Sony’s back with the new SmartBand 2 fitness band, and this time it has a heart rate sensor

Sony has announced the SmartBand 2, a follow-up to the original SmartBand that launched way back at the beginning of 2014, and represented Sony’s first major push into wearable technology. The SmartBand 2 adds more functionality, wider device compatibility, and comes at a competitive price; but there’s a distinct downside too.

The design hasn’t changed a great deal, in that it’s still a single color silicone wrist strap with the Core module at its heart, but Sony has shifted away from the press-stud fixing to a more secure metal clip. The original SmartBand was a basic fitness tracker, but the new SmartBand 2 comes with an updated accelerometer and heart rate sensors, for a more complete picture of your activity levels.

Rumors point to new beginning at HTC, starting with the HTC O2 flagship smartphone

There are rumors HTC will release a new phone to replace the One M9, a device which may also mark the end of its awkward One Mx approach to nomenclature. Although the phone has been leaked as the M10, it’s also possible the phone will be called the HTC O2. It makes sense really, as it ties in with the One name used on older models, but ensures we all know it’s a sequel. However, we’re not sure what UK network O2 will make of it.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 launched with Helio X10 chip and PDAF staring at $125

The rumours can now all stop! Xiaomi have just announced the launch of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2, and yes it is running the powerful Mediatek Helio X10 chipset.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is here and finally official in China. As I type this Xiaomi boss Lei Jun is still announcing all the details of his companies new budget phablet (so keep posted for updates) and so far we know the following about this new device.

First think is that we are super happy to see that Xiaomi and Mediatek are back together! Instead of stuffing a Snapdragon 615 in to the Redmi Note 2, Xiaomi have opted for the rather remarkable Mediatek Helio X10 chips (aka MT6795). We have seen the same processor in the LeTV Le1 and Meizu MX5 and been stunned by the performance of the processor. Also on the processing side of things the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 has 2GB RAM on board. We might have hoped for 3GB, but this is a budget phone and Xiaomi won’t want to cannibalise sales of the Mi Note range.