IFA 2015: LG to showcase the Urbane Luxe smartwatch.

Limited Edition Device from LG is More Jewelry Than Wearable

In collaboration with U.S. retail jewelry company REEDS Jewelers, LG Electronics (LG) will introduce a premium limited edition smartwatch, LG Watch Urbane Luxe.

This luxurious wearable was designed with a specific wearer in mind and is adorned in 23-karat gold and gorgeous alligator leather strap set in an exclusive piano-gloss lacquer case. Available starting at the end of October, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe will retail for approximately USD 1,200.

The LG Watch Urbane Luxe will sport a deployment clasp for a fitted, elegant look that isn’t bulky. Invented by Louis Cartier in 1910, the use of a deployment clasp makes this  timepiece even more exclusive and unique. 

The alligator band itself is handcrafted at the highest level of craftsmanship, undergoing 50 separate steps in its creation, handled lovingly by 30 experienced leatherworkers. The 23-karat gold used in the LG Watch Urbane Luxe is stronger and harder than the 24-karat gold used in jewelry and heavier than the 18-karat gold used in traditional luxury watches.

“Wearable devices shouldn’t be thought of as an extension of one’s smartphone but an extension of oneself,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile Communications Company. 

“This blending of craftsmanship and technology is a natural evolution of the smartwatch, which is becoming more of a lifestyle accessory than a piece of hardware. We think this is a good direction for wearables and we want to encourage this transformation.”

The smartwatch will be equipped with a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and run on the Android Wear platform.  (WebOS based) It comes with a 1.3-inch plastic organic light-emitting diode (P-OLED) display and a 410mAh battery.

Each of the 500 limited edition watches will be engraved with its own serial number for authenticity and available initially in the USA for pre-order at www.REEDS.com later this month or by visiting any REEDS Jewelers location. Visitors to IFA 2015 can see this beautiful work of art for themselves along with other mobile devices from LG in Hall 18 of Messe Berlin from September 4-9.

Samsung Officially introduces the rounded Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic smartwatches. Specifications

samsung gear s2 smartwatch

                                   Classic

Latest Samsung Gear features a versatile circular design for an intuitive, convenient, and enjoyable mobile experience.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch, the company’s latest offering as a result of many years of progressive innovation in the wearables category.

The Samsung Gear S2 comes in a versatile, circular design with an intuitive, custom UX and advanced features that enable users to enhance, personalize and bring more fun to their mobile experience.

The Gear S2’s unique rotating bezel, along with the Home and Back buttons, ensures users will have a quicker, more precise method to comfortably access notifications and applications.

Introduced in two different options – the Gear S2 and the Gear S2 classic – Samsung designed the Gear S2 to appeal to two distinct consumer preferences. 

The Gear S2 classic is made for users who prefer a more timeless watch design, offering an elegant Black finish with a matching genuine leather band. 

The Gear S2 is ideal for those who are on-the-go and have an admiration for minimal and modern design.

“For the past several years, Samsung has pioneered and advanced the wearables category, bringing brave new concepts to the smart wearables market,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of Samsung’s IT & Mobile Business. 

“The Samsung Gear S2 reflects Samsung’s most progressive innovation. It is the perfect complement for any occasion, easily taking you from day to night, from work to workout—and ensuring that you get more out of every moment in your day, by making it smarter and ultimately more personal and fun.”

A mere 11.4-millimeter thin, the Samsung Gear S2 brings a light and compact design to your wrist. It offers an incredibly vibrant viewing experience for a smartwatch, thanks to its 1.2-inch circular screen and its 360 x 360 resolution (302 ppi). 

The applications on the Gear S2 can be viewed with amazing clarity so that users don’t miss notification pop-ups. Also, with the latest Tizen OS and an optimized 1-GHz dual core processor, the Samsung Gear S2 can perform tasks easily and efficiently.

Users can stay connected with at-a-glance notifications to check calendars, e-mails, news and can even send important texts directly from their wrist. Users can choose the Gear S2 with 3G connectivity which incorporates the first-ever e-SIM with voice capability, to perform quick functions without being closely tethered to their phone.

New fitness functions on the Samsung Gear S2 will encourage consumers to stay healthy and active. The 24-hour activity log lets users view daily activity progress and patterns at a glance. It will also send reminder updates to motivate users to stay on track with their fitness goals.

For the ultimate convenience, the Samsung Gear S2 comes with NFC technology which will enable mobile payments without the need for a wallet. Samsung is working with a wide selection of partners across different industries to expand the usability of wearables and streamline consumers’ mobile lives in a variety of ways, including smart car keys, residential room keys, and remote controls to manage a connected home.

All of these connected features will be supported by a battery that can last up to 2-3 days, allowing consumers to stay connected without the hassle of constantly having to recharge. To charge, simply place the Samsung Gear S2 on the wireless charging dock right out of the box.

The Samsung Gear S2 reflects Samsung’s commitment to openly collaborate with developers and partners to bring increased customization and applications to its devices. 

Samsung is working closely with partners to offer a range of watch faces and watch bands so that users can have a variety of ways to express their personal style and mood. Users can easily change the band with one click, and change the watch face for a more personalized and sophisticated Gear experience depending on the time, place or occasion.

A variety of apps optimized for the Gear S2’s circular user interface will be available at launch. Through open collaboration with developers and partners, Samsung is continuing to enrich its wearable ecosystem and provide users with a more optimized and unique smart wearable experience.

The Samsung Gear S2 will be available in a Dark Gray case with a Dark Gray band and Silver case with a White band. The Samsung Gear S2 classic will be available in a Black case with a Leather band.

The Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic will be showcased for full media hands-on and more applications will be demonstrated with partners at Tempodrum, Berlin on September 3.

Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic Product Specifications:

                                                                  Gear S2

Display :1.2”, Circular Super AMOLED, 360x360, 302ppi

AP :Dual core 1.0 GHz

OS :Tizen based wearable platform

Audio :Codec: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+

Format: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG

Memory :Storage: 4GB Internal Memory / RAM: 512MB

Features :Communications:

- Contacts, Notifications, Messages, Email, - Preset text, Voice Input, Emoticons, Keypads

Features :Health & Fitness:

- S Health, Nike+ Running

Features :Information:

- Schedule, News, Maps & Navigation, Weather

Features :Media:

- Music Player, Gallery

Features :Others:

- Voice, Voice Memo, Find My Device, Power Saving Mode, Safety assistance, Privacy lock

Features :IP68 Certified Dust and Water Resistant

Samsung Services :Samsung Gear Apps

Connectivity :Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth® 4.1

NFC

Sensor :Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate, Ambient Light, Barometer

Dimension :Gear S2 : 42.3x49.8x11.4mm (47g)

Gear S2 classic : 39.9x43.6x11.4mm (42g)

Battery :Wireless Charging

250mAh Li-ion

Typical Usage 2~3days

Gear S2 Classic

Display :1.2”, Circular Super AMOLED, 360x360, 302ppi

AP :Dual core 1.0 GHz

OS :Tizen based wearable platform

Audio :Codec: MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+

Format: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG

Memory :Storage: 4GB Internal Memory / RAM: 512MB

Features :Communications:

- Contacts, Notifications, Messages, Email, - Preset text, Voice Input, Emoticons, Keypads

Features :Health & Fitness:

- S Health, Nike+ Running

Features :Information:

- Schedule, News, Maps & Navigation, Weather

Features :Media:

- Music Player, Gallery

Features :Others:

- S Voice, Voice Memo, Find My Device, Power Saving Mode, Safety assistance, Privacy lock

Features :IP68 Certified Dust and Water Resistant

Samsung Services :Samsung Gear Apps

Connectivity :Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth® 4.1

NFC

Sensor :Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate, Ambient Light, Barometer

Dimension :44.0 x 51.8 x 13.4mm (51g)

Battery :Wireless Charging

300mAh Li-ion

Typical Usage 2 days

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

** Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configuration, and device usage.

Q2 2015: Top 5 Wearables vendors: FitBit 24.3%, Apple 19.9%, Xiaomi 17.1%, Garmin 3.9%, Samsung 3.3%

Apple Debuts at the Number Two Spot as the Worldwide Wearables Market Grows 223.2% in 2Q15, Says IDC 

In its first appearance in the wearables market, Apple finds itself within striking distance of the established market leader, Fitbit. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, Apple shipped a total of 3.6 million units in the second quarter of 2015 (2Q15), just 0.8 million units behind Fitbit's 4.4 million units. Total shipment volume for the quarter came to 18.1 million units, up 223.2% from the 5.6 million units shipped in 2Q14.

"Anytime Apple enters a new market, not only does it draw attention to itself, but to the market as a whole," noted Ramon Llamas, Research Manager for IDC's Wearables team. "Its participation benefits multiple players and platforms within the wearables ecosystem, and ultimately drives total volumes higher. 

Apple also forces other vendors – especially those that have been part of this market for multiple quarters – to re-evaluate their products and experiences. Fairly or not, Apple will become the stick against which other wearables are measured, and competing vendors need to stay current or ahead of Apple. Now that Apple is officially a part of the wearables market, everyone will be watching to see what other wearable devices it decides to launch, such as smart glasses or hearables."

Apple's arrival had the greatest impact on the smart wearables category, or those devices capable of running third party applications. "About two of every three smart wearables shipped this quarter was an Apple Watch," said Jitesh Ubrani, Senior Research Aanalyst for IDC Mobile Device Trackers.

 "Apple has clearly garnered an impressive lead in this space and its dominance is expected to continue. And, although Fitbit outshipped Apple, it's worth noting that Fitbit only sells basic wearables – a category that is expected to lose share over the next few years, leaving Apple poised to become the next market leader for all wearables."

In the short history of the wearable market, a clear divide has formed between smart wearables and basic wearables (devices that do not run third-party applications, and includes most fitness trackers). Price and functionality are the main differences between the two categories, and that gap is expected to widen over time. For vendors focused on basic wearables, the challenge will be to compete with the additional features offered by smart wearables while still turning a profit in the price sensitive basic wearables market.

Vendor Highlights:

Fitbit's 2Q15 results reads as a list of successes: triple-digit year-over-year worldwide volume growth; double-digit year-over-year worldwide revenue and profit growth; expanded partnerships with corporate wellness groups, fashion, and food companies; and increased visibility in the media. Fitbit resonates with customers because it has remained true to its simple value proposition of tracking fitness to encourage healthier lifestyles rather than promising the multi-purpose functionality that most smart watches have sought.

Apple's first appearance in the wearables market finds it in the number 2 position overall, and well within reach of market leader Fitbit. Apple is just getting started with its Watch, having reached just sixteen geographic markets to date and starting agreements with third-party retailers. But what is most important is the continued development of the watchOS platform. At its WWDC in June, Apple announced that the next version of watchOS will allow for native applications, which could have a similar effect that iPhones enjoyed when native apps became available.

Xiaomi made a fairly big splash when it entered the wearables market last year with its Mi Band. Since then its growth has been unstoppable in China as the vendor was quick to introduce rock-bottom prices. Xiaomi recently expanded into markets outside China although its limited distribution channels have been a dampening factor on its growth.

Garmin's laser-like focus on fitness devices for "citizen athletes" (runners, cyclists, and swimmers) has been successful so far, though increasing competition from the likes of Fitbit and Xiaomi has led to a reduction in share. Garmin's new ConnectIQ platform may help alleviate some of the pressure as it attempts to offer access to third party applications, data fields, watch faces, and widgets to further customize its wearable devices.

Samsung narrowly edged out Huawei and Jawbone to remain among the top 5 vendors during the quarter. The company saw sustained success with the popularity of its Gear S and Gear Fit devices, and hinted at a massively redesigned Gear S2 to be announced next month. Given Samsung's history of making its latest wearable devices compatible only with Samsung's top models and nearly exclusive reliance on Tizen, the company has limited its potential reach. Whether that trend continues with the Gear S2 will bear close observation.

iCharts

IFA 2015: SONY to present the 106 mph drone VTOL, TV remote/wireless speaker, Withings and .....

The VTOL 106 mph drone  is designed for enterprise and business. The drone was created by Aerosense, a joint venture with Japanese robotics start-up ZMP, which SONY  announced a few weeks ago.

Aerosense plans to start offering services to customers in 2016. “By making it automated, drones will be considerably safer because many accidents today are caused by human errors” said Hisashi Taniguchi, chief executive of Aerosense and ZMP, at a news conference.

Speaking of exciting devices, take a look at SONY latest gadget. Is it TV a remote or is it a speaker? 

Actually it’s both! The SRS-LSR100 wireless speaker has a full TV remote control on the top that will change channels and adjust the volume. It’s perfect for those wanting to take TV audio around the home with them, as it connects to the telly via a 2.4GHz wireless connection.

The speaker is also great for those with slight hearing loss, or if the family are being too rowdy in another part of the room, as the speaker can be used in the same place as the TV. 

What else?

SONY will introduce the launch of Lifelog’s first partner card – Withings.  You’ll now be able to see Withings Smart Body Analyzer data (including body composition, high-accuracy weight and body fat measurements and Body Mass Index) in Lifelog.

This is the first of many partner cards that will add to Lifelog’s already existing capabilities by introducing new data, creating more in-depth and innovative insights for users. 

And......

SONY is not allowed to say any more yet except that it’s big… and you’re going to want to stay tuned: 02/09/15 16:45 CET #SonyIFA. 

The Xperia Z5 smartphone and family for sure as we said before.

Want ot watch the SONY ZMP VTOL drone video again?:

DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter Drone with 4K UHD Video Camera

LIVE BLOGGING : Apple Sept 9th event, iPhone 6S/6SPlus announcements.

Live Blog Apple

 

CoveritLive

New Cumulative Windows 10 Update allows users to disable forced applications updates.

Windows Store apps updates:

Microsoft is restoring the ability to select the apps updates you may want with a new Cumulative Windows 10 update KB3081448 that might be on your PC ready to download now. In other words it restores the ability to disable automatic app updates.

Buy a Powerful Windows 10 laptop:

Toshiba Satellite C55-C5241 15.6 Inch Laptop (Intel Core i5 Fifth Gen, 8 GB, 1TB HDD, Black)

Netherlands: Already have iPhone 6S/6S Plus prices and specifications.

The iPhone and iPhone 6S 6S Plus will be  announced by Apple on September 9, but today techstactic.nl  have received information that gives some clarity on the launch of the device in the Netherlands. 

Techstactic can also directly confirm that both devices offer support for 4G + with the Dutch provider KPN, T-Mobile and Vodafone, the technology should already be available in your region.

Apple will continue in the Netherlands in any case itself does not offer possible pre-orders , but the unit will be on Friday, September 25th directly in stores, probably a week later compared to the larger European countries like France and Germany.

The rumors about an iPhone 6S / 6S Plus in rose gold according to their information proved as incorrect and Apple will stick to the colors silver, gold and gray.

This is what you can expect on September 25:

iPhone 6S

• iPhone 6S (Space Grey) 16GB / 64GB / 128GB (€ 699 / € 799 / € 899)
• iPhone 6S (Ziler) 16GB / 64GB / 128GB (€ 699 / € 799 / € 899)
• iPhone 6S (Gold) 16 / 64GB / 128GB (€ 699 / € 799 / € 899)

iPhone 6S Plus

• iPhone 6S Plus (Space Grey) 16GB / 64GB / 128GB (€ 799 / € 899 / € 999)
• iPhone 6S Plus (Ziler) 16GB / 64GB / 128GB (€ 799 / € 899 / € 999)
• iPhone 6S Plus (Gold) 16 / 64GB / 128GB (€ 799 / € 899 / € 999)

Specifications: 

A9 Processor
2GB RAM
12Megapixels rear camera with 4K Video recording
Force Touch  screen
Sapphire Glass on both models
Quicker Touch ID fingerprint scanner
Stronger 7000 series  aluminum 
NFC for Apple Pay
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS
WiFi 802.11ac
LTE-A
4G+ (CAT .6/300Mbps)
Exterior Design:NO changes.
Colors: Silver, Gold and Grey. NO Pink coming.

techtactic.nl via gsmarena