The IFA trade show in Berlin, Germany will once again attract some of the biggest names in tech, but as we await the big announcements from Samsung, Motorola et al, Elgato has taken the wraps off several HomeKit-ready home automation devices.
What with Sony being a major smartphone and camera vendor, the Japanese outfit has recently sought to combine its specialties and create something of a middle-ground. Back at IFA last year, smart lenses were introduced - high-end attachments for smartphones that would offer a premier shooting experience on-the-fly. Like most first-time efforts, it was a concept that didn't quite hit the mark, but never one to give in so quickly, the PlayStation maker appears to be back with a revised approach in the form of the QX1. With rumors suggesting that it'll separate the image sensor and lens components, it could, in turn, allow device owners to hook up their E-mount lenses, and if you're in the market for a superior point-and-shoot experience, the QX1 may be your perfect purchase.
As consumers of mobile tech products, we're often focused on features like resolution, camera capabilities and processors, but while strong tech. specs enable us to enjoy a better overall experience with apps and games, the technology at our disposal could also serve as guardians of our health and wellbeing. Given the smartwatch boom and the introduction of several fitness-related initiatives right from the top, we're going to be seeing a lot more emphasis on this particular sector, and although the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S5 already include basic-level heart rate monitoring systems, a new $200 case can gather such intricate details that it's able to diagnose a number of heart conditions.
As mobile device owners, we've all been stuck in that annoying situation by which our need to play games, send emails and use apps outweighs the device's battery capacity. We write checks that our overworked smartphones and tablets simply cannot cash, and as a result, the peripheral market makes a pretty penny from developing new, convenient ways to boost the retention. From simple charging cases to full-on battery packs, there are plenty of solutions available, but while many forgo appearance in favor of practicality, this neat new wrist-worn charger serves as an inconspicuous accessory when not in use.
There's no doubting the popularity of the Game of Thrones series. Be it the hugely popular books or the equally well viewed TV series, the Game of Thrones franchise is one that must be raking in a pretty penny for its creator, George R.R. Martin.
One of the reasons why Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and several other infotainment-based services are currently emerging is due to the issue of road safety. Sure, our smartphones offer a wealth of information at our fingertips, but when we're driving, we can no longer use them. Of course, some folks like to flout the law and put the lives of themselves and others at risk, but for the most part, the tech industry is looking for a middle-ground whereby folks and digitally engage without compromising safety. An interesting new dashboard-ready gadget attempts to achieve exactly this, beaming notifications and other useful info to drivers who can still maintain focus on the road.
If you use your iPhones as much as we do, then the chances are that you also carry around an external battery pack of some sort. If you carry a battery pack around, then you're also likely to carry some means of charging either that battery pack or your iPhone itself. Or, if you're particularly careful, one for both!
The Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock for iPhone brought the pastime of logging sleep data and behavior to the mainstream, and having seen a bunch of apps and technologies emerge since then, companies and start-ups are now looking to up the ante. One group of individuals have dreamed up a very alluring, orb-like product that not only glows in the dark and looks amazing, but also does a pretty good job of monitoring you while you catch those all-important Zs.
Waterproof smartphones are all the rage right now, a trend which Sony brought to the mainstream with the release of its Xperia Z handset, and other big names followed suit, such as Samsung, with the release of the Galaxy S5. But the big question in everyone’s mind is: is it possible to add waterproofing credentials to your existing smartphone without busting your bank? Well, yes, it’s possible, and it will cost you only 30 bucks!
We live in a time where even the faintest cellular - or data signal - is considered a blessing for our communication needs. Take that away from someone’s life and panic ensues.
