Monday, July 1, 2013

Leaked fifth-gen Apple iPad schematics show thinner waistline

What looks to be schematics of the upcoming fifth edition of the Apple iPad have surfaced, showing it is set to inherit the visuals of the iPad mini.

As the image above shows, the iPad 4 has rounded edges, while the iPad 5 will get rid of them in favor of more straight lines, just like those if the iPad mini. Furthermore, the next-gen iPad will also be slightly slimmer. According to the sources cited by Nowhereelse.fr, Apple is gong to make the iPad 5 25% thinner than the outgoing model.
Another schematic drawing of the iPad 5 shows some measurements that we can compare to the current-gen one. As seen below, the iPad 5 is shown to be 232 x 178.5 x 7.9mm thick. However, this thickness isn’t confirmed to include the actual display. In comparison, the iPad mini is 7.2mm thick, while the iPad 4 is 9.4mm.

Naturally, you should take these bits of information with a pinch of salt, despite claims that the source is “undoubtedly proven to be reliable”. Traditionally, Apple should make its announcement of the fifth generation iPad between mid-September and the end of October.

Second gen Nexus 7 specs seemingly leaked by ASUS support rep, arriving by the end of July

In a strange turn of events, it seems an ASUS support representative revealed the specifications for the next generation Nexus 7 tablet. And all it took was asking nicely.

Someone contacted ASUS live chat support and enquired about the next generation Nexus 7 tablet and the support rep was more than willing to divulge the information. First of all, he said that the tablet is expected to release before the ending of Q2, which he says should be at the end of July (never mind that Q2 actually ends in June).
Now here comes the best part. The support rep also mentioned the specs of the tablet, which are as follows:
  • 7-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution display
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 600/S4 Pro APQ8064 processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32GB internal storage space
  • 5 megapixel rear camera; 1.2 megapixel front camera
  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
  • LTE connectivity
  • 4,000mAh battery
  • Android 4.3
Apparently, these are internal specs so it’s strange that the support rep would give them up so easily. Then again, it’s not uncommon for companies to place leaks ahead of launches to generate buzz about the product. If that is not the case, I’m assuming there is a certain ex-ASUS support rep currently looking for a job.

Microsoft overhauls OneNote apps for iOS and Android


Microsoft overhauls OneNote apps for iOS and Android
Skype's not the only Microsoft app that's getting a major mobile redesign this week. The company announced today that the iPhone, iPad and Android versions of its OneNote note-taking software are also getting a ground-up overhaul. At the top of the list of updates is a more consistent rich editing experience across devices, with formatting like text, tables and layout carrying over, regardless of platform. The redesign also brings syncing across SkyDrive Pro and SharePoint, as well as an end to that 500-note limit imposed by the app. And if you download the new version for the iPad, you'll get access to the Office Ribbon UI. The new OneNote is available now via the App Store and Google Play in the US and other "select" markets. More deets on the updates can be found in the source link below.

TomTom's Runner and Multi-Sport watches now available


With all this talk of some prominent companies casting their wrists into the increasingly hot world of wearables, let's not forget the number of folks that have been toiling away in that world for some time now. Companies like TomTom, which is already on the, erm, pulse of the watch world. The GPS-maker announced plans for two new sporty additions to its line earlier this year, and now the Runner and Multi-Sport have found their way to the market. The Runner's got indoor tracking, a speedy GPS locator, desktop stat syncing, a heart rate monitor, 10-hour battery and waterproof / scratch resistant casing. The Multi-Sport's got all of the above, plus a bike mount, altimeter, motion sensor for swimming and a cadence sensor. Both are available now in the states, priced at $170 and $200, respectively.

TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport Sport Watches Now Available
omTom today announces availability and pricing for its new range of GPS watches that deliver at-a-glance performance information for runners, cyclists and swimmers. The TomTom Runner is available to buy today in the US, and will be priced from $169.99. The TomTom Multi-Sport will be available later in July and will be priced from $199.99.
Both the TomTom Runner and the TomTom Multi-Sport feature an extra-large display, full-screen graphical training tools and the industry's first one-button control to make it easier for users to access the information needed to stay motivated and achieve their goals.
TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport also include a broad range of advanced features that are designed to address the needs of runners and multi-sport enthusiasts alike:
Ultra-Slim Design: At just 11.5mm, the slim design of the watch module, comfortably fits men and women, and all wrist sizes
Indoor Tracker: Accurately track indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that users can monitor pace and distance even while running on a treadmill.
QuickGPSFix: Get started faster by using the latest in GPS and GLONASS satellite technology to quickly find their precise location.
Desktop Multi-Platform compatibility: Sync, analyze and share stats on popular running sites and community platforms, including the TomTom MySports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper and TrainingPeaks.
Super-Tough Display: Scratch- and impact-resistant glass stays easy-to-read, workout after workout.
Weather- and Waterproof: Waterproof up to 50 meters/5ATM
Long-lasting battery: Up to 10-hour battery life (GPS Mode)
Heart Rate monitor*: Use the Bluetooth® Smart Heart Rate Monitor to track training zone for weight control, performance or speed.

TomTom Multi-Sport includes all the features included in TomTom Runner, and also allows multi-sport athletes to track their distance, time, speed and other key metrics when they cycle or swim. The TomTom Multi-Sport is also enhanced with the following features and options:
Dedicated Bike Mount: Easily see key stats at a glance with the specially-designed bike mount
Cadence Sensor**: Track cadence, speed and distance, indoors and out.
Built-in Altimeter***: Accurately track elevation, ascent, descent and grade with the built-in barometric altimeter
Swimming Motion Sensor: Check detailed swim metrics such as laps, strokes, time and speed, and calculate a SWOLF score to show swim efficiency.