Sony unveils new version of its hybrid smartwatch in Japan

If you remember Sony’s Wena Wrist, an analog-style smartwatch made by Sony’s internal incubator, then you might be interested to know that Sony created a new version of this. Called the Three Hands Square, this hybrid smartwatch comes with a square body and a round face. Made specifically for women, it features an 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm case options. There’s also a new leather strap option. However, that would mean you’ll lose the notification function from the steel band. You still do get NFC, though.

But the steel bands are also being sold separately so you can mix and match. The steel band and the watch face will go on sale in Japan later this month. The watch itself has a starting price of 10,380 yen (around CA$120), while the steel band will cost at least 33,880 yen (around CA$390). If you want to wait for the leather band that’s coming out in late December, it costs 8,380 yen (around CA$95). No word if these watches will make its way out of Japan.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft will reportedly lay off thousands of staff worldwide as part of major sales reorganization

Rumour has it Microsoft is getting ready to lay off thousands of its global workforce this week as the company is set to reorganize its sales division. According to a report from TechCrunch, Microsoft intends to merge its enterprise customer division with its small-and-medium-enterprise unit. The reorganization is said to be part of Microsoft’s plan to focus more on its growing Azure business, which is its cloud computing business. It isn’t clear though if these reported layoffs will be new job openings that focus on the cloud business.

Microsoft’s fiscal year ends on June 30^th so layoffs could be tied to this. Reorganization is also seen to be a result of last year’s change of leadership. Judson Althoff and Jean-Philippe Courtois now lead the company’s sales and marketing divisions after COO Kevin Turner left. And Althoff is known to be critical of previous approaches to sales and is looking to make Azure a key focus for the company. Microsoft hasn’t commented on the report yet.

Source: GeekWire

Sony tipped to be going bezel-less for the smartphone it’s launching at IFA 2017

Sony smartphones have looked almost identical since forever. We exaggerate, we know. But there is a certain truth to it. And one element Sony keeps having on its phones are thicker than usual bezels. But the latest “news” from the rumour mill is the Japanese company might be ready to shed those bezels and they’re going to do it pretty soon. A post on Weibo (via Gizmo China) claims that Sony will be launching a truly bezel-less smartphone at IFA 2017, which is happening at the start of September in Berlin, Germany.

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A live-action version of ‘The Jetsons’ is reportedly in the works

Back in the ‘90s when a live-action The Flintstones movie came out, there has been talk about The Jetsons making its own live-action debut. But that hasn’t happened—until perhaps now. TVLine reports that a live-action sitcom of the 1960s cartoon is supposedly in development at Warner Bros. with Back to the Future director Robert Zemeckis as its executive producer. Its showrunner is said to Family Guy’s executive producer and writer Gary Janetti. It’s rumoured that the show is being shopped around networks. Not much is known about the new project but it’s said that it’ll take place 100 years from the present day. Warner Bros. is also said to be working on animated movie with Sausage Party director Conrad Vernon said to be in talks to direct the film.

Source: The Verge