Samsung files for patent to allow mobile devices to track head movements

Credit: European Patent Office

As the rumours of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 continue to surface, CNet reports that Samsung has a new European patent application that specifies a method to control smartphones with the front-facing camera registering head movements. There have been no confirmation when the technology will even be put to use but speculation suggests this new tech might make its debut on an upcoming device from the Korean IT giant.

The application indicates the technology is meant for times when users can’t touch the phone or are wearing gloves that make it hard for the touch-screen to recognize. Operating the phone at those moments can then be done through eye movement, nodding, or even pronounced eyebrow raising.

Google to shut down goal-sharing service Schemer

Google has announced plans to shut down Schemer goal sharing service in February. Data on the app will be deleted after February 7. You can access your data by logging into schemer.com with your Google account. From there you will find “Email me my schemes” at the top of the page. You will then receive an email from noreply_announce@schemere.com with CSV and HTML attachments that you can download. The discontinuation announcement can be seen in full here.

Sony reportedly pursuing release of Windows Phone device

Sony has already been linked to rumours of a Windows Phone device release. Now, the mobile chief of the tech company’s European division, Pierre Perron, told TechRadar they don’t plan on being a manufacturer for just one operating system. "[Working with Microsoft] is an interesting proposition for us in the PC environment, and we continue our engagement with them,” Perron said. "We are exploring this as part of our discussion in mobile space too. One thing is using the platform [Windows Phone] itself, and another is 'what can we deliver on top of it'?"

Perron, however, will not comment on a specific timeline for Windows Phone. He says discussions are still tentative.

First Look at Lenovo's MIIX 2 Windows 8 Tablet from CES 2014

2014 could very well be Lenovo's year at CES. The PC market leader has unleashed a bevy of impressive notebooks, ultrabooks, tablets and even smartphones for good measure. One of the more interesting categories this year are 8-inch Windows 8 tablets that run full Windows (not RT). Dell has first mover advantage with its Venue 8 Pro tablet and now Lenovo's followed suit with their successor to the ThinkPad Tablet 2. Designed for work and play, the MIIX 2 has a quad core Intel Atom processor, stylus input, a expandable microSD slot and starts at $299 for the 32GB model. Here's our slideshow from the show floor.

Photos by Alex Davies