copyright minister told MPs Google had better access to No.10 than he had. Google persuaded Prime Minister David Cameron he needed to review the UK's IP laws (presumably to ensure that promising UK startups like er, Luluvise and Impossible.com could flourish). And last week, the founder of a Google-sponsored educational network in the UK resigned, saying she’d been asked not to criticise the network’s sponsors. Google denies having made any such request. ®

LG officially reveals circular G Watch R with improved design and familiar features

http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/27/lg-g-watch-r-official/