[MWC 2014] Lenovo S660, S850 and S860 - autonomy above all

Particularly aggressive marketing strategy the company is offline – storefronts breach under the weight of devices Lenovo, and get to work without seeing advertising Chinese, almost unreal. But not only those supported by the popularity of Lenovo. Have great company and smartphones, for example, Lenovo IdeaPhone P780 deserve people’s love through a huge battery capacity of 4000 mAh. Apparently, Lenovo noticed this today in Barcelona were three new superavtonomnyh smartphone – Lenovo S660, S850 and S860.

Lenovo S660

Not difficult to guess, Lenovo S660 – most of the budget submitted by the troika smartphones. Economy of triples, but not by the standards of the budget market. 

Lenovo S660 is equipped with a quad-core 1.3GHz production MediaTek. Think about Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0 and support for HSPA + in 2014 are not talking. RAM – 1 GB, the memory – 8 GB, it can be expanded with microSD cards up to 32GB.

It’s nice that the back cover is made of metal devices. Thickness gadget is 9.95 mm. IPS-diagonal display is 4.7 inches with the resolution – 960 x 540 pixels. Traditional for Lenovo, smartphone supports two SIM-cards. Resolution main camera – 8 MP, front – 0.3 MP.

Now, the most interesting – the amount of battery and price. Lenovo S660 battery capacity is 3000 mAh. Given the resolution of the display (960 x 540 pixels), it’s safe to say that this phone will work for very long. Unit price – $ 229.

Lenovo S850

Lenovo S850 focused on the beautiful half of humanity. On this, at least, say the device available colors – white and pink. Devaysa thickness is 8.2 mm. The back panel is made of glass, you’ll also find glowing logo Lenovo. Apple stiffened. 

Inside mounted quad-core processor MediaTek 6582, which is clocked at 1.3 GHz. RAM – 1 GB, the storage – 16 GB. Display size S850 – 5 inches, it is also made by technology IPS, its resolution – 1280 x 720.

Continuing the theme of gender-oriented smartphone, not to mention his camera. Behind this sensor with a standard resolution of 13 MP today, but the 5-megapixel front-facing camera can be called a record. Just imagine what level will come SELF happy owners of Lenovo S850! And nothing about the quality of photos breakfast and girls in the mirror and think scary. 

S850 also supports two SIM cards. The operating system – Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The volume of the battery – 2000 mAh. This cost will be a ladies’ man $ 269.

Lenovo S860

Actually, the successor to the very R780. Combines them record battery capacity – 4000 mAh. Lenovo S860 in this idea has continued, and now with the unit is a special cable with which the S860 can charge other devices. 

Of iron are all very similar to the S850. Processor – the same quad MediaTek, the same 16 GB memory of the memory, but operational, compared to S850, more – 2 GB.

Diagonal Lenovo S860 – 5,3 inch, IPS-matrix is ​​1280 x 720 pixels. In S860 cameras installed easier than S850, – the main has a resolution of 8 megapixels, and the front – 1.5 MP. 

Powered smartphone running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Like other smartphones Lenovo, S860 can work with two SIM-cards. Price new – $ 349.

[MWC 2014] Lenovo S660, S850 and S860 - autonomy above all

[MWC 2014] WhatsApp learn to transmit voice speech

Currently has bred a great number of “messengers” like WhatsApp and Viber, and competition has become high as ever – here you and LINE, and WeChat, and is rapidly growing Russian Telegram, and Heml.is, claiming to be the most secure (from one of the founders of the torrent tracker The Pirate Bay, is coming out soon). In order to keep the palm, WhatsApp, which is now owned by Facebook, will get support voice this year.

“But in WhatsApp already have voice messages” – you say, ‘and you’d be right. Do not confuse the voice messages and “live” chat on the phone, not only through the operator’s network and the Internet. This functionality is not new, it is present in said Viber – and, most likely, would be another way of monetization, it is unlikely that users will provide a sweet fruit for free.

Considering that to this day WhatsApp occupies a leading position in the market “messengers” (465 million monthly active users), would not be surprising if, after talking implementirovaniya its popularity grow even more – if, of course, will not be repeated many hours drop network because of which there is a significant outflow of users towards competitors (read: Telegram).

[MWC 2014] WhatsApp learn to transmit voice speech

[MWC 2014] Samsung Galaxy S5 - personal acquaintance

Yesterday Samsung unveiled its vision of its flagship smartphone for the whole year – Galaxy S5. Around this model, there were many rumors that it is logical, it is one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. Not confirmed rumors about any metal housing or display with a resolution of 2K (thank you!) But the Koreans were able to interest and, despite the reviews of skeptics who do not like the design, I must say that in life model looks cool, although previous generation of great demand.

Unlike many other champions, in S5, as you might expect, there are some very interesting pieces, as by software and hardvernye. But first, on what is necessary to stop immediately – water-proof case, protected by standard ip67. This means that you can safely go out in a downpour and photographing passers running through puddles without worrying for the safety of your smartphone. However, swim with the Galaxy S5 is not necessary.

For me, it immediately became bell that we must look at the S5 carefully, because it is watertight I like it in other models. However, because of this, MicroUSB 3.0 connector plug had to be closed. I am glad that the headset connector remained open.

Housing is no longer glossy, but still folding. Under the back cover, made of opaque plastic, placed the battery capacity 2800 mAh battery, and a slot for memory cards MicroSD.

Now the smartphone is not available in two colors, and a few, including bright as ours. There is the case under the gold! But otherwise looks really not a lot of changes. Smartphones can be confused, especially when viewed from the front.

I was pleased that Samsung has not chased pixels, megapixels and megahertz. Here we see a 5,1 “SuperAMOLED display with a resolution of Full HD. This permit enough with his head! Although, I think, in Note 4 pixel density, yet increase. And there are already familiar processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, working together with Adreno 330 graphics. This iron is also missing with a head for any task, besides, it is run-on any smartphone, and hence problems with it will not be in any respect. But there is and weird moment – in the smartphone 2GB of RAM. Given that the three have already got and Note 3 with similar iron, and models from other manufacturers, there is such a solution is not clear.

Now to the chip. To begin with, that the S5 visible emphasis on the sport. That is why, together with Galaxy S 5 showed us smart fitness bracelet (although rather fitness watches) Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit. Here and advanced service S-Health, and even pulse sensor, located near the flash. By the way, I do not understand the presence of the sensor is in the smartphone, in the bracelet – yes, and here …

In addition, the mechanical key home embedded fingerprint scanner. It’s cool, I recently encountered a huge problem in his absence Galaxy Note 3 may tell then. Unlike the iPhone, unlock need not hold your finger on the button, and spending on it. Opportunities for scanner pobolshe than iOS – here and electronic payments PayPal, and the ability to lock individual applications scanner.

16 MP camera, shoots video in 4K. Talking about the quality of the images obtained with its help, it is too early, should be tested. However, there are a number of interesnosney who can state right now. For example, the world’s fastest autofocus – just 0.3 seconds. Or when shooting HDR not only photos but also videos.

Loved mode Ultra Power Saving Mode, which is useful in a variety of emergency situations. When activated, the entire interface becomes BW and features available only from basic to keep in touch. In this mode, the smartphone can live up to 24 hours only 10% charge.

Version of Android – the last to date – 4.2.2 KitKat. Installed on top of it branded interface Vibrant UX (now not TouchWiz). And I liked the shell. Without tiles, flatter, with icons, very similar to a normal Android. 

On the rest of the chips are going to look even during the review. The only thing I can say – I liked the model and much, though, I must admit, I liked and S4. Design – a matter of taste and argue here about. And in terms of practicality smartphone grew on its head: now the housing is not glossy and dustproof moisture. Features modern, without giganticheskih habits, the only thing that you can complain about – 2 GB of RAM. Hopefully that will be missed.

[MWC 2014] Samsung Galaxy S5 - personal acquaintance

[MWC 2014] Blackphone

I do not remember when, but we have previously touched upon the subject Blackphone. This smartphone total production companies GeeksPhone and Silent Circle. Main feature of the device is modifying Android called PrivatOS, sawed from Google services and stuffed spy magic to maximize the privacy of the subscriber. Problem paranoid at times turns into news about the next action or protest. So for these protesters and developed Blackphone, which is already available for pre-order.

The brainchild of a software company and a startup hadvernogo looks quite normal. Externally, the smartphone to the name. This device is completely black without any design tweaks. Looks like most unpretentious and affordable smartphones. But the size of it a little more of. He has a 4.7-inch display with HD-resolution (the exact number of points concealed) and IPS-matrix. The processor is also not named, but said that there are four core and 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB hard drive. Two cameras: front with an unknown resolution and 8 megapixel main. Smartphone supports LTE, has all the necessary wireless modules. Exact dimensions and weight of the case while also behind the scenes. 

So, we have plus-minus average unit with a modified OS based on Android, which is supposedly able to help hide their negotiations. Somehow, we always want to draw an analogy with the BlackBerry. But now it is not so important. Blackphone already available on the website of the company for pre-order for $ 629. But just buy a smart phone and do not bathe on tapping will not work. Encryption works “at a distance» peer-to-peer, that is, to talk as it is now fashionable to call “sekyurno” only between two such device, or those who use the services of Silent Circle.

But that’s not all. Buyers Blackphone two years also have to pay for the use of services. In other words, just pulled from the Android services Google, replaced their own applications and provided a two-year plan. Included – application calls (and encrypted by superskheme will only VoIP), application for text encryption contacts, utilities working with wireless networks. Although changes also in the safety system works in general and in particular applications. Together with Blackphone user will receive three annual subscription services Silent Circle for family, friends or anyone else with whom you need to communicate about very private things. In any case, even the creators Blackphone not say that there is something for everyone 100% secure – all you can listen to, it would wish. But with Blackphone user can choose the level of protection of certain conversations and chats.

[MWC 2014] Blackphone

Battle for Siri: Apple begins new trial

Everyone knows that Apple itself will stand in: the company starts a new litigation in China. Filing a lawsuit against the State Intellectual Property Office, as well as against a local company, the American manufacturer hopes to defend its exclusive patent rights for Siri.

According to the plaintiff, the manufacturer Zhizhen Network Technology developed software suspiciously like voice assistant Apple. Product Zhizhen Network Technology is protected by patent rights in China, and the State Intellectual Property Office of little earlier rejected the request to recognize local Apple patent invalid. As a result, the company had to go to court to defend their intellectual property rights.

Face to face, by the way, Apple will face Zhizhen not the first time. Last year, a Chinese company itself was against Apple in court, accusing it of copying software called Xiao i Robot, patented in 2006. According to the developers, this kind of software “help” to the American vendor to develop Siri, so Apple should pay compensation and / or cease to violate Chinese patent. Hearing was held in July, but then the decision was not announced.

In Cupertino news not comment, citing a rule not to talk about unfinished court cases.

Will a lawsuit against the state institutions to position Apple in the Chinese market is still unclear.

Battle for Siri: Apple begins new trial

Lovers can not jailbreak iOS 7.0.6 update on

To everyone’s surprise last week came iOS 7.0.6. In anticipation of the March iOS 7.1 and no one could have predicted yield some more intermediate version. In Apple is also likely not planned, but found a serious security hole in the operating system, which should be closed immediately, which they did by releasing iOS 7.0.6. Upgrading is recommended to install each user iOS, but if for some reason you do not want to put it for you to have good news.

Hackers quickly enough released an update to break the new firmware. It is understandable, since iOS 7.0.6 was not aimed at the fight against jailbreak and does not carry any major changes. So even cracks can flash their devices, making them safer. However, the update process for iOS jailbreak fans has its own characteristics. If you have a Jailbreak, can not just click on the item in the settings and wait a few minutes. To update a jailbroken iPhone will need to make a backup, put the firmware using iTunes size almost 1.5 gigabytes for iPhone 5s, and then re-execute the procedure of breaking and restore all of your data. 

It turns out that if you like the hacked iPhone, for software updates need to set aside a couple of hours sleep, if not take a day off if you plan on doing this for the first time. Not too pleasant prospect, especially for changes that do not change the feel of your device. Developer Ryan Petrich imbued problem jailbreakers made the transition to iOS 7.0.6 optional releasing tweak that fixes the problem without flashing with SSL. Now all you need to do – is to add to Cydia repository http://rpetri.ch/repo/, find SSLPatch tweak and install it on your device.

As reported by colleagues from iDownloadBlog, the developer has won the trust and recommended tweak absolutely safe. Nevertheless, no matter how painful the process was not flashing, it is strongly recommend that you install iOS 7.0.6, which is definitely safer than any hacked firmware with any set of tweaks.

Lovers can not jailbreak iOS 7.0.6 update on

iOS 7 will not work better on older devices

Although the latest version of the software shell is not obliged to work correctly on devices three years ago, Apple stated that iOS 7 should not turn your iPhone 4s in a cement building material. Despite this, users, upgrade to this firmware has some problems with her work on older devices. While some software updates to make the system work gadgets previous generations quickly and smoothly, yet people continue to complain about the problem and after release iOS 7.0.6 .

The main problem, which often complain about our support Apple, is the work of multi-tasking. If the currently open multiple applications, they may not work correctly. For example, users complain that due to background update data in applications is almost impossible to make purchases from mobile versions of online stores. When completing the payment information, the program returns the user to the main menu, and eliminate this problem can only be rebooted. Similar problems also arise when using the Google Maps , as well as browser Safari.

Presumably this is due to the fact that the new operating system is not effectively distributes the available memory, and the necessary resource appears only after purification of memory through the device to reload. People hope that the iOS 7.1 update in this issue will be resolved, but little cause for optimism. It seems, Apple received too presumptuous, deciding to include the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s in the number of devices that support iOS 7. While at the same time it is obvious that this has led many users to upgrade to newer gadgets.

iOS 7 will not work better on older devices

Apple lured to work one of the developers of jailbreak

Recently, Apple sends a large part of its resources to fight the jailbreak. Company promptly closes most of the vulnerabilities that hackers use to break into its mobile operating system. Nevertheless, the creators of the jailbreak, as a rule, find other loopholes, and history repeats itself again and again.

It seems that Cupertino found a way to “pull the plug” hackers iOS. Who better understands the jailbreak than one of its developers? So Apple decided to lure one of the “enemies” on their side. According to Cult Of Mac, it became a 17-year-old hacker, known by the nickname winocm.

Despite his age, he managed to become quite well-known figure in the world jailbreak community. In November last year winocm ported core iOS device side – Nokia N900. It posted a net photographs that captured the smartphone from the Finnish company running the operating system Darwin. The latter is a set of components OS X and iOS.

In addition, the hacker has helped with the development of the jailbreak for iOS 6.1.3 – 6.1.5 and was even accused of aiding Apple, opening her valuable vulnerability that other developers are going to use for a future jailbreak.

Winocm first became known in late 2011, shortly after the presentation of iPhone 4s. According to him, even then he did “incredible things” with iOS.

Although the hacker did not work on jailbroken iOS 7, his experience will certainly be useful for Apple to prevent further cracking of its mobile operating system. He did not specify which position will be on the new workplace.

This is not the first jailbreak developer who went to work at Apple. JailbreakMe famed creator Nicholas Allegra, also known under the name Comex, joined the company in 2011, but then decided to exchange it on Google .

Apple lured to work one of the developers of jailbreak

Apple closed a critical security hole in iOS

While Apple boasts a high level of security of its mobile operating system, any software usually has a number of vulnerabilities – such as “holes” are used by hackers to crack iOS and create a jailbreak. Nevertheless, at this time, experts have found a much more serious threat, the victims of which are likely to become, many owners of the iPhone and iPad.

According to news agency Reuters, attackers can intercept email users iOS-devices, their messages, and other confidential information, just being in the same unprotected Wi-Fi network with a potential “victim” – for example, in a bar or restaurant. It is noteworthy that the Government had the opportunity to crank up the same if you have access to these mobile operators.

It is unclear how Apple has admitted the existence of such a serious hole in your operating system, given that the iOS-devices are used not only ordinary people but also politicians and top managers of large financial companies. For them, the existence of such a threat could become critical.

As it turned out, the reason was a “fundamental bug that arises when checking SSL-connection.” In other words, iOS has failed protocol SSL, ensuring the safety of communications, including emails, instant messages, and more.

It is not known when and how Apple discovered a vulnerability – she could exist for a couple of months, if not longer. But that it was the main (and only) reason for the update to iOS 7.0.6 version, which became available for download last night. If you believe the portal The Next Web, the new version of iOS security hole was indeed closed.

During the study released patch information security experts said that this vulnerability also exists in the current version of OS X, which controls most laptops and desktop computers Apple. In Cupertino seem to believe that everything is in order: as of this writing bug fix update with SSL has not yet been released.

Representatives of Apple, as usual, declined to comment, but the company recently came under another blow when leaked documents showing a 100 percent success authorities tampering iPhone.

Unfortunately, hackers could also explore the patch released yesterday and begin to develop appropriate programs for circumvention. Therefore, not the fact that now your iPhone and iPad safe.

On the other hand, if you do not trust your data to Apple, who can trust them at all? If at least half of Edward Snowden published documents is true, the government without problems can gain access to users’ personal information to any company – Google, Facebook and others.

Apple closed a critical security hole in iOS

Apple buys testing platform applications TestFlight

From time to time Apple itself acquires another company. Of course, this is not done out of boredom – if a company went under the wing of Apple, means that kupertinovtsy anyway interested in the development of this company. At this time, Apple has become the new acquisition company Burstly, merit which is popular among developers of iOS-application service TestFlight.

It is thanks to members of the editorial TestFlight AppleInsider.ru closely watching to see how the work on an updated application site. It should be noted that the work of the service really deserves attention, in this case, we can mention the notorious «Apple-way», when the user does not need superhuman effort to take advantage of this or that product.

Not so long ago TestFlight service announced that he did not intend to start work on adapting its software for Android-based devices, which immediately caused a discussion about what the company can acquire none other than Apple, to avoid fragmentation of the beta-testing process iOS-applications. At the moment, no company has announced the true causes of the transaction.

Also TestFlight, the company can now offer Burstly and two of its other product – mobile advertising service SkyRocket and analytical FlightPath.

At the moment it is not possible to accurately describe the future Burstly at Apple, but one can assume that the company from Cupertino will maximize the use of use TestFlight, probably removing the mention of the name of service and integrate it into the current iOS-tools developers.

Apple buys testing platform applications TestFlight

Skype corrected sync dialogues

Microsoft has previously stated that updating Skype, which they bought back in 2010 for $ 8.5 instagramov (then still called them “billions of dollars”), the company plans to solve the problem of synchronization of dialogue, which is present for a long time. And finally, this moment has come, and the official blog of the messenger informed about the update. Very soon it will begin to arrive on all platforms.

The first improvements will be concentrated on the fact that many users use Skype’s on multiple devices in parallel with what the current system does not cope at all. For example, if you reply to a message on your phone in the desktop version, it will still be shown as unread, in spite of the dialogue in the mobile version. Or after a very long correspondence in the workplace (on a PC) after the application on your phone it will hear and hundreds and hundreds of notifications about unread messages. Personally for me it was one of the main reasons not to use this messenger on any of the mobile devices. 

The official blog reported that all of the above problems should be eliminated, and the Skype, in its turn, has become a huge part of the mobile future. The new version will be integrated synchronization fact reading messages at what is not important to the recipient or sender. That is what your message is read, it will be seen and the one who sent him, and all skype-devices to whom it was to come.

In addition to improvements in algorithms for synchronization, the developers have also paid attention and overall optimization of applications that now eat less batteries work more stable and run faster blah blah blah% standard phrases from any change log%. Future plans have revision push-notifications and synchronization.

If you ask me, I think I will answer that at the moment Skype - sheer misery in terms of usability. If a person is used to working with the desktop version of Windows, then reseeding at least metro-interface of the same messenger, not to mention the version for Linux, Android or iOS, it is likely to spend a lot of time searching for controls. I remember when I first installed Skype on Android-smartphone, it took me no less than five minutes trying to find a corny “Exit” button. So improve synchronization messages – it is certainly very good, and this should greatly reduce the inconveniences that arise when working with the service, however, I think it is not important. Now the main thing for Skype – restoring order and unity in all versions of its customers under different operating systems, and the picture is very similar to everything that makes Microsoft: “Keep well only at the expense of what were once the undisputed leader, and is now clearly “not comme il faut”, but we are accustomed to, so they are with us. ” And if you really soft fine-tuned in the first place, to improve their mobile and cloud products (as they said the new CEO , Satya Nadella), it is the Skype should stand first in line for global processing.

Skype corrected sync dialogues

The date and place of the presentation of the new flagship of HTC

Remember HTC One presentation in the past year? Then in February 2013 we were invited to London, and we had this event live. In parallel, the same event was held in New York. At that moment, was presented the flagship model from HTC, which later became one of the most interesting and coolest offers on the market top devices. This smartphone is still a member of the most high-profile geek debate on the topic “What is the coolest smartphone?”. But it’s time to update, and HTC have already managed to invite media representatives to the event. 

As the new flagship will be called, is not yet known. Codename model M8, and last year’s HTC One wore code M7. Various forecasters suggest that the title will be One + One or two. According to various sources, you can only imagine what will be the device, but all the same predictors converged on these specifications:

• 5-inch display with FullHD-resolution.


• Snapdragon 800/805.


• 2 GB of RAM.


• Video Adreno 330.


• 6/8 MP camera.


• Android 4.4 KitKat.

Recently appeared alleged shots back of the smartphone, where the double flash and secondary camera. With two cameras will be available function changes the focus to have the picture taken. Design, according to the insider pictures, not much will change. In the same rumors you can find information about the new body color – gold (in addition to the existing black and gray). But things may change. While this basic rumors about the new device has. 

The presentation itself is scheduled for March 25, 2014. This is a month after the MWC 2014, which, in fact, expect the new flagship. Nevertheless, HTC booth at the show in Barcelona should be. Most likely, there will be shown less interesting models that will be released under the new policy of the company . 

What do you say? Waiting for the new flagship of HTC?

The date and place of the presentation of the new flagship of HTC

Samsung has created its own fingerprint reader

When Apple introduced the possibility of fingerprint users in the new iPhone 5s , it was easy to guess that this technology will soon emulated by other manufacturers of smartphones. Ironically, one of the first such companies began to Samsung, which is supposedly going to use the scanner in a similar Galaxy S5.

According to MacRumors, citing a blog SamMobile, specializing in news about Samsung, Scanner, a new Galaxy will also be built in the “Home,” and not in the display, as previously assumed. Nevertheless, the principle of his work is very different from the Touch ID in iPhone 5s: for fingerprint registration or unlock the smartphone user should not just put your finger and hold it on the button.

Through the use of the Android operating system in their devices, Samsung significantly expanded its fingerprint scanner compared with Touch ID. With it, the user can not only protect your smartphone as a whole, but also block individual applications, widgets and even files. Of course, the scanner will be able to store in its memory several prints – for example, your wife and child.

It is worth noting that Apple can not be called “pioneer” in the case of Touch ID. Fingerprint existed in mobile devices and to iPhone 5s, but the first in Cupertino could make this technology available to the user as much as possible and make it available to a wide range of consumers.

Despite this, Samsung for some reason could not do it before Apple and it seems watching the market reaction to novelty. And more than 50 million iPhone sold in the last quarter indicate that the technology is clearly relished by most buyers.

It is reported that the Galaxy S5 receives 5.2-inch display with a higher resolution than that of S4, which is 1080 x 1920 pixels. The smartphone will be presented with a new generation of smart watches Galaxy Gear at Monday, February 24 . It will be very interesting to watch the presentation – Samsung suddenly decided to learn from Apple anything else?

Samsung has created its own fingerprint reader

iBand: concept bracelet from Apple

Very often amateur concepts of Apple products are boring, primitive and monotonous. But not one that we publish today. Authors of the project iBand decided to go non-standard way and assumed that of Cupertino will come not smart watch and smart (and nice looking) bracelet.

Accessory, according to the designers of T3, get all the “chips”, attributed to iWatch . On board there is an accessory heart rate monitor, GPS-tracker sensors to monitor the sleep app Healthbook, which say a lot, and Lightning connector technology Magsafe, fingerprint scanner, assistant Siri and tagging system iBeacon.

Externally, the product will be similar to the iPhone 5c – plastic gadget, color, youth. Of course, paired with iPhone 5s such a device would look inappropriately … But who says that the smartphone needs to be kept in sight? Meaning wearable devices just to shove bulky phones away and take them into the hands only when necessary.

Recall doubt that Apple is preparing Neck computer for analysis of the physical state of the users, is almost gone. Fast release indirectly confirmed by numerous appointments, data published by the mainstream media and based on insider information as well as forecasts of experts and analysts. In addition, Tim Cook had to promise the fans of the brand outlet fundamentally new category this year.

iBand: concept bracelet from Apple

Two in one: Apple patents headphones Tracker

Someone wanted to innovation? Here’s a little attempts from Apple. According snared patent, the company is preparing headphones , able to count pulse.

Even if the patent has not transformed into a real product (and, alas, it happens), the idea and development of smart headphones seems curious.

If you believe the documents, headphones will be able to monitor the health of its owner: measure heart rate, respiration, body temperature to determine. 

Moreover, thanks to built-in accelerometer, gyro and motion sensors, the gadget can be controlled using head movements. Turning to the right can mean one team (say, the transition to the next track when listening to music), and a circular rotation head – another (eg, pauses). The list of available motion commands described in the patent is broad. The instrument will be able to distinguish the motion command from accidental or natural (when a person turns to a loud sound or nods passer).

That the patent, filed in 2008, has emerged now, it seems logical and timely. Apple seriously took medical technologies, biosensors, forthcoming intelligent tracker, and probably considering all options organize their developments. Headphones, incidentally, is not a bad option. Although not unique. Something similar can be found on Kickstarter: headphones Dash , break a big jackpot, also able to monitor the health of the user.

Two in one: Apple patents headphones Tracker

Facebook buys WhatsApp messenger for $ 16 billion

The largest social network Facebook is going to get popular WhatsApp messenger for $ 16 billion. This was reported by TechCrunch citing Commission’s Securities and Exchange Commission United States.

Under the deal, WhatsApp fully join Facebook, but it will continue to operate as an independent service. In addition, one of the founders of WhatsApp and its CEO Yang Koumi take place in the board of directors of social networks.

Of the aforementioned $ 16 billion $ 4 billion Facebook pay cash, $ 12 billion – own shares (which, by the way, now is not in poverty ), as well as provide employees messenger bags restricted shares RSU 3 billion dollars. Last designed to stimulate employees to continued presence in the camp of the corporation as to exchange them for common stock only after performing employees prearranged conditions or the occurrence of certain events.

In his blog, Facebook unveiled some statistics on users WhatsApp. The monthly audience of service exceeds 450 million people, 70% of them use it daily, and the rate of new registrations when reaches an incredible one million users per day.

How did this deal will affect you and me, ordinary users WhatsApp? If we believe the company’s representatives, it does. The only source of monetization service model will “subscription” , according to which for access to WhatsApp need to pay one dollar (33 rubles) per year. No advertising banners and ads. In this first year of use will continue to be free.

By the way, on the promotion of their product team WhatsApp not spent a penny – they do not even have their advertising department. And only an investment of $ 8 million messenger drew as many as three years ago.

Just a week ago in IT-sphere was an active discussion about buying another messenger Viber Japanese company Rakuten for $ 900 million. Number of users of the service is much lower than with WhatsApp – 300 million people, but Viber offers several additional ways to earn – for example, the purchase toll stickers. In addition, the service provides free voice communication, which is also important.

Nevertheless Viber, roughly estimated at 16 times cheaper as photo service Instagram, who two years ago bought Facebook. It turns out that for each active member WhatsApp social network paid about 35 dollars. And that you understand the seriousness of the situation last fall Nokia sold its mobile division Microsoft twice cheaper.

The deal between the two companies to be completed in mid-August this year. In case of difficulty Facebook WhatsApp will pay a penalty in the amount of one billion dollars and give its shares another billion dollars.

WhatsApp application is not only for the iPhone, but also for Android, Windows Phone , BlackBerry, and many other platforms. Download iOS-version of the program at this link .

Facebook buys WhatsApp messenger for $ 16 billion

Ken Segal in search of the missing demand for iPhone 5c

I hope that among those who will read this article, there are owners of iPhone 5C . That hope, because even though I truly admire this device, we must recognize that most are not honored by his attention. Talking about this sale, talking about this rumor , this speaks Tim Cook . The only thing I did not quite like it in the plastic model iPhone – it’s color schemes, but sometimes I really wish I had bought a white or green iPhone 5c. However, the available colors on the product – not the main reason for the low sales. Looking for the cause, and everyone has their own opinion on this matter.

Ken Segal, creator of the popular slogan «Think Different», never misses an opportunity to speak about his former employer. He has an opinion and at the expense of “failure” color model iPhone, told us about this resource iDownloadBlog. That’s what Ken wrote in his blog:

So what happened to the iPhone 5c? Now that it has existed long enough, you can probably draw some conclusions.

First of all, Steve Jobs was right. Apple – a company that does not produce consumer goods. It makes products for people who are important design, simplicity, quality and a good experience from the use of, and they are willing to pay for these things anymore. To compromise on any of these areas – a violation of the basic guidelines for the Apple.

Does the quality of the plastic? Not necessarily. In the end, the iPhone and used to make plastic. But when the iPhone began to look more expensive plastic retreated. It becomes clear that the creation of a new plastic models generate test marketing.

Apparently at Apple could not cope with this challenge. Companies were able to show that the iPhone 5c not cheaper, it’s more colorful. And with the knowledge that people have gone to buy iPhone 5s in the rich body color of champagne. Ken also rightly observed that the price difference is not enough palpable. Total $ 100 separates you from the smartphone, which has a Touch ID. I admit, it is the presence of this function was the determining factor in my choice, and I’m sure many are guided by the same.

What future for the unsuccessful model iPhone – is not precisely known, but they say that the future it will not have at all. If you, like me, plastic smartphone from Apple TV with no more than 4 inches seems more than appealing, there is a possibility that now is the time to buy one like this. If Ken Segal rights, and learned all the lessons Apple analysts, next year we are waiting semiprecious smartphones with big screens.

Ken Segal in search of the missing demand for iPhone 5c

Handheld devices have been living in the minds of Apple employees

What do you associate in 2007? My association is depicted above – is the first model of iPhone , smartphone, which made ​​a revolution in the market. He just came in 2007. After it came out no less amazing products such as App Store and the iPad, but it should be understood that they were conceived much earlier, even before the revolutionary iPhone. In 2014, we were promised a long-awaited new category of device, and we decided that it would be worn iWatch. If so, how long Apple in nurturing the idea?

Smart market hours and health bracelets (not zirconium, and those that are able to keep track of your activity) began to fill offers only last year. Then fell down rumors that Apple is doing in this direction. Can recall a considerable number of workers hired Medicine published patents Cardiosensor, application Healthbook and rumors about orders for compact curved displays.

All this came up recently, and how long these ideas originated in the laboratories of Apple in Cupertino? I remember in 2007 by chance. There is an opinion that it is in Year iPhone the company has already started to think about our health. This is the conclusion employees Business Insider, disassembled recently surfaced patent for a system for monitoring activity, located in the headphones.

The application for this technology was filed in 2008, but it was not the first. For the first time Apple tried to patent wearable sensors in October 2007. If even then the company was thinking about accessories that will help us in the sport and tracking their own health, it deserves the title of the most far-sighted.

It is obvious that Apple likes to play many games, letting the market existing devices, one that is better than others. Better just because it worked on not one or two years, and if so, we are waiting for something no less perfect than the iPhone, iPad or MacBook.

Handheld devices have been living in the minds of Apple employees

What can a new tool Perspective Warp in Adobe Photoshop CC

It seems that Adobe has decided to seriously deal with the cluttered horizon and other geometric distortions in the photographs. The latest version of Lightroom appeared tool for automatic correction of such problems, and more recently, even more powerful variant thereof and got Photoshop CC. It is about Perspective Warp Tool and I’ll tell you.

If Lightroom image correction need only basic: fix the horizon, return parallelism removed “from the bottom” of the building, or do both at once, in Photoshop task more difficult. As a trivial example – set the correct perspective objects, collecting a complex collage of photos. Of course, the real masters of Photoshop can deal with this problem by using simple tools for modifying the image, but it took a good spatial imagination and time-consuming.

With the advent of Perspective Warp is made easy.

Working with this tool is divided into two stages, which can be navigated buttons on the toolbar. In the first stage you need to set the reference plane of your image, specify the program that is – what your photo is parallel “in life.” To do this, place the image “grid” and link them to the appropriate objects in the image. These virtual plane can be combined (in fact, most often it needs to be done to achieve the best results), indicating where the “face” of the object, which we will transform. It’s enough to take the edge planes to each other, they are highlighted, and the “grid” unite together.

Setting the edge, you can switch directly to the transformation mode. In this mode, you move the vertex, and Photoshop to change the image so that it faces coincided with the edges formed by the grid. An interesting feature: if you hold down the Shift key and click on one of the faces, Photoshop will make its vertical (or horizontal, depending on the situation), it is useful, for example when shooting architecture.

Anything that does not fall into transformable space, Photoshop will try to preserve as much as possible intact. Most “loss” is located on the edge of the image, so after correcting geometry, or you will need to crop a picture, or “to finish” missing using a large arsenal of Photoshop.

Tool Perspective Warp – just one of the many innovations that have brought the latest update Photoshop. The good news is that with a new subscription-distribution system users can always use the latest version of the program.

What can a new tool Perspective Warp in Adobe Photoshop CC

iWatch have not yet emerged, but dictate the future

About 2013 can remember many things, but among other things – the year in which the various smart wristwatch accessories began to gain popularity. Total for the second half of last year, it sold 1.6 million smart sports bracelets and watches. According to 9to5Mac, analysts predict strong growth in sales of such devices in 2014, and, of course, is not without hope for the output of portable devices from Apple.

Canalys analyst firm predicts sales growth of wearable electronics to more than 17 million devices. The main reason for the growth and development will be their new opportunities. Now it is a fitness enthusiast bracelets, or smart, but not very, watches. But when these accessories will add to the capabilities of the field of medicine and health, they will become more in demand, according to analysts. They seem to be guided by rumors about future product Apple. According to forecasts, wearable accessories become major consumers of new technologies, and hence – the main object of the attention of buyers. This year sales growth of their stops. They are predicting sales to more than 23 million units in 2015 and over 45 million by 2017.

The latest rumors about Apple, which employs workers from the medical sector , as well as what we know and think about a new software product company, said that Nike, Jawbone, Pebble and others will be beaten this year. iWatch, or whatever was not called future product must bite off a huge chunk of the schedule set forth above, and exceed the expectations of analysts. Remarkably, it seems to me that Apple’s wearable accessory may gain popularity and without any recreational opportunities. However, these features – the only thing we know about the future of the device, and, apparently, the only thing they know analysts.

iWatch have not yet emerged, but dictate the future

Basis - looking footage for the team iWatch

Almost every week there is information about health workers, hired a company from Cupertino . Apple is actively developing the so-called team iWatch, but in creating a wearable accessory-based tracking of the health of the owner, will be useful not only to medical professionals. There is a rumor that the company can draw strength existing manufacturer smart hours.

According to TechCrunch company Basis, intelligent accessory manufacturer Basis Health Tracker, currently experiencing financial difficulties. They will be difficult to stay afloat, for this reason, the company wishes to be acquired. Creators fitness hours have not yet decided the price they want to ask, but decided on the list of companies which, in their opinion, may appeal this sentence. Certainly not the last place in this list is the company Apple, actively expanding their development team has not yet announced a wearable device.

You would think that if the creators of the future iWatch needed company-producer wearable electronics, long sentence would be made ​​towards Fitbit , Pebble or someone else. But the only product Basis glory has the most accurate and reliable fitness assistant. If a company can make Apple really interesting proposal, there is a chance that the latter will not stand. We will follow the development of this story and keep you posted.

Basis - looking footage for the team iWatch

Quarterly Report: Apple residential area and other concepts First Cultural Industries

Every company has its own name: the unique look of the product, corporate identity, formed a system of values. Designers have decided to take into account the individuality of IT-giants and imagine how would look areas built specifically for workers Apple, Google, Facebook and located near the headquarters of the enterprise. All concepts were completed by the First Cultural Industries.

According to the designers, the town would be named Apple iTown, it would live 13,000 employees of the corporation, and its construction would cost $ 5.2 billion. It is worth noting that the main building area ( campus -spaceship) looks futuristic, but the concept of residential buildings resemble toasters and packages of milk collected from Lego (without rounded corners has not done). Top view explains a lot – reminds quarter sun with radiating rays. 

Googleplex – Town Google – would consist of a series of square faceted skyscrapers with colored tops-cubes. The company’s headquarters would be lost among these giants. Construction of this, it should be noted, controversial, architectural ensemble would cost $ 4 billion, and place it would actually 10,000 employees. 

The largest social network would also not lost if she had their own town or quarter. As planned by the First Cultural Industries, Facebook City would be made in the corporate blue color would include both flats (again, with a square color “knob”) and low houses with courtyards. Location of buildings around the current campus seems chaotic, but top view shows us that the shape is triangular quarter. Construction of the “triangle” would cost $ 3.8 billion and provided housing about 9000 people.

Which design do you like the project?

Quarterly Report: Apple residential area and other concepts First Cultural Industries

Tesla will help Apple in the development of the car?

What new product from Apple, you most want to see this year? I think most will remember about iWatch TV iTV, while others are limited in their desires next-generation iPhone and iPad. But if you think, there is another very interesting industry, where the company would be able to realize their innovative potential. No, refrigerators – this niche long ago took Samsung. It comes to cars.

Last year, Apple could discuss absorption American car company Tesla Motors – known manufacturer of electric vehicles , according to San Francisco Chronicle. According to rumors, Adrian Perica, head of the corporation for the acquisition of startups, met with the CEO and one of the investors in Tesla Motors Elon Musk. In addition, at a business meeting, probably present himself Tim Cook.

Analysts say that the meeting was aimed at introducing technology «iOS in the car” in the most common at the moment electric car Tesla – Model S. In fact, at the presentation of iOS 7 last June, Tesla Motors logo was absent among the producers who wish to help Apple in the development of new technology.

But if this is true, why not meeting held Eddy Cue ? After all, he led the development of «iOS in the car,” so it would be logical if I talked with Mask Kew. Yes, and vice president of acquisitions Apple is clearly not just a coffee went there to drink.

Elon Musk is often called the “new Steve Jobs” , and companies established by them, do have something in common. Tesla is trying to make electric cars as accessible as possible for the average consumer – the U.S. retail price for the Model S does not exceed 60 thousand dollars. Of course, after the passage of the Russian customs car will cost much higher, but until Tesla focused more on the U.S. market than the European.

Certainly, Tesla would be a great foundation for the automotive division Apple. The latter has no experience in this industry, so it obviously needs an assistant, and the best candidate for this role than the company Elon Musk, simply does not exist.

While this is only a rumor, but it is not excluded that in the future they will find a confirmation from other sources. Who knows, maybe we will see the long-awaited iCar in the next five years.

Tesla will help Apple in the development of the car?

Apple surpassed sales Windows-PC

Total sales of iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Mac for the first time were higher than the amount realized Windows-based computers in the last quarter. It is reported with reference to the MacRumors analyst Benedict Evans and company Gartner.

According to experts, in the December 2013 sale of iOS-devices and Mac computers reached historic highs , and market PC, on the contrary, experienced a significant decline. This allowed Apple to get ahead and sell their gadgets almost 10 million more than all manufacturers Windows-based computers together. Three years ago, even assuming this was difficult.

It is worth noting that if you add up sales PC and mobile devices running Windows Phone on board, their rate will be higher than that of iPhone, iPad and Mac, but very little separation.

The average price for devices Apple (including Mac) currently stands at 584 dollars, while the average cost of a computer on Windows does not exceed $ 544. It turns out the “apple” corporation not only sells more gadgets, but also gets them with enviable proceeds.

By the way, even without the help of Mac cumulative sales of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch were higher.

Nevertheless, Gartner gives a positive outlook for PC sales this year. It is expected that sales of computers show 10 percent growth, but Apple still retain the lead with 29 percent sales growth.

Windows on the PC market is experiencing hard times largely due to lack of need for constant updating of such devices. If iPhone owners prefer to update your smartphone is not less frequently than once every two years, the period of use of PC is usually a minimum of four years, because if you want you can always replace components with more powerful and modern.

Apple surpassed sales Windows-PC