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Could this be the Samsung Galaxy S8?

Alexandra Arici
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Samsung’s upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S8 is expected to be a glorious device. The Korean tech giant has some sins to atone for following the Galaxy Note7 disaster and an exceptional Galaxy S8 will certainly do the trick and appease disappointed Samsung fans.

Traditionally Samsung unveils its next-gen Galaxy S flagship at MWC in Barcelona. MWC 2017 is set to begin on 27 February, so in theory, we’re just two months away from seeing the Galaxy S8 in its full glory. But while we wait on that, a leak coming out of Asia appears to reveal what looks like the first image of the Galaxy S8.

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Galaxy S8 Renders Back and Front

In league with previous rumors, the purported Galaxy S8 doesn’t have a Home button and appears to be flaunting a curved display and a very anorexic bezel.

However, take this leak with a healthy grain of salt. After all we might be dealing with a photoshopped image of the Galaxy S7 edge.

Anyway, the Galaxy S8 showed in the picture looks sleek enough and rocks a premium gold color that looks quite appealing. The device in the image also appears quite similar to some previous renders we saw leak not so long ago (except they don’t show such a curvy device).

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Galaxy S8 Render Side View

This year Samsung is said to launch two Galaxy S8 models, one with a 5.7-inch screen and one with a 6-inch one, both featuring curved displays like the Galaxy S7 edge. The phones should take advantage of a new Snapdragon 835 processor and boast 6GB of RAM (maybe the larger variant will have 8GB).

Other specs include an iris scanner and S Pen accessory ala Note7, Harman branded speakers and Samsung SDI batteries. Like most flagships coming out this year, the Galaxy S8 is expected to lack the 3.5 headphone jack.

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Galaxy S8 Render Profile

Even if everyone is expecting Samsung to announce the Galaxy S8 at MWC 2017, a recent report claims the Korean tech giant might host a second even in the US a couple of months afterwards.

The new info also reveals the Galaxy S8 release date might be pushed as far as April 18, with Samsung unveiling the flagship in late March or early April. At the moment we can’t really know for sure, but we’ll update you when we will know more.

Meet ZTE’s Hawkeye – an eye tracking, self-adhesive phone crowdsourcing for $199

Alexandra Arici
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ZTE is one of the most promising Chinese device makers that have made it to the US in the last few years. The company is keep on experimentation and so it kick started Project CSX – an initiative meant to get the community involved in designing the company’s next smartphone.

ZTE even asked fans to get involved and vote the name under which Project CSX will make it on the market. Now at CES 2017, the Chinese manufacturer has announced the phone will be called Hawkeye, probably a reference to the embedded Senseye technology which will allow users to scroll up and down based on eye movement.

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The eye tracking feature uses the frontal camera to detect iris motion. This information is then translated into standard gesture motion in Android for swipe (up, down, left, right). The software will replace standard gesture commands in any apps that support the standard Android commands.

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ZTE Hawkeye’s second unique feature is that it can stick to walls and surfaces thanks to its self-adhesive case, so customers can use the phone in hands free mode.

As for specs, the ZTE Hawkeye is going to feature an unlocked 2 SIM slots for multiple band support. The handset will feature a 5.5-inch display with FHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a dual rear camera setup with enhanced image and zoom capabilities (no specific details were provided at this time).

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The Hawkeye will also arrive with Hi-Fi audio, a fingerprint sensor, expandable memory and a large battery with quick charging capabilities. Naturally the phone will run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box (upgradable to the latest version).

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ZTE says the phone is currently under development, but we should expect it to ship in September 2017. Interested parties can check out the phone’s Kickstarter campaign page, if they want to help back it by pledging $199 for a unit.

ZTE is currently showcasing Hawkeye on the grounds at CES 2017 for anyone who is curious.

The new Shield TV from NVIDIA has me excited for the future of streaming boxes and smart homes

Matt Adams
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CES 2017 is now in full swing and we’re getting our eyes on some really impressive stuff. Notably among the group is the new NVIDIA Shield TV, the newest streaming box from the video card maker. We try to remain pretty skeptical of products we haven’t had a hands-on with yet, but we can’t help but being excited for this one.

The new Shield TV will stream in 4K with HDR. This almost seems like a formality since this is where the industry is going. But, streaming in 4K HDR isn’t really anything special if you don’t support the apps that have the content. Out of the box, the Shield will support the 4K versions of YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies, and Amazon’s Prime Streaming. NVIDIA also noted that support for YouTube’s flagship TV app will be coming and will be “delivering
immersive, 360-degree viewing experiences.”

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What personally excites me the most is the inclusion of both a remote (with a 3.5mm jack!) and a game controller with the Shield. It’s very apparent that NVIDIA is continuing to go all in on the gaming side with the new Sheild TV and while it hasn’t been the revolution that some had hoped for (so far), I’m really hopeful for the future. With titles like The Witcher 3, No Man’s Sky (memes aside), Paragon, Gears of War 4, Watch Dogs 2, Assasin’s Creed Syndicate, and For Honor there is a huge catalog already with more titles like The Witness, Tomb Raider, and Shadowgun Legends as well as more Ubisoft titles coming soon.

Google’s effort to become the brain behind your Smart Home is getting a nice push from NVIDIA with the Shield TV. Google Assistant support will be coming in the next few months. Google Assistant is the brains in the Google Home and the nifty assistant on the Pixel devices that allow you to have a more conversational relationship with your devices while asking for information or giving them commands. I have a Google Home and while I thought at first it wouldn’t be much more than a gimmick, I’ve really integrated it into my life.

Google and NVIDIA are optimizing Assitant for the big screen to give you more visual answers on your TV in addition to an audio reply. Assistant will also be voice activated with a key phrase on the Shield TV, much like a Google Home. You’ll be able to play, pause, fast-forward as well as get information through search and find relevant content all using your voice. Shouting at our TV’s is no longer just for when your team is getting beat 31-0 in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Shield will also be integrated into Samsung’s Smarter Thing’s home hub technology. This will allow the Shield to control any of the hundreds of other products that hook into the Smarter Things smart home hub. NVIDIA will also release an accessory called the Shield Spot which appears to be a device that you plug into an outlet in another room to use voice controls routed through your Shield TV. Say, for example, you have your Shield TV set up to control your Nest Thermostat but you’re in your bedroom, the Spot can relay your voice command to the Shield TV to turn down the heat. At only $50 it’s cheaper than a second Google Home or something like the Amazon Echo (although the Echo Dot is the same price).

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The Shield TV is available for pre-order right now on Amazon for $200 and will ship in January in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. It comes with the streaming box with 500gb of storage, game controller and remote. The Spot is also available to order for an additional $49.99.

Read More: Catch all of our CES 2017 coverage here!

Samsung’s new Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro come with Google Play support

Scott Webster
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Samsung and Google today introduced new Chromebooks which aim to appeal to the Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro. The two, known as the Chromebook Pro and Chromebook Plus, offer nearly identical features between them. The key difference between the pair being the processor.

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Built with support for Android apps and the Google Play Store, the new Chromebooks also are the first two come with an added hardware accessory – a stylus. In short, these devices are a little bit of work, a little bit of play, and a whole lot of cross-platform capability.

The Chromebook Plus and Pro are for the user that wants to do more, create more and get more done all while staying connected.

Running Chrome OS, the two devices come with 4GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. Boasting a 12.3-inch 2400×1600 LED display, the screen is also capable of touch. Other specifications include a Headphone out/Mic-in Combo, 2 USB-C ports (4K display out with optional adapter, Charging), and a MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader.

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As for the processors, the Chromebook Plus comes with an OP1 Hexa-core (Dual A72, Quad A53) ARM chipset. The Chromebook Pro comes with a decidedly more powerful  Intel Core M3 Processor with an Intel HD 515 graphics card. Battery life is touted at eight hours.

 

chromebook_hero_v2_1417_v2Like many other Chromebooks and laptops of the day, the new pair of Samsung devices are convertible. In other words, the display can fold all the way back so that it can be used as a tablet. Users can take advantage of the stylus, for instance, to mark up documents or add notes in Google Play.

Availability

The Chromebook Plus is available for pre-order at $449.99 on Samsung’s website and will be sold in retailers such as Best Buy starting in February. The Chromebook Pro will launch later in the year and should have a higher price tag because of its processor.

Braven debuts FLYE SPORT range of performance-oriented Bluetooth headphones

Scott Webster
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Braven, a brand that’s normally known for its kick-ass Bluetooth speakers, is launching a new line of Bluetooth, in-ear headphones. Known as the FLYE SPORT family, it initially consists of at least four models. The main, namesake edition launches later this quarter while the other three arrive in the second quarter.

“We’ve always envisioned this category being on the horizon for the brand,” says Andy Fathollahi, Chief Executive. “The concept for the Active Series was established on the premise of creating genuinely portable audio that would allow your music to truly go the distance with you, and we’ve made that vision a reality with our new FLYE SPORT line of powerful, in-ear audio.”

As one might expect, the various headphones speak to different users and demographics. Here’s a look at the main details for each of the new FLYE SPORT headphones from Braven.

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FLYE SPORT

  • Seven hours of continuous playtime
  • IPX5 waterproof rating
  • Discreet battery pack
  • Low-profile comfort ear tips
  • Includes water-resistant carry case
  • Offered in Silver/ Electric and Slate/Crimson colorways
  • $49.99
  • Available in Q1 2017

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FLYE SPORT REFLECT

  • Optimal for roadside runs or cycling
  • IPX5 waterproof rating
  • Designed with a reflective lining for added visual safety
  • Included 900mAh battery bank
  • Five-hour playtime extends to 25 hours while on-the-go with bank
  • Removable over-ear and inner-ear hooks
  • Offered in Silver/Electric and Slate/Crimson colorways
  • $99.99
  • Available in Q2 of 2017

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FLYE SPORT POWER with Bluetooth Smart

  • Perfect for outdoor fitness enthusiast
  • IPX7 waterproof rated
  • 10-hour playtime
  • Option of adding a sport charging neck cradle to get 20+ hours
  • Includes sport ear hooks
  • App controlled hi-glow laser lights to enhance visibility
  • Audio Ambient Awareness sound integration technology
  • Offered in Silver/Electric and Slate/Crimson
  • $149.99
  • Available in Q2 2017

flye-glo

FLYE SPORT GLO with Bluetooth Smart

  • Audio Ambient Awareness sound integration technology
  • Proprietary TrueWireless™ sound
  • Optional manual control through on-ear controls or remotely through the BRAVEN SPORT ACTIVE App
  • IPX7 waterproof rated
  • Hi-glow laser lights ear hooks
  • Four hours of playtime
  • Includes a 1400mAh charging case adds 20 more hours of playtime
  • Offered in Silver/Electric and Slate/Crimson
  • $249.99
  • Available in Q2 of 2017

808 Audio kicks off the new year with a whole range of new products

Scott Webster
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808 Audio, a key player in the audio space, and a brand we’ve reviewed a number of times, is starting off the new year with a bunch of new products. Keeping with its current portfolio of devices, the new stuff spans both speakers and earphones –plus something else unique.

“We continue to improve and expand our collection of Bluetooth speakers and other audio solutions so we can cater to every listener’s needs, no matter the occasion,” says President of 808 Audio, Ian Geise. “We offer consumers an affordable product that features top-shelf audio that can compete with brands that are two and three times the price.”

The new products won’t ship until later this spring, but we’ve got the details for each. Take a look below for a breakdown on all things new from 808 Audio. Which one(s) do you have your eye on?

CANZ GLO and CANZ H2O

808_audio_1Kicking things off, the CANZ GLO ($39.99) builds on its predecessor in the CANZ Bluetooth speaker line. This one features a new glow in the dark design; the speaker is dressed in a metal cabinet with a precision tuned enclosure. The multi-mode LED lighting enhances the sound experience with a visual show. A built-in rechargeable battery provides up to six hours of playback.

A waterproof version of the speaker comes in the form of the CANZ H2O ($49.99). Features include a battery good for eight hours of music as well as an IP67 rating, meaning it is able to withstand water, sand, and dust. The speaker is built with a carry-anywhere lanyard and 1/4” 20-thread universal mount, which allows for excellent portability and mounting.

HEX TLS and HEX TLS H20

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The popular HEX lines of wireless speakers is updated with the addition of a HEX TLS ($59.99) and HEX TLS H20 ($79.99). Packing a battery that allows for eight hours of tunes, the speakers are sleek and come with an anodized aluminum cabinet. The tuned dual-speaker system and bass radiator promise big-time bass and volume. The key difference between the two models is the IP67 waterproof rating of the HEX TLS H20.

XS SPORT 2

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The 808 XS SPORT 2 is a waterproof and dust-proof take on a current model. Priced at $79.99, this rugged little guy is a good companion accessory for a relaxing evening in the study or a personal trip to the pool. To toughen things up, the speaker includes a rubber shock bumper and rubber tabs for the AUX and USB ports. The XS SPORT 2 features bass boost, two stereo speaker drivers with bass radiator, and a built-in battery that delivers up to eight hours of sound.

ENCORE and ENCORE XL

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Things get really interesting with the debut of the new ENCORE ($149.99)and ENCORE XL ($399.99)wireless speakers. Designed with enough power to host a full-on raging party, these can play music over Bluetooth or via a SD card or USB drive. Other details include a five band equalizer, microphone w/ multiple mic inputs, and handles for easy carrying. The ENCORE features 50 watts max power with 50 hours of rechargeable battery life while the ENCORE XL boosts 4 x 100 watts max power.

Turntable

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Another newbie in 808 Audio’s arsenal is the wireless streaming Turntable ($149.99). Music can be played though a headphone, receiver, or any connected Bluetooth speaker. Moreover, the 10 LED light modes add a visual flair to the experience. Listeners can select from a variety of light displays: Chill, Dance, Party or Zen.  Supporting three playback speeds (33-1/3, 45 RPM & 78 RPM), the Turntable boasts an anti-resonance silicon platter and a built-in pre-amplifier.

EAR CANZ Sport and EAR CANZ

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Rounding things out are the EAR CANZ Sport ($49.99) and its true wireless counterpart, the EAR CANZ TRU ($79.99). Built to be sweat-proof, these comfortable earbuds have an ergonomic design with hooks that loop around the outside of your ear. Playback is listed at up to nine hours per charge for the CANZ Sport.

The new EAR CANZ TRU comes with three hours of playtime, but the trade-off is a truly wire-free music experience. The pair are comprised of unique, wireless, left and right in-ear units that pair via Bluetooth to deliver a true stereo sound. Moreover, listeners can take calls directly from them as well.

Asus announces the high-end Chromebook Flip 2

Donovan Jeska
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Asus announced a successor to the surprisingly awesome Chromebook Flip today – and it looks every bit as great as its predecessor. Asus has made a name for itself recently by churning out high-quality products at competitive prices across the board, and the Flip 2 is no exception; with an aluminum casing, signature 360 degree, multi-position hinge, between 4 and 8gb RAM, Intel M processors, between 32 and 128gb solid-state internal drives, and two Type-C USB ports, it’s no slouch.

Dem chiclets tho.
Dem chiclets tho.

According to Asus itself:

The slim, light and incredibly stylish Chromebook Flip C302 combines the simplicity of Chromebook with powerful components and an amazing 360° hinge that lets you flip instantly between a high-performance Chromebook, a handy Chromebook tablet, or anything in between! This versatile touchscreen device frees you to work or play anywhere, anytime with its 10-hour battery life, backlit keyboard with super-large touchpad, and future-proof USB-C port. Chromebook Flip C302 gives access to thousands of amazing productivity apps available at Chrome Web Store and Google Play.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the Flip 2 – and, indeed, most incoming Chromebooks – is that it supports Android Apps in addition to Chrome Apps. I currently own one of the older model Asus chromebooks, so I can’t access the Play Store, but it will definitely be a selling point when I inevitably look to replace this little guy. Android apps simply add a new dimension to Chromebooks – when people ask you “What’s the point of a Chromebook?” you’ll finally have an answer; “It’s a laptop that runs Android stuff, dummy.”

The Flip's 360 degree hinge (note: it's not actually 360 degrees - its like 355, tops) lets you convert it into tablet form.
The Flip’s 360 degree hinge (note: it’s not actually 360 degrees – its like 355, tops) lets you convert it into tablet form.

Altec Lansing’s new SmartStream speakers are an affordable Sonos alternative

Alexandra Arici
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While Sonos might be the first option that comes to mind when thinking of buying a multi-room audio system, you shouldn’t skip over Altec Lansing’s new alternate which just got unveiled at CES 2017.

The new Altec Lansing SmartStream series is made out of three speakers, the SmartStream being the smallest of the bunch. Then there’s the SmartStream X and the SmartStream XL. All three can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and allow users to play songs from their smartphone, tablet or laptop PC.

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What’s cool is that the speakers are also compatible with popular music services like Google Cast, Google Home, Spotify Connect, Internet Radio and Altec Lansing’s own Playlist app.

The SmartStream comes equipped with dual 2-inch drivers that offer an output of 5W each. There’s a built-in microphone, so you can take use it to answer calls if you want. Naturally, a disadvantage would be that other people in the room would also hear your calls. The speaker is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof. It will cost users $100 a pop.

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Moving along, the SmartStream X features 2.1 sound with each channel delivering 10W. It also has a mic, but its only waterproof and costs $200.

As for the SmartStream XL, this speaker has dual 3-inch drivers with a 5-inch subwoofer that delivers improved sound. It has a mic and is waterproof and will ship for $300.

The Bluetooth speaker trio has a wireless range of 100ft and can last up to 16 hours without needing to pop in for charging.

The speakers are expected to go on sale in Q2 or Q3 2017. We’ll keep an eye out for you.

ASUS announces ZenFone 3 Zoom and ZenFone AR, the first phone with 8GB of RAM

Alexandra Arici
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As anticipated ASUS has taken center stage at CES 2017 during its Zennovation event. The company’s CEO Jerry Shen said 2016 has been a tremendous year for ASUS, but we should expect a lot of exciting things to come out of the company in 2017.

Today ASUS has unveiled two new smartphones which bring some equally impressive features to the table. Introducing the ZenFone 3 Zoom and ZenFone AR. Let’s take them each and see what they have to offer.

ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom

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Let’s start out with ZenFone 3 Zoom which is, as you might have guessed already is a camera-centric phone. It comes to replace the ZenFone Zoom, but interestingly tones down the zoom capabilities of its predecessor.

While the ZenFone Zoom featured a 3X optical zoom, the new ZenFone 3 Zoom takes advantage of only 2.3X magnification on one of the two lenses that make up the dual-camera setup. The other lens is a 12MP main camera with f/1.7-aperture. ASUS also offers an impressive 13MP selfie camera which should be able to snap great self-portraits. ASUS boasts the lens duo can work together to deliver the greatly sought after bokeh effect.

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The ZenFone 3 Zoom adds support for 4K video shooting, a feature that wasn’t available with the original model.

As for specifications, the new ZenFone 3 Zoom comes with a 5.5-inch display with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution and bundles a Snapdragon 625 under the hood. Things like RAM and internal memory options haven’t been disclosed yet, but ASUS says it’s going to reveal these details at a later date.

ASUS claims the ZenFone 3 is the thinnest and lightest 5.5-incher available, but no exact numbers were shared with us. One of the phone’s best features is the hefty, updated 5,000 mAh battery which should ensure a long battery life.

The phone is bound to make it out on the market in February for a yet to be disclosed price tag.

ASUS ZenFone AR

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The ASUS ZenFone AR is the product we were pretty curious about. The device is the second Tango-enhanced smartphone after the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro. Unlike the Lenovo device, the ZenFone AR also supports Google’s mobile augmented reality platform, the Daydream VR.

ASUS says the phone is built to see like your eyes do. Using a triCAM system the device is capable of motion tracking, area learning and depth perception.

In terms of specs, the ZenFone AR features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560-pixel resolution and a Snapdragon 821 processor under the hood – optimized to work with Tango. The phone is also the first one to arrive with 8GB of RAM onboard.

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The phone supports Tango’s AR flavor via a 23MP main camera plus a motion tracking camera and depth sensing camera all nestled up together on the back. The camera setup is capable of shooting 4-axis OIS photos and 3-axis EIS video stabilization plus 4K video recording.

ASUS invited Google’s Jonny Lee to demo two new upcoming apps which will take advantage of the phones VR’s capabilities, the Dressing Room by GAP and Hot Wheels by Mattel.

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With the GAP app users can try out outfits in a virtual dressing room, so they can get an idea whether the clothes fit them or match their personal style. The app should become available in the Google Play Store by the end of the month.

Tango and Daydream are platforms of great potential and more and more manufactures are signaling an interest for VR and AR. In 2017 we expect to see lots of phones offer such capabilities are ASUS is leading the way.

The ASUS ZenFone AR is expected to become available in Q2 2017, but pricing specifications will be announced at a later date.

Nuvyyo launches and Android-based software DVR for NVIDIA Shield

Scott Webster
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Nuvyyo, the maker behind the Tablo Over-the-Air (OTA) DVR, today announced a handful of new hardware, software, and services for potential cord-cutters. Moreover, its solutions should appeal to those who want to get more from their existing platforms. If you own an NVIDIA Shield, you’ll definitely want to pay attention to today’s announcement.

So, what’s new today? For starters, the Tablo DROID Android-Based Software DVR. Designed as software that can be installed on the NVIDIA Shield, it essentially gives consumers an HDMI-based DVR. And, when connected to a USB OTA tuner and an antenna, the Shield can let users discover, watch and record live HDTV. Indeed, it turns your gaming and entertainment center into a set-top box.

“Since 2013, Nuvyyo has been focused on making Tablo the defacto app for live TV on the widest variety of internet-connected screens,” said Grant Hall, CEO at Nuvyyo, the makers of Tablo. “Today’s announcements strengthen that commitment and provide consumers with even more choice in how they watch and record Over-the-Air HDTV.”

The Tablo DROID can save recordings directly to the NVIDIA Shield’s hard drive or to a separate, USB-connected drive. It’s also compatible with Tablo TUNER, a new dual-tuner USB dongle (due in Q2 ’17), or the Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD USB tuner stick.

A Tablo DROID app will be free to download from the Google Play store and comes with a free 30-day trial of Tablo’s guide data subscription. Once the trial ends, users can continue to watch live TV and set manual recordings without a subscription. Additionally, they can get a 14 days of guide data and one-click recording functions for $3.99/month.

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Also making its debut today is a Tablo LIVE ‘Antenna Anywhere’ Stick. As its name implies, it is a single-tuner WiFi device that turns any OTA antenna into a smart antenna. In other words, it lets cord cutters share OTA HDTV throughout the home, office, or Wi-Fi network.

Tablo LIVE owners can place the antenna anywhere in the home and watch live programming on mobile devices, streaming set-top-boxes, or Tablo apps. The stick will go on sale in the second quarter of this year and will carry a retail price of around $99.

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Looking ahead, Nuvyyo is already working on its next big thing. This week finds them introducing a proof of concept in the form of Tablo CLOUD DVR Storage. Indeed, this would be a cloud-based offering with various storage and subscription options. Designed to work with the Tablo LIVE, it would let users access recordings from pretty much anywhere they have a solid connection.

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