Subscribe via email

Enter your email address for a daily tech summary via email:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Monday, June 30, 2014

Notebook shipments up 6.4% on month in May 2014, says WitsView

Notebook shipments up 6.4% on month in May 2014, says WitsView: Notebook shipments reached approximately 14 million units in May 2014, up 6.4% on month and up 9% on year. Distributors' strong stock up demands for new models including low-priced US$249 Microsoft notebooks acted as a major growth momentum, according to WitsView.


Privacy-focused Blackphone starts shipping for $630

Privacy-focused Blackphone starts shipping for $630: If you missed our coverage during Mobile World Congress, then here's what you need to know about Blackphone: it's a mid-spec Android smartphone that comes pre-subscribed to (and pre-installed with) a bunch of privacy and anti-surveillance services,...


LA School District Abandons One-Device-Fits-All iPad Strategy, Offers Laptops, Convertibles

LA School District Abandons One-Device-Fits-All iPad Strategy, Offers Laptops, Convertibles: LA high schools give up on iPads, stick with more traditional computing options


CarPlay coming to 2015 Audi models in Europe, North American cars in 2016

CarPlay coming to 2015 Audi models in Europe, North American cars in 2016:

Screen Shot 2014-06-30 at 9.26.33 AM

Following up on its announcement that it will support CarPlay in its cars beginning in 2015, Audi has provided more details about the rollout. According to the luxury car-maker, iOS CarPlay support will arrive in models for Europe in 2015, while North American models will see the software in center consoles in early 2016. Audi has also detailed how the functionality with be integrated:



CarPlay will integrate with Audi’s built-in controls, including the innovative Audi MMI touch system, as well as dial controls and voice controls to easily activate Siri. This gives Audi drivers a variety of ways to minimize distraction on the road while accessing their iPhone to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and send or receive messages. In CarPlay-equipped models, Audi motorists will simply connect their iPhone to begin using their apps through the car’s native controls. Drivers also have the option to easily switch from the CarPlay view and the Audi infotainment functions as desired.
Audi’s President of America noted that Apple and Audi are working closely on the integration. “That’s why it was essential for Audi and Apple engineers to work closely together to seamlessly bring the capabilities of CarPlay to the advanced interfaces of the Audi MMI system,” he said. Notably, Audi and Apple are not the only partners in the digital car space. Google is integrated Android Auto into future Audi models.

Ferrari, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Volvo are rolling out CarPlay-supported cars this year, while other companies like BMW, Ford, and Toyota are yet to announce specific rollout timeframes.

Thanks to AudiWire for bringing this news to our attention. 

For more news on AAPL Company, Apple, and iPhone continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss "CarPlay coming to 2015 Audi models in Europe, North American cars in 2016" with our community.

Report: Apple could face production problems trying to make the Apple iPhone 6 screen thinner

Report: Apple could face production problems trying to make the Apple iPhone 6 screen thinner: A new report that was published on Monday, cites sources in the supply chain as saying that Apple is facing the possibility of production issues with the Apple iPhone 6. The reason for a potential drop in yield is Apple's desire to make the screen thinner, by using just one brightness enhancement film (BEC) for the backlit LCD display on the device. Apple usually uses two BECs, obtained from its supplier Miebea, for the iPhone display.



The problem is that by using just one BEC, Apple is depending on one film to do the work of two. This could lead to a lower production yield for the handset. ...


HUGE LEAK shows the iPhone 6’s curved glass screen for the first time

HUGE LEAK shows the iPhone 6’s curved glass screen for the first time:

iPhone 6 Display Photos Leak
We've already seen countless images of iPhone 6 dummies and now we're finally getting a good look at actual iPhone 6 parts. 9to5Mac has obtained some leaked images that show off the iPhone 6's glass cover and show just how much more display space it will give you compared to the iPhone 5s.

Continue reading...


iphone-6-iphone-air-concept-1.jpg?w=150

5336a674178087fe17311cb340af70be?s=96&d=identicon&r=G

This Camera Films at the Speed of Light

This Camera Films at the Speed of Light:



And you thought watching The Hobbit in 60fps was weird? At 15 billion fps, this camera from Heriot Watt University captures video so fast that you can actually watch individual photons move across a room and reconstruct the form of objects around corners based only on the light that they scatter.

Read more...


















The world’s most secure Android phone is now shipping

The world’s most secure Android phone is now shipping:

Android Blackphone Release Date
Android phones don't exactly have a reputation for BlackBerry-like security but one new device is aiming to change that. Blackphone, a new Android device developed by the secure communications specialists at Silent Circle and that sells for $630 off contract, has now finally started shipping.

Continue reading...


silent-circle-blackphone-2.jpg?w=150

5336a674178087fe17311cb340af70be?s=96&d=identicon&r=G

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Android will separate work and personal data with the help of Samsung Knox

Android will separate work and personal data with the help of Samsung Knox: There have been rumors that the next version of Android would be making a push to address the needs of enterprise, and those rumors have proven to be true. Google just announced that Android L will offer new features to make it easier for people to use one device for both work and personal life. This includes keeping data separate, and getting help from a surprising source.


We've been seeing increased cooperation between Google and Samsung recently, but this is a big deal. Samsung has contributed part of its Knox security software to run as a core part of Android. It will keep ...

Car makers will offer Android Auto alongside CarPlay later this year

Car makers will offer Android Auto alongside CarPlay later this year:

How will Google’s new ‘Android Auto’ CarPlay competitor compare? On top of opening up the SDK, unlike Apple, to messaging and audio apps, it also has a ton of support right of the bat through the Open Automotive Alliance. Following Google’s unveiling of its new Android Auto connected car platform, a long list of both new and old members of the Open Automotive Alliance have confirmed support for the new feature. Many of which are also confirmed partners for CarPlay and at least some plan to launch both platforms simultaneously in upcoming vehicles. A press release lists a number of new OAA members including Bentley, LG, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Maserati, Volvo and many more. The news also confirms that we’ll see aftermarket solutions for Android Auto from companies like Pioneer, Parrot and Alpine, which are also building aftermarket solutions for CarPlay. Here’s a full list of new OAA companies that will support Android Auto:

  • Alpine
  • Bentley
  • Clarion
  • CloudCar
  • Delphi
  • FIAT Chrysler
  • Freescale
  • FUJITSU TEN
  • HARMAN
  • Infiniti
  • JVCKENWOOD
  • LG
  • Maserati
  • Mazda
  • Mitsubishi
  • Nissan
  • Panasonic
  • Parrot
  • Pioneer
  • Renault
  • Renesas
  • SEAT
  • Å koda
  • Subaru
  • Suzuki
  • Symphony Teleca
  • Volkswagen
  • Volvo
That list doesn’t include founding and old members like Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and others. Volvo and Hyundai have now independently confirmed that they will both support the platform. Interestingly, both companies are also confirmed partners of Apple’s competing CarPlay platform.

When it comes to Volvo, the company announced today that it’s joining the Open Automotive Alliance and plans to bring Android Auto to all its cars using a new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) starting with the all-new XC90. That’s notable considering that’s also the first vehicle Volvo will use to introduce Apple’s CarPlay feature later this year. Up until now there was some question about how a platform from Google might co-exist alongside Apple’s platform, but it appear at least some manufacturers plan to offer both of the competing platforms side by side in new vehicles. We’ll have to see if others decide to go Apple or Android only or offer exclusivity windows for either platform. We’ll also have to see if aftermarket solutions– like these ones from Pioneer– pack in support for both features or limit hardware to Android or CarPlay.

Hyundai, another confirmed Apple partner, will also be bringing Android Auto to its in-dash displays alongside CarPlay.

For more news on Apps continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss "Car makers will offer Android Auto alongside CarPlay later this year" with our community.

Wireless charging solution market to grow by CAGR of 30% in next 3-5 years

Wireless charging solution market to grow by CAGR of 30% in next 3-5 years: The global wireless charging solution market is expected to grow by a CAGR of over 30% in the next 3-5 years as more and more smartphone vendors have begun to incorporate such solutions into their new models, according to sources at Taiwan-based IC design houses.


Digitimes Research: Fierce price competition revives GG touch panel demand

Digitimes Research: Fierce price competition revives GG touch panel demand: Generally, the touchscreen technology used in a tablet is related to the device's specifications: high-end models usually adopt cutting-edge technologies, first-tier brand vendors' mid-range/entry-level models mostly adopt GFF-based touch panels, and white-box products normally use lower-end technologies. The traditional GG technology has been mostly left to gradually disappear from the sector.


Samsung’s Future Exynos Powered Smartphones to feature Assertive Display

Samsung’s Future Exynos Powered Smartphones to feature Assertive Display: We don't talk very much about Nokia's Windows phones around here, but when we do, it's usually in good favor. For example, there's something about the Lumia 1520's display that makes it "pop" in a way the others can't - especially under direct sunlight or shrouded by darkness.


For some time, Apical's Assertive Display technology has played a significant part in Nokia's recipe for its display 'secret sauce'. But, for some reason, the tech which intelligently balances the image in concert with the ambient lighting didn't catch on with the likes of LG and Samsung - until now. ...

New LG and Samsung smartphones with flexible displays to appear in September?

New LG and Samsung smartphones with flexible displays to appear in September?: Has anyone ever thought what the sequels to the Samsung Galaxy Round and the LG G Flex could be like? If the latest rumors out of Korea are to be trusted, Samsung and LG are preparing another round of smartphones with flexible displays for September 2014.



The report is scarce on details, but it suggests that Samsung will finally brings its three-sided display to the market (check the video below), while LG will, once again, court spec addicts with a flexible QHD display of 510 ppi pixel density (which calculates to about 5.7 inches by diagonal). Keep a bag of salt nearby for this, as fitting ...


Android Auto will be initially supported in vehicles from 28 car brands

Android Auto will be initially supported in vehicles from 28 car brands:

With yesterday's unveiling of Android Auto, Google is finally about to bring its open-source platform to the car. Just as we already explained, the concept behind it is downright simple – after you get into your vehicle and plug in your car's USB cable into your Android smartphone, the phone casts the interface of Android Auto right onto your vehicle's dashboard. You can then easily access several of the apps that you are most likely to use while driving – navigation, messaging, and music. The most important aspect of Android Auto? It's completely voice-enabled, courtesy of Google's Voice Search.



It ...


FISMA Reform Heads to Senate Floor

FISMA Reform Heads to Senate Floor: Committee Also Approves Two Other Cybersecurity Bills

A Senate committee has approved legislation to reform the 12-year-old law that governs federal information security, plus two other cybersecurity-related bills. The full Senate will now consider the measures.


Google, Not OEMs, Will Control The Android Wear, Auto and TV UI

Google, Not OEMs, Will Control The Android Wear, Auto and TV UI:

Google, Not OEMs, Will Control The Android Wear, Auto and TV UI

When Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV launch this fall, they'll solve a problem that has plagued Android since Day One: an inconsistent user experience across devices. Ars Technica's Andrew Cunningham points out that unlike Android phones from different manufacturers that sport ugly custom UIs, launchers and interacting with Android on different smartwatches was exactly the same. In fact, Google's engineering director, David Burke, told Cunningham that with Wear, Auto and TV, the underlying software and interfaces will be controlled by Google, not the OEMs.

Read more...


















Report: Obama Admin. Roadblocks May Stall Lenovo's Purchase of IBM Server Unit

Report: Obama Admin. Roadblocks May Stall Lenovo's Purchase of IBM Server Unit: Obama administration continues its strategy of provocation against its fellow spy state


Digital tattoo can unlock your Motorola Moto X

Digital tattoo can unlock your Motorola Moto X: How would you like to amaze your friends and make your family proud, by unlocking your Motorola Moto X using a digital tattoo that sticks to your skin? The tattoo uses copper and works with NFC to quickly unlock your Moto X without having to swipe the screen or tap in some passcode. And the tattoo will stay on your body, even if you decide to take a swim in the pool to cool off this summer (just don't bring your Moto X into the pool with you).



Each tattoo is about the size of a nickel, lasts about five days, and a pack of ten will cost you $9.99. You can order it now from Vivalnk and we ...


Blue glass filter supply currently tight

Blue glass filter supply currently tight: Blue glass filter supply is currently tight as more smartphones and wearable devices are using the technology, according to industry sources.


Taiwan makers see increased Ultra HD TV panel orders from China

Taiwan makers see increased Ultra HD TV panel orders from China: AU Optronics (AUO) and Innolux are seeing increased orders from China TV vendors which are expected to release low-priced Ultra HD units throughout the second half of 2014.



Taiwan makers see increased Ultra HD TV panel orders from China

Taiwan makers see increased Ultra HD TV panel orders from China: AU Optronics (AUO) and Innolux are seeing increased orders from China TV vendors which are expected to release low-priced Ultra HD units throughout the second half of 2014.



LG Display to inject US$788 million to expand OLED production, say reports

LG Display to inject US$788 million to expand OLED production, say reports: LG Display has plans to invest US$788.1 million to increase OLED panel production capacity as part of its initiative to meet rising global demand, according to various Korea-based media reports.


Digitimes Research: Google to expand Chromebooks into consumer market

Digitimes Research: Google to expand Chromebooks into consumer market: Introduced in 2011, the Chromebook was initially developed mainly for the education sector and has achieved outstanding sales in the past two years. During Google I/O 2014, Google announced plans to further integrate Android with the Chromebook, and Digitimes Research believes the tech giant is looking to expand the Chromebook' presence in the consumer market in the second half of 2014, an expected business direction after Google placed both its Android and Chrome teams under the management of Sundar Pichai in March 2013.


Estonia will hand out digital ID cards to non-residents

Estonia will hand out digital ID cards to non-residents: Digital ID cards are still a rarity in most countries, but they're a staple of everyday life in Estonia -- locals use them for everything from e-voting to buying mass transit tickets. You currently have to live in the country to take advantage of...


Rumor: Microsoft smartwatch coming in October, features 11 sensors and supports multiple platforms

Rumor: Microsoft smartwatch coming in October, features 11 sensors and supports multiple platforms: Forget about that idea we mentioned the other day, about Microsoft sitting back and collecting royalty fees on smartwatch patents, while others do the heavy lifting. A new rumor has just started spreading about Microsoft's entrant into the smartwatch business. According to the speculation, the timepiece will carry 11 sensors, support multiple platforms, and feature a display on the underside of the band. Some of you watch wearers do find it easier to turn your palm up, to look at the time.



Instead of going with a larger rectangular display like the LG G Watch, or a circular one like the ...


Saturday, June 28, 2014

Audi says it plans to bring Apple CarPlay to its cars next year

Audi says it plans to bring Apple CarPlay to its cars next year:

carplay

Audi today announced in a press release that it plans to integrate Apple’s CarPlay technology to its vehicles possibly as soon as next year. This makes Audi the first automobile company to join Apple’s initial list of committed partners since the Cupertino-company announced the feature’s roll out plans in detail earlier this year in March although Alpine and Pioneer have been added for announcing support for aftermarket solutions.

Audi has not yet been added to Apple’s CarPlay microsite which lists each car company with a commitment to support CarPlay, but Audi says that CarPlay integration with its vehicles “is taking place through intensive dialog between the Audi development lab in Silicon Valley and Apple.” While its unclear just how far along Audi’s partnership with Apple is since Apple hasn’t added Audi to its list of partners, for its part Audi says it plans to roll out the first models supporting CarPlay in 2015.

To date, models from Ferrari, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have been announced with CarPlay support in 2014, while Honda is on Apple’s list to support the feature this year as well.

Audi joins a massive list of other automobile manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and more.

CarPlay, of course, is a feature supported by iOS 7.1 and later on iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 5c to project content from iOS apps like Music, Maps, Podcasts, and Messages to the infotainment system built into supported cars.

(via AI)

Visit 9to5Mac to find more special coverage of AAPL Company, iOS, and CarPlay.

What do you think? Discuss "Audi says it plans to bring Apple CarPlay to its cars next year" with our community.

This Weird Morphing Skin Could Make Future Vehicles Super Aerodynamic

This Weird Morphing Skin Could Make Future Vehicles Super Aerodynamic:

This Weird Morphing Skin Could Make Future Vehicles Super Aerodynamic

This strangely alive-looking blob isn't a prop from a sci-fi movie. It's a smorph, a morphing material that could make the cars, trains and airplanes of tomorrow extremely aerodynamic, using the same trick that helps golf balls fly faster and straighter.

Read more...


















What 'Ultra High-Definition' really means

What 'Ultra High-Definition' really means: In yet another successful attempt at making the Quad HD / 4K / Ultra HD situation as clear as mud, this week the CEA updated its official... definition of the term "Ultra High-Definition." The original spec was established in late 2012 just as the...


Google is bringing Android to your Chromebook

Google is bringing Android to your Chromebook:

Google Chromebook Updates Google I/O
Google is giving the Chromebook line a major boost with enhanced Android integration. Stealing the spotlight on Amazon, all 10 of the top 10 highest rated laptops are Chromebooks. The popularity of the device has been growing rapidly, and now Google has some significant updates in store for Chrome OS.

Continue reading...


google-io-chromebook.jpg?w=150

71f664774c52a65e18df9f76fe247179?s=96&d=identicon&r=G

Things are about to get even uglier for the high-end smartphone market

Things are about to get even uglier for the high-end smartphone market:

Smartphone Q2 Sales Analysis
As it happens, Samsung issued a warning about its upcoming quarterly earnings literally hours before Walmart's decision to discount the iPhone 5c to $29, apparently permanently. Oddly enough, smartphone chip titan Qualcomm's share price has started lagging NASDAQ since early June even as overall tech investment sentiment remains giddy. Isolated events? Or omens of high-end gadget sales slowing down? Unfortunately, it's probably the latter.

Continue reading...


bgr-best-smartphones-2013-1000.jpg?w=150

0d61dd69c8475f57009c71745d9fd0db?s=96&d=identicon&r=G

Friday, June 27, 2014

Something most people missed during I/O: BlackBerry could be Google’s next victim

Something most people missed during I/O: BlackBerry could be Google’s next victim:

Android Work Enterprise Platform
One announcement that received a little less fanfare than Android L and the Android Wear smartwatches at Google I/O this week was Android Work, an enterprise security and management framework which could rival BlackBerry's own security suite.

Continue reading...


android-work.jpg?w=150

71f664774c52a65e18df9f76fe247179?s=96&d=identicon&r=G

Google Play for Education comes to student Chromebooks

Google Play for Education comes to student Chromebooks: If Google really is on a quest for global domination, as some folks loudly proclaim, then it's wisely starting its efforts in the classroom. In addition to attracting schools to its Chrome OS platform, via low-cost Chromebooks, it's now also offering...


United States planning legislation to offer Europeans the same privacy rights as US citizens

United States planning legislation to offer Europeans the same privacy rights as US citizens: The United States government intends to offer European citizens the same privacy rights extended to US citizens. Exactly how it will do that is yet to be determined, but US attorney general Eric Holder this week told European leaders of the Obama...


Google Glass gets no special treatment under UK data collection laws

Google Glass gets no special treatment under UK data collection laws: Google Glass is now available for general consumption in the UK, which means us Brits can start debating all the privacy and legal issues associated with people carting around cameras on their face. In reaction to the wearable's launch, The...


Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Long-Neglected 16GB iPod Touch Gets a Camera And a Price Cut

The Long-Neglected 16GB iPod Touch Gets a Camera And a Price Cut:

The Long-Neglected 16GB iPod Touch Gets a Camera And a Price Cut

While it might surprise some that the iPod touch is still trundling along, the entire lineup has gotten a significant price cut today—and the lowest-end version picked up a fancy new camera and a color spectrum.

Read more...