Intel introduces a snakeskin smart cuff for fancy humans

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/intel-luxury-smart-band/

We understand: you want to get into the whole wearable tech thing, but what's holding you back is how fugly most current offerings are. That shouldn't deter you for long, as Intel has made good on its promise to make a smart-bracelet that doesn't look like an overgrown phone strapped to your wrist. It's called the MICA (My Intelligent Communication Accessory) and the notification-bracelet be available at Opening Ceremony and high-end retailer Barney's for the holiday shopping season this year, according to USA Today. Pricing isn't quite set in stone yet, but an Intel rep tells CNET that the cuff-style gadget will run under $1,000. Slightly expensive for a a wearable, sure, but not so much when compared against, say, a piece of traditional jewelry. The MICA comes in black and white (as illustrated by the image above), and will feature either Chinese pearls and lapis stones or tiger's eye and obsidian depending on which color of watersnake skin you opt for. Snazzy!

If the device's looks don't do it for you, maybe its capabilities will. The MICA packs a 1.6-inch sapphire touchscreen covering an OLED display that'll show off, among other things, your text messages and calendar reminders. An internal 3G radio (no smartphone-pairing needed, apparently) keeps it connected to mobile data and it can be charged either via USB or a wireless system. Still want more? Swing by Opening Ceremony's spring/summer 2015 show this Sunday during New York Fashion Week for the gizmo's official unveiling.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile

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Source: USA Today

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Sony's Rad Short Throw 4K Projector Is Coming to the US

Source: http://gizmodo.com/eyes-on-sonys-ultra-short-throw-4k-projector-sure-ligh-1496694759/1630047892/+marioaguilar

Back at CES we got a first look at a prototype for a short throw projector that lets you light up a wall even if you don't have a lot of space to beam the image across a room. Today, we learned that it's coming to the United States this month. Heck yeah!

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More Evidence That Google's Next Big Tablet Might Be Coming Soon

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/new-google-nexus-tablet-rumors-2014-9

It's been about two years since Google introduced a large-sized tablet to its lineup, so it's not surprising that the company might have a new one coming down its pipeline.

For months, rumors hinted at Google working with HTC on a new Nexus tablet, which hasn't been refreshed since the Nexus 10 released in 2012. But a source familiar with the situation told Android Police that Google is indeed planning to sell a keyboard case made by HTC for its upcoming Nexus tablet.

The case itself doesn't tell us too much about Google's next tablet. But if Android Police's sources are correct, it would confirm the device's previously reported 9-inch screen.

This suggests Google is focusing more of its resources toward its larger-sized tablet. Google updated its smaller-sized Nexus 7 tablet in 2013, leaving many Android fans wondering when a new bigger-sized Nexus tablet would come.

Android Police created a mockup of how this rumored 9-inch Nexus tablet would look compared to the Nexus 7 in terms of size, which is shown above.

It's important to note that this isn't an image of what the actual tablet will look like — it's just a concept meant to illustrate tablet's potential size.

Google and HTC have yet to publicly make any announcements about their future products, but rumors have hinted that the tablet may feature an all-metal design. If this is the case, it sounds like Google's new tablet will come with the same premium aluminum build that made the HTC One such a hit with critics in 2013.

Last year Google unveiled its Nexus 5 smartphone at the end of October, so we're hoping to see more updates next month. 

SEE ALSO: How The iPad Air Compares To Samsung's Best Tablet Yet, The Galaxy Tab S

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Sony updates 'lens camera' lineup with QX30, interchangeable-lens QX1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/sony-lens-cameras/

At last year's IFA in Berlin, Sony announced its first two "lens cameras," a pair of point-and-shoot cams that clip onto your smartphone. You use your phone's display to control the camera, and while you can technically fire off shots using the integrated zoom toggle and shutter release, there's no built-in LCD. Given the limitations, they're not for everyone, but there's apparently been enough interest for Sony to keep the QX line going, with a 30x zoom version and a unique interchangeable-lens model that accepts any E-mount optic now making their debut here in Berlin.

The first model, the QX30, sports a 30x, 24-720mm f/3.5-6.3 optical zoom lens. There's a 20.4-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 12,800 top ISO and 1080/60p video support. You can store shots both on the camera's microSD card and on your smartphone as well -- images and videos can be transferred instantly via WiFi, and you can push pics to the web straight from your phone. The replaceable battery can keep you going for 200 shots or 45 minutes of HD video, and you can charge up the camera via micro-USB. The QX30 ships next month for $350.

Sony's QX1 is by far the most interesting model of the bunch. There's an interchangeable lens mount and a large 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, essentially giving your smartphone DSLR-like image quality. You'll have access to many of the same features as Sony's mirrorless camera lineup, including a 16,000 top ISO, 1080/30p video, advanced shooting modes and support for RAW captures. There's also a pop-up flash and a much beefier battery (the same pack that Sony ships with its mirrorless cams), letting you capture up to 440 stills or 150 minutes of video on a single charge. The QX1 is expected in stores in November for $400.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Sony

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Sony Just Unveiled A New Fitness Tracker That Lets You Answer Phone Calls

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-smartband-talk-2014-9

Just a few months after it launched its first fitness tracker, Sony has unveiled the SmartBand Talk — a smart wristband with a curved e-paper display and a speaker for answering phone calls.

The SmartBand Talk looks almost exactly like the standard SmartBand, but with a small e-paper display on the front.

That means the screen will be easier to read in sunlight than your standard color touchscreen, and it'll draw less power, too. 

The screen is tiny, but it's just enough to read short notifications, check the time, and keep an eye on your fitness goals. As shown in the photo above, the SmartBand Talk displays a circle with the LifeLog logo to show you how close you are to meeting your goal. 

Even though it has a speaker for answering short phone calls and a display, the SmartBand Talk is still waterproof. It'll also run on Sony's Core, a small module that houses the band's sensors and computing components, which means you'll be able to take it out and switch out the bands. 

Like the standard Sony SmartBand, the SmartBand Talk will integrate heavily with Sony's LifeLog app. Sony introduced LifeLog at this year's CES, emphasizing that its goal is to measure much more than just your health statistics. Any photos taken with your smartphone and activities you've done during the day appear in your LifeLog timeline, with the goal being to show you a virtual playback of your day.

Sony hasn't disclosed exactly when it will launch yet, but it should be out before the holiday season. The current price is listed as 159€, which equates to about $208. 

Based on what we've seen, the Sony SmartBand Talk certainly looks attractive and comfortable enough to win over consumers. But it'll be tough to break into a market that's largely dominated by Fitbit and Jawbone. 

SEE ALSO: Jawbone Exec: Here's Why It's Better To Buy A Fitness Tracker Without A Screen

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