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22
Apr

Amazon Destinations handpicks hotels in LA, NY and Seattle


Amazon’s rumored new travel site has appeared and it’s well, exactly as rumored. While the company previously sold flash-sale hotel rooms as part of Amazon Local, alongside steep discounts, Destinations is more about curated hotels. The service currently focuses on areas around LA, New York and Seattle, with the aim of selling short-term getaways that are near to those aforementioned transport hubs. There’s no news on whether it’d roll-out the new service to other US areas (let alone other countries), but it wouldn’t be a shocker if it did. The site is already accepting user reviews, but expanding the service will likely depend on how many people are looking to pay typical list prices – if only because it’s paired with the ubiquity of Amazon.

Filed under: Internet, Amazon

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Amazon Destinations

22
Apr

Microsoft Office Preview apps released for Android tablets on Lollipop, and x86 systems


Microsoft Office icons

Microsoft truly has been on a tear bringing their apps and services to tablet users, and not just users of their own Windows operating system. In this latest release, a new Preview of their Office apps is available for Android 5.0+ Lollipop tablets, or any tablet 10.1-inches and smaller running x86 architecture.

It was not long ago we announced that these Office apps, being Word, Excel and PowerPoint, were made available, for free, to Android tablet users. This new Preview release is, for lack of a better word, a beta program, allowing you a glimpse of what is to come for all Microsoft Office users.

Microsoft Office apps Preview

Getting in on the fun requires you to apply through the Microsoft Office testing group on Google+. Just ask for permission to get in, then, upon approval, your access to the apps in the Google Play Store will provide the Preview apps instead of the currently more stable releases.

As previously mentioned, the apps at play here are Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You can always hit up the Google Play Store for the current public release of each app for your Android tablet. Of course, most Android Lollipop tablets, as with the newly built tablets running the ‘old’ x86 architecture, have been exempt from these public release apps, making this new release very exciting for Office fans with tablets running the latest Android software.

We’ll be certain to keep tabs on this and let you know if anything significant is available in the Preview Office apps. Until then, are any of you in the beta program and having anything exciting to share?



22
Apr

HTC’s VR headset is available, but you probably won’t get one


HTC and Valve will be giving out Vive virtual reality headsets for free as reported in March, but only if you’re a developer — a very lucky developer. The duo has just launched a sign-up form for folks who want a shot at getting one of the developer units to be distributed throughout spring and summer. They’ll apparently be “distributing dev kits continually” and sending new ones out every couple of weeks. Supplies, however, “may be limited,” so you’ll have to take writing up that application seriously if you want to convince them to choose you during the selection process. If you’re not a dev, you unfortunately can’t purchase a kit, no matter how much money you’re willing to throw at HTC and Valve. Don’t worry, though: they’re planning to release the commercial version sometime later this year, provided nothing derails their timeline before then.

Filed under: Wearables, HTC

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Via: Road to VR

Source: Steam Community

22
Apr

Los Angeles partners with Waze to head off traffic gridlocks


Traffic on Los Angeles highway and with office buildings in the background,Motion, Routine, Mode of Transport, City, Road, Tran

Los Angeles’ traffic problems are legendary, which is probably why the City of Angels is following Boston’s lead and partnering with Waze for real-time traffic alerts. The LA mayor’s office Periscoped the announcement (as you do, I suppose), and tweeted that the partnership could lead to better understanding of how traffic moves in TInseltown and hopefully improve commutes. How’s that? Well, the data inherently goes both ways. Specifically, Google’s traffic app should tip off drivers to natural road hazards, car crashes and amber alerts while simultaneously informing the county about where backups and other issues are occurring. No word if it’ll extend to pointing out where paparazzi are hiding, though.

[Image credit: Getty Images]

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Source: LA Mayor’s office (Twitter) (1), (2)

22
Apr

CyberPower’s three-blade gaming PC is built for showing off


CyberPower's Trinity gaming PC

Sure, you can accessorize a gaming PC with curved monitors and glowing lights to make it stand out, but what if you don’t think they’re eye-catching enough? CyberPower thinks it has an answer: it just started taking orders for the Trinity, an oddball gaming rig that divides the chassis into CPU, Performance (read: graphics) and Storage “blades.” According to the company, that three-part design is both pretty and functional. The unusual split prevents the components from heating each other, so a hot-running video card shouldn’t cook your processor.

The line starts out relatively modestly with the $955 Trinity 100, which carries an AMD A10 processor, 8GB of RAM, GeForce GTX 750 Ti graphics and a storage combo that includes both a 120GB solid-state drive and a 1TB spinning drive. However, you can pony up for higher-end pre-configured models (up to an Intel Core i7 and a GeForce GTX 970), and you can order advanced upgrades like the Titan X card if you insist on the best. This definitely isn’t be the cheapest gaming rig you can buy, but there’s no question that it’ll get attention the next time your gaming pals stop by.

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Source: CyberPowerPC

22
Apr

HP’s Pavilion and Envy x360 are a cheaper path to convertible laptops


Intrigued by HP’s luscious new Spectre x360 convertible laptop, but looking for something a bit cheaper? Say hello to the new Pavilion x360 and Envy x360. Starting at $410, the Pavilion x360 is HP’s most cost-effective convertible laptop — meaning its screen can be folded all the way around to its rear to be used like a tablet, or folded tent-like for Netflix binges. The Envy x360, starting at $680, is a step up from the Pavilion with a premium metallic finish and bigger 15.6-inch screen. Both computers are also the first to have Bang & Olufsen’s touch; HP’s new audio tech partner following Beats’ betrothal to Apple. At this point, that just means they’ve been optimized by B&O’s tireless audio engineers, and include some software tweaks to make the best of tiny laptop speakers.

The Envy x360 is certainly the prettier of the pair — and it’s more powerful too, with support for Core i5 and i7 processors and up to 16GB of RAM. The entry-level $680 model gets you a 500GB hard drive and 720p screen, while going up to $770 will net you a terabyte HDD and 1080p display. And of course, you can (and should) opt for a solid-state drive.

But really, the Pavilion x360 is the more interesting convertible. Its 11-inch $410 model is nearly $100 less than Microsoft’s Surface 3 (not including the $130 keyboard), and it’s powered by a Pentium N3700 processor and 4GB of RAM. For $500, you can upgrade to a Core M processor and 128GB SSD. There’s also a 13-inch model for $530 with a Core i3 processor, though you’re only getting a 500GB hard drive, not an SSD. Those are decent prices for an ultraportable laptop, but they’re even more intriguing considering the flexibility of the Pavilion x360’s screen.

If convertibles aren’t really your thing, or you just want something very cheap, HP also announced a refresh of its classic Pavilion lineup starting at $550 for the 14-inch model. You won’t be twisting its screens about, but there are some significant new upgrades, including options for 1080p displays and discrete graphics cards. HP’s also refined its unibody design this year, so even though the Pavilion’s cases are made out of plastic, they should apparently feel sturdier than before.

Both the Pavilion x360 and traditional Pavilion lines will be available on HP’s site on May 13, and will eventually roll out to stores on June 21. You’ll have to wait a bit longer for the Envy x360, which hits HP’s site on June 18 and stores the same day as the Pavilions.

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22
Apr

Uber complies with German taxi rules to end court ordered ban


Uber has announced operational changes in response to German courts banning its service twice in less than a year. According to a Reuters report, Uber will amend its UberPOP program (the European version of UberX) to charge 35 cents per kilometer. This matches what local taxi services charge in both Frankfurt and Munich. The company had already implemented that pricing scheme in Berlin, Duesseldorf and Hamburg. Uber bemoaned the court’s ruling, calling it “a defeat for all those who want more choice for their personal mobility,” but complied with the order to avoid a $266,000 fine. The company will continue to operate licensed limos and taxis throughout Germany while it reportedly works on a legal ridesharing alternative that complies with the country’s laws.

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Via: CNet

Source: Reuters

22
Apr

AT&T’s Galaxy S4 Active now receiving Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OTA


samsung galaxy s4 active aa water resistance

These days everyone has their eyes and ears focused on the gap that is the pending launch of the Galaxy S6 Active. Will it truly bring back the removable battery and microSD card support? Will it have a QHD display? Will it make use of a trio of physical buttons again? And what of the camera? Rumors are abound, but nothing solid has yet to be sold by Samsung. On the other hand, those who owned the older Galaxy Active devices are no doubt wondering when their past purchase will be laced with Lollipop. For those who purchased the AT&T variant of the Galaxy S4 Active (SGH-I537), the time is now.

Clocking in at around 1GB, Android 5.0.1 is now coming via OTA and requires a Wifi connection. If your device is set to automatically check for updates, it will inevitably show up in the near future. For those of a slightly less patient nature, you can manually check via the Settings/About Device/Software Update screen. Full details and instructions can be found at the end of the piece in the official update information from AT&T.

The changelog includes the following:

    • Songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one Android device can be immediately enjoyed across all of your Android devices.
    • New User Interface look and feel, more fluid motions
    • Priority mode to only allow certain notifications to get through
    • Battery saving features and remaining time left to charge or deplete indicators
    • Smart Lock to secure phone or tablet by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car
    • Most frequently used settings available with just two swipes down from the top screen

Interestingly enough, of the dozens of variants of Galaxy S4 Active devices released around the world, only a few others have it. This makes AT&T actually one of the first and shows some true carrier commitment. Just don’t hold your breath for Android 5.1.

Show Press Release

Update the Software for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active (i537) to Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

Update summary   

Effective April 21, 2015, AT&T will release the Android 5.0 (Lollipop) software update for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active (SGH-I537). The update is available to customers to download via Firmware Over The Air (FOTA). Wi-Fi is required for the update and depending on the customer’s current Android version, the file size is 974MB – 1.0GB.
What’s changing?

  • Android 5.0 Lollipop Highlights
    • Songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one Android device can be immediately enjoyed across all of your Android devices.
    • New User Interface look and feel, more fluid motions
    • Priority mode to only allow certain notifications to get through
    • Battery saving features and remaining time left to charge or deplete indicators
    • Smart Lock to secure phone or tablet by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car
    • Most frequently used settings available with just two swipes down from the top screen
    • Details at: http://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/

 

What to expect after the update

Although there should be no impacts to settings or data, we recommend that you back up your media files to an SD card, a PC, or using a favorite application (from the Play Store), prior to upgrading the software. You can also backing up and restoring your phone using Sansung Kies.
User-initiated software update

  1. From the Home screen, press the Menu key, and tap Settings.
  2. From the More tab, tap About device.
  3. Tap Software update.
  4. Tap Check for updates.
    • The phone displays: Software update process will not delete any personal data on your phone. Check the AT&T server for new software update?
  5. Tap OK.
    • A status message displays:
      • Checking for update; Processing&The download for the software update will begin in a moment. The software download may take several minutes.
      • Downloading
    • Software update: A software update is available for your device that requires Wi-Fi connectivity for download progress to begin. Connect to a Wi-Fi network? For a list of free Wi-Fi networks click here AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots.
  6. Select Continue or remind me later.
    • The phone displays: A new software update from AT&T is available for our device. This download will occur over Wi-Fi. Please make sure that you stay within the Wi-Fi coverage area while the download takes place. This could take several minutes.
  7. Tap Continue.
    • A status message displays:
      • Downloading software update, Please do not leave Wi-Fi coverage area.
      • A new software update from AT&T is available for your device. This software update will take several minutes and will not delete any personal data on your device. All service (including emergency calls) will be suspended during the install.
      • The device will automatically restart once the new software has successfully installed.
      • Update Complete. The software has been successfully installed. Your device is now ready to use.
  8. Tap Done.

Verifying the update

  1. From the Home screen, press the Menu key, and tap Settings.
  2. From the More tab, tap About device.
  3. The following information displays:
    • Android version:  5.0.1
    • Baseband version:    I537UCUCOC6
    • Kernel Version:     3.4.0-4554112
    • Build Number:  LRX22C.I537UCUCOC6

 Previous updates

Date Details
Sept 2014
  • Connectivity improvements related to receiving calls and text messaging
  • Security patch
  • Updated Google apps
June 2014
  • Pushed via FOTA over AT&T wireless network
    Android 4.4 OS upgrade (http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/)
  • Copy and paste improvements
  • Easier to insert pictures and videos in e-mail or messages
  • Camera app accessibility from the lock screen
  • Call reliability improvements
  • Android version: 4.4.2
  • Baseband version: I537UCUCNN3
  • Build number: KOT49H.I537UCUCNE3


22
Apr

Netflix wants to own its original shows


House of Cards

Despite all the “Netflix original” branding plastered over shows like House of Cards, it’s not technically Netflix’s content. That’s a big reason why you’ve had access to some of it through TV providers, and even Amazon. The streaming giant plans to change that shortly, though. Netflix’s Reed Hastings tells Bloomberg that his company will soon be “taking on ownership and production” for original programming. The move will expose Netflix to more risk if there’s a flop, but it’ll give the service much more control over where its content is available (hint: probably not at Amazon). And if Netflix does license anything, it’ll get a proper cut of the action.

The executive isn’t saying which productions will be completely in-house, although Bloomberg suggests that one might include Flaked, a Will Arnett comedy expected in 2016. Whatever happens, it’s clear that Hastings and crew want to compete more directly with the likes of HBO, which also owns the bulk of its shows. Netflix wants to have true exclusives and otherwise reduce its dependence on material that could vanish in a heartbeat.

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Source: Bloomberg

22
Apr

Daily Roundup: Setting up a 100-inch projector, ‘Rock Band 4’ news and more!


Welcome to the Daily Roundup. What is it like to setup a 100-inch projector inside your apartment? Meanwhile, Rock Band 4 will be co-published by a hardware company and a Darknet-shopping bot was finally released after getting caught purchasing drugs. All the stories and more can be found below.

How I fitted an 100-inch projector setup in my NYC apartment

You could call me a bit of a movie fan. I own hundreds of Blu-rays and DVDs, see an obscene amount of movies in theaters and have been podcasting about my obsessive media habits for the past eight years. Movies aren't just mindless fun for me: they’re a way of life, a religion. So it was only a matter of time until my 50-inch plasma HDTV started to feel too small and the siren song of an in-home projector came calling.

Rock Band 4 will be co-published by hardware company Mad Catz

Rock Band creator Harmonix is bringing a roadie along for this year’s release of Rock Band 4 — Mad Catz, the peripheral manufacturer, which will co-publish the game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Mad Catz is in charge of making all of the wireless instruments in Rock Band 4, but as a co-publisher the company will also lead global sales, promotions and distribution, Global PR Director Alex Verrey says.

The Darknet-shopping robot has been released by Swiss police

After spending a couple months in Swiss robot prison, the Random Darknet Shopper (RDS) is once again free to purchase random goods from the deepest corners of the Internet. The robot, originally designed as an art installation, was built to navigate the Darknet and autonomously purchase goods using Bitcoin currency. During its three-month run at Kunst Halle St Gallen art gallery in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the Shopper made a variety of purchases, most of which were completely legal.

Scientists can build an early-warning system for trolls

Almost every website with comments suffers from trolls, people who like to spout obnoxious and irrational gibberish just to offend others. Since you can't just ask people to behave like human beings, a lot of time and effort is spent monitoring and policing this idiocy. Thankfully, the internet’s long national nightmare may now be at an end after researchers from Stanford and Cornell developed an early warning system for trolls.

YouTube app will stop working on older smart TVs and iOS devices

If you own a smart TV or an iOS device that’s getting a bit long in the tooth, you may need to do some upgrading this week if you want to continue using the YouTube app. Due to certain changes in the app’s API, it’ll no longer work on a number of models released in 2012 or earlier, including second-generation Apple TVs, Panasonic TVs, Sony TVs and Blu-ray players, as well as devices running Google TV versions 1 or 2. You’ll know you’re affected if a video showing the notice above plays upon firing up the app, though most models released in 2013 or later are safe.

Google wants you to download your web search history

Wondering what you were searching for online a few years ago? You now have a (relatively) easy way to find out. Google has quietly trotted out an option to download your entire search history. So long as you searched using your Google account, you’ll have a permanent record. Of course, this is something of a mixed blessing given how pervasive Google is at this stage. While the archive may help you dig up a keyword you’re struggling to remember, something tells us that it’d be all too easy to dredge up embarrassing memories — we hope you didn’t Google your classroom crush.

Google offers armchair monster hunters the chance to explore Loch Ness

For decades, people have searched for signs of “Nessie” in the murky depths of Loch Ness. Photos and videos have emerged over the years alongside supposed sightings, but they’ve ultimately failed to prove the mythical beast’s existence. Is Nessie fact or fiction? Regardless of where you stand, Google is making it simpler to explore the freshwater loch yourself. The company has captured the giant lake with 360-degree panoramas and uploaded them all to Google Maps Street View. It’s a beautiful place, and while you’re unlikely to find Nessie lurking in the shallows, there’s no harm in looking, right?

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