Friday, February 27, 2015

"Smart" new portable Geiger - Radium

"Smart" new portable Geiger - Radium


“Smart” Pocket Geiger Radium developed by a group Sergey Vladimirov (Amsterdam) and submitted to Crowdfunding Kickstarter. The product is designed to track various levels of radiation in real time and can be used both at home and during the tourist trips and special expeditions.


Pocket Geiger Radium Smartphone


The device was created during the last year and includes the functionality of all existing developments and innovative solutions in this area. Its main advantages are:


  • Maximum ease of use.

  • High-quality measurements.

  • Compact dimensions.

  • A wide range of its functions.

In addition to its functional team, Vladimirov offers free apps for Android, iOS and Windows Phone wireless record readings on the smartphone. This will involve features such as geo, data export and notification via SMS or e-mail. In addition, developers can create their own applications or integrate them via Bluetooth with other existing software.


"Smart" new portable Geiger - Radium


Participants suggested the startup of its four main differences Geiger counter from similar devices, which should stimulate its popularity. In particular, Radium:


  1. Has the cost of cheaper counterparts. Price reduction has been achieved with the help of schematic optimization and selection of the best suppliers for the purchase of compact and efficient components,

  2. Has fewer dimensions analogs. The device can be used as is or be a module drones, robots and other third-party hardware.

  3. It has Bluetooth, a modular design and is an autonomous unit integrable, which is important for software developers.

  4. Generates measurement with high accuracy. The device has enhanced sensitivity of the tube, which can detect alpha, beta and gamma radiation. The product comes with two such sensors to filter different types of radiation.

The main applications of portable Geiger counter for operational radiation measurements:


  • In the food at home or in a store.

  • In the building materials for repair and construction.

  • In clothes and other things like

Technical parameters of Radium:


  • The Cortex 32 bit.

  • Lithium-polymer battery 750 mAh.

  • The display diagonal of 1.3 inches.

"Smart" new portable Geiger - Radium


In the maximum configuration, Radium Pro Pack the cost of the device is 364 euros. In this set includes, in addition to a portable Geiger counter, Radium Box, MicroUSB / UART cables, Bluetooth Dongle and a pair of sensors for measuring different types of radiation.


Subject to set the right amount of funds for Crowdfunding model will go on sale in the summer of 2015. It is also possible to purchase a separate module without display and buttons, which greatly reduces its cost. Dispatch will be implemented in all countries of the world.


Source: Kickstarter



"Smart" new portable Geiger - Radium

Experts have learned to spy on users using new smartphone batteries

Experts have learned to spy on users using new smartphone batteries


Learn about the movements of the owners of mobile devices can be learned only by their energy consumption. However, neither the GPS- or other such data is not required. New method shared by scientists from Stanford University.


Researchers at Stanford University have found an unconventional way to track the movements of smartphone users – for this they did not require any signal GPS, or stored on the smartphone data on access points Wi-Fi, which connects the device. Calculate a route they could only picture on energy devices.


Power consumption depends on a smartphone, consume much radio responsible for the connection to the base stations of cellular networks and communication. “Having power smartphone for some time (at least several minutes), you can compare it with a typical power consumption, studied in advance on all known routes of movement in a particular city”, – explained the researchers in their work.


That is, to know the user’s location anywhere in the world and his journey from this point of the new method does not allow it. But it will know what route traveled by the machine (and in which direction – from the point A to B or from B to A), an approximate knowledge of its initial location.


For data collection, the researchers developed Android app called PowerSpy


In a series of experiments, the authors were able to establish the accuracy of the method of determination of the route. Using 43 different data sets for four routes length of about 19 km, they were able to achieve the accuracy of the determination of the route at the level of 93%. Adding three more routes and eight data sets yielded 90.2% accuracy.


According to the researchers, the launch different applications on your smartphone while the application PowerSpy and making a call could not distort the energy is so strong that the method proved to be inoperative. The fact that these factors are not due to changes in the position of the device geometry. Therefore, the researchers were able to easily eliminate them using machine learning algorithms.


The authors of the method emphasize that Android-powered devices, any application can access the parameters of energy – it does not need to get the user to any permits, as in the case of access, such as a contact book or geolocation services. The method also allows you to track the current position to the user in advance a certain route in real time.


Source: techtimes



Experts have learned to spy on users using new smartphone batteries

The set-top Microsoft HD-10 review

The set-top Microsoft HD-10 review


One of the most important recent trends in electronics – universal waiver wire. A few days ago we told you of the wireless charger for smartphones Lumia, but today let’s talk about the wireless transmission of images from the phone directly to the TV. In the laboratory set-top box Raqwe Microsoft HD-10.


Various manufacturers have already presented their vision of such devices. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages, the ideal set-top boxes for wireless transmission of images from the phone to the TV does not exist yet.


Top box connected to the TV via HDMI-cable while it can be freely put on the table. This embodiment is better than the HDMI-dongle, as Last connect conveniently not in every TV and HDMI-extension creates unnecessary confusion.


Connectors on the housing Microsoft HD-10


The second connector on the body – this micro-USB, through the power is connected. Can be used as an external power supply, and power from the USB-port of your TV. And this, again, is more convenient than a separate power supply company, which is terrible to lose and the TV is not powered.


The set-top Microsoft HD-10 review


Possible and this option: connect Microsoft HD-10 to the HDMI input on the game console Xbox One and “powered” prefix from one of the ports USB, located nearby. Thus, HD-10 does not require not only a separate electrical outlet, but also a separate HDMI-input on the TV.


More on the housing consoles are no buttons and no connectors. At the bottom of the can only see the logo of the manufacturer, but the ventilation slots.


Included with the set-top is also available round NFC-tag. It is quite large so that it can even be used as a stand for coffee. (Joke. Although …).


Thanks to NFC-tag Connect your smartphone to your TV easier than ever: touch smartphone with the back of the label (usually on the back side and a NFC-sensor) – and the operating system already offers us to connect to a TV set-top box.


Now what can I do? Yes, all that on your phone – set-top box duplicates it on the TV screen. Of course, the TV screen touch this does not become, so all management (in games or movies) – still on the phone.


Show presentation, watch a video, read the latest press on the Internet, even to play – all this is much nicer and easier to do on a large TV screen (if there is one nearby) than on the small screen of your smartphone. Here’s the handy Microsoft HD-10


The set-top Microsoft HD-10 review.


Functionally, set-top box simply duplicates the screen smartphone – and nothing else. Ie play video separately to show it on TV, and on your phone – no, not work. Nevertheless, the quality of image transfer in this case at a height.


It is worth noting that the HD-10 works not only with smartphones Lumia though NFC-tag is read correctly only by them (on Android autostart connection can be configured using a special application to work with NFC-tags). In fact, HD-10 – it is a regular receiver operating protocol Wi-Fi Miracast and, accordingly, it is compatible with any transmitter broadcasting on the same protocol. That is, most of the today’s Android-smartphone will also work with HD-10.


In total Microsoft HD-10


Now its set-top box appeared and for Microsoft. Design, setting, connection and operation of the basic functions, mirroring screen smartphone made for five-plus, but we would still wish to add another manufacturer of any function in the software Microsoft HD-10. It would be convenient, as it seems to us that when playing video smartphone could act as a remote control.


Well, for the power connection on the micro-USB and NFC-label for smartphones on Windows Phone manufacturer special thanks.


Source: Microsoft



The set-top Microsoft HD-10 review

Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 review

Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 review


In the electronics market, there is a paradox. On the one hand, the main advantage of tablets and laptops in front of Transformers is their relatively high mobility. For example, in the bathroom with a laptop does not drag and tablet – well, why would it not something to read, to see. On the other, in the same bathtub risk of damaging your gadget is quite high.


The fact that the security of devices is paid too little attention to this paradox lies. Moreover, the example of the bathroom – the banalest. There are still many situations where needed, and mobile, and powerful, and functional, and the protected computer. But where did this take?


Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 meets all these requirements. This is a serious device for solving complex mission-critical, and with its purpose confidently coping.


Appearance – Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704


Typically, this is the most boring part of the review, especially when it comes to laptops. So it really is important to know which side are USB-ports. But, in this case, there really talk about anything.


You should start with the fact that once you take the computer as a hand, you know – before you is not a toy but a serious thing. Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 is beating in the category of “heavyweights” graceful “lightweight” next to it look like schoolboys next to Fedor Emelianenko.


Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 review


Included are already two connect the keyboard. One more thin, the other half an inch thick.


Display one. Along the perimeter thereof is a silo (!), Headphones, USB-output, micro-USB-input, and MicroSD slots for SIM-cards. On the other hand with a call button quick settings (talk about this in more detail later) and volume buttons. On the back cover is a camera and a fingerprint scanner. That is, “packed” the device completely.


To “thick” keyboard is VGA-input, 2 USB-port, Ethernet, and HDMI. The keys are massive, with a mild stroke and pleasant to the touch. The layout is classic, without experiments.


On the “thin” no connectors no, that is retractable stand for the device on a secure footing.


For transformer at Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 unprecedented high performance. Judge for yourself. 12.5 inch display resolution is 1920 × 1080 pixels, the matrix is technology, IPS. Screen, so really very high quality. At the same time, he is also sensitive to the stylus.


Performance varies, depending on the configuration. In our model were set i7-4600U 2,1 GHz processor with vPro (4 MB cache) technology to support Turbo Boost. RAM is installed 8 GB.


Working it all running Windows 8.1 Professional.


Software


Included with Windows is also available and the full version of the popular graphics editor Corel. If we reject the false impression that this program are solely designers, the bonus becomes palpable. Not so small groups of people that it will be useful, especially when you consider the presence of the stylus. And since we are talking about the stylus, it is worth mentioning one more scenario of its use: most capacitive screens are still not sensitive to touch gloves. This is where the stylus and rescues.


Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 review


As mentioned above, Transformers has a special key, which can be used to implement a quick access to important settings, like the one that comes with each smartphone swipe up or down. Moreover, switching to different modes done very intelligently: the inclusion of a system of preset reports that specifically change.


Another program, which is rare in usually quite trivial and useless sets of built-in utilities to many other manufacturers, is a multimedia center with music search and download videos from different resources (including the very youtube.com).


By clicking on the screenshot to open larger image


She is able to also make musical connections between different performers with different filters (more popular, more like, and so on). More functionality means it sync with smart (no Windows Phone 8 yet, alas).


Besides these, of course, present and gentleman set of standard utilities, such as all kinds of security and antivirus software (in this case MacAfee) or applications to work with the camera.


The security


Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 certified in accordance with US Department of Defense. It is waterproof according to the specifications IPX5 / 7/8 and dust-proof IP5X.


An additional reason for believing that the device safely should be considered and reinforced glass.


Autonomy


Speaking of autonomy, it is worth mentioning that the keyboard is set extra battery that adds up to 8 hours of battery life.


Total 2 battery can provide up to 16 hours of battery life.


Findings – Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704


Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 review


Called the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 typical notebook-transformer would be incorrect. This is a real workstation with a very decent performance for this class, autonomy, and software. Of course, we met earlier tablets that when connecting the docking station to work for more than 10 hours. But among them was not such which would be running Windows 8 Professional with all the attendant advantages. Another striking feature is definitely a quality software preinstalled. This is a rarity. And, of course, once again worth mentioning the high degree of integrability in any perforin due to the large number of possible interfaces and connectors: from Ethernet to LTE. This all inclusive.


Source: fujitsu



Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q704 review

Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review

Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review


Lenovo is the entire 2014 successfully proved that he can produce excellent smartphones, and Taiwanese chip maker MediaTek chipsets her constantly helped. By the end of last year, Lenovo has become one of the first companies to be tested in your device, Lenovo Vibe X2, fresh chipset MediaTek MT6595M. It is notable for the fact that the world’s first eight-proposed platform with integrated LTE-modem, and at the same time it is here that debuted top core ARM Cortex-A17 (those that are 20% more powerful than the Cortex-A15). Lenovo has chosen the most balanced in terms of their power and a stand-alone version of the chipset with index “M”. If a more powerful versions of the single-chip platform frequency cores ARM Cortex-A17 up to 2.5 or 2.2 GHz, and Cortex-A7 – 1,7 GHz, the MediaTek MT6595M is 2 and 1.5 GHz, respectively.


Lenovo outside the box came to the design of the box – packing consists of two parts and directly “box” with accessories and smartphone also divided into two levels. Urbana moments of the distribution kit – absolutely clear case of the “bumper”. That is logical – it would be foolish to block cover delights case design. The rest of us before the headset cable microUSB, AC adapter, a needle to extract key SIM-card holder, as well as manual and warranty card.


Chinese manufacturers managed to release a smartphone that is not lost among the hundreds of black and gray “colleagues” – this now does not happen often. Lenovo is clearly designed the younger audiences, rather tired of the same type of “bricks”. First of all, Lenovo Vibe X2 noteworthy bright “sunny” colors of the shell. Model made a four, each level has its own color, from the bottom to top is light golden, rich golden, orange and black. However, if you prefer quieter colors, there is a version with black and gray shades. Also available in the extravagant design – burgundy and bright red color.


The body is made from a lack of smooth transitions between the parties, which could degrade the ergonomics. However, this design feature did not affect the convenience of working with a smartphone because of its small thickness – 7.2 mm at a modest weight of 120, all in perfect order and with the materials of the case – back cover is made of metal. Although many observers about this and did not tell. What is to be expected – Lenovo excellent “hidden” material, with good intentions, we could not distinguish it from the plastic.


Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review


Smartphone monolithic – disassemble the cabinet we are not allowed. Build quality is very high, no creaks or backlash. Keyset is most convenient – the power button and volume controls are located on the same end, right.


Below – the connector microUSB, above – 3.5 mm audio output. Alas, microSD card slot no.


“Cot” for micro-SIM card is on the left side.


At the top, there are light sensors and proximity, as well as the earpiece and front camera.


Below the screen is three touch keys with backlight.


The back side is the camera and flash, both even a millimeter do not protrude above the hull. At the bottom of multimedia speaker set, and the right of the three pins to connect accessories. For example, for Lenovo Vibe X2 sold Case with integrated extra battery.


Model “equipped with” 5-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels used IPS-matrix. All the attributes of a top smartphone available – shield protects the glass Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and between the sensor layer and the matrix is no air gap.


Supply of decent brightness, the sun does not display model “blind.” Lenovo paid particular attention to the settings screen, brightness and color hue of the image can be changed manually.


Powerful and unusual: a review of Lenovo Vibe X2 smartphone chipset MediaTek MT6595M


We also note the presence of proprietary technology MediaTek ClearMotion. When it is turned on while playing a video with a frame rate of 24-30 f / s, this parameter is increased to 60 K / s. So in dynamic scenes objects become clearer during the movement, and the video itself plays more smoothly. We tested the theory in practice – indeed, mysteriously frame rate grows, the picture is less jerky.


And again, “hello” from MediaTek, a Lenovo Vibe X2 have the technology MiraVision Taiwanese chip maker. When you activate the option, the screen brightness is regulated not only based on the lighting conditions, but also on the basis of the color gamut pictures on the display. So on the one hand under the sun will be more visible dark colors (light, on the contrary, prig lush at), and in the dark eyes do not get tired and do not be blinded by the glare. This smartphone is called “the street”, although with the same success it is useful in the room.


Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review


An illustrative example – in the picture above at MiraVision activation, increases the brightness of the image with a predominance of dark shades. At the same refreshment without this option, the image is less bright that in games or movies will reduce the intelligibility of the picture.


In Lenovo Vibe X2 uses a 5 megapixel front and rear 13 megapixel cameras has a flash, it can also work as a flashlight.


The photo quality is excellent, slightly lower than the current smartphone flagship smartphone in this matter. Noteworthy color rendition – vibrant colors, decent contrast images. All over the frame is not “soap”, good clarity persists in cloudy weather. Note also automation – a model correctly puts in difficult conditions the white balance and exposure, including work in low light conditions. In general, we definitely recommend Lenovo Vibe X2 as a replacement for an ordinary “Soap”.


5 megapixel front – “paradise” for fans of “self.” These users will certainly be pleased by the fact that for them implemented special treatment. CPU MediaTek MT6595M in hardware support JavaScript Face Beautifier. It allows you to achieve a smooth and fair skin, in fact, it is a mobile analog of “Photoshop”. Implementation is at the “iron” is likely to be required for more rapid processing and quality as compared with exclusively in software with a similar goal.


Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review


During the performance, said here comply chipset MediaTek MT6595M, graphics chip PowerVR G6200 and 2 GB of RAM. To store the information requested to 32 GB of memory, of which 5 GB is reserved for the system. Alas, memory card support is not provided, so that the choice of content for storage should be approached responsibly.


MediaTek CorePilot in Lenovo Vibe X2 – “our all”, with the help of this technology chipset somehow combines the core of different architectures, and along with individually selected for their frequency depending on the task. We add to this special task scheduler control body temperature – and get a good tool of rational distribution of power. CorePilot advantage is that it can add to the smart phone time “speed”, but it is closely monitoring the case and overheating are out wasting battery. As a result, as we have not perfected the skill of shooting in the Modern Combat 5, Lenovo Vibe X2 only add a couple of degrees in temperature in the vicinity of the logo on the cover.


Directly with the performance, as you know, a full order. Lenovo Vibe X2 successfully “ate” all the proposed 3D-game resolution Full HD, whether Asphalt 8 with maximum settings or additional effects pleasing especially for MediaTek MT6595M shooter Modern Combat 5. Complaints caused only NOVA 3 – the first few levels of the texture of buildings were full of artifacts.


According to the AnTuTu, the brainchild of Lenovo closes the top three most powerful smartphone in the world. Of course, affects processor performance while only graphics benchmarks smartphone shows the level slightly above average.


Smartphone software side “rules» Android 4.4.2 KitKat with prospects upgrade to release Lollipop. Standard shell replaced by a brand VIBE UI, that definitely went for the benefit of the unit. Style interface MIUI almost cleaned “rewrote” all aspects of Android – the replacement of icons to the original ways to perform tasks such as installing wallpaper. But most importantly – the system does not break and running smoothly, obvious glitches and problems were found. A small fly in the ointment is the change of orientation of the screen, it could happen a little faster.


Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review


The thinness of the body forced to abandon Lenovo capacious battery – for a very long “autonomy” should apply to classical or new Lenovo P780 P70. Battery capacity in Vibe X2 is 2300 mAh, which for a 5-inch Full HD-smartphone with an 8-core processor is not very much. But do not forget the tricks MediaTek, which allowed eventually achieve an acceptable autonomy.


On average, Lenovo Vibe X2 holds “from the wall outlet to outlet” from morning till evening, with an average operation rate at the end of the day is 10-15% charge. About particulars – smartphone allows about 7 o’clock watch video and play 3D-games turns up to 3 hours. Of course, Lenovo could not do without its own technology to reduce energy consumption. In an active Lenovo Vibe X2 so-called emergency mode (only calls and SMS), choice of programs with mandatory shutdown in sleep mode and smart economy. The latter is limited to the screen brightness and power of the GPU.


Among wireless standards, Lenovo Vibe X2 is not enough unless the NFC, whose usefulness in Russia is still in question. The model supports 3G network and 4G / LTE, Wi-Fi b / g / n / as, Bluetooth 4.1 with the profile of LE, have + receiver GLONASS / GPS. Smartphone confidently holds network problems receiving calls or commission, we have not identified. As for LTE, it all depends on the operator and coverage. This smartphone has been tested in the MTS networks, with rare exception model is not “capricious” – data transfer rate is clearly varied depending on the number of subscribers in a particular area.


In total Lenovo Vibe X2


Lenovo Vibe X2 interesting rare combination today – Lenovo designers have created a smartphone “beautiful”, and with its fresh MediaTek chipset MediaTek MT6595M made a model of “smart”. One could find fault with the stand-alone model, but just in case, Lenovo has provided additional cover-lid, which is not particularly increases the size, but it adds another 2300 mAh.


Source: lenovo



Smartphone Lenovo Vibe X2 review

Speaker Nocs NS2 v2 review: On the threshold of greatness

Speaker Nocs NS2 v2 review: On the threshold of greatness


The company has earned a solid reputation Nocs as a manufacturer of headphones, and a year ago decided to enter the promising market of active speakers. The first swallow was reading NS2 Airplay, receive streaming signal only with devices Apple; Swedish firm now has a wider audience for their speakers: NS2 v2 is compatible with Apple and Android. In addition Airplay and 3.5 mm inputs NS2 v2 equipped with Bluetooth and support Spotify Connect, which is useful for subscribers Spotify Premium.


V2 version added to the list of finishes NS2 (white, yellow, orange, black, red and gray) green. And if our pet and owner of awards, Ruark MR1, miniature seemed to us then Nocs look just tiny; they are ideal for working or kitchen table.


Unlike traditional appearance Ruark, design NS2 v2 definitely belongs to a new era: matte rubberised body from MDF – a soft, clean, very nice rounded edges. 7-cm Kevlar midrange / woofers and a 20 mm silk dome tweeters actuated Amplifiers Class D. effectively and rounding around the speakers, and black woven Kevlar cone.


Durable and stylish housing is provided with a layer of foam on the bottom, which is convenient for installation on the table. Due to lack of faceplates no holes. Slotted front reflex port provides flexibility in placement.


Speaker Nocs NS2 v2 review: On the threshold of greatness


The right speaker is the “master”; it connects to the network and is equipped with the power button, source selection, and configuration. Cable length of 1.25 or 3 meters (both included) sends a signal to the left column.


Configuration is quite straightforward; Pressing «set-up» on the right speaker initiates a connection via Bluetooth to the desired device. For the integration into a home network, download the free app Nocs NS2 for iOS or Android, and follow all the steps required. Apple devices can also be configured via the USB-port of Technology.


At first glance, it seems that the sound Nocs be as modest as their dimensions. Surprisingly, this is not so; it is a large-scale, detailed and very effective.


Song (You Will) Set the World on Fire – one of the most energetic in the album The Next Day, David Bowie, but Nocs enough rhythmic talents and shot in the locker, to pay tribute to her.


Signal transmission via Bluetooth and Airplay sound is clean enough (although the cable it even better). These speakers direct and decisive character. They work great and open space, and standing against a wall. Lovers MP3 format lucky: Nocs clean and meticulously reproduce the even dense and unbridled song arrangement Punching In A Dream group The Naked and Famous at low-resolution recording. A more relaxed composition Within duo Daft Punk admires smoothness and variability of the piano. Plates clean and gently ringing in the background; bass is much deeper than you’d expect from tiny speakers. Perhaps, NS2 v2 somewhat lacking finesse and balance; average range slightly harsh, but sometimes the smallest details are obscured.


Sometimes in a small body hides heroic spirit – and that can be said about the AU Nocs NS2 v2. Perhaps the clarity and expressiveness of the dynamics they are inferior to the leaders of the class, but they have very nice sound, they are able to connect to almost any device and be located almost anywhere.


If you need a desktop speakers with Nocs should get to know.


Price: $ 350


Rating: 4


PROS: Nice and punchy sound; good dynamics; deep bass for these dimensions; practical; construction and design


CONS: The rigidity of MF; lack of refinement


VERDICT: The tiny versatile speaker with a very pleasant sound noteworthy


Source: Nocs NS2 v2 



Speaker Nocs NS2 v2 review: On the threshold of greatness

New hybrid scooter and a suitcase: Briefcase Electric Scooter

New hybrid scooter and a suitcase: Briefcase Electric Scooter


If you are late for a plane, you need to move faster – but usually prevents luggage run or walk fast. Developers Suitcase Briefcase Electric Scooter tried to solve the problem, adding to the overall design of the suitcase electric motor, battery pack and the platform on which a person may be, or where you can place your luggage.


Weight Briefcase Electric Scooter is about 8 pounds without things so that it can be taken either as hand luggage or as baggage


Briefcase Electric Scooter can travel at speeds up to 20 kilometers per hour, and the maximum distance is limited to 10 kilometers. Suitcase can take as its owner and his luggage. The engine is placed at the rear of the platform.


Price of the device rather big, and leaves 599 US dollars. Plus you can use the version with solar panels, for this will need to donut still $ 100.


Source: CoolPeds



New hybrid scooter and a suitcase: Briefcase Electric Scooter