a couple of laughzillas on a blue diamond background

Pebble’s smartstraps are a big deal and bad news for Apple

Mar03
by on March 3, 2015 at 2:18 pm
Posted In: Analysis and Opinion, Around the Web, Gadgets, Insider, pebble, Pebble Time, Pebble Time Steel, Product Launches, smartwatch

3c461cb0c312bc4066d9c4e3d9f64f9b_large
One of the biggest criticisms of the Apple Watch, even before its officially launched, is the limited number of sensors built into the device. That’s why I suspect there’ll be some sore heads in Cupertino today after Pebble announced its plan for smartstraps. After launching its color screen Pebble Time smartwatch last week and breaking Kickstarter records in the process, the company dropped another bombshell today with details of how its new charging and data connector will work. The connection can send and receive power and data to the device which opens the way for smartstraps. They’ll be able to replace the normal watch…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: ,
a couple of laughzillas on a blue diamond background

Simplicam’s home monitoring software targets parts of the room

Mar03
by on March 3, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Gadgets, Product Updates

peace_of_mind_background
ArcSoft, a software company with a photographic bent, last year debuted a Wi-Fi  video home monitoring camera called Simplicam. It let you view the action at home remotely from your smart phone and even speak to family members through the phone’s mic. Simplicam’s mobile software companion, Closeli, offers among other things, built-in face detection and face recognition technology that lets you watch for specific people or animals and alerts you to noise or motion. Today, as part of a major app update and firmware upgrade for the product, Simplicam announced the availability of Detection Zones, a new feature that allows users to customize motion and face alerts…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: , ,
a couple of laughzillas on a blue diamond background

72% off the Power Vault 18000mAh portable battery pack

Mar03
by on March 3, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets, Offers, TNWDeals

Charge up your mobile devices wherever you go with the Power Vault. Its powerful 18,000mAh battery can juice your phone and tablets multiple times on a single charge, and its sleek body takes up minimal space in your backpack, purse or pocket. This essential battery pack is housed in a reinforced aluminum case so it’s lightweight, compact and durable. Plus, it can charge two devices at once, thanks to dual USB ports including a 2A high-output port for tablets. If you’re on the road often, the Power Vault is a must-have accessory for your gadgets. Order now for just $29.99…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: 
a couple of laughzillas on a blue diamond background

The 5 pillars of interaction design

Mar03
by on March 3, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, design, Design & Dev, dev, Insider, interaction design, Roundups

redesign_PixelKit_MF1_1114
Jerry Cao is a content strategist at UXPin — the wireframing and prototyping app — where he develops in-app and online content for the wireframing and prototyping platform. In today’s world of infinite-scrolling websites and touch devices, you must understand interaction design in order to create user experiences that feel fluid and life-like. As described in Interaction Design Best Practices Vol. 1, interaction design requires mastery of multiple UX disciplines — which makes sense, since it’s not easy to make a system of objects feel friendly, learnable, and useful. Let’s start by defining IxD, breaking down the core principles, and…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: 
a couple of laughzillas on a blue diamond background

Jimmy Wales: The next billion people are coming online quicker than anyone thought

Mar03
by on March 3, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Insider, MWC, MWC2015

jw

Speaking today at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales discussed how people in the developing world are joining the global conversation online at a rapid rate – quicker than anyone had anticipated. According to Wales, this is a result of the improvements in the speed of connections and the falling prices of mobile devices. There is one problem though – the high cost of data in these countries is limiting their level of access. Highlighting the need for digital inclusion worldwide, Wales said: Imagine a world in which everyone has free access to the sum of all human knowledge –…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: ,