Microsoft and Netflix help diversity by offering more parental leave
There are a few ways to increase the number of women working at tech companies. Intel is offering referral bonuses, for example, while other firms are trying more inclusive hiring policies. However, many companies don’t do much to accommodate motherhood — how are you supposed to feel welcome when you might have to take unpaid time off (or worse, quit) just to raise your newborn child? Microsoft and Netflix are clearly aware of that problem, though, as they’re boosting the level of paid parental leave offered to both mothers and fathers.
As of November 1st, Microsoft will up the amount of paid parental leave from 8 weeks to 12, with mothers getting both an additional 8 weeks after birth as well as more opportunities to use short-term disability benefits near their due dates. You can split that 12-week period into two, and return to work on a “half-time” basis if you’re not yet ready to jump in with both feet. Netflix, meanwhile, is promising “unlimited” parental leave in the first year after birth or an adoption. You can not only take off as much time as you need, but dictate your schedule. Want a brief stint of full-time work, or a few months part-time? You’re set.
It’s too soon to tell how well these measures will help an industry where women face numerous other challenges, such as an educational culture that tends to discourage women engineers. With that said, the moves should help mitigate (and sometimes eliminate) the child-or-career dilemma that frequently crops up in the tech world, where the relentless pace and frequent overtime can make it very hard to have a family life. This doesn’t do much to create time for your kid later on, but it at least gives you a chance to settle in to your parental role before making big decisions about your working hours.
[Image credit: Alamy]
Source:
Official Microsoft Blog, Netflix Blog
Tags: children, diversity, maternityleave, microsoft, netflix, parentalleave, parents, paternityleave, women
Adidas buys Runtastic to boost its fitness tech
Adidas is no stranger to technology by any means, but it clearly feels that it needs a leg up — the fitness equipment maker has bought fitness tech firm Runtastic for just shy of $240 million. Both companies are wonderfully vague about what the deal entails, beyond extolling the virtues of a “perfect match” and helping Adidas “unleash its knowledge of sport.” However, you’ll be glad to hear that this isn’t likely to deprive you of those all-important apps or wearables. Runtastic will live as a separate entity within Adidas, and it doesn’t expect much to change on a day-to-day basis. For the most part, this means more cash and technical possibilities.
The deal could help Adidas keep pace with a fitness industry where having a good app is as important as a high-performance pair of athletic shoes. Runtastic got its start in activity-tracking software, and it could help fend off Nike and other competitors that have a strong track record with apps. Also, the smaller company has experience with technology that Adidas hasn’t really explored, like virtual reality — this gives Adidas some know-how that it would otherwise have to develop from scratch.
Filed under:
Wearables, Software
Tags: acquisition, adidas, fitness, health, runtastic, software, sports, wearable
Moto X Pure Edition (2015) gets new options in MotoMaker
MotoMaker will have new customization options for the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition (2015).
This new Moto X, which is scheduled to appear in September of this year with a minimum $399.99 price-point, can be stylized with Anodized AL frames. Colors for the frames include Champagne, Dark Gray, and Silver. Keep in mind that Motorola may have more exclusive choices for the device planned.
Also, expect the current range of options available to the regular Moto X. These include accents in colors such as Metallic Orange, Metallic Lemone, Metallic Blue, and Metallic Red, a White or Black front, four choices for leather panels, and four choices for wood panels.
With MotoMaker, Motorola easily could have given less options, and still, it would have been seen as unique and pro-consumer. And yet, the company’s willingness to give more customizations with each year also shows its commitment to stay relevant in an industry where even smartphones by one manufacturer can look similar to that of a competitor.
Source: Android Community via Droid-Life
The post Moto X Pure Edition (2015) gets new options in MotoMaker appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung puts an end to Boxee’s secret project, lays off dozens of employees
The plan for Samsung to develop a dedicated media tablet to replace the television remote has come to an end. The team working on the project, largely Boxee employees that transferred to Samsung in 2013, have been laid off as a result. The project, known internally as Perfect Experience, would have competed with Chromecast and other streaming devices while being unique.
Variety, the publication that learned of PX’s cancellation, describes what Samsung was working on:
At the center of PX, which had been in development for around two years, was a dedicated media tablet that aimed to replace the traditional TV remote. The tablet was supposed to give users access to a unified guide with listings of live TV and streaming content with a custom-built user interface that looked unlike any traditional multi-purpose mobile device, according to multiple sources familiar with the project.
Content from streaming services and television providers were among the partnerships Samsung was seeking out. Other than that, PX probably would have operated like Android TV does today. The only difference would have been the hardware and software controlling everything. Samsung likely would have had an advantage by bundling the tablet with its high-end televisions.
A debut was initially pegged for CES 2015, but delays pushed the launch to late 2015. Following even more delays, a release was forced into 2016. Variety reports that content providers were balking at Samsung’s desire to have content embedded into PX’s guide; therefore, users would have been able to skip apps entirely. Organizational conflict was also mentioned as a possibility leading to the project’s end.
Former Boxee CEO Aver Ronen was working with Samsung, too, and is among the employees that have left Samsung.
A Samsung representative commented on the report: “It is our policy to not comment on rumors, speculation or personnel matters.” The rep went on to note that the company will continue investing in areas that “enhance the Samsung experience” for consumers.
Come comment on this article: Samsung puts an end to Boxee’s secret project, lays off dozens of employees
Adidas acquires fitness application Runtastic
The popular Runtastic fitness app that helps people keep track of their fitness has been acquired by Adidas. A member from Runtastic’s team mentioned that no changes will be made to the application for some time. Runtastic believes Adidas is the perfect match to expand their business and hopes the acquisition will bring endless new opportunities and possibilities for users. The deal seems to have gone for around $250 million and will give Adidas control of nearly 70 million users that are currently active on Runtastic.
Runtastic’s staff will continue to work from Vienna and San Francisco. Adidas, on the other hand, is striving to keep up with competitors like Nike and Under Armour. Nike has its own fitness service associated with its Fuelband and it’s already used by many people around the world. Under Armour recently acquired the app MyFitnessPal and is looking to expand on its own fitness platform, Record.
The mobile world has become a great place for users to keep track of their health and activities throughout the day. Fitness apps can help users stay hydrated, stay fit, give training tips and allow people to look back at their history of a run, bike ride or jog. These are becoming more and more popular as we near the second half of 2015, and Adidas wants to make sure it stays competitive.
Source: Runtastic
adidas Group acquires Runtastic
August 5, 2015 – Herzogenaurach, Germany / Linz, Austria – The adidas Group and runtastic GmbH today announced that adidas AG has acquired all outstanding shares of runtastic GmbH. The transaction values Runtastic at an enterprise value of € 220 million.
In line with the Group’s strategic business plan ‘Creating the New’, this acquisition reinforces the adidas Group’s commitment to inspire and enable athletes of all levels to harness the power of sport in their lives. Runtastic’s vision for 2020 that every individual lives a more aware and active lifestyle leading to a longer, happier life means the adidas Group has found a perfect partner that fully understands the potential of the convergence of sport, digital and data in an always connected and always on-demand world.
The adidas brand was the first in the industry to comprehensively bring data analytics to the athlete. With decades of continuous investment in sports science, sensor technology, wearables and digital communication platforms, there is no other sports company that has done more to innovate sports and change the game through technology. adidas’ variety of digitally enabled products such as balls, wrist devices, apparel, shoes, web and phone apps goes unmatched. No other sports company has the diversity of sports and fitness activity coverage and understanding of data related to athletes’ physiology and motion in play – from pro athletes, world record holders, professional sports and college teams to athletes of all levels right down to kids in gym class.
Combining Runtastic’s and the adidas Group’s capabilities brings the adidas Group in a prime position to unleash its knowledge of sport. Runtastic’s fast pace, dynamism and high energy will speed up the adidas Group’s ability to reach both partners’ combined vision to make sport inspiring and part of everyone’s lives – creating unexpected sports experiences that will resonate and clearly stand out in a crowded and constantly changing landscape.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Pasching near Linz, Austria, Runtastic has shown tremendous growth in a short period of time. With more than 140 million downloads and around 70 million registered users, Runtastic has a strong and unique industry position. Available in 18 languages, Runtastic is already one of the most diverse global players in the health and fitness app market, operating a multi-app strategy with over 20 apps covering a wide variety of endurance, health and fitness activities. Through a highly engaged and active user base, the company has already established solid revenue and earnings streams. With high user satisfaction, an impressive pipeline of innovative concepts and relentless speed to market, momentum is expected to remain robust in the coming years.
With 50.1% ownership, Axel Springer SE through its subsidiary Axel Springer Digital Ventures GmbH was the major shareholder of runtastic GmbH. Other main shareholders were Austrian business angel Dr. Johann Hansmann and company founders Florian Gschwandtner, Alfred Luger, René Giretzlehner and Christian Kaar who will continue to run Runtastic within the adidas Group.
“Digital technologies are providing new capabilities and insights to help athletes of all levels take control of their sporting destiny – whether improving their performance, sharing their experiences, or creating their own great social moments of sport,” commented Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group. “This investment will add considerable value on our journey to deliver new world-class sports experiences. In addition, it offers the opportunity to grow a highly engaged athlete user base and leverage the power of our broad product portfolio. Therefore, I am very happy to welcome Runtastic’s passionate employees and their 70 million active athletes and sports lovers to the adidas Group family.”
“adidas is the perfect strategic partner for Runtastic and we are very eager to leverage our business in new and unique ways in the future,” said Florian Gschwandtner, Runtastic CEO and Co-Founder. “By bringing cutting-edge input from our leading position in the digital space to one of the great world leaders in the sports and fitness industry, I am personally looking forward to pleasing and surprising new and loyal users with the best products in the world. Together, we will make exceptional and unexpected things happen.”
Signing and closing of the transaction have both taken place simultaneously, today. In connection with the transaction, Deutsche Bank is acting as financial advisor to the adidas Group, and Ashurst LLP and Schoenherr are serving as legal counsel. Allen & Company LLC is acting as financial advisor to Runtastic and Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP and 42law are serving as legal counsel.
Come comment on this article: Adidas acquires fitness application Runtastic
The Wirecutter’s best deals: an iPad case, 2TB hard drive, and more
This post was created in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read their continuously updated list of deals at TheWirecutter.com.
You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.
Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro iPad Air 2 Keyboard Case White
Street Price: $120; MSRP: $150; Deal Price: $100
This is a great deal on one of our upcoming top picks. It regularly sells around $120, and this is the lowest price we’ve seen on the case. The price matches one we saw very briefly during a Lightning Deal on Amazon’s Prime Day, but unlike that sale this deal price is only available on the white version of the case.
The Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro is our upcoming pick for the best iPad Air 2 keyboard case. Dan Frakes writes, “It’s not cheap, but it’s the most versatile and complete keyboard case on the market thanks to a good keyboard with all the keys in the right places, backlit keys, multi-device pairing, multiple angles, landscape and portrait orientation, and a detachable top case for when you don’t need the keyboard.”
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable Hard Drive
Street Price: $90; MSRP: $130; Deal Price: $80 with code EMCAWAS23
To get this deal price, use the code EMCAWAS23 when checking out (you’ll also need a Newegg login). This matches the best price we’ve ever seen on this drive. It dropped to this price a couple of times during last year’s holiday season, but since then the deals have been rare.
The 2TB Seagate Backup Plus Slim is our top pick for best portable hard drive. Kimber Streams called it “the best portable hard drive for most people because it’s reliable and sturdily built. It’s also more compact, lighter, and faster than our previous recommendation.”
Beyerdynamic MMX 102iE In-Ear Headphones
Street Price: $98; MSRP: $139; Deal Price: $79
Over the last couple of months these headphones have settled around a $100 street price while occasionally dropping to $90. While only about $10 better than those drops, this deal is the lowest price we’ve ever seen.
These are our pick for the best $100 in-ear headphones. Lauren Dragan said they “are small, comfortable, fit everyone well and have a pleasing sound profile.”
She added that they have very light earbuds with nothing pulling them down so that “Once you have these in place, they don’t move around much. In fact, they were so comfortable that I could see myself forgetting that they were in my ears.”
UE MEGABOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Street Price: $300; MSRP: $300; Deal Price: $270
While we’ve seen a much better price through T-Mobile way back in May, where it was available for $216 with a promo code, this speaker rarely goes on sale. This $30 off deal can be found at both Amazon and Best Buy and all colors are available.
The UE Megaboom is our pick for the best water-resistent Bluetooth speaker. Brent Butterworth said, “The Megaboom is an upscale outdoor Bluetooth speaker in every way. It features a rugged design that’s IPX7-rated (more on this rating in a moment), so it’s truly waterproof down to 1 meter. It plays loud enough to fill a patio with sound, and it has enough bass to get you dancing (if you’re so inclined). It’s small enough to pack in a suitcase or beach bag. It works with a free iOS/Android app that accesses several special sound modes plus some cool, useful features. It’s expensive at $300, but you get a lot for those three bills.”
Deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.
Tags: Backup Plus Slim, belkin, Beyerdynamic, deals, Megaboom, MMX 102iE, partner, QODE Ultimate Pro, seagate, syndicated, thewirecutter, UE, UE Megaboom, wirecutter
Tell us how you really feel about Windows 10
Windows 10 became available for download last week, and in our review we hailed it as the “most refined desktop experience ever from Microsoft.” We were able to recommend it “without any hesitation,” and with free upgrades for Windows 7 and 8 users, there are plenty of reasons to give it a shot. Sure, a few other outlets have reported running into some bugs, which might be a good reason to hold back. But that didn’t stop over 14 million people from making the leap within the first 24 hours. So, we’d like to know what our intrepid readers think. Write us a user review on Engadget’s Windows 10 database page to tell us all about the highs and lows of what Microsoft is calling “the last version of Windows ever,” and we’ll feature the most interesting or insightful ones in an upcoming post.
Comments have been turned off for this post; please go to the Windows 10 page to write a review. If you don’t have a database account, sign up here!
Filed under:
Software, Microsoft
Tags: microsoft, userreviewroundup, userreviews, Windows, Windows 10, Windows10
Google’s Nexus devices are getting monthly security updates
Samsung isn’t the only Android device maker promising monthly security updates in light of huge exploits like the Stagefright flaw. Google itself is vowing that Nexus devices will get monthly over-the-air patches, starting with software arriving today. If you own a Nexus 4 or any newer model, you won’t have to wait ages for these fixes to come as part of a point release. The duration of update coverage remains the same. You’ll get major OS updates for at least 2 years, and security fixes for either 3 years after launch or 18 months after your device leaves the Google Store.
This is an easier move for Google to make than Samsung, since it’s patching stock Android and doesn’t usually have to deal with the complications of carrier- or region-specific models. However, it’s also an important step that could set an example for Android partners that haven’t adopted the monthly schedule. Google clearly knows that the platform’s overall security suffers when neglectful hardware makers leave reasonably modern devices vulnerable for months (or forever, in some cases) — this tells companies that they no longer have an excuse.
Photo by Will Lipman.
Filed under:
Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google
Source:
Android Official Blog
Tags: android, google, mobilepostcross, nexus, security, smartphone, stagefright, tablet, update
Expect Nexus devices to receive monthly security updates from now on
Amid the concerns of Android’s Stagefright vulnerability, Google has commented on the protection of its own devices. Nexus devices ranging from the Nexus 7 to the Nexus 6 will now be covered by monthly security updates. The company pointed out that Android being open source means that potential security risks can be identified and addressed by anyone to strengthen the platform.
Nexus devices have always been among the first Android devices to receive platform and security updates. From this week on, Nexus devices will receive regular OTA updates each month focused on security, in addition to the usual platform updates.
Starting today, at least seven Nexus devices are receiving the first monthly security update. The Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player are all protected from the Stagefright vulnerability in addition to receiving other smaller fixes. Any changes made will be added to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Google reminds everyone that Nexus devices will receive major software updates for at least years years while security patches continue for as long as three years.
People have long bashed Google and Android for not being secure, but the company notes that its decisions are responsible for there being less than 0.15% of devices with a potentially harmful app installed.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Expect Nexus devices to receive monthly security updates from now on
YouTube defaulting to ‘301+’ views is no more
When a video quickly earns hundreds or thousands of views on YouTube, the view count defaults to displaying ‘301+’ views. There are, of course, many more views than that. Thankfully, YouTube has finally decided to put an end to the ambiguity of ‘301+’ while getting rid of it entirely.
YouTube explained that the view count would automatically stop when surpassing 300 views to check for spam. A few hours later, when all views became validated, the view count would update to reflect how many people (and not robots) watched a video.
Views will now be counted from “real people as they’re recorded” to keep things moving along. Basically, YouTube is implementing a filter that makes decisions quicker than before. The diagram above, which YouTube created to show how the processor has changed, compares storing views in a basket to redirecting them in a pipe.
@MoonlightByAG WE SALUTE YOUR AWESOMENESS
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) August 5, 2015
And we salute you too, YouTube.
Source: YouTube Creators (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: YouTube defaulting to ‘301+’ views is no more
AIVAnet 