Yes, the Apple Watch Blends [iOS Blog]
Blendtec and Tom Dickson have returned with the latest edition of their “Will It Blend” experiment, this time putting the Apple Watch in a blender to see how well it survives. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Just like with every iPhone put through the blender treatment, the Apple Watch is quickly smashed and destroyed into tiny bits and pieces of metal.
Last week, the Apple Watch Sport was put through a lengthier torture test that involved attempting to scratch it with a cheese grater, pouring ketchup and maple syrup on it, boiling it in hot water, stepping on it, smashing it with a seven-pound cast iron skillet and more. The wrist-worn device also underwent a waterproof test on the same day.
Don’t try this at home.
Christy Turlington Burns Breaks Personal Record at London Marathon [iOS Blog]
Over the past few weeks since Apple’s “Spring Forward” event, model and founder of non-profit organization Every Mother Counts Christy Turlington Burns has kept a blog on Apple’s official website describing her use of the Apple Watch in helping her prepare for the Virgin Money 2015 London Marathon.
After finishing the marathon yesterday, Burns posted a time of 3 hours and 46 minutes, flying just under her goal time of 3 hours and 55 minutes (via The Telegraph).
Angled as a seven week build-up to the 2015 London Marathon, Burns’ final blog entry was posted last week, also timing itself with the official launch of the Apple Watch last Friday. As Burns mentioned in her latest post for Apple, “as a 46‑year‑old mom, I’m proud of my under‑4‑hour goal”, even though most “extreme” athletes can get a finish time under the 3 hour mark.
Burns used a variety of Apple Watch features over the nearly-two-months she trained for the marathon, from praising the dexterity of the Watch in learning personal stride and workout preferences to the subtle encouragement of filling every activity ring each day.
Although her role in the launch of the Apple Watch can be seen as purely promotional, she did shed some light on unknown features concerning lesser-discussed portions of the Watch’s abilities, including the fact that after a few runs paired with an iPhone, the Watch can work independently of the iPhone over time.
After 17 years of hard work, OtterBox has come to be one of the top players in mobile protection.
Origins
It can be said that behind a great company stands a great man or woman, someone who had an idea and was not content with just letting it reside in their minds, but instead, they wanted to make it a reality. From Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, to Jeff Bezos, these were all revolutionaries, giants in their industries. While these are by far some of the most well-known names in the tech industry, there are other that have also made great strides in their fields and are slated to leave behind a legacy. One such person is Curt Richardson.
Curt Richardson first came up with the idea for OtterBox back in 1991 when he began work on a water resistant box. His idea was in response to the increased interest of the time in water based sports. So what better business venture than to help cater to that need. Richardson thus continued work on creating what would become the first OtterBox and finished the product in 1995. After some short years later, OtterBox came to be in 1998.
No one but Curt Richardson knows what was going on in his head when he started the company, or what his goals were for OtterBox at that time. What we do know is that OtterBox would go on to become one of the best-known brands where mobile protection is concerned and be a real market mover in its industry.
So what does OtterBox offer now, after so many years? We had the same thought, so we procured three of their main case offerings and decided to test them out.
Current Offerings
Commuter
The Commuter case is OtterBoxes response for the consumer that wants a great protective case but it not quite ready to make their phone a super defensive brick that they have to lug around their pocket all day. With two layers of protection and an included screen protector, the Commuter case is all but ready to handle any situation while still maintaining a relatively low profile.
The Commuters construction consists of two parts, the softer inner shell made of synthetic rubber and a hard outer shell made from polycarbonate materials. The inner shell is the part that wraps around the case and makes sure that it stays nice and snug while also being capable of absorbing damage should the device fall. It works as a slipcover, so all you have to do is slip it on. The slip cover is also the part of the case that contains the port plugs, to help keep unwanted dust particles out of the inside of the device. The second part of the case is the hard polycarbonate shell that goes on top of the rubber slipcover. It is also what secures everything in place and makes sure that the slip cover does not come off since the rubber slipcover has to be able to give way so you can fit the device inside. The slip cover also had the added benefit of having some extra rubber added to the four edges of the case so you have some added shock protection should you drop the case and it land on one of the edges, which tends to be the case most of the time.
The hard shell felt really sturdy in our hands and you can tell that you would really have to do some damage to it before it gave way and cracked. It slipped on easily on top of the slipcover and held firm. One thing that we really liked about having the top layer be made from the hard shell was the fact that it did not get stuck in our pockets every time we decided to put our smartphone away. A small thing to notice, but it’s the little things in life.
Overall, the Commuter case is a great option for anyone looking to protect their smartphone. It felt great in our hands and did not make the device too much bigger than it already is. Though we would be lying if we said that it didn’t add some extra girth. If you need a case to protect your phone but don’t need to go all out and get a super rugged case, then the Commuter case is definitely the way to go.
Symmetry
What makes the Symmetry case stand out against its siblings is the fact that it comes in more colors and designs than the Commuter and Defender case. OtterBox wanted to offer an option for those that like to show their style in all aspects of their lives.While the Symmetry case offering does not necessarily have more options than its brothers and sisters where colors are concerned, what it does offer are some great designs that are not found in OtterBoxes other offerings.
The Symmetry case is also made slightly different that the Commuter and Defender case. While the other two cases both have a different part to them, OtterBox decided to streamline the process with the Symmetry case and decided to make it one piece. It maintains the same layout as the Commuter case, with the only difference being that the rubber slipcover has been permanently attached to the hard outer shell. So what you get is one complete piece that all you have to do is slip on and go.There is a slight difference to the rubber part of the Symmetry case that is not found in the Commuter case though, and that is that the inner part has a honeycomb-like pattern that is supposed to offer some added protection should the device fall on a hard surface by adding some air pockets to help absorb the damage.The Symmetry case does not come with a screen protector though, so if you wish to keep your screen safe, you will have to purchase one separately.
Defender
Now we have finally arrived at the Defender (dun dun dun), OtterBoxes greatest offering in mobile protection. With three layer of protection consisting of a built-in screen protector, a hard inner shell, and a synthetic rubber outer slipcover, the Defender case is deserving of its name.
The first part of the Defender case is the two piece polycarbonate shell. Made from the same material as the Commuters and Symmetries outer shell, OtterBox decided to change things up with the Defender case by making it the inner layer of the case instead of the outer layer. The shell opens up and has small latches on all of its corners to make sure that they case does not fly open when you least expect it. The screen protector is built on to this part of the case, so you will want to make sure that there is not dust or smudges on the inside before you put the case on. One small thing to note is that there is foam material on the bottom of the shell so you don’t have to worry about having your smartphone having to be in constant contact with hard plastic.The rubber slipcover is the second part and slides on to the hard shell. It feels smooth and is more than capable of taking damage before giving way.
With all that great protection though, comes the small downside of making the device really big and bulky. So while you can rest assured that your smartphone is capable of taking a real beating, you may want to opt for one of the slimmer cases if you don’t plan on being outside doing super hard work that is going to put your phone in constant danger.
Final Thoughts
I find that smartphones cases are something that we all really need but don’t always like. Wich is very understandable. We did just spend hundreds of dollars on a phone that companies spent millions on to make sure looked good and felt great to the touch, only to put a case on it moments later. What we really liked about OtterBox is that they help make that change a smooth process. We are not here to persuade you that OtterBox is the greatest company on the market where mobile protection is concerned, or that you should go out and buy one immediately. No, we want you, our great readers, to know that you have options and that OtterBox is a great contender for your money. We plan on doing some similar pieces on other case manufacturers, so make sure to let us know in the comment section as to which case you would like to see reviewed next!
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Samsung app helps Alzheimer’s patients remember their families
If you’ve seen Still Alice, you know how important a smartphone can be for an Alzheimer’s patient — it helps jog memories that might otherwise be lost. Samsung is clearly aware of this, as it just released a dedicated Backup Memory app to stimulate the memories of early-onset patients. The Android tool uses Bluetooth to detect when friends and family running the app are nearby. If they are, it’ll both identify the person and show user-uploaded photos and videos that recall past events. The app is currently very simple (Samsung still wants to add GPS locations, for instance), but it’s reportedly promising enough in early tests that it’s slowing down the effects of Alzheimer’s and making life just a little bit easier.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Samsung Tomorrow, Google Play
First home HIV test goes on sale in Britain
Although sexual health has become less of a taboo subject, ensuring that people get tested for STDs remains a big issue. The NHS now offers DIY kits for those worried they might have caught something from a partner and don’t want to get tested by a doctor, but home HIV screening has not been possible — at least until today. Britain’s first legally-approved HIV test is now on sale, promising 99.7 percent accuracy from three months after a person suspects they may have been exposed to the infection. It requires a drop of blood and can provide a clear result in around 15 minutes.
It’s hoped that by offering the DIY test, Britons will help lower the risk of passing on the disease to other people. According to the National Aids Trust, almost half of the people living with HIV find out late, meaning they’ve carried the virus for at least four years. If the disease is diagnosed earlier, sufferers can receive treatment that makes it more manageable. Right now, the test is only available online for £29.95. Should a test show a positive result, it must then be confirmed with a professional health worker.
Filed under: Household, Science, Alt
Via: AFP
Source: HIV Self Test
Eurovision’s official app is your guide to (not) enjoying Eurovision
For some of us, the Eurovision Song Contest means cringing at over-the-top performances and chuckling at Graham Norton’s dry, subtly cynical commentary. For others, however, the annual karaoke competition is genuinely enjoyable, and if you fall into that camp, you simply can’t be doing without the official 2015 Eurovision app. Created in collaboration with Microsoft, the companion app is your first port of call for the latest Eurovision news, pics and videos. Also, this year’s official Eurovision album and karaoke-friendly versions of each song, as well as other merchandise, can be bought through the app. That’s not all it’s for, though, with new features going live in May when the competition actually kicks off.
These include artist profiles and a second-screen experience that feeds you performer and song info relevant to whoever’s on telly at the time. You’ll also be able to vote for your favourite act inside the app, with those votes factoring into where the UK’s points are ultimately distributed. The app is available on Windows phones and tablets today, with Android and iOS versions coming out at the end of April, just before the comedy event of the year hits our TV screens.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Microsoft
Wireless glove adds touch to VR video games
While Oculus, Valve, Samsung and HTC are all looking to captialize on the resurgence of VR, their solutions all focus on what we can see and hear. That’s more than enough to immerse you in a virtual world, but what if you want to interact with the objects within them? Some companies have already taken on the challenge, but researchers at RICE University have created a new haptic glove that uses air to inflate bladders underneath your fingers to offer a real sense of touch.
Although it’s still in early development, the Hands Omni glove is intended for gamers. In fact, Virtuix, the company behind the crazy Virtuix Omni virtual reality treadmill, is sponsoring the project with a view to making it a widely available gaming peripheral. These agreements mean its developers can’t reveal exactly how the wireless glove works, but its developers are hopeful that developers will be able to implement support for it into games and other VR projects in the future.
Filed under: Gaming, Wearables, HD
Via: Slashgear
Source: RICE University
Wimbledon bans ‘nuisance’ selfie sticks
If you’re heading to the All England Lawn Tennis Club in June to enjoy some strawberries and cream and perhaps snap the odd selfie while watching the world’s best tennis players, we have some bad news: Wimbledon has banned the selfie stick. Laid out in the official ticketholders’ guide, the event’s organisers write: “In common with many other major sports and entertainment events and cultural attractions, the championships will not allow selfie sticks into the grounds.” No wide-angled photo action for you.
A spokesperson told The Sunday Times that the contraptions have been outlawed because of their “nuisance value,” as they could “interfere with spectators’ enjoyment.” Wimbledon joins a number of Premier League football clubs and museums that no longer allow them on their grounds, ensuring visitors don’t catch a rogue smartphone in the face as they engage in some serious spectating.
[Image credit: Marianne Bevis, Flickr]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: The Sunday Times
Every major US credit card will soon work with Apple Pay
The roster of credit cards that work with Apple’s mobile payments platform has always had one notable absentee. Thankfully, the folks at Discover have realized that there’s little to be gained from not being available to use on Apple Pay. That’s why the firm has signed a deal that’ll see its customers be able to buy goods and services with their iPads, iPhones and Apple watches, which will begin at some point in the fall. Naturally, users are afforded the same offers and protections that they would if they’d paid by card, including Cashback Bonus and Freeze It — now all we need is for Chipotle to join in and we’re all set.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Apple
Via: MacRumors
Source: Businesswire
Create your own Flappy Bird clone with Flappy Creator
Remember Flappy Bird? How can anyone forget that stupid simple game that was so hard and got so popular that even the developer couldn’t handle it.
Although not as popular now, there is still a lot of interest in the game because there has been so many clones. When it comes down to it, it’s really the game play right? Well a new site called Flappy Creator allows you to create your own Flappy Bird style game with your own graphics that you can cook up in something like Photo Shop.
You can control the character, background, and sounds. Now if you’re not the creative type, you can play other creations. It works on your mobile device, but unfortunately it’s not full screen. Just open up your mobile browser of choice and hit the source link below. If you want to create your own clone, you would be better off doing it from a desktop.
source: Flappy Creator
via: MobileSyrup
Come comment on this article: Create your own Flappy Bird clone with Flappy Creator
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