Bite-sized news, views and updates from the global tech industry, by Anne Whelton.
An Apple a day
Apple’s first foray into wearable technology, the hotly anticipated Apple Watch – which was officially launched alongside the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in September and should hit the shops in early 2015 – promises to be all that you’ve ever wanted in a smartwatch and more.
However, with a watch that can tell time – obviously – take calls, send messages, monitor your heart rate, use GPS and even offer secure payments with Apple Pay, it hardly came as a surprise when it was announced last month that the watch will require regular, daily charging and will cost upwards of 2270.
Just my type
Multi-taskers rejoice! Logitech has just launched a keyboard that all multi-taskers and multi-device users will covet.
The Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is the first desk keyboard designed for use with up to three devices, regardless of computing platform, meaning you can now type a report on your computer and, with the flick of a dial, respond to a message on your smartphone and type a tweet on your tablet.
The K480 is available now from www.logitech.com and will set you back @49.99.
Making a play for Google Chromecast’s crown in the TV streaming dongle market this month is Amazon, with the launch of the Fire TV Stick. Priced at $39 and available in the US from November 19th – a European release date has yet to be announced – the Fire TV Stick promises users four times the storage capabilities of Chromecast making it a worthy competitor for Google’s offering which costs 239 and officially went on sale in Ireland in July.
Similarly, unlike Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick also includes a remote control as standard, allowing users to swap between the remote control or smartphone app for ease of viewing.
RIP Nokia mobiles
Microsoft announced last month that it plans to begin the phasing out of the Nokia mobile phone brand, which it bought in April 2014 for over $7bn, in favour of its own Lumia brand.
The Finnish Nokia brand however, which has become synonymous with mobile phones since it first launched the Mobira Senator in 1982, will still exist as a separate company focused on mapping and network infrastructure.
HTC’s latest smartphone offering, the HTC Desire EYE – launched in early October – set many selfie addicts’ pulses racing with the news that the phone includes two (front and rear) market-leading duel-LED flash 13MP cameras.
Promising to ‘change the face of mobile photography’, the Desire EYE also features HTC’s new enhanced imaging software, HTC EYE Experience, and Zoe, a collaborative video editing community.
Unfortunately, a date has yet to be set for when the Desire EYE might launch in Europe, however it’s expected the EYE will set selfie lovers back in the region of €350, depending on network.
Back from the future?
While owning Doc Brown’s flying Delorean may be a pipe dream for many, getting the keys to your very own flying motor might not be far off, as the AeroMobil 3.0 was unveiled at the Pioneers Festival in Vienna last month.
While not the first company to present a prototype for a flying car, the AeroMobil 3.0 is being dubbed as the ‘most advanced’ and offers foldable carbon-fibre wings, a top flight speed of 200km/h and drive speed of 160km/h.
