FUTURE TECH

Chrome

Chrome apps for Android and iOS get closer with new developer tools

Back in September, Google confirmed that it was planning to bring Chrome apps to mobile platforms. Early in December, Google said that we might see Chrome apps hitting Android and iOS as soon as January. Today, Google finally released the developer tools needed to make good on those promises, although with only a few days left in January, we're not sure it'll quite make it.

The toolchain that Google has released is an "early developer preview", but it should allow developers to easily port their Chrome apps to mobile by essentially wrapping the Chrome apps in a native shell wrapper using Apache Cordova. And, to make apps feel more native, Google has also ported certain Chrome APIs like push messaging, OAuth2 identification signin, storage access, and more. Not surprisingly, there are a couple extra APIs available for Android porting including rich notifications and in-app payments. 

Google's plan is to allow developers to release Chrome apps through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and have them run just like native apps. We don't have a lot of info on how it will all work, but we expect some cloud syncing to be involved since these are Chrome apps after all. 

source: Chromium Blog via The Verge

 

Apple chipset

Apple's A8 may integrate DRAM into the chipset

The next round of Apple devices isn't expected to hit the market until September, but that means Apple has to finish up designing the chip and sorting out the orders for the companies that will produce and package the chips. A new report makes it sound like Apple may be attempting to bring the upcoming A8 closer to being a true "system-on-a-chip" (SoC).

The A7 SoC included the CPU, GPU, cache, image processor, and "secure enclave" to store TouchID data, and moved the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass processing to the M7 motion coprocessor. Presumably, there will be an M8 motion coprocessor, but word has it that in addition to everything you'd find on the A7, the A8 will also include the DRAM for the device. 

The same report from DigiTimes says that Apple has chosen Amkor Technology and STATS ChipPAC to each package 40% of the A8 orders with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering taking the last 20% of the packaging orders. Interestingly, the report closes by saying that "TSMC reportedly will start ramping up production using 20nm process technology for Apple's A8 chip in the second quarter of 2014." The interesting thing there is that the wording doesn't say that the A8 will begin production in Q2, but that TSMC will ramp up production using the same 20nm process. That could just be odd wording from DigiTimes, because it would make sense that the A8 ramps up production in Q2 so the devices can be built in time for a late Q3 release. 

source: DigiTimes

 

LG Nexus 5 review

Introduction

Nexus phone releases are timed to let Google have the last word - and what a way to have it! A phone that matches any flagship on specs and premieres the latest OS version, but costs barely half as much as some of them. The Nexus 5 promises a great finale to yet another exciting smartphone season and it's not only the droids that stand to attention.
This could have been a deja-vu moment for everybody but the fifth gen Google phone will probably have to work harder than ever. There's already a bunch of Snapdragon-800-powered Android flagships, while Qualcomm's latest is ticking inside Windows Phone-powered devices by Nokia too and Apple has the new 64-bit A7 chipset.
On a second thought, Nexus phones have never been too keen on getting into the skirmish, keeping their distance, aloof and somewhat out of touch, nothing to prove to anyone. The best of Google on your homescreen - that's what it's all about - and at a price that's almost too good to be true.

Nexus 5 official photos
The search giant is partnering with LG for a second year in a row. Whether the Koreans are offering the best production cost or both sides were happy with the Nexus 4, it's a choice we don't mind at all. Anyway, Android 4.4 KitKat on a five-inch full-HD screen, powered by a Snapdragon 800 is a package no one would say not to.
Check out the key specs to see what we're on about.

Key features

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• Penta-band 3G with HSPA; LTE cat3
• 4.95" 16M-color 1080p True HD IPS Plus FullHD capacitive touchscreen
• Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display protection
• Android OS v4.4 KitKat
• Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU, 2 GB RAM, Adreno 330 GPU, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset
• 8MP autofocus camera with LED flash, geotagging, optical image stabilization, photo sphere, 1080p video recording @ 30fps with continuous autofocus and stereo sound; HDR mode, Dual recording, optical image stabilization
• 1.3 MP front-facing camera
• 16GB/32GB of built-in storage
• microUSB port, USB host support, USB on-the-go, SlimPort TV-out
• Bluetooth v4.0
• NFC
• Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA
• GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Voice commands
• Accelerometer and proximity sensor
• Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
• 2300mAh Li-Po battery, wireless charging

Main disadvantages

• Non-expandable storage
• Poor video and audio codec support out of the box
• Non user-replaceable battery
• Comparatively poor battery life (except for calls)
• Loudspeaker is on the quiet side
• Limited availability at launch

Although there's almost no physical resemblance to back it up, the Nexus 5 is based on the LG G2 and that's not a coincidence. The Nexus 4 last year was based on the Optimus G, so history's clearly repeating itself. At least as far as what's under the hood.
Otherwise, the Nexus 5 has one of the most understated exterior designs a flagship smartphone has ever had. It's not an attention-grabber like the iPhone 5s, the HTC One or the Xperia Z1, as if wanting to underline that what matters is inside.

Google Nexus 5 live photos
The latest major release of Android as usual premieres on a new Nexus phone. The Nexus 5 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, which brings even tighter OS integration with Google services. There are a number of other improvements and hints at what's to come. But before we get to that, we'll focus on the Nexus 5's build and finish. The Android 4.4. KitKat overview will follow right after, so without further ado, see you after the break.

Samsung announces devices with 4K displays are on the way

The Mobile World Conference is fast approaching, and Samsung has some titillating news about the displays on their future devices.

 

The Korean Manufacturer mentioned that they’re preparing a smartphone with a QHD AMOLED screen (2560 x 1440 resolution). Some believe that this will be the display on the Galaxy S5, but it’s all speculation at this point. Their other announcement is what’s really intriguing, however.
Samsung also announced that they are working on outfitting future smartphone models with UHD (4K) displays. This means that we could be seeing cell phone screens with a whopping 3480 x 2160 resolution from Uncle Sammie.
There’s no need to get too excited too quickly, however, as 4K screens are a ways off. Samsung just recently released 4K television sets, so it’s a little premature to think that this technology will be made available on their smartphones soon, but it is still an exciting promise to look forward to. Samsung will most likely reveal more information at MWC, which begins on February 24th.
In non-cell phone related news, Samsung also announced that they will be releasing AMOLED television sets with UHD SHD resolutions (7680 x 4320).
Samsung’s definitely upping their game when it comes to displays, anybody here excited to have a 4K phone?

 

Sony has a tablet attachment for its QX10/QX100 lens-style camera duo on the way

For those of you who find snapping photos with a tablet a tad too subtle, I have some great news! Sony has a tablet attachment for its QX10/QX100 duo of lens-style cameras coming your way.  

Carrying the model number SPA-TA1, the tablet attachment is set to launch in Japan in the beginning of April. It will ship with six different arm sizes – from 85mm in width, all the way to 190mm. The mount which ships with the camera lenses tops out at 75mm of width, therefore leaving owners of devices such as the Sony Xperia Z Ultra in need of a dedicated case.
The Sony SPA-TA1 will be priced at ¥3,675 when launched (about $36) when available. Details on its availability in other markets are yet to be announced.

Introduction

Sony is the first to deliver a smartphone, which wouldn't let size get in the way of performance or screen quality. It's no accident that it's a compact rather than a mini - the Snapdragon 800-powered beast would be ashamed to share a name with the upper-midrange (at best) wannabes of the competition.
We've had this for two years now - Android flagships growing in size faster than the US national debt, leaving those in search of a premium phone that doesn't need its own seat on the bus with an increasingly tougher puzzle to crack. You could either defect to iOS at the cost of a two or three month's worth of rent or live with a chipset and screen that are at least a year old.

Email boxes were spammed, comment sections were trolled, petitions were posted but not a single Android smartphone manufacturer dared go against the grain and create a mini that's actually worthy of its big brother's name. Not until today.
Hard to believe? Just take a look at that spec sheet:

Key features

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support; 3G with 42Mbps HSPA; 150Mbps LTE
• 4.3" 16M-color 720p capacitive touchscreen Triluminos display (342pixel density); X-Reality engine; shatter proof and scratch-resistant glass
• Android OS v4.3 Jelly Bean with custom UI
• Quad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400 CPU, 2 GB RAM, Adreno 330 GPU; Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset
• 20.7MP autofocus camera with a 1/2.3" Exmor RS sensor and F/2.0 Sony G Lens; Info-eye, AR effects
• 1080p video recording @ 30fps, continuous autofocus and stereo sound; live video streaming to Facebook
• 2MP front-facing camera, 1080p video recording
• IP58 certification, dust- and waterproof
• Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA; Wireless TV-out
• GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS
• 16GB of built-in storage; microSD card slot
• MHL-enabled microUSB port
• Bluetooth v4.0
• NFC & ANT+ support
• FM radio with RDS
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Accelerometer and proximity sensor
• Active noise cancellation with a dedicated mic
• 2,300mAh Li-Ion battery

Main disadvantage

• Weak LED flash
• Non-user-replaceable battery
• Below average loudspeaker performance (probably due to level of waterproofing)

If the first thing you look for in a smartphone is screen real estate, you might just not find that sort of credentials exciting. If a huge screen is an absolute must, be it for gaming or video watching, then you are excused if the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact doesn't get your pulse racing. In all other cases you have no choice, but to admire this Japanese creation.
A smartphone barely bigger than an iPhone 5s, that's got the latest chipset available in the market, a high-res camera and a screen that, at least on paper, should provide splendid image quality. Compared to the full-size Xperia Z1, the Compact is only some screen resolution and battery juice short.
 Sony Xperia Z1 Comapct

However, when you think about it, 1080p would've been an overkill on a 4.3" screen, adding to the battery drain rather than the image quality. And with the reduced screen consumption the smaller battery shouldn't be an issue either - it's as big as what the Xperia Z offered anyway.
All in all, there's no doubt that the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact has the makings of a winner. But if it was all decided on paper, you wouldn't really be reading this - unless it's the specs you're buying. And with that kind of specs, we can understand. But anyway, let's see how the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact does in real life, shall we?