Samsung intros 256GB UFS storage for mobile devices

Samsung Electronics has announced it is now mass producing 256GB embedded memory based on the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.0 standard, for next-generation high-end mobile devices. The newly introduced embedded memory features performance for mobile devices that exceeds that of a typical SATA-based SSD for PCs, claimed the company.

"By providing high-density UFS memory that is nearly twice as fast as a SATA SSD for PCs, we will contribute to a paradigm shift within the mobile data storage market," said Joo Sun Choi, executive VP of Samsung's memory sales and marketing. "We are determined to push the competitive edge in premium storage line-ups – OEM NVMe SSDs, external SSDs, and UFS – by moving aggressively to enhance performance and capacity in all three markets."

The new Samsung UFS memory satisfies needs for ultra-fast speeds, large data capacity, and compact chip sizes in high-end smartphones. It is based on the company's most advanced V-NAND flash memory chips and a specially-designed high-performance controller. The UFS memory handles up to 45,000 and 40,000 IOPS for random reading and writing respectively, over two times faster than the 19,000 and 14,000 IOPS of the previous generation of UFS memory, Samsung said.

For sequential reading, the 256GB UFS takes advantage of two lanes of data transfer to move data at up to 850MB/s, which is nearly twice as fast as a typical SATA-based SSD used in PCs, According to Samsung. In terms of sequential writing, it supports up to 260 MB/s, which is approximately three times faster than high-performance external micro SD cards. As a result, the new 256GB UFS memory is capable of supporting seamless Ultra HD video playback and multitasking functionality on large-screen mobile devices, such as watching 4K Ultra HD movies on a split screen, while searching image files or downloading video clips.

In addition, with the advent of next-generation smartphones that support the USB 3.0 interface, users will be able to transfer data much faster between mobile devices. The USB 3.0 interface will allow sending a 5GB-equivalent Full-HD video clip (average 90min. movie size) in 12 seconds. Within this new storage environment, mobile users will get to take full advantage of the performance benefits of Samsung's latest UFS memory.

Using Samsung's advanced memory technology, the new UFS memory chips are extremely compact, even smaller than an external micro SD card, giving greater flexibility to smartphone designers.

Samsung announced availability of its 128 GB UFS memory in February 2015. In only a year, it has doubled the capacity and speed of UFS memory, which should spur further growth of the mobile marketplace. Samsung said it will extend its premium storage line-ups that are based on its advanced V-NAND flash memory including the new 256GB UFS, and increase their production volume in line with increases in global demand.

Timex Metropolitan+ Analogue Fitness Tracking Watch Launched at Rs. 9,995

Timex is making another push to lure in the modern audience. The Dutch company has launched the Metropolitan+ in India, its new analogue watch for men with fitness tracking capabilities. It is available for purchase in India through Amazon India at a price point of Rs. 9,995.

The Metropolitan+ fitness tracking watch supports Bluetooth connectivity, which it utilises to connect to an Android or iOS smartphone and display data on its app. It also tracks steps, distance and calories all day. The Metropolitan+ is also water resistant, offering the ability to withstand water immersion up to 50 metres depth for 10 minutes duration.

The watch dial of the Metropolitan+ lets users keep an eye on their goals and progress. The company said that through Metroplitan+ it is foraying into the connected style collection and aiming to compete with fashion-forward timepieces. Though, to recall, in 2014, it had launched the Timex Ironman One GPS+ watch, which offered connectivity features, GPS, built-in music player, water-resistance, and fitness tracking abilities.

One of the biggest issues with smartwatches, which unarguably offer a number of add-ons to people, is their poor battery life. The Metropolitan+, which offers limited features when compared to a smartwatch such as Apple Watch, has overcome the battery challenge. Its battery can keep the watch ticking for about 1.5 years, the company claims. It also comes with Indiglo night-light.

"An active lifestyle often makes you give up on important things in life. Timex wants its consumers to not give up on their style for functionality or vice versa," said Anupam Mathur, Head - Sales and Marketing, Timex Group India Limited.

"Metropolitan+ is for the modern day men who demand a fit and active lifestyle and are always connected on the go. It is a perfect fit for the men who are interested in tracking their daily progress but wouldn't want to sacrifice the beauty of a traditional watch on their wrist, a best of both worlds. With Metropolitan+, the daily lifestyles of our male consumers will become effortless, convenient and dynamic."

The Metropolitan+ comes in two variants: one with silver-tone case with a black dial and leather strap, and a black case with a black dial and orange nylon strap. Both variants share the same price, and feature quick release straps. The company says that in two months, it will also begin to sell the Metropolitan+ through its retail stores.

Oral-B Genius Toothbrush Uses Your Phone's Camera for Better Dental Hygiene

Enjoy your standard toothbrush while it lasts for its replacement may reach you soon. Oral-B at the ongoing Mobile World Congress unveiled its smart, connected toothbrush. The company says that its new smart toothbrush dubbed Oral-B Genius is able to take better care of your dental hygiene.

The Smart Series model uses motion sensors and more interestingly your smartphone camera to track your dental cleanliness. The smart brush from Oral-B also utilises position detection, SmartRing lighting system to track location, pressure, and brushing time.

Users will be able to monitor and control the features from the Oral-B app on their smartphone. A user is required to put their smartphone in a holder on the mirror in front of them, and open the Oral-B app to get feedback in real time. A user is supposed to sync data with their toothbrush, at least, every two weeks and these pieces of information can also be shared with their dentist. The toothbrush can be charged by plugging the toothbrush using a USB cable.

The Oral-B Genius toothbrush tells users how well they have brushed their teeth, and what areas could use some more efforts. The company insists that based on its study, about 80 percent people don't spend enough time cleaning their teeth.

"Patients are not brushing their teeth correctly, even though they think they are; they brush too hard, do not brush long enough, and miss zones of the mouth. This new brushing system helps us coach patients to brush properly, and improve these three main areas of patient brushing behaviors that affect their oral health," said Dr. Jose Nart, DDS.

"The Oral-B Genius and App take digital guidance to the next level by bringing awareness to what's actually happening each time users brush and giving them real-time guidance to improve every brushing session. Now our patients can continue what's started in the dental office at home - a professionally guided brushing routine."

The Oral-B Genius smart toothbrush will be available in select markets starting July. Its price hasn't been disclosed yet.

Source : NDTV

Facebook Now Lets You Wish Friends Happy Birthday With a Video Message

Facebook users must be familiar with birthday wall posts that sound almost robotic, such as "HBD" and "Happy Birthday." Facebook will soon offer users an alternative way to wish their friends and families on their birthday - video messages.

Social has started rolling out a new feature dubbed 'Birthday Video Cam' that lets you say "Happy Birthday" to friends via video. The feature has been launched on the iOS app, and is expected to be available on more platforms soon. With the new 15-seconds 'Birthday Video Cam', Facebook wants to encourage people to interact via videos rather than just texts. Users will be prompted about the new 'Birthday Video Cam' feature on the wall of the user whose birthday it is and will show a pop-up message at the bottom that says, "Record a birthday video."

TechCrunch has shared a screenshot that shows the new feature on the Facebook for iOS app. Apart from recording the video, the feature also lets users add various effects including frames before sharing it on the friend's wall. Facebook, which recently confirmed that it has a user base of nearly 1.6 billion, has been lately pushing videos on the platform.

Last year, the company released an array of features aimed at increasing videos views on the social network. It launched the suggested videos feature which started showing up on website and apps displaying rows of related snippets after someone viewed a clip from News Feed. The company last year rolled out auto playing videos on its website as well as apps. The feature however targeted at users who watched a lot of videos and had a fast Internet connection with a generous data cap.

Source : NDTV

Sony's new Xperia X phones have curved dispalys and luxurious looks

Sony unveiled two new phones, the Xperia X and XA, as well as the Xperia Ear, an earpiece that responds to voice commands.

Sony's known for its pretty-looking phones, and the Xperia X and XA -- two new devices unveiled Monday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona -- aren't the exception. They pack curved glass displays and a metallic rear that feels luxurious.

Internally, the phones run Android, with the Xperia X powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 hexa-core processor. The Xperia XA gets the MediaTek treatment in the form of an octa-core MT6755 processor. These aren't top of the line specs, but they should be more than sufficient for day-to-day use and light gaming.

Sony's power management features will also be on the phone, helping to extend your daily usage. The Xperia X will have a predictive auto-focus feature on its 23-megapixel camera, which anticipates your subject's motion and promises to take a clear, blur-free shot. On the other hand, the Xperia XA will have 13-megapixel rear shooter with hybrid autofocus object tracking, which I'm guessing isn't as good as what's on the Xperia X.

Key details

5-inch display, with full HD on the Xperia X and HD on the XA
Premium stylings
Predictive auto-focus or autofocus object tracking
Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor or MediaTek MT6755 processor
Both phones are comfortable to hold, thanks to rounded edges that sit nicely in your palm. I like how the curved glass feels, but I did notice that the phones' performance was absurdly sluggish. This is likely due to the fact that these devices are pretty much prototypes and likely not the final product, but it's hardly a good first impression. Both phones are set to roll out this summer, with prices yet to be revealed.

Hardware specs:

Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 (Xperia X); MediaTek MT6755 (Xperia XA)
Screen: 5-inch full HD (Xperia X); 5-inch HD (Xperia XA)
3GB RAM, 32GB onboard storage (Xperia X); 2GB RAM, 16GB onboard storage (Xperia XA)
microSD card slot
Batteries: 2,620mAh (Xperia X); 2,300mAh (Xperia XA)
Rear camera: 23-megapixel (Xperia X); 13-megapixel (Xperia XA)
Front camera: 13-megapixel (Xperia X); 8-megapixel (Xperia XA)
Fingerprint sensor on power button (Xperia X only)

Xperia Ear

Sony also showed off the Xperia Ear, an earpiece that you wear all day that informs you of your schedule, news and weather. It responds to voice commands, so you can tell it to make calls, make an Internet search or navigate to a location. If you're worried about it chafing after wearing it for a full day, fret not -- the Ear uses soft silicone and is designed for all-day wear.

Three other concept devices were revealed here in Barcelona too: the Xperia Eye, Projector and Agent. The Eye is pretty much a camera you clip on your shirt, much like those pet cameras, while the Projector is somewhat like the old Microsoft Surface tables where you interact with a projected image. The Agent should be a personal assistant, somewhat like Amazon's Alexa, but more intelligent and interactive, prompting you instead of waiting for your vocal cues. There are no planned release dates for these devices, and chances are we likely won't even see them anytime this year.