Hands-on with the PadFone X: ASUS' phone-tablet hybrid

 By: TECHTOWN    4:30:00 PM  No comments

Hands-on with the PadFone X: ASUS' phone-tablet hybrid arrives in the US

If you're a special sort of person -- I don't know, like a tech writer-- the ASUS PadFone is old news. Since June 2012, Engadget has reviewed three versions of the phone, which comes with a tablet-like dock allowing you to transform it into a big-screen slate. For our American readers, though, it's always been a curiosity -- the sort of thing you could read about, but were unlikely to import all the way from Taiwan. Now you can finally see it for yourselves: AT&T announced earlier today that an American version, the PadFone X, will go on sale June 6th, priced at $199 on-contract. As it happens, I received a loaner unit today at a press event, which means Engadget will have a review up soon, probably closer to the on-sale date. For now, though, I'll regale you with some early impressions of both the 5-inch phone and the 9-inch dock. Come with me if you want to live.

I've only had a short time to play with the PadFone X, but so far, at least, it seems much more comfortable to use in its native handset form. The phone, which rocks a 5-inch screen (small by today's standards), is easy to hold. It's not the thinnest handset I've ever held, but it's light and in fact, I think that slight thickness might actually make it easier to grip. The 1080p display is sharp too, and the viewing angles are good enough that I was able to peek at some guy's email from off to the side, even with me sitting a couple feet away (apologies, dude).

Design-wise, the PadFone X has more in common with ASUS' new budget ZenFone line than it does the last-generation PadFone Infinity. The removable back cover is made not out of brushed metal this time, but instead smooth, plain plastic. It's inoffensive, but definitely not as premium as some other flagships you'll find on AT&T's shelf. Clearly, then, your $200 isn't buying design flair so much as specs. Specs and, well, innovation.

Speaking of the sort, let's talk about that tablet dock. The screen itself measures nine inches diagonally, and there's, of course, a phone-sized slot in the back where you slip in the handset. To be clear, the dock is a paperweight without the phone inside; even in tablet mode, the phone's Snapdragon 800 chipset is running the show. By the way, performance throughout feels smooth, as you'd expect with such a top-of-the line processor. ASUS' skinned version of Android KitKat might come as a bit of a surprise, especially to Android purists, but it's hardly the heaviest skin I've seen.

In use, the whole thing feels heavier than your typical tablet, not least because there's a big ol' hump around back where the phone is. That said, the bulge also creates a natural resting spot for your hands, so it's hard to totally knock it when the ergonomics might actually make sense. And the tablet's resolution -- 1,920 x 1,200 -- is fairly sharp for a 9-inch screen. Also, the dock contains its own 4,990mAh battery -- a big improvement over the 2,300mAh cell inside the phone. So even if you find the tablet mode a little unwieldy, the dock is a good accessory to have handy -- you never know when you'll need a spare battery. All told, the two combined should last through 10 hours of video playback, according to an ASUS rep (we'll of course be the judge of that in our full review).

So far, I've covered just what comes in the box: the phone and the tablet dock. There will be some other accessories, though, including a set of folio cases ($80) and a Bluetooth keyboard dock ($99). Some early thoughts: You might want to think hard about the keyboard. Not only is it cramped and flimsy, like a netbook's, but also certain fairly important keys are either hidden or hard to reach. Both the quotation mark and apostrophe, for instance, require you to hit a special Function key, as opposed to the usual left Shift button. As such, typing on it doesn't feel natural. (Here's a mental image for you: an old colleague, a tech editor, at the AP, peering over my shoulder, trying to no avail to help me find the apostrophe.) If I were you, I'd look into other Bluetooth keyboards before buying ASUS'. Everything else, though (the tablet, dock) has a little more promise. More on that in our full review, of course.

by Dana-Wollman

courtesy by engadget

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 By: TECHTOWN    4:07:00 PM  No comments

Samsung Chromebook 2 review: A $400 laptop never looked so good

Chromebooks seem to be having a moment. Which is odd, because for a while there, nobody seemed to be giving them a chance. Since the first Chromebook came out, about three years ago, Chrome OS devices have gotten flak for not being able to do as much as Windows machines. And to be fair, they couldn't, especially in the beginning. Manufacturers responded by slashing prices, but that led to a whole other problem: endless netbook comparisons. Indeed, many Chromebooks until now have been small, dirt-cheap and woefully low-end. To be avoided, mostly.

Lately, though, the tides have been changing. Nearly every PC maker is making a Chromebook, if not several, and many will soon be upgrading their models with heavier-duty Intel Core i3 CPUs -- processors so powerful you might actually consider a Chromebook for your next laptop. Samsung, meanwhile, is taking a different approach: It's decked out its new 11- and 13-inch Chromebook 2 laptops with a stylish faux-leather lid, similar to what it did on the high-end Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note Pro. Samsung also went with a full HD screen on the 13-inch model, making it the only notebook I know that's this cheap with this nice a display. With a starting price of $320 ($400 for the 13-incher), the Chromebook 2 is on the pricey side, but then again, you're paying for better quality. So is it worth it?

Hardware

It's easy to make fun of Samsung for its apparent leather fetish. I mean, if I wore pleather with everything, you'd laugh at me, too. But, as they say, don't knock it till you try it. Aside from the corny "stitches" lining the perimeter of the lid, the fake leather (available in gray only on the 13-inch model) actually gives the device a premium feel. That's partly because of the resemblance to real leather, but there's something else at work, too: The textured material does a good job masking fingerprints. Scratches, too. Even now that I've been using it a week, the machine still looks fresh. Not bad for a laptop that only costs $320.

Of course, your opinion might change once you flip the machine over. Whereas the lid has been done up to look like a car seat, the bottom is made of plain gray plastic. Not that there's anything wrong with that; plenty of pricier PCs are made of this stuff. It's just that the pleather and plastic look mismatched, especially since the underside is more prone to picking up finger grease. Oh well. Not a big deal -- it's not like you have to look at the bottom that often, right?

Lift the lid and the Chromebook 2 looks like other recent Samsung laptops -- save for the Chrome OS hotkeys, of course. That same gray plastic clothes the palm rest, keyboard deck and bezels, with few embellishments, except for some subtle chrome trim around the trackpad. It's not fancy, but it doesn't look cheap, either. That's the most you can ask for at this price, really.

In-hand, the Chromebook 2 is about as heavy as a 13-inch Ultrabook, which is to say it weighs around three pounds (3.06, to be precise). As a bonus, it's noticeably thinner and lighter than the Toshiba CB30 Chromebook, one of the only other 13-inch Chrome OS devices available right now. That guy comes in at 3.3 pounds and 0.8 inch thick, compared with 0.65 inch for Samsung's model.

Sometimes, though, the Chromebook 2 feels heavy for what it is: a laptop with a browser for an OS. If it can't do as much as a proper Ultrabook, it probably shouldn't weigh as much, right? The thing is, that's not really a fair comparison. For one, 13-inch Ultrabooks cost way more. In fact, you'll be hard-pressed to find a Windows laptop at this size and this price that's this well-made (or has this nice a screen). And while a tablet would weigh less, you'd be stuck with an inferior typing experience (because let's not pretend keyboard cases are the real thing). It's all about your priorities, I suppose. That said, if you're bothered by the weight here, you should look into the 11-inch Chromebook 2; that weighs 2.65 pounds.

Whichever version you get -- the 11- or 13-incher -- the selection of ports will be the same. On board, there are two USB connections (one 3.0, the other 2.0), a full-sized HDMI socket, a headphone jack, a standard lock slot and a microSD reader to complement the industry-standard 16GB of storage. Like all Chromebooks, this one comes with 100GB of Google Drive space, so perhaps local storage will be a moot point. That said, the microSD slot thing is a bit of a shame, because it means you can't insert the full-sized memory card you might be using in your standalone camera. If you've gotten used to taking shots on a phone or tablet, though, being able to swap in a microSD card could actually be a convenient setup.

DISPLAY

I've got some good news and bad news. On one hand, the Samsung Chromebook 2 has a full HD, 1,920 x 1,080 display, making it sharper than most other Chrome OS devices (not to mention my aging MacBook Air). And that's not just me reciting the spec sheet: The screen is noticeably sharper than other 13-inch laptops, especially those you're likely to find in this price range. It's great if you're streaming movies; it's great if you want to browse photos; it's great if you want to see more of your Gmail inbox on the screen at one time. Basically, it's great all the time.

The problem is that while the pixel count has improved, the quality of the screen still has a ways to go. The LED panel doesn't make use of any wide-angle viewing technology, which means you'll have to fiddle with the screen position to get the white balance right. Tilt the display forward even a little and the colors will start to wash out, making on-screen text harder to read. (This can be an especially big challenge if you're typing with the machine in your lap.) Thankfully, viewing angles are a bit better from the sides, so you could, if you wanted, have a Netflix-viewing party with a couple friends. In any case, the viewing angles aren't much better on competing devices, so perhaps this is all a moot point.

On a positive note, the screen is brighter than on the last-gen model: 250 nits, up from 200. As it is, the screen has a near-matte, anti-glare finish that cuts down on reflections, but you'll notice even fewer artifacts if you bump up the brightness. For me, this came in handy when I was working near a window, with lots of natural light pouring in; in situations like that, I needed all the backlight I could get. Same goes if you find yourself working outside on a patio (lucky you!). My only warning -- and this goes without saying -- is that the higher brightness setting drains the battery faster. At max brightness, for instance, the battery-life tray said I had 88 percent, or three and a half hours, left. With more moderate brightness settings, an 88 percent charge would actually mean I had nearly seven hours remaining.

KEYBOARD AND TRACKPAD

Yes, 13-inch Chromebooks might be heavier than their smaller counterparts, but they also have the best keyboards: well-spaced and never too cramped. And of the bunch, Samsung's might actually be best in class. The chiclet-style buttons here are well-laid-out and amply sized -- none of the major keys (Shift, Ctrl, et cetera) have been cut down. They also have a surprising amount of travel; they're cushier than the Toshiba Chromebook's, for instance. Underneath it all is a sturdy panel that holds up well against furious typing. All told, then, it's just as good as any keyboard you'd find on a more expensive laptop. And, it goes against the stereotype that Chromebooks are the new netbooks.

Like most Chromebooks, this one does not have a touchscreen. That can be a shame at times, especially if you've gotten used to swiping and tapping in Windows 8. Fortunately, though, what the Chromebook 2 lacks in touch input, it makes up for with a fantastic trackpad. It's large, with plenty of space for your fingers, and it responds smoothly to multi-touch gestures, like two-finger scrolling. Single-finger navigation is also precise. Why can't all touchpads be this fine-tuned?

PERFORMANCE, BATTERY LIFE AND SOFTWARE

Chrome OS hasn't changed much since our last Chromebook review, late last year. After three years of incremental improvements, the operating system is finally in a place where you can multitask, as well as do a decent amount of work offline, without the aid of an internet connection. It helps to be able to resize, minimize and move windows, as well as pin apps to the desktop and swipe upward on the touchpad to see all open apps. Gmail and Google Drive support offline access, as do many third-party apps available in the Chrome App Store. Just remember to go through the syncing process while you still have a WiFi signal. Google's G+ Photos app works offline as well, though the editing tools are crude compared to what you'd enjoy on a full editing suite like Photoshop. You can print, too, through Google Cloud Print; keep in mind, though, that not all printers are compatible. Lastly, Chrome OS was recently updated with improved folder organization, along with support for voice commands (so long as they're in English).

As limited as Chromebooks might still seem, they'll still be enough for some people, whether it be children, young'uns used to doing everything online or folks who need a lightweight, secondary laptop to use on trips. You might miss certain major apps, like Skype or iTunes, but if you can't live without those, then a Chromebook probably isn't for you; get an inexpensive Windows laptop and call it a day.

What's interesting is that while Chrome OS hasn't undergone any drastic changes these past few months, Chromebooks seem to be exploding with newfound power. As it is, most models use an Intel Celeron processor. Later this year, we'll see a handful that step up to Intel Core i3 CPUs. Samsung has so far been the exception: The Chromebook 2 runs on a Samsung-made chip, as did the model that came before it. This year, the chip is an eight-core processor, similar to the one inside certain versions of the Galaxy S5. As with the GS5, the Chromebook 2 only uses four cores at once; it's just that the system is smart enough to pick the four that are best for the job at hand. In addition, this year's model comes with more RAM -- 4GB, up from 2GB. (It's worth noting that 4GB of memory is uncommonly generous for a Chromebook. Then again, competing models have more robust processors.)

I won't rule out the possibility that Core i3 Chromebooks are more powerful than the Chromebook 2; in fact, I'm sure they are. That said, I have some questions about diminishing returns: How much better will the Core i3 models be, and what impact will they have on price? Until I test my first Core i3 Chrome OS device, I unfortunately can't compare performance. Suffice to say, though, the octa-core chip inside the Chromebook 2 was pretty much always enough for me: I could open lots of tabs and jump around between them. I could stream Netflix without a hiccup. There might be a difference between a Core i3 and a mobile chip, but for some people -- many people, even -- that difference will be irrelevant.

It also seems that by using an ARM-based mobile processor, Samsung was able to extract some real battery life gains. Under ideal conditions, the company promises 8.5 hours for the 13-inch model, and eight hours for the 11-incher. Even with constant video playback and the brightness set to a relatively high 10 out of 16 bars, I still managed eight hours and 22 minutes of runtime. Not bad -- not bad for a Chromebook, and not bad for a similarly priced Windows laptop, either.

CONFIGURATION OPTIONS

With the addition of the new Chromebook 2 line, Samsung now has three Chromebooks for sale: the new 11- and 13-inch models, along with the last-gen model, which also has an 11-inch screen. All in all, the two Chromebook 2 models have more in common than not. Both use the same octa-core chip, 4GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage and the same port selection. Both have a leather-like back, though the 11-inch version is sold in black and white, whereas the 13-inch model is only available in gray. The biggest difference -- aside from size -- is screen quality: The 11-inch version has 1,366 x 768 resolution, while the bigger one goes up to 1,920 x 1,080. Accordingly, the 11-inch one starts at $320, while the 13-inch version retails for $400.

If you want to save money, you can still pick up the last-gen Samsung Chromebook for $250. Some caveats to note: It's less powerful, with a dual-core Samsung chip and half the RAM. It offers slightly less battery life (seven hours vs. eight on the new 11-inch model), with a plainer design. The screen resolution is still 1,366 x 768, with a brightness rating of 200 nits (only the 13-inch version is 250-nit). Interestingly, while the new model is, generally speaking, a modest improvement, the old edition is actually lighter: 2.43 pounds, compared with 2.65 for the new one. So it has that going for it. All told, the differences between the two 11-inch models are fairly modest; if you go for the 13-inch version, you're in for a bigger leap in quality (sharper screen, et cetera).

THE COMPETITION

Truth be told, you're unlikely to find a better Chromebook than the 13-inch Chromebook 2. That said, it can't hurt to weigh your options before you lay down the 400 bucks, right? As I've hinted throughout this review, the Chromebook 2's most direct competition comes from Toshiba, whose debut Chromebook also has a 13-inch screen. In its favor, Toshiba's model is a hundred dollars cheaper, and promises up to nine hours of battery life, but its screen (also non-touch) has a lower resolution of 1,366 x 768. The machine itself is thicker and heavier, with a plain, if inoffensive design. I can tell you from my personal experience, too, that although the keyboard is decent, it's flatter and slightly more cramped than Samsung's. The touchpad isn't as reliable, either. You might still consider this on account of the price, but as they say, you get what you pay for.

Indulge me for a moment, because I want to slide even further down the quality scale. Toward the bottom is the Acer C720, which starts at just $200, or $300 with a touch screen. That's right, touch is an option here -- something I can't say about many of the other brands I've listed. And even with touch, the price is pretty fair. Just keep in mind that Acer cut many a corner to get the cost down. In particular, the keyboard is about as cramped and flimsy as a netbook's. And I should know: I've been living with the C720P as my main home computer for several weeks now.

Hewlett-Packard, meanwhile, has two Chromebooks on offer: an 11-inch model ($279) and a bigger 14-inch one for $299. It's worth noting that the 14-incher is an improved, more powerful version of the original 14-inch Chromebook HP came out with, so we encourage you to disregard the low score we gave that earlier model. Even so, the Chromebook 14 is still one of the biggest Chromebooks, meaning it's going to be bulkier and heavier than almost anything out there. Also, though you get more screen real estate, you don't actually get more pixels; the resolution tops out at 1,366 x 768. Meanwhile, Dell's Chromebook 11goes for $279 and up. Over in our product database, it has an aggregated score of 78, which means reviewers around the internet generally like it, even if it's not their favorite.

Lastly, Lenovo and ASUS have both recently announced some new Chromebooks, but none of them are out yet. You could always wait around, though it seems you already have lots of options, with Samsung's Chromebook 2 arguably being the best.

WRAP-UP

Chromebooks still aren't for everyone: There will always be people who need stronger performance. Who need full offline access. Who need to install Skype. If that's you, no Chromebook will do, even if it is wrapped in fake leather. For a certain kind of customer, though -- schools, students on a budget, a traveler in need of a lighter laptop -- Chrome OS could be compelling. Those people need a sturdy keyboard for typing, but can get by doing almost everything online. If that's you, I would recommend the Samsung Chromebook 2 over everything else in its class. Yes, it's pricier than its rivals, but for the money you get a sharp screen, a premium-looking design, long battery life and a keyboard-trackpad combo so good even "regular" PC makers should take note. At $400, it doesn't feel like a netbook; it feels like a proper laptop. And I dare say, it's nicer than any Windows notebook you'll find at this price. Keep that in mind the next time you're perusing the budget shelf at Best Buy.

by Dana-Wollman

courtesy by engadget

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 By: TECHTOWN    1:23:00 PM  No comments

LG G3 vs. HTC One (M8)

While it tends to be Samsung’s flagship handsets that take the lion-share of Android smartphone sales, there’s a lot to love about the high-end devices from LG and HTC. There’s a fair argument to be made for the HTC One (M8)handset being the current king of the Android crop, and maybe even the best smartphone on the market full stop. That said, the newly announcedLG G3 wins out against the One in a number of key categories. Read on as we compare the two devices in an effort to see whether the G3 has what it takes to topple the Android king.

Size

There’s not a huge difference between the two devices when it comes to size, though the G3 is a little wider and thinner than the competition.

Weight

Despite its larger footprint, the LG handset is a little lighter than the One M8.

Build

While the G3 makes do with a faux metal look, the HTC opts for an aluminium design that feels great in the hand.

Colors

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to color choices for the two handsets. Both manufacturers have gone for somewhat muted tones, with LG offering a couple more variants than HTC.

Display (size)

Both displays here are expansive, though the LG is the larger of the two. Though the G3’s display is only 0.5-inches larger than the HTC’s diagonally, that difference amounts to 21 percent more screen area.

Display (resolution)

The G3’s display is its killer feature, with unparalleled resolution and pixel density. That said, the screen on the One M8 is already extremely sharp, and it's possible to argue that the super sharp display that LG has opted for on the G3 is a step too far.

We’ll have a full verdict on the G3’s display once we’ve had some significant hands-on time with the device.

Processor

It’s a dead heat here, with both smartphones housing a powerful Snapdragon 801 quad core CPU.

RAM

The amount of RAM found in the G3 varies depending on which storage configuration you opt for, with the larger capacity 32GB model housing 3GB RAM. The One M8 carries 2GB RAM regardless of storage option.

Storage

Both devices come in 16GB and 32GB configurations and offer microSD expandability.

Battery

Though the LG handset is fitted with a larger battery than its rival, it’s unlikely to translate to better battery life due to its higher resolution display. We found the new One’s battery life to be excellent in our review.

Removable battery

The G3 is the only device that lets you get at its battery.

Extreme Power Saving Mode

The One features an Extreme Power Saving mode that limits the device to just a few core apps and processes, letting you squeeze extra juice out of the handset when it gets low on power. It’s a useful addition and something that goes some way to compensating for the lack of a removable battery.

Cameras

Both manufacturers have said a lot about the cameras on their devices. While the G3’s main camera boasts a significantly higher resolution than its rival, the One features something HTC is calling Ultrapixel technology, wherein each pixel is effectively bigger and takes in more light.

The G3’s auto focus tech uses a laser to measure the distance between the lens and the subject of the shot, something that the company claims should combine with the new simultaneous focus to capture feature to produce sharp snaps with lightning fast capture speeds.

We found the HTC One (M8)’s 5MP front-facing camera to be excellent inour review, though LG is making big claims about its secondary optics, which feature a larger sensor and aperture than past devices.

Infrared

Both devices feature infrared tech, allowing them to act as a remote control for your TV set and/or set-top box.

Software

Both devices run the latest KitKat flavor of Android, but with each company’s unique UI overlay. HTC Sense has come a long way since its inception, exhibiting a slick and unobtrusive design. LG has reportedly simplified its Android overlay, giving it a more muted, flatter look - definitely a step in the right direction.

Release

Both devices are the 2014 flagship offering from their respective manufacturers, but while the M8 has been on the shelves for a couple of months now, there’s no word yet on specific release dates for the G3. That said, the device is already available in the company’s native South Korea, and we expect it to release in major markets within weeks.

Starting price

The One comes in at a hefty USD$650 off-contract. That should translate to somewhere in the region of $200 with a two year commitment in the US, or if you’re lucky enough to live in the UK you can bag the device for “free” when you commit to a two year agreement.

With LG yet to announce global release plans for the G3, we’re currently in the dark when it comes to a price tag.

By Chris Wood

 courtesy by gizmag

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MSI outs full range of powerful gaming All-in-Ones

 By: TECHTOWN    1:17:00 PM  No comments

MSI outs full range of powerful gaming All-in-Ones

MSI has revealed its full line-up of gaming focused all-in-one PCs, showing off brand new 22 and 24-inch models, as well as an update to its already-available 27-inch offering. The three size categories all feature Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 800M graphics solutions, making them a potent option for anyone looking for a more compact desktop gaming system.

All three of the new machines exhibit a similar sleek black and red design, and run on Windows 8.1. The three models are fitted with anti-glare matte displays, all of which output at a healthy 1920 x 1080 resolution and support 10-point capacitive touch input. The 22 and 24-inch models, known as the AG220 and AG240 respectively, are powered by Intel Core i7-4700HQ processors clocked at 2.4GHz (or 3.4GHz with Turbo Boost), backed up by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M graphics cards.

The AG220 is fitted with 12GB DDR3L RAM, while the AG240 comes with a somewhat beefier 16GB offering. Both systems utilize a combination of a 128GB SSD and a 1TB 7200rpm HDD for storage.The AiOs feature both HDMI in and out, as well as a total of five USB ports (3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0).

Moving on to the 27-inch AG270, things start to get a little racier, with the 27-inch AiO offering a choice of more competent GeForce GTX 870M or 880M GPUs. The system packs an Intel Core i7-4860HQ CPU (2.4-3.6GHz) with 16GB DDR3L RAM and a 2x 128GB SSD (RAID 0) + 2TB 7200rpm HDD storage solution. The larger machine also provides one extra USB 3.0 port over its smaller siblings.

Being all-in-ones, the machines feature built in speakers, the output of which increases with the size of the machines. The AG220 and AG240 are fitted with 2x 3W and 2x 5W Sound Blaster Cinema setups, while the AG270 offers two 5W Yamaha speakers and an independent subwoofer.

Other specs include Killer E2200 networking cards across the board, 2MP Full HD webcams and 3-in-1 card readers. All three systems also ship with gaming keyboards, 3,500 dpi mice and mousepads. In addition to being able to connect external monitors to the systems, users will also be able to use the device as a display for other systems, even when the AiO is powered on.

With the increased size of the AG270 comes a slight trade-off, though it’s not one that’s likely to have a significant impact on a stationary piece of hardware – while the smaller models weigh in at 14.33 lb (6.5 kg) and 16.53 lb (7.5 kg), the larger system makes the jump to a significantly heftier 29.1 lb (13.2 kg). Similarly, the AG220 and AG240 come in at 1.38 inches (3.5 cm) and 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) thick, while the larger machine measures 2.6 inches (6.6 cm).

The three systems will be available from next week starting at USD$1,449.99 for the base AG220 model, scaling up to $2,599 for the top-of-the-range, GTX 880M-packing AG270.

Source: MSI

By Chris Wood

 courtesy by gizmag

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 By: TECHTOWN    8:20:00 PM  No comments

Megalo Mini Pocket Battery Charger 

If you are looking for is small and convenient way to keep your smartphone or mobile devices charged whilst away from the grid, a new pocket battery charger device called the Megalo Mini might be worth more investigation.

Considering its size the Megalo Mini, it’s equipped with a powerful 1400 mAh battery that contains enough juice to keep your smartphone powered throughout the day. Check out the video after the jump to learn more about the pocket battery charger from its creators.

The Megalo Mini project is currently over on the Kickstarter crowd funding website looking to raise enough pledges to make the jump from concept to production. Michael Krikheli and Jeff Macks the inventors of the Megalo Mini explain a little more about their inspiration and the design of the pocket battery charger.

“Megalo Mini is a functional and straight-forward portable charger designed with the user in mind. Equipped with the capacity to recharge your iPhone 5 up to 75% and your Android phone up to 100%, depending on the model, Megalo Mini is very small, ultra-light and can be easily attached to your keychain.

The soft matte surface and sleek design of Megalo Mini allow you to safely place the charger together with your phone in your pocket without the risk of scratching the touchscreen. In addition, Megalo Mini comes with the cables built in, making it even more compact.

So there’s no extraneous wire, unlike with most other portable chargers. True to its non-gimmicky purpose, Megalo Mini does what a portable charger is supposed to do –- it provides extra power for a phone in the most convenient and effortless way possible.”

So if you think Megalo Mini pocket battery charger is something you could benefit from, visit the Kickstarter website now to make a pledge and help Megalo Mini become a reality.

Source: Kickstarter

By Julian Horsey
courtesy by geeky-gadgets

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The World's First Full HD 360° Camera

 By: TECHTOWN    7:30:00 PM  No comments

The World's First Full HD 360° Camera

The 360cam delivers easy real time streaming video over WiFi, recorded video, and still photos in the palm of your hand

The 360cam from GIROPTIC is the first ultra high definition 360º camera that breaks through the limitation of the frame to record the entire experience of the moment in 360°. For the past two years our team has dedicated its work to overcoming previous 360° technical limitations and has invented a ground-breaking design, with innovative engineering, and easy-to-use interface.

The 360cam features a unique, egg-shaped design, incorporating two key proprietary innovations:

• Three, 185º fish-eye lenses with optical assembly that delivers the industry’s largest field of view
• Each of the lenses are synchronized to simultaneously capture and stitch images in real time inside the camera to produce a breath-taking all-around view

The result is a camera that, with one click, doesn’t miss a thing.

The 360cam is equipped with features that distinguish it from any other product on the market.

Universal mounting capabilities, allowing for true hands-free usage.

The 360cam is equiped with many sensors (GPS, Gyroscope, Microphones,...) & interfaces (Wifi, MicroSD, Micro USB,...)  to make it truly versatile and fit any use.

The 360cam is the first of its kind to immediately capture within the camera the highest quality 360° video and photos.

The 360cam is equipped with both MicroSD card storage and WiFi connectivity allowing for multifunctional use.

 You get to choose the mode that best suits your needs.

Quick & Easy Capture

The 360cam uses standard file formats & protocols.

• Live Video mode transforms the 360cam to an IP cam streaming live 360 view over RTSP protocol
• Video mode outputs are MP4 files encoded in h.264, with your choice of 25 or 30 frames per seconds
• Photo mode outputs are JPG files

Quick & Easy Editing and Sharing

No difference than with any other cameras.

• No extra or proprietary processing needed to view the files
• Uses standard video editors to build movies and standard photo editors to enhance images
• Use any free players available online, or, for the best result, dowload our own player for our website
• Post anywhere, create your own street view with our Google Photosphere compatible GPS geotagging feature

The 360cam files are standard equirectangular projections, compatible with most 360° video & photo players (KRpano, Kolor Eyes,...). For the best 360cam experience, download our proprietary players.

Mobile & tablets

Use your mobile or tablet to fully experience 360cam immersive content. Available for iOS & Android

 Desktop

Click and interact to look up, down and all around. Create your own experience. Available on Mac & PC

Virtual Reality

Strap on your VR mask to step into 360° virtual reality. Compatible with Oculus Rift

                           

To fully enjoy the 360cam videos and photos, please download our iOS or Android application:

• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/360cam/id878223339
• https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.giroptic.cam

When we ship the 360cam to you, the pakage also includes:
• USB cable 
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery 
• Hand strap
• Pouch to carry your 360cam everyday
• Quick start guide

Downloadable for free:

• 360cam Mobile & tablets app, availble for iOS and Android
• 360cam Desktop video player, available for Mac and PC
• 360cam Oculus Rift video player 

360 cam technical specifications:

Remote control app

The WiFi capability of the 360cam allows the remote control via your mobile / tablet devices (Android & iOS). The remote control app will give you access to the following options :

• GPS: Turn On / Off
• Gyroscope: Turn On / Off
• Photo mode settings: HDR / Timer / Timelapse
• Video mode settings: 25/30 fps

The 360cam app can be used a view finder when recording video or taking pictures. Its remote control funtionality enables to select and view the recorded images stored on the microSD card.

As soon as we take the 360cam out of our pocket to demo it, people tell us the many ways they would use it.  They have inspired us to create accessories for special purposes, whether it is for sharing special memories of a day at the beach, or keeping an eye on your office or your home, or even professionally broadcasting a live event in 360°.

We’ve created Kickstarter packages that include some of these accessories to meet your needs.

Underwater Lens Cups

The 360cam is waterproof (IPX8 rated) but as know, mixing optics with water are not good friends. Water creates image distortion and reduces the field of view. Our 360cam goggle to the rescue!

Our mini-goggles are made of optical grade plastic and are enclosed in a blue rubber mask. They keep the lenses well protected from the water. Easy to attach and practically weightless.

Clip them instantly to your 360cam before going into the water.

Ethernet (POE) Video Streaming Base

For professional broadcasters you can easily stream a unique live concert or event to those unlucky ones who couldn’t make it. It isalso ideal for professional  video surveillance providing full 360° view 24/7.

Our 360cam is equipped with a WiFi antenna. In an environment where wireless can be dependable, just switch the battery base to the ethernet video streaming base to allow a steady, reliable and high speed connection.

The ethernet video streaming base is POE ready. It's easy to set up, with no need to bring an extra power source to the camera. Professional video streaming at full throttle!

Light Bulb Adaptor

Setup a home video surveillance system without aneed for messy cables, to keep an eye on the kids or the pets in the next room, or to monitor your home and office while you are away.

The 360cam WiFi capability allows real-time seamless streaming to your mobile, tablet or cloud video surveillance service. The Light Bulb Adaptor provides direct power to the 360cam, enabling full speed WiFi connectivity to your home network or device.

Easy setup - install it like a regular light bulb. This accessory is 115/230 volt compatible.

Use the 360cam with your app or your own hardware.

In developer mode, the 360cam provides access to several camera controls.

Develop new business opportunities by integrating your software or hardware attachment with the 360cam.  Examples: 

• A 360° video conferencing service.  
• A surveillance security system.
• A webcam service. 
• A patient monitoring system in a hospital.

Your imagination is the only limit to uing the 360cam. 

Our software developer’s kit includes:

• 360cam desktop video player object code
• 360cam app object code (for iOS and Android devices)
• 360cam player Oculus Rift object code

Our hardware developer’s kit includes:

• The entire software developer kit
• The 360cam base 3D model
• The 360cam base connectivity schematic
• 15 hours of 360cam firmware tunning done by our engineers
• Access to our engineering team to answer your questions

Our Kickstarter launch is building a community of 360° innovators, developing new usages and applications. 

Together, let’s push the envelope. Maybe we'll even push to see beyond 360°.

We made a huge effort designing 360cam, and we wanted it to be a truly consumer product. But we need kickstarter supporters to finish this task. Spread the word about 360cam, experience its power and send us your feedback. This valuable input will help us to bring 360cam to the the hands of everybody.

We’ve been working on 360° imagery for several years, developing 360° solutions for the business market.

Our customers inspired us to create a new generation of a 360° camera - the one that would respond to today’s needs of real time video streaming, Full HD unrestricted 360° field of view, simple to operate and versatile to use.  

We believe that the time is right to bring the richness of the 360° experience to the consumer market, and to make high quality 360° cameras available to everybody.

To make this happens we had to rethink the entire optical and electronic design and processes.  Instead of using off-the-shelf lenses, we developed our own three 185º fish-eye lenses that capture the broadest field of view in the industry. Instead of having stitching occur on a computer, like most 360° cameras, we developed on own on-chip stitching algorithms that allow immediate creation of .mp4 or .jpg files inside the camera.  We also designed a variety of accessories to allow the use of our technology in different conditions, to make it truly versatile.

Now, that the technological challenges are behind us, we are facing the next challenge of bringing the 360cam into the hands of everybody. That’s why we need your support.

Our Kickstarter is about connecting with you, 360° enthusiasts, to share our invention and hear your feedback. Become a part of our team and travel with us on our exciting journey to bring the 360cam into the lives of everyone.

courtesy by kickstarter

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