Samsung’s next smartwatch will be round
Samsung’s gearing up for the launch of its latest smartwatch by releasing its SDK ahead of the official reveal, which it has never done before. Devs might need some extra time to prep their applications for its release you see, since the newest Galaxy Gear will most likely have a rounded watch face unlike its older siblings’ rectangular ones. The press release announcing the SDK, spotted by Android Central, came a with a circle weather watch face graphic, along with a few images of rounded apps (CNN, Yelp and more). Sadly, there were no hints in the PR indicating when the new device will be launched. But if you’re really hankering for a rounded smartwatch, there’s already a few out on the market, including the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch R.
Filed under: Wearables, Samsung
Via: The Verge, Android Central
Source: Samsung
Teardown of 38mm Apple Watch Sport Reveals 205 mAh Battery, Taptic Engine
iFixit is currently in the process of tearing down a 38mm Apple Watch Sport after the device launched in Australia today. While it is still early in the teardown process, the team has found that disconnecting the display from the body can be a little difficult, similar to the troublesome Touch ID cable on the iPhone 5s.
Behind the display, two of the most significant features of the Apple Watch are easily viewable in the Taptic Engine and Digital Crown. Also inside is the tiny 3.8V 205 mAh battery, which iFixit notes is “lightly adhered” and easy to remove. Apple has said the 42mm Apple Watch will generally have slightly longer battery life than the 38mm model, so we expect the larger Apple Watch will have a higher-capacity battery filling up the extra space inside the casing.
iFixit’s teardown is still in progress and this post will be updated as additional discoveries are made.
Cablevision offers ‘Cord Cutter’ packages with optional HBO Now
It looks like Cablevision is covering all of its bases. Today the company announced “Cord Cutter” packages that include a free digital antenna and access to its Optimum WiFi network. Additionally, Cablevision is offering the option of adding HBO Now to the service, making it the first ever cable provider to do so. With pay-TV losing customers to streaming services, it makes sense for these companies to offer broadband-only packages. In a statement, CEO Kristin Dolan, said: “Our new ‘cord cutter’ packages take a modern approach to traditional triple-product bundles and provide real alternatives that fit new consumer lifestyles.”
Filed under: Misc, Internet, HD
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Cablevision
Daily Roundup: Comcast rethinks bid for Time Warner, Project Fi and more!
In today’s Daily Roundup, read about Comcast reportedly dropping its bid for Time Warner Cable, how Google’s Project Fi mobile phone service will work and get the details on an amazing Jedi mode for Star Wars Galaxy that never quite happened. All these stories and more below!
Comcast will reportedly drop its bid for Time Warner Cable
That heavily-criticized $45 billion Comcast and Time Warner Cable merger? Well, it looks like it’s not going to happen after all. Bloomberg reports that the former company is dropping its bid to acquire the latter, with an official announcement expected as soon as tomorrow. Just yesterday, reports surfaced that the Federal Communications Commission proposed a hearing, serving as the latest sign that the merger could be doomed.
A cheat sheet to Project Fi, Google’s mobile phone service
Rumors of Google breaking into the wireless carrier game have been fodder for scoops, breathless reports and thinkpieces for years now, and for the longest time it looked like the search giant just couldn’;t make it happen. Yesterday Google put all that to rest. Project Fi is finally here (if invite-only and fully compatible with one phone) — here is what you absolutely need to know about it.
The amazing ‘Star Wars Galaxies’ Jedi mode that never was
“Well, my opinion is Jedi are evil.” That’s how Raph Koster, creative director of the 2003 MMO Star Wars Galaxies, begins discussing the problems that faced his design team back in the day. Jedi were too powerful, too desirable and too canonically rare to be successfully implemented in Star Wars Galaxies as a standard class — and this was precisely why so many fans ditched the game when its third major patch added Jedi as a starting character. Before launch, the Star Wars Galaxies creative team obsessed over ways to implement playable Jedi into the game, and one solution stands out to Koster as “the crazy idea I still wish we had done.”
Will Tidal’s artist exclusives ruin streaming music?
Tidal, the Jay Z-led music-streaming service, recently relaunched at the end of March with a roster of high-profile celebrity backers, like Madonna, Rihanna and Kanye West. The event was much more than an obvious photo-opp; it was a statement: In addition to a ceremonial pact signing, the group of over a dozen artists pledged to tackle fair compensation and improve the current state of streaming affairs for consumers and musicians. Part of this strategy involves offering content exclusive to Tidal.
This smartphone is extra-secure and stronger than steel
How do you stand out if you’re a fledgling smartphone maker that can’t compete on specs alone? If you’re Turing Robotic Industries, you pour your energy into clever design — both inside and out. The newly unveiled Turing Phone puts an emphasis on security, with its own server-free encrypted communication between owners and a fingerprint reader that encourages you to lock down your device. There’s also an Apple-like magnetic charging system, so you won’t send your phone flying.
House passes bill allowing corporations to share your data
If you wanted to explain the dilemma of privacy versus security to a curious relative, the Protecting Cyber Networks Act would be a good place to start. The bill has just been passed by the House of representatives (voting 307-116 in favor), and is designed to prevent future cyber attacks by allowing corporations to share information with each other and the government. Civil liberties groups claim the bill tramples on the privacy of the customers, and opens the door for agencies like the NSA to access their data (not that it needs much help, it seems).
Aziz Ansari is getting his own Netflix comedy series
Netflix must have liked the response to Aziz Ansari’s latest stand-up special, as it’s about to give the comedian a lot more screen time. Deadline understands that the streaming service has ordered a 10-episode series co-created by Ansari and Parks and Recreation executive producer Andy Yang. It’s not clear what the plot of the show will be (there are hints of a semi-autobiographic theme), but it’ll be co-produced by some of Ansari’s Parks and Recreation pals and include guests like Homeland’s Claire Danes.
Filed under: Misc
‘X Files’ goes HD on Netflix ahead of new episodes
Been itching to prep for The X Files’ return by binge-watching the series from the beginning? Given that Netflix has just flipped the switch on an HD upgrade of the first season, that’s gotten a little easier on the eyes. As Bloody Disgusting reports, the first 13 episodes are streaming in high-res and widescreen and they look good. Whether or not the rest of the show’s run will get a similar upgrade is anyone’s guess at this point, but there are at least a few people who’d appreciate that sort of thing. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the show’s appeared in HD (Germany’s had it for a bit), but nothing of the sort’s hit stateside until now.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Bloody Disgusting
App of the Day: Etsy
We all have that one artsy friend that makes those really cool rings, dresses, or paintings. While we are super grateful to have said friends, sometimes we can be left thinking, “why can’t I create such great pieces of art?” Well, even though we don’t all have the capacity to make the new David or maybe even have an artsy friend, the internet does exist to be able to offer us, less talented people, the luxury of being able to buy fantastic art instead of having to create it.
Etsy, which has been around for a while now, is one of the go-to places for finding great artists items. Be them rings, necklaces, or even furniture. This my dear readers, is one of those great places on the internet where you can go and procure yourself these small, or large, works of art, and that makes it our app of the day. The Etsy mobile app allows you to browse, save, and shop from all sorts of categories. With their huge selection of handcrafted items, you would be hardpressed to find a better place to get great holiday gifts, personal jewelry, or even small tokens of appreciation. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to the Play Store and start shopping!
The post App of the Day: Etsy appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Couchlet crowdfunding project brings power to your couch and bed
A time ago, multiple people close to me have complained about having back pains due to laying in awkward positions while on the couch or in bed. The awkward positions we caused by short charging cables and low battery levels.
This issue was recognized and a solution was drawn up.
Introducing the Couchlet
The Couchlet is a simple device intended to bring the power to you so that you don’t have to chase after outlets.
With the tagline “Power where you want it”, Couchlet hit Indiegogo yesterday and has already raised $10,000 of its $30,000 goal.
Features
The Couchlet is to be a 6.25″ x 2″ x 0.75″ charger with two USB ports. These ports are said to support up to 2 amps per port of output based on the input power.
Couchlet’s design is meant for you to stick it in between your mattress and spring box, or in between the couch cushions depending on where you want it.
To aid in this, there is a five inch arm that swings down from the main part of the Couchlet to enable you to slide it under something with the outlets pointing upwards.
Powered by a standard charging brick, the Couchlet also comes with a detachable six foot USB to microUSB cable.
You can see a diagram of all of the included features below.
The only thing here is that there are multiple people concerned about a potential overheating problem.
In my opinion, there shouldn’t be an issue. Your standard charger doesn’t overheat, so why should the Couchlet?
And yes, when I say they don’t overheat, I am talking about when wedged in a bed. I have done that; in fact, I am currently doing that!
How to get a Couchlet (or multiple Couchlets)
You can go fund their Indigogo campaign and select your tier level based on how many you wish to receive!
The post Couchlet crowdfunding project brings power to your couch and bed appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Twitter intros Highlights, the best tweets for you delivered via push notifications
If you’re like me, you easily get overwhelmed with your Twitter feed when you neglect to check it for more than a few hours. That’s why today, Twitter introduced a new feature called Highlights. Available only in English on Android devices, Highlights are topics that your close Twitter friends are currently talking about, delivered straight to your notification shade without the need to open the app.
Introducing Highlights. Get the best of Twitter every day, sent to your Android device: https://t.co/9ZUWgX9lcC pic.twitter.com/sYuu7YUO4D
— Twitter (@twitter) April 23, 2015
So, if your close friends are talking about a certain event that happened in your area or a sporting event that’s on television, you’ll be notified via a push notification. Twitter explains:
To create your Highlights, we look at things like the accounts and conversations that are popular among people you follow, Tweets from people you’re closely tied to, topics and events that are trending in your area or within your network, and people that are popular or trending among people you follow.
Highlights are now available in the settings menu of your stock Twitter app (sorry, third party Twitter app users). To turn the feature on, select your account handle and scroll down until you see the Highlights box. Once that box is checked, let Twitter begin collecting relevant information, and you should see your very own Highlights in no time.
Take notes on your wrist with Google Keep and Android Wear
Keep, Google’s cloud-based note taking app, has always been pretty handy. But having to pull out and unlock your phone, then launch the program, open a new note and finally type in your thought is often enough to make anybody yearn for a pencil and pad of paper. Luckily, Google has a newly updated means of jotting down ideas as easy as talking to the back of your hand — you just need to shell out a couple hundred bucks for an Android Wear watch to use it.
According to the official Google Android Blog, Android users with devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and newer will be able to access the Note app directly from their wristwatch while leaving their phone in their pocket. Users can activate the app with “OK Google, open Keep” or jump directly to dictation with the command “OK Google, take a note.” Existing features like swipe-and-tap navigation and adding reminders to existing notes directly from the watch are still supported.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Internet, Google
Source: Official Android Blog
Scientists fully decode a pair of mammoth DNA genomes
A team of Harvard Medical School geneticists have deciphered the complete genomes of not one but two individual woolly mammoths. The results, recently published in the journal Current Biology, are already providing valuable insights into how the species initially died out.
Wooly mammoths appeared around 700,000 years ago, first in Siberia before expanding throughout Eastern Europe and North America. However, this DNA study suggests that mammoths then suffered a pair of population crashes — one 280,000 years ago and another just 12,000 years ago. In the end, their population reportedly shrank to fewer than 1,000 individuals, the last of whom lived trapped on a Siberian island for nearly 6,000 years before severe inbreeding led to their complete extinction.
The Harvard team’s efforts build upon a growing body of evidence and experimentation aimed at bringing the furry elephants back to life. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University led a pioneering, albeit unsuccessful, 2008 study that sought to extract a complete nucleic DNA strand from a frozen specimen. Teams from South Korea’s Sooam Biotech Research Foundation are also currently decoding samples from “Buttercup”, a 40,000 year old specimen dug out of Siberia‘s permafrost last November. While these previous efforts were able to suss out long strands of DNA from their samples, Harvard’s research is the first to extract a full nucleic genome. Additionally, another Harvard Medical team, led by Professor George Church, announced last month that they’d successfully spliced short lengths of DNA code into modern elephant cells.
But even with the complete genetic instructions for building a wooly mammoth, many scientists remain skeptical that engineering a new one is even technically (or at least ethically) possible at this point. “Our genomes bring us one critical step closer to re-creating a mammoth,” Swedish Museum of Natural History geneticist Love Dalen told NBC News. “I think it would be cool if it could be done, but I’m not sure it should be done.”
Filed under: Science
Via: NBC News
Source: journal of Current Biology
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