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A new lab in London examines our relationship with technology

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Title: A new lab in London examines our relationship with technology
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Most of us will admit we need a digital detox, but our fast-moving lives don't always allow for that. We still need to answer calls a...

<img alt="Vinaya-lab" height="359" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzA3L2NmL3ZpbmF5YWxhYi5hNmM4Zi5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk5NTB4NTM0IwplCWpwZw/800c4037/3e8/vinaya-lab.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Most of us will admit we need a digital detox, but our fast-moving lives don't always allow for that. We still need to answer calls and respond to our boss' emails, so being completely unplugged can be difficult. Because of this, a research and design house in London believes we should adapt to our digital lifestyle instead of cut off our devices completely.</div>
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<a href="http://www.vinaya.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vinaya</a>, formerly known as Kovert, builds products and tools to help us manage that. On Nov. 1, the company opened a new lab in London to research the relationship between humans and technology. The company's three-story building houses a lab and studio, which will develop products based on the lab's research.</div>
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The company sees itself as a "modern science hub that encourages cross-pollination of a range of expertise in order to better understand the human psyche." Eventually, it'll open its third-floor doors as a sort of forum for experts and intellectuals to spend time and hold activities like science lectures and experiments.</div>
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"<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="we-wanted-to-create" style="color: #00aeef;"></a> <span class="microcontent" data-description="We wanted to create a modern-day version of the Lyceum in ancient Greece" data-fragment="we-wanted-to-create" data-micro="1">We wanted to create a modern-day version of the Lyceum in ancient Greece</span>, where Aristotle and Socrates used to hang out and learn from each other," founder and CEO Kate Unsworth told <em><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3052903/most-creative-people/this-new-lab-studies-how-tech-addiction-affects-your-body-and-brain?partner=rss&utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fast Company</a></em>. "We want people who come here to really begin to dig into each other's area of study, because experts in different disciplines don't typically have many opportunities to interact."</div>
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The lab's research focuses on areas such as hyperconnectivity, stress, human connection, happiness, tranquility, depression and productivity. The team currently consists of six neuroscientists, an anthropologist, a philosopher, and a psychologist, according to <em>Fast Company</em>. They'll also have access to a "Brain Board," experts from local universities who study areas such as sleep, ADHD and artificial intelligence. The lab also contains monitoring systems to track brain activity, heart rate, cortisol levels and technology-addiction loops.</div>
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Vinaya has already been in research mode, doing small studies prior to bigger ones in the lab. One looked at how people and businesses interact with email as a medium in order to find a remedy for the "<a href="http://www.vinaya.com/lab/#/insights-email-epidemic/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">email epidemic</a>." Their report explores how digital communication affects our productivity, habits and happiness, and also encourages us to think differently about our email etiquette.</div>
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The team also conducted a social experiment on eye contact in an effort to "shed light on a culture starved of presence." In the video shown below, "I See You," the team gathered 10 strangers to make eye contact and silently acknowledge each other for five minutes — though those five minutes might be nothing compared to a sitting with <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2010/mar/19/art-marina-abramovic-moma" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Marina Abramovic</a>.</div>
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While the lab will provide its research to the design studio, the company has already introduced a a new tech product. <a href="http://www.vinaya.com/studio/#/altruis/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Altrius</a> is a Bluetooth-enabled piece of jewelry, like Ringly, that pairs with an app to notify you of calls, text messages and emails. It vibrates when a specific person contacts you or when a keyword is used in a message.</div>
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<div class="microcontent-shares" data-description="" data-fragment="m!462f" data-image="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzA2L2ZjL0FMVFJVSVNfaW5zLmVjMWM3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/6adbb0ac/2a1/ALTRUIS_inspiration.jpg" data-url="" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.25s ease; background: rgb(246, 245, 241); height: 0px; left: -47px; opacity: 0; padding: 5px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.25s ease; width: 30px;">
<a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-facebook facebook" href="http://mashable.com/2015/11/07/vinaya-research-lab-london/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #3b579d; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-twitter twitter" href="http://mashable.com/2015/11/07/vinaya-research-lab-london/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #2daae1; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-google_plus google_plus" href="http://mashable.com/2015/11/07/vinaya-research-lab-london/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #f02f16; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-pinterest pinterest" href="http://mashable.com/2015/11/07/vinaya-research-lab-london/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #bf1e25; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a></div>
<img alt="ALTRUIS" class="for-lightbox" data-caption="" data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Vinaya" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!462f" data-image="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzA2L2ZjL0FMVFJVSVNfaW5zLmVjMWM3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/6adbb0ac/2a1/ALTRUIS_inspiration.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1000" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzA2L2ZjL0FMVFJVSVNfaW5zLmVjMWM3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/6adbb0ac/2a1/ALTRUIS_inspiration.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" title="ALTRUIS" /></div>
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IMAGE: VINAYA</div>
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Unsworth said the design team is in the midst of developing other products, though the next one won't be a wearable but another device that will promote a healthy relationship with technology.</div>
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</section>

A new lab in London examines our relationship with technology

Most of us will admit we need a digital detox, but our fast-moving lives don't always allow for that. We still need to answer calls a...

Apple Watch finally launched in India at Rs 30,900

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Title: Apple Watch finally launched in India at Rs 30,900
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Just a few weeks after the launch of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, Apple launched its Watch range in India today. The launch comes just before t...

<img alt="Applwtch97" height="359" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzA2LzVmL2FwcGx3dGNoOTcuNzA1MDAuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJOTUweDUzNCMKZQlqcGc/e7d674a6/04f/applwtch97.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Just a few weeks after the launch of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, Apple launched its Watch range in India today. The launch comes just before the country's biggest festival Diwali, and the company will be hoping for brisk sales during the festive season.</div>
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The Apple Watch comes in two sizes (38 mm and 42 mm) and three collections (Apple Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition). Prices for the 38 mm version are Rs 30,900 ($ 470) for Apple Watch Sport, Rs 48,900 ($ 743) for Apple Watch and Rs 8,20,000 ($ 12,460) for Apple Watch Edition. The 42 mm version is priced at Rs 34,900 ($ 530), Rs 52,900 ($ 803) and Rs 9,90,000 ($ 15,044) respectively.</div>
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The smartwatch will be available in colours such as gold, rose gold, space gray, 18-carat rose gold, space black or polished silver stainless steel and silver anodized aluminium. The India launch comes over seven months after the Apple Watch was launched globally.</div>
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</section>

Apple Watch finally launched in India at Rs 30,900

Just a few weeks after the launch of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, Apple launched its Watch range in India today. The launch comes just before t...

Augmented reality device turns your arm into a keyboard

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Title: Augmented reality device turns your arm into a keyboard
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Japanese electronics maker NEC has unveiled a unique input mechanism that allows you to type on your arm using augmented reality. The s...

<img alt="Arkey0897" height="359" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzA3Lzg5L2Fya2V5MDg5Ny43MTk4Ny5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk5NTB4NTM0IwplCWpwZw/9dfda2fe/a54/arkey0897.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Japanese electronics maker NEC has unveiled a unique input mechanism that allows you to type on your arm using augmented reality.</div>
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The system is called the ARmKeypad and it combines a set of glasses to visualize the virtual keyboard and a smartwatch to detect how fast you type.</div>
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Designed as a means to give workers a "hands-free" way of working while maintaining the ability to input text into a database, the company describes <a href="http://jpn.nec.com/press/201511/20151105_04.html" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the ArmKeypad</a> as better than other next-gen input methods such as voice interfaces, which are difficult to operate in noisy environments.<br /></div>
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In the video of the system at work (above), <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2015/11/06/nec-brings-augmented-reality-keyboard-to-users-forearm/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">obtained by</a> the <em>Wall Street Journal</em>, the smartwatch device is also shown displaying an augmented reality component, hovering above its real-world screen, working in tandem with the keyboard.</div>
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NEC thinks the innovation could be used in a wide range of working environments including healthcare, manufacturing, document management and even security.</div>
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The system was shown off in the run-up to the company's <a href="http://www.nec.com/en/event/uf-iexpo/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">C&C User Forum and iExpo 2015</a>being held in Tokyo next week.</div>
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No details regarding the software or hardware aspects of how the system works have been revealed. However, NEC claims that it will release a commercial version (price to be determined) of the system sometime in 2016.</div>
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Augmented reality device turns your arm into a keyboard

Japanese electronics maker NEC has unveiled a unique input mechanism that allows you to type on your arm using augmented reality. The s...

8 wireless ways to stay connected with faraway family

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Title: 8 wireless ways to stay connected with faraway family
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Long gone are the days of having to go through operators and scratchy audio connections when calling faraway places. The calls to Seoul f...

<img alt="Ily" height="359" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAzLzc4L2lseS4xOTEyOS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk5NTB4NTM0IwplCWpwZw/e6efac8c/5e9/ily.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Long gone are the days of having to go through operators and scratchy audio connections when calling faraway places. The calls to Seoul from my childhood were a mix of butchered Korean, inaudible English and raised voices to merely glean half of what the other person was saying.</div>
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It is amazing how far technology has come. Now calls to Seoul, or anywhere else in the world, can take place with a single tap on a screen. (I am still baffled as to how you can FaceTime with someone on the other side of the world.</div>
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Of course, there are plenty of video chat services and free international apps that make this possible, but every day, a new technology comes onto the market to make those connections richer, more meaningful and more frequent.</div>
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Here are a few of the newest gadgets for keeping those family connections strong:</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">1. <a href="https://bloomcloser.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">bloom</a></span></strong></h2>
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Designed specifically with elderly parents in mind, bloom is part screen, part band and part app for staying connected to aging parents. The bloomview screen is housed at your parent’s house and the bloomband is worn by your parent. The screen senses when the band is nearby and any photos or messages you have uploaded through your app instantly pop up on screen. There are no confusing buttons to fuss with and it’s great for parents who don’t own mobile devices. The wearable also doubles as an activity tracker and medical alert system to keep track of your elder’s health and safety. ($249, shipping soon)</div>
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IMAGE: <a href="https://bloomcloser.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">BLOOM</a></div>
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<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Logi_circle_on_table" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzM5L2xvZ2lfY2lyY2xlLmM2YmJmLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/ca478be4/405/logi_circle_on_table.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">2. <a href="http://www.logitech.com/product/circle?wt.ac_id=global_circle_102015" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">Logi Circle</a></span></strong></h2>
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Whether you want a peek into a family member’s house or just keep track of what’s going on in your own, you can set up the new Logi Circle camera for a bird’s eye view, no matter where you are. Live HD video and two-way talk using the iOS or Android app, guarantees instant contact when necessary. Plus, you can set alerts for certain activity. As we mentioned in our previous coverage, the camera’s Day Brief feature is a cool way to see 24 hours’ worth of activity, condensed into seven seconds. ($199)</div>
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IMAGE: <a href="http://www.logitech.com/product/circle?wt.ac_id=global_circle_102015" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">LOGI CIRCLE</a></div>
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<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Everystory" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzU0L2V2ZXJ5c3RvcnkuNzZhMjkucG5nCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/f3a7490e/d06/everystory.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">3. <a href="http://everystory.us/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">everyStory</a></span></strong></h2>
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A large part of staying connected to family is knowing where your family members came from and understanding more of their life experiences. everyStory is an app that lets anyone record personal color commentary to a photo, whether it’s an old family portrait or a birthday party shot from thirty years ago. Of course, it’s up to you to digitize those old family photos, but once you do, it’s possible to have a storied narrative attached to each one. (Free, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/everystory-give-your-photos/id990148261?mt=8" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.everystory.android.everystory" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">Android</a>)</div>
<div class="credit" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-style: italic; margin-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">
IMAGE: <a href="http://everystory.us/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">EVERYSTORY</a></div>
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</li>
<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Skylight-photos" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzFkL3NreWxpZ2h0cGhvLjljZmU4LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/260937d5/177/skylight-photos.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
<h2 class="title" style="clear: left; color: black; line-height: 1.27; margin: 12px 0px 2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">4. <a href="http://skylightframe.strikingly.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">Skylight Frame</a></span></strong></h2>
<div class="caption" style="color: #8a8c8e; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px;">
For family members who are always begging for photos, the Skylight Frame is a perfect way to keep them satisfied. Using a home Wi-Fi network, you can simply email any photos to the dedicated email for your particular frame (yourname@ourskylight.com) and the images magically appear, regardless of where you are and where the frame is. Skylight features a 7-inch display and can hold approximately 1,000 photos. There’s also touchscreen capabilities on the screen, allowing users to browse photos or freeze on a favorite. ($109)</div>
<div class="credit" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-style: italic; margin-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">
IMAGE: <a href="http://skylightframe.strikingly.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SKYLIGHT FRAME</a></div>
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</li>
<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Egg_white" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzczL2VnZ193aGl0ZS42MzRmYi5wbmcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/8fda1e38/443/egg_white.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
<h2 class="title" style="clear: left; color: black; line-height: 1.27; margin: 12px 0px 2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">5. <a href="http://www.eggcyte.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">The Egg</a></span></strong></h2>
<div class="caption" style="color: #8a8c8e; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px;">
The dreaded pop-up alerting us to dwindling storage is a real nuisance. This is where The Egg wants to help. Dubbed as a “personal cloud device,” Egg does everything from store data, import images from many devices (camera, phone, GoPro, etc.) and even serve as a Wi-Fi access point. The Egg offers up to 256GB of storage and works with iOS and Android apps to access and transfer content. Those long videos to Aunt Sue from your Hawaii vacation can now be stored and sent directly from The Egg when your mobile device runs out of space. (Starting at $169 for 64GB; shipping in November)</div>
<div class="credit" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-style: italic; margin-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">
IMAGE: <a href="http://www.eggcyte.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">THE EGG</a></div>
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<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Bevy" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzk0L2JldnkuZjNkNmUuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/16360c07/4fe/bevy.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">6. <a href="http://bevy.us/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">Bevy</a></span></strong></h2>
<div class="caption" style="color: #8a8c8e; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px;">
Speaking of photo sharing, <a href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/18/lineagelabs-bevy-photo-management/#0c7O0KRbFZqR" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">Bevy</a> is a new device that lets family members save and preserve memories in one location, wherever they are in the world. The person who has the actual Bevy unit in the home can grant access to any family members who want to upload photos, see new photos from other family members and create albums and favorites, all from an app. It’s a great way for everyone to stay connected, plus the 1TB model holds approximately 400,000 photos. That’s a lot of memories. (1TB, $299; 2TB, $349)</div>
<div class="credit" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-style: italic; margin-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">
IMAGE: <a href="http://bevy.us/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">BEVY</a></div>
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</li>
<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Ily" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzc4L2lseS44OTgxNi5wbmcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/aab6efa2/2bc/ily.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
<h2 class="title" style="clear: left; color: black; line-height: 1.27; margin: 12px 0px 2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">7. <a href="https://www.ily.co/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">ILY</a></span></strong></h2>
<div class="caption" style="color: #8a8c8e; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px;">
Aiming to be the new family phone, the ILY (pronounced ill-ee) is geared towards family members of all ages who don’t want to be reliant on a smartphone to communicate. This Wi-Fi enabled video phone is an alternative to parents who don’t have mobile devices, but want the benefits of video calls. You can connect via the ILY app (or an ILY phone in your own house) and send drawings or messages to let Grandma know that the kids miss her. ($299, no monthly fees; shipping in early 2016)</div>
<div class="credit" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-style: italic; margin-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">
IMAGE: <a href="https://www.ily.co/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ILY</a></div>
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</li>
<li class="slide" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 30px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="Far-far-away" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzExLzAyLzUxL2ZhcmZhcmF3YXkuOTU5NGUucG5nCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/be7d12e7/f25/far-far-away.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: 625px;" /></figure><div class="meta">
<h2 class="title" style="clear: left; color: black; line-height: 1.27; margin: 12px 0px 2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<strong><span style="font-size: small;">8. <a href="http://farfarawayapp.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">Far Far Away</a></span></strong></h2>
<div class="caption" style="color: #8a8c8e; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px;">
For parents who frequently travel or family members who don’t live close by, Far Far Away lets them participate in one of the most treasured times of day — story time. Both parties need to have an iPad, but using the app’s technology, two parties from across the world can connect on the app, choose a story and read it together. (Free, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/far-far-away-one-family.-connected./id910158336?mt=8" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;">iOS</a>)</div>
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IMAGE: <a href="http://farfarawayapp.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FAR FAR AWAY</a></div>
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</li>
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<em style="color: #555555; line-height: 22.5px;">Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</section>

8 wireless ways to stay connected with faraway family

Long gone are the days of having to go through operators and scratchy audio connections when calling faraway places. The calls to Seoul f...

Star Wars R2D2 Refrigerator is so cool it has its own trailer

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Title: Star Wars R2D2 Refrigerator is so cool it has its own trailer
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

When the licensed offshoots of Star Wars get their own trailers, then you know that the franchise will likely be here 100 years fro...

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When the licensed offshoots of <em>Star Wars</em> get their own trailers, then you know that the franchise will likely be here 100 years from now. The latest is for the R2D2 Moving Refrigerator, and it's almost as exciting as one of the film's trailers.</div>
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We told you about the life-sized, remote controlled droid months ago, but in this trailer we get an up close look at just how well made the device is.</div>
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Japan's Aqua (a division of Haier) has the device online <a href="https://otakumode.com/shop/haier/aqua/R2-D2-Moving-Refrigerator?utm_source=haier&utm_medium=media_link&utm_content=haier_r2d2&utm_campaign=haier_r2d2_teaser&tom_cohort=haier_r2d2_teaser" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">for pre-order</a> for about $8,300, with deliveries beginning in December. For a mini-fridge that only holds a handful of beverages at best, this piece of <em>Star Wars</em> swag is only for the truly obsessed — and rich.</div>

Star Wars R2D2 Refrigerator is so cool it has its own trailer

When the licensed offshoots of Star Wars get their own trailers, then you know that the franchise will likely be here 100 years fro...

Apple Watch discount: Great deal, or sign of trouble?

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Title: Apple Watch discount: Great deal, or sign of trouble?
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

In a move likely to fuel speculation about the popularity, or lack thereof, of the Apple Watch, Apple has decided to test out a discount ...

<img alt="Appwth87" height="359" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMxL2Y2L2FwcHd0aDg3LmFjYzI5LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTk1MHg1MzQjCmUJanBn/4451ca8a/0ad/appwth87.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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In a move likely to fuel speculation about the popularity, or lack thereof, of the Apple Watch, Apple has decided to test out a discount bundle involving the smartwatch.</div>
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The bundle, currently limited to select stores, offers a $50 discount on an Apple Watch Sport or Apple Watch when a customer buys a new iPhone.</div>
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Apple's mostly under-the-radar deal <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2015/10/30/apple-promo-50-off-apple-watch-iphone-combo/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">was highlighted</a> by <em>MacRumors</em> on Friday. According to the site, the deal is only available at certain brick-and-mortar Apple stores in California (San Francisco, Burlingame, Chestnut Street, Corte Madera, Stonestown and Hillsdale) and Massachusetts (Boylston Street, Burlington, CambridgeSide and Chestnut Hill).</div>
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And no, the Apple Watch Edition and Apple Watch Hermès are <i>not</i> part of this promotion.</div>
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It should also be noted that both items must be purchased together, during a single transaction. The site also confirmed that the promotion is not available online and is only running until November 15.</div>
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Apple isn't known for offering many special discounts on its products. In fact, longtime Apple users are accustomed to paying a premium for Apple products over competing brands. Therefore, the discounted Apple Watch, no matter how limited the availability, is bound to raise a few eyebrows.</div>
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And while Apple just released its earnings report, it did not reveal per unit sales for the Apple Watch. The company also just started selling the device at Target, not the kind of high-end, fashionable branding the Apple Watch enjoyed at launch.</div>
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With all that in mind, once word of this limited discount deal spreads, expect more chatter (legitimate or not) about how sales of the Apple Watch may not be living up to the success of the company's other mobile products. In the meantime, hey, there's a discount deal on the Apple Watch!</div>
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<em>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>

Apple Watch discount: Great deal, or sign of trouble?

In a move likely to fuel speculation about the popularity, or lack thereof, of the Apple Watch, Apple has decided to test out a discount ...

Sonos Play:5 has booming sounds and intriguing smarts

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Title: Sonos Play:5 has booming sounds and intriguing smarts
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Sonos is well known for its Wi-Fi connected, multi-room sound systems and virtually every new speaker it introduces is a variation on its...

<img alt="Sonos_thumb-9" height="359" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMwL2ExL1Nvbm9zX1RodW1iLjUyZGI4LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTk1MHg1MzQjCmUJanBn/add9fd39/95f/Sonos_Thumb-9.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Sonos is well known for its Wi-Fi connected, multi-room sound systems and virtually every new speaker it introduces is a variation on its theme of room-filling, connected audio. The redesigned Play:5 fits that mold, but arrives with some secret sauce, the new Trueplay home audio tuning system. The combination is interesting, though not yet too impressive.</div>
<figure class="image" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px 0px 50px; position: relative;"><div style="padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m!54cc" style="color: #00aeef;"></a></div>
<div class="microcontent-wrapper" style="clear: left; margin-left: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="microcontent-shares" data-description="" data-fragment="m!54cc" data-image="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5L2YyL1Nvbm9zMi5mY2UzOS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/259a8ec5/594/Sonos-2.jpg" data-url="" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.25s ease; background: rgb(246, 245, 241); height: 0px; left: -47px; opacity: 0; padding: 5px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.25s ease; width: 30px;">
<a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-facebook facebook" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/sonos-play5-review/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #3b579d; display: inline-block; font-size: 3rem; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-twitter twitter" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/sonos-play5-review/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #2daae1; display: inline-block; font-size: 3rem; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-google_plus google_plus" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/sonos-play5-review/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #f02f16; display: inline-block; font-size: 3rem; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-pinterest pinterest" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/sonos-play5-review/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #bf1e25; display: inline-block; font-size: 3rem; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a></div>
<img alt="Sonos Play5" class="" data-caption="Sonos Play:5 offers the signature design, which means clean lines and, unlike other Play speakers, not a single button." data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Mashable, Lili Sams" data-credit-provider="" data-fragment="m!54cc" data-image="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5L2YyL1Nvbm9zMi5mY2UzOS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/259a8ec5/594/Sonos-2.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5L2YyL1Nvbm9zMi5mY2UzOS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/259a8ec5/594/Sonos-2.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Sonos Play5" /></div>
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Sonos Play:5 offers the signature design, which means clean lines and, unlike other Play speakers, not a single button.</div>
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IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS</div>
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</figure><div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 0.75em;">
At $499, Play:5 is the most expensive and impressive of the Sonos Play line, which includes Play:1 (my personal favorite) and Play:3. It has double the number of drivers found in the Play:3, as well as three woofers and three tweeters, and can produce intense, clear and thumping office-filling sound. Unlike most of Sonos’ other speakers that you can easily lift with one hand, the Play:5 is a 14 pound, 14-inch-by-8-inch-by-6-inch deep device that will easily fill a bookshelf or demand attention on a hutch.</div>
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Set-up</h2>
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One of the reasons I love Sonos devices is because they are so easy to set up and Play:5 is no exception. The toughest part might be removing it from the many layers of protective packaging. It arrived in my office in a large black box, which contained the commercial Play:5 packaging. To open it, I had to literally unlock the box — there are two sliding orange plastic locks, one on each side of the box. Inside, the Play:5 was nestled tightly in rigid black foam, its body inside a loose-fitting, clear plastic bag. I took off the bag and found that the speaker was shrink-wrapped. After removing that, there was yet one more clear layer of plastic wrapped around the outside edge of the speaker.</div>
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<img alt="Sonos Play 5" class="" data-caption="Sonos Play:5 doesn't have any physical buttons (okay, there's one hidden on the back that you use during setup). These touch controls are subtle and responsive." data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Mashable, Lili Sams" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!d49c" data-image="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMwLzA4L1Nvbm9zNi4xNGU2MS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/262f5443/d2b/Sonos-6.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMwLzA4L1Nvbm9zNi4xNGU2MS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/262f5443/d2b/Sonos-6.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Sonos Play 5" /></div>
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Sonos Play:5 doesn't have any physical buttons (okay, there's one hidden on the back that you use during setup). These touch controls are subtle and responsive.</div>
</figcaption><div class="image-credit" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.2s; color: #777777; float: right; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 18.75px; margin-top: 12px; max-width: 625px; text-transform: uppercase; transition: margin 0.2s; width: auto;">
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IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS</div>
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The speaker ships with a plug and an Ethernet jack if you want to wire it directly into your network. I downloaded the free Sonos iPhone app, which instantly noticed that there was a Sonos device in the room and offered to add it to my Wi-Fi network. I never had to add Wi-Fi credentials. It also asked if I wanted to add it to an existing Sonos system (network of speakers) or start a new one. I started a new one.</div>
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For those unfamiliar with Sonos, this system setup is one of the chief benefits of a Sonos system. All the speakers are Wi-Fi connected and, using the app, you can run them together to create house-filling music, or play different audio in different rooms. You can group a couple of speakers to control the volume as one, or adjust the volume individually on each speaker while still playing the same tune.</div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.27; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
The best sound for the space</h2>
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Once the Play:5 is on your network and part of your Sonos set-up, the next step — and one that is brand new — is Trueplay. It's a sonic adjustment utility that actually reads your room environment to adjust the Play:5's audio output. At least that's the promise.</div>
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<img alt="Sonos Trueplay" class="" data-caption="Sonos Trueplay asks you to turn your phone around and wave it up and down to assess the audio conditions in the room and use those readings to adjust your Sonos Play:5 settings." data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Mashable, Lili Sams" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!431a" data-image="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5LzRmL1Nvbm9zNC5jYzMyOC5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/25035cfe/9ca/Sonos-4.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5LzRmL1Nvbm9zNC5jYzMyOC5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/25035cfe/9ca/Sonos-4.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Sonos Trueplay" /></div>
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Sonos Trueplay asks you to turn your phone around and wave it up and down to assess the audio conditions in the room and use those readings to adjust your Sonos Play:5 settings.</div>
</figcaption><div class="image-credit" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.2s; color: #777777; float: right; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 18.75px; margin-top: 12px; max-width: 625px; text-transform: uppercase; transition: margin 0.2s; width: auto;">
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IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS</div>
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Trueplay is automatically part of your initial setup, but you can always go back and "retune" the speaker, which is something you would do if you move it from room to room. As of now, there is no way to save the profile for one room or another. Fortunately, the whole process takes less than a minute.</div>
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<img alt="SonosTrueplaysetup" class="" data-caption="The Sonos  Trueplay speaker tuning system is easy to use, The app asks you to flip your phone around (far left), scan the room with the phone (middle) and then tells you what it did -- and didn't do -- based on the result." data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Sonos" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!9977" data-image="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMwLzFkL1Nvbm9zVHJ1ZXBsLmY2OGE5LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/9d86f04a/476/SonosTrueplaysetup.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMwLzFkL1Nvbm9zVHJ1ZXBsLmY2OGE5LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/9d86f04a/476/SonosTrueplaysetup.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="SonosTrueplaysetup" /></div>
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The Sonos Trueplay speaker tuning system is easy to use, The app asks you to flip your phone around (far left), scan the room with the phone (middle) and then tells you what it did — and didn't do — based on the result.</div>
</figcaption><div class="image-credit" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.2s; color: #777777; float: right; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 18.75px; margin-top: 12px; max-width: 625px; text-transform: uppercase; transition: margin 0.2s; width: auto;">
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IMAGE: SONOS</div>
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The Sonos app starts by taking a quiet room reading — if you talk over it, it will stop and make you do it again. Then it shows you a video to train you on how to use your iPhone to read the ambient sounds bouncing off the walls. It even has you turn the phone around so the microphone (on the bottom of your iPhone) is facing outward. You will look a little ridiculous waving your phone up and down as you walk around the perimeter of your room, but it only last for 45 seconds.</div>
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More disconcerting, though is the sound the speaker makes during this process. It's loud and annoying, but all in the service of splendid sound.</div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.27; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
Great sound</h2>
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Here's the good news: The Sonos Play:5 is a fantastic sounding speaker with far more audio power than you can use in an office or even a full-sized cafeteria. Unfortunately, in two separate test rooms of significantly different dimensions and configurations, Trueplay reported that my speaker’s placement in the room "had little effect on the sound." As a result it only made subtle adjustments to the speaker sound, ones that I’m sure I'd have a hard time hearing. I am not an audiophile, after all.</div>
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<img alt="Sonos Play 5" class="" data-caption="Sonos offers access to a wide array of music services, all of which you can control through your iPhone." data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Mashable, Lili Sams" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!e02d" data-image="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5L2NkL1Nvbm9zOC43YjQzNS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/c38f7bc8/8cb/Sonos-8.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzI5L2NkL1Nvbm9zOC43YjQzNS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/c38f7bc8/8cb/Sonos-8.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Sonos Play 5" /></div>
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Sonos offers access to a wide array of music services, all of which you can control through your iPhone.</div>
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IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS</div>
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So, Trueplay may not be the reason you buy Play:5, not that you really need others. It's an extremely well-crafted device, with sensitive, touch buttons on top for controlling play, pause, volume and skipping back and forth over tracks. It has downward-firing woofers that will turn off automatically when you switch the speaker from horizontal to vertical mode. It marries perfectly with Sonos' excellent app, which gives you access to virtually every music service you can think of, as well as your networked music library, music on your iPhone and Sonos' own radio stations. I defy you to run out of things to listen to.</div>
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If you already own a Sonos speaker or two, this could be the culminating device. If you do not own one, it may be a great place to start. Is it cheap? No. Is it worth it? Yes.</div>
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Play:5 is now on pre-order and available in white or the black matte I tested.</div>
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Sonos Play:5</h2>
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The Good</h3>
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Great looks <span class="bullet" style="font-size: 1.7rem;">•</span> Easy setup <span class="bullet" style="font-size: 1.7rem;">•</span> Excellent audio <span class="bullet" style="font-size: 1.7rem;">•</span> Big sound</div>
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The Bad</h3>
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Trueplay is not life-changing</div>
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The Bottom Line</h3>
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Sonos Play:5 is another excellent Sonos connected audio device that could be the sound system for the entire floor of a house or even a hall. We just wish Trueplay, which is easy to use, was a bit more impressive.</div>
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<em>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>

Sonos Play:5 has booming sounds and intriguing smarts

Sonos is well known for its Wi-Fi connected, multi-room sound systems and virtually every new speaker it introduces is a variation on its...

Neat Microphones Widget adds some space-age style to your podcast rig

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Title: Neat Microphones Widget adds some space-age style to your podcast rig
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

Capture both audio and the spirit of postwar America with Gibson's newest microphones. Neat Microphones, a brand created by Gibson ...

<img alt="Mic-thumb" height="359" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzMwL2E3L01pY3RodW1iLjhjOTBmLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTk1MHg1MzQjCmUJanBn/5308715b/e9f/Mic-thumb.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Capture both audio and the spirit of postwar America with Gibson's newest microphones.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 0.75em;">
Neat Microphones, a brand created by Gibson Guitars, just launched its Widget series, an affordable line of stylish desktop mics, <a href="http://gizmodo.com/gibson-wants-your-desktop-mic-to-sound-better-and-look-1739034135" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><em>Gizmodo</em> reports</a>. The three mics, which are sonically identical, are available at a variety of electronics and music stores to pre-order for $99.</div>
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All three mics offer a simple plug-and-play USB setup, while height adjustment comes courtesy of the tracks the mic is mounted on. Skipper Wise, president of Neat Microphones, touts that the mics can record professional 24 bit/96kHz audio, in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKx-gQoyX1Q" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">a video</a> from the National Association of Music Merchants convention January 2015</div>
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In keeping with the theme of simplicity, the Neat Widget doesn't require drivers or additional software to work. The stylish base also acts as a shock-mount, isolating the microphone from any unwanted vibrations.</div>
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Gibson Guitars <a href="http://www.gibson.com/news-lifestyle/features/en-us/gibson-brands-launches-neat-microphones-division.aspx" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">launched</a> Neat Microphones in December 2014, with its first line of products, called the "bee line" because of its color scheme, shipping soon after. Wise and Chief Technical Officer Martins Saulespurens are co-founders of Blue Microphones, one of the most popular manufacturers of desktop microphones.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="the-widget-halves-the" style="color: #00aeef;"></a></div>
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<div class="microcontent-shares" data-description="The Widget halves the price of entry for Neat Microphones, putting it squarely in the crosshairs of the Blue Yeti" data-fragment="the-widget-halves-the" data-url="" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.25s ease; background: rgb(246, 245, 241); height: 0px; left: -47px; opacity: 0; padding: 5px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.25s ease; width: 30px;">
<a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-facebook facebook" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/gibson-neat-microphones-widget/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #3b579d; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-twitter twitter" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/gibson-neat-microphones-widget/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #2daae1; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-google_plus google_plus" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/gibson-neat-microphones-widget/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #f02f16; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a><a class="social-share microcontent-share-badge network-badge network-badge-pinterest pinterest" href="http://mashable.com/2015/10/30/gibson-neat-microphones-widget/?utm_cid=mash-prod-nav-sub-st#" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s ease; color: #bf1e25; display: inline-block; height: 30px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9900px; transition: color 0.3s ease; white-space: nowrap; width: 30px;"></a></div>
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<span class="microcontent" data-description="The Widget halves the price of entry for Neat Microphones, putting it squarely in the crosshairs of the Blue Yeti" data-fragment="the-widget-halves-the" data-micro="1">The Widget halves the price of entry for Neat Microphones, putting it squarely in the crosshairs of the Blue Yeti</span>, one of the most popular, well-received affordable USB microphones. Until we get our hands on a Widget we don't know if it's better than the Yeti, but the Widget clearly wins on looks.<br />
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Indeed, the options for USB microphones in this price-range are rather conservatively styled, so one has to give credit to Neat for injecting some space-age fun into the segment. It's a smart segment for Gibson to get into, too. Podcasting is en vogue right now and the ascendence of YouTube stars makes affordably recording good audio a must for many.</div>
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We'll just have to see if it can beat its more bland-looking rivals.</div>
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<em>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>
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</section>

Neat Microphones Widget adds some space-age style to your podcast rig

Capture both audio and the spirit of postwar America with Gibson's newest microphones. Neat Microphones, a brand created by Gibson ...

Hipsters rejoice! This contraption makes your bike sound like a trotting horse

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Title: Hipsters rejoice! This contraption makes your bike sound like a trotting horse
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

There is nothing old-timey-er than the sound of a horse trotting down a cobblestone street. Now, thanks to Trotify, you can enjoy this au...

<img alt="Trotify" height="359" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA5Lzc3L3Ryb3RpZnkuNGExNjcucG5nCnAJdGh1bWIJOTUweDUzNCMKZQlqcGc/849c1517/f57/trotify.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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There is nothing old-timey-er than the sound of a horse trotting down a cobblestone street. Now, thanks to Trotify, you can enjoy this auditory pleasure while also making your mustachioed hipster friends wildly envious.</div>
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If that weren't enough of a selling point, Trofity is also DIY, as there is some assembly required. After you buy it, the company ships you a sheet of wood from which you need to pop out the parts to assemble the product.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="422.99999999999994" id="managed-yt-1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cfyC6NJqt2o?enablejsapi=1&" style="height: 423px; width: 750px;" width="750"></iframe></div>
<br />Once assembled, and fitted with a coconut and rubber band, simply attach Trotify to your front brake assembly, as you might a reflector. Then you're ready to ride in pre-20th century style.<br />
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Not only does Trotify alert passersby to your presence, it tells them that you have an affinity for old-world charms but don't have the wherewithal to care for an 1,100-pound horse.</div>
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If you're not happy with simply sounding like a horse owner on your daily commute, <a href="http://www.trotify.com/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Trotify</a>also has a slew of swag options you can purchase as well.</div>
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<em>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>

Hipsters rejoice! This contraption makes your bike sound like a trotting horse

There is nothing old-timey-er than the sound of a horse trotting down a cobblestone street. Now, thanks to Trotify, you can enjoy this au...

Apple News app disabled in mainland China, works fine in Hong Kong

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Title: Apple News app disabled in mainland China, works fine in Hong Kong
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

The latest episode in the ongoing story of the Great Firewall of China that censors parts of the Internet from China-based users involves...

<img alt="Iphnchn" height="359" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzEwLzE3L2lwaG5jaG4uNTU4YmMuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJOTUweDUzNCMKZQlqcGc/d96864c3/378/iphnchn.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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The latest episode in the ongoing story of the Great Firewall of China that censors parts of the Internet from China-based users involves Apple News.</div>
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Apple's news aggregation app has been rendered inaccessible for users attempting to use the app in mainland China — even if the user brought the app with them on their iPhone from the U.S.</div>
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A report in <em>The New York Times</em> brought the censoring of the app to light <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/technology/apple-is-said-to-deactivate-its-news-app-in-china.html" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">on Saturday</a>, citing a person "with direct knowledge of the situation." Although the app is still only officially available in the U.S., users who have downloaded and used the app in the U.S. can generally use the app while abroad in other countries. However, that doesn't appear to be the case in mainland China.</div>
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One Hong Kong-based user by the name of Larry Salibra detailed <a href="https://www.larrysalibra.com/how-apple-censors-news-in-china/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">his own experiences</a>with the app in Hong Kong and mainland China. When using Hong Kong mobile networks, he was able to refresh the Apple News app and find fresh news stories.</div>
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But when he traveled over to mainland China and switched to mainland China phone networks, the app refused to refresh and show updated news stories. When he tried, the app displayed the following message: "Can't refresh right now. News isn't supported in your current region."</div>
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In a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/3nyvo9/how_apple_censors_news_in_china/" style="color: #00aeef; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">related post</a> on Reddit, Salibra explained why he thinks the practice by Apple is troubling.</div>
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"They're censoring news content that I downloaded and stored on <em>my device</em> purchased in the USA, before I even enter China just because my phone happens to connect to a Chinese signal floating over the border," wrote Salibra.</div>
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"<em>On device</em> censorship is much different than having your server blocked by the Great Firewall or not enabling a feature for customers with certain country iTunes account … What make [sic] me uncomfortable is them enforcing rules of other countries on my device which I didn't buy in that country even when I've turned off location services."</div>
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When contacted by <em>Mashable</em> for more details regarding its policy in China regarding the app, Apple declined to comment.</div>
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<em>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>

Apple News app disabled in mainland China, works fine in Hong Kong

The latest episode in the ongoing story of the Great Firewall of China that censors parts of the Internet from China-based users involves...

Dell unveils XPS 12, the world's first 2-in-1 with a 4K display

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Title: Dell unveils XPS 12, the world's first 2-in-1 with a 4K display
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

PCs are a hot commodity again thanks to the success of Windows 10. Convertibles or "Ultrabets" (Ultrabook and tablet hybrids), ...

<img alt="Dell-xps-12-13-15" height="359" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzY5L2RlbGx4cHMxMjEzLjI5MGMyLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTk1MHg1MzQjCmUJanBn/9f94b956/074/dell-xps-12-13-15.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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PCs are a hot commodity again thanks to the success of Windows 10. Convertibles or "Ultrabets" (Ultrabook and tablet hybrids), as some call them, are more attractive than ever, thanks to groundwork laid down by Microsoft's Surface Pro.</div>
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Dell's joining in on the fun with the XPS 12, a new 2-in-1 convertible PC with a 12.5-inch 4K InfinityEdge display that transforms between tablet and laptop mode.</div>
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SEE ALSO: <a href="http://expresshackings.blogspot.com/2015/10/inside-creation-of-microsoft-surface.html">Inside the creation of microsoft surface</a></div>
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At 2.8 pounds, the XPS 12 is ultra lightweight — not as light as the new MacBook, which is only two pounds, but still light enough to toss in your bag and not feel it on your shoulders.</div>
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<img alt="Dell XPS 12" class="" data-caption="" data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Dell" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!433e" data-image="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzFlL2RlbGx4cHMxMi43ZGFiZC5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/08016aaf/0ff/dell-xps-12.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzFlL2RlbGx4cHMxMi43ZGFiZC5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgkxMjAweDk2MDA-/08016aaf/0ff/dell-xps-12.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Dell XPS 12" /></div>
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IMAGE: DELL</div>
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It's packing a sixth-generation Intel Core M processor with a clock speed of up to 2.7GHz, Intel HD Graphics 515, 8GB of RAM, and either a 128GB hard drive or 256GB of SSD storage.</div>
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The 4K display clips into the keyboard via a magnetic connection. The screen has a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution and the super slim bezels that Dell's latest lineup of products are known for.</div>
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The XPS 12 also supports the Dell Active Pen, which works with OneNote and sketching apps, as well as Microsoft Edge, Windows 10's new default web browser.</div>
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The tablet half has two cameras: an 8-megapixel camera on the back and a 5-megapixel camera on the front.</div>
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Productivity junkies will love the two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which is 8 times faster than USB 3.0. There's also a USB Type-C port and an SD card reader built into the keyboard dock.</div>
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The XPS 12 will be available in November from Dell.com starting at $999 for a full HD screen model. The 4K model with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD will cost $1,299.</div>
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Refreshed XPS 13 and XPS 15</h2>
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<img alt="" class="" data-caption="" data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Dell" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!edaa" data-image="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzFmL2RlbGx4cHMxMzIwLjMzNjA3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/ccdc7f93/cc3/dell-xps-13-2015.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzFmL2RlbGx4cHMxMzIwLjMzNjA3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/ccdc7f93/cc3/dell-xps-13-2015.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="" /></div>
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IMAGE: DELL</div>
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Along with the new XPS 12, Dell also refreshed its popular XPS 13 and XPS 15 laptops. The designs are identical to their predecessors, but the internals have all been overhauled.</div>
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The XPS 13's carbon fiber and aluminum chassis comes loaded with a new sixth-generation Intel processor, configurable up to a 3.4GHz Core i7 and Intel HD Graphics 520. It's got faster PCie SSD storage that maxes out at up to 1TB, up to 16GB of RAM and Thunderbolt 3.</div>
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There are two display options: a QuadHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) touchscreen model and a full HD (1,920 x 1,080) anti-glare non-touchscreen model.</div>
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Port-wise, you get two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card slot, and a Thunderbolt 3 port. Dell claims the XPS 13 can get up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge — the longest on any 13-inch laptop.</div>
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<img alt="Dell XPS 15" class="" data-caption="" data-credit-label="" data-credit-link="" data-credit-name="Dell" data-credit-provider="Custom type" data-fragment="m!3815" data-image="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzYzL2RlbGx4cHMxNTIwLjBmYjdmLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/06d10a0f/e13/dell-xps-15-2015.jpg" data-micro="1" data-width="1920" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzEwLzA4LzYzL2RlbGx4cHMxNTIwLjBmYjdmLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/06d10a0f/e13/dell-xps-15-2015.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Dell XPS 15" /></div>
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<div class="image-credit" style="-webkit-transition: margin 0.2s; color: #777777; float: right; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 18.75px; margin-top: 12px; max-width: 625px; text-transform: uppercase; transition: margin 0.2s; width: auto;">
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IMAGE: DELL</div>
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The XPS 15, a 3.9-pound laptop with a 15-inch display, has also been revamped with the latest components. It's configurable with a 4K display (3,840 x 2,160 resolution), sixth-generation Intel Core processors that max out at a Core i7 quad-core, Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M graphics with 2GB of GDDR5 RAM, up to 16GB of RAM, either a hard drive or SSD with up to 1TB of storage, and Thunderbolt 3.</div>
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Both laptops will be available from Dell.com on Oct. 8. The XPS 13 will start at $799 and the XPS 15 will start at $999.</div>
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