Vine for Android upgraded

The Vine application on Android unfolds its updates. After that occurred in June 2013, an update is again available for download on Google Play to satisfy lovers sharing short videos (6 seconds) taken on the spot.
Vine has the equivalent of the Retweet function, applied to the sharing of mini video clips shot with this application. A fashion "ghost" can view and overlay an image taken previously. A tool for development of video sensor is also being introduced.

Most original, the application now installs a button ( widget ) on the screen of the Android smartphone. As a result, it becomes possible to turn a mini video clip instantly and on the fly, without having to launch the application.

This accelerated pace of updates is to bring new competition suffered Vines (Twitter) since the appearance of sharing short videos (15 seconds maximum) on Instagram application (Facebook).

Eric Schmidt: Τhe Google driverless cars arrive in a few years

The chairman of Google, took advantage of the very popular annual conference, hosted by Allen & Company, to release some information about its relationship with Apple company and also on the status of future projects.

He has revealed that over the past year, after "many, many meetings," the relationship between Google and Apple are much improved. The two companies are "in constant business discussions on a long list of subjects" , he continued, according to Reuters. Tim Cook, who was also present at the event does does not it seem to take a position on this point.

Google Car approaching

Moreover, as he had been very careful so far on the subject, Eric Schmidt said that Google Cars are not so far from becoming reality. They come not in a few decades but just a few years. On this point, he joined with a little delay, Sergey Brin , co-founder of Google, who said in September 2012 that "will take several years of testing" before you see happen on our roads. Before adding, "a number of years than I can count with one hand" .

Confirming some outputs Sergey Brin and rumors appeared in the American press, Eric Schmidt also said that Google is or has been in discussion " with all automakers. " And to conclude, to put things in perspective: "The technology must be well thought out. Laws and regulations should be well thought out. Partnerships should be well thought out. "

The question of the economic model that will keep Google is always open. Does it follow that which has been proven with Android and that is to provide access to its technology to various players to quickly create a strong ecosystem? The answer in "a few years" . only

Philips 60PFL8707S

TP Vision will market to return a high-end TV Philips 60 inch only 1.35 cm thick. With such a simple thin LCD, one wonders if the OLED screens will actually have a future. In the meantime, this beautiful TV is undoubtedly one of the finest in the market.

Guarantee bright atmosphere!

Another novelty of this model is the Philips Ambilight 4 XL system, which will provide a light beam on the four sides of the screen. The Ambilight 4 system consists of 94 independent LED located at the back and center of the screen, and whose colors are synchronized with those of the image. It is also possible to synchronize the Ambilight TV (and all those produced from 2011) WiFi with LED bulbs Philips Hue. And, thanks to the application Ambilight + Hue 'available on Google Play and the App Store. Hue bulbs installed in the room therefore provide the same colors as the Ambilight.

A Smart TV with quad core processor

For the rest, called Elevation TV Smart TV will be a nicely equipped and offer the same features as the other models of the brand. Á namely WiFi Miracast, features content sharing with smartphones and tablets, the MultiRoom function (to watch the same program at the same time on two different TVs). Plus a wide multimedia compatibility via the network or one of the three USB ports using the DLNA certification, the ability to access NetTV portal and browse the Internet with the remote keyboard with integrated pointer comes with the screen, the HbbTV compatibility, etc.. All this under the guidance of a quad core processor loaded faster access to online services and displaying Web content.

Treatment and 900 Hz passive 3D

Video processing side, we will find the traditional battery comprising Philips Perfect Pixel HD Engine, a 900 Hz scan mode, a management tool backlight, the 3D Perfect Natural Motion, options specific settings contrasts with course The passive 3D compatibility and the availability of a converter 2D> and 3D depth adjustment tools terrain. Four pairs of 3D glasses will also come with the device.

Remains unknown: the price. It should be around 3 000. Note, however, that in addition to the remote and 3D glasses, TP Vision will also provide support for table, wall mount and camera to use Skype.

Verbatim MediaShare Wireless

Verbatim launches a tiny wireless multimedia gateway, the MediaShare Wireless. This portable device (127 grams) can play audio files, and video stored on different devices (tablet PC) photo from your smartphone or second tablet. Better, thanks to the presence of a USB 2 and an SD slot (SDXC compatible) card, it is easy to read or send content on keys, memory cards or external hard disks. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the Verbatim MediaShare Wireless would be able to stream video content for 9 hours and recharge via USB on a PC / Mac.

Share safely

The operating principle is simple: the MediaShare generates its own Wi-Fi network mini-n which you connect up to 5 devices. The whole exchange is secure wireless password (WPA-SK, WPA2-SK). For ease of use on Android and iOS devices, you need to download a free application. It is also possible to MediaShare a small bridge to the Wi-Fi home network, allowing to consult data on another device while surfing the web. Finally, this device can also be used as backup battery to charge your smartphone. MediaShare Wireless is already available to nearly 70 euros.

Blackberry Q5

Today the Blackberry Q5 is officially available for sale. Sold 379 euros naked and from 49 euros with a subsidy (SFR at first), this new smartphone joins his older brothers Q10 and Z10 in the range of Blackberry devices in 10.1. With the Q5, Blackberry offers affordable smartphone compatible 4G and a physical keyboard that combines good size and touch screen 3.1-inch IPS display technology in 720 by 720 pixels. It is bristling with all the new BB10 as the new BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) or Balance mode (pro and personal environment on the same smartphone).

An attractive smartphone on paper

Affordable variation of Q10, this new smartphone is equipped with a dual heart processor, 2GB of memory and 16GB of internal memory. The latter is expandable via microSD (up to 32GB). For photos and videos, the camera is equipped with a 5 megapixel sensor on the back, an LED flash and can shoot Full HD (1920 by 1080 pixels). At the front, for video, it is a small 2 megapixel camera that is at work. In addition to 4G, the Q5 is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC for contactless payment or exchange files. Battery side, it is a model (non-removable) 2180 mAh battery that powers the Q5, giving it until 12:30 talking and 9 hours video playback. For its launch, the Blackberry Q5 comes in black and white and could be marketed in other colors by the end of the year. A set of accessories (optional) as protective covers of various formats will be available soon.

Sharp LC-70UD1U

Sharp seduced by the lure of the UltraHD and announces the launch in August in the United States (at first) of its first 4K TV: LC-70UD1U.

The THX, guaranteeing quality

What makes this interesting TV, in addition to its exceptional resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), it is the presence of the new 4K THX Display certification. This means that it will integrate pre-calibrated for watching movies modes. Other distinctive sign: the image size 70 inches, a large diagonal TV. In addition, it is wise to consider purchasing a projector and the integration of a projection screen. Recall that among other manufacturers, the standard size for the UltraHD is rather than 65 inches.

A beautiful picture and sound to match

For high-end model, Sharp has obviously put the dishes in large shipping in a dual-core processor capable of scaling all video sources, including video games and images from YouTube. The audio portion has also been carefully worked, since the device has a sound system consisting of six HP with separate midrange and treble and a 35-watt subwoofer.

A connected TV and 3D necessarily

the super-TV from Sharp is also compatible 3D (passive technology) and includes a wireless module to access the online service platform of the brand (social networks, VOD, news, Skype, etc..) and browse the Internet. It should also be possible to surf the web while watching a movie in two separate windows. Conenctique side, Sharp has four HDMI inputs, two USB 2.0 ports, a memory card reader (SD) and two applications of remote control (Remote Control and Beam) for mobile devices.

The rate is equal to the benefits, very high. In the United States, the starting price is $ 8,000 secured. The price in France (and euros) should be about the same, although the market in France is not yet confirmed.

Philips Fidelio HTL9100

Philips expands its range of audio system lounge with HTL9100. Behind this lies a reference set a wireless subwoofer and soundbar. The latter is not trivial! These ends are, in fact, two small removable speakers. Wireless working as housing, they act as rear satellites such as a home theater kit. See that this system gives real conditions.

All Fidelio HTL9100 is apparently a sound bar and a subwoofer without "lambda" thread. But in reality, it offers unprecedented flexibility to use since the ends of the bar are small removable speakers. Recent communicate wireless with the rest of the bar and are self-sufficient for 10 hours. So you can put behind you and thus reproduce installation type 5.1 in your living room. All is well finished and has an output of 210 watts, 90 for the box. It comes with a comprehensive remote control. The implementation is simple: it plugs into an outlet, it keeps a few seconds the little button on the back of the box so that it joins the bar and voila. Philips opts for opulence side connections. It consists of optical, HDMI (2 of which CRA), coaxial, auxiliary jack and a 3.5 mm. Philips also thought the Bluetooth so that you can associate the bar to your tablet or smartphone and to spread your favorite MP3 songs.

A little more bass!

The sound quality is good, the voices are clear and distinct. However, we would have appreciated that the subwoofer is needed a little more. The highs are clear and well defined and mediums them adequately represented. When you pick up the satellites, the sound loses a little in size and, especially, the front speakers accuse a level greater than that of the satellite output. The sound is generally stronger than the front and rear. And no adjustment is intended to address this gap, which is a shame.

A complete remote

The remote control supplied with the HTL9100 is well in hand and gives access to all functions of the bar. The source selection, adjustments to the volume, bass or treble, you have everything under your fingers. Activation of the "night mode" (low-frequency attenuation) and automatic volume adjustment (no increase in volume between the pub and a movie) also passes through the control box. However, it is unfortunate that, once you press a button on the remote control on the sound, it briefly cut to make the change. And if the set of white LED for indicating the volume level and activation of certain functions is attractive, it is not necessarily easy to read. We would have preferred a small screen giving more detailed information.

Fidelio HTL9100 is a powerful innovative audio kit, which replaces without discomfort who can afford them pregnant with a flat-screen TV. The sound is not perfect but good enough to enjoy movies in total immersion. Unfortunately, the price is a bit too high for our liking: the concept is paying a high price.

hp Pavilion 14 chromebook

As imperfect as it is, the last Chromebook we tested - Google pixels - is a superb machine for high-end finishes that broke with tradition "Chromebook = Cheap PC". HP back to basics with his 14-c001ef Pavilion, a laptop at low cost - 299 €. The price it worth it?

Chromebooks are the machines running applications online in ChromeOS, equipment and components they include are small ... in theory. But not in practice! Recall that the first model launched by Samsung in June 2011 pâtissait its processor too winded. If this new model proposed by HP does not have a high-end processor - an ordinary Pentium - 4 GB of RAM enough to the machine to not row when four more web pages are open. On the other hand, games like Angry Birds work without worries, but attention to ports of 3D games like From Dust in Chrome that require a processor and a powerful graphics card to play. Ergonomics side if the keyboard is decent, the touchpad is lined with small spikes quickly annoying. Provide a mouse ...

Little enduring

Weighing more than two pounds with its AC adapter, the HP Pavilion 14-c001ef Chromebook is not the lightest laptop. Why count automatically the weight of the AC adapter into the total weight? Simply because of its very low autonomy. With only 2 hours 49 endurance in video mode, the machine is a portable office that uses at home to surf the net a real laptop that regularly uses battery.

Display: definition and poor light

The Pavilion 14 Chromebook is not expensive and the screen reminds us: 1366 x 768 pixels is not really an ideal setting to work. Again it is sufficient for the web, but it is very limited when it comes to working on long text documents, juggling between a Word document and a PDF, etc.. And if the rate is acceptable contrast, brightness of 200 cd / m² may be insufficient if riding in a bright place.

Chrome OS

This is neither the equipment, rather suitable or finishing - rather average - we criticize. This would be unfair considering the laptop price. This is indeed the software part that sins. Just like its big brother the pixels , which is to kick a masterpiece of engineering, the operating system is the problem. In fact, Chrome OS can hardly do without internet for software as for the content. While some applications now work offline, but most services require a permanent connection. And these are not the 16 GB hard drive that will allow you to store all the files you need on holiday. Not to mention the key applications like Skype that do not exist in Chrome OS. So much for cheap calls on holiday ... To counteract this view, we must recognize the Google system robustness and security.

No Skype, very little disk space, a connected almost obligatory fashion ... all in a somewhat heavy portable little tough and not really sexy: HP Pavilion 14-c001ef Chromebook has not pleased us. The low cost has its limits and Chrome OS only amplify. At least do that net in sedentary and really be limited to such a budget, the Pavilion 14-c001ef be avoided. Especially for 70 € more, there are laptops with 14-inch equipment - and an operating system - much more complete.

New pricing on the Apple Store

All applications available on the Apple Store will experience a new pricing. From July 1r, the Apple brand has a new grille price: 0.99, 1.99, 2.99, 3.99 euros. Rates that offer developers more room.

On October 25, the applications had increased prices of around 11%. Applications increased to 0.79 euro to 0.89 euro. These increased to 2.39 euros thirty cents. The increase is more significant for applications which cost 2.99 euros and is now selling at € 3.59, an increase of sixty cents.

The first Firefox OS smartphones arrive in Europe

Expected, the first low cost smartphones Firefox OS coming to Europe. Operators Deutsche Telekom and Telefónica will be the first to offer them respectively in Spain and Germany.

The Spanish operator Telefonica will propose this week a smartphone developed by the Chinese ZTE under the name Open. The Alcatel One Touch brand (owned by the Chinese manufacturer TCL) will launch its Fire model should also offered by Telefonica in Spain and Deutsche Telekom in Poland.

The operator Telenor also launch its first mobile Firefox OS this year in Central and Eastern Europe.
Firefox OS enables the use of standards such as HTML 5 applications built on. It looks like a variant, compared to existing mobile platforms (Android, iOS, BlackBerry 10, Windows Phone), targeting economic smartphones. It is supported by a majority of operators and some operators.

It provides, through the application Firefox Marketplace online store, access to Facebook and Twitter (social networking), HERE Maps (mapping) or more Electronic Arts games, including Poppit.

Apart from Spain, the first commercial launches involve countries with lower purchasing power, located in Eastern Europe. This is not surprising, given the low cost position of these early models of Chinese origin.
The question is whether this will remain the same target market, where the most renowned brands like LG, associated with the Mozilla project, disembark in turn with their own model.

Apple and Samsung, a long endless divorce

This is the downside of being an actor fabless own - fabless in English. Apple is de facto subject to the good wills of its suppliers, and this is dangerous when its main strategic supplier and also his direct opponent.
While a U.S. federal judge has denied Apple the ability to add the Galaxy S4 in the list of smartphones violate its patents, the U.S. giant has spent the last week a new milestone in its decision-distance vis-à- Samsung screws.

A lengthy negotiation

After months of negotiation and multiple attempts, Apple has signed a three year agreement with the Taiwanese foundry TSMC. This will produce the next generation of chips that animate its smartphones and tablets. It is revealed that last week the newspaper Digitimes , which detailed that over this three-year plan, Apple would benefit from technology developments to switch to burning chips manufactured in 20 nm, then 16 and finally 10.

Thus, as suggested leaks , a few weeks ago, TSMC will start producing A8 chips in small quantities from this July, before increasing production volumes early next year. This chip should equip iPhone for commercialization in early 2014.

It should be about 50,000 wafers that come out of the newly installed TSMC in the first quarter of 2014 plants. Gradually, this capacity 50,000 wafers, which are 20,000 going to burn 16 nm. The A9 chips and A9X should go into production at the end of the third quarter of 2014, according to the Taiwanese newspaper.