Before Mayweather and Pacquiao, it’s HBO and Showtime vs. pirate sites
The upcoming “Fight of the Century” has ridiculously expensive PPV prices, but if you want to watch it live, you might have to let that benjamin go. HBO and Showtime, which paired up for the fight, have already started suing websites planning to illegally livestream the event. The duo and the promoters of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are specifically going after boxinghd.net and sportship.org. Both websites have been advertising free access to the fight for quite a while now, as you can see in the images above and below the fold. Torrentfreak calls it a “unique pre-piracy case,” because lawsuits don’t usually start flying until the accused has actually pirated something.
“This lawsuit arises from Defendants’ anticipated knowing and intentional violation of the federal Copyright Act,” the filing states. It also says that the plaintiffs will incur “irreparable damage” (of the monetary kind, we’re sure) if the pirate streams go live as planned. The companies want the court to issue the websites a preliminary injunction. They also want internet providers to block both URLs from 8:45 p.m. on May 2nd to 6 a.m. on May 3rd.
We’ll bet the two websites named in the lawsuit are the only ones planning to stream the event without permission. There are loads of similar online destinations out there, and everyone expects the event to be one of the most pirated in history. We haven’t caught wind of more lawsuits at this point, but we wouldn’t be surprised if HBO’s and Showtime’s lawyers are preparing to file more as we type. Now, if $89 to $100 (HD) still feel like too much money, you can always look for a friend who just signed up for DISH and got (legal) access to the fight for free.
[Image credit: HBO-Showtime lawsuit]
Filed under: Misc
Source: Bloomberg, TorrentFreak, Deadline, HBO/Showtime lawsuit
3 atom-thick transistor promises ultra-thin electronics
Researchers from Cornell University announced a breakthrough in transistor technology in the latest issue of the journal, Nature. The team has reportedly developed a novel and highly efficient method of producing an experimental material known as transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD). TMD is an exceedingly thin (but highly conductive) film, which makes it useful in many high-tech applications — everything from solar cells to flexible, wearable gadgets — but also makes it a huge pain to produce in appreciable quantities. That is, until now.
“Our work pushes TMDs to the technologically relevant scale, showing the promise of making devices on that scale,” Saien Xie, one of the paper’s lead authors. TMD, like the similarly touted wonder-material graphene, could help extend Moore’s Law by providing a stable and compact substrate onto which engineers can pack an ever-increasing number of circuits. However, since it’s only three atoms thick, TMD production typically suffers from a high rate of breakage and failure. The new method from Cornell, which mixes diethylsulfide and a metal hexacarbonyl compound atop a silicon wafer and then bakes them for 26 hours in hydrogen gas, has proven far more successful.
Out of a batch of 200 such wafers created for the study, only two failed — that’s a 99 percent success rate. With these results in hand, the research team hopes to streamline the manufacturing process as well as improve the consistency of the resulting film. The technology is still at least a few years away from being commercially viable but when it is, we could see it usher in a new era of paper-thin, super-powerful electronics.
Filed under: Science
Via: The Verge
Source: Nature
Daily Roundup: Windows 10 plans, Apple Watch issues and more!
In today’s edition of the Daily Roundup, Microsoft kicked off its annual Build developer conference by showing off some of the tools developers can use to get their Windows 10 apps up and running. We also learned the official name for the company’s Project Spartan browser and witnessed some of the HoloLens headset’s new tricks. One tidbit we didn’t learn, however, was a release date for Windows 10. Of course, Microsoft wasn’t the only company making headlines today. Hulu snagged streaming rights for Seinfeld and some Apple Watch users are discovering dark tattoos can mess with the device’s heart rate sensor.
Microsoft invites Android and iOS apps to join Windows 10
Today was the start of Microsoft’s annual Build conference and the company unleashed a slew of new details for the future of its cloud services, Office suite and, perhaps most notably, upcoming Windows 10 operating system. One of the biggest reveals was that the Redmond giant is making it easier than ever for Android and iOS developers to port their apps over to Windows 10. For more from today’s Build keynote, click here.
Windows 10’s web browser is called Microsoft Edge
Another notable tidbit from today’s keynote was the announcement of Project Spartan‘s official name. Up until this point, Microsoft’s upcoming Internet Explorer replacement had been discussed under its temporary, Halo-inspired codename. Today, though, we know what we’ll be calling it when Windows 10 launches: Microsoft Edge. The company also showcased a video highlighting Edge’s minimalist look, annotation features and slick tabbed interface.
Hillary Clinton wants all police to wear body cameras
Law enforcement accountability has been in the news a lot of late, so it’s no surprise to see presidential hopefuls discuss the matter as we head toward next year’s election. Candidate Hillary Clinton used a speech today to call for every police department in the US to issue body cameras to officers in an effort to improve both accountability and transparency.
Hulu’s the exclusive online home of ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’
What’s the deal with watching Seinfeld online? Well, Hulu provided the answer today, announcing it had secured exclusive streaming rights for the popular sitcom. While it wouldn’t discuss exact numbers, rumors suggest the company may have paid as much as $1 million per episode for the show. Hulu also shared several other content announcements, but the show about nothing was clearly the biggest news.
Dark tattoos can throw off Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor
Various versions of the Apple Watch have been slowly reaching consumers’ hands and wrists, but some early adopters are apparently running into a few issues with some of the wearable’s features. iMore looked into the matter and found that those with dark tattoos on their wrists (especially those with solid colors) may have trouble reliably using the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor. If you haven’t ordered one already, it might be a good idea to try one on in person to make sure all its features work on your particular wrist.
Your Apple Watch is late because of bad haptic feedback parts
Of course, if you already ordered and Apple Watch and are wondering what’s taking so long to get it to your doorstep, The Wall Street Journal might have an idea. According to the paper’s sources, Apple ran into issues with parts related to the Watch’s Taptic Engine, the vibrating unit that provides input feedback. As a result, a supplier switch may be to blame for the long waits some consumers are experiencing.
You can buy your own smell-o-vision VR headset, if you wanna
If revamped PC operating systems and fancy wearables aren’t exciting enough for you, perhaps the promise of actual smell-o-vision will do the trick. FeelReal is taking to Kickstarter to fund its virtual reality attachment, which can pump air, water and a variety of scents right into your face to amp up the immersion factor. The company expects dev units to be available in the summer, with a consumer version to follow later in the year.
[Image credits: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan (Hillary Clinton); Michael Lovell @ YouTube (Watch tattoos); iFixit (Taptic Engine); FeelReal (VR headset)]
Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, Laptops, Peripherals, Wearables, Internet, Software, Apple, Microsoft
T-Mobile Galaxy S6 Edge reportedly receiving Android 5.1.1 OTA!
Samsung has never been the fastest when it comes to updating to newer versions of Android but thankfully this situation has changed a bit with Lollipop, as the Korean giant has done a pretty good job of pushing the update out to many of its flagship devices. Of course, Android isn’t standing still and due to a number of bugs and performance issues, it recently made the jump from Android 5.0.x to 5.1. How long before Samsung follows suit? Sooner than you’d think.
Up until now, Android 5.1 had been exclusive to Nexus, Android One, and GPe devices, but several reports are coming in that suggest that T-Mobile is now rolling out an update to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge that brings its software up to version 5.1.1. Yes, you read that right. Samsung isn’t just jumping up to 5.1, they are getting the very latest version of it (5.1.1) — an update that so far hasn’t even hit any Nexus devices, at least outside of the Nexus Player.
It is important to note that neither T-Mobile nor Samsung have confirmed that the update is rolling and there are still very few users reporting that they’ve received it. That said, at least one user over at XDA has caught several screenshots (above) and even a video (below) of the update. While it’s possible that this could still be a limited soak test and not a full OTA rollout, it’s still hard not to be impressed at how quickly Samsung and T-Mobile have apparently pushed this one out.
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So what’s new here? In addition to all the changes and bug fixes you’d expect from Android 5.1, 5.1.1 brings a few more bug fixes of its own, and it appears that Samsung is also enabling the ability to create guest accounts on the Galaxy S6 Edge. While the guest account feature has been available on stock Android since the initial rollout of Lollipop, Samsung had chosen to exclude this functionality from its former Lollipop builds, but apparently they have had a change of heart.
Before you start smashing away at the update button on your Galaxy S6 Edge, one note of caution: reportedly the update locks the bootloader on the phone, which may be a deal breaker for some. Any of our viewers receive the update on the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (or the GS6 even)? If so, please let us know in the comments!
Netflix and Ellen are making a ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ TV show
Hulu picked up Seinfeld, and now Netflix is working on a new show with Ellen DeGeneres — but it’s not a mid-90s sitcom at all. The two will create a 13-episode series based on the Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs and Ham that’s due to arrive in 2018, aimed at kids around the world. According to Deadline, the writer behind the project is Jared Stern, who wrote Wreck-It Ralph, and has been trying to make a show based on the book for years. Also, the report claims this is supposed to be the “most expensive” animated show ever created for television. Ellen seems excited about it in her video announcement (included after the break, but I think if there’s a high-budget Game of Thrones-rivaling Dr. Seuss adaptation in the works, then The Butter Battle Book might have been a better choice.
http://widgets.ellentube.com/videos/0-gk5rb51d/
I’m producing a new show with Dr. Seuss for Netflix! You can watch it here or there. You can watch it anywhere. http://t.co/7LZQSXkVj9
– Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 30, 2015
NETFLIX ORDERS GREEN EGGS AND HAM
THIRTEEN EPISODES FOR THE WHOLE FAMIn 2018, This Classic Book
Comes to TV with a Whole New LookBeverly Hills, Calif., April 29, 2015 –
Issued from Netflix headquarters.
Delivered straight to all reporters.We’d love to share some happy news
based on the rhymes of Dr. Seuss.Green Eggs and Ham will become a show
and you’re among the first to know.In this richly animated production,
a 13-episode introduction,standoffish inventor (Guy, by name)
and Sam-I-Am of worldwide fame,embark on a cross-country trip
that tests the limits of their friendship.As they learn to try new things,
they find out what adventure brings.Of course they also get to eat
that famous green and tasty treat!Cindy Holland, VP of Original Content for Netflix
threw her quote into the mix:“We think this will be a hit
Green Eggs and Ham is a perfect fitfor our growing slate of amazing stories
available exclusively in all Netflix territories.You can stream it on a phone.
You can stream it on your own.You can stream it on TV.
You can stream it globally.”
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Netflix
New Windows 10 preview comes with Aero Glass and an upgraded Cortana
In addition to showing off holographic apps and revealing the name of its post-IE browser, Microsoft has also released its latest Windows 10 preview build for PCs today. The build (now called “Insider Preview” instead of “Technical Preview”) introduces quite a lengthy list of new and experimental features, including Windows 7’s Aero Glass design. Apparently, a lot of preview users asked Redmond to bring Aero Glass black, since company dropped the feature from Windows 8. To test it out, half of those installing the new build will see their Start menu and taskbar in normal transparency, while half will see theirs with a frosted glass effect.
Cortana gets an upgrade, as well — she not only gets a “visual refresh,” but also takes over as soon as you start typing to search for an app within the Start menu. The virtual assistant can also answer a bunch of new questions, including ones about time zones, weather, flight status, unit conversions, so on and so forth, thanks to Bing Instant Answers.
Continuum, which will soon arrive on smartphones, gets a simplified taskbar on desktop, along with an adjustable divider between two windows. Finally, the build boasts a fresh batch of system sounds, better multi-tasking experience, upgraded Music and Video Preview apps and an improved Windows Store. You can read more about the build on Microsoft’s official blog and download it from the company’s website, so long as you sign up to become Windows Insider.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Microsoft
Source: Windows
HTC debuts INK campaign for One M9
In August of last year, we covered the HTC One M8 Phunk Studio Edition, a limited edition of the device with only 64 total units. Phunk is a “contemporary art and design collective” from Singapore that made an eloquent design for the back of this version of the One M8.
Now, HTC is going to do the same with the One M9, this time with a body-art-inspired design, which you can see above. The company partnered with supermodel Jourdan Dann, known for her work with the likes of Victoria’s Secret, Hilfiger, and DKNY, and asked her to come up with the artwork. Dann is also an ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
According to HTC about the artwork for the One M9:
The open hand and eye symbolize the need for protection and strength while still being open and approachable in personality and style. The natural leaf elements and patterns around the outside of each visual reflect the growth in creativity that Jourdan is feeling at this time, and the sun and moon together represent balance and harmony in her character.
The post HTC debuts INK campaign for One M9 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Reportedly Hires More BBC Radio 1 Staff for New Music Service [iOS Blog]
Apple has reportedly hired four producers from BBC Radio 1 for its brand new music service, according to sources who spoke to Music Business Worldwide (MBW) (via AppleInsider). In February, Apple hired BBC Radio DJ Zane Lowe for its music services.
Little more than two months after poaching Zane Lowe from BBC Radio 1, MBW understands that Apple has pinched four producers from the station – including key talent from BBC Introducing.
One of the four producers, according to MBW, is James Bursey, Lowe’s old producer. Bursey apparently left BBC last Friday and is flying to Los Angeles to “team up with Lowe”. According to a tweet, Bursey left for the airport yesterday. However, Bursey’s LinkedIn account still lists him as an employee of BBC Radio.
The other BBC Radio employees rumored to be on Apple’s poach list include Natasha Lynch and Kieran Yeates, who are both apparently “star producers” at the BBC. Lynch was on the Guardians’s Music Power 100 list in 2011 while Yeates is credited with building BBC Introducing, a radio show focused on up-and-coming music talent. However, Yeates’ LinkedIn still lists him as a BBC Radio employee, as does Lynch’s Twitter profile for her employment status. Finally, that one source tells MBW that there’s an “exodus to Apple from Radio 1″
While it’s difficult to confirm whether Apple has indeed made these hires, it’s likely Apple is looking to beef up its music team as the launch of its new streaming service draws closer. A report last month revealed that the development of the revamped Apple-branded Beats music service is being led by Jimmy Iovine and Trent Reznor with has a focus on curated playlists. Alongside the new music service, Apple is said to be planning an enhanced version of iTunes Radio that’s tailored toward regional markets and acts more like a radio station.
Rumors suggest that Apple’s revamped music service will debut at this year’s Worldwide Development Conference alongside a new streaming television service and a new Apple TV set-top box.
Land Rover fails in its bid to block Chinese copycats
China is famous for many things, but a deeply-held respect for the concept of intellectual property isn’t one of them. It’s a problem that Land Rover has just run into head-first after its claims that the Land Wind X7 was a shameless copy of its Range Rover Evoque fell upon deaf ears. Autocar is reporting that, not only did authorities dismiss the complaint, but the Chinese company has been given permission to start manufacturing the vehicle.
The saga began at last November’s Guangzhou Motor Show, where Land Wind showed off its SX7 for the first time. Unfortunately, executives at Land Rover were also at the show, and promptly lodged a complaint with regulators. Autocar goes on to say that the British car maker won’t take this recent news sitting down, and will continue to look into other ways of preventing the X7 reaching the market.
[Image Credit: Autoblog]
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Autocar
Math explains why beating ‘Tetris’ is basically impossible
You’re never going to beat Tetris. Sorry. You might be asking why I’m so pessimistic and even though that’s perfectly natural, PBS‘ Game/Show will back me up here. While the seven multicolored falling bricks (officially called “tetrominoes”) all fit together pretty nicely, they only occupy a space that’s eight tiles wide when fully combined. Coupled with the size of the playing space — the “well,” as it’s called, is ten tiles wide — there’s always going to be room for screw-ups that are out of your control. There’s a ton of math, studies of probability and statistics to explain it all, too. As host Jamin Warren tells it (citing a research paper from 1996), failure is due in no small part to how the “bag” randomly generates pieces that’re dropping.
Over a long enough game, the bag’s going to screw you over and drop tetrominoes that make gaps that you won’t be able to fill. Specifically, a nasty run of “S” and “Z” shaped pieces that’ll ruin your up-to-that-point ideal flow is pretty much inevitable — and even playing a game exclusively with the aforementioned pieces would hit a fail state in 70,000 turns. It’s a cruel joke, sure, but that hasn’t stopped the game from appearing on countless platforms, sides of buildings or T-shirts for almost 31 years.
[Image credit: Getty Images/alengo]
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD
Source: PBS Game/Show (YouTube)
AIVAnet 