Apple Watch launch reportedly pushed back to spring

If you have been waiting for Apple's first wearable to make its way to you immediately after the holidays, it looks like you are in for a bit of wait. According to 9to5Mac, the launch of the Apple Watch has been pushed back to spring of 2015. This post-holiday launch might affect sales of other wearables, according to Moor Insights and Strategy President and Principal Analyst Patrick Moorhead. Consumers might think twice of buying a smartwatch now to see if it is worth buying against the Apple Watch. 

Source: CNBC

Microsoft opens sign-ups for real-time translation preview of Skype

There will come a time when you will be able to video chat with someone speaking a different language as you and have Skype instantly translate your conversation. For that to happen, Microsoft has opened sign-ups for the early preview of the technology. Skype Translator was introduced early this year and now it seems Microsoft is ready to test it out.

It only supports a limited number of languages at the moment but the on-boarding process includes a questionnaire to ask people what other languages they’d like to have translated. The preview is only available to Windows 8.1 computers and tablets and there are a limited number of slots available. If you want to get first dibs, you can sign up here.

Source: GeekWire

Starwood Hotels & Resorts intros smartphone-powered keyless room entry

This latest news from Starwood Hotels & Resorts might put an end to one of the biggest pain points of travelling, which is glitchy magnetic door keys. SPG Keyless is the hospitality industry’s first mobile, keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smartphone as a key.

Rolling out to Aloft, Element and W Hotels around the globe, SPG Keyless makes its official debut today in 10 hotels in markets including Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles and Doha. Hit jump to read more.

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Leak shows first Microsoft branded Lumia smartphone

A leak shows the front and back of the first non-Nokia branded Microsoft smartphone. Microsoft's RM-1090 looks to be an entry-level smartphone and successor to the short-lived Nokia X line of devices slated for emerging markets. With no Nokia branding anywhere, the device is a dual-SIM affair with what we expect are basic features. No word on when this is shipping or even if it will make its way to Canada but it does give us a clearer idea of what Microsoft has in store for its Windows Phone business.

Source: Engadget