Microsoft Research aims to develop smartphones with battery life to last you one week

Battery life remains to be one of the major concerns of smartphone users today. That is why Microsoft Research are finding ways to remedy this problem. According to Ranveer Chandra, their team is exploring the possibility of creating smartphones with batteries that can last for seven days without the need to use external battery packs.

One method is to put two li-ion batteries in the phone instead of one. These batteries can split usage depending on what the users need. For example, one can provide larger supply for heavy use and the other can be for standby mode. They are also exploring software optimization through a process called E-Loupe. This will pinpoint battery hungry apps that the software can slow down or pause when not in use. The research team has been able to create prototypes that improved battery life from 20% to 50%. It’s not yet their goal but we’d take that over a lot smartphone batteries we have today.

Source: Ubergizmo

Donald Sterling reneges on $2 Billion LA Clippers sale to Steve Ballmer

Just when we thought the US $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer was a done deal, we are now hearing that Donald Sterling, who we thought gave his wife the power to sell the team, has decided to block the deal. What's more, Sterling is going after the NBA with a $1 billion lawsuit. How do you like that? Sterling's reason, "I love the team and have dedicated 33 years of my life to the organization. I intend to fight to keep the team." It's awkward and disappointing for Steve Ballmer who thought he had sealed the deal and had an NBA team to own. Is Sterling really going to war against the association or is he angling for a bigger paycheck?

Marantz unveils new super-slim Network AV receiver NR1605 with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Marantz, a world leader in advanced audio technologies, is now offering a new super-slim network AV Receiver for design and space-conscious home entertainment enthusiasts with built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Following the footsteps of its highly acclaimed predecessors, the new NR1605 packs the same punch as larger models, delivering true-to-life surround sound and superior video, but without needing a large, imposing home entertainment  unit to house it.

With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in, users can enjoy digital media files on this beautiful set wherever they are stored - wirelessly. The NR1605 (MSRP $749) is expected to be available beginning in July 2014 at select Marantz dealers and online.

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Olympus introduces premium kits for the OM-D E-M10

If you love cameras, you gotta love the Olympus premium kit for their OM-D E-M10. Which includes the E-M10 body, a new M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm pancake zoom lens plus a smart looking colour coordinated genuine leather neck strap and OM-D lens cap. The premium kit costs $ 1099.99 and ship in June, it is available in orange, vintage green and black-lizard skin designs.