Lords of the Fallen and Zombie Army Trilogy on sale for Xbox One this weekend
In addition to the Xbox One games included as part of this week’s Games For Gold discount, you can also get price cuts on two more games for Microsoft’s console. One of those games was just released today.
QNX-equipped Solar Impulse 2 readies for round-the-world solar-powered flight
On Monday, March 9th, the Solar Impulse 2, a one-of-a-kind airplane that runs exclusively on solar power, will take off from Abu Dhabi and set course for a round-the-world flight. This isn’t just any regular flight. It is the first attempt to fly around the world using only the power of the sun through the Solar Impulse 2’s 17,248 solar panels covering a 72-metre wingspan. The solar panels will recharge lithium batteries that also allow the plane to fly at night.
Apple Watch will make you use your iPhone less
Many people who haven’t yet had the chance to try an Apple Watch are still wondering whether or not it will have a place in their lives and workflows.
Some don’t think it will, at least not any time soon. Those who’ve been using it for a while, including Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, say it’s already become invaluable to them — That it saves them from having to pull their iPhone from their pockets or purses, that it helps them live better healthier lives, and that it helps them hook into all the digital things around them. Matthew Panzarino does a great job distilling that value on TechCrunch:
One user told me that they nearly “stopped” using their phone during the day; they used to have it out and now they don’t, period. That’s insane when you think about how much the blue glow of smartphone screens has dominated our social interactions over the past decade.
You’re in a meeting, an alert comes in about the next meeting being rescheduled, you glance at it and then go right back to listening. A call comes in, you’re just finishing up at work, you answer right on your watch, exchange a few words, and then get back to getting out the door. You get home, drop your stuff, call out to Siri, and all your lights go into game mode. Then you feel a tap, and the watch tells you to get off your butt and get back into action. Then you feel a heartbeat on your wrist, and know you’re being thought of, and won’t be alone much longer. All without ever reaching for your iPhone.
I’ve argued convenience will be the Apple Watch’s killer feature, but the way Matthew is saying makes it sound even more compelling.
If you argue the Watch isn’t going to sell or do well, it’s worth pointing out that here are very, very, very few products that allow you to hand someone cash and be given back TIME.
Apple said to have no plans for free tier with rumored subscription music service
Apple will apparently not offer a free tier for is oft-rumored subscription music service when it launches later this year. Company executives have reportedly been saying as much during negotiations with record labels.
For current Beats Music subscribers, this wouldn’t be any sort of change. Apple will reportedly still offer a trial period on the service, then charge after that. This is exactly how Beats Music works now. But Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue and Beats’ Jimmy Iovine have apparently been making aggressive arguments for this model in recent license negotiations for their upcoming streaming service, according to Re/code:
Apple executives, led by media head Eddy Cue and Beats Music founder Jimmy Iovine, have been arguing that the music business “needs to get behind a paywall,” say people who have talked to them. Apple bought Beats last year, partly to help it gain a foothold on streaming music just as iTunes sales of digital downloads had started to drop.
Apple’s free iTunes Radio service will reportedly remain intact after the launch of the new service, as it is apparently not considered a threat to music sales. It almost goes without saying that this would serve the same function as a free subscription tier.
Almost since the moment they purchased the company in summer 2014, Apple has been said to be integrating Beats into its musical offering. Apple is reportedly shooting for a price of $7.99 a month, and the service is said to be integrated into the iOS Music app. As previously reported Apple is apparently aiming for an unveiling, if not an outright launch, at or after this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Source: Re/code
How to quickly get directions to any contact with Maps
Maps gives you numerous ways to get directions, including straight from your contacts.
While you can always search for the places you want to go, if you have a personal or business address stored in your Contacts app, it’s only ever a few taps away. There’s no need to switch apps, and no need to search. As long as you have the street name and number, and city and state stored on your iPhone or iPad, Maps will have you on your way in no time!
How to get directs to any stored address right from the Maps app
- Launch the Maps app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the search field at the top.
- Tap on Favorites.
- Tap on Contacts in the bottom navigation.
- Find the contact you’d like directions to and tap on their name — notice that entries you don’t have addresses saved for will be greyed out.
- Tap on the car icon in the map view.
- Tap on Start at the bottom to begin navigation.
Android Central Podcast Live!
Watch the Android Central Podcast live at 4 p.m. EST March 6!
The Android Central Podcast is recorded live in front of a live studio audience, so you can catch us in the act.
To take part in the live Q&A, hit up this link. Or watch us live from your phone with the official Android Central app!
Apple reportedly making changes to iPad in Education program to ease app distribution
It looks like Apple is set to make some changes concerning how schools manage the deployment of iPads for the upcoming school year.
The reported changes would make it easier for schools to manage installing apps and restrict purchases made by students on their devices.
According to an email obtained by MacRumors, Apple is implementing changes that would eliminate the need for each device to be tied to an Apple ID in order to install apps, easing the process of setting up devices before distribution to students. From the email:
To simplify large deployments, including one-to-one and shared use, we want to make app distribution even easier. Today, Apple IDs are required in order to deliver apps and books to students. We are working to change this in the fall by allowing schools to assign and distribute apps to a device without an Apple ID. As currently planned, this will greatly reduce the number of steps needed to setup a device. This change should eliminate the need to create generic Apple IDs solely for the purposes of getting content onto iPad. Schools will also have the option to prevent students from making personal purchases without approval.
According to MacRumors, other changes to the program include giving school administrators the ability to create Apple IDs for students in order to access iCloud, as well as reset student passwords.
Source: Macrumors
The Samsung ATIV One 7 Windows 8.1 PC will start shipping March 8 for $1,299
The Samsung ATIV One 7 all-in-one PC, with Windows 8.1, will be available for purchase and shipment starting on Sunday, March 8 for $1,299. The ATIV One 7, which is the only all-in-one PC with a curved display, was first announced in later December.
Control your Philips Hue Lights with Huetro 2.0 now for Windows and Windows Phone
Philips Hue Lights (MeetHue.com) are certainly not cheap, but they are very awesome. The system allows you replace your current lights with a LED bulb that will supposedly last 10 to 20 years. Even more exciting, the Hues color bulbs can change to nearly any color in the spectrum through a wireless connection. As a result, you can make your living room glow different colors as accent lighting or make your office look like a military installation with red lights.
I have around twelve Philips Hue Lights set up in my place, including the newer LED strip lights and Hue Tap, which acts like a wall switch. There is only one problem, and that is Philips does not make an app for its Hue Lights for Windows Phone.
Today, Huetro for Windows Phone has hit 2.0 with an all new redesign. Additionally, it is now a universal app with the Windows 8.1 counterpart now available as a public beta!
Lenovo customers affected by Superfish get first details on free anti-virus offer
Lenovo PC owners who bought one that had the Superfish adware installed will be able to sign up to get six free months of the McAfee LiveSafe anti-virus program service by March 16. Lenovo first announced this freebie last week as part of its attempt to appease its customers who purchase a laptop from the company that had Superfish pre-installed.
