drag2share: ASUS could drop dual-OS devices following pressure from Google and Microsoft

source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/14/asus-transformer-duet-dual-os-google-microsoft/?utm_source=Feed_Classic_Full&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget&?ncid=rss_full

One of the more interesting laptops we saw at this year's CES was a split-personality hybrid from ASUS -- the Transformer Book Duet TD300, shown above. According to the Wall Street Journal, however, plans to launch the device during the first half of this year have been shelved due to resistance from both side of OS camp, i.e., Microsoft and Google. The WSJ report tallies with an earlier rumor from DigiTimes, and it also claims that sales of two of ASUS's existing dual-OS products, the the P1801 and P1802 all-in-one PCs, are to be suspended due to Microsoft's "new policy" of not supporting dual-boot systems. On the other hand, none of this really jibes with rumors from the smartphone side of the market, where Microsoft is reportedly willing to try anything in order to boost the popularity of the mobile version of Windows.

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drag2share: Nokia's Refocus camera app is now available to all Lumia owners on WP8

source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/14/nokia-refocus-camera-app-lumia-update/?utm_source=Feed_Classic_Full&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget&?ncid=rss_full

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Nokia's "shoot now, focus later" photography app, Refocus, required PureView hardware to run, because until now it's only been available on PureView-branded phones. As it turns out though, the app has just been made compatible with all Lumia phones running Windows Phone 8, including ones with down-to-earth camera modules. It works by means of a "focus sweep" -- you hold your phone steady for a couple of seconds while the camera scans the scene ahead at a range of different focal lengths and then combines these into a single dynamic image (like the one below) that lets anyone adjust the focus and background/foreground blur later, after the file has been saved and shared. If you're reading this on a Lumia, the source link below should take you where you need to go.

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drag2share: Samsung's new phone case uses ultrasound to detect people and objects

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/14/samsung-galaxy-core-advance-usability-accessories/

Samsung's Galaxy S5 may be getting lots of smart new accessories, but the Korean smartphone maker is also making sure its lower-powered phones get some love too. After including various software usability functions in the Galaxy Core Advance at the end of last year, the company today introduced three new accessories that have been designed specifically to help disabled or visually impaired users do more with their Android device. First up is the Optical Scan Stand, a raised bracket that automatically triggers the phone's OCR features to recognize and read aloud text placed in front of the phone. There's also Voice Labels, which are similar to Samsung's NFC-equipped TechTile stickers, but let visually impaired users make voice notes or record short explanations on how to use various devices around the home.

Perhaps the most impressive accessory of the three is Samsung's Ultrasonic Cover: a specialized case that uses sound waves to detect people or objects (in a two-meter radius), helping users navigate new surroundings by sending vibration or spoken alerts. Even without the accessories, the Galaxy Advance Core features a trio of physical buttons on the front and dedicated camera and voice recorder buttons on the side, assisting smartphone owners that don't want to rely solely on on-screen controls.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: Samsung Mobile Press

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drag2share: Barnacle Ships Your Packages Through Regular People to Save You Money

source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/vip/~3/9LtBcckC4Jo/barnacle-ships-your-packages-through-regular-people-to-1541702233

Kind of like Lyft, but for your packages, Barnacle hooks you up with people who drive long routes and will accept a little extra cash to deliver your packages on their way. Alternatively, you can deliver packages for others and make some money yourself.

All you do is sign in via your Facebook account and search for people going between you and your package's destination. From there, you offer them a fee of your choosing and they'll accept the job if they want it. How long it'll take your package to arrive at its destination will depend on when these couriers-for-hire are making their trips, but from what I could see it was generally a week or less. Plus, you can track the location of your package at all times through their smartphone apps.

While not an alternative to expedited delivery services, it's a nice way to save money on slower packages—especially larger ones. The service is pretty new so only so many routes are available, but given that there are quite a few. And, should you want to pick up some extra cash you can sign up to drive as well.

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drag2share: Smart TV Apps Are Fundamentally Changing What It Means To Watch TV

source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/~3/X-tt8VbUDHQ/the-smart-tv-app-industry-5-2014-3

The app store phenomenon, centered on smartphones and tablets, has been the biggest story in software for the past five years.

Its next logical destination: the living room, via smart TVs and set-top boxes connected to the Internet.

Smart TV apps represent the latest threat to the struggling pay TV industry. Watching TV is no longer based around flipping through channels at broadcast, but finding the right content portal for what you want to watch now. 

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