Microsoft Surface Pro 2 & Surface Pro 3 Update
Microsoft has justpushed out an updatefor Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 devices running Windows 10 that should improve graphical performance and the operating system’s stability. The name of the update is “HD Graphics Family driver update (v10.18.15.4256)” and is available now.
Playstation 4 Software Beta Program
Sony has opened its PlayStation 4 software beta program to anyone, letting users sign up to test early versions of new system firmware before they're released to the general public. You can sign up to participate here as long as you have a PS4, though Sony warns that space on the program will be limited.
Samsung Galaxy O Series Could Be Related To Virtual Reality
A couple of days ago, a rumor surfaced suggesting that Samsung has a new lineup of phones in the works that will be part of a new Galaxy O series of handsets. It was unclear as to what kind of devices the Galaxy O series might be, butthanks to a report by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, we might have a better idea.
According to Munster, he claims that the Galaxy O series of smartphones could be related to virtual reality. He writes, “We believe Oculus in combination with Samsung could either launch a new phone series for VR as they are rumored to be releasing the “O Series” or, alternatively (but unlikely), it could be an all in one wireless VR headset.”
It is unclear as to what a phone dedicated to virtual reality might be like, but perhaps it could be a phone that will fit perfectly with the Gear VR. While Munster believes that it is unlikely that it could be a virtual reality headset, we’re not so sure we should close the door. Recently Samsung had confirmed that a new Gear VR is coming soon, so perhaps an all in one VR headset might not be that much of a stretch.
However it would be an odd choice to call the headset a “Galaxy” device since the Galaxy name is usually reserved for tablets and smartphones. In any case take this with a grain of salt for now, but hopefully we will find out more in the coming weeks.
Sony Releases 'Metal Gear Solid V'-Themed Xperia J1: The Phantom Pain Edition : PERSONAL TECH : Tech Times
Metal Gear Solid fans may want to reflect their love of the franchise in things like T-shirts and posters, however, now they can show off their love with aMetal Gear Solid V version of the Sony Xperia J1.
The device is called the Sony Xperia J1: Phantom Pain edition, and it features an Outer Heaven graphic on the back of the phone, which is subtle and not too overbearing.
Of course, the MGS theme doesn't end with the graphic. The device will also feature customMGS-themed ringtones and wallpapers that are based on the new Metal Gear Solid game. A limited edition artbook also comes pre-installed on the phone, and it is accessible via the Sony File Commander app.
Last but not least is the fact that buyers of the device will get a 1,000 yen ($8.08 USD) voucher that can be put toward buying Metal Gear Solid comics.
As far as hardware goes, the device remains identical to the original Sony Xperia J1, which is certainly not a bad device. For those not familiar with the specs of the device, it includes a 4.3-inch 720p display with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of expandable storage.
It also features a 2,300 mAh battery and a 20.7 MP rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera of the device is 2.2 MP.
Unfortunately, it seems as though the device will be limited to Japan and will be priced at 59,800 yen.
Of course, the announcement of the device comes right before the highly anticipated release of the Metal Gear Solid V game, set to be released on September 1. A trailer for the game was recently released, showing that the game could be set as the conclusion of the series. The game will be released to PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One and Xbox 360. An online component of the game will also be available, however, it won't be offered until October 6 for consoles and sometime in January for PC users.
Sony SmartBand 2 To Take On Fitbit | TechCrunch
Will it be enough? Sony just announced a new Sony SmartBand 2. It is everything you’ve come to expect from fitness tracker. It has a silicon band, it can track your steps for daysand it comes with a heart rate sensor.
Everybody is trying to come up with a 24/7 fitness tracker. It seems like it’s not difficult to build one. The Sony SmartBand has all the features you can find in the Fitbit Charge HR or the Polar Loop 2.
Blackberry Slider Phone
A month after @evleaks published one press render of BlackBerry's upcoming Android-based smartphone — yes, with a physical keyboard — he's back todaywith several new photos of the device. And there's even a GIF. According to Blass, the BlackBerry Venice is headed for all four major US carriers this November. The previous leaked render didn't offer any look at the device's keyboard, but today that changes.
Judging by the icons seen here, the Venice looks to be running a version of Android that's very close to Google's stock software. That keyboard also looks like a treat, though it also seems somewhat small and cramped thanks to the phone's slider design. But this is BlackBerry we're talking about — a company that's rarely if ever made a terrible keyboard. Both sides of the screen are curved a la the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.
Blass also tweeted images that appeared to show another BlackBerry device running Android. The second device doesn't have a slider, looking instead like the company's Passport, a big and square smartphone that would — if the leaks are accurate — now run Google's operating system.
http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/19/9179889/blackberry-android-phone-venice-photos
Sony wants your help testing PlayStation 4's next update
In a rare instance of following Microsoft's lead this generation, Sony is opening up a beta program for its game console firmware updates. If you want to help test the next patch all you need to do is fill out an application, own a PlayStation 4 and wait. A post on thePlayStation Blog notes that the beta starts early next month and further details about what it includes will hit by then. Here's to hoping that unlike the Xbox Dashboard Preview Program this won't require near-constant updates every time you turn your console on. Now, if only Sony would take another cue from Redmond and actually lock down some exclusive games...