HomeUX seeks more beta testers for launcher

Launchers are always popular for Android fans who want to extend the customization of their interfaces. With Android 5.0 Lollipop expanding to more devices this year, some developers are seeing a new opportunity to create new launchers that are in keeping with the design principles of Google’s Material Design guidelines and that take advantage of new APIs in Lollipop. One of those developers is the group behind HomeUX that hopes to produce a launcher that is “simplistic, yet highly functional.” They are currently soliciting additional beta testers for the latest version of HomeUX that is in development.

HomeUX promises to give users a new take on folder integration and organization, an “ultra clean interface,” new color themes that change, intuitive controls via swipe gestures, and a variety of advanced functionality like tap-and-hold shortcuts and quick access buttons.

In order to participate as a beta tester, users must have a device running Android Lollipop. They will need to join the HomeUX Beta Testers Google+ community for more information. The development team is trying to exert some control over the beta testing process, thus the reason for approval being needed before users can join the beta testing program.

The developer, Dravite Ltd., has setup a placeholder in the Google Play Store if you want to check it out and go ahead and purchase the app knowing the final Pro version is still forthcoming.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Google Play Download Link

source: reddit, HomeUX Beta Testers community

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Facebook Messenger games coming to platform soon

Fans of games on Facebook will likely be interested in knowing that fun times could be coming to the Messenger app that Facebook makes available for users. Since the launch of Messenger, third party apps have mostly been limited to those that enhance the communication aspects of the platform, giving users things like emojis, the ability to send sound clips, gif support and similar functions. Reports indicate uptake has been slow for these apps, so Facebook is planning to start pushing for games to expand to the platform in hopes of giving developers something a little “stickier” and with higher revenue potential.

Facebook executive Ilya Sukhar has confirmed the social media giant has been in discussion with game developers about the Messenger platform. However, no timelines have been set for the introduction of games on Messenger. Outside of games, Facebook and its developer community will likely look to other types of apps to continue to try to expand the ecosystem and create new revenue generation opportunities.

source: The Information

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Some e-cigarette flavors may have toxic effects on lung cells

E-cigarettes may be a popular alternative to the traditional smoke sticks, despite contrasting opinions on how safe they are. Adding to the list of harmful effects, the American Thoracic Society published research at its annual conference that certain flavors used in vaping liquid may alter cells in lung tissue. During the study, researchers exposed human airway epithelial cells to doses of 13 e-cig flavors for periods of 30 minutes and 24 hours. 5 of the 13 displayed “adverse effects to cells in a dose-dependent manner.” Of those five, three flavors — Hot Cinnamon Candies, Banana Pudding (Southern Style), and Menthol Tobacco — were toxic to lung cells at higher doses in the 30-minute test. What’s more, when cells were exposed for 24 hours, the same trio of flavors stunted cell growth as the dosage increased. Also of note: the flavorings’ negative effects didn’t occur with nicotine or the e-liquid vehicle on its own (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin).

The study, which is led by cell biology graduate student Temperance Rowell at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is ongoing as researchers look to further understand “the specific chemical components underlying the toxic effects” and specific health risks of using flavorings. “Given the increasing popularity of flavored e-cigarettes, a better understanding of their ingredients, the potential health risks of these ingredients, and the causes of these risks is urgently needed,” Rowell explained.

[Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

Filed under: Misc, Science

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Via: Wired UK

Source: American Thoracic Society

European powers team up to build homegrown drones

Drones are sufficiently commonplace now that if you aren’t building your own, you get a serious dose of FOMO. That’s why Germany, France and Italy have agreed to bankroll a joint drone project, separate to Europe’s, that’ll build aerial surveillance hardware for the three countries. As Reuters reports, these nations currently American or Israeli gear, sparking fears that they’re too reliant on military hardware from other countries.

According to the Economic Times, the project could cost up to $1.2 billion, and will see three companies, Airbus, Dassault and Alenia Aermacchi team up. They’ll be tasked with building a Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) craft that can stay in the air for up to a day at a time. The craft will be predominantly designed for intelligence work, but will also be able to carry a “variety of payloads,” which could mean they’re pressed into duty for both military and civilian operations.

The deal that’s been signed today will see the companies draw up plans for the vehicle over the next two years. After that point, officials will put their heads together to see if it’s worth coughing up the rest of the cash to actually build it. If it all goes well, the first “solutions,” will be delivered by 2020 — and no, you’re not mistaken, solutions is a pretty cute way to describe an airborne spying robot.

Filed under: Transportation

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Via: Reuters

Source: Stockhouse