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