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Razer’s sub-$100 Nabu wearable device integrates WeChat, behaves much like a smartwatch

Jul24
by on July 24, 2014 at 4:00 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets

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This week is turning into a notable one for wearable devices thanks to a couple of announcements out of Asia. First, Xiaomi announced plans for a device that will retail for just $13, a truly new low pricepoint for the genre, and now Razer is revealing that its upcoming new product will integrate messaging app WeChat. The Nabu smartband borrows some functionality from a smartwatch, alongside the standard fitness and health tracking capabilities that we expect. But integrating WeChat is a very interesting move, particularly in China where the service is ubiquitously used and is even becoming a platform for developers who seek to…

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Xiaomi’s Hugo Barra defends ‘sensational’ copycat claims, says Apple is an inspiration

Jul24
by on July 24, 2014 at 3:01 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Asia, Insider, Profiles and Interviews

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Xiaomi’s office is still humming way past 7pm on the day after their major product launch event. Employees typically end their days at 9.30pm after working 12-hour-long days here, and this commitment doesn’t end post-event. For all the work that has gone into developing its products — the company says the recently-launched Mi 4 took 18 months of research and development, for example —  it is little wonder that recent claims circulating in the press about the company blatantly ripping off Apple’s products have hit its executives hard. High-profile former Google VP Hugo Barra, now VP for Xiaomi Global, said in…

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Google Street View expands in Asia as cars hit the road capturing images in Laos

Jul24
by on July 24, 2014 at 2:49 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Asia, Google, street view

Google has expanded its Street View imagery initiative in Asia after its distinctive camera-clad cars hit the roads of Laos, starting in capital city Vientiane. As is so often the case with Google Maps and Street View projects in Asia, the internet giant has teamed up with the local government and tourism organization for what it hopes will “create new ways for people around the world to experience Laos, and by doing so, help create better awareness of this country and attract more tourism.” Google says it will begin with Vientiane but hopes to cover the rest of Laos “over the next few…

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Mark Cuban’s Cyber Dust disappearing message app arrives on Android

Jul24
by on July 24, 2014 at 12:13 am
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web

Has sending a text message ever come back to bite you? If so, Mark Cuban’s new startup Cyber Dust wants to save you the trouble. The ephemeral messaging app launched today on Android alongside its existing iPhone counterpart. Cyber Dust functions similar to Snapchat, but with a focus primarily on texting. Messages are erased after 30 seconds. The app sends “fully encrypted messages” and never saves the data to your device’s hard drive or a server. The Android app also disables screenshots to make it more difficult for recipients to capture evidence.       Cuban told Fox Business he came…

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Google Maps challenges Foursquare with new Explore feature on Android and iOS

Jul23
by on July 23, 2014 at 10:53 pm
Posted In: Apps, Around the Web, Google

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Google announced today the addition of an Explore Nearby button for Google Maps on iOS and Android. The featuring is rolling out “starting this week.” The new feature expands the Google Maps as more than just your go-to app for directions. Explore will adjust its results based on context, such as the weather and the time of day. Google recommends that you have location reporting and history turned on for the best results.       Android users will be able to pull up venue information at their destination. As Google Maps learns more about the places you go to, it’ll…

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