Active
Latest
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 gets blood pressure monitoring
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 just got even more useful.
Samsung accidentally reveals the Galaxy S7 Active
A Samsung app has leaked the existence of a new smartphone from the company, the Galaxy S7 Active. The previously unknown phone appears in a long list of supported devices in the Google Play listing for the Samsung Level app, spotted by SamMobile. The Active range of Galaxy phones was born out of necessity. It first appeared in 2013 as a waterproof, ruggedized version of the company's then-flagship Galaxy S4. Each iteration of the "S" line since has been accompanied by an Active variant.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active breaks cover with an expectedly rugged look
If you're looking for a phone with great specs that can be tossed around and survive a swim, Samsung's Galaxy S6 Active appears to be on the way. Both GSM Arena and trusted leaker @evleaks offered a glimpse of the forthcoming handset today, one that features an outer shell similar to last year's version. Like previous Active models, a trio of hardware buttons reside on the front, so don't expect the same fingerprint scanner found on both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. They do have to be waterproof, after all. Other than a look at both sides, details remain scarce besides save for word that the S6 Active packs a 3,500 mAh battery. If history is any indication, you can expect similar specs to the flagship while being both shock resistant and dustproof, as this handset will be built to withstand a bit more stress.
Galaxy S5 Active launches on AT&T: tougher shell, same water resistance
We knew it existed but now it's finally crawled out of some jungle (or beach vacation) to go official. Samsung's Galaxy S5 Active is available today on AT&T and while ruggedized phones typically lack.. something compared to flagship devices, this time it looks like no notable corners were cut. The Galaxy S5 Active has the same full-HD AMOLED 5.1-inch screen, while the 16-megapixel camera and fingerprint sensor are also lodged into the rugged smartphone. That said, water-resistance is now part of the original GS5's bag of tricks, which makes it less of selling point here. Regardless, there's the shock-resistant dust-proof shell and a burlier look: even if it's dreamy rendered view we're seeing here, the metallic details and finish could well win over Galaxy fans that aren't pro-plastic -- we're a little intrigued to see it IRL.
The passive faction cannot stand
Since I complained (some have said whined) about the Horde yesterday, turnabout's fair play and I should focus my complaining on the Alliance for a bit. Because if we're fair, the Alliance needs some changes in its story, too. And I think it's fair to say that what the Alliance needs isn't necessarily a victory - especially in terms of Horde/Alliance conflict, it doesn't actually drive the story forward necessarily to have one side win, and the end of Siege of Orgrimmar could in fact be seen as the Alliance winning. No, it's not really victory that's lacking. The problem the Alliance has is as simple as the statement at BlizzCon that the Alliance is the 'Captain America' faction, the faction that has a more standard heroism about it. The problem with that is, in many ways heroism is depicted as being reactionary. You respond to a threat, you react to a crisis, whether it be Deathwing or Garrosh. Villains act, and heroes react - it's one of the reasons that actors often state that the bad guy is more fun to play. For better or for worse, the Alliance presence in Pandaria was a reaction to the crash-landing of Anduin's ship after it was chased by a Horde fleet, and everything that followed was reactionary. The Alliance stayed in Pandaria purely because the Horde was there, they weren't there to explore or even conquer. The entire struggle over the Divine Bell was a struggle to keep the Horde from getting it because they knew the Horde would use it (as they did) and so far, despite her having every reason to feel that the Horde cannot be trusted Jaina Proudmoore is being painted as villainous for maintaining this position.
The Weekly Roundup for 06.24.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active coming to AT&T June 21st for $199.99, pre-orders begin tomorrow
It appears that we were spot-on about yesterday's teaser, as AT&T has officially unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active this morning. Available in stores or online starting June 21st, you'll be able to grab one of your very own for $199.99 on a two-year commitment. As we mentioned yesterday, the "life-proof" IP67-certified handset will come in Dive Blue (pictured above) and Urban Gray; there's no mention of Flame Orange, sadly. As a recap, the Active features Android 4.2, a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, a 5-inch 1080p TFT LCD panel, microSD slot with support for up to 64GB, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage (no word on how much is user-accessible), a 2,600mAh battery and an 8MP rear camera with 2MP front-facing cam. Dimension-wise, the Active measures at 139.65 x 71.25 x 9.1mm and weighs 5.29 ounces (150g) -- not too shabby for a tough device. While AT&T acknowledged that the device shouldn't be considered "rugged," it's still technically a durable smartphone that takes advantage of a sealed water-resistant cover which will protect the phone in up to one meter of H2O for thirty minutes, and even features a special camera setting called Aqua Mode which is designed to let you take some nifty underwater shots. If you're eager to get the sales process started as soon as possible, AT&T will be offering pre-orders of the device beginning tomorrow.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active official: water-resistant, LTE-capable, coming to the US and Europe this summer
Samsung's gone official with the Galaxy S 4 Active -- once again, before the company's incoming UK launch event. With IP67 water and dust protection -- it'll survive three feet of water for up to 30 minutes -- as well as a 5-inch (TFT LCD) 1080p display (443 ppi), there's an unspecified 1.9GHz quad-core processor to do the heavy lifting. Alongside LTE radios and Android 4.2.2, the GS4 Active packs an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash, while the front-facer will take up to two-megapixel stills. Now, to match those outdoor protective credentials, there's also a water-resistant headphone socket, Samsung's 'glove touch' screen tech (meaning you'll be able to handle it with gloves) and a special 'aqua mode' setting for the camera to improve all those underwater shots you're bound to take with a submersible smartphone. (In fact, for meteorologists, there's even an outdoors-y barometer built in too.) The phone launches in the US (most likely on AT&T) and Europe this summer, in Urban Grey, Dive Blue and Orange Flare color options. We're still waiting on pricing, but Samsung promises that we'll be able to test it in the flesh at the aforementioned London event later this month. %Gallery-190396% Mat Smith contributed to this report.
The Daily Roundup for 05.31.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Unlocked Sony Ericsson Xperia active now available in the US for $340
Sony Ericsson's attempts to make a dent in the US smartphone market have been coming up short, so last month it teamed up with Ingram Micro, a supply chain management company that focuses on distributing phones through online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Newegg. The first result of that alliance came to fruition this week as the OEM announced the immediate availability of the Xperia active -- its rugged contribution to the smartphone lineup -- on Newegg and "other online retailers." The dust proof and water resistant Gingerbread device can be under three feet of water for up to thirty minutes, and offers a 1GHz CPU, 5MP rear-facing camera, on-screen heart rate and pulse monitor using ANT+ and 3-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen with wet finger tracking ability. The total bill, before tax? $340 unlocked with no contract attached (which may be on sale, since the press release found past the break lists it for $370). You can choose orange or white as well. Head over to the link if the phone tickles your fancy.
Sony MDR-NC200D noise-cancelling headphones review
Anyone who commutes to a big city knows how loud and distracting things can get -- whether it's the whine of a bus engine, a subway car's ca-clank or just that screaming baby seated behind you. Some folks may find cranking jams through their headphones helpful for blocking out the world, while others would prefer a bit more relative silence. Thankfully, in this modern age there exist headphones with noise-cancelling goodness to help you zone out. Sony hasn't been a stranger to such cans, and recently introduced its $200 MDR-NC200D noise-cancelling headphones; a mid-range option for folks wanting similar benefits of its over-ear NC500D in an on-ear package. The claim is that these pups will reduce "98.2 percent of ambient noise" for up to 22 hours on a single AAA, so we sported the MDRs for the past few weeks as our primary set of headphones to hear for ourselves. You'll find all of the rock blockin' deets just after the break. %Gallery-133277%
Sony launches party pack of noise-cancelling headphones, your personal discotheque awaits
To the joy and delight of babysitters everywhere, Sony announced a boatload of new noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds to keep you sane in loud situations. Leading the pack are the $200, on-ear active / passive MDR-NC200D headphones, which have a 40mm drivers in each ear, 22-hour battery and folding design. For $150, users wanting portability can cop the smaller in-ear MDR-NC100Ds, which have a lower price tag and 13.5mm drivers. Both headphones feature Sony's "Artificial Intelligence Noise-Cancelling" technology, which claims to automatically reduce ambient noise by around 98.2 percent -- because you know, precision matters. Also launching today are two new smartphone headsets -- the $40 in-ear DR-EX14VP and the $60 DR-XB23VP earbuds -- with connectivity to Android, iPhone and BlackBerry phones, as well as Sony Ericsson, Nokia and other phones thanks to an included compatibility cord. Pulling up the rear are the new iPhone control headsets -- the $60 DR-XB22iP in-ear silicone hybrids, the $40 DR-EX61iP earbuds and the $150 "over-the-head" DR-ZX701iP. Currently accepting pre-orders, the headphones will be available for purchase sometime in October -- just in time to tune out the doorbell this Halloween. Check out the full PR after the break.
Sony Ericsson introduces the Xperia ray and Xperia active for the fashion and fitness focused
Sony Ericsson has finally come clean about the Urushi or, as it's now known, the Xperia ray (SE spits in the face of your capitalization conventions). As we already heard, it's packing a 1GHz processor, an 854 x 480, 3.3-inch Reality Display, an 8.1-megapixel rear-facing camera, and Android 2.3, all while coming in at a svelte 9.3-mm thin. The company also unveiled another uppercase eschewing handset, the Xperia active -- a phone for those who spend as much time running or snow boarding as they do texting. The dust proof and water resistant phone also pushes Gingerbread with a 1GHz CPU, but scales the screen back to three inches and a 320 x 480 resolution, while going with a lesser 5-megapixel rear shooter. More importantly, it boasts both a barometer and an ANT+ wireless radio to compliment the usual GPS and compass for tracking your workouts. You'll find full specs for each in the PR after the break, though how much they'll cost when they land in Q3 is still a mystery.
CEA kicks off process to standardize active 3D glasses
This one's still in the earliest stages, but it looks like the Consumer Electronics Association (a.k.a. the CEA) is doing its part to add a bit of order to the wild world of active 3D glasses. To that end, it's just put out a request for proposals on a standard IR sync interface for active 3D glasses, and it's encouraging companies that wish to participate to join the 3D Technologies Working Group -- they'll have to work fairly fast, though, as proposals are due in by March 31st. The ultimate goal, of course, is to ensure that 3D glasses sold by one manufacturer are compatible with 3D TVs made by another manufacturer, although there's no word on any companies that have actually signed on to the plan just yet.
EA Sports introduces Active 2.0 at GDC, complete with sensors galore
By and large, EA Sports' Season Opener event here at GDC was underwhelming, but one glimmer of newness did manage to shine through. Nearly a year after Active hit stores (video after the break) and encouraged Wii gamers to drop those unwanted pounds before hitting the soft sand in the summer, the company has announced that Active 2.0 (a working title) is currently in development for Wii, PS3, iPod touch and iPhone. We're told that a "new suite of fitness products" will be launching in the fall, with the Active 2.0 program delivering "true fitness results by featuring an innovative wireless control system powered by new leg and arm straps with motion sensors, a heart rate monitor to capture intensity and a new online hub to track and share workout data." Outside of that, details are nonexistent (like how exactly the iPod / iPhone components will factor into this equation), though we get the feeling that Xbox 360 owners may be left out of the party. Here's hoping we're wrong. %Gallery-87839%
Puma joins forces with Sagem to birth the Puma Phone
Looks like the rumors we heard were true: august cordwainer Puma has teamed up with Sagem to make a phone -- and it's quite a looker, too. The Puma Phone (as it's called) is a lightweight little guy that boasts an integrated solar cell for charging and charge indicator to let you know how you're doing on juice, a QVGA TFT 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen, plus a 3.2 megapixel cam with LED flash and 6x zoom. It also packs in GPS, a compass and geotagging, plus it's got a host of 'sporty' features (pedometer, stopwatch and GPS tracker)... if you're into an active lifestyle. This bad boy can be strapped to your arm when you're on the go, but don't blame us if it doesn't score you any points with the passersby. The Puma Phone will be available throughout Europe in April of this year -- no word on pricing or availability elsewhere yet. The full press release is after the break.
Steve looked healthier at iPad event
MacDailyNews points out that not many bloggers or journalists covered the issue of Steve's health at last week's Apple event, but I'd argue that it wasn't really a huge story -- the guy is doing his job, and while we definitely want to make sure he's healthy, his well-being is not really for us to judge. That said, they put a picture of Steve from last September up side by side with a pic from last week's event, and it's true that His Steveness does look a little more colorful. Given that he's probably not going to share much information with us about his health issues (which is completely his right, obviously), we're at least happy that it seems he's a little more hale. Needless to say, we only hope he's feeling better, as Apple just isn't the same company without him. We do know he's personally invested in the iPad, if the rumors are to be believed, and so if this current run of work is helping him stay active and keep busy, I'll be extra happy to support it when the tablet finally reaches the shelves.
Race change available
The expected race change feature is now active on the Account Management page, at least on the US realms. One of our writers has gone through with the change, and it appears to be working. The charge is $25, five dollars less than the faction change feature released a while ago, and includes a full customization -- gender, name, and appearance if you choose to do them. The race changes do not include the new class combinations yet -- we'll probably have to wait until Cataclysm at least before those become available. It's not live on the EU realms yet either, as of this writing. There is also an extended FAQ, which we've posted after the break. This is something that we mostly never expected to happen, right up until Blizzard started saying that it would just a while ago. So at this point, once you roll a character, you're now able to (for an additional charge) change everything about it save for the actual class. It seems unlikely that Blizzard would ever let that happen (given that classes are the fundamental basis of a roleplaying game), but of course we've learned to never say never with them. Update: We've now received official blue confirmation that it is intended to be active. Enjoy, everyone! %Gallery-76618%
Skill-based MMOs: Passive vs. active gain
There are two main progression models in MMOs: Level-based and skill-based. In level-based MMOs, you kill things and complete tasks to earn experience. This experience leads to new levels and the new levels generally lead to newer and more powerful skills. In skill-based MMOs, it isn't you who "levels up," but your skills. The more you use a particular skill (e.g., swimming, shield-blocking, axe-slashing, etc.) the better that skill becomes. At a basic level, both models are just different interpretations of the "experience point" system.While traditional, level-based MMOs don't usually allow you to earn XP while logged off, some skill-based systems do. EVE Online, for example, has a passive skill-leveling system, where players choose a queue of various skills that level up in real-time whether they are logged in or out. On the other hand, Darkfall uses an active skill-leveling system. The more you slash with a one-handed sword, the better your skill with one-handed swords becomes. If you switch to a two-handed hammer, you won't be as good until you start using it more.Syncaine has started an interesting discussion on his blog about the pros and cons of passive versus active skill gain in MMOs. While the original article favours one over the other, the comments really show both sides of the argument.
EA SPORTS Active for Wii in stores now, taunting us with its toned abs
Well, we have to admit a certain principled aversion to any console game that involves jumping, the flailing of the arms, cardio-whatever... anything, really, that Richard Simmons might approve of. It's bad enough that we're being asked to turn in our traditional controllers in for a balance board, but are we really supposed to believe that Electronic Arts -- the company that single-handedly ruined our health during the 1980s as we stayed up for weeks at a time on the quest to save Skara Brae -- could, or should, present the world with a "personal trainer in a box?" Well, if you're one of those people, you'll be happy to know that EA SPORTS Active for Wii is now available in retail stores Stateside, with worldwide release slated for May 22. Video after the break.
