Apple and Samsung CEOs have just agreed to attend mediated settlement discussions no later than February 19th, to potentially avert a trial in March (and likely future legal action) with regards to the ongoing patent trial.
I cannot see any reason for anything to be agreed at this meeting, other than to satisfy court proceedings that they did try and mediate for a settlement.
Intel® Edison, a new Intel® Quark technology-based computer housed in an SD card form factor with built-in wireless capabilities and support for multiple operating systems. That is the technical blurb for the above.
What you have is a computer for wearable tech, like smart watches. It talks to multiple operating systems, and more importantly needs no battery to function.
This could really innovate future wearables.
Nintendo announced it sold 16 million 3DS game handhelds despite smartphone competition.
It expects 2014 to be just as buoyant.
The 3DS is the only present I’ve bought that didn’t come with a charger or even a usb lead. No wonder Nintendo is still making money.
Microsoft has announced at CES that it’s seeing high penetration for its Windows Phone platform.
Christopher Flores, director of communications for Microsoft, claimed that Windows Phone devices now have second place in 14 markets around the world, and are outselling Apple’s iPhone in 24 markets too, making it the fastest selling smartphone platform globally.
I would imagine this is due to its low cost handsets like the Lumia 520 whereas Apple sells high value high profit devices.
Google has just implemented a change to Google+ and Gmail that will enable you to email other Google+ users without having to know their email address. If you want to send an email to somone on Google+, but do not know their email address, simply type their name in the ‘To’ field in Gmail, and they’ll appear as one of your Google+ Connections. Google insists that Google+ contacts can’t see your email address until you send them an email.
This sounds very suspicious and the next step to Google+ replacing every Google product.
Update – if you log on to Gmail on your PC , go to settings you can turn this feature off.
Mophie unveiled a new battery case that offers extra storage and battery power. The Space Pack case works with iPhone 5s and iPhone 5 versions, providing protection against drops, an extra 1,700mAh battery that doubles the battery capacity of the handset, as well as 16GB or 32GB of additional memory for the iPhone. In order to manage content stored on the Space Pack, users will be able to download from the App Store a free iOS companion application called Space. Additionally, the extra memory can also be managed via a regular Lightning connection to a computer.
A useful case, just a shame it adds so much extra bulk.
Archos is planning to launch a basic smartwatch in the summer for just $50.
It is going to look plastic and probably simple. Archos expect it to relay notifications from your phone and allow you to control music playback. The display will be a 1.55-inch non-capacitive e-ink screen.
But maybe this low price will help create a bigger market for such devices. I am still to be convinced by any watch as people just don’t wear one.
Tesco’s £120 Hudl Tablet sales of 400,000 in 2013 proves there is a market for a low cost tablet.
More striking is 100,000 shifted during December 2013 alone.
At the moment there is no secret formula as battery technology has not kept up with progress in other areas of smartphone development.
So basically if you want decent battery life you need to do what Huawei did with their new Ascend Mate 2 and stuck a 4,050maH battery inside. This was possible as the phone is a Phablet with a 6.1 inch screen. So it’s huge and therefore the profile can cope with such a big battery.
Huawei highlighted this point by saying the Mate 2 was capable of 2 days battery life. And it had a reverse charge feature allowing you to use the phone to charge other phones eg iPhones.
So if you have a phone with a battery that doesn’t last through the day, yes you can turn off syncing, wifi , Bluetooth , GPS and background tasks or location services or more. But in reality you should I get a phone that does last long enough or carry a portable battery charger with you.
CES has just ended and next month is Mobile World Congress. Lots of new mobile tech will get announced there but Samsung will hold its own press event for the new Samsung Galaxy S5 after this show has finished.
During CES 2014, Samsung spoke to Bloomberg and confirmed that Samsung’s plans for the Galaxy S5 to return to the basics and provide a big update from last year’s S4.
This will include everything from the feel and comfort in the hand to a fresh new software launcher details of which were posted here a few days ago. The S5 will also have the option of a new more advanced and slimmer Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
Moving on to the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung plans to make a phone that targets professionals that are willing to pay more for it, (no surprises here) and that is not just a bigger phone but with extra benefits. This could include a different fabric of construction too and a 3 sided display option.
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