Okay Smashers, it’s time for episode 15 of The SmashCast! In our most ADD episode ever we discuss Apple’s rumored TV service, Apple eating up record amounts of smartphone marketshare, iOS 9 , Samsung’s snooping TV’s, and a device that lets your puppy Tweet like a boss. Here is a preview of Ridickitech:
Click the button below to listen to/download episode 15 of The SmashCast. (Right click and select “save link as” if you want to download the episode to your computer for later.)
Samsung smartphone users and disappointed Apple users (if any) have been fed a number of rumors regarding the Samsung Galaxy S6. Some have been exciting and others are just ridiculous. Today, Samsung started to send out press invites for its “Galaxy Unpacked 2015″ event at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 1st, 2015. The press invite (provided above) asks the question “What’s Next”, and displays a silhouette of a possible edge version of the S6.
While I am sure many of you are trying to use your imagination to figure out what the rest of the device might look like, try not to go too crazy. It’s still not official.
Up to this point we have seen a number of “leaks” regarding the size, resolution, camera, and processing power of the S6, and now possible prices have been leaked. According to a “trusted source,” Android Pitleaked the breakdown of prices listed below:
Samsung Galaxy S6 32 GB: 749 euros ($848)
Samsung Galaxy S6 64 GB: 849 euros ($961)
Samsung Galaxy S6 128 GB: 949 euros ($1,075)
Samsung Galaxy S Edge 32 GB: 849 euros ($961)
Samsung Galaxy S Edge 64 GB: 949 euros ($1,075)
Samsung Galaxy S Edge 128 GB: 1049 euros ($1,188)
While Android Pit has only listed euro prices, there’s also an approximated US amount as well. If the prices listed above are correct, it appears that Samsung will not be creating a 16 GB version (at least not internationally).
With that said, what are you thoughts? Does Samsung’s picture speak 1,000 words? If so, what are they? Let us know in the comment section below.
Okay Smashers, it’s time for episode 14 of The SmashCast! In this episode we discuss security threats in the Appstores, Hybrid PC-Smartphones, our favorite superbowl commercials, the NoPhone, and of course, our ridickitech segment. Here is a preview of Ridickitech:
Click the button below to listen to/download episode 14 of The SmashCast. (Right click and select “save link as” if you want to download the episode to your computer for later.)
Okay Smashers, it’s time for episode 13 of The SmashCast! In this episode we discuss driverless vehicles, the Crees Smart-Bulb, Jimmy Kimmel and the sad state of our nation’s cyber-security, Google Fiber, and our weekly surprise ridickitech segment.
Click the button below to listen to/download episode 13 of The SmashCast. (Right click and select “save link as” if you want to download the episode to your computer for later.)
Okay Smashers, it’s time for episode 12 of The SmashCast! In this episode we discuss iPhone separation anxiety, Galaxy S6 rumors/leaks, Project Ara, 3D printed vehicles, and our ridickitech segment.
Click the button below to listen to/download episode 12 of The SmashCast. (Right click and select “save link as” if you want to download the episode to your computer for later.)
According to the United States Department of Transportation, the average person drives about 13,000 miles a year. Also, in the United States, there are about 10 million accidents each year that result in a fatality. Due to the dangers of driving, Samsung is trying to make roads–especially one-lane roads–a safer place with the Safety Truck.
According Samsung’s official blog, Samsung is attempting to reduce the amount of traffic accidents that happen each year by creating a transparent truck, dubbed the Safety Truck. The truck has wireless cameras attached to its front end, which are then connected to a set of four video monitors located on the back of the truck. The four monitors are placed together to create one large display to provide drivers behind the truck a view into what’s ahead. Samsung also indicated that these cameras will even display the video images in the dark.
Having to pass a large truck or semi on a single lane road can be extremely difficult at times. I have seen and even been a part of some very close calls when attempting to pass a large truck. By having a display that shows exactly what is ahead of the truck, drivers will be able more easily judge whether it’s safe to make the pass or not.
While Samsung had a prototype on the road, at this time the prototype no longer exists. While this news may seem Samsung has given up on their desire to make roads safer, rest assured that this is not the case. Samsung is currently working with safe driving NGOs and the government to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to further the project. There is no estimated time as to when we might see this technology on the road, but keep your eyes peeled.
Check out the video blow to see Samsung’s Safety Truck in action:
After watching the video, the idea is incredible, and I am sure that lives can be saved with this type of technology. With that said, I am sure that this technology has the potential to distract some drivers and possibly create additional accidents at first. Drivers are not used to seeing this technology on the road, and it will take time for them to get used to utilizing it once it becomes available. I would also be interested in seeing this technology in action in different driving conditions. Does the camera produce a good image when it gets rainy, snowy or dusty? Also, how does Samsung plan on keeping these monitors from being stolen? While it is nice to believe all people are honest, sadly, that’s not the case. I am sure Samsung has thought of these concerns and are working diligently to find solutions, if they have not already done so.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the Safety Truck will truly help prevent accidents, or will they be too distracting and do the opposite? Let us know what you think int he comment section below.
We were stoked, like the rest of you techies, when Oculus announced that its VR headset would be available to the public in Q1 of 2016. But what are we supposed to do until the headset is released? Well, today Samsung announced that their Gear VR headset will be available to more users around the globe.
Now, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge owners can experience Samsung’s Gear VR headset. The new headset that supports these devices is currently priced at $199, which is the same price as the VR headset available for the Galaxy Note 4.
There are a few other differences when comparing it to its predecessor. First, Samsung has done away with the cover on the front of the headset, so now you just snap it in and let the VR adventures begin. Second, they added a micro USB port which allows you to use the headset and charge your phone at the same time; handy. Lastly, Samsung has added a small phone fan to keep the phone cool as you geek out. (There’s nothing like a phone bursting into flames while it is strapped to your head.)
Other VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift or Razer OSVR, have the hardware built into the actual headset which means as technology continues to improve, you will need to purchase a whole new headset rather than just a “frame.” Because many smartphone owners purchase a new smartphone at least every two years, Samsung owners can take advantage of spending less on a headset “frame”, since their smartphone provides the power. What would allow Samsung to really set themselves apart from other VR manufactures, is if they created a universal headset for its smartphone owners. Although this could be relatively difficult to achieve and we’re likely lose some performance along the way, a universal headset could be the sweet spot to help drive mainstream adoption of VR technology. As smartphones evolve and consumers desire thinner phones and larger screens, Samsung will have their work cut out for them if they do move towards a universal headset model.
What are your thoughts? Do you think there would be a benefit to Samsung creating a universal headset? Would you be willing to give up a little performance if you did not have to buy a new headset frame as you upgrade handsets? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Okay Smashers, it’s time for episode 11 of The SmashCast! In this episode we discuss our favorite gadgets from CES and of course another ridiculous piece of technology.
Click the button below to listen to/download episode 11 of The SmashCast. (Right click and select “save link as” if you want to download the episode to your computer for later.)
Anytime Google retires anything, it gathers the attention of the media; even if it is a program that is not very well-known. April 20th of this year, Google will take Google Helpouts behind the barn and put an end to the application. Why, you might ask? You can likely answer that question yourself by the fact that you probably weren’t even aware the service existed.
Google has posted a support document that further explains their reasoning behind the decision:
The Helpouts community includes some engaged and loyal contributors, but unfortunately, it hasn’t grown at the pace we had expected. Sadly, we’ve made the tough decision to shut down the product.
Google Helpouts is not to be confused with Google Hangouts, which is likely why the story about Helpouts being shut down is picking up so much traction. We had to do a double-take to make sure Google was not shutting down Google Hangouts; one of their most popular applications. In fact, Google Hangouts is so popular that in a survey done by Lifehacker, 91% of the respondents chose Google Hangouts as their video chat service of choice. This thankfully means Google Hangouts is here to stay secured by its hundreds of millions of monthly users (including us!). You can rest easy, Google Hangout isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
Unfortunately, Google Helpouts hasn’t taken the world by storm quite like Google Hangouts did. The service allowed experts to provide and sell online coaching in a variety of subjects such as photography, video editing, photo editing, singing, and more. While an incredible concept, perhaps it was ahead of its time. One of the challenges often cited by critics is that the quality of such sessions were completely dictated by the quality of the internet connection between mentor and Padawan. It’s challenging to provide voice coaching when the audio that is coming across the line is distorted due to compression caused by low bandwidth. More hands on activities, such as photography, would be even more hampered by the lack of actual presence. Maybe Google is planning a re-release of the service after they take over the internet market with Google Fiber. We predicted it first ladies and gentlemen!
Regardless, it is always disappointing to see a company invest time and resources into a product that doesn’t quite resonate with users as predicted. This is even more disappointing for those that relied heavily on the service for their livelihood in providing online mentoring. Thankfully, Google Hangouts will remain an option to share screens and webcams and can be used in tandem with services such as oDesk and Fiverr to help fill the void of connecting people with experts. All is not lost, just a service that Google unfortunately wasn’t profiting enough off of to justify continuing to support.
Have you ever used Google Helpouts? How was your experience? Are you disappointed that the service is going away? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Okay Smashers, it’s time for episode 10 of The SmashCast! In this [censored] episode we discuss the rumored iPhone mini, Google’s Autonomous Vehicle, Sony’s amendment for the DDoS attack, the ridickitech segment, and our Christmas drone stories. We may or may not have overly censored Curtis in this episode.
Click the button below to listen to/download episode 10 of The SmashCast. (Right click and select “save link as” if you want to download the episode to your computer for later.)
