Sony’s New SBH80 Wearable Hands-free Headset Now in Stores

Sony neckband-style, Bluetooth wireless headset, the SBH80, has arrived in stores. Sporting balanced armature drivers and aptX codec support, this lightweight headset can also alert you of your smartphone's notifications through discreet vibrations.

To recap, the SBH80 is premium wireless headset designed for mobile users who are also audio enthusiasts. A stereo Bluetooth headset, it supports the aptX codec for high-quality wireless audio, and comes with balanced armature drivers for clarity and accurate sound reproduction. Interestingly, the SBH80 is tuned to match the linear characteristic of the recording studio of musical impresario, L.A. Reid. More specifically, the studio’s console and main monitors were used as a reference point to optimize the sound, and the audio tuning settings were burnt to SBH80’s digital signal processor.

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More at  HWZ Content

In depth: Getting to know the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live

The first two Android Wear smartwatches have some pretty interesting differences. Time to go hands on after a full day with the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live.

In terms of form, the G Watch and Gear Live are honestly pretty similar. Neither's exactly what you'd call sleek-looking: They're both a bit on the clunky side, with large rectangular displays that -- I'm not gonna lie -- are a little reminiscent of the Casio calculator watches all the cool kids wore back in the 80s.
 

Within that framework, though, Samsung's Gear Live strikes me as the nicer-looking watch of the two. It has a silver metallic border surrounding its display and leading up to its band that gives it a little extra pizazz. LG's G Watch, in comparison, is as muted and understated as a watch could be, with no real striking or even distinguishing visual elements in sight -- just a black rectangular screen on a nondescript black base.

The band on the Samsung Gear Live is a black rubbery material that looks like what you'd see on a typical sports watch. Rather than having a standard buckle, though, it has two little nubs that press into holes in order to secure the watch on your wrist. It's not my favorite setup, personally -- I constantly find myself worrying that it's going to pop loose when I'm walking on the street -- but the good news is that you can swap it out for another style if you want.

[...]

More at  Computerworld Blogs - Posts by JR Raphael

Here are the complete specs for the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live

While you wait for the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live to go on sale this evening, check out the full spec list for the new Android Wear powered smartwatches. Both devices are similar, but we have a feeling after checking out the spec list, if you aren’t holding out for a Moto 360, we know exactly which device most people will be picking up.

LG G Watch

• Chipset: Qualcomm®Snapdragon™ 400 processor
• Display: 1.65-inch LCD IPS (280 x 280)
• Memory: 4GB eMMC / 512MB RAM
• Battery: 400mAh
• Operating System: Android Wear (compatible with smartphones running Android 4.3 and above)
• Size: 37.9 x 46.5 x 9.95mm
• Weight: 63g
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
• Sensors: 9-Axis (Gyro / Accelerometer / Compass)
• Color: White Gold/ Black Titan
• Others: Dust and Water Resistant (IP67)

Samsung Gear Live

• Display: 1.63” Super AMOLED (320 x 320)
• OS: Android Wear
• Processor: 1.2 GHz Processor
• Google Services: Google Now, Google Voice, Google Maps & Navigation, Gmail, Hangouts
• Additional Features: Notification (SMS, E-mail, etc.); Heart Rate Monitor; IP67 Dust and Water Resistant; Changeable Strap, Color Options: Black and Wine Red
• Connectivity: Bluetooth® v4.0 LE
• Sensor: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Heart Rate
• Memory: RAM: 512MB; Storage: 4GB Internal Memory
• Dimension /Weight: 37.9 x 56.4 x 8.9 mm, 59g
• Battery: Standard Battery, Li-ion 300mAh

More at Android and Me

Is Japan hungrier for wearables than America?

28.2 percent of Japanese are definitely interested in using a wearable device, and a further 22.7 percent are neutral on the subject, meaning a touch over half of the population want to buy a wearable or could be talked into buying one. That’s according to a new study by Mobile Marketing Data Laboratory (MMDL). The neutrality factor might seem extraneous but should not be overlooked as statistical sophistry.


The latest data out of America shows that a full 53 percent of Americans feel adoption of wearable tech – from smartwatches to dedicated fitness trackers – is bad for society. America might currently have more wearable users (Nielsen reports 15 percent to Japan’s 4.8 percent) but Japanese consumers are more open to the concept itself.


More at  Tech in Asia

LG G Watch Available for Pre-Order in Singapore, Estimated Delivery on July 9

First announced in March, the LG G Watch powered by Google's Android Wear platform is now available for pre-orders in Singapore via UK-based retailer MobileFun.

Available in Stealth Black and Champagne Gold, the LG G Watch is listed at S$318.49 excluding shipping. Shipping cost will set you back another S$31.95, which brings the total amount to S$350.44. 

MobileFun did not include any specifications for the G Watch though it elaborates on the features of the smart watch. For example, the G Watch "allows you to check on Facebook alerts, catch up on tweets, texts, emails, make calls and also listen to music". 

More at HWZ Content

LG G Watch to go on sale in 12 countries on July 7

With information surrounding the LG G Watch expected to be released at Google I/O tomorrow, MobileFun is now showing the device as available for pre-order in a number of countries, with an availability starting July 7.

The US will be getting the LG device on June 7, while Europe will get it on July 8, and the rest of the world on July 9. It seems that the device will sell for around $225 USD, or £180, which is a little less than the £199 that was shown for the Moto 360 earlier this month. The device will be sold through MobileFun, but it is also expected to be sold in various markets through Google Play. Hit the break for the full list of release dates and links to the pre-order pages.

• Australia – Stealth Black and Champagne Gold (White, really) – AUD $270.99 – July 9
• UK – Black and White – £180.00 – To be Confirmed
• US – Black and White – USD $254.99 – July 7
• Korea – Black and White – ₩258,621 – July 9
• Germany – Black and White – €223.99 – July 8
• Spain – Black and White – €227.99 – July 8
• France – Black and White – €225.99 – July 8
• Hong Kong – Black and White – HKD $1,973.49 – July 9
• New Zealand – Black and White – NZ $293.99 – July 9
• Singapore – Black and White – SGD $318.49 – July 9
• China – Black and White – ¥1,580.99 – July 9
• Japan – Black and White – ¥26,000 – July 9
•  

Read the full article: LG G Watch to go on sale in 12 countries on July 7


Via  http://www.talkandroid.com

Minuum Is Developing A Keyboard For Circular Smart Watches Like The Moto 360 For Some Reason

 Do you even wrist-type, bro? You totally could with Minuum... I mean, not that you'd necessarily want to, but you'll have the option. The maker of the compact Android keyboard has announced it's working on a version of Minuum for round Android Wear devices like the Moto 360. There's even a GIF demo.

Minuum works by crunching all three rows of the standard QWERTY down to one line (an arc along the bottom here). You just tap in the general vicinity of the right letters, and Minuum figures it out. The Android app is, admittedly, pretty neat. The autocorrect can be a little bit spooky as it translates your sloppy taps into real words. It's not perfect, though. This idea makes more sense on a small screen than other keyboards, but is it really something you want to use?


More at Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Not Just For Phones And Tablets: What Other Devices Run Android?

Your phone runs Android, your tablet runs Android… your refrigerator runs Android? The Linux-based, open source operating system that is Android has made itself a household name by competing against the iPhone and gaining a large chunk of the global mobile market. But Android’s open nature has led to another phenomenon: weird devices powered by it.

We’ve previously covered 10 things you didn’t know were powered by Linux, but now it’s time for Android’s turn. Other than phones and tablets, what exactly does this mobile OS power? Home Security System Okay, so the entire Xfinity Home Security system isn’t powered...

Read the full article: Not Just For Phones And Tablets: What Other Devices Run Android?


More at  MakeUseOf

Arcus Motion Analyzer – The Smart ring – Live on Kickstarter

Yesterday an important project has started to gather funds on Kickstarter. Arcus is a motion tracking device in the form of a fantastic looking ring, which highlights how far the motion tracking technology has come.

And why is it so important?

1. Arcus is created by Attrecto Smartphone Solutions, the company behind helloandroid.com. We have been working for almost 3 years to improve motion recognizing technology, and we are proud of our achievements. In the past year 6 software and hardware experts were working day by day to find the best sensors and solutions, which all have built in the prototype.
2. Arcus is a one of its kind hardware. It tracks motion, recognizes finger gestures, and can send this valuable data to a smartphone app, giving the users real-time feedback. You can even use two rings to track multifinger gestures, or you can use it on both hands.

via Hello Android

Blumoo Entertainment System Controller and Bluetooth Streamer

How many times do you look around your home and see a huge pile of controllers lying around. One for your TV, one for the cable box, one for the audio receiver and who knows what else you may have. Many of these manufacturers claim to support multiple devices, but you always end up with something not being fully controlled, or not being able to program the multi remote in the first place. Blumoo is trying to get rid of these remotes and give you a single controller for all your devices. They are not only providing remote control, but also Bluetooth audio streaming in a single sleek little box.

There have been a few devices released that allow you to control your entertainment devices from your Bluetooth enabled smartphone and Blumoo, from Flyover Innovations Inc, is another attempt at ultimate home entertainment integration.  The big question is; Does it do whats it’s supposed to do and does it do it well enough to warrant the price tag.  Find out more in the full review on ThesavvyTechs.



via AndroidSPIN

Meet the NomadClip, the Latest Clipable Charge/Sync Cable from Nomad

Back in January we showed you guys a fun little keychained size portable charge/sync accessory called the Nomad ChargeKey. It was small and hooked right to your keychain. Certainly an easy way to make sure you were never without a charging connection or data transfer cable at any given time. Nomad has since added another […]



via AndroidSPIN

Nike+ FuelBand finally launches on Android

Starting today, Android users finally have another option in wearable fitness trackers from one of the world’s largest sport and fitness companies. The Nike+ FuelBand app is available now on the Google Play store, ready to start tracking your fitness, with a few caveats.

Despite persistent rumors, and denials, that Nike’s FuelBand is being discontinued,


Read more [...]

via Android and Me

Samsung Gear 2 update with Blocking Mode, improved S Health

If you’re the owner of a Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch, you’re in for a nice little update. Samsung is updating the device from 2.2.1.1 to 2.2.1.2, which brings along improvements like the addition of Blocking Mode, a better S Health app, basic stability improvements and bug fixes.



More on  Android and Me

Martian Notifier Smart Watch is Latest Addition to Swelling Market of Wearable Tech

The latest notification-enabled smart watch from Martian includes a "Smart Notification" filter on an analog face, and customized vibration capabilities. It also offers three levels of notification support. Details inside.

via HWZ Content

Top 10 smartwatch companies [Infographic]

The smartwatch industry is about to explode; it’s the calm before the storm, and everyone is anxiously awaiting the launch of Android Wear to see how Motorola and LG can implement the smartwatch operating system. Smartwatches are nothing new, however, and have been around in consumer electronics right back to calculator watches. Functionality has enhanced…...



 Read more »



via AndroidGuys

Charge your Android faster with Bench 2X

Have you ever felt that charging your Android device when attached to a computer or in the car is slow? If yes, the new Bench 2X Faster Charger Cable available from Pyramid Distribution may be just you’re looking for. The New York-based company said that this unique faster recharge cable improves the electric current of...


 Read more »

via AndroidGuys

Game controller: Phonejoy Controller Review: ಠ_ಠ

Game controllers for Android are a dime a dozen these days, and most of the newest ones do very little to inherently change anything. They're basically all the same Xbox or PlayStation-like designs that may or may not allow a phone to clip to them. Phonejoy wants to change that with its controller, an interestingly designed unit that actually opens up and holds the device to replicate a PS Vita-type gadget.







via Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Grab Samsung’s original Galaxy Gear for just $89 today

If you are in the market for a smartwatch and don’t mind not having the latest and greatest tech, you can grab a Samsung Galaxy Gear at a steep discount today. Best Buy is selling “certified refurbsihed” Galaxy Gear smartwatchs for just $89 and it comes with free shipping. This deal isn’t available in Best...


 Read more »




via AndroidGuys

LG G Watch to hit the UK in early July

Slowly and slowly we are starting to hear more about the LG G Watch. Yesterday, we found out a little about the specs and the fact that it could very well be a Google I/O freebie, but it has also been revealed that it will go on sale in the UK on July 7. Now […]

Come comment on this article: LG G Watch to hit the UK in early July

Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

via Android News, Rumours, and Updates

AirType Keyless Keyboard

AirType does not look like a keyboard at all. Instead of keys, it uses technology-packed bands that you can slide over your palms. Each band houses a set of motion sensors that allow it to pick up on all your finger movements. With AirType, you can start typing on any surface (or even in the air) and built-in text prediction software makes sure that you will never have to apologize for spelling mistakes again.

More at TheUltraLinx.com

Lytro to release Android powered camera

Light-field camera startup Lytro is rumored to be preparing to release their own Android powered camera in the coming months. Light-field technology essentially replaces standard lens-sensors with a number of micro-lenses that capture the scene from multiple angles. This allows for improved refocusing and faster image capture. A few Android device manufacturers have attempted to […]

Via TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!

LG G Watch to be given out at Google I/O

Details about Google I/O are always sparse, but what we do know is that attendees always walk away with some sweet loot. Google gives away all kinds of goodies, and according to rumors, this year the company will be giving away an LG G Watch.

The G Watch is meant to be somewhat of a [...]



via Android and Me

Rumor: Lytro to release Android powered camera this fall

The ability to shoot photos first and choose a focal point later has become hugely popular in Android devices. Even Google has gotten in on the trend, adding the feature to their Google Camera app. Similar to other implementations, Google uses photo analysis to give you options on where to focus and where to blur [...]



More on Android and Me

Gadget Watch: LG Lifeband Touch needs a purpose

The new computerized wristband tracks workouts and calories burned and syncs with the LG Fitness app on an iPhone, iPad or Android device. It can also control music on a phone and alerts incoming calls and emails, at least for Android users.

The Lifeband marks the entry of LG Electronics Inc. into the fledgling market of wearable gadgets and follows smartwatches from Samsung Electronics Co., Sony Corp. and others. LG started selling the Lifeband in the U.S. last month for $150. It will be available in parts of Asia and Europe in coming weeks.

More at  washingtonpost.com

Naztech 10400mAh Universal Power Bank [Review]

I believe this  power bank will help some of you as well with keeping your sanity and keeping your devices powered on the go when there is no wall jack in sight. Especially in the summer time when a lot of us are either camping, or spending a lot more time in the great out doors. When I removed the power bank from the box I was excited that it came ready to go, it comes with a USB cable and 10 attachments, on the box Naztech even explained what each attachment is for.  It also came with a nice carrying case to be able to carry everything with ease.



More at  androidspin.com

GOkey: The 4-in-1 Keychain That Features As A Charger, Powerbank And Locator

If you need a flash drive, powerbank and locator to get through the day, then the GOkey is for you.
As the name suggests, the GOkey is a keychain that combine all your basic gadgets into one, small and powerful device. The keychain contains the following features:

• powerbank
• keychain
• GPS locator
• flash drive

More at  Lifehack.org

Legion Meter - Charge your smartphone 92% faster

A USB multimeter with integrated OLED display designed to accelerate your smartphone or tablet's charge speed up to 92% faster.

What is Legion Meter?
Legion Meter is a device that can safely accelerate your smartphone/tablet's charging speed up to 92%. It also features a built-in multimeter for displaying voltage, current, power, and milliwatt hours on the integrated OLED display. Legion Meter installs in seconds and is fully plug and play.




More at  Kickstarter

Sony’s new SmartBand SWR10 fitness tracker is now available in the US for $99.99

At long last, Sony’s new SmartBand SWR10 activity tracker is available in the US. You can pick it up from the company’s website or through its retail stores for $99.99 starting today.

Each unit comes with a removable white “Core” and two adjustable black wristbands, although Sony has shown some brighter options in the past that you can swap out. The device was announced at the last CES trade show and slated for a March release after Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, but clearly that date was eventually pushed back for the US.

[More..]

via thenextweb.com

Hold Your Tablet Using Various Positions Using TabletTail

The device is a universal stand for your tablet. It’s filled with several features a generic stand can only dream of doing. Depending on your needs, there are a handful of models to choose from. For those who frequently use their tablet on their desk while working or studying, the TabletTail can be mounted, twisted around a pole and even gripped for better use.




via Lifehack.org

Turn your watch into a smartwatch with the Glance attachment

Not feeling any of the current smartwatches on the market or just satisfied with your basic watch? Glance can turn any watch into a smartwatch. Kiwi Wearables, from up north in Toronto, calls Glance an accessory for your watch. It can receive notifications and be a fitness tracker by counting steps, among other things. It is a piece of aluminum that slides between your current watch and your wrist. The OLED display uses Spritz technology to show notifications a single word at a time rather than in a ticker-like manner. Apparently this makes it much easier to read what Glance is trying to display.




via TalkAndroid

BRAVEN Announces the New Water-Resistant ‘Mira’ Bluetooth Speaker

Summer is right around the corner, for many it is already here. When I think warm weather and sunshine, I think rivers, lakes and pools. I also think music. BRAVEN has announces the availability of their latest Bluetooth speaker, the Mira. The Mira is a small hockey puck style Bluetooth speaker that has quite a […]



via AndroidSPIN

Latest Android Dev Blog post details creating for Android Wear, shows off LG G Watch and Moto 360

The Android Developers Blog always has something interesting for and from developers, but regular folks can enjoy what’s posted there as well. Today’s post centers around the challenges and benefits of developing for Android Wear, Google’s SDK for getting Android on wearable devices like smart watches. In the post, two developers design a walking tour [...]



via Android and Me

The ‘HTC One Wear’ Running Android Wear could be Out by End of Summer

The smartwatch market is going to be no doubt booming this year. Smartwatches have already grabbed the attention of consumers with various different style watches already out there for you to buy, but now we have Android Wear; the new Android-based smartwatch OS, that Google announced not too long ago. Shortly after the announcement, LG […]



via AndroidSPIN

HTC ‘One Wear’ to possibly be round and come in different materials

Like other companies jumping on the Android Wear train, HTC is rumored to have a wearable in the works that should debut sometime this summer. While the Moto 360 is slated to be a classy piece of hardware HTC may give Motorola a run for its money with its own smartwatch. According to the latest […]




via Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Powered by Pano, focused on gaming: Google to announce Android TV at Google I/O in June

Google is going to launch its new TV platform Android TV at Google I/O in June. Here’s all you need to know about the politics, strategy and technology behind it.
Google is about to open up another front in the war for your living room: The company is set to announce the launch of Android TV at its Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco in June, according to multiple sources familiar with Google’s plans.




via Powered by Pano, focused on gaming: Google to announce Android TV at Google I/O in June

Liquid Leap fitness device from Acer closer to hitting market

At the end of April, Acer indicated they were preparing a couple devices for a summer release, the Acer Liquid Jade smartphone and the Acer Liquid Leap fitness tracker. The company has unveiled more information about the Liquid Leap wearable device which will only be sold in conjunction with the Liquid Jade smartphone. The Liquid […]




via Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Sony launches wireless charging plate and cover case for Xperia Z2

We are all sick and tired of having so many wires in our house. Luckily, many Android manufacturers believe in wireless charging methods. Sony is no different and has launched two accessories for the Xperia Z2 for owners in pursuit of a wireless life. The company now has a wireless charging plate and cover case. […]



via Android News, Rumours, and Updates

OnePlus One accessories previewed in new photos

Are you one of the lucky folks that’ve managed to get hold of a OnePlus One? Well today OnePlus made an announcement that will help you to protect your hard-to-come-by handset.

Over in its official forums, OnePlus has given us a preview of some of the...


via Android and Me