Acer Liquid Leap+ enters into fitness tracker race

The Liquid Leap+ by Acer is now available in the US. The Leap+ is itself a small dongle that sports a 1-inch OLED touchscreen, which can then be strapped to different rubberized bands, including black, pink and green options. The whole package is rated at IPX7 water-resistance. You can do things like control music, receive emails, and get text messages.

The price is $99, but as a launching promotion it is on sale for $79

Source:

 TalkAndroid
 Acer

Smart thermometer is ready to track your kid's fever all day long

The thermometer, which uses one of Blue Spark's thin, flexible batteries, will run for 24 hours and while it's intended for kids, can be used by people of any age. The gear will measure temperatures between 86 and 108.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and will offer up trend data to show if things are getting better or worse over time. In addition, you can hook up multiple units depending on how many kids you have, send the data to a doctor and even set alerts depending on when the temperature passes a certain limit.

 Months after its CES debut, Blue Spark's TempTraq thermometer is available for a fairly reasonable $25. The Bluetooth patch keeps tabs on a child's temperature in relative comfort for a full 24 hours, giving your progeny a chance to rest instead of enduring yet another probe in the ear. It can warn you if the temperature gets above a certain level, and you can use the Android and iOS apps to log when your tiny patient eats or takes medicine. This won't track the illness from start to finish, unfortunately, but it might be all you need for that one day when you're worried your little one's condition might get worse.

Story continues on Engadget

ReVault: Wearable Private Cloud!

ReVault is the world's first wearable private cloud that allows you to securely access and sync all your files across all your devices without an internet connection. 

ReVault connects to your devices using WiFi and Bluetooth. You can setup your ReVault to auto-backup and auto-synchronize your files across your devices. ReVault is wearable so that you can easily carry your files wherever you go at all times.

With a ReVault you can always access your files from anywhere, fast without a glitch, even without an Internet connection.

As of today (20/05/2015) it managed to get funded 79% in indiegogo.com. It is priced US$169.00 + Shipping for 32 GB and US$269.00 + Shipping for 128 GB, estimated delivery 2016 January.

Reference:

 www.indiegogo.com

The Touchjet: A projector, turns any surface into Touch Screen

Touchpico is a tiny handheld projector that turns any surface into a giant touchscreen. It is an interactive Android PC with projected touch interface and wireless streaming.

The device is all plastic, as they mentioned: It's slightly heavier than a Samsung S4 phone and just about the same size. Easily fits in your pocket or your briefcase. For connectivity there are Mini HDMI and micro USB ports on board and also built-in wifi and bluetooth. Includes built-in speaker and stereo head phone jack. You can download any app from the Google Play store to watch movies, play games or listen to music.

It is priced US$599.00. You can buy it direct from their website http://www.touchjet.com

Reference:

 www.indiegogo.com

Keys-To-Go Ultra-Portable Keyboard

Logitech had released the Keys-T0-Go keyboard for iOS several months ago, but now they have launched a new version for Android and Windows devices. The Keys-To-Go Ultra-Portable Keyboard will connect to your Android phone or tablet via Bluetooth.

At only 6.1 mm thick and 180 grams, it’s quite portable and can fit into your briefcase or purse. It comes with a separate stand for your phone or tablet if either one doesn’t already have a case with a kickstand. Probably the coolest feature is that it’s wrapped in a water-repellent FabricSkin that will protect it from spills and dirt. You will of course find Android shortcuts like Home, Recent Tasks, Back, and Menu. The rechargeable battery will last up to 3 months, which is a big plus. […]



Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

ALCATEL ONETOUCH Watch

The ONETOUCH Watch is a round face smartwatch with a 1.22-inch diameter display. ALCATEL wanted buyers to be able to use the device with both Android and iOS powered smartphones, so the smartwatch runs a proprietary operating system that will work with both Android 4.3 or higher and iOS 7 or higher. ALCATEL includes several sensors in the device, including an accelerometer, a gyro, an altimeter, a heart rate sensor, and an E-compass. The device supports NFC, has a vibration motor, and is IP67 certified for water resistance. According to ALCATEL, users should be able to get 2-5 days of life between charges depending on use. The biggest draw though will likely be low price point for entry into the smartwatch market.




Story continues on TalkAndroid

Stratos’ Bluetooth connected payment card

Stratos, launching today, is a new payments card that exists to replace every single plastic card in your wallet. The card features Bluetooth connectivity and can be used everywhere you’d expect, like at ATMs, restaurants and gas stations.

Using the companion mobile app, you can switch between cards and track your spending. The company is working to add further features like location based recommendations based on your spending history, virtual card downloads (think gift cards or pre-paid cards) and more.

The amazing thing about Stratos is that the company says you can load basically anything that features a magnetic strip onto it like credit, debit, loyalty, membership or even gift cards. [...]



Story continues on TheNextWeb

Pebble announces the Pebble Time Steel and smartstrap accessories

Pebble is launching the Pebble Time Steel on Kickstarter for $249, an additional $50 over the standard Pebble Time. The Pebble Time Steel will come in three colors — Gunmetal Black, Stainless Steel and Gold — and Kickstarter backers will receive a rewards package that includes both a stainless steel and leather strap, plus a $50 discount over the retail price of $299. Shipping dates are set for the end of July.

If you’ve already backed Pebble Time and want to upgrade, you can change your backing to the Pebble Time Steel while still maintaining your spot in the line. The Pebble Team does warn, however, that if you were an Early Bird backer and you decide to switch to Pebble Time Steel, you won’t be able to get your Early Bird position back if you decide to switch back to the standard Pebble Time. [...]



Story continues on Android and Me

Podo - The First Stick and Shoot Camera

Note: As of March 3rd 2015 it has managed to collect 57% of pledged goal in kickstarter

Forget the selfie stick. Podo is a wireless, re-stickable camera that turns any surface into a photo booth. Just stick, shoot, & share.

Podo is a Bluetooth connected, stick-anywhere camera that you control with your phone. Just stick it on a wall and get in front!

Preview the shot on your screen, take a pic, then watch as images get transferred wirelessly to your phone. Whether it's photos, videos, or time-lapse, Podo gets 'Everybody in.'

It features an 8MP image sensor, Bluetooth classic, rechargeable Li-ion battery, 4GB memory, accelerometer,and LEDs. The LEDs serve as indication (when Podo is on, capturing, etc.) and also serves as a really powerful flash.

Highlights:

•8 MP photos, 720p video

•Full integration with free Podo app over Bluetooth

Key Takeaways:

•Podo sticks to walls, windows, poles (basically any solid surface) using a re-washable, re-stickable pad. We added a strong magnet in there too.

•Podo shoots photo, video, time-lapse, and more. You can see a live preview of the shot before you take it, so it always turns out the way you want.

•Podo shares what you capture with ease because everything transfers wirelessly to your phone. From there you can edit, share, or do whatever it is you usually do.

Take a look at Kickstarter

Acer’s Liquid Leap+ Smart Activeband is platform agnostic with changeable straps

Acer’s Liquid Leap+ monitors your sleep, counts your steps and calories as well as allowing you to receive notifications and control your music with Play, Pause, Previous and Next commands. The Liquid leap+ has a 1-inch OLED display, and the rubber straps are interchangeable. The Liquid Leap+ has an IPX7 water-resistant body that allows it to be exposed to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes and the smart band connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low-Energy).[…]


Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Huawei Watch official, offers classic design with Android Wear on board

The Huawei Watch is official, following plenty of rumors, and the end result is a lot nicer than many probably expected. As the manufacturer suggests in its own promotion for the device, this smartwatch offers a design that’s actually quite similar to old timepieces, but manages to cram plenty of Android Wear smarts inside of it for good measure.

As far as the specifications and design go, the circular casing is stainless steel and the display measures in at 1.4-inches, with an AMOLED screen at 400×400 resolution. It’s boasting sapphire glass, too. Deciding to go a little different from all the Android Wear watches out there, the Huawei Watch also features a physical button at the 2 o’clock position along the casing.

Inside, there’s a Qualcomm processor clocked at 1.2GHz, with 4GB of built-in storage and 512MB of RAM. There are plenty of sensors, too, including a heart rate monitor, barometer and a motion sensor.

 

 [...]



Story continues on Android and Me

HTC Grip fitness tracker unveiled

HTC continues its technology connected devices portfolio expansion today with the introduction of the HTC Grip – an IP57 waterproof fitness tracker, powered by Under Armour Record. But the HTC Grip isn’t just another FitBit knockoff. The device features integrated GPS and is intended to athletes and fitness enthusiasts more than the average consumer who simply wants to track how many steps they take in a day.

Rather than making its own app, HTC has chosen to partner directly with Under Armour to use its Record app to track your fitness activity, sleep cycles and the social aspect of your workout. While fitness tracking is the main goal, the HTC Grip connects to your phone via Bluetooth 4.0 to display notifications, weather and music controls on its 32 x 160 PMOLED touchscreen display. The Grip is able to last  two and a half days on a single charge when connected to your phone with Bluetooth. But if you’re using the GSP to track a run, the number drops to 5 hours.... Read More





Story continues on HTC Source

Toshiba Canvio AeroCast; The portable wireless hard drive with Chromecast support

Toshiba Canvio AeroCast; The portable wireless hard drive with Chromecast support

By all accounts it is just a regular portable hard drive with the ability to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously and stream videos and music, as well as view images and documents. The outside of the AeroCast is a traditional rectangular brick design with a soft matte black finish to it. It measures in at 121.4 x 86 x 24.4mm (4.78 x 3.39 x 0.96 inc) and weighs 280 g (9.88 oz).

On the face, near the bottom, you have the Toshiba branding etched and polished into it and on the top you have a series of LED back lights that indicate power, Wi-Fi and SD connectivity.

[…]

Story continues on AndroidSPIN

Pebble Time unveiled, color e-paper smartwatch with 7 days of battery life

As expected, a Pebble smartwatch with a color screen was unveiled a little while ago. Called the Pebble Time, this smartwatch has a similar e-paper display as the original, but it’s in color. It also has the same great battery life with 7 days. The Pebble is the most popular smartwatch that is compatible with both Android and iOS.

Color isn’t the only thing new with this watch as it has a thinner design (20% thinner) and sports a microphone for responding to notifications or taking voice notes.

[…]


Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Swatch to enter smartwatch game

Now that we are in the smartwatch era, traditional watch makers are starting to feel threatened just a tad. Companies like Fossil, Citizen, Bulova, Rolex, and others will have to decide if they want to change their strategy. One such company isn’t waiting around. Swatch has already announced their intention to offer a smartwatch to compete with the likes of Apple and Google.

Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek said, “Swatch will launch a new generation of its smart Swatch in the next two to three months.” Since smartwatches could slow sales of Swatch’s entry-level brand by as much as 10% and midrange brands (Tissot and Mido) by as much as 5%, this can’t be a surprise.

 […]

 

Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Wirecard targets summer launch for its wrist-worn digital wallet

Wirecard’s Smart Band uses a Google-backed technology called Host Card Emulation (HCE) to securely store and transfer credit card credentials to and from a smartphone. A near field communications chip in the band then communicates with a point-of-sale terminal, working at the same places that accept Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

While Smart Band technically could be a way of putting Google Wallet in a wristband, Wirecard EVP of Mobile Services Joern Leogrand said that the company isn’t in any talks with Google and doesn’t have plans to do so. Rather it wants to use Smart Band to fuel transactions on its own digital billfold, he said, as well as the mobile wallets of its partners.

 […]

Story continues on Gigaom

Bluetooth gadget to record your calls

Bluewire, a new Bluetooth device, promises to make recording every phone call a whole lot easier. The device can function as a standalone headset or as an add on to the one you’ve already got. This is awesome, because it means it’ll work with car handsfree systems, along with your computer as well.

When using with an existing headset, the device sits between your phone and existing bluetooth headset and quietly records your calls in the best quality possible.

It records up to 1,000 hours of audio, which can be accessed via a mobile application. In addition to storing recordings, the app logs the time and date of the call, along with caller ID information for easier retrieval later.

[...]



Story continues on TheNextWeb

Xiaomi Mi Box Mini is a fun-size Android streaming box

The Mi Box Mini is a miniscule set-top streaming box that runs on Android. Inside it features a 1.3GHz quad-core Cortex A7 processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB storage, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, DTS 2.0 with Dolby Digital plus support and Android 4.4.2 KitKat. The Mi Box Mini features an HDMI 1.4 port and can plug directly into the wall courtesy of a built-in power supply. For navigation, it features a Bluetooth remote.

 [...]



Story continues on Android and Me

First impressions of the new Garmin Vivoactive

Fitness trackers and smartwatches are everywhere at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, but many brands are new to the space.

For $249 — $299 with a heart-rate strap — the health-focused watch looks nice. The 205 x 148 resolution color display is reportedly sunlight-readable and has touch capabilities. It’s not as crisp as you’d find on a new Android Wear watch — the display on my Sony Smartwatch 3 looks better — but it’s not too bad. Most impressive may be the battery life: Expect up to three weeks in standard usage mode or up to 10 hours of GPS usage.

 […]

Story continues on Gigaom

CES 2015 Seek Thermal Hands-on: turn your camera into a portable thermal imaging machine

CES is the place for innovation, and one of the cooler (or hotter) innovations that we’ve come across so far at CES 2015 is from Seek Thermal, who has developed a camera add-on for Android and iOS that can turn your device into a thermal imaging device for an affordable price. The camera itself might not look like much, but what it does is quite complex in that it is able to “see” thermal signatures, normally quite an expensive and complex exercise, but one that the Seek Thermal camera trivializes in conjunction with its companion app.

 […]


Story continues on AndroidSPIN

Fitbit starts shipping the Surge and Charge HR wearables to customers

Fitbit has just started shipping two of its premier wearables, the Charge HR and the Surge to customers in North America. Along with the shipping of these new wearables, Fitbit has also issued an update to its wearable software bringing the ability to pair up to 5 devices with one Fitbit account.

The Surge is the company’s first smartwatch like offering which can offer notifications, music playback controls and heart rate/sleep monitoring right from your wrist. This device has been priced at $250 which is quite steep for a companion accessory, especially when compared to full blown smartwatches like the LG G Watch R and the Moto 360. The smartwatch can last up to 7 days on a full charge.

[…]

Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Razer launches entry-level Nabu X smartband wearable

he water resistant sensor module uses three colored LED indicators and vibrations to alert users of any notifications received on a paired iOS or Android smartphone. It also includes an accelerometer, which will let the band track user activity. The sensor module is detachable to allow users to mix and match between three planned strap colors: black, white, and green.
[...]

Story continues on HardwareZone Singapore

Withings Activite Pop Smartwatch

Withings, the company behind some of the best looking health wearables on the market, just announced a new device called Activite Pop. It’s a more affordable version of their original Activite smartwatch, which looks like a traditional timekeeper, but in reality is a fully-featured activity tracker.

If it wasn’t for an additional smaller dial on its face, the Activite Pop could be taken for a regular analog watch. The dial measures how close you are to fulfilling your activity goal for the day. Goals can be set using the official companion apps for smartphones and tablets. Just like the original Activite, the Activite Pop can also track your sleep patterns during the night and wake you up with an optimally timed vibration.

[...]

Story continues on UltraLinx » Technology

Livescribe 3 Smartpen Will Soon Have Android Support, Having Handwritten Notes On Your Device Could Get A Lot Easier

Ever wanted to take handwritten notes, but didn't want to write on a digital screen? Maybe you just don't want a Samsung device, the primary Android manufacturer to offer active digitizers (better known as the "S Pen" in their marketing materials). Livescribe's smartpens have, up to now, been just a nearly perfect solution for many. You can write on real paper* and have your notes rather effortlessly synced to select digital destinations.

[...]




Story continues on Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

The Mad Catz L.Y.N.X. 9 Is An Insane $300 Controller/Clip/Stand/KB Combo That Looks Like The Lovechild Of MOGA And Megatron

Hey, look at this Mad Catz Android Bluetooth controller. It looks really compact, if a little odd. But then that's Mad Catz for you.

I wonder what happens if I pull this thing and - oh, a full-sized console controller. That's kinda neat, even if the extended handles do look a little too much like scissor blades. What happens if I put this little plastic bracket on...


[...]




Story continues on Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Floome, a smart breathalyzer, can share your drinking habits with the world

A new smart breathalyzer called Floome is on the market aiming to make blood alcohol content (BAC) measuring fun. The device gets inserted into a device’s audio jack and then the user blows into it. It shares the user’s BAC with the app that saves gender, age, and weight. With all of this information, Floome will inform the user when to take another test before being able to drive again. In the event that the test remains not so great, Floome can redirect the user to call a car service or friend for pickup.

The best thing about Floome, however, is its ability to share a user’s blood alcohol content with the world. The app will forward the measurement to Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks. Either your friends/followers will come to the rescue with a pickup or they will laugh all about it as you scratch your head the following morning.

[...]


Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Epson announces new Runsense GPS running watch and M-Tracer golf swing analyzer

Wearables are a key trend at this year's CES and Epson has just announced its new Runsense range of GPS running watches. There are three models - the SF-810, SF-710 and SF-510 - and they differ in features.

The flagship SF-810 model will have all the bells and whistles, which means an integrated optical heart-rate sensor and vibration alert. The SF-710 misses out on the heart-rate sensor, but has vibration alerts. The SF-510 misses out on both. However, the SF-710 and SF-510 can still receive information about your heart-rate via an optional heart-rate sensor strap. Runners can then review their performance online via the Runsense View portal or using the Run Connected app.

[...]

Story continues on HardwareZone Singapore

New type of wearable introduced at CES 2015

Optinvent, a company that specializes in smart wearables (specifically eyewear), announced a new type of wearable technology today at CES that they are calling the ORA-X. This new device is a pair of high-end headphones running android, with a transparent display attached to the side. Describing it as “the smart glass that doesn’t make you look like a creep,” the company has decided that the world isn’t ready  to adopt smart eyewear as a trend quite yet, and has instead opted to go for an accesory that has already proven its relevance in today’s society.

The device will apparently support most android apps and will have enough power and RAM to support more complex apps. Somewhere on the device there will be a trackpad to interact with the screen. Though no specifics were given, the actual speakers are said to be high quality and will support active noise cancellation. The ORA-X will also include common android device features, such as a camera, a microphone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an accelerometer.
[...]


Story continues on AndroidGuys

Polaroid launches Polaroid Zip, Polaroid dashcams, and Polaroid Socialmatic

Polaroid has unveiled a few new products today at CES and they are pretty sweet. First up is the Polaroid Zip mobile printer. In an age where physical pictures are being seen less and less, this little printer is a welcome sight. It works with both Android and iOS, allowing you to print your favorite photos straight from your phone. The Polaroid Zip is something essentially Polaroid, allowing you to physically share your photos with those you love instead of mindlessly uploading them to every social media site imaginable. The Polaroid Zip will be available this Spring for $129.

Something a little less conventional is Polaroid’s new line of easy-to-use dashcams. Not only can these new cameras be used to record incidents on the road and document family vacations, they also come with some cool safety features depending on what model you purchase. The dashcams can record 1080p video and have Auto On/Off which allows the camera to start recording as soon as the vehicle turns on and stay on until the vehicle turns off. A G-sensor will automatically save the recording when a collision is detected as well as several factors such as speed and location. Other features include a lane departure warning system and speed limit alerts to keep you safe on the road. The Polaroid dashcams will be available this Spring and will range from $59.99 to $199.99.

[...]


Story continues on AndroidGuys

Lenovo gets into wearables with E Ink VIBE Band

2015 is going to be the year everyone throws their hats into the wearable ring and Lenovo doesn’t want to be left out of the party.

The company today announced it’s new VIBE Band that sports an E Ink display and a seven day battery life. The band can show notifications from your phone for calls, SMS, Facebook, Twitter, WeChat and more, but with no more than 150 characters.

The VIBE band also tracks fitness, but only monitors the basics like steps and sleep. It’ll work with iOS and Android devices running 4.3 and above out of the box.


[...]


Story continues on The Next Web

Alcatel OneTouch to reveal new smartwatch line at CES

Alcatel OneTouch may be poised to catch some people off guard at CES 2015 starting next week when they reveal a new line of smartwatches. As you can see from the image above, Alcatel OneTouch has decided to go with a round watch face for their devices along with several different straps. According to Alcatel OneTouch, they were aiming for a traditional watch look and feel for the hardware, which it appears they may have achieved that goal with their new line of Watch devices.

Judging by the image, it looks like the devices will be powered by Android Wear. No details about the specific hardware that is located within the device has been revealed yet, though the images and Alcatel OneTouch’s statement that the devices will “allow users to monitor daily activity” suggest at least some items like pedometers and heartbeat monitors may be present.

 […]


Story continues on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Goondu Review: Xiaomi Mi Band

Xiaomi has propelled itself to become the world’s third-largest smartphone maker in four short years, and its march towards conquering the wearables market begins with the recently released S$19.99 Mi Band.

Its design is deceptively simple. The actual device is a pill-shaped module with a brushed metal front and rubberised rear that has Xiaomi’s logo engraved on it.

Attach the module onto the provided silicone strap and wear it on your wrist, and the Mi Band will start counting the number of steps you take and track your sleep patterns.

With an IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating, the Mi Band can join you for a jog in the drizzle and easily survive the subsequent wash-up. Weighing just 13g with the strap, it will not interfere with even the toughest of workouts.

For first-time fitness and users, the Mi Band will surely appeal.

[...]

Story continues on Techgoondu