Snapdragon Sound Explained! An interview with Qualcomm about next gen wireless audio!

This video is sponsored by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

What is Snapdragon Sound? I sat down with Sarah McMurray, Sr Mgr, Product Marketing, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. to talk about high fidelity, major improvements coming to Bluetooth, and when new headphones will be available. From true wireless to active noise cancellation, Sarah talked us through the next phase of audio certifications from Qualcomm. Plus we answered questions from Snapdragon Insiders around the globe! You want the scoop on next gen audio? We’ve got it!

It’s been great to collaborate with Qualcomm and their new Snapdragon Insiders community, created for tech enthusiasts who deserve something extra. They’re among the first to celebrate, engage with, and experience the latest in what Snapdragon has to offer. This includes news, announcements about Snapdragon-enabled devices, and access to small-group interactions with content creators and Qualcomm experts.

Learn more about Snapdragon Insiders: https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragoninsiders Continue reading “Snapdragon Sound Explained! An interview with Qualcomm about next gen wireless audio!”

Is the REAL LG Velvet on T-Mobile? MediaTek vs Qualcomm!

Two phones of the same name!

The T-Mobile version of the Velvet uses a different processor than other 5G versions of the phone, but what does that mean? MediaTek? Qualcomm? Snapdragon? Dimensity? Let’s see how these two phones REALLY compare!

It’s time for a showdown! Continue reading “Is the REAL LG Velvet on T-Mobile? MediaTek vs Qualcomm!”

Intel Kernel Security: Meltdown, Spectre, Kaiser – What you need to know!

Meltdown! Kaiser! Spectre! How bad are these security threats? How much will they slowdown YOUR PC? We’ve got more info on these issues, and links to press releases and industry analysis. Buckle up folks! 2018 is off to a rocky start for the entire computing industry!

Intel press release acknowledging the issue.
Google press release detailing affected products
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AMD press release explaining why AMD CPU’s aren’t affected the same way.

ARM official response to exploit on mobile processors.
Continue reading “Intel Kernel Security: Meltdown, Spectre, Kaiser – What you need to know!”

Timex Unveils IRONMAN ONE GPS+ Smartwatch

Timex took the wraps off of their new fitness focused smartwatch.

TW5K88800Built on a partnership with AT&T and Qualcomm, the ONE GPS+ uses the incredible screen from the Toq for low battery usage and direct sunlight view-ability.

In addition to the Mirasol display, the watch also comes with 4GB of storage and Bluetooth for music playback, GPS for location and fitness tracking, and a 3G phone connection for messaging and a pretty neat SOS feature.

For many people, exercising with a phone is becoming a necessity as that’s where all your entertainment and communications capabilities are stored. The idea that you could leave with just a watch, not worry about sweat-soaking your phone, and still have the basics covered is pretty exciting.

The ONE GPS+ is currently in pre-sale on the Timex site for $400 or $450 with a built in heart rate monitor.

The Problem With Android Wear Watch Screens

Wearable tech will be hot. The smartphone market is maturing and starting to plateau, so manufacturers are pushing into new territories to expand on our relationships with data and services. Google’s Android Wear platform is an excellent step in the right direction to legitimize this new market segment.

It does suffer from one fatal flaw however: Battery life. 

pebble smartwatch review somegadgetguy direct sunlightPlaying with several different solutions for wrist computing, my favorite so far are the watches that can best replicate the experience found on traditional time pieces. Namely a screen that can always be referenced for small pieces of information no matter what orientation it’s worn, not depending on any gestures to activate it. I mentioned as much in my last FFC VLOG.

Of course in technology land, compromises have to be made. If you want crazy new features, you have to accept some new limitations.  Continue reading “The Problem With Android Wear Watch Screens”

Qualcomm adds Stopwatch to Toq Smartwatch

qualcomm toq activity tracker update smartwatchIt’s a simple update, but it’s nice to see a company committed to improving their product.

Rolled out this afternoon Toq owners found a new little applet which provides a simple stopwatch and lap timer. It’s one of those things which probably should’ve been included from the beginning, but better late than never.

While it’ll never unseat dedicated fitness trackers, the Toq is shaping up to be one of the better smartwatches for active folks, thanks in part to the screen which is visible in direct sunlight, and these most recent software updates.

If you’re rocking a Toq, check out Google Play to see if you’ve got the update yet, and you can see the watch in action below.

UPDATED with Video! Qualcomm Enables Speech to Text on Toq Smartwatch

Qualcomm has pushed the update out! Let’s go hands on with the Toq’s newly added Speech to Text app!

***ORIGINAL POST***

qualcomm toq speech to text teaser videoQualcomm just keeps delivering on their Toq platform.

I had no idea the watch had an accelerometer built in, but a recent update included fitness tracking. Now it seems there’s a mic built into the wearable which just hasn’t been activated yet.

Teased in this Youtube video, speech to text is coming built on the Nuance recognition engine which also powers Siri. The system works server side, so your phone will need to have an active data connection. Continue reading “UPDATED with Video! Qualcomm Enables Speech to Text on Toq Smartwatch”

Qualcomm: Quickcharge 2.0 Phones and Tablets on the Way

Qualcomm-Snapdragon-410 lte worldOne important aspect of battery life is how quickly you can get back up and running when you’re out of juice.

Qualcomm took the wraps off of their Quickcharge 2.0 tech, which will be built into new phones and tablets sporting the Snapdragon 800 chipset. Quickcharge 1.0 delivered 10 watts, 2.0 will deliver 60 watts. Quickcharge 2.0 will rely on a combination of the power management gear in the phone and the charger plugged into the wall, though 2.0 and 1.0 devices will be cross compatible for legacy support and future proofing.

The power efficient radio management should keep you out in the field longer, and when you do need to juice up, you shouldn’t have to stay tethered for long.

Full PR below with more info on specs and compatibility.

Continue reading “Qualcomm: Quickcharge 2.0 Phones and Tablets on the Way”