TomTom launches GPS sport watches in India

TomTom launches GPS sport watches in India......

Eyeing the growing number of fitness enthusiasts in the country, tech company TomTom introduced a range of GPS-enabled sport watches in India with price starting from Rs 12,999. The range, which includes four smart watches priced between Rs 12,999 and Rs 23,499, delivers real-time information like time, distance, heart rate, pace, speed and calories burnt to runners, cyclists and swimmers.

The devices will be sold exclusively through eCommerce firm, Flipkart. "In India, there has been a strong growth in people participating in marathons. People are actively engaging in activities like running and cycling. Though there are no numbers available but we see a huge potential in India," said TomTom Senior Vice President Sales (Asia Pacific), Andrew Cooper.

The TomTom Runner Cardio has a built-in heart rate monitor to help runners measure heart rate without the need for a separate, bulky and uncomfortable chest strap, he added. With an extra-large display, full-screen graphical training tools and one-button control, the wearable makes it easy for fitness enthusiasts to access real-time information to help them achieve their goals.

"Our research shows that 95 per cent of runners consider their GPS watch to be their perfect training partner," Cooper said.

Key features 

Extra large, high-resolution display

The new TomTom watches feature an extra-large, high-resolution and high-contrast display that makes it easy for runners and multi-sport enthusiasts to quickly see their distance, time and pace while they workout even in bright sunshine.

Graphical training partner

The new watches feature TomTom’s Graphical Training Partner. Easy-to-read full-screen graphics help users get the most out of their workouts.  They can view their real-time performance at-a-glance with three graphical training modes:

Race: Race against a personal best or most recent run. Quickly track performance with real-time graphics, to continue to improve run-after-run.

Goal: Set a distance, time or calorie goal and see progress toward that goal with simple, full-screen graphics and alerts.

 Zone: Set a target for pace or heart-rate (with optional heart-rate monitor) and track progress in a simple full-screen graph throughout a workout.

One-Button Control

The new TomTom range includes an intuitive One-Button Control that enables users to easily navigate up-down-left-right through menus to access key stats and watch features. Unlike the majority of existing GPS watches on the market that feature multiple small and hard-to-operate buttons, the one-button control is easy to operate while moving and can be easily controlled in all weather conditions and while wearing gloves.

Indoor tracker: Accurately track indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that users can monitor pace and distance even while running on a treadmill. 

Ultra-slim design: Run with a lightweight watch crafted for runners using a sleek design, which comfortably fits all wrist sizes.

Quick GPS fix: Get started faster by using the latest in GPS and GLONASS satellite technology to quickly find precise locations.

Multi-platform compatibility: Sync, analyse and share stats on popular running sites and community platforms, including the TomTom MySports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, TrainingPeaks and Strava.

Super-tough display: Run with a durable, super-tough, scratch-and-impact-resistant display that remains easy-to-read, run after run.

Weather and water-resistant: Run in all kinds of weather. Waterproof up to 165 feet / 5ATM.

Long-lasting battery: Run more, recharge less, with up to 8 hours battery life (GPS+HR), up to 10 (GPS only)

Bluetooth smart: Connect to sensors using the latest wireless technology.

In addition to the above features, TomTom Runner Cardio also includes: Heart Rate Zones to train in one of five intensity zones:

Sprint: Mostly used as part of interval training

Speed: High-tempo training to improve your speed and fitness

Endure: Moderate to high-tempo training to improve your lung and heart capacity

Fat-burn: Moderate tempo training, great for weight loss

Easy: Easy tempo training, mostly used for warm-up and cool down

Bangladesh blocks WhatsApp, Viber and Line till January 21.........

Bangladesh blocks WhatsApp, Viber and Line till January 21

The Bangladesh government extended the ban on five social media messaging apps that were increasingly used for anti-national activities. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) blocked WhatsApp, Viber, Line, mypeople and Tango.

According to a report in The Daily Star, Grameenphone and other mobile operators also received applications from the BTRC to restrict access to the above-mentioned apps. The report stated that the government had specific knowledge of subversive activities, including bomb and arson attacks, being carried out using Viber and Tango.

The interaction by criminals and militants on Viber and Tango are being monitored widely by the intelligence agencies. The concerned authorities are reportedly working on the improvising the system.

Facebook enabled global economic impact of $227 billion, 4.5 million jobs.........

Facebook enabled global economic impact of $227 billion, 4.5 million jobs

With over 1.3 billion users,world's largest social networking firm Facebook has enabled global economic impact of USD 227 billion and 4.5 million jobs  around the world in 2014, according to a report by consultancy firm Deloitte.       

The report titled Facebook's Global Economic Impact, analyses how Facebook's marketing, platform and connectivity effects have facilitated growth and jobs around the world. Commissioned by Facebook, the study estimates that the company, with an approximately USD 8 billion cost base, enabled global economic impact of USD 227 billion and 4.5 million jobs around the world in 2014, the social networking giant said in a statement.       

"Across the world there is a greater urgency about creating jobs. The good news is that the tech industry is powering the economy and creating jobs within and beyond its own campuses. Every day, businesses of all sizes, sectors, and skill sets are using the Facebook platform to grow and expand," Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said. The report also examined how Facebook stimulates economic impact by providing tools for marketers, a platform for app developers and demand for connectivity. "Our study finds that Facebook enables significant global economic activity by helping to unlock new opportunities through connecting people and businesses, lowering barriers to  marketing and stimulating innovation," Deloitte Global Managing Director (Technology, Media and Telecommunications) Jolyon Barker said.       

India is the second largest market for Facebook with over 112 million users. The company has aggressively been expanding its presence among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them leverage the Internet to grow their business. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, as well as Sandberg had visited India last year, to engage with the government and industry, indicating the increasing importance of India as a market for the US-based firm.        

Man dies after playing video games for 3 days at Internet cafe....

Man dies after playing video games for 3 days at Internet cafe....

A 32-year-old Taiwanese man died after a three-day gaming binge at an Internet cafe in the island's south, the second such case this year, a report said. The man, identified by his family name Hsieh, was found slumped motionless in his chair in the cafe in Kaohsiung city.

Other patrons initially thought he was sleeping, but when an employee realised he was not breathing he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the Taipei Times reported.

Doctors confirmed he had suffered cardiac failure, ruling it a 'sudden death' from prolonged computer gaming, the report said. "Hsieh was a regular customer here and always played for consecutive days. When tired, he would sleep face-down on the table or doze off slumped in his chair. That is why we were not aware of his condition in the beginning," the employee was quoted as saying.

It was not clear what Hsieh was playing at the time of his death, with the report describing it only as "combat computer games". The case came after a 38-year-old man was found dead at an Internet cafe in New Taipei City on January 1 following five days straight of video game binging.

Police said in both cases other patrons appeared nonchalant about the deaths, continuing playing even when tables were cordoned off for investigators to gather evidence.

Here is a roadmap on Lollipop for HTC smartphones..........

Here is a roadmap on Lollipop for HTC smartphones..........

If you happen to own any of the mainstream and budget handsets from HTC, then you would require a lot of patience. HTC will definitely be rolling out Android Lollipop updates for your handsets, albeit slowly. According to a report on a Vietnamese website, HTC has plans for rolling out the Lollipop for their devices during the year, but will do it at a snail’s pace.  

HTC has planned to update the HTC One M8 and HTC One M7 in the first month of 2015. HTC One E8, HTC Desire EYE, HTC One M8 EYE and the HTC Butterfly 2 will receive the update in February. March 2015 will see HTC One Max, HTC M7 Dual SIM, HTC Desire 816, HTC One Mini and the HTC Desire 820u getting the Lollipop, while HTC Desire 610, HTC Desire 510 and HTC One Mini will see it only by April-May 2015.

Now, a desk that can help you lose weight

Now, a desk that can help you lose weight;;;;.......

A new desk has recently been built that can tell people when to sit or stand, which can ultimately help in losing weight.Standing would be better than sitting most of the times and sometimes your body needs a rest and that's where the Humanscale OfficeIQ powered by Tome comes to play, Tech Crunch reported.Software and hardware developed by this new company was built into the Humanscale desk and chair and will send notifications to the user about the optimal work position.Co-founders Jake Sigal and Massimo Baldini founded Tome after selling their last startup, Livio, to Ford Motor Company in 2013. Sigal stated that Livio was still going strong and found a great partner in Ford.

ADATA launches new power bank PT100 on Amazon

ADATA launches new power bank PT100 on Amazon...

ADATA Technology has announced its tie-up with Amazon.in, world's leading online destination and further announced exclusive launch of its latest power bank PT100. With 10,000mAh high capacity and dual USB ports users can charge their smartphone and tablet simultaneously and quickly. It also serves as a LED flashlight to light up mobile life.

With a streamlined easy-grip design, the PT100 power bank is easy to carry wherever you go. It's available in two color combos - white/blue and black/green. With a whopping 10000mAh charge capacity, the PT100 provides two 2.1A output USB outlets for simultaneous and fast charging of smartphones and tablets. It is equipped with a USB charge inlet and dual outlets for synchronous charge and discharge to save you precious time.

ADATA's PT100 also works as an LED flashlight with 4 light modes including normal, accent, rapid and slow flashlights. Each flashlight mode can be switched by simply pressing the button. Whenever you need to use your PT100's flashlight, it remembers which mode you last used. The PT100 includes multiple safety features as well - ODP (Over-Discharge Protection), OCP (Over-Current Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), OVP (Over-Voltage Protection) and OCP (Overcharge Protection) to protect the battery and the device you're charging. If the PT100 is idle, disconnected from the device, or if your device is fully charged for over 20 seconds, it automatically turns off as an extra safety feature.

Cheap Chinese Apple Watch replica shows up at the CES

Cheap Chinese Apple Watch replica shows up at the CES;......

Apple’s most awaited smartwatch, the Apple Watch, was unveiled in September 2015 and is reportedly scheduled to launch in March 2015. However, the CES 2015 at Las Vegas has already witnessed a cheaper Chinese knock-off version of the Apple Watch.

The highly anticipated version of the Apple Watch will see the Chinese knock-off smartwatch selling for almost one-tenth of the price.

                                  

Apple Insider pointed out that the smartwatch is peddled by China's Hyperdon and was sold under the name ‘Smart Watch’. The smartwatch seems to have been designed and put together well in time for the CES and much before Apple goes live with their original product.

The Chinese Smart Watch sports a colour display, an internal speaker, includes a pedometer and an anti-lost mode feature.
German website Bild mentions that the Smart Watch seemed incomplete in features and considered it almost useless as a smartwatch. Even the price of the Chinese smartwatch was not confirmed—while Bild stated they picked one up for $40 (approx Rs 2,400), Mashable had picked one for $27 (approx Rs 1,620). 

Boost phone battery to 'full capacity' within a few seconds...

Boost phone battery to 'full capacity' within a few seconds...

One of the gadgets hogging the limelight at the CES this year is a charger that can boost your battery to full capacity in less time than it takes to boil a kettle.Developed by Israeli start-up, Storedot, the device is capable of recharging phone batteries about 100 times faster than at present, reported the BBC.

The company had demonstrated a similar feat about eight months ago and involved a battery many times thicker than the handset itself and an outsized charger, making the gadget impractical for real-world use. However, the charging dock showcased in Las Vegas is pretty slim and the phone involved is no bigger than normal too.

It has the potential to revolutionise the way we use mobile phones, tablets, laptops and wearable tech, the report said. 

Bamboo bike recharges mobile devices by pedalling

Bamboo bike recharges mobile devices by pedalling

Resech  have developed a bamboo bicycle that can simultaneously recharge mobile devices, smartphone's external battery and a navigation dashboard just by pedalling. The bike transforms the kinetic energy generated by pedalling into a source of electricity. It has the ability to simultaneously recharge mobile devices, smartphone's external battery and a navigation dashboard located on the handlebars, which measures the distance and time, and also has Bluetooth connection.    

The energy transfer is possible thanks to a converter, which is composed of a circuit that starts on the rim, captures the kinetic energy and converts it into electricity, said Cristina Espinosa Lopez, founder of Bambootec consortium from Yucatan state in the south of Mexico. When pedalling, the cyclist produces energy that is transformed into electricity. However, if done irregularly, by either unexpected racing or braking, the load rises and falls;  to solve this problem a regulator was added to the converter to administer the charge evenly.    

In addition to the power converter system, the bicycle has a frame (vertices and edges) assembled with bamboo sticks connected by a special resin. The aim was to replace metal parts for this natural material in order to provide the vehicle with greater resistance (supports 120 kilos), also making it lighter and less prone to heat, said Lopez.    

Once the converter regulates the energy charge, this is transmitted through three channels of power, which are cables with a USB output. One is connected to the navigation screen located on the handlebars of the bicycle, which indicates the number of kilometres and time passed, and provides the option to   establish a connection via Bluetooth to link to a smartphone.    

The other terminal of the power converter recharges any mobile device, while the third one is exclusive to recharge smartphone’s external batteries. The energy generated by the bicycle (over 10 volts) is enough to feed the three tracks simultaneously, Lopez said. 

Google Glass may help mothers monitor newborns.....

                             Google Glass

Researchers are testing whether Google Glass can help ease anxiety of parents temporarily separated from their newborns. A new study at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston will test whether the technology of Google Glass, a hands-free, wearable computer device, can help foster the precious bond between a mother and her child.

Hundreds of babies are separated from their mothers after birth each year because one or both of them need immediate care, The Boston Globe reported. Stephanie Shine, a nurse at the hospital, wants those mothers to see their newborns through the eyes of their partners: They will wear Google Glass while visiting the intensive care unit, and the images they see will stream live to a tablet computer in the mom's hands. 

"I want to take this super-high-tech device and capture what could be thought of as one of the strongest and basic human connections there is," said Shine. Researchers are seeking 250 mothers to place in one of three study groups: One group will use Google Glass, another will use iPads to video-chat, and the third, a control group, will not use technology.

Shine believes the use of Glass and iPads could help reduce maternal stress. "For mothers who cannot touch and feel their babies right away, technology can help bridge the gap," said Dr Terrie Inder, chairwoman of newborn medicine at the Brigham.