Watch this: Human transforms its app data into striking activity maps
The folks behind Human know a thing or two about aesthetics, having crafted an activity-tracking app for iOS that’s quite lovely. The mobile software keeps tabs on walking, running, biking and vehicular motion with goal of racking up at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Now, the outfit has taken user data from 30 of the largest cities in the world and constructed visualizations for each locale. Maps for all three of the aforementioned endeavors are included, broken down by activity for further analysis. Don’t take our word for it though, watch the cartographic motion take place for yourself after the break.
Filed under: Misc, Software, Mobile
Source: Human
#SandbergSays: We’re really not sure.
“Meh.” It’s possible that Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg was thinking this when speaking at an event in New Delhi. In an interview with NDTV of India, she apologized to users for toying with their emotions in a 2012 experiment. Sandberg went on to admit that the experiment was “poorly communicated.” But based on this perfectly timed picture, is she really sorry?
We have our own guesses as to what was running through Sandberg’s head, but we know you can do better. Tweet your own caption at us with the hashtag #SandbergSays and we’ll update this post with our favorite picks.
[Thanks, Robinson Meyer for sharing this picture with the Twittersphere.]
Billy Steele: “Breakfast burritos? Meh.”
Christopher Trout: “Can we just hug it out?”
Edgar Alvarez: “Drop the ‘sorry.’ Just shrug. It’s cleaner.“
John Colucci: “I’m taking these people back to dial up.“
Jon Fingas: “What, me worry (about scientific ethics)?”
Kris Naudus: “This dress is toying with your emotions right now.”
Sean Buckley: [this]
Timothy J. Seppala: “Meanwhile, everyone else is all like (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻”
Terrence O’Brien: “I farted.”
Source: Mashable, @yayitsrob
Volunteer to test a tablet-friendly version of Office for Android
Well looks like a version of Microsoft’s Office specifically tailored for Android tablets is on the way. While we still wait for a touch-friendly version of the productivity suite for Windows, word on the street is users will soon be able to beta test a build for Google’s tablet OS. According to the Verge’s sources both companies and individuals should be able to sign up for access to pre-release versions of Office soon. Obviously we’re still waiting for a lot of details, but it’s expected that a finger-friendly interface (similar to that found on the iPad) is going to hit Android later this year. But Windows will have to wait until early 2015. While it’s slightly surprising to see Microsoft’s bread and butter productivity hit a competitors OS first, it highlights Satya Nadella’s decision to build Redmond’s future on the cloud and cross-platform accessibility. Rather than focusing solely on Windows.
Filed under: Tablets, Software, Microsoft
Via: The Verge
Source: Microsoft
SYNEK’s countertop tap puts your kegerator out to pasture
There’s no question that draft beer is the best beer, but the cost of getting fresh from the tap brews at home can be substantial. Purchasing a kegerator (along with all of its accessories), CO2 and the kegs of whatever varieties you prefer can add up quickly. But what if supplying a tap system was as easy as getting one of those reusable growlers filled? And what if the dispensing device took up minimal space on your kitchen counter? Well, that’s what SYNEK is hoping to do. The draft system hinges on refillable bags that rest inside it’s toaster oven-sized unit with adjustable temperature and pressure settings and easy-to-use hose connections. In the future, WiFi connectivity could be built in for monitoring supply levels and making the whole thing social amongst fellow imbibers. So what’s the catch? Well, SYNEK offers a cost-effective solution for keeping a fresh beer supply around, but it’ll need to convince breweries to allow bag fills before its project is ready for widespread adoption. For now though, this will resolve the headaches homebrewers face of individually topping off dozens of bottles when a five gallon batch is ready. And that’s certainly worth the $349 ($299 for early adopters) retail price.
Filed under: Household
Source: Kickstarter
Pennsylvania is the latest state to go after Uber and Lyft
It’s no secret that some places, whether it be in the US or other parts of the world, are not in approval of the way ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft operate. And, starting today, we can add Pittsburgh to the list of cities where these app-based car services can’t do business legally, at least not for the time being. The news comes after two local judges have granted the Pennsylvania Public Utility’s petition to issue cease-and-desist orders to them. As the Pittsburgh Business Times notes, Uber and Lyft won’t be free to continue offering their service “until they secure the appropriate authority” from the PUC.
According to the commission, there are three main concerns at stake here: that drivers have the appropriate background checks, insurance and inspection. Furthermore, the PUC also states that Uber and Lyft don’t have the Certificates of Public Convenience, something required for all auto ride companies to have in order to provide service — they have both already filed applications and are awaiting an answer. For its part, Lyft says it remains “committed to finding a path forward for ridesharing in Pennsylvania,” adding that it is already “working with elected officials to ensure that consumers continue to have access to peer-to-peer transportation.” Uber and Lyft have a week to respond to Pennsylvania’s PUC, after which a final decision is expected to be made within 30 days.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Pittsburgh Business Times
Tim Cook Emphasizes Importance of Voice Messaging, Sparking iWatch Speculation
UBS analyst Steve Milunovich recently had a chance to meet up with Tim Cook, as detailed in a new note Milunovich sent to investors on Tuesday (via Fortune). During the meeting, Cook reportedly touched on the subject of voice messaging and based on Cook’s comments, Milunovich is predicting a voice messaging app as a key feature of Apple’s upcoming iWatch.
“When we visited with Tim Cook, he said that walking down streets in China one sees people speaking into their phones sending voice rather than text messages. Porting this capability to the watch makes sense as it is easier to send a voice message from a device already on the wrist than pulling out a phone. It also could aid penetration of China, which Cook said has a ways to go.”
Cook’s comments on voice messaging were likely in relation to a new feature built into Messages in iOS 8, which allows users to record and send audio messages. In iOS 8, the Messages app has a new Microphone icon located to the right of the text box, which can be held down to record a quick voice message.
It is not known if Apple has plans to build a similar feature into the iWatch, but it is not out of the realm of possibility. Rumors have previously suggested Siri’s voice-recognition capabilities might play an important role on the device given its limited screen size, and voice messages may be another natural fit.
Apple’s iWatch is said to be entering production in the near future, in preparation for a possible October launch. The device, which is expected to run a version of iOS 8, is believed to be reliant on existing iOS devices for some of its core Phone and Messages functionality. Current rumors suggest it may have multiple screen sizes up to 2.5-inches in size, a range of health-related sensors, and a multitude of designs to suit different fashion tastes.
Mophie Adds 64 GB ‘Space Pack’ to Battery Case Lineup [iOS Blog]
Mophie today announced a new 64 GB version of its Space Pack for the iPhone 5 and 5s, which is currently available for pre-order on the company’s website. First introduced in January of this year, the Mophie Space Pack is a 1700 mAh battery case that includes built-in storage.
The Space Pack aims to double the battery life of the iPhone while also increasing the built-in storage space. Originally only available in 16 and 32 GB capacities, the new 64 GB option doubles the storage space of Apple’s highest capacity iPhone.
Using an accompanying Space app, the Space Pack can store photos, videos, music, and more. Accessing files does not require a data or Wi-Fi connection, and content like music and movies can be played directly from the Space app.
The 64 GB Mophie Space Pack, currently only available in black, can be pre-ordered from the Mophie website for $249.95.
Random musings on smartwatches present and future
There’s obviously no doubt about the fact that smartwatches are our future. Or they will at least be a big part of our future and those days are coming quick. We’ve now seen smartwatches such as the LG G Watch, Samsung Galaxy Gear, and others. Personally, I’m currently rocking a Martian Notifier by Martian Watches and this is what brings me to… Read more »
The post Random musings on smartwatches present and future appeared first on SmarterWatching.
Read the rest at the source, SmarterWatching.com
The post Random musings on smartwatches present and future appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC Volantis (Nexus 9 aka Flounder) tablet could pack 5GB of RAM, leak says
We’ve seen HTC Volantis/Flounder/Nexus 9 (whatever you want to call it) leak on several occasions. First we’ve seen the render of the device plus a revealing list of specifications, after which a document leaked containing the codename “Flounder”. New rumors are in, this time courtesy of a trusted leaker, @evleaks (as was the mentioned document).
This time around we get an alleged macro shot of the device along with a list of its specifications, though they’re somewhat different from the ones leaked before. According to @evleaks earlier concepts/renders were fake and this is the real deal. So, the leaker says that the device will sport a silver aluminum unibody construction. As for specifications, the device will feature a 64-bit Tegra K-1 processor, 5GB of DDR3 RAM (OMG, although he says this is not final), an 8.9″ 2560×1600 display and a 64GB of internal storage. The leaker is not sure whether the device will sport a 5MP or 8MP camera. He claims BoomSound speakers will also be a part of the package.
This is a lot to take in. 5GB of RAM? Damn. The leak says that’s not final, but still, that would be weird and extremely nice at the same time. We like what we see, how about you?
Source: @evleaks
The post HTC Volantis (Nexus 9 aka Flounder) tablet could pack 5GB of RAM, leak says appeared first on AndroidGuys.
The Google Cube mixes up your visual music experience with 6 sided music Videos
Google is always playing about with new ideas and technology. The few things we ever see are plenty to keep us interested in what might be coming. A new music centric experiment has begun called the Cube. The Cube is an interactive visual media box. Like a Cube, it offers six sides, each side offering a different visual music video for your enjoyment.
Google partnered up with an Australian band, The Presets, to put together the first working demo of the Cube. The song is called ‘No Fun‘. The main song plays in the background while other aspects and mixes play in sync on various sides of the cube. You can rotate around cube with your finger, or your mouse. View from one side, multiple sides or open the cube up and lay it flat for an even more intense experience. I bet you want to check it out, right? Well, you can. Just hit play below and experience the Cube for yourself, minus the cool Google Cube boxes they had in the video above.
If you want a bigger cube to play around with, head over to nofun.thepresets.com.
Source: 9to5Google
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The post The Google Cube mixes up your visual music experience with 6 sided music Videos appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
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