California bill allows firefighters to ground pesky drones
As wildfires scorched sections of California Interstate I-15 last week, firefighters found themselves hamstrung and unable to deliver aerial water coverage for nearly 20 minutes because a couple of schmucks were flying their quadcopters directly overhead. In response, Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) and Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) have introduced Senate Bill 168. The bill would grant “immunity to any emergency responder who damages an unmanned aircraft in the course of firefighting, air ambulance, or search-and-rescue operations.” The bill will also levy stiff fines and potentially even jail time for people whose UAVs inhibit an emergency response.
This isn’t the first time that drones have caused havoc over wildfires in recent months. Aircraft couldn’t take off to fight the Lake Fire last month and were similarly delayed by an errant drone hovering over the Mill Creek Canyon Fire on July 12th. “Drone operators are risking lives when they fly over an emergency situation,” Assemblyman Gatto told KCAL 9. “Just because you have access to an expensive toy that can fly in a dangerous area that doesn’t mean you should do it.” The bill does not stipulate how firefighters would deal with offending drones. My guess: water cannon.
[Image Credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Misc
Via: Slashdot
Source: KCAL 9
The PS4 will get an officially licensed media remote
You’d think that Sony would have released a remote control for the PlayStation 4 given that video is even more important this time around, but that’s not the case — without a compatible TV remote via HDMI-CEC or Harmony setup, you’re usually stuck using a gamepad. The next best thing is coming, however. Accessory maker PDP has quietly unveiled an officially licensed PS4 media remote that gives you an easier way to navigate both your console and your TV when watching movies. PDP hasn’t formally announced launch details, but US retailers have it shipping in October for $30. That’s not a trivial amount, but it could be worthwhile if you spend as much time watching Netflix as you do grinding through Destiny.
Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, HD
Via: GameSpot, GameInformer
The FCC is set to approve AT&T’s DirecTV acquisition
As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the FCC is gearing up to approve AT&T’s $49 billion acquisition of DirecTV. Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler confirmed that he is set to call a vote on the matter with the FCC’s other four commissioners. According to Wheeler, the proposal will “directly benefit customers” by increasing competition in the broadband marketplace. If the deal passes their vote, it will be clear to close. The deal will transform AT&T into the nation’s largest pay television provider as well as its second largest telecom, combining AT&T’s U-verse and DirecTV’s satellite offerings.
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER ON RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING AT&T/DIRECTV TRANSACTION
Washington, July 21, 2015 – In light of news reports concerning the AT&T/DirecTV transaction, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler issued the following statement:
“An order recommending that the AT&T/DirecTV transaction be approved with conditions has circulated to the Commissioners. The proposed order outlines a number of conditions that will directly benefit consumers by bringing more competition to the broadband marketplace. If the conditions are approved by my colleagues, 12.5 million customer locations will have access to a competitive high-speed fiber connection. This additional build-out is about 10 times the size of AT&T’s current fiber-to-the-premise deployment, increases the entire nation’s residential fiber build by more than 40 percent, and more than triples the number of metropolitan areas AT&T has announced plans to serve.
“In addition, the conditions will build on the Open Internet Order already in effect, addressing two merger-specific issues. First, in order to prevent discrimination against online video competition, AT&T will not be permitted to exclude affiliated video services and content from data caps on its fixed broadband connections. Second, in order to bring greater transparency to interconnection practices, the company will be required to submit all completed interconnection agreements to the Commission, along with regular reports on network performance.
“Importantly, we will require an independent officer to help ensure compliance with these and other proposed conditions. These strong measures will protect consumers, expand high-speed broadband availability, and increase competition.”
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[Image Credit: Associated Press]
Filed under: Networking, Internet, HD, AT&T
Source: Wall Street Journal
AT&T raising activation fees by $5 and increasing AT&T Next activations by $15
AT&T will be raising activation and upgrade fees for new one or two year contracts. They are also adding an activation fee for AT&T Next and BYOD customers. The new fees will go into effect August 1st.
The old price was $40 and will now be bumped to $45 for upgrades making it the highest activation fee out there. Verizon is still at $40, but will probably follow suit at some point in the future. If you choose to sign up for a new contract after August 1st you’ll still be eligible for a discounted phone, but will pay $5 more than before.
Also on August 1st AT&T Next customers will be paying a $15 activation fee when they get a new phone. Even if you bring your own device the fee still applies for new activations.
If you already have an AT&T Next account (before August 1st) you will not have to pay anything on your next upgrade. However AT&T said this could change in the future. Meaning the next upgrade you might get away with being free, but plan on paying it the time after.
Source: droid-life
Come comment on this article: AT&T raising activation fees by $5 and increasing AT&T Next activations by $15
The Sprint Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ head to the FCC
Only last week did we see all other major carrier Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ head to the FCC expect for Sprints. No one knew exactly why they didn’t go with all the others, but today both phones showed up under model numbers SM-N920P (Note 5) and SM-G928P (S6 Edge+).
There is nothing special listed in the documents other than that they are for sure Sprint variants.
The pictures listed below show the overall shape along with the bands tested on Sprints network.
Via: Droid-Life
Source: FCC and FCC
Come comment on this article: The Sprint Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ head to the FCC
Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 Hybrid Android tablet/laptop review
T
he division in device computing is no longer just the battle between PC and Apple, or Android vs Apple. It is now also tablet versus laptop. When tablets first hit the scene, they were a breath of fresh air. Tablets provided a convenient easy carry option and the ability to interact with a touch screen making for an awesome user experience. Like any new product, you have early adopters, new platform haters, and cross-genre copycats.
After being around for a few years and the need to push the tablet platform to new levels we have begun to see new fresh iterations of the tablet genre. Further adding fire to the battle of who will prevail keeping users computing experience.
Nextbook has created a hybrid tablet The Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 Android Quadcore Tablet.
The Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 comes preinstalled with Android 5.0 Intel Atom Quad-Core 1.8GHz processor, 64GB of internal memory with a microSD card slot that expands to an additional 64GB of storage. The Nextbook Ares is also equipped with an 11.6-inch screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and resolution of 1366×768. Given it is a hybrid, the Nextbook has an additional feature – a detachable keyboard making the device a tablet and laptop combination similar to the Microsoft Surface.
The Nextbook Ares 11 Features
11.6 inch High-resolution 1366 x 768 IPS Screen
• Intel® Atom™ Quad-Core /1.8GHz (Z3735F)
• 1GB DDR3L; 64GB onboard storage
• WIFI 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Front facing 2.0 camera
• Back Camera 2.0 M
• Micro HDMI Port
• Blue Trim and Backlit Keyboard with two standard 2.0 USB Port
• Micro-SD card slot for expansion to 64GB
• Support 3 -axis G-sensor
• Built-in microphone
• 9000MAH Internal rechargeable battery
• Charging indicator light
• Android OS 5.0 Lollipop
I’ve spent the last 15 days using the Nextbook Ares casually some days, and other days forcing myself to use it for all of my computing, social, and entertainment needs.
The tablet itself is light weight (2.97pounds with the keyboard) and durably made of a smooth rubber finish that provides ample grip and feels good in the hand. Even though the tablet totes a huge 11.6-inch screen, and I have moderately small sized hands, I was still able to hold it comfortably and reach all the screen real estate that I wanted to swipe or touch. The button placement is baffling to me being this device is new.
The buttons are camouflaged on the back of the device, not along the edges like the majority of today’s devices. In order to access the buttons, I had to turn the device over or peek my head over the screen, to figure out the button’s location. The buttons are nearly flush with the device, and have the same smooth finish as the backing. The button placement makes it difficult to make a selection quickly because you have to first find the placement fiddle with them to make sure it is the desired button then press it wasting time unnecessarily. When you have hunted down where the buttons are located, the buttons are very clicky and respond well. After overcoming being baffled, I assume the thought process of placing the buttons on the back of the device is to prevent possible accidental touches. Although over the past few years, the button placement has been almost standard for today’s devices where you have an up and down volume rocker on the side, and a power button on the side of the device. As a consumer, I have enjoyed that feature because I know exactly where the buttons are located and can easily control them one handed as needed.
The tablet packs underwhelming front and back facing 2-megapixel cameras. The quality of the photos are lackluster and grainy, and nearly not worth using. If you are competing with tablets and laptops, you are giving your product a disadvantage as most laptop cameras are now HD quality and tablets are ranging from 4MP and up. If you are going to give a device a 2MP rear camera it isn’t even worth adding it to the device.
Attaching the keyboard enables a whole new user experience. I have never used a touch screen laptop so I was anticipating what I could do with the Nextbook Ares. Attaching the tablet to the keyboard is effortless and clicks in place nicely. The keyboard itself is constructed durably, has a smooth textured finish that also feels comfortable in the hand and looks sleek. The keyboard is a shrunken down laptop keyboard and has top number rows but does not include 10 keys. For the most part when I pressed a function or key with the keyboard it responded intuitively with the tablet. Although I did notice multiple times when I used the keyboard button to brighten or dim the tablet or control the audio with speaker buttons it stopped video playback which I found annoying.
Also, the tablet is advertised as back lit which you can enable on or off. The catch is that the keys are not illuminated just the spacing between and around the keys illuminate, so when the room is completely dark you still have to search for the keys due to the fact the keys are black and not visible in the darkness. The keyboard is equipped with multiple useful shortcuts just to mention a few camera, calendar, recent apps, and home button. These quick keys are extremely helpful and keep you from having to go into alternate screens or unnecessary move your hands off the keyboard. Keeping your hands on the keyboard is important because even though you have a keyboard you will have to go through a learning curve on how to use it accurately if typing with proper hand placement. Compared to a laptop keyboard the Nextbook’s keys are undersized and can be difficult type two handed naturally with their smaller stature.
Playing games and watching video content is enjoyable with the multiple viewing angles provided, with being able to adjust the screen viewing angles while attached to the keyboard. On the other hand, the screen resolution leaves much to desire. The Nextbook Ares screen does not get very bright enabling a flat pixelated screen that lacks definition and color. Be prepared to use headphones or a bluetooth speaker to actually hear the audio from the Nextbook Ares – the speakers are located on the back of the device the audio quality is muffled and low. It would have been nice, that once connected to the keyboard that you would gain added bolder louder speakers that are on the keyboard.
The Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 is a good entry level tablet/laptop for young children that are just getting introduced to laptops and is a good transition to having their own device. Since most young children already have experience using their parents cell phones and tablets. The Nextbook is also great for older adults who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a tablet or laptop but need something cheap to use for emails, quick document creation, or streaming digital content. The Nextbook Ares is also great for an alternate tablet/laptop option for traveling or just office usage due to the fact it’s price point is only $197 at Walmart.
What We Like
- Price
- 11 inch form factor
- Storage space,
- HDMI and USB ports
What We didn’t Like
- Keyboard keys are not back-lit
- Volume is raspy and low
- Lackluster screen resolution
Final Thoughts
The Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 hybrid features a budget-friendly price point and it makes it an attractive device. Although the device has multiple cons I was able to overcome them and enjoy using the device. I found myself using the device more than my Samsung tablet due to the convenience of the Nextbook Ares keyboard feature. The Nextbook Ares 11 2 in 1 doesn’t do any one thing particularly great, but the size, keyboard, price, expandable memory, and 64GB internal memory makes for a heck of a deal.
If you’ve liked what you’ve read about the NextBook Ares 11 2, be sure to let us know what you like about it below, and you can grab it from Walmart for only $197.
The post Nextbook Ares 11 2-in-1 Hybrid Android tablet/laptop review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Reports Q3 2015 Earnings of $10.7B on $49.6B Revenue: 47.5M iPhones, 10.9M iPads, 4.8M Macs
Apple today announced financial results for the third fiscal quarter and second calendar quarter of 2015. For the quarter, Apple posted revenue of $10.7 billion and net quarterly profit of $49.6 billion, or $1.85 per diluted share, compared to revenue of $37.4 billion and net quarterly profit of $7.7 billion, or $1.28 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.
Gross margin for the quarter was 39.7 percent compared to 39.4 percent in the year-ago quarter, with international sales accounting for 64 percent of revenue. Apple also declared an upcoming dividend payment of $0.52 per share, payable on August 13 to shareholders of record as of August 10.
Apple sold 47.5 million iPhones during the quarter, up from 35.2 million a year earlier, while Mac sales registered 4.8 million units, up from 4.4 million units in the year-ago quarter. iPad sales continued to decline, however, falling to 10.9 million from 13.3 million.
“We had an amazing quarter, with iPhone revenue up 59 percent over last year, strong sales of Mac, all-time record revenue from services, driven by the App Store, and a great start for Apple Watch,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The excitement for Apple Music has been incredible, and we’re looking forward to releasing iOS 9, OS X El Capitan and watchOS 2 to customers in the fall.”
Apple’s guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 includes expected revenue of $49-51 billion and gross margin between 38.5 and 39.5 percent.
Apple will provide live streaming of its fiscal Q3 2015 financial results conference call at 2:00 PM Pacific, and MacRumors will update this story with coverage of the conference call highlights.
Conference call starts at 2:00 PM Pacific – No need to refresh 
NASA gets a peek at two of Pluto’s smaller moons
NASA’s New Horizons is showering loads of attention on Pluto and its largest moon Charon, but what about the dwarf planet’s tinier moons? Don’t worry, the probe is giving these smaller celestial bodies their time in the spotlight. The spacecraft has delivered images of two moons, Nix and Hydra, that are detailed enough to give clues to their geography. Nix, for instance, has a reddish spot that might be a crater. Hydra, meanwhile, has an irregular shape that could easily remind you of a mutant potato.
If you’re not satisfied with these blurry shots, you won’t have to wait long for something better. More detailed images are coming, and you should see pictures of the two remaining moons (Kerberos and Styx) by mid-October. When that happens, humanity will have its first reasonably complete family portrait for one of the most distant objects in the Solar System.
[Image credit: NASA/JHUAPL/SWRI]
Filed under: Science
Source: NASA
‘The Good Dinosaur’ trailer: Pixar makes CGI look real
It’s a good year for Pixar fans: Inside Out was one of the studio’s best films in years, and we also have another to look forward to on November 25, The Good Dinosaur. Now we’ve got our best look at the film yet with its first official trailer, which features some of Pixar’s most photorealistic CGI work yet. The basic premise: What if the asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs 65 million years ago missed Earth? And what if humans and dinos evolved alongside each other? The film centers on an Apatosaurus named Arlo who’s separated from his family and befriends a young human named Spot. It’s a typical Pixar subversion of the “boy and his pet dinosaur” idea — this time, the human appears to be the pet. Pixar based the environments in the film on real locations to achieve that photorealistic look, complete with terrain data from around the world, Wired reports. The movie is reportedly low on dialog, but who needs it with imagery like this?
Via: Slashfilm
Source: YouTube
Microsoft reports a $2.1 billion loss in Q4
Microsoft’s earnings for the fourth quarter are in, and they show an operating loss of $2.1 billion, despite $22.2 billion in revenue (compared to $23.3 billion last year). A lot of that is due to the previously announced write-down for Nokia (and 7,800 job cuts) that caused an $7.5 billion hit. Of course, we knew that was coming, but the other news is that revenue and operating income were slightly down from last year too. Microsoft sold 8.4 million Lumia phones in Q4 (compared to 5.8 million last year), but revenue dropped 38 percent to $748 million, As the company looks forward to Windows 10, revenue for that division dropped 22 percent, a figure that it attributed to XP’s end-of-support cycle.
The net loss in Q4 amounted to $3.2 billion, which Bloomberg reports is its biggest loss ever. This occurs as Microsoft under new CEO Satya Nadella changes its approach to segments like hardware, and the cloud. It made more money from hardware, as revenue for Surface grew to $888 million and Xbox claimed a 27 percent gain. Even Bing is making more money, and says its market share in search has grown to 20.3 percent.
Developing…
Filed under: Microsoft
Source: Microsoft
AIVAnet 