V IIENW TCERCUHI S+E GRAE M G FROM WWW.PRODUCT-REVIEWS.NET
APRIL 2015
Tech + Gaming Update - April 2015 5 Industry News 7 Range Rover SVAutobiography 9 Featured App 11 Events Preview 12 Withings Activite Pop Disaster 14 Game DLC 15 Key Gaming Releases 16 Kickstarter Projects 18 Recalls 20 Mobile and Tablet 22 Apple Watch Launches
Publishing Director Daniel Chubb 01843 601539 web@dansway.info Editor-in-chief | Product Reviews Alan Ng alan@product-reviews.net Senior Associate Editor | Product Reviews Peter Chubb peter@product-reviews.net
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Tech Industry News
New Launch of Posterist Turns Everyone into Art Designers Quickly The launch of Posterist allows even the most casual users become stylish collage star quickly. 140+ gorgeous templates in various styles including Modern, Classic, Art, Holiday, 3D and Creative will enable users to create everything from photo collages to posters to cards without working up a sweat. It gives users an easy and quick way to add photos, edit text and manage other adjustments with ease. In a few of minutes, users will get a wonderful design and they have wide options to export it, print it or share it via E-mail, Message, Twitter, Facebook, and more. Posterist gives users quick access to their photo libraries. They can quickly add photos from iPhoto, Aperture as well as select from the Finder. It’s also super easy to replace existing photos to personal needs and exchange them between different frames with drag & drop however you
want. Once added, users can zoom and move the photo to make it fit properly within the frame. What’s more, user will be given the option to rotate, mirror, flip and apply filters to each photo. There are 20+ popular filters available for beautifying photos. There are other personalized options that allow users to edit text on the template. If needed, users are able to replace any placeholder text on the template with their own. The text can be typed directly, or be copied and pasted from somewhere else. Changes to the text font, color, etc. can also be accomplished with just a few clicks, which are going to give an extraordinary look to the text.
print it directly and even easily share it via Email, Facebook, AirDrop, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr inside the app. From the delicacies at the tip of tongue to the brilliant moments in life and all the happenings during a trip, with Posterist, everyone can always cherish and share their memories by making a memorable collage in no time. Pricing and Availability - Posterist requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It is fully compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite. Users can get this app totally free at the Apple iTunes Store.
With Posterist, sharing photos is quick and simple as well. Users can directly export their work to PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP,
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Tech Industry News
Tixxii: Never get a parking ticket, tow, or pay for a hit and run Most people use apps just to play games. Tixxii has revolutionized the driving world…creating an ingenious new app that prevents expensive parking tickets, tows, and other costly situations for your vehicle before they ever even occur. How’s that possible? By simply entering a vehicle’s license plate number, the Tixxii app will send the owner of the vehicle an instant message alerting the driver of the problem before its too late. Tixxii is like a giant global watchdog that protects vehicles when the vehicle owners are not around. Alerts sent through the Tixxii app are also completely anonymous and Tixxii users can contact drivers without knowing ANY personal contact information about the vehicle owner. A simple license plate number is all it takes. Tixxii operates on generosity and the good nature of people. When a Tixxii user sees a vehicle at risk of being ticketed, towed, has been involved in a hit and run accident, or other dangerous situation for the vehicle, the Tixxii user simply opens the Tixxii app, enters the vehicles license plate number, and writes their message. The Tixxii app then does the rest. The owner of the vehicle is sent an instant message alerting them of the danger and delivering your exact message to the vehicle owner. Tixxii stores all alerts sent to users on an “Alerts” tab inside the app. And to add some extra motivation for users to send alerts to other drivers, Tixxii gives users 25 points inside the app each time they send an alert to a driver. This should provide some extra incentive when the good nature of some people isn’t quite enough to take out their phones and send an alert to another driver. I know what you’re thinking. What about people who use the Tixxii app to make false reportings? The Tixxii app has an answer for that also. Tixxii users can report other users who send false reportings through Tixxii or use the Tixxii app for unintended purposes. Tixxii is available now on the app store for Apple and Google Play. Best of all, the Tixxii app is 100% free to use and download. If you don’t have the Tixxii app on your smart phone now, you are putting your vehicle at risk. Watch a cool video and learn more about Tixxii by visiting their Kickstarter page.
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Auto Industry News
Range Rover SVAutobiography Takes Luxury and Refinement to New Heights
Land Rover will unveil the Range Rover SVAutobiography at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, adding even more luxury, design sophistication and performance to an enhanced line-up. Speaking ahead of the exclusive model’s world premiere in New York, Land Rover’s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern stated: “With the SVAutobiography we have taken the opportunity to optimise the Range Rover’s luxury execution and precision while delivering beautiful detailing that considerably enhances the customer’s experience of our flagship vehicle.” Exclusively crafted at Special Vehicle Operations’ (SVO) Technical Centre in the UK, SVAutobiography features unique exterior design enhancements, an exclusive premium leather interior with unique trim finishes and the option of a 550PS 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine for the first time. As a result, the SVAutobiography is the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the model’s successful 45-year history. John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: “Range Rover originally defined the luxury SUV segment and the new SVAutobiography, developed by Special Vehicle Operations, takes Range Rover to another level of com-
fort, craftsmanship and refinement.” Exclusive design enhancements - Available in standard and long wheelbase derivatives, the 2016 Model Year SVAutobiography takes the flagship Range Rover to even greater heights of design sophistication and levels of luxury execution. New features and exquisite detailing further consolidate its position as the world’s most luxurious and capable vehicle. For the first time on Range Rover, customers of the 2016 Model Year SVAutobiography are able to specify a unique duo-tone body colour option. The combination of Santorini Black upper body and nine colour choices for the lower body create true distinction and individualism. The 2016 Model Year vehicle is distinguished with new Range Rover bonnet lettering and the tailgate is adorned with the new SVAutobiography badging. The unique front grille is finished in distinctive Graphite Atlas and polished chrome, further promoting its visual differentiation. On the most powerful 550PS supercharged V8 version, quad tailpipes subtly hint at the huge reserves of power available.
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Auto Industry News
Range Rover SVAutobiography - World-Class Luxury Interior
Much of the driver’s switchgear including the start-stop surround and rotary controls are machined from solid aluminium with beautiful knurled details, as are the foot pedals. This detailing continues to both the front and rear centre consoles, with distinctive materials for the cup holder and socket covers. New armrest adjusters not only bring a similar level of machined detail, but also make them even easier to use. Rear-seat passengers relax in luxurious seating complete with a chiller compartment and powered deployable tables. Solid aluminium coat hooks are incorporated into the rear pillars while, on the floor, aluminium seat rail finishers and deep twist pile mohair carpet mats complete the feeling of sumptuous luxury. A leather-covered handbook and polished Autobiography key fob with knurled finish add finishing touches. New to Range Rover for 2016 Model Year, the SVAutobiography offers the option of a sliding loadspace floor. Made from beautifully crafted aluminium and a choice of veneer options, the floor extends rearwards to optimise practicality and ease of use for loading and unloading. For those customers who enjoy the versatility of Range Rover’s split tailgate, SVO has developed ‘Event Seating.’ Stowed in the luggage compartment, these can be quickly and easily deployed to provide comfortable seating for two adults on the tailgate lower. Hand crafted from beautiful Windsor leather with a highly durable aluminium frame, this option will appeal to those who appreciate the duality of Range Rover’s ‘business and pleasure’ characteristics. Incredible performance, unrivalled comfort - Replacing the Autobiography Black at the top of the Range Rover lineup, SVAutobiography is available with a sensational 550PS V8
supercharged engine, combining peerless luxury with the most powerful engine in Range Rover’s history. The all-aluminium 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine, used to power the high performance Range Rover Sport SVR, has been re-tuned for the SVAutobiography. The potent engine produces an outstanding 550PS and 680Nm of torque, noticeable increases of 40PS and 55Nm respectively, compared with existing V8 supercharged Range Rover derivatives. With maximum torque available at 3,500rpm and a smooth and sophisticated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the SVAutobiography provides a breath-taking blend of performance, in-gear flexibility and refinement, no matter how challenging the terrain. The 550PS derivative has been engineered and optimised for unparalleled comfort and refinement, and features Brembo front brake callipers in gloss black finish. SVAutobiography customers can choose from the full portfolio of other Range Rover powertrains too: TDV6, SDV6 Hybrid, SDV8, and SCV6 supercharged derivatives, with increases in efficiency and performance for the 2016 Model Year. For the first time, these include a turbodiesel Range Rover in North American markets. Land Rover’s InControl™ technologies continue to develop and now offer even greater smartphone connectivity. InControl™ Remote Premium allows owners to remotely check the fuel level, lock and unlock the doors and flash the lights or sound the horn to help identify the vehicle in crowded car parks, all using a smartphone app. The Range Rover SVAutobiography, along with the updated Range Rover 2016 Model Year line-up, will be on sale from summer 2015.
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Featured App
Battle Powerful Enemies Using Godly Powers In ‘Tap Heroes’
Independent games developer and publisher VaragtP Studios is proud to announce the worldwide release and availability of their newest game Tap Heroes, now available on the iOS® and Google Play™ digital app stores. Available as a free version and a premium download offering a bonus character unlocked from the start, Tap Heroes is an action-packed RPG in which you adventure out on an epic journey through mysterious lands in a battle of strength against powerful foes.
Tap Heroes offers godly powers and more than 50 achievements to collect. Gold and other loot collected can be instantly used to heal, upgrade, and enhance your strength. Suitable to players of all experience levels, this intuitive and addictive RPG offers fun, action-packed infinite play. Download your copy today. Tap Heroes is available for download from iTunes for free, or also in a premium version. You will find Tap Heroes on Google play for free here, or in a paid Android premium version.
Your role as a mighty warrior is to attack and defend yourself against more than 70 enemies and bosses by surviving through a series of 10 challenging lands such as forests, deserts, caves, jungles and even swamps. Strategy is an important factor and a key ingredient to win. Upgrade your skills and enhance your powers by clever use of resources to stun, damage and ultimately destroy enemies blocking your path. At the beginning, only your warrior character is available, but as you advance by collecting coins, kill bosses and improve your overall stats, additional party members unlock, thus expanding the gameplay experience. Optional new party members include the healing mage, who is a great addition to your party, and instantly useful in life-threatening moments, as well as the strong and powerful rogue, who with his brilliant aim and poisonous arrows can seriously damage your enemies.
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Events Preview
All Tech Events in April and May 2015 Apr 13-15
LendIt USA
New York
Apr 14-17
ISC West
Las Vegas
Apr 16
Programmatic I/O
San Francisco
Apr 20-24
RSA Conference
San Francisco
Apr 22
Box Dev 2015
San Francisco
Apr 23-24
TNW Europe
Amsterdam
Apr 27-28
Sales 2.0 Conference
San Francisco
Apr 27-May 1
Interop Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Apr 28-29
3D Printing Live 2015
Berlin
Apr 28-29
Internet of Things Summit
San Jose, CA
Apr 29-May 1
Microsoft Build
San Francisco
Apr 30-May 1
99U Conference
New York
May 4-6
TechCrunch Disrupt NY
New York
May 4-7
EMC World
Las Vegas
May 4-8
Microsoft Ignite
Chicago
May 5-6
Collision
Las Vegas
May 5-6
GamesBeat Summit
Sausalito, CA
May 6-7
Internet of Things DevCon
Santa Clara, CA
May 12
500 Startups Demo Day
Mountain View
May 13-14
Apps World North America
San Francisco
May 14
The Startup Conference
Redwood City, CA
May 16-19
reBOOT Detroit
Detroit
May 19
M1 Summit
New York
May 19-20
Wearable World Congress
San Francisco
May 20-21
ad:tech San Francisco
San Francisco
May 26-28
Code Conference
Rancho Palos Verdes,
May 28-29
Google I/O
San Francisco
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Featured Review
Withings Activite Pop Nightmare Launch with Glass Popping The Withings Activite Pop released within the last couple of months and proved to be perfect for those wanting months of battery life from a “Smarter Watch”, although the new Activite Pop turned into a disaster after major faults.
At the time of publication in mid-March, no reports were evident from either users or technology blogs. Since the exclusive Product Reviews report, the likes of Cnet and many other tech blogs have finally reported the issues with Activite Pop by Withings.
Fixing the manufacturing process The mineral glass dome on the Withings Activite Pop isn’t the problem according to officials, it was the way the first batch of products were made during the manufacturing process.
Product Reviews went hands-on with the Withings Activite Pop over the first month since release. We had to return the product twice for a refund and then exchange, although both models we received saw the display glass cracking within a short time.
There has since been hundreds of consumers reporting “glass popping” either on its own, or after a tiny knock, and certainly in a way that shouldn’t be happening for a device that you can swim with.
This involved unneeded stress put on the mineral glass that caused glass to crack, as our review units showed soon after launch. This also involved the bezel scratching the glass, and this problem has been acknowledged and fixed for new units.
On both occasions that the Activite Pop broke, it was without any major knocks and in the product-reviews.net hands-on, we were the first website online to report the problems with Withings Activite Pop.
Withings eventually responded to the complaints after many users went through the process of product exchanges, and rather than recall all watches, they are fixing on a case-by-case basis along with adding a blue dot to new Activite Pop watches with improved glass.
If you want to purchase a Withings Activite Pop, then make sure the unit you purchase has a blue dot on the bottom of the box. You can read the full report with hands-on photos on Product Reviews Net
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Game DLC
Second Epic DLC Pack for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Comes to Xbox Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Ascendance is the definitive DLC package, with its four new, thrilling multiplayer maps, the formidable OHM directed energy light machine gun/shotgun hybrid, the OHM Werewolf custom variant, and the all-new Exo Grapple ability playlist that introduces the Exo Grapple ability to multiplayer. Exo Grapple gives players a faster way to reach strategic vantage points or a brutal secondary weapon to take down the competition, exclusively on Ascendance maps. Perplex: Get vertical in Sydney as you fight to dominate this five-story modular apartment complex. Take the high ground or blast through the close-quarters interior in this small to medium sized map. Adapt your strategy mid-match when construction drones shift apartment modules, creating new routes and cover positions. Site 244: An alien spacecraft has crash landed, spilling its mysterious cargo under the shadow of Mt. Rushmore, USA. This medium to large three-lane map allows for any style of gameplay, focusing combat through the space ship’s fuselage and around the debris-littered landscape. Use the map-based scorestreak to crack open an alien spore and instantly enhance your perks and exo abilities. Climate: Fight your way through a futuristic man-made utopia in this lush, climate-controlled enclosure. In this small to medium sized circular map, land and water routes channel frenetic combat around the central island structure. Watch your step when the river water changes from an asset into a deadly bubbling obstacle. Chop Shop: Think fast as you make your way through the black market exoskeleton industrial complex and engage in fast-paced shootouts in this medium sized, symmetrical map. Activate the map-based scorestreak to take control of an Advanced Repulsion Turret that radiates a deadly microwave EMP to help lock down key areas. The Exo Zombies saga continues in the all-new episode, Infected, as the four Atlas employees, portrayed by the returning celebrity cast of John Malkovich (In the Line of Fire, RED, Burn After Reading), Bill Paxton (Aliens, Titanic, Edge of Tomorrow), Rose McGowan (Planet Terror, Scream), and Jon Bernthal (Fury) fight tooth and nail through undead zombie hordes. Located on the outskirts of an Atlas facility, the new Exo Zombies episode introduces a slew of never-before-seen undead masses, a robust arsenal of new traps and armaments and everyone’s favorite fast food joint, Burgertown.
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Key Gaming Releases
10 Biggest Game / DLC Releases In April April 14
GTA V for PC
PC
April 1
Axiom Verge
PS4
April 2-7
Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin
PS4, Xbox One, PC
April 2-10
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
3DS
April 2-3
Hearthstone ‘Blackrock Mountain’ DLC
PC, Mac, iOS, Android
April 3-8
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones
All
April 14
Mortal Kombat X
PS4, Xbox, PC
April 14-15
Titan Souls
PS4, Vita, PC
April 21-22
Shovel Knight
All
April 28
Broken Age Part 2
PC, PS4, Vita, Mac
Gaming News www.product-reviews.net
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Kickstarter Projects New home arcade system brings retro appeal to high-tech gaming Remember all the super cool arcade games from the 80’s and 90’s? What made them so special? It probably wasn’t the graphics! It was the playing experience - from the feel of the joystick, to mashing down a set of large buttons for the win, and sharing it with friends. We decided it was time to bring back all those memories with the Recrelux Arcade R1. The Arcade R1 is a reimagined, retro arcade cabinet that lets anyone relive the golden years of gaming, from Street Fighter II to Pac-Man and many more! Designed with a build-in 26’’ 1080p screen and powerful 2.1 sound, you’ll feel like a kid again in no time! With 2 joysticks and 11 indestructible buttons, the Arcade R1 is beautifully designed, and built to withstand the most energetic gamers. Best of all, the Arcade R1 is compatible with MAME on MAC and PC, and most current video games systems, so you’ll never run out of gaming options. Learn more about Recrelux.
Tixxii: Protect Your Vehicle From Tickets/Tows/Accidents Most people use apps to play games. Tixxii revolutionized the driving world…creating an ingenious new app that prevents expensive parking tickets, tows, and other costly situations for your vehicle before they ever even occur. How’s that possible? Tixxii is the global watchdog app that lets users send each other instant and anonymous alerts when their vehicles are at risk of being ticketed, towed, have been involved in an accident and much more without knowing ANY personal contact info about other Tixxii users! Best of all, Tixxii is 100% FREE to use and can even send alerts across all phone operating systems so everyone around the world can save time, money, and major headaches. Tixxii was founded and created by Abel Jones, a graduate of UC Berkeley and a southern California native. After observing the significant global need for the Tixxii app, Abel invested his own time, expertise, and money into the Tixxii app to bring it to fruition. Learn more about Tixxii on Kickstarter at kck. st/1Do7Wk9.
New VR Headset smashes Kickstarter goal in 4 days Impression Pi is revolutionizing how you experience Virtual Reality. It greatly empowers smartphones and enhances the interactive functions of DIY cardboard and gear based VR. How’d we do it? Its secret lies in computer-vision technology. With a dual camera module, Impression Pi gives 3D gesture control, position tracking and a nice blend of virtual and augmented realities for gaming or VR projects. Impression Pi integrates the world’s first mobile 3D gesture technology, which runs smoothly on smartphones. The AR capability captures and displays the real world to the user, then overlays VR images and virtual objects. The result is a great experience wrapped into an amazingly compact, foldable design. Best of all, Impression Pi’s open SDK platform gives the DIY community plenty of room to “play” and is compatible with existing VR apps. Impression Pi connects via micro USB to smart devices and is available in Enpower kit models (for smartphones), all the way up to a standalone wireless headset. See more at Kickstarter.
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Recalls BMW - Air Bag Improper Inflation BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 19, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i, X5 xDrive 50i, Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 28, 2013, to February 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Head Protection System (HPS) air bag may not be securely connected to the air bag inflator gas generator. CONSEQUENCE - Without a secure connection to the inflator, the HPS air bags may have insufficient inflation during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury. REMEDY - BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Head Protection System, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Toyota - Possible Loss of Electric Power Steering Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system. CONSEQUENCE - An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash. REMEDY - Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Rav4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. Due to a software issue within a component of the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly, the electric propulsion motor may shift to “neutral” resulting in a possible loss of drive power. CONSEQUENCE - A loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash. REMEDY - Toyota will notify owners beginning in April 2015. The remedy is still under development, but will be provided free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
BMW - Rear Wheel Mounting Flange may Crack BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened. CONSEQUENCE - If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY - BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 21, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness month Reminder: If you’re texting, you’re not driving. #justdrive product-reviews.net
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Mobile and Tablet
Introducing the new Microsoft Surface 3
Surface 3 features the same beautiful design and premium materials as Surface Pro 3 in a more compact and efficient package. It is thin (just 8.7 mm) and light (1.37 pounds or 622 grams) and has a 10.8-inch screen. Compared to the 12-inch Surface Pro 3 it is slightly smaller and it feels great when you’re using it as a tablet. The 3:2 aspect ratio that we first introduced on Surface Pro 3 is also used here, and, like its larger sibling, it feels natural whether you’re holding it in portrait mode for reading or writing a quick note with the pen or in landscape mode to watch a movie or play a game. The screen on the Surface Pro 3 is not only beautiful to look at — with incredibly accurate colors and clarity from multiple viewing angles — but also offers a world-class multitouch and pen experience. All that we did to make the Pro 3 screen one of the best in the industry is present in Surface 3, and you’ll appreciate this as you work and play on it. Surface 3 also has front- (3.5MP) and rear-facing (8MP) cameras that both capture 1080p video. The rear-facing camera now features autofocus to take better photos but is also particularly useful for capturing images of documents, barcodes and the like. The battery will last up to 10 hours (our test results are based on video playback) so that it will see you through your work or school day with ease. New with Surface 3 is a Micro USB charger, which means it uses the same connector as most mobile phones. The included 13W charger will be the fastest charging option, but if your battery is running low you’ll be able to use your phone charger as well. Like every Surface before it, Surface 3 has a kickstand that very capably supports the device when you need it and totally disappears when you don’t. This kickstand has three preset positions — a narrow angle that’s great for working at a traditional desk, an intermediate angle that is designed for sitting on the couch or using the device on your lap, and a wide angle that provides a natural writing or drawing canvas. The capabilities of a laptop — including full Windows and Office Surface 3 runs full 64-bit Windows 8.1 and will be available with Windows Pro for business customers. It will be upgradable to Windows 10 for free when it’s available. With full Windows, it will run the desktop applications you depend on for work or school. This point is so important to understand. You are not compromising anything when you buy this device. For my kids, they can now do everything they are asked to do at school and still play the PC games they love on this device. When you click in the Surface 3 Type Cover, the tablet becomes a laptop. Surface 3 will also include a free one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, including full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote as well as 1 TB of OneDrive storage. Learn more at surface.com. product-reviews.net
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Mobile and Tablet
Samsung Debuts Rich Accessory Collection for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, announced the rich accessory collection for the new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. This robust portfolio of accessories will offer people the freedom to customize their mobile experiences to fit their personal style while enhancing the beautiful and purposeful design of Samsung’s newest devices. “Samsung has a long history of designer partnerships and an unparalleled understanding of how technology enhances fashion and how fashion inspires technology,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics. “The premium accessory collection for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge represents our commitment to uniting the worlds of fashion and technology. Samsung has and will continue to pursue and create innovative, meaningful collaborations with the fashion industry that resonate with the ever-evolving consumer and provide them with essential tools for self-expression.” The latest accessory collection will feature designers and brands that share Samsung’s goal of authentically merging fashion and technology through accessories, thereby providing consumers with diverse ways to express their style and personalize their devices.
The richness of this collection is representative of Designed for Samsung Program that has enhanced the brand’s abilities to work with partners to introduce such a broad range of accessories with the new products’ launch. Partners for the Rich Accessory Collection includes: • Burton: Burton has fueled the growth of snowboarding worldwide through its groundbreaking product lines for active men and women. Now through its collection for Samsung, Burton continues its momentum with vibrant protective covers inspired by two of the brands most popular print designs. • Swarovski: Building on a longstanding relationship with Samsung, Swarovski has developed a colorful series of premium, protective, crystal-embellished covers that reflects the different shades of glass in the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. • Montblanc: Samsung and Montblanc continue their exclusive collaborative relationship, combining Montblanc’s heritage of luxury and craftsmanship with the breakthrough technological innovations of Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and Galaxy
S6 edge featuring a collection of leather made cases and flip covers designed in the montblanc manufacture in Italy. • Rebecca Minkoff: As an industry leader in luxury handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel, Rebecca Minkoff’s playful and subtly edgy flower print protective cover and leather pouch designs seamlessly enhance the beautiful and innovative Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. • Romero Britto: International pop artist Romero Britto has partnered with Samsung for their first-ever artist collaboration. Britto has brought his signature visual language of vibrant colors and expressive imagery to unique, clear covers for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. “My art brings a feeling of happiness, love, joy and passion,” said Romero Britto. “Everything starts with passion and inspiration, and my inspiration for the design was all-encompassing of everything Samsung does in terms of forward-thinking technology. It’s a great honor to partner with a company like Samsung that I share a common vision with ? a vision of having as many people share and enjoy our designs as possible.”
sories will also feature an array of additional products that will complement the sleek, fashion forward and purposeful design of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. The extended collection will include a clear view cover, clear cover, S view cover, flip wallet, protective cover, wireless charger and external battery pack. The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge accessories will be available on the Samsung Online Store and other retail locations at the time of Galaxy S6 launch. Full details are available at samsungmobilepress.com.
This range of functional and stylish accesproduct-reviews.net
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Wearable Tech
Apple Watch Available in Nine Countries on April 24 Apple announced that Apple Watch, its most personal device yet and the newest innovative addition to Apple’s ecosystem, will be available on Friday, April 24 to customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US. Apple Watch is an incredibly accurate timepiece, an intimate and immediate communication device and a groundbreaking health and fitness companion. Highly customisable for personal expression, Apple Watch also brings an entirely new way to receive information at a glance and interact with the world through third-party app experiences designed specifically for the wrist. Apple Watch begins a new chapter in the way we relate to technology and we think our customers are going to love it,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait for people to start wearing Apple Watch to easily access information that matters, to interact with the world, and to live a better day by being more aware of their daily activity than ever before.” “Conceived, designed and developed as a singular product, Apple Watch merges hardware and software like never before,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “In Apple Watch, we’ve created three beautifully curated collections with a software architecture that together enable unparalleled personalisation in a wearable device.” Apple Watch introduces revolutionary technologies including the Digital Crown, an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly without obstructing the display. The Retina display with Force Touch on Apple Watch senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly and easily access relevant controls. The all-new Taptic Engine discreetly delivers a gentle tap on your wrist whenever you receive a notification or message. Incredibly Accurate & Customisable Timepiece - An extremely precise timepiece, Apple Watch keeps time to within 50 milliseconds of UTC, the universal time standard.* Apple Watch can be personalised with watch faces ranging from traditional analogue such as the Chronograph face, to the information-rich Modular face, or beautifully animated but-
terflies and jellyfish on the Motion face. Apple Watch goes beyond telling time with specialised functions on the watch face—known in watchmaking as complications—such as the sunrise/sunset, upcoming calendar events or daily activity level. With multiple customisable watch faces and complications, Apple Watch enables millions of possible configurations. Swipe up from the watch face for Glances that quickly show you information you care about, such as the weather forecast, your current location on a map or the music you’re listening to. Intimate & Immediate Communication Device - Apple Watch enables you to send messages, read email and answer calls to your iPhone right from your wrist. The Taptic Engine alerts you with a gentle tap so you won’t miss important notifications. With Digital Touch, Apple Watch allows you to communicate in all-new ways by sending a sketch, a tap or even the rhythm of your own heartbeat. Interact quickly and conveniently with the world around you with Apple Watch by paying for coffee using Apple Pay**, boarding a plane with a Passbook boarding pass, or raising your wrist to ask Siri for turn-byturn directions in Maps.
Groundbreaking Health & Fitness Companion - Apple Watch encourages you to sit less, move more and get some exercise every day. The Activity app provides a simple visual snapshot of your daily activity with three rings that measure active calories burned, brisk activity and how often you’ve stood up to take a break from sitting during the day. Apple Watch provides the detailed metrics you need during dedicated workout sessions for the most popular activities, such as walking, running and cycling through the Workout app. With an accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and Wi-Fi from your iPhone, Apple Watch smartly uses the best sensors for different types of motion and provides a comprehensive picture of your all-day activity and workouts. The Activity app on iPhone collects your activity and workout data from Apple Watch so you can see your history in greater detail. Apple Watch uses this history to suggest personalised activity goals, reward fitness milestones and keep you motivated. Learn more at apple.com/uk/watch.
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