Sunday
Feb162014

Leaked render of BlackBerry Z3 points to new entry in emerging markets

Emerging markets have always been steady for BlackBerry and while they've come out with the Q5, there really isn't a candybar-styled entry level device designed for these markets. The Z10 and the Z30 are both flagship devices in terms of specs and pricing. A leaked render of the purported Z3 codenamed "Jakarta", a device BlackBerry CEO John Chen referenced some time ago during an earnings call, shows a rather sleek, utilitarian handset that looks like a pared-down Z10 (the same way the Q5 looked like a very basic QWERTY enabled device). This 5-inch handset is expect to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress and come to market soon after.

Another source, BBIn, posted a list of specs. So, while we take all leaks with a grain of salt and a shooter of Tequila, there are some specifics to ponder on after the jump.

 

Click to read more ...

Sunday
Feb162014

Google buys company behind sound-based password alternative

Google has just acquired the recently launched SlickLogin. The company introduced a new concept for account security. SlickLogin will verify a user’s identity with the help of a website meant to generate a unique and almost silent sound that will be played over the computer speakers. And then an app on your phone will pick up and analyze the sound and then send it back to the site to confirm your identity. We will inform you about details of the acquisition once more information surface.

Source: Tech Crunch

Sunday
Feb162014

SlideShow: 2014 Canadian International Autoshow 

Photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The 2014 Canadian International Autoshow is in full swing in Downtown Toronto. I had the chance to check out the exhibit briefly yesterday and here are some of the things that caught my eye. It is best to come early and have a plan (i.e. go see the models or carmakers you're most interested in). Once the crowds arrive, the venue can get extremely crowded. They also have a silly way of controlling crowds by placing barriers between escalators. This means you need to walk around more than necessary, very inconvenient specially if you're toting a stroller. 

Things worth seeing include the new Mustang and the sleek new Corvette Stingray. Mazda showcased some 3D printers, Range Rover shows a cross-section of one of their SUV's, there was an abundance of hybrid and electric vehicle concepts and I'm sure there was a lot more that I missed. Still, the best place to see the auto industry and innovations, the Canadian International Autoshow is ongoing until February 23rd.

Saturday
Feb152014

Get more mobile video editing and sharing capabilities with Adobe VideoBite

Adobe has just introduced a new app to help you edit and share smartphone videos to Facebook or YouTube. VideoBite provides you with a wide array of options to customize your vdeos. You can mix and match clips saved on your camera roll. You can also add photos, transitions, effects, filters, and music from your iTunes library or those that come with the app.

Lifehacker reports the free app is a teaser for Adobe’s cloud-based sharing service named Revel. But you don’t even have to pay the US$6 monthly fee to use the powerful mobile video editor. However, the app is currently available for iOS users only.