Category Archives: Gadgets

Gigabyte Brix Mini PC: Features and Price To Be Announced

Posted on by
Reply

Having a mini PC nowadays is becoming more popular especially when consumers prioritize mobile gadgets over bulky devices. The mini PC market has risen in just a few years adding more sophisticated and advanced hardware parts on present models. Gigabyte is one of those manufacturers that constantly upgrades its rigs to suit consumer needs. With its latest BRIX ultra compact PC in the market, DIYers will have the chance to build their mini PC rig and minimize cost at the same time.

7d1b5 gigabyte brix mini pc Gigabyte Brix Mini PC: Features and Price To Be Announced

There are currently three configurations to choose from starting from the basic GB-XM12-3227 with 1.9GHz (Ivy Bridge) Core i3 i3-3227U processor, 2 x DDR3 RAM slots with up to 16GB capacity, Gigabit LAN, Intel integrated graphics, dual display support via HDMI and mini DisplayPort, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit LAN, 1 mSATA for SSD storage, 1 x mini-PCIe for WiFi module, VESA bracket for wall mounting the mini PC and measures 29.9 x 107.6 x 114.4 mm (fits perfectly on the palm of your hand).

9a7fb Brix ultracompact PC Gigabyte Brix Mini PC: Features and Price To Be Announced

Higher configurations differ on the processor model being used with the GB-XM11-3337 utilizing the Core i5-3337U (1.8GHz / 2.7GHz) while the GB-XM1-3537 has the Ivy Bridge Core i7-3537U (2GHz / 3.1GHz) model. Furthermore, users may customize the amount of memory module (up to 16GB), SSD storage and operating system they wish to install. Other peripheral parts are the same to all configurations.

Each mini-PC barebone is certainly a good choice for people looking for a compact office PC, HTPC or ultra-low power rig to replace bulky desktop computers. No price listed for each Brix mini-PC model at this moment.

(source)

Windows Phone Youtube App: Will Google Allow It This Time?

Posted on by
Reply

It’s already May 22 and this is the day that Google is giving Microsoft to comply with the request to remove the full-fledged YouTube app in Microsoft Windows Phone 8 if it still continues to stream contents and download videos that are denied to other devices despite the fact they are not in accord with its (YouTube) Terms of Service.

bc612 youtube app windows phone Windows Phone Youtube App: Will Google Allow It This Time?

 

This time, Microsoft released a revised version of the YouTube app with the video downloads completely disabled and existing WP8 owners are also denied this functionality. But that’s half of the condition being fulfilled since the ads are still missing. Microsoft has commented that it has complied with the Google request and that it expects a mutual collaboration between the two companies regarding the YouTube experience on WP8.

Google had previously contended that that the Microsoft-provided video playing app, which is protected by copyright laws, didn’t follow the normal approval procedures and the app apparently refused to show the regular ads. Both issues are making Google unhappy with the ad removal completely blocking the revenue stream to the app’s proprietary owner and also the phone manufacturer, and the video streaming and downloading not in accord with the company’s general terms and approval procedure. The ads are a good revenue source for a third-party provider such as Google with Microsoft being the proprietary owner of the latest Windows Phone smartphone.

A cease and desist letter had been furnished Microsoft regarding the app’s just a few days after its integration with Windows Phone 8. Google’s previous refusal to deny YouTube metadata to Windows Phone has caused Microsoft to file a complaint with the EU and this time it has gone too far as to threaten Microsoft with infringing property rights after featuring the updated video playing app without its consent. Google hasn’t responded yet to calls for a comment about the latest Microsoft move on the YouTube app especially on the continued absence of the ads. The only presumption is that both companies are indeed working together to resolve the issues unless Google makes a new announcement about the pending issue – ads.

(via)

LG HD Oxide Display For Super Thin Smartphones In The Future

Posted on by
Reply

The SID’s Display Week has kicked off in Canada and LG Electronics is taking this rare chance of providing its own booth at said event for its 5-inch HD Oxide prototype. It has a super-slim profile and features low power consumption due to its TFT Oxide technology from LG Display. The wide viewing angles are made possible with its IPS technology.

2532e lg hd oxide display 1 LG HD Oxide Display For Super Thin Smartphones In The Future

It’s even got a 1mm-slim bezel and a brightness rating at 250 nits although this will be higher once the device hits the market. The TFT technology uses oxide as the material of the electron channel with glass as common substrate in producing organic light emitting displays (OLEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs). But the oxide thing could bring the plastic aesthetics which explains the super-slim feature. OLED panels are getting at lot of technological attention from smartphone makers nowadays due to their extraordinary features when used as displays on smartphones.

Technology aside, the HD Oxide panel looks like a small photo frame with highlights of a true color combination emanating from an image. No other details were provided about this latest LG ware but it really looks good in pictures. Release date and price are, of course, unknown for now but that could come probably late this year, as a good guess.

Agent Smartwatch Gets Funded, Price A Bit Expensive

Posted on by
Reply

This generation screams of high technology gadgets. Intuitive devices like smartphones, smart washers, smart wall sockets, and even smart houses are all products of innovative ideas which makes today’s life more comfortable. Tech- savvy individuals seem to rely on their smartphones for everything including keeping the time. This is why a smartwatch is a refreshing change as the watch, in itself, could be used to work with your smartphone via Bluetooth technology to control a number of apps.

ca973 agent smartwatch kick Agent Smartwatch Gets Funded, Price A Bit Expensive

The Agent Smatwatch is a ground-breaking timekeeper which boasts a lot of key features. First off, the watch has a dual processor (ARM Cortex-M4 processor). This makes the watch capable of running all applications without hurting the battery as they smartly switches into sleep mode while still taking care of essential functions. It has a 1.28-inch display with anti-glare panel, Qi wireless charger support, light sensor, water resistant coating and replaceable wrist straps.

Unlike the usual timekeeping duties, an Agent Smartwatch could alert you of incoming phone calls and messages on your phone. It even has a caller id feature which eliminates the need to reach for your phone just to check who is calling. You can also use the watch for controlling the music player and if you are into running, measure your mileage.

Full production of the Agent Smartwatch begins in December 2013 so a release early next year is expected. Interested customers can head on to its Kickstarter page and place their orders. The retail price of this timepiece will be at $ 249 (with an addition of $ 50 for the Qi charger).

(source)

Apple To Sue Google Because Of Siri Infringement

Posted on by
Reply

There must be something about the infringement battle between Apple and Samsung that makes it look interesting and fresh all the time. Apparently, both the fans and the courts alike can’t seem to get enough from the two giant arch rivals. The latest so far in the Apple-Samsung epic involves the claim made by Apple that Samsung is violating its original Siri patents which was expressed by the former as an amendment in its latest filed court case. To be more specific, these were identified as patent 8,086,604 and patent 6,846,959.

93802 siri vs android voice search Apple To Sue Google Because Of Siri Infringement

Apple claims that the patents were infringed by Samsung because of the Google Now technology used in its devices. The technology is said to copy Apple’s Siri which has been described as a ‘universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system.’

Aside from the patents mentioned above, Apple further claims that the Galaxy S4 from Samsung is infringing three more of its original patents. These patents were labeled as US Patent No. 5,666,502 (graphical user interface using historical lists with field classes), US Patent No. 5,946,647 (system and method for performing an action on a structure in computer-generated data), and US Patent No. 7,761,414 (asynchronous data synchronization amongst devices).

It may sound confusing but it’s clear that there are at least five patents that are involved in the case. All of these five are allegedly infringed by the Galaxy S4 while two of them are likewise infringed by Google Now.

Originally, Apple has asserted in its claim that the Android Quick Search Box has infringed patents ‘604 and ‘509. After Google launched Google Now, Apple wanted to update its infringement claims accordingly. The document discussing the case has been entitled ’13-05-21 Apple Motion to Amend Infringement Contentions.’ Interestingly, there was no mention of the Galaxy S4 Google Edition in the said document. However, Apple will definitely include the Google Edition in its contention once the device hits the store shelves.

We should take note that there was one filing against the Android Search Box of Google which was overturned when it was filed against the Galaxy Nexus of Samsung. Based on this turn of events, we can assume that the Galaxy S4 will also be declared as innocent in the end.

(via)