It is easy enough to ignore some of the design elements of Apple Watch. Most of us are looking at the screen and thinks that this is another picture. It is another bend, another recess. But apparently, Apple has spent a lot of time to create a unique interface of theirs hours.

In a recent interview with the director of the team to create user interfaces, Alan Dye told portal Wired. Actually worked to create screensavers for Apple Watch. The amount of attention that has been given is simply amazing.

For example, the creation of the moving image on the display. It was made in the form of butterflies, floating jellyfish or colors. The project team spent 285 hours on each of these designs.

According to Alan, an open flower was photographed 24,000 times. Things were complicated with animation jellyfish.

Alan’s team with the camera Phantom mode “stops-motion” 300 fps. Then images of 4096 × 2304 pixels had to shrink to the size of the display Apple Watch – 312 × 390.

“Looking at the splash screen, no one will be able to see the level of detail that is in each image – said Alan – but it was very important get this detail.”

And the truth, it’s hard to think about. How difficult work has been done. The Amazing!

Source: Ubergizmo

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Unlike most Android Wear hours and Apple Watch, Pebble Time, clocks, record on the platform Kickstarter to raise funds, are not equipped with sensor heartbeat and many other sensors. The company said that “instead of trying to shove sensors” in a device that costs only $ 179, she decided to give developers the ability to create a variety of smart straps. To help them in this endeavor, the company plans to motivate creators straps financially. Pebble promises to pay $ 1 million to anyone who will present the most interesting project clever strap. A sample of the most interesting ideas that have been previously presented, the manufacturer of smart hours posted online.

To help them in this endeavor, the company plans to motivate creators straps financially. Pebble promises to pay $ 1 million to anyone who will present the most interesting project clever strap. A sample of the most interesting ideas that have been previously presented, the manufacturer of smart hours posted online.

This is the first modular strap Xadow from the company Seeed Studio, which was previously presented jack Pebble Time, which is equipped with NFC-sensor, heart rate, and GPS-module. Pebble adds that this connector will greatly simplify the work of other developers to create smart accessories for Pebble Time.

Another idea smart strap was presented Spark.io. Although at the moment it’s just a rough prototype, this product will allow device Pebble run like clockwork phone and connect directly to the mobile network.

To participate in the contest, you must write your message (pebble), or send a request via e-mail to [email protected]. Pebble has earned nearly $ 20 million on Kickstarter, so why not help the company to spend at least part of this money?

Source: Engadget

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Six months later, I wear a happy owner of Moto 360, decided to share their experiences and newly acquired knowledge during this time about Android Wear.

A bit of history – Moto 360

Initially I liked Pebble Steel, but when he saw the announcement from Motorola, I’m somehow all at once realized. Moto 360 ordered on eBay immediately, as soon as they became available. Since I was not lucky enough to get them on the official website, it had to pay a premium, but not too much. In any case, it was worth it. Deliver a package from the United States helped me notorious which is very cute and carefully treated the case assigned to it: Crloe-1X9NMBlizhe the end of October reached the cherished box in Dnepropetrovsk and I had to face the tax parcels worth more than € 150. Now the amount of tax also increased. In connection with the adoption of the new law from February 25, the amendments to the Customs Code, namely – began operating a surcharge on imports amounting to 10% (including postage), that is, the duty has risen from 10% to 20% .

First impressions

Watches are elegant. Even though I prefer the metal straps, but was ecstatic. On the first day of a charge, of course, lost easily on the eyes. They are very hard to let go, I want to figure it out, try everything, and this worked.

The possibility of the box

Immediately after the purchase, they were more limited in ability than it is now, but after a few updates here’s what we have:

• about a dozen preset from Motorola
• display notifications from applications
• all the standard functionality of Android Wear: timer, stopwatch, alarm clock, Google Fit, Play Music and, of course, Google Now

Application Moto Body “Steps”, “Pulse”, “Calories” and “load on the heart,” giving the right to choose between them and Google Fit
applications that have built-in Android Wear versions after connecting automatically set to watch, in my case it twitter client Talon, Google Keep, IFTTT (just recently IF) and TrackID

Pedometer, as well as other fitness function, is not for me fundamentally important, but for the sake of interest, I checked it yet. Indicators in kilometers coincide with reality. Playing in the Ingress, I can go about 15-20 km on foot in the evening, the game count is using GPS. No significant differences between the performance of the game and the clock have not been noticed.

Customization

Strap

Taking into account taxes and the cost, I would not recommend ordering Moto 360 with a metal strap. Much easier to order it, for example, on eBay. Together with a strap comes tool to replace it. It took me about ten minutes to replace, including the removal of redundant links.

Fortunately, the choice is huge straps. Since the width of 22 mm had to fit Moto360 Pebble Steel straps and from a plurality of another clock. If desired, you can attach to the watch almost any strap. Here are a few options from the same eBay:

For fans often change them and have a huge selection I would advise Facer for Android Wear. How Come? And here’s why: facerProsto huge database to Facer, among which everyone can find something suitable – from favorite cartoon characters to form a true Rolex.

It is necessary to cancel that this same database contains many similar applications for WatchMaker. It is possible to do otherwise and to find a suitable of sets on Google Play.

My main requirement is not beauty and functionality – displays battery charge, weather, date and day of the week. I found a suitable among paid and it is the most beautiful and functional at the same time in my opinion – Odyssey Premium Watch Face.

After extreme renovation able to change the inscription on its own, to change the illumination color and arrows and replace weather forecast for the second-time zone.

Interesting applications

Out of the box in hours, not convenient option to access applications. It does not matter!

Wear Mini Launcher allows you to implement the following – one of the three sides of the screen (the round sides of the screen, yeah, left, right or bottom) can be set invisible slider pulling that, you will see a customized application menu:

Settings are flexible, you can change the color and transparency of the background, the number of columns, sorting applications in alphabetical order or frequency of use, a list of applications from the launcher which will not open, the list of hidden application icons and captions to their size. Not bad, is not it?

Moreover, at the same time, developers did not stop – if you pull the same invisible slider after opening the menu, you will again see a menu that contains information about the phone charge and hours, as well as many useful setting the clock and smartphone, such as Wi-Fi, sound mode, access point brightness. You can still call notification sound on your phone and lock screen clock (the screen does not stop working until disable this feature). Also, this app will notify you in the event of power hours from the phone – handy if you ever forget your phone at the bar.

May is not very useful, but interesting applications Wear Internet Browser and Calculator. In the browser, you can send links of chromium and can be very long and fun to try to introduce them to the built-in mini-keyboard.

Mini-applications that work with the “big brother” on a smartphone – Twitter client Talon, notorious TrackID, and Enum.

An interesting application and a godsend for a spy – Wear Camera Remote:

The interesting thing about this application is that his work does not have to be switched on the phone’s screen and that you can switch between the two cameras, and even turn on and off the flash. Usage Scenarios everyone can find their own, at least you can use it for group photos as well as in the normal management of the camera is not on the screen viewfinder hours.

Another “spyware” application – Wear Audio Recorder. In the basic version, you can simply record the sound from the phone and hours, with a minimum of settings.

Full version opens manipulation of sound quality and a lot of settings, such as noise reduction, sensitivity, and so on.

Students and pupils will be pleased to know that… IMG_20150315_025842Posle run the application loads the last hours smartly notes. Nice to have a valid, crib right on your wrist.

FAQ – Moto 360

How to keep the connection? – I have a Nexus 5 holding steady, the apartment even after a few walls.

Can you connect to the BT and listen to music without the phone? – Yes, the benefit of the clock 4 GB of memory. But any headphones will not work, I recommend checking out. My “Bluedio” coping well if the pre-sync with the phone.

Not afraid to wet? – Once accidentally went with them to the shower, do not worry.

Not infuriates charge every night? – I and my mechanics every night shot, just put not stand and where necessary. No, not angry.

How long does the battery? – If you leave the house at seven in the morning and return in the morning – still 10-20%. And it’s a given that I always come Hangouts-notification from hardcore Ingress in which more than 50 people, as well as VC, Twitter, and a bunch of other Instagram, which could be on and off.

And if no notification? – In flight three days. And this is not the limit.

Weak processor, a lot of lag? – Do not lag. And will not, I hope.

Conveniently respond to messages? – Very Much! Almost always the answer in Heng or VC voice with hours, except in situations where I in a noisy public place or at home for the PC.

And you can answer calls? – You can reply, but to say the clock will not work. You can also fight off the call and send one of the fastest SMS-answers. And it is very beautiful if a contact picture set. Very Much!

As glass, scratched? – Yes, but it is very difficult to scratch. From daily use scratches and has not appeared. I managed to put a small scratch with effort hitting the sharp edges of granite countertops. The good news is that when the screen scratches are not seen at all.

I am pleased to answer any questions with regards to hours at twitter or here in the comments. I apologize for the quality of most photos do almost anything on the Nexus 5 and only a few on the Galaxy S5. Thank you for your attention, see you again!

Source: Motorola

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The problem with modern devices, particularly smart watches – battery capacity is low. Smartwatch can be a very good assistant in your work and life, but only for the period for which enough battery power. And this is – a few hours, maximum – daylight. Company Broadcom and Texas Instruments are trying to solve the problem.

According to the developers, the solution could be a new architecture of chips for mobile devices. Both companies submitted updated chips, which can increase the battery life of mobile devices.

Both platforms are provided by companies that can help a relatively new market for smart hours to become more open and close for the consumer. If you extend the battery life of mobile smart-hours, users will be more actively buying such gadgets.

Experts believe that the market is now wearable devices is only in its infancy, and already by 2018 the number of portable gadgets is expected to increase to 112 million from about 19 million this year.

Broadcom representatives argue that the new platform for smart devices to work hours allow up to 4 days in stand-alone mode.

At the same time, the company Texas Instruments believes that its platform will enable intelligent hours work a few weeks. This becomes possible by reducing the chip size and increasing the performance of such systems. Device with the update from Texas Instruments can be very small, and used in smart clothes and miniature sensors.

The company agreed to cooperate, believing that platform, provided their association, make portable devices more economical in terms of energy consumption and functional.

Texas Instruments will launch its platform this week and Broadcom – later this year.

Source: Broadcom – smart watches

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There is nothing more absurd than the phrase “smart watches”. Some idiot came up with this definition, and all were to use it. But no one really can not explain what it is. In reality, the “smart clock” simply does not exist. And, probably, the appearance of those in the foreseeable future is not even in sight. But the number of such references is increasing every day exponentially. All this, of course, very funny. It is absurd.

Apparently, the “smart clock” now called all those worn on the wrist device that can do more than just tell time. But here is the “something more” is not defined in any way. In fact, if you watch has Bluetooth – they are “smart.” Anyway, it is a picture formed in the minds of the majority.

Little smarter this definition came “Wikipedia”, saying that “smart watches” – a device such as a clock (logical, yes) that have the features on your device. I must admit that it sounds quite interesting. And it is very promising. That’s just the thing: in fact, almost no one does not meet this definition.

What can today boast of “smart watches”? Most importantly – they are able to notify its owner about calls and messages (from different applications, including). Devices that IQ a little bit more, can still count the number of steps you’ve walked, calories burned and monitor sleep phase. This is from the ground.

Sorry, what’s the point of no. Music can manage everything more or less decent headphones. Counting steps – it is certainly cool, but if you do not run, it is useless. Sense from what you know, how many steps did from home to Macdonald’s, to buy a “Big Mac”, no. The same goes for calories. Banal interest, nothing more.

Fitbit vs Nike Fuelband vs Jawbone UP

And then, if you exercise, for example, run, then clearly understand: Fitbit, Nike FuelBand, Jawbone UP – it’s just a toy (even if it is, and bracelets, and not “smart watches”). Want a professional accessory – turn your attention toward the Garmin Forerunner. On any model, depending on your financial possibilities, the ideal – it’s probably, Forerunner 620 – which, incidentally, is perhaps the embodiment of “smart” hours.

It would seem that making good attempts Samsung. But Gear (regardless of model and generation) have turned out so ridiculous that comment does not even want them. And the saddest thing in them – the service: the declared three days, in fact they hold twice as less. And it stinks.

This market tried to get Huawei, copying functionality Jawbone, all wrapped in a terrible body resembling a child’s toy. Did the same in LG, but Lifeband Touch borrowed appearance at Nike FuelBand.

Much more prospects for G Watch. Thank you for this need to tell their base – Android Wear. But, again, all the spoils cheap look. But for the sake of objectivity and Pebble worth for it to criticize (in any case, plastic). But for young people, it will probably.

And if we’re talking about Android Wear, then the best clothing of this framework clearly become “smart watches” Moto 360. Appearance they gorgeous. And the system is promising, of course, if third-party developers will try over the applications. Perhaps this is really the first deposit for the future “smart” hours. So as a good set of applications is quite capable to erase the boundaries of what is permitted for this instance. This perspective to understand and Pebble, making own application store. Let’s see what happens.

Separately to discuss all existing models of so-called “smart” hours, of course, will not work. There are a couple of reasons. First, discuss the “smart watches” of the most famous companies, such as, Samsung, Huawei and Sony – a waste of time, nothing interesting about them. The same goes for most sports companies – Nike, Adidas and others. Secondly, thanks to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, prototypes of “smart” watches today there are so many. Incidentally, it was at these sites and the most ambitious projects are born with a great future. Since one part in collecting money at such sites – it is a risk, so why not take a chance and do something incredible, what will never go of giants?

But the fact remains. “Smart hours” does not exist. All that we see now on the market – it heaped accessories, capable of measuring certain indicators. Only a few of them stand out from the general stream, having moved a little closer to the definition of “smart”.

What should be “smart watches” that actually referred to such? Perhaps, in the end everyone is waiting for this response. But it will not. No one, including myself, do not know what a “smart watches”. But the fact that we can now watch on the market – it’s not them, just we all want it to be, they were, so they hang on this stupid label of “smart” hours. Deceive ourselves.

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Apple continues to hunt for valuable employees that can help engineers to develop new corporation revolutionary products. In mid-August, it was reported that the tech giant has decided to hire a well-known fitness instructor Jay Blahnik , who took part in the creation of popular bracelet Nike FuelBand. However, in Cupertino decided not to stop there: soon to work at Apple as head of the design department enters Nike Ben Shaffer, writes 9to5Mac.

At the time, Shaffer led the development of a fitness bracelet Nike FuelBand, so it’s safe to say that the original design of this accessory has been created by Ben. At a time when Shaffer was at the helm FuelBand, analysts at Fast Company named one of Nike’s most innovative companies in the world.

Ben is also engaged in the creation of sneakers Flyknit shoes, and the process of their development was largely similar to the birth of the design of the MacBook from Apple. At the time, Johnny Ive realized that to create an incredibly thin and light devices, you must use an entirely new manufacturing process. Before Shaffer had a similar problem: he had to come up with such shoes that are virtually weightless on foot, but were made from the highest quality materials.

In general, the ideology of the famous Apple designer know firsthand and will develop products appropriate level. Rather, Ben will join the backroom for a smart watch iWatch , and perhaps even lead the design division. FuelBand bracelet looks quite stylish and still has a lot of useful features. Most importantly – its nice to wear.

Nike FuelBand is a very popular accessory among top managers Apple. The interest in this devaysu shows not only Bob Mansfield , but also the CEO Tim Cook. The latter, by the way, part-time on the board of directors of Nike.

Judging by the fact that Apple only hires workers to build iWatch, the official release of “smart” watches we’ll see until the summer / autumn of next year. During that time, its competitors may well produce their own decent smart watch. While it is they are not very successful .

Representatives of the company Nike have confirmed that Ben was not listed as their employee, but kept silent about his fate. What we can only wish him good luck in the new workplace.

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The famous co-founder of Apple recently frequent speaker criticized the corporation from Cupertino. Steve Wozniak not only named Macintosh «miserable» computer, but even expressed his displeasure tax strategy of the company. Therefore, after the presentation of iPhone 5s and 5c British newspaper journalists WiredUK not miss the opportunity once again to know the opinion of Steve’s new smartphones.

According to Wozniak, iPhone 5c he was not impressed. At the same time, Steve did not rule out that the smartphone will find a potential buyer, and will be in demand all over the world. And the latest statistics on sales of new iPhone for the first three days – a clear confirmation.

Previously, co-founder of Apple spoke about the need to create an iPhone for the Chinese market . Then he offered the technology giant to drop the name «iPhone» in the production budget model and create a completely new product. Probably 5c disappointment due to the fact that Apple once again ignored his advice.

After the announcement of the iPhone 5c analysts were treated to a smartphone very skeptical, largely because of its high price. When in the course of the summer, experts have argued that the “budget» iPhone will cost $ 350, Apple has decided to sell it for $ 550. Nevertheless, the excitement around 5c is observed in many countries since the start of pre-orders.

Wozniak admitted that most of all he is waiting for Apple’s presentation smart iWatch hours . In his opinion, it should not be an accessory like the Galaxy Gear from Samsung, and a full standalone product that can be used without a smartphone from Apple.

As for the iPhone 5s, then here Steve was cool. He does not consider the presence of a fingerprint scanner and an improved camera with a processor enough to wear smart prefix «s».

By the way, Woz spoke very positively about the “smart” glasses Google Glass and said that would buy myself a pair.

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Apple has a great feature – it is innovative. At the time, iPod, iPhone and iPad are not just asked the bar for similar devices from other manufacturers, but also created a whole class of mobile devices. Now there are persistent rumors that Apple is going to make another revolution after mobile gadgets company is going to provide even more mobile device – the smart watch iWatch. Koreans from Samsung can not ignore such an event, and the official announcement of a similar device was not long in coming.

Website SamMobile confirmed that the watch really developed. Moreover, the German subsidiary Samsung has already received a prototype and is actively testing the device, the model of which is designated as SM-V700. It is likely that the first letter «SM» means nothing as «Smart Watch».

Earlier this year, Samsung has already registered the trademark «Samsung Gear», which probably will be used for the name of the smart-hours Samsung.

It should be noted that Apple, with its ghostly hours iWatch is a pioneer in this field. Previously, Sony has tried to achieve success in this field, but Sony Smartwatch widespread adoration and buyers have not received. And even earlier, in 2003, already mentioned, Samsung was trying to bring to market a hybrid hours and phone called the Watch Phone. What prevented the Koreans then create a new niche in the market – the market’s unwillingness or lack of development of technology, because watches looked really unattractive. In any case, if the two companies – and Apple, and Samsung – will be shown at this year’s preparations, it will be very interesting. It is known that companies differ diametrically opposite approach to the design of their devices.

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