Planet Computers launches its second Android-powered PDA

Planet Computers introduces the Cosmo Communicator from Planet Computers on Vimeo.

Planet Computers Gemini' is a device that brings back the PSION's keyboard and a mid-range Android device, running Android and designed around productivity, this pocket computer also runs various flavours of Linux, serves as a smartphone and is aimed at mobile workers who need a more flexible mobile device.

Announced today is Planet Computers latest Indiegogo crowdfunded project the Cosmo Communicator. Featuring dual displays, a 24 megapixel camera as well as updated hardware with a backlit keyboard, it is powered powerful Mediatek P70 8-core processor plus separate GPU and AI processors. It has a massive 6GBs of RAM and 128 GBs of Flash memory. 

This is an interesting product which could turn into a proper segment. I've had the original Gemini PDA and I chose the WiFi-only model, which I regret. Being able to use the device as a smartphone completes the experience and is useful when one is travelling. To find out more about the Cosmo Communicator check it here.

Google to shutter old version of Google Contacts web app by February 2019

Say goodbye to this old look

Google has been working on the redesign of the Google Contacts web app since 2015. Recently, it got the new Material Design-inspired look that’s seen in a slew of Google products. Now, the company is ready to leave the past behind with the new Contacts web app replacing the older version completely by February 2019. This specific announcement will impact G Suite users but it’s also likely to affect the number of Gmail accounts who still use the old design.

Starting November 28, the new Contacts web app will come to all G Suite users (or be force-enabled by the organization’s admin). And then it’ll be the default starting January 15, 2019. Admins will not be able to turn this off then. And then on February 12, 2019, the old version will go away entirely.

Source: Android Police

California-based startup Royole outs first commercially available foldable smartphone

Beating the likes of Samsung and Huawei to the punch, California-based startup Royole just unveiled the world’s first commercially available foldable smartphone. Called the FlexPai, it’s a smartphone and table rolled (or should we say folded) into one. It offers the “portability of a smartphone plus the screen size of a high-definition tablet.” It has a 7.8-inch full-colour AMOLED display with 4:3 aspect ratio and 1,440 x 920 resolution. It supports multi-tasking and split screens, and it goes as far to support drag and drop that you can do on computers. Its screen will automatically adjust its size to the movie you’re watching or video game you’re playing. When it’s folded, you can use both the front and back screens together or independently, depending on what you’re doing. Its side edge where the hinge is located serves as the typical smartphone notification bar.

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Amazon Alexa can let you know if your favourite musicians release new music

Amazon Music and Alexa will make it easier for its subscribers to find out if their favourite musicians released new songs or albums. Amazon’s Music app is getting a New Release Notifications feature that can turn up on the mobile app or as a yellow light notification on your Amazon Echo device. If you’re in the US, you can follow an artist by saying to your Echo device, “Alexa follow ______ on Amazon Music.” Or say, “Alexa, let me know when ______ has new music.” You need to have notifications enabled to get updates. No word yet when Amazon plans to bring this feature outside the US.

Source: CNET