| GameStick Dock clears the FCC Oct 1st 2013, 23:02, by Nate Swanner The GameStick, which is a bit late to the Android game console race, has an ace up its sleeve. While many considered the Dongle/controller combo a bit underwhelming, it did score points for being compact and portable. It didn't seem to excite those who enjoy a more plugged-in experience, but that's all changed. 
The FCC recently gave a passing grade to the GameStick Dock, which is designed to give the portable game device an actual console feel. While it's still very slight, the GameStick Dock does a lot. Everything from running an ethernet cable to an SD Card slot is squeezed in, and it also packs in a few USB and HDMI ports for added flexibility. The dock also has the ability to charge the GameStick's controller. By setting the squared controller on top of the GameStick Dock, two pogo pins will charge you back up for more gaming time. That's going to come in handy when surfing Netflix or playing one of the many games available at launch this month– so long as the GameStick doesn't suffer another delay. The GameStick will cost $79.99, and the dock will run you $49.99. That's a bit pricier than the Ouya at $99.99, but what will ultimately matter is which games are available. A cursory glance at the GameStick library looks much more appealing than the Ouya offerings, but we'll hold judgement until we get a hands-on look. SOURCE: Liliputing |  | Samsung invests in wireless charging firm PowerbyProxi Oct 1st 2013, 22:39, by Nate Swanner Earlier today, we told you about Qualcomm's interest in wireless charging standards. The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP), which Qualcomm helped found, is attempting to bring two disparate wireless charging standards in line. It seems that Samsung, with their recent $4 million investment in a company named PowerbyProxi, may be helping them out — or squeezing the little guy out. 
That "little guy" is the newly formed PMA, or Power Matters Alliance. While their charging method relies on radio waves to create a type of power field, the World Power Alliance (WPA) operates on Qi charging, which is fairly standard right now. The goal for the A4WP is to bring Qi charging with spacial freedom, as shown in the video below. While the PMA has some strong backers in the form of Proctor & Gamble and Powermat technologies, their lack of support from mobile OEMs and carriers may prove their downfall. As Qi charging gets a bit more ubiquitous and integral, the disparate technology offered by the PMA could find difficulty gaining traction. While their technology offers data transfer as well as charging, it has found difficulty catching on. The need consumers have is for a single standard, not three disparate governing bodies. While Qi and PMA technology both rely on inductive charging, the technology behind the Qi falls in line with the desires of the A4WP. With such a strong group of mobile technology giants backing the A4WP, it seems as though it's now open season on wireless charging advocates and detractors alike. | | Dell "Venue 8″ tipped as new Android tablet Oct 1st 2013, 22:32, by Nate Swanner Dell's new Venue tablet is an 8-inch Windows machine, said to be running Windows 8.1 and available sometime this month. In a strange twist, it seems there is a Dell tablet passing through the FCC's WiFi certification, which goes by "Venue 8". While no other details are offered, it seems as though Dell is double dipping! 
According to the FCC filing, the device will run Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. No other details were offered, but some speculate it could have an Intel Bay Trail processor backing it, just as the Windows variant does. It also has a 5MP rear shooter, and a textured back… and if they really are duplicate devices, we'll expect to see the same for the Android version. Dell was highly respected in the early days of Android tablets, but bowed out under the strain of their own turmoil and strong competition. Manufacturers like Samsung have come to market with a ton of great devices, and ASUS leads the Nexus charge, having made both Nexus 7-inch tablets thus far. While they’ve sworn off smartphones, it’s good to see them making another pass at bringing the Venue lineup to Android. While Dell hasn't made anything official about having an Android tablet, they did discuss their Venue tablet for Windows back in September at IDF. The 1080p tablet is a very nice offering, but some wonder if an 8-inch tablet is the right fit for Windows. We're sure it's right for Android, so we'll be eagerly awaiting Dell's official announcement on the device tomorrow. VIA: The Droid Guy SOURCE: WiFi Certifications | | Motorola Connect extension for Chrome updated Oct 1st 2013, 21:16, by Nate Swanner One of the many interesting features of the Moto X is the ability to check messages and view incoming calls on the computer screen. While other apps and services have their own extensions or Chrome Apps, only a select few can handle SMS or phone calls. Motorola's Connect is one of those, and today it's seeing a slight update pushed out. 
Proprietary to the Droid lineup and Moto X, Motorola Connect offers intrinsic value to your overall experience with Motorola's new devices. While it's similar to services like Google Voice, the ability to see who's calling is interesting, and probably helpful in those moments when you hear the phone ring, but can't — or won't — find the device to catch that call. The update is aesthetic, but also takes care of a few bugs that were present in the extension. Some users complained about the lack of syncing and had issues with SMS messages being sent, but Motorola didn't specify which issues this update fixed. Motorola Connect is available on the Chrome Web Store, and is a great option if you have a new Motorola device. Be sure to check out our review of the Moto X and Motorola Droid lineup, as well as the video for Motorola Connect below. | |
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