Foxconn Electronics is expected to introduce its
entry-level and mid-range smartphones into the Japan market through its
subsidiary Sharp in the first quarter of 2017.
However, it remains unclear as to which brand
Foxconn will use to market the smartphones it produced in-house in the
Japan market, adding that it is highly possible those
smartphones will be sold under the Sharp brand.
Although
Sharp's Aquos family products have a significant presence in the
high-end segment of Japan's smartphone market, the Japanese vendor lacks
entry-level to mid-range models, noting that the
adding of Foxconn's products will enrich Sharp's product portfolios.
LG Electronics is set to enable their WebOS Smart TV’s so that users can make purchases directly via their TV.
LG BRINGS STREAMLINED PAYMENT OPTION TO SMART TVS
Paymentwall-LG Partnership Expands Viewers’ Access to Content and Online Retailers
SEOUL, Oct. 4, 2016 ― Starting today, LG and Paymentwall will give developers the opportunity to create apps that enable LG webOS Smart TVs in over 200 countries to support more than 140 different payment methods. This partnership will give consumers easier access to paid apps, movies, games and much more through LG’s intuitive webOS Smart TV platform.
By expanding the number of markets where online payments via LG webOS Smart TVs will be accepted, this integration with Paymentwall will allow LG customers to enjoy a larger selection of paid content globally via the LG app store. By simply clicking the Buy Now button and entering a credit or debit card number, owners of LG Smart TVs with webOS will be able to conduct hassle-free online purchases all over the world without having to sign in separately. LG webOS Smart TV owners will also get support for payment via desktops, laptops, tablets or mobile devices using QR codes and other secure verification protocols.
The versatility of the webOS platform has made LG’s Smart TVs the ultimate choice for customers seeking a wide selection of engaging content. LG’s new webOS 3.0 platform delivers an expansive world of content, including live TV, streaming services as well as fun and challenging games. webOS is also compatible with next-generation 4K Ultra HD programming, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) movies and shows.
“By collaborating with Paymentwall, we’re able to evolve the smart TV purchasing experience on the LG webOS platform much faster than if we had worked alone,” said Brian Kwon, President and CEO at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “This partnership is another example of how LG’s collaborative effort has elevated us into one of the leaders in the global smart TV industry.”
Panasonic Corporation, a company striving to create new value for its
customers under the brand slogan of "A Better Life, A Better World"
will present the company's latest technologies and solutions at "CEATEC
JAPAN 2016," a CPS/IoT exhibition to be held from October 4 to 7, 2016
at Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, on the outskirts of Tokyo.
Under
the theme of "Transformation IoT brings to Lifestyles and Business," the
Panasonic booth will consists of two main zones: "Business solutions
and Lifestyle at home Area" where visitors can have a glimpse of how
technology changes life in commercial and residential spaces; and
"Technology and Devices Area" which will introduce the company's latest
Internet of Things (IoT)-related technologies, solutions and devices,
including those under development with the aim of achieving co-creation
with visitors.
Main Exhibits
Future Retail Experience: Transformation IoT brings to retail spaces and shopping
Visitors
here can have a future shopping experience IoT will bring about. With
various connected devices such as cameras and digital signage, shops
will display their recommendations suiting the taste of each customer on
the show windows. For shop operators, IoT will enable optimized
management for each store with the support of artificial intelligence
(AI).
•Multiple video streaming system
This system enables simultaneous viewing of multiple videos on the same
screen, such as those shot with cameras and store PR videos. The system
also enables independent image manipulation such as zooming at multiple
distribution destinations.
•LinkRay (Light ID) solutions
LinkRay is a next-generation communication tool allowing customers to
get information quickly and easily by simply holding up their
smartphones to an LED light source such as room lighting and a display.
•Transparent screen
This transparent glass changes into a high-quality screen, and can be
used as digital signage by displaying videos and information.
•Window AR projection
By using transparent film enabling video projection when affixed to
glass, this system makes it possible to create new spaces combining the
video projected onto the glass and the scenery or objects behind the
glass.
•Omni-channel marketing solutions
This solution realizes marketing activities incorporating customer
behavior in physical stores by using IoT devices in addition to purchase
history.
•Store analysis AI solutions
These solutions provide optimal operation support for each store by
extracting features from big data pertaining to stores such as sales and
customer behavior through analysis.
Better Living Tomorrow: Lifestyle in near future
A
simple, interactive living space in total harmony with the surrounding
space - here Panasonic will showcase its proposal to the details of
living. Changing the spatial ambience to suit human behavior makes
people feel comfortable no matter where they go and even give a
surprisingly wondrous feeling.
•Transparent display
This transparent display is incorporated into the shelf's door or
sliding door, blending in with the interior. It displays video only when
necessary.
•Lighting and audio control
Lighting and audio, linked each other, change their tone interactively,
tracking the movement of people. This effectively adjusts the space to
suit various situations.
•Sake and wine cellar
This cellar can store alcoholic beverages such as sake and wine at the
optimal temperature and humidity for each type. In addition, it displays
various types of information on the door employing a transparent
display, such as information on stored items and recipe suggestions
paired to each drink.
•Range hood with camera
This unit properly controls temperature of the induction hob by
precisely sensing the state of cooking. Furthermore it enables video
recording of the cooking process for sharing with friends. This makes
cooking even more fun.
•Flat cooker based on a new concept
A cooker with a completely different concept from induction hobs or
griddles is built into the table. The cooker only heats food, so it's
enough to put food on a plate and then set it on the cooker. This
suggests a new cooking experience, requiring no pot or frying pan, where
delicious freshly-prepared flavor is maintained to the end.
•Cloud services (cooking assist system)
By linking devices and sharing information, these services smartly
assist all aspects of cooking, including display of recipe suggestions
and cooking guidance, and settings so that multiple dishes are finished
at the same time. The cloud services, great food adds to a memorable
gathering with special ones.
Technology and Device Area
This
area introduces the latest IoT-related technology and devices,
including cutting-edge user interface (UI)/user experience (UX) and
next-generation sensing. Through demos and dialog, Panasonic will aim
for co-creation with visitors.
•Active optical connector
A compact optical connector which easily realizes high-speed transmission within a device.
•Electromagnetic noise suppression and heat diffusion integrated sheets
This sheet can effectively suppress electromagnetic noise, while
providing one of the highest levels of thermal diffusion capability in
the industry.
•Absolute angle sensor
A compact, lightweight sensor enables high-precision angle detection without contact.
•Smart rechargeable battery for IoT/wearable devices
This pin-type, flexible lithium ion battery is suitable for various types of IoT/wearable devices.
•Force sensing switch
This compact switch realizes various types of operations with output changing according to pressing force.
•Touch panel module with rotary / push encoder
This touch panel incorporates a control panel and knobs into one to provide improved input operation and design of terminals.
•Human body communication device
This communication module employs electric-field communication
technology to achieve "thing-to-thing, human-to-human and
human-to-thing" communication, creating a world where natural gestures
enable authentication and communication.
•Wireless and batteryless switch
This switch enables simultaneous communication with multiple terminals
by generating power and performing wireless communication with a single
touch.
Using its unique copper micro-wiring, Panasonic has realized a touch
sensor whose pattern is invisible. This enables large size and
suitability for curved surfaces that were difficult to achieve with
conventional transparent electrodes (ITO).
•3D actuator (camera stabilizer)
Simultaneous drive of three axes with a single motor allows the
photographer to capture the subject in any circumstances without fail.
This camera stabilizer enables shake correction, tracking and high image
quality.
•IoT-ReH sensor
This
hydrogen detection sensor employing IoT technology detects hydrogen
leakage in any location, contributing to a safe and secure hydrogen
economy.
•Makeup sheet
Using
non-contact skin sensor and special printing technologies, this
nano-level, ultra-thin sheet conceals spots, perfectly matching to each
individual.
•Listnr
Listnr
differentiates four kinds of emotions from the voice of a baby via a
microphone, and then delivers information to the smartphones of distant
family members.
•Motion sensing unit
This unit detects and controls a robot's position and orientation, and
enables automatic running by combining a six-axis sensor (three-axis
gyro sensor + three-axis acceleration sensor) and a microprocessor (with
built-in algorithm).
•Camera sharing service PaN
This service enables customers to share access to cameras installed at
various locations, and acquire the captured photos and video via the
cloud.
This technology for IoT enables high-speed communication through power
line. Multihop technology dramatically improves connectivity,
communication distance, and number of connected units compared to
conventional products.
Lifestyle in near future.
A simple, interactive living space in total
harmony with the surrounding space - here Panasonic will showcase its
proposal to the details of living. Changing the spatial ambience to suit
human behavior makes people feel comfortable no matter where they go
and even give a surprisingly wondrous feeling.
Intel is making 14nm application processors for Spreadtrum
Communications with sample shipments starting in October, and the pair
is eyeing orders from Samsung Electronics.
Spreadtrum with its 14nm chips built by Intel
is looking to grab orders for Samsung's mid-range smartphone series for
2017.
Spreadtrum is also contracting
TSMC to build chips using the foundry's 16nm process technology, In the pure-play foundry space, Intel has grown its
customer base at a gradual pace.
Intel previously
introduced LG Electronics as the first company to use its 10nm process
technology to build ARM-based mobile SoCs. LGE is reportedly among
TSMC's 16nm and 28nm clients.
With a workforce of
nearly 2,000 people, Intel's foundry business is targeting fabless
customers based mainly in China, South Korea, Japan and other countries
of Asia.
In addition, a team of Intel employees stationed in Shanghai is
able to provide local services in China.
Samsung Electronics today announced that it has agreed to acquire Viv Labs, the intelligent interface to everything. Viv has developed a unique, open artificial intelligence (AI) platform that gives third-party developers the power to use and build conversational assistants and integrate a natural language-based interface into renowned applications and services. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
The deal showcases Samsung’s commitment to virtual personal assistants and is part of the company’s broader vision to deliver an AI-based open ecosystem across all of its devices and services. With Viv, Samsung will be able to unlock and offer new service experiences for its customers, including one that simplifies user interfaces, understands the context of the user and offers the user the most appropriate and convenient suggestions and recommendations.
Viv was founded by AI visionaries Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham. As part of the acquisition, the founding team will work closely with Samsung’s Mobile Communications business, but continue to operate independently under its existing leadership.
“Unlike other existing AI-based services, Viv has a sophisticated natural language understanding, machine learning capabilities and strategic partnerships that will enrich a broader service ecosystem,” said Injong Rhee, CTO of the Mobile Communications business at Samsung Electronics. “Viv was built with both consumers and developers in mind. This dual focus is also what attracted us to Viv as an ideal candidate to integrate with Samsung home appliances, wearables and more, as the paradigm of how we interact with technology shifts to intelligent interfaces and voice control.”
With the rise of AI, consumers now desire an interaction with technology that is conversational, personalized and contextual—an experience that fits seamlessly within their everyday lives. To achieve this, Viv has developed a new and proprietary platform that allows this interaction to scale.
Viv’s platform also allows developers to teach the system how to create new applications or to use existing applications, building an open ecosystem of intelligence that is greater than the sum of its parts and gets smarter every day. Viv’s superior platform combined with Samsung’s leading devices, services and global resources will help drive the next generation of AI solutions.
“At Viv, we’re building the simplest way for anyone to talk to devices and services everywhere. We see a future that is decidedly beyond apps—where you can get what you need quickly and easily no matter where you are, or what device you are near,” said Viv co-founder and CEO, Dag Kittlaus. “Samsung offers us a unique opportunity to deliver a single conversational interface to the world’s apps and services across a diverse range of products, at global scale.”
Samsung’s Global Innovation Center spearheaded the acquisition for Samsung’s Mobile Communications business. “At GIC we’re always looking for startups with a compelling vision and breakthrough experiences we can help build, grow and scale,” said Jacopo Lenzi, SVP of Business Development and Strategic Acquisitions. “We see great potential in the Viv AI software and platform, and we’re excited for Viv to reach our millions of users through Samsung’s global presence and distribution.”
About Viv Labs, Inc.
Viv radically simplifies the world by providing an intelligent interface to everything. Viv is an artificial intelligence platform that enables developers to distribute their products through an intelligent, conversational interface. It’s the simplest way for the world to interact with devices, services and things everywhere. Viv is taught by the world, knows more than it is taught, and learns every day. Learn more about Viv at viv.ai
Specifications: powered by Snapdragon 821 chipset with quad-core 2.15GHz processor, and sports a 5-inch 1080 x 1920p display. RAM is 4GB, while internal memory is expandable up to 256GB.
Cameras 12MP/8MP . Measuring 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.6 mm and weighing in at 143g, the phone packs in a 2,770mAh battery and runs Android Nougat (v7.1) out of the box.
Pixel XL
Specifications: With a 5.5-inch display of 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution. It measures 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.6mm, weighs in at 168g, and packs in a 3,450mAh battery. Rest of its specs are same as that of the Pixel.
Above specifications were posted by CarPhone Warehouse on their site.
Tomorrow October 4th Google will finally confirm if the smartphones look like the pictures and the specifications above posted are confirmed.
Samsung Electronics Co.'s newest Galaxy Note 7 boasted strong sales
on its first day of relaunch, industry sources said Sunday, after the
tech giant ordered a full recall over the defective battery issues.
The new phablet, a cross between regular smartphones and tablet PCs,
saw its sales reach 21,000 units in South Korea on Saturday after
Samsung officially resumed the sales for the first time after it
suspended all shipments last month.
The company first kicked
off sales of the much-awaited mobile device, considered one of the best
smartphones of 2016, on Aug. 19, but sales were suspended shortly
afterward due to reports of some handsets catching fire while charging.
"Most consumers chose to exchange their Galaxy Note 7, despite the
delay, rather than seek a refund," a smartphone retailer said,
predicting the demand for the set should remain high partly since there
is a lack of a viable competitor at present. Apple Inc.'s iPhone 7 has
yet to reach the South Korean market.
Industry watchers said
the Galaxy Note 7's top-notch specifications, including iris scanning
for added protection, expandable storage via a microSD card and
excellent cameras with super-fast auto focus that are considered the
best in the business, were attractive enough to rake in consumers.
The first-day performance also cast a rosy outlook on Samsung's
future earnings performances, as daily smartphone sales beyond 10,000
units are what is considered to make a mega-hit in the South Korean
market.
The strong sales of the phablet were also implied last
month when nearly 30,000 consumers applied for preorders over two days
in September.
Those who have not yet exchanged their previous
Galaxy Note 7 models can still swap them out for a new version at
Samsung's official shops across the country. More than 80 percent of
those who bought the first edition with battery problems have replaced
them so far.
Samsung's faulty-battery issue had been viewed as a
major hurdle for its businesses around the globe, with passenger
airlines urging passengers to refrain from turning on the phablet during
flight.
While some still cast concerns over the safety of the
Galaxy Note 7, others say the tech giant was successful in rolling out
speedy countermeasures that could actually win over consumer confidence
in the long run, especially since batteries catching fire is not
something that has only happened to Samsung alone.
Samsung,
meanwhile, said it has exchanged some 1.2 million Galaxy Note 7
smartphones for ones with new batteries and has not received any reports
of battery explosions so far, adding that some suspected cases were
caused by an external heat source or external shock.
Samsung unveils the Galaxy A8 2016 a full metal design 5.7 inch display smartphone in South Korea and the mobile comes with the following specifications:
Android 6.0.1 new Grace UX and:
The phone will be exclusively available for pre-order in blue color from SK Telecom, starting October 1. The asking price is KRW 649,000 or around $580.
As we posted before here Google will officilaly unveil the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones in October 4th.
Meanwhile two Canadian carriers Bell and Telus did not wait and uploaded some pictures of the devices on their sites that are not now available and we are posting here below in white and black colors:
