Google's Modular Phone is unstable
Though in theory it's possibly the most exciting thing to happen to smart phones since the introduction of the iPhone, Google's ambitious modular phone; Project Ara, was never going to have an easy birth. The latest crease in the story is that the phone reportedly can't stay together. Literally. Reports have been coming out of Google's Advanced Technologies and Projects group, which suggest the phone keeps falling apart. Apparently the electropermanent (us neither) magnets that hold the modules in place are simply not strong enough, but at least Google have a sense of humour about the whole thing, as they announced the news with the hashtag #FailedTheDropTest.
Google's Project Ara modular smartphone has been delayed because the phone keeps falling apart
When it's finally with us, the phone will allow users to swap out components such as storage and cameras on the fly. The hardware is also completely upgradable, so in theory, it might be the last phone you ever need to buy. There's no word yet on how Google will get around the magnetic problem, but a follow-up tweet suggested that Google is testing other methods of holding the modules in place. The team is also taking the time to work on issues such as longer battery life and a better camera. Project Ara has already sailed past its initially projected release date of January 2015 and is now aiming for sometime in 2016. Because of its modular nature, the smartphone's price thought to start at around £30.
Could a new iPad be on the cards?
Reliable rumours of a larger iPad designed to appeal to the creative industries and unofficially referred to as the “iPad Pro,” have stated that production for the device could begin as as early as September or October. Citing KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Mac Rumours reported that the 12.9 inch device will include a Force Touch stylus to help users navigate the larger screen. The stylus could also presumably be used as a device that opens the iPad up to designers, and it's rumoured addition is ver interesting indeed, given that late Apple founder Steve Jobs was notoriously against the idea of using styluses. It would appear Tim Cook doesn't share his reservations!
Microsoft set to drop new gear in October
Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to unveil several new devices this October at a bumper event, including the Surface Pro 4 tablet, two new Lumia phones and the Microsoft Band 2 fitness smart watch. A few other things are expected to appear at the event, such as a svelte new version of the admittedly rather bulky Xbox One and another Surface model, which reports suggest could be a standard Surface 4 tablet to accompany the Surface Pro 4. Other rumours have suggested the other Surface could actually be a Surface smartphone, which is an interesting idea, though we're not 100% sure how it would fit into the Lumia range.
Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to unveil several new devices this October
Not much is known about the Surface Pro 4 or the Band 2 at this point, but the pair of Lumia phones had their specs leaked earlier this month. The Lumia 950 features a 5.2-inch display with a Snapdragon 808 processor, whilst the 950 XL features a larger 5.7-inch display and Snapdragon 810. Both phones will contain 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a 20 megapixel PureView rear camera, and a 5 megapixel front facing camera. Microsoft has yet to officially announce anything related to the October event, so everything is unconfirmed at this point, but expect to hear something soon either one way or the other, because October is just a little over a month away.
Xbox One could eventually play original Xbox games
In more Microsoft news, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has revealed that as well as Xbox 360 games being backwards compatible on the Xbox One from November, the company are also looking in to making original Xbox games compatible with the current machine. The news was leaked when Spencer responded to a Twitter message about the potential feature, to which he replied: “I don't think it's silly. I ask the BC team this question a lot. Need to finish 360 BC for now.” Admittedly it's far from a solid promise, but it does show that they are looking into it, which could mean another blow for Sony, who have instead chosen to go the cloud gaming route with their legacy program; Playstation Now. Let's not count our eggs before they hatch though.
Giant robot battle looks to Kickstarter for funding
Last month we reported that the US tech company MegaBots had challenged the Japanese company Suidobashi Heavy Industries to a giant robot battle. But it would appear that giant robots don't come cheap (who'd have thought it?) because MegaBots have decided to take to Kickstarter to help fund an upgrade for their Mk.II giant robot, so that it can fight Suidobashi's Kuratas robot with its fists. The fight is set to be hand-to-hand combat, so being able to throw a punch is pretty important, and right now, the Mk.II can only fire paintballs. The Kickstarter asks for $500,000 to add melee combat capabilities, heavy armour plating, and a higher top speed.
MegaBots have decided to take to Kickstarter to help fund an upgrade for their Mk.II giant robot, which is set to fight Suidobashi's Kuratas robot next year
The stretch goals are where it gets really interesting though, reaching all the way up to $1.5 million, which is the price the company admits is what they'd need to reach to fully upgrade their fighting machine. There are of course, stretch goals. “All told, a fully upgraded Mk.II will cost $1,500,000,” reads the Kickstarter. $750,000 will mean the giant robot can have an array of both melee and ranged weapon systems. A million will mean that a high-end balance control system can be developed. $1.25 million allows MegaBots to collaborate with NASA to make the cockpit a lot safer for the pilot during the fight, and the full $1.5 million will mean that the Mk.II gets a “Hollywood-Grade Paint Job,” which doesn't sound particularly necessary, but should make it look damn cool! Pledgers donating $1,000 or more get to take a ride in the robot, whilst pledging $2,500 means you'll get to test fire its guns. Give them $5,000 and you can punch cars dangling from cranes like the world's most badass punching bag. On the other end of the scale, for just $150 you get a 3D printed mini version of the battling bot. Sign us up!
