Why a “delayed” iWatch destroys all competitors

Apple’s wearable device, still code-named "iWatch" here in the days (or weeks) before its official reveal, has been tipped to be released in the year 2015. If Apple announces an iWatch on September 9th, then doesn’t ship the device until January (or any time after that), they’ll drop a bomb on the rest of the "wearables" industry.

Releasing devices almost immediately after announcing them has become Apple’s tradition. Only a few examples exist where Apple had weeks or months between announcement and release, the most recent being the Mac Pro. Apple’s reveal-and-launch method works great - they’ve got a ravenous fanbase that’ll buy what they deem worthy.

Some rival companies - like Motorola - have had weeks between reveal and release. Not because they want to, but because they don’t have the manufacturing clout to get things done with speed.

For the iWatch, this strategy would be intentional, not forced. Here are the
main reasons why a stringing-out of Apple’s iWatch reveal and release makes a whole lot of sense.

1. From @C_Davies (Chris Davies, SlashGear): "No "current gen" iWatch that people might avoid buying if they know it's coming 2015, only rival brands' wearables." Devices that may suffer:

•  LG G Watch R
•  Motorola Moto 360
•  Samsung Gear S
•  Sony Smartwatch 3
•  ASUS ZenWatch
•  Omate X
•  Meta M1
•  Gilt / HP smartwatch
•  OnePlus OneWatch

2. Chris adds: "announcing the iWatch but shipping in 2015 will probably work out; it’s not like Apple risks existing product cannibalization." Apple cannibalized their own iPad line when they released the iPad mini. Intentionally, but still - there’s no risk here.

3. Time to sort out the bugs. With the iPhone, Apple had to keep testing under wraps. They weren’t going to shock the world by doing beta testing in the public beforehand. With the iWatch, things could be a little different.

Smartwatches already exist. Unless Apple pulls out features we’ve never thought of (crossing our fingers they do), they’ll have a device that simply puts together the key features of all other smartwatches into a single, optimized package.

For that, they could bring on Beta testing like they’ve been doing with OS X Yosemite for the past few months. Why not?

Release those iWatch wallpapers early!

After the iWatch is released, things could change. As Woz suggests, the iWatch could make wearables in general "finally viable." Before then, though - watch out.





Source : slashgear.com

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LG G Watch hands-on: This is Android Wear

Android Wear is one of the big announcements of Google I/O today, and one of the first to ship will be LG’s G Watch. Set to go up for preorder on Google Play today, priced at $229.99 and expected to ship on July 7th, we grabbed some early hands-on time and caught up on some of the design decisions with LG.

The G Watch hardware is perhaps the most discrete of the three Android Wear designs we’ve seen so far, eschewing the obvious metal of the Samsung Gear Live or the circular display of the MOTO 360. LG has used metal too, though its’s a discrete black- or gold-coated stainless steel, cut from a single block. On the wrist, it’s fairly compact, though the 9.95mm thick body does stand a little proud of the arm.


The standard bands are made of silicone rubber, but they’re interchangeable with any 22mm aftermarket strap. Everything is controlled through the 1.65-inch LCD IPS 280 x 280 touchscreen of LG Display’s own making, with no physical buttons whatsoever.


LG says that its research indicates display shape - square or round - isn’t actually something people care about, just as long as the information that’s being served up is relevant and timely. The company mocked up a number of round options, but decided that a square screen to begin with made more sense for fitting text and graphics on-screen with minimal waste.

That display is always-on, showing the basics of time and the most contextually-relevant information at that moment in a low-power mode during periods of inactivity. Flick your wrist, however, and the G Watch wakes up, with Android Wear’s swipe and tap centric interface presenting like a deck of Google Now cards.

It’s hard to benchmark a smartwatch, but the 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor and 512MB of RAM seems to tick along well and keep the simplistic UI moving smoothly, albeit in a semi-demo mode which allowed limited interacton. The more intensive functionality - such as voice search - is as much more a factor of data connection on the tethered phone. Google’s voice recognition works in the same way as on a phone, and we were able to give it instructions without having to bring it right up to our face.


LG says its 400 mAh battery is the largest it knows of in an Android Wear device (Samsung’s Gear Live has a 300 mAh battery, and Motorola is yet to fully detail the MOTO 360’s specifications) and is claiming up to 36hrs of standby from a full charge. When the time comes to recharge, the G Watch snaps into a magnetic cradle, though it’s not inductive charging but instead a set of five pins that make contact with the back of the smartwatch.

Inductive charging isn’t the only omission. Android Wear can support a heart-rate sensor to go along with the pedometer functionality, but LG says time issues meant it opted to leave that out, at least for this first generation hardware.


The 9-axis accelerometer tracks steps without needing a tethered phone, though will be able to share its data with Android Fit and thus other devices and services which tap into that. Nike, for instance, has announced that it will be sharing Nike+ Fuel data with Android Fit, so feasibly walking around with the G Watch could earn you points just as if you were wearing a Fuelband.

LG has big plans for Android Wear, and - though it’s been hands-off with the OS itself, sensibly leaving it as stock - how it will integrate with other LG products, like Bluetooth headsets and future phones and tablets. For now, though, it’s anything Android 4.3 or above, with no special treatment for LG devices.


First impressions are positive, though we’ll need to spend time with Android Wear to know exactly how useful it is in day-to-day life. One of the shortcomings of smartwatches in general so far has been the limitations of what, exactly, you can do with them without having to pull out your phone. Voice search and a more constructive understanding of context through Google Now should help with that, but we’ll reserve judgement until we get to live with the G Watch on our wrists.



Source : slashgear.com

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Fitbit confirms Windows Phone 8.1 app in development

Fitbit has confirmed in its community forums that it is developing a Windows Phone 8.1 app for its popular fitness smartbands, but at the moment's that's all that is known, at least officially, on this subject.

Adding an app that supports Microsoft's mobile OS has been one that's been in discussion on Fitbit's community forums for some time. However, earlier today, the company updated that message thread (you have to register for the forums to actually read it) with this statement:

    "Fitbit is developing an application for Windows Phone 8.1. Thank you for all your feedback and support!"

That's basically all we know at this point. There's no word on what features it will have nor any indication of a release date. However, we will keep you up to date on Fitbit's progress as soon as they reveal any more information.

This is as good of a time as any to remind you that June is #MobileFit month here at Mobile Nations and, by pure coincidence, we published a new and extensive feature article on Fitbit earlier this morning. Consider this to be a primer for the fitness smartband before the company launches its Windows Phone 8.1 app.

How do you feel about Fitbit planning to join the Windows Phone platform?

Thanks to Tristan R. and Jeff P., who tipped up to this news!




Source : WPCentral

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Kopin Pupil hands-on: Glass tech without geek looks

Kopin has revealed its latest wearable system, Pupil, a combination of a micro-display and voice control noise-cancellation system the company hopes will eventually be used in head-worn tech like Google's Glass. A reference design intending to show how wearable computing could be integrated into a design that's more palatable to the consumer market, Pupil isn't intended for the market in its current form, but is instead intended to showcase the fruits of Kopin's new partnership with Olympus in display technology. We caught up with Kopin to find out more.

Kopin is no stranger to wearable computing, and while the company may not have the brand recognition that, say, Google does, it's arguably been doing more in the background. We first tried out the company's Golden-i reference design back in 2010, seeing it launch later as Motorola Solutions' HC-1 targeting the enterprise.
Golden-i is big, and hardly discrete; as Kopin points out, enterprise buyers tend to be less concerned with aesthetics than their consumer counterparts. What Kopin aims to do with its Pupil reference design is show how tiny displays can fit into a more fashion-friendly pair of glasses, something that won't get you suspicious looks when you're waiting for a bus.

Star of the show is the micro-display, a tiny projection system that runs across the top of the right lens and manifests as a small screen just above your line of sight. It runs at 428 x 240, and unlike Google's Glass screen isn't transparent as it's built into the top section of the frame.

The glasses are a self-contained input/output system, rather than just a display, and the second part of Kopin's showcase is the microphones and speakers. There are two of each - the speakers sitting just above the ear on each side, the microphones spaced across the right arm - and the company has developed noise-cancellation systems that allow the voice-controlled UI to be navigated solely by voice, even when there's loud background noise.

Kopin is insistent that the current Pupil units are all just prototypes, and in fact they're all 3D printed at this stage; however, the only thing really missing that you might expect from a market-ready wearable is a camera. Whether that gets included eventually or not will be up to whichever hardware partner decides to license the Pupil technology.

In use, it's fairly similar in many respects to Glass. Kopin's UI is minimal, as befits a glanceable screen, with a few voice command options on the display at any one time. The multi-page menus automatically scroll from side to side, showing the full range of choices; you select by speaking to the headset, since there are no physical controls beyond the power switch.

That works, for the most part, though manufacturers will have to decide whether speech is sufficient to deal with more complex use paradigms and increasingly complex apps. There's still a smartphone in the equation, too, with the reference designs paired up to a nearby Android handset for data connectivity and doing the heavy-duty data processing with a companion app; again, what radios the consumer glasses have will depend on the ambitions of the companies making them, not Kopin.

Right now, Kopin CEO Dr John C.C. Fan tells us, the prototype runs for a couple of hours on a charge. That, given the company expects uses to snack on information rather than run the display permanently powered-on, might be enough for a casual day of use; at the moment, the left arm contains the battery while the right holds the computing.



Unfortunately, Kopin wouldn't be drawn on exactly which partners might be sniffing around the Pupil technology, nor how long it might take to actually reach the market. There are certainly plenty of possibilities: Olympus itself has its own wearable division, and we spotted SoftBank, Verizon, Fujitsu, Broadcom, and more at Kopin's launch event. Not to say any will actually pick up the Pupil display, but it's certainly a sign that wearables are of significant interest in the tech market, not to mention as a part of the growing Internet of Things story.

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Google Glass prescription frames official in four styles

Google has revealed its prescription frames for Google Glass, the much-anticipated accessory which will make the wearable computer more user-friendly to those who already wear glasses. Dubbed the Titanium Collection and offered in four styles - Thin, Classic, Bold, and Split - all are made from lightweight titanium, like the original Glass band, and will be supplied with non-prescription lenses suited for those who don't need their vision corrected, but can be optionally fitted out to suit a prescription.

The four options - all internally designed by Google's Glass team - fit broadly into the basic style categories. Curve has a more oversized look, with thick, round lenses, while Thin has thinner frames and rectangular lenses. Bold is a thicker version, also with rectangular lenses, and then Split is thin on top and rimless on the bottom.


Unfortunately, just as we suspected, the frames aren't designed to be truly modular: you can't snap on and off the Glass assembly, to suit times when you might not want - or be allowed - to wear a computer on your face. Instead, the single screw on the inside of the Glass band is removed and the hardware then screwed onto the prescription frames instead.

It looks to be a relatively straightforward process, but it does mean that if you need glasses to actually correct your vision then you're either going to have to carry a spare pair or get used to wearing Glass all the time.

Google has partnered with VSP (Vision Service Plan) to get ECPs (Eye Care Professionals) in the US up to speed on the lens and fitting requirements of the new Titanium Collection frames. There'll be a list of those trained up, and - as long as the Glass Explorer has a prescription issued within the past year - they'll be able to go straight to an ECP and have the optics prepared and installed.

Exactly how many ECPs have been trained so far is something Google isn't saying, but there are apparently already people in New York, San Francisco, and LA - coincidentally all places with Glass Basecamp centers - ready to go.

Google also has two new sunglasses styles, Classic and Edge, to go along with the rimless sunglasses snap-in accessory that comes with the wearable as standard. They also twist-clip into place, rather than requiring Glass be screwed in. They'll both be offered at $150 each.

The new Titanium Collection frames will go on sale from Tuesday, January 28th, priced at $225 apiece. That obviously doesn't include Glass itself or prescription lenses, though Google says that those with VSP vision insurance should find their policy will cover or part-cover having those fitted.

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Google Glass Explorer developing apps for firefighters

Google Glass Explorers come in all varieties and Glassware of many sorts is in development, all of it aiming to augment our existence in a new and functional way. One of the more altruistic developments-in-progress are the apps being created by developer and firefighter Patrick Jackson, who sees a future in the technology for his fellow firefighters.

The specifics of Jackson's projects weren't detailed, though in the video there are various examples of how Glass can be used by Explorers. The idea is that firefighters could wear Google's wearable when on the job and have the ability to pull up needed information hands-free, giving them the opportunity to focus on the task of hand while getting the details needed at the same time.


One example is the ability to pull up instant extraction schematics for the needed vehicle when responding to an auto accident scheme. This builds upon the idea set forth by Mercedes-Benz early last year, when the auto maker started including QR code stickers for first responders. The idea behind that was the ability to use mobile technology to scan and instantly retrieve the details needed to free trapped drivers. A comparable app for Glass would build upon this, eliminating the need to pull out a smartphone or tablet -- instead, one could speak the make and model as a command, or perhaps scan an included QR code with Glass's camera if available.

Said Jackson on Google+: "When I got Google Glass I had no idea that this would happen! Very cool experience with Google and they capture what I am doing and plan to do with Glass for firefighters. Thanks to all those who supported my indiegogo campaign to make this possible and to my wife for being the best wife ever and supporting me!"






SOURCE: Google+

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Casio G-Shock STB-100 Sport Watch hands-on: classic looks get smart

When you’ve got a design for a watch as ubiquitous as the Casio G-Shock on the market, you’re allowed to be late to the new technology party. This year Casio’s entry in the STB-100 comes in the form of Bluetooth 4.0 and a sports-tracking collection of bits and pieces in their slightly modified G-Shock design. While we’re not about to suggest this watch is in any way more all-inclusive than its smartwatch competitors from Sony, Samsung, Pebble, and the many others shown off this week at CES 2014, Casio still retains that built-in fan base they’ve cultivated for years.

Attaching itself to the iPhone alone, this particular sports watch is aimed at two groups - those that already own a G-Shock and want to expand their collection into the Bluetooth/smartwatch realm, and those that are looking for a sports-tracking device and don’t want to appear to actually be wearing one of these new-fangled “Smartwatch” thingies, so to speak. Casio has molded this device to look as naturally un-smart as any past model.

The iPhone app for the STB-100 - as they were showing off this week - is just about as bare-bones as a connected app gets. You’ll be able to control your music and track your steps in a variety of ways. You'll be able to track your running pace, time elapsed while running, distance traveled, and data for biking with its built-in cadence sensor.

For an Apple user used to listening to music on the go, this device’s control setup allows you to be able to press a button on your watch to switch music tracks, and that’s about it. Something rather similar to what you’re doing already with the wire connecting you to your earbuds, more than likely. One way or another, you’ll be able to skip a track.

At the moment it does not appear that Casio is doing just one whole heck of a lot with the data you’re getting,* but it does seem that they’ll be expanding their software soon - we’ll have to wait and see. Wait for the actual release of this device this year, that is.

*UPDATE: This watch will be connecting to Abvio’s Runmeter, Walkmeter, and Cyclemeter, as well as the app known as Wahoo Fitness. Casio is also working with other developers to expand this collection in the near future.

We’ll have to see how long it actually lasts when we get it wrapped around our own wrists. In black and gray or with a splash of fire red - with green accents, of course. Pricing and release information incoming - we'll let you know when we know!

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Lumus DK-40 hands-on: Glass put on notice

Lumus has brought its DK-40 wearable to CES 2014, showing off the new developer unit in public for the first time. The monocular headset is, like Google's Glass, an Android-powered wearable computer, but whereas Glass floats a small window for notifications and such in the upper corner of your eye, the DK-40 actually overlays a full VGA digital image over the right eye instead. We grabbed some hands-on time to see whether it lived up to our expectations from the original prototype we tried all the way back in early 2012.

The headset, on show at ShowStoppers, uses Lumus' new projector lenses, which now support VGA resolution and 25-degree field of view (versus, say, Glass' 15-degree). It's full color, but what makes it special is the fact that it's integrated into your line of sight: Lumus had a demo with different images "pinned" around the room, with the DK-40's six-axis motion tracking used to change the picture as you move your head around.

Some basic controls are on the bottom of the eyepiece - which also includes a 5-megapixel camera - but Lumus also has an Android app which works as a remote control. Still, the glasses are effectively self-sufficient: there's a full Android device built in, along with a battery that, app-depending, will run for up to four hours on a single charge. As with Glass, it's built into the right arm of the non-folding frames.

Lumus' approach has been a more subtle one than Google's, and has the benefit of supporting prescription lenses more readily too. The company - which has a history of providing optical systems for the Air Force to use in fighter jet HUDs, among other things - has a range of slot-in lenses which it could use to give those blessed with poor eyesight the same experience as those with 20/20 vision.

Even with the very basic demo apps, the DK-40 is mightily impressive. The eyepiece is clear when you want it to be, and bright enough to see detailed color images or monochrome signs when they're generated by the projector system. It's also surprisingly light, though obviously any production version from one of Lumus' (unannounced) hardware partners would probably differ.

We do at least know one partner. Meta, the start-up which has roped in "father of wearables" Steve Mann and augmented reality pioneer Steven Feiner, is using two of the eyepieces for its headset, as it tries to replace not only your phone but your laptop with a digitally immersive world.

Unfortunately, Lumus isn't going to be selling the DK-40 to the general public. When the first units go out in March 2014, they'll be headed to the company's initial partners to try to encourage developers to create apps for the platform. However, initial response has been so positive, the company tells us, it's considering another run closer to the end of the year, which will likely have broader availability.

How much it will cost is unclear, though last time we asked Lumus pointed out that it's very much early days for the system and so will be priced accordingly. We'd guess that means somewhere in excess of Glass' $1,500, though of course for a more advanced optical system.

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Apple iWatch reportedly facing power problems

Apple is facing unexpected hurdles in its smartwatch design process, sources claim, with the much-discussed wearable - colloquially known as the "iWatch" - supposedly giving Cupertino engineers some sleepless nights. Issues include delivering sufficient battery life according to The Information, with Apple supposedly considering changing the display technology it initially intended to use in the hope of cutting power consumption.

Exactly what that might entail a switch to and from is unclear. Apple's iOS range uses LCD technology, though we've seen smartwatches from other companies that use e-paper, like Pebble, OLED, like Samsung's Galaxy Gear, and even unusual transflective technologies like the mirasol panel in Qualcomm's Toq.

More recently, though, we've seen even longer runtimes delivered by careful component selection, particularly when it comes to wireless use. Garmin's vivofit, announced at CES this week, can run for up to twelve months on a set of replaceable batteries.

What Apple might end up using is still a mystery, then - a deal with LG Display for flexible OLED was tipped late last year - though the company might look elsewhere in the wearable to save on battery use. That might involve a lower powered processor; the iPhone 5s, for instance, offsets its motion tracking to a more frugal M7 coprocessor.

Repeated is the idea that Apple has a sizable team working on the project, and indeed previous leaks have suggested in excess of one hundred people are involved. However, the report also points out that some of the more high-profile members of that group have recently left, such as Bryan James.

The report concludes with the assumption that Apple's product won't actually be delayed, though the chatter is certainly enough to get the company's name back in the headlines in a week when various other firms are trying to make waves with their own smartwatches and fitness trackers at CES 2014.

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Google Glass prescription frames revealed by Rochester Optical

The first prescription lens option for Google Glass has been revealed, with Rochester Optical sneaking in ahead of Google's own official frames with a custom carrier that can be slotted into the Android wearable. The system, which consists of a set of frames - Rochester Optical calls it the Glass Prescription Lens Carrier (GLPC) - that clip into the bridge of Glass and cost from $99 for the single-vision lenses and $129 for the GLPC itself.

That way, there's no need to unscrew the eyepiece section of Glass - as we're expecting to have to do with Google's own frames - and Rochester will offer eight different colors ranging from black and white, through to bright red, orange, cyan, royal blue, silver, and grey.

As well as the cheapest lens option, there'll also be various options and more expensive lenses to choose between, such as bi-focals and transitions. Rochester will also be offering tinted lenses for sunglasses along with scratch-resistant coatings.

In addition, Rochester will also have eight different shapes of GLPC to choose between, ranging from curved to square and several in-between. We're still not clear on what shapes Google will offer, nor how much its frames will cost.

The first GLPC orders will be taken in late January, Forbes reports, with initial deliveries expected from early February. Google has promised more on its system later in 2014.

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Google Glass prescription frame option priced up for Explorers

Prescription lenses for Google Glass will be priced from $99, one start-up has confirmed, with Rochester Optical revealing early cost details ahead of preorders opening after CES 2014 next week. The company, which confirmed its prescription option for those wanting to use Google's wearable as their regular spectacles was due "in just a few weeks" courtesy of a questionnaire last week, will offer a number of packages that clip onto Glass rather than requiring it be dismantled and attached to a new headpiece, as Google's own system looks to involve.

Instead, there will be some form of unspecified "lens carrier/frames", Rochester Optical's Tim Moore revealed on the Explorer-only Glass community Google runs. Prescription lenses will start out at $99, though rise according to more complex prescriptions, or whether the wearer wants tinted lenses, transitions, or other options.

Unlike the clear plastic "shield" that Google supplies with Glass - shown above - and which clips onto the nosepiece, it seems Rochester's solution will have at least the option of some type of framing. The company will offer a choice of "color and style" Moore said; the questionnaire last week suggested colors could not only match the shades Google offers the Explorer Edition of Glass in today, but also extend to hues like pink, purple, yellow, or custom finishes.

As for shape, the survey also gave a few hints, such as "Cat Eye" and "geek-chic" styling. Rochester hasn't said exactly how they will attach to Glass, though previous custom prescription lenses have re-used the spring-loaded clip that holds on the regular plastic shield.

Meanwhile, Google has re-confirmed in recent weeks that it itself will be offering an Rx Glass option, though its system appears to involve removing the eyepiece from the titanium headband and attaching it instead to another fixed frame. Though likely to be sturdy, the system may also leave Glass owners forced to carry two sets of spectacles with them, if they're in a place which doesn't allow the wearable computer to be used.

Rochester Optical says it will have more details following CES, with Moore committing to opening preorders "shortly after" the tech show finishes, and deliver lenses not long after that. Google, meanwhile, is expected to detail its option(s) sometime early in the new year. It recently began inviting early Glass adopters to swap their headsets for a slightly redesigned version, one of the changes of which was to accommodate prescription frames.

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Google Glass Explorer invites flowing to All Access subscribers

Google Play Music support recently arrived for Glass users, and it looks like Google is going to do what they can to ensure this setup gets a thorough testing. Google Play Music All Access subscribers appear to be getting invitations to join the Glass Explorer program. We haven’t seen any confirmation direct from Google just yet, however these invites are said to be coming by email.

According to the details being shared, the email brings talk of “VIP invitations for All Access customers to join the Glass Explorer Program.” Of course, this means those users will need to be willing and able to shell out the purchase price. Google Glass remains at $1500, plus the applicable sales tax.

But hey, on the bright side, All Access subscribers will be able to join this somewhat exclusive club. There doesn’t appear to be a set deadline on the invitation, however the linked page does make mention of this being “available for a limited time.” Those All Access subscribers looking to signup will need to be 18 or older and located in the US.

The other requirement is an easy one, you will need to either provide a US shipping address or be prepared to pick your Glass up in person. The in person pickup locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Still no word on a full public Glass rollout, but given this Explorer program expansion combined with the previous invite openings — it seems Google is inching closer to a widespread release.




VIA : Android Community

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Fitbit iPhone 5s update teases wearable data without the band

In a move rather similar to Nike’s efforts with their own wearable sports tracker and app, Fitbit has updated their app to give basic fitness data without the Fitbit band itself. You’ll be seeing basic data with the help of what Fitbit doesn’t directly suggest is the iPhone 5s’s M7 motion co-processor, but gives a bit wink towards nonetheless.

This move allows users to get in on and get a taste for the Fitbit universe without jumping all the way in with the Fitbit wearable itself. This version of the app’s new feature goes by the name MobileTrack, while normal connectivity still works with Fitbit’s full line of activity trackers and he Aria Smart Scale.

If you happen to have a new iPad, you may very well find your data reacting the same way with this newest update as they too work with the same M7 architecture inside. You’ll find this app just as free as it’s ever been, too.

This update to the iOS app also brings a collection of other connected oddities as well. Users can now work with a redesigned set of tracker settings as well as sign-up and sign-in portals. You’ll find the ability to see people’s profiles in the Friend Finder list, while swiping on friends in your leaderboard now allows you to cheer, taunt, or message them.

The newest version of Fitbit (2.1) works with a redesigned set of Silent Alarm settings including set, switch, edit, and remove, and you’ll find a new ability to set your own custom water goal. Have at it!

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Samsung “Galaxy Band” fitness tracker rumored to debut Feb. 2014

Samsung may be developing a new wearable fitness tracker. The so-called "Galaxy Band" would likely be an update to the seemingly discontinued S-Band, the screen-less, wrist-mounted tracker for pairing with a Galaxy S 4. The Galaxy Band would add a screen along with an array of other fitness- and health-oriented tracking features.

The rumor dropped last week on Korea's Digital News Daily. Anonymous sources told the publication the Galaxy Band will be oriented towards health care. Digital Trends suggests this could indicate a fuller integration with S Health, an app made for the S 4.

The Galaxy Band would likely run on Android. Like the S-Band (see hero image above), it would use a standard motion tracking sensor array for tracking steps, pace, and so on. It would compute calories, atmospheric conditions, and location via GPS. It would connect to a mobile device -- either just Samsung products or all Android-depended products -- via low-power Bluetooth. Finally, the DDN report says it could feature voice activation and controls.

The device, if DDN's anonymous sources are correct, will likely be revealed at Mobile World Congress Feb. 24-27, 2014 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. We'll be keeping an eye on this. Tune in to our wearables portal for updates.





SOURCE: Boy Genius Report

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Samsung Galaxy Gear commercial implies a love interest with every smartwatch

Buckle your boots. You're in for the rad-est, snowboarding-est, most gratuitously romantical tech gear commercial you've ever seen. Samsung just released a commercial for its Galaxy Gear smartwatch that will make your heartstrings shudder. It's in fine keeping with the recent tech gear marketing trend of stopping just one nanometer short of directly shouting to the male segment, "This gadget will get you the girl!"

The commercial depicts a male snowboarder with a smartphone, a female snowboarder, and another male snowboarder with a Galaxy Gear. Guess who gets the girl. Hey, the snowboarding scenes are pretty sharp-looking.

The commercial dropped just four days before Christmas. The production comes out of Samsung's estimated USD $14 billion advertising and marketing budget for the year 2013, according to Reuters. The $227 billion company (market value) spent $4.3 billion just on ads in 2012 -- four times the amount spent by Apple, even though its global brand value is twice as big as Samsung's. Still, with $9.6 billion in operating profit in just Q3 2013, Samsung can afford to blow a little scratch on a cheesy advertising adventure.

The Galaxy Gear is the most well known of smartwatches -- and make no mistake, it is arguably a very worthy wearable -- but it is far from alone in the marketplace nor is it necessarily the best smartwatch for every user. Among the contenders are the Pebble, Sony's Smartwatch 2, Google's newly acquired WIMM watch, and Qualcomm's Toq. Check out SlashGear's Chris Burns' rundown of these smartwatch offerings for a quick comparison.



SOURCE: Samsung Mobile

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Glass exchange initiated: return boxes sent

The newest wave of Google Glass Explorer Edition units are set to be distributed by mail, with Google sending out word that they’re fully prepared to do the switch with boxes of their own. Users that’d signed up over the last few weeks will be seeing a box sent to their residence through the mail that they’ll then use to mail their original Google Glass back to the shop. From there, Google will send a pair of the newest wave of Glass to the user so that everyone can be onboard with the most current hardware.

While it’s unclear what will happen to the original Glass units sent back to Google, we’ll have to take a wild guess and say that they’ll be sent to the spice mines of Kessel, smashed into who-knows-what. The new Google Glass units work with ever-so-slight a set of modifications to the hardware and an earbud so users will have an easier time being stealthy. Users with the old set were also given the option of changing over to a new color or sticking with the same color they had in the first place.

The change-over to a new pair of a piece of technology like this, in this sort of space, is relatively unprecedented. Google’s original “Google Glass Explorers” program in itself was a new sort of deal when it first launched well over a year ago – here the company continues to prove that this is no ordinary device or launch.

Google Glass is getting nearer and nearer final launch – they’ve gotten to the point where just about anyone can order a device, developer or not, while the first full launch is likely to hit within the year 2014. Have a peek at our Google Glass tag portal as well as a collection of recent posts below in a recent archival timeline. For those of you that plan on switching: expect the box soon.



SOURCE: Slashgear

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'Apple' granted patent for portable 3D media goggles

Apple has been granted a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office for a pair of portable media viewing goggles. The patent says they “may resemble ski or motorcycle goggles.” The device would likely allow for a 3D viewing experience reminiscent of that found in the Oculus Rift VR headset.

The patent was filed in May of 2007 and granted just today. The wearable would project video to each eye using separate focus modules. Users could enter a prescription, or the device could automatically adjust focus. How this latter method would work isn’t clear yet, but the patent is broad enough to allow for any number of detection methods. Each user’s focal settings could be stored on the device.

The goggles would be designed specifically for portable use, but we see no reason they couldn’t also be used for desktop computers and gaming consoles. One of the accompanying drawings in the patent shows the device tethered to a classic (2007, natch) iPod as shown below.

The goggles described in the patent are indeed similar to the Oculus Rift 3D headset. That device has mainly been known for gaming applications — as well as for NASA’s interest in using it to virtually explore extraterrestrial environments. Whether Apple aims to compete with Oculus Rift (see gallery shots below) with this new patent remains to be seen, but as of today it has the intellectual property clearance to do so.

SOURCE: Mac Rumors
SOURCE: slashgear

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