Press Releases

By Gareth May 15, 2015 Read More →

Turn Any Wall, Ceiling or Floor into an Interactive Touchscreen

Today, on the heels of one of the most successful Indiegogo crowd-funding campaigns of all time, Touchjet launched the Touchjet Pond Projector™. It’s the first consumer device that turns any flat surface into a super-sized touchscreen. A device that fits in the palm of your hand, the Touchjet Pond Projector is ultra-portable and can easily fit in a briefcase, backpack or purse. With the projector, users can interact directly with their photos, videos, games, apps and presentations on a large touch display (up to 80”) anywhere they go.

Built on the Android 4.4 operating system, the projector gives users access to hundreds of thousands of apps that can be downloaded directly to the device via Google Play. Users can also directly project from almost any smartphone or tablet using a third party app. The unique design and infrared (IR) technology brings any Android app to life with an interactive screen that users control with a stylus. Check out these Great Floors that can look amazing at your house.

In addition, Touchjet previewed the Touchjet WAVE™, the second product to leverage Touchjet’s proprietary touch technology. The Touchjet WAVE turns almost any flat screen TV or monitor into a touchscreen Smart TV (up to 60”) and features a compact, unobtrusive design with easy setup.

It will launch on Indiegogo next month and will be widely available later in the year. For more information on discount rates and early access, visit the website here:www.touchjet.eu.

“Mobile devices do a great job of keeping people connected, except when they are in the same room,” said Helen Thomas, CEO of Touchjet and former SVP of Worldwide Sales at Livescribe and GM of APAC International Business at LeapFrog. “We’re creating devices that take the interactivity of mobile apps and project it so everyone can share the experience, be it in the living room, classroom or a board room. Need someone to install you timber flooring at home? visit this site for more.

College classmates Tom Li Jiang, president, and Liu Zhen, CTO, recognized that mobile devices were isolating people, as families, friends and colleagues spent more and more time “together” staring at separate screens. It’s a concern shared by families as well. A recent survey showed that 71 percent of moms feel they are losing their kids to digital screens^[1^]. Tom and Liu founded Touchjet and developed the Touchjet Pond Projector and The TouchjetWAVE to change how consumers interact with their devices and each other, opening the door for shared experiences.

The unique technology that powers the Touchjet Pond Projector starts with the light processing unit (LPU). Positioned near the lens of the projector, the LPU picks up an infrared signal which then runs through an image-processing algorithm. That process translates the location of the user’s gesture into a standard touch point signal. The Touchjet algorithm must process thousands of points and dozens of projected frames per second in order to deliver the seamless interactive experience. The same infrared technology is applied in a similar fashion to the Touchjet WAVE.

The Touchjet Pond Projector can be set up in moments and is easy to use. Just turn on the projector, download the apps and start to interact with the content on the surface. Users can instantly play games, edit documents in real time or watch videos, all in one place. The options are endless:

● At home: Bring family and friends together to play games, watch movies, share pictures and more. With the ability to use two styli at once, friends and family can join in on the fun, too. The projector can also replace other home media options — the 80” screen and functionality of Android apps make it a complete entertainment package that costs less than buying a similar-size TV and gaming console for the home.

● In schools: Create an interactive classroom with Touchjet’s built-in Android system. With access to hundreds of educational apps covering an array of topics from learning how to read to recognizing colors and shapes, Touchjet brings an interactive lesson plan to groups of students that counter balances individual tablets and Chromebooks that are taking over the classroom.

● On the go: Whether traveling for work or for pleasure, the projector’s portability is a real asset. Weighing in at 273 grams and equipped with a built-in speaker, the Touchjet Pond Projector is ideal for giving presentations, watching movies in a hotel room (or anywhere), chatting with loved ones or playing games.

The Touchjet Pond Projector’s price starts at £599.99 and includes:

Touchjet Pond Projector with a built-in computer pre-loaded with Android apps, the Android operating system and 18 GB of user-addressable memory

● 1 Power Supply (5vdc, 3A)

● 1 Battery

● 2 Styli

● 1 Airmouse

● 1 USB (OTG) cable for PC hookup or accessories

● 1 User Guide

● 6 AAA Batteries (for the two styli and Airmouse)

● 1 Carrying Case

Posted in: News, Press Releases

By Gareth May 15, 2015 Read More →

Samsung unveils new Galaxy Tab A

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that the all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab A will be available in the UK from 21^st May. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A introduces a new screen size designed to create an improved viewing experience alongside high-performance features, making it a smart device that people can rely on every day.

The Galaxy Tab A is high quality yet affordable and designed to be used by the whole family. It can be customised to individual tastes, making it perfect for anyone looking for a device that can be used by more than one person. Designed to offer maximum portability the light, slim Galaxy Tab A measures just 7.5mm – perfect for people who want a practical device they can use wherever, whenever.

“The Galaxy Tab A has the power and performance our customers have come to expect from the Samsung Galaxy range, and with Wi-Fi, LTE and S-Pen versions available we are offering people more choice when it comes to picking a device that best suits their lifestyle.” commented Conor Pierce, Vice President IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland. “Combining innovative functionality that makes it possible to tailor the tab experience for more than one person with a compact design – the Galaxy Tab A can be used anywhere, anytime. With a new screen ratio designed to optimise the viewing experience, the new Galaxy Tab A is the perfect tablet for people looking for an everyday device that works for them and their family.”

An optimal viewing experience

The Galaxy Tab A features a new 4:3 aspect ratio screen designed to deliver the best possible viewing experience. Reflecting how people are using tablets, the new screen ratio optimises the format of web pages, e-books and e-magazines to provide a better-proportioned and more natural viewing experience. Complementing this new screen display, the Galaxy Tab A also comes pre-installed with a range of premium content via Galaxy Gifts, including free online storage solution OneDrive which gives 115GB of online storage, The Economist and Kindle for Samsung.

Enhanced Kids Mode

Available to download through Galaxy Essentials, Kids Mode allows parents to manage how their children use the Galaxy Tab A by controlling both the length of time children spend on the device and the apps and features they can access. Parents can also monitor usage through user-generated activity reports. At the same time, children can experience their very own ‘kid-designed’ Home Screen and take advantage of special features including Kids Music, Kids Drawing, Sticker Chart and specific ‘Friends’ and ‘Play’ sections, creating an authentic tablet experience that kids can enjoy at the same time as giving parents complete peace of mind. In addition, Multi-Kids Profile allows up to six children to have their very own personalised user profile.

A refined user interface

Running on Android 5.0 Lollipop, the Galaxy Tab A features a more refined user experience. The home screen grid system has been re-designed to fit the new 4:3 aspect ratio, while it is possible to easily transfer files via simple drag and drop into My Files. With expanded notification cards, people can view up to five notifications on the lock screen at any one time, whilst the removal of tabs at the top offers a simplified Contacts layout, with the Favourites list always showing at the top.

Enhanced camera

Featuring a 5MP rear (main) camera and 2MP front camera, the Galaxy Tab A means capturing unmissable moments in stunning quality is easier than ever before. Auto Focus captures pictures of superb clarity, while One Shot Mode makes it possible to switch seamlessly between One Click Mode and One Click Recording. In addition, Continuous Shot offers the ability to take up to 20 pictures at once with just one touch.

SideSync 3.0

SideSync 3.0 enables the screens, windows and data of the Galaxy Tab A to be shared seamlessly between tablet and PC monitor. Features include remote notification of calls and text messages and Document Share, meaning files can easily be moved from tablet to the monitor.

Quick Connect

Quick Connect* means customers can show videos from their Galaxy Tab A on their Samsung Smart TV; stream live TV from their Smart TV to their Galaxy Tab A; and display their ‘daily briefing’ including weather, time and daily schedule on their Smart TV.

Microsoft Apps

Customers can now access a full suite of pre-loaded Microsoft apps and services through the new Galaxy Tab A. Through Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft OneDrive, users can easily access, edit and store documents and photos, while the Skype app allows them to stay connected to the people that matter most.

Multi-capturing and easy-sharing with the enhanced S-Pen

For anyone that seeks a practical device to meet both work and personal needs, the Galaxy Tab A with S-Pen is the perfect choice. The S-Pen enables mouse-like selection to easily select and move contents, while Smart Select enables images to be captured and text extracted.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A will be available in three different versions in the UK including, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A (Wi-Fi and LTE) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A with S-Pen (Wi-Fi). The WiFi version will come preloaded with the convenient Multi User mode that lets people create their own personal profile. Running the new Android 5.0 Lollipop, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A features a 1.2GHz Quad processor, 1.5GB or 2GB RAM (depending on variant) 16GB storage and a Micro SD slot offering 128GB of external storage.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, Tablets

By Gareth May 15, 2015 Read More →

Alcatel Onewatch launches in the UK

One company making a lot of noise right now is Alcatel. Their first foray into smartwatches comes at a modest price point whilst maintaining a high quality build. The Alcatel Onewatch sees a 1.22″ 262K display covering a 210mAh battery good for 2-5 days of light to mid usage. A fast charge will see the watch topped up in 1 hour however it’s the compatibility with iOS 7 alongside android that might turn some heads. Press release follows.

Global technology brand ALCATEL ONETOUCH, today announces the UK release of the WATCH – a smartwatch that puts a premium on elegant design at an accessible price. After its much-anticipated, successful debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, it has since been honored with a prestigious iF Design Award by the iF International Forum Design GmbH.

Offering the WATCH at a fraction of the cost of competitors, the smartphone brand has implemented its design expertise to offer a series of fine finishes that meet the demands of those looking for the same look and feel as a traditional watch. Available in a sporty dark red/volcano black combination, the ALCATEL ONETOUCH WATCH employs materials such as brushed chrome, micro-textured resin bands and stainless steel.

The WATCH is packed with sensors: the heart-rate monitor is embedded discretely on the underside of the watch face; there’s also an accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter and e-compass. The WATCH also allows users to track their sleep cycle, distance covered, steps taken and calories burned. An activity overview allows users to monitor their fitness goals. When the smartwatch is connected to a smartphone, it sends users call notifications; social media updates and vibrates if users stray too far from their phones.

Touching the WATCH’s screen activates a multimedia remote control. Users can control music, take pictures from their phone from a distance or make their phone ring in order to locate it.

The WATCH is compatible with any phone running on Android 4.3 or above and on iOS 7 or above. It is also dust and water-resistant, with a long battery life. The WATCH has a USB connector integrated into its band for simplicity of use. With beauty and functionality integrated into one device, ALCATEL ONETOUCH offers a smartwatch at a smart price, fulfilling its mission of making the latest technology available to all.

The WATCH will be available first from Currys PC World stores nationwide and online (at www.currys.co.uk, www.pcworld.co.uk) for £99.99 from mid-June.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, Wearables

By Gareth May 6, 2015 Read More →

Archos Fusion Storage is here

Some months ago we mentioned Archos were designing a new range of tablet that could combine various storage solutions in one larger resource, all under Android. Meaning that a 16gb model became a 80gb model if a 64gb SDcard was added. Pretty fantastic solution to a problem that has more than likely annoyed who has a low storage phone or tablet. Archos have pioneered the technology and it is rolling out to a few of their devices over the next few days. We will host a video showing our experiences this week.

Archos Fusion Storage, a software innovation, recently unveiled by the French brand at MWC 2015, will be available via update (OTA) from May the 5^th, 2015 on the Archos 101 Oxygen, Archos 50 Diamond, Archos 52 Platinum, and the Archos 50 Oxygen Plus. It merges the internal memory capacity of the equipment itself with that of the Micro SD card in order for users to enjoy more applications or content.

A long-awaited feature by Android users

With over 25 years of experience in software development, especially on the Android platform, the R&D team of Archos worked on the lower layers of the operating system from Google and its Kernel core. It thus provides a much-needed storage option for users of Android tablets or smartphones. This feature automatically reconciles the memory allocation problem between the internal storage and microSD card while providing increased capacity.

Key elements of Archos Fusion Storage

The main advantage for the user is that significant space is gained to hold more applications and content. Upon activation of the merged storage, data is automatically accommodated in the internal memory of the tablet or smartphone and is then sorted. The application files will be sent primarily to the internal memory of the tablet or smartphone, while data, photos, videos, and more will be directed to the memory card. The space of the device is thereby increased and optimized considerably.

Another advantage is a reversibility of the process. The fusion of internal storage with the external storage SD card is seamless: the user can choose to return to the original separated settings at any time.

Posted in: Apps & Games, Press Releases, Science & Technology

By Gareth March 12, 2015 Read More →

Meet the of Piper nv the all-in-one home security system

Icontrol Networks, a leader in connected home technology and innovation, today announces general availability in Europe for Piper nv, the only security system that can be easily tailored to what matters most. Building on the launch of the original Piper last year, the all-in-one home security, video monitoring and automation device has been engineered for reliability and built frustration free, making it easier than ever to connect via mobile device for peace of mind.

Over the last year, Piper has ushered in a new approach to home monitoring, security and automation and continues to deliver users a new and smart way to interact with their homes. With the DIY smart home market projected to reach $7.8 billion in the US alone by 2019, according to NextMarket Insights, the connected home is becoming more easily accessible to consumers than ever before and Piper continues to be at the forefront of the movement with Piper nv. In addition to the already comprehensive Piper feature set, Piper nv boasts:

● Night Vision: Featuring the widest field of view available in the market, Piper nv’s 180-degree day/night vision offers a clear and complete view of your home no matter the time of day. Night vision kicks in automatically once the room starts getting dark.

● Advanced camera resolution: The 3.4 megapixel camera sensor ensures you don’t miss any details!

“Being aware of events in your home has never been easier with Piper,” said Russell Ure, creator of Piper and an executive vice president and GM at Icontrol Networks. “Piper nv provides homeowners with unsurpassed visibility into their homes and ensures places and loved ones are always protected and safe. It sets a new standard for the optimal video experience in the smart home marketplace.”

Piper has been recognised for its innovative technology and broad consumer appeal, and is powered by Icontrol Networks, a leader in the connected home marketplace.

In addition to night vision and advanced camera resolution, Piper nv has been designed for maximum customisation and includes the core Piper features:

● Security: Customise three security modes (home, away and vacation), motion detector and piercing, 105-decibel siren.

● Automation: Integrate Z-Wave accessories into Piper’s security modes, control them remotely, on a schedule, or using environmental data.

● HD Panoramic camera: 180° fisheye lens, electronic pan, tilt, and zoom, 1080p camera sensor.

● Customised alerts: Phone call, text message, email, and push notifications to users and their trusted circle when security rules are triggered.

● Environmental sensors: Monitor and control home temperature, humidity, ambient light and sound.

● Elegant Design: Simple, intuitive app. Stunning, compact, two-toned form with brushed metal legs.

● Smart Hardware: ARM processor, battery backup, internal memory for video storage, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.

● Android & iOS support: Available on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.

● Two-way audio: Talk directly to occupants through Piper through its app on your mobile device.

● Multi-Piper functionality: Support up to five different Pipers within a home so you always have visibility and control over your different spaces.

● Bedside mode: Featuring an active panic button, Bedside mode lets users manually turn on a siren in case of an emergency. Easy to reach and quick to access for fast action, users can now set Piper to Bedside mode before going to sleep for a more secure environment at night.

Piper nv can now be purchased at getpiper.com starting at €299.00 (£217.00) and Piper will continue to be sold for €199.00 (£145.00)*. The free Piper application is also available for download in the iTunes App Store and in the Google Play Store.

Posted in: Cameras, Gadgets, Press Releases, Science & Technology

By Gareth March 3, 2015 Read More →

Microsoft delivers some new devices

Today in Barcelona, at Mobile World Congress, Microsoft unveiled new devices, services and partner offerings to help every person and organisation on the planet achieve more.

– The Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, affordable smartphones running Windows 8.1 with signature Microsoft experiences built-in. The 5” Lumia 640 and 5.7” Lumia 640 XL deliver powerful hardware and a year’s free Office 365 personal subscription, and will be upgradeable to the Windows 10 service when it becomes available later this year. Lumia 640 pricing is estimated at 139EUR for 3G and 159EUR for LTE; Lumia 640 XL pricing is estimated at 189EUR for 3G and 219EUR for LTE (actual market pricing may vary).

– The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard, an ultra-thin and lightweight accessory that works with iPads, iPhones, Android devices and Windows tablets.

– The AT&T Mobile Office Suite, a cloud-based, mobile collaboration solution for small-to-medium sized business customers, exclusively from AT&T and Microsoft in the US.

The company also demonstrated live, for the first time, the latest build of Windows 10 for phones, including the new browser, Universal Office, Maps and Imaging Apps on devices including the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL.

Today at Mobile World Congress 2015, Microsoft Corp. introduced Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, two new smartphones that give people greater flexibility and freedom to choose when and where they get things done. Both phones are upgradeable to Windows 10, which offers more personal computing and greater productivity, and will be available later this year.

In a competitive marketplace, Microsoft continues to deliver innovative smartphone experiences at all price points. Both devices offer the seamless integration of hardware essentials — with a choice of screen sizes and camera capabilities — and Microsoft services to offer incredible productivity with affordability. With Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, people are prepared for anything — for work, at home and on the go:

Smoothly and quickly access important documents or run popular websites, apps and games thanks to the onboard 1 GB of memory and powerful Qualcomm ® Snapdragon ™ processor featuring quad-core CPU running at 1.2GHz.

Enjoy photos and videos on a crisp high-definition (HD) display — either 5 inches on Lumia 640 or 5.7 inches on Lumia 640 XL.

Power through the day with battery to spare with a long-lasting battery — 2500 mAh for Lumia 640 and 3000 mAh for Lumia 640 XL.

Capture detail-rich photos even in low light with the 8MP camera on Lumia 640 or 13MP ZEISS optics on Lumia 640 XL. Both feature LED flash, a front-facing camera for Skype video calling, and Lumia Camera software right out of the box.

Enjoy the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1 and the Lumia Denim update, complete with one-swipe Action Center, Word Flow and Live Folders. People can also upgrade Lumia 640 and 640 XL to Windows 10 and enjoy its benefits as it becomes available later this year.

Have the best of both worlds with LTE support available on dual-SIM models for the first time. In addition, all dual-SIM models will feature Smart Dual SIM to help ensure people never miss a call.

Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL customers will be able to access new Windows 10 features and innovation through the Windows Insider Program, as well as upgrade to Windows 10 later this year. Key features and improvements of Windows 10 include new universal apps such as Office, Mail and Calendar, and Photos; Internet Protocol-based messaging from Skype and others integrated directly into the messaging experience; an entirely new browsing experience with the new Project Spartan browser; and extended integration of the Cortana personal assistant.

Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL also come with a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, which includes the latest Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote) on the Lumia as well as on one PC or Mac and one tablet, plus 1TB of OneDrive storage, and 60 free minutes of Skype Unlimited Worldwide calling per month.**

“Our newest Lumia devices build on our momentum in the affordable smartphones space,” said Jo Harlow, corporate vice president for Phones at Microsoft. “With the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, we continue to make innovation accessible to more people. We have packaged competitive hardware with innovative Windows software and Microsoft services to help you achieve more, wherever and whenever you want.”

Lumia 640 XL will begin rolling out globally in March and will be available in matte cyan, orange and black, as well as both matte and glossy white. Lumia 640 will be available starting in April and will be available in glossy cyan, orange and white, as well as matte black. Both Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL will be available in single-SIM and dual-SIM LTE and dual-SIM 3G variants. Lumia 640 XL will also be available as a single-SIM 3G variant. Pricing will vary by market and operator; Lumia 640 is estimated to be around 139 euros for the 3G model and 159 euros for the LTE model, before taxes and subsidies. Lumia 640 XL will be around 189 euros for 3G and 219 euros for LTE, before taxes and subsidies.

Posted in: News, Press Releases

By Gareth February 27, 2015 Read More →

Panasonic 4K Pro: Finally get to see what the director REALLY intended

Panasonic today announced the introduction of ‘4K Pro’: an enhanced 4K experience that combines the professional-level processing power of Panasonic’s new 4K Studio Master Processor with super-bright Wide Colour Phosphor panels that cover a maximum of 98% of the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) colour range.

Because of the limitations of traditional TV technology, viewers have long had to accept that it is difficult to experience at home what film directors truly intended when they put together their masterpieces.

However, Panasonic’s guiding principle with regards to TV picture quality has always been to strive to faithfully reproduce the director’s vision. 4K Pro represents a considerable step towards casting aside past screen limitations and is made possible by a cross-fertilisation of Panasonic’s professional AV business technology with the ‘reference’ picture quality knowhow built up while developing its renowned plasma TVs.

What is 4K Pro?

For Panasonic, 4K resolution is just one part of an immersive and accurate picture experience. So while the new 4K Pro picture engine certainly maximises the impact of 4K’s 3840×2160 pixel count, it also deploys a whole raft of technologies – including both panel design and processing systems – to address all the other key aspects of TV picture quality too.

The 4K Studio Master Processor

Panasonic’s proprietary 4K Studio Master Processor has been designed from the ground up to produce pictures that are totally faithful to a director’s vision. It draws on the huge resource of picture knowledge accumulated by Panasonic’s internationally respected professional AV business, the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, and its plasma TV division to deliver unprecedentedly accurate colour, uniquely satisfying contrast, and phenomenal brightness and dynamism.

Accurate Colour Drive: Through its Accurate Colour Drive, Panasonic has introduced to consumer TVs advanced colour management technologies, such as 3D Lookup Tables, which have previously only found in professional monitors.

3D Lookup Tables provide a volumetric approach to colour space control whereby a change in any one input colour causes cross-colour changes in all of the table’s output colours. The result is a much more accurate rendition of colour tones at different brightness levels than you get with normal TVs, which conventionally employ either very crude or no lookup table technology.

Even screens that do offer 3D Lookup Table usually only offer red, green and blue control, whereas on the Panasonic CR850 and CX800 TVs the table also references the cyan, magenta and yellow colours across a total of 8000 registry points (versus a typical 100). This enables the Panasonic TVs to provide the sort of professional-grade colour accuracy used by directors when they’re editing their films.

Black Gradation Drive: Normally LCD TVs control their backlights and gain settings separately, using 8-bit processing to deliver 256 steps of gradation. With its 4K Studio Master Processor though, Panasonic has brought the backlight control and gain adjustment picture controls together under the same processing umbrella for the first time, so that they can work in tandem to deliver more accurate local light levels. What’s more, it uses 10-bit driving to produce 1024 steps of gradation. What this means in picture terms is that you see vastly more shadow detail and subtler, more accurate colour toning in dark parts of the picture, avoiding that hollow, flat, washed-out look commonly seen with dark scenes on normal LCD TVs.

Native HDR Content playback: the 4K Studio Master Processor is enabled to support the playback of native High Dynamic Range (HDR) content when the appropriate standards have been finalized. HDR uses a combination of specially created content and super-bright, colour-rich screens to deliver images containing a much wider luminance range than any traditional TV. This means you can enjoy pictures with more contrast, richer colours, and greatly enhanced shadow and colour detail.

Wide Colour Phosphor Panels

The second key 4K Pro element in the Panasonic CR850 and CX800 TVs is their use of LED panels which include new Wide Colour Phosphor technology and have been custom built to complement the work of the Panasonic 4K Studio Master Processor. Thanks to the Wide Colour Phosphor technology, these panels can reproduce a remarkable 98% of the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) colour space.

Coupling these spectacular new panels with the 4K Studio Master Processor translates into you being able to see a range of colours on your TV much closer in tone and subtlety – especially in areas of red and green – to those you would see if you went to see a film at your local cinema. In other words, once again Panasonic TVs are uniquely well qualified to let you enjoy pictures at home that look almost exactly the way directors wanted them to look when they shot them.

Bright and Eco-conscious: As well as helping colours achieve a more cinematic range, Wide Colour Phosphor technology has considerable brightness and eco benefits. For instance, it uses approximately only half the energy of a conventional Quantum Dot panel to produce the same level of brightness, making it extremely cost effective to run. This makes Wide Colour Phosphor technology ideally suited to the playback of High Dynamic Range content.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, TV & Home Cinema

By Gareth February 26, 2015 Read More →

Panasonic unveils Home Screen 2.0 powered by Firefox OS

Panasonic has collaborated with Mozilla to introduce a new, intuitive user interface for its 2015 TV line-up, powered by Firefox OS. Panasonic’s 2015 4K UHD (Ultra HD) LED VIERA TV line-up is equipped with a range of new functions and features, including my Home Screen 2.0 and Info Frame, designed to ensure you can enjoy your favourite channels, apps and devices faster and more efficiently than ever.

New, intuitive, customisable user interface

To provide a graphically rich, intuitive interface that makes it quick and easy for you to track down your favourite content with ease, Panasonic has introduced Firefox OS in the 2015 4K UHD VIERA TV line-up.

The platform, incorporating the new my Home Screen 2.0, is specifically designed to allow you to access preferred content quickly and easily. The home screen can be completely personalised to suit your preferences and is divided into easy to navigate ‘decks’. Three decks come as default with the platform:

The Live TV Deck

You can watch live broadcasts and build up a personalised ‘home screen’ of your most-watched channels.

The Apps Deck

Use Firefox OS’s graphically rich interface to access all the TV apps available on VIERA. These apps will include everything from the most popular video on demand partners to games.

The Devices Deck

Any devices connected to your TV, either by cables or WiFi, will appear in this deck, providing rapid access to external sources such as: tablets, smartphones, computers, Blu-ray players, SD cards, and USB storage drives.

A new search tool is also available via my Home Screen 2.0 that allows you to find and access content from all available source options, including internet video services, websites and any external devices you may have connected to your TV.

When you’ve found the content you’re looking for, the new user interface also lets you bookmark your favourite channels, apps, web pages and connected devices by using the Pin function for quick access at a later date.

The new user interface also incorporates Info Frame, which combines everything from local weather reports to recommended TV shows, TV listings and your favourite website, all on a single screen.

Connectivity across all your devices

Firefox OS is built on open standards, allowing you to send photos, videos or other content to your Firefox OS-powered TV from any smartphone, tablet, or computer with a Firefox browser or other compatible application.

This means that you do not need to be constrained into one ecosystem or brand.Sending content to the Firefox OS TV requires no additional hardware – you simply need to make sure that your Panasonic Firefox OS-powered TV is on the same WiFi network.

Greater flexibility for app developers

Firefox OS provides superior flexibility to developers to create brand new applications and services through WebAPIs that unlock the power of the Web and enable connected experiences across platforms. In addition, for the first time, Firefox OS will allow TV on-screen notifications from applications, and, in the future, from compatible connected appliances.

Firefox OS and my Home Screen 2.0 are available on the CR850, CR730, CX800, CX750, CX700 and CX680 series in the 2015 line-up.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, TV & Home Cinema

By Gareth January 12, 2015 Read More →

Alcatel joins the wearable fun

Alcatel continue to pick up traction with a new affordable smartwatch, cunningly titled “The WATCH.” Featuring a 1.22”, 262K round screen and a 210mAh battery Alcatel boasts the Watch can work for 2-5 days on a 1 hour charge. Also packing a IP67 rating for water resistance and compatibility with Android 4.3 or above and iOS 7, this looks like a neat little wearable worth looking at.

It looks like a watch and feels like a watch but it’s much smarter than that. ALCATEL ONETOUCH introduces the WATCH, a smartwatch that puts a premium on elegant design at a very accessible price. In launching the WATCH, ALCATEL ONETOUCH is not content just to make the latest connected technology available to the greatest number of consumers. Offering the WATCH at a fraction of the cost of competitors, the smartphone brand has implemented its design expertise to offer a series of fine finishes that meet the demands of those looking for the same look and feel as a traditional watch.

“It’s called a wearable, so we wanted to make something that would be a pleasure to wear,” said ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s Chief Marketing Officer Dan Dery. “The watch face and the band are slim, like a regular watch, but it has the multi-functionality of a smartwatch.”

Available in several styles — sporty dark red/volcano black, feminine all-white, classic chrome/dark gray and elegant metal-white — the ALCATEL ONETOUCH WATCH employs materials such as brushed chrome, micro-textured resin bands and white stainless steel. This choice of finishes assures that it will appeal to both men and women, demonstrating ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s dedication to bringing to the market products that fulfill everyone’s needs.

While offering choice and style, the WATCH also offers multiple fitness functions and connects to Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth.

Monitors User Activity

The WATCH is packed with sensors: the heart-rate monitor is embedded discretely on the underside of the watch face; there’s also an accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter and e-compass.

The WATCH also allows users to track their sleep cycle, distance covered, steps taken and calories burned. To monitor their fitness goals, users can access the activity overview that the WATCH offers. You can track your first yoga as a practice session with this.

Multimedia Remote Control and Phone Notifications

When the smartwatch is connected to a smartphone, it sends users call notifications; social media updates and vibrates if users stray too far from their phones.

Touching the WATCH’s screen activates a multimedia remote control. Users can control music, take pictures from their phone from a distance or make their phone ring in order to locate it.

Simplicity of Use Is Built In

The WATCH is compatible with a number of ALCATEL ONETOUCH smartphones in the HERO, IDOL and POP series, as well as with any phone running on Android 4.3 or above and on iOS 7 or above. It is dust and water-resistant, with a long battery life.

Speaking of the battery, the WATCH has a clever USB charger integrated into its band for simplicity of use. With beauty and functionality integrated into one device, ALCATEL ONETOUCH offers a smartwatch at a smart price, fulfilling its mission of making the latest technology available to all.

Posted in: Gadgets, News, Press Releases, Wearables

By Gareth January 9, 2015 Read More →

HTC Re camera to deliver live streaming on YouTube

HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced live streaming from its new RE™ camera to YouTube. Now consumers can easily share the moment by connecting a RE camera to their YouTube channel and sending a live broadcast link to viewers around the world and do some real cellular bonding with friends family and fans.

Available for Android™ devices beginning tomorrow, Jan. 9, through a free update to the RE app in the Google Play™ store, the new live streaming feature allows RE users to not only capture great video with ease, but also to share special moments and favourite events with those who can’t be there. Friends across the world or traveling family members won’t miss any live action. The free update will also be available for iOS later in Q1 2015.

The RE camera’s wide-angle capture and small form ensure that both you and your RE won’t miss anything. With storage via a microSD™ card in addition to backup to your smartphone and the cloud, RE is always ready to capture your precious memories.

The live streaming feature is a simple-to-use and handy add-on to get the most out of video capture, making it easy to broadcast a piano recital, snorkeling adventure, puppy cam and more. With the RE app, sign in to your YouTube channel and activate live streaming, to learn about more streaming options, visit this go live webcasting website. Once verified, broadcasting from your RE is a snap. Any live footage you wish to share is transmitted directly from RE to your smartphone, which then sends your broadcast to your YouTube channel. Invite people to view the event by sending your broadcast link to tune in via SMS or social networks. Even if they can’t watch it live, the link will continue to be active, even after the broadcast ends.

Viewers do not need a YouTube channel to view broadcasts, and live streams can be broadcast in public mode, which makes videos available to anyone who has the link or discovers it on YouTube, or in private mode, which limits the broadcast to only those you share it with.

Availability

The updated software for the RE application will be available beginning tomorrow, Jan. 9, in the Google Play store and is coming to the Apple App Store™ later in Q1 2015.

The HTC RE is now available at EE, Three and selected consumer electronics retail partners.

When used according to guidelines, the RE is rated for use in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. For further information on availability, features, functionality and accessories, visit www.REcamera.com

Posted in: Gadgets, Press Releases

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