Microsoft works on an app that reads the news to you
Microsoft is testing a new app called NewsCast, which makes a playlist of news story summaries and reads them to you, according to Neowin. The publication came across a page on the Microsoft Azure Web Sites domain that had the app for download. In it, the company mentioned that the program was created by the Bing team and is meant to make commutes more productive, since you can listen to playlist even while driving. Unfortunately, the download’s no longer available, but Neowin managed to take some screenshots that you can see below the fold.
NewsCast reportedly uses Bing’s text-to-speech program to read out blurbs that last 30 seconds each, though the voice isn’t as organic as Cortana’s. It allows you to save summaries for later and also has a feedback button that launches a three-question survey for testers. Curiously, the app that was on Azure was available only for iOS devices, though it’s probably because a lot of Microsoft employees/testers use iPhones and iPads. As you can see, it’s not quite identical to the breaking news app Facebook’s reportedly developing, as well, but the two could very well be rivals in the future.
[Image credit: JeepersMedia/Flickr, Neowin]
Filed under:
Misc, Mobile, Microsoft
Via:
PCWorld
Source:
Neowin
Tags: app, ios, iphone, microsoft, mobilepostcross
Apple is upgrading the Magic Mouse and Wireless Keyboard
To put it mildly, Apple’s input device roster hasn’t changed much in recent years. The Magic Mouse hasn’t really been touched since 2009, and the Wireless Keyboard is even older than that. The Cupertino crew must be ready to shake things up, though: regulatory filings for both a Magic Mouse 2 and an updated Wireless Keyboard have shown up at the FCC. It’s not certain how the external designs will change (there’s no peek at the top of either model), but they’re definitely going to get an internal upgrade. The peripherals are jumping from Bluetooth 2.0 to the more efficient Bluetooth 4.2 standard, and it looks like they may ditch AA batteries for built-in lithium-ion packs — you might not have to swap batteries ever again. While there aren’t any clues as to when Apple will deliver either the mouse or the keyboard, we won’t be shocked if the two show up alongside new Macs sometime later this year.
Filed under:
Peripherals, Apple
Via:
9to5Mac
Source:
FCC (Magic Mouse 2), (Wireless Keyboard)
Tags: apple, bluetooth, bluetooth4.2, fcc, keyboard, magicmouse, mouse, peripherals, wirelesskeyboard
New Huawei Nexus 6 renders show off the device’s rear-mounted fingerprint scanner
Although we haven’t heard any official details from anyone quite yet, it’s seeming more and more likely that we’ll get two Nexus devices from Google this year. LG and Huawei are the two manufacturers rumored to produce the hardware this time around, and we’ve already heard some pretty believable rumors about the two smartphones’ specifications and design qualities. On top of that, some renders that surfaced the other day, courtesy of popular leaker @OnLeaks, gave us a glimpse at what the upcoming LG Nexus may look like.
Today it looks like we’re getting another set of renders from the same sources, this time of the rumored Huawei Nexus device. In the leak, the smartphone is referred to as the “Huawei Nexus 6 2015″. The renders shown off in this post are based on detailed blueprints of the device sent out to third-party accessory manufacturers, so the dimensions might be accurate, but the overall design will probably be a little different.
Don’t miss: Huawei and Google: it’s more than just the Nexus
As you can see in the video and images attached to this post, the Huawei Nexus 6 looks to feature the same rear-mounted fingerprint scanner as the one found in the LG Nexus. The renders also show off a device that features a 5.7-inch screen, though the leak explains Huawei may be testing two different screen sizes – 5.7-inches and 5.5-inches – either of which may end up coming to market.
The leak also explains the device will measure 159.4 x 78.3 x 6.6/8.5mm, which backs up previous claims of the device’s measurements. We can also see from the renders that the device will sport a USB Type-C port, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Just a few days ago, @OnLeaks outed some specs for both the Huawei and LG devices, claiming that the upcoming Huawei Nexus could feature a 5.7-inch display and an all-metal body. The LG Nexus, on the other hand, is rumored to boast a 5.2-inch display and measure 146.9 x 72.9 x 8/9.8mm. Both devices will supposedly come with front-facing speakers and USB Type-C ports.
Since we can’t vouch for the validity of these supposed renders or specs, be sure to take this information with a grain of salt. But seeing as how new Nexus devices are normally launched towards the end of October, we should begin to see some more leaked models and renders show up sometime soon.
AT&T helped the NSA spy on the UN’s internet traffic
It’s no secret that telecoms have cooperated with the US’ surveillance efforts, but at least one was unusually eager to help out. Thanks to Edward Snowden leaks, both the New York Times and ProPublica have discovered that AT&T not only agreed to aid the National Security Agency’s spying campaigns for decades, but has shown an “extreme willingness” to participate. It was the first to start forwarding internet metadata (like email participants) to the NSA in 2003, and was quick to offer call metadata in 2011. Moreover, AT&T helped the NSA snoop on the all of the internet traffic at the United Nations’ New York City headquarters — Snowden’s leaks had previously revealed that the UN monitoring was taking place, but not the carrier involved.
AT&T isn’t commenting on the news. However, it’s important to note that this wasn’t the only carrier cooperating with the NSA. Verizon* was part of another program that spied on foreign-to-foreign traffic, and there’s no question that it, Sprint and other US carriers have complied with bulk data requests. The difference is that AT&T has been disproportionately involved in the NSA’s intelligence gathering. The NSA’s AT&T-related program drew more than twice as much funding as the next-closest initiative, and the company has many more surveillance nodes on its internet hubs. There’s a concern that AT&T, despite its gestures toward transparency, has been overly ready to sacrifice its customers’ privacy in the name of security.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Paul Sancya]
Filed under:
Networking, Internet, Mobile, AT&T
Source:
New York Times, ProPublica
Tags: att, edwardsnowden, fairview, internet, metadata, mobilepostcross, networking, nsa, spying, stormbrew, surveillance, un, unitednations
New ‘Magic Mouse 2’ and Apple Wireless Keyboard With Bluetooth 4.2 Appear in FCC Filings
A group of filings posted to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission website yesterday (via SlashGear) reveal impending upgrades for Apple’s Magic Mouse and wireless keyboard accessories. Images accompanying the filings point to the Magic Mouse’s successor to simply be titled “Magic Mouse 2,” but no specific name for the new wireless keyboard has been revealed.
The internals of both devices will see a notable overhaul in their Bluetooth capabilities, with each device getting a bump from Bluetooth 2.1 to Bluetooth 4.2. The upgrade will bring about Apple accessories that should see a noticeable increase in battery life and more robust communication between the input devices and the main computer.
Also of note is the inclusion of integrated lithium battery packs, which users will have to charge instead of the swapping in traditional AA batteries as seen in the current generation of the Magic Mouse and Apple wireless keyboard. The change is noticeable on the wireless keyboard in particular, with Apple able to do away with the barrel shaped feature on the bottom of the existing keyboard where the replaceable AA batteries are housed.
Both the Magic Mouse 2 and wireless keyboard have undergone testing with “pre-production” builds of each device, so the possibility of a release sometime before or on Apple’s upcoming September iPhone media event may be likely.
‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ gets the director from ‘Jurassic World’
Star Wars: Episode VII isn’t even in theaters yet, but that isn’t stopping Disney and Lucasfilm from providing details about a movie two sequels ahead. They’ve announced that Colin Trevorrow, the director of Jurassic World, will helm Episode IX. Despite what it looks like, this isn’t just an attempt to cash in on the runaway financial (though not critical) success of Trevorrow’s dinosaur disaster flick. Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy says that she was “interested” in a team-up ever since she saw the meme-based movie Safety Not Guaranteed in 2012. Whatever you think of the decision, you’ll have to wait a while to see how well Trevorrow follows in the footsteps of Episode VII‘s JJ Abrams and VIII‘s Rian Johnson — the ninth title won’t reach movie houses until 2019.
That isn’t the only big Star Wars news today, either. Disney has revealed that it’s planning to add 14-acre Star Wars sections to California’s Disneyland theme park as well as Walt Disney World in Florida. They’ll include a “never-before-seen planet,” a trading port (shades of Mos Eisley, anyone?) and more. Among their attractions, you’ll get to both take control of the Millennium Falcon and sit in the middle of a “climactic battle.” Although it’s not clear just when these park sections will be ready, it’s safe to say that Star Tours will seem quaint by comparison.
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, HD
Source:
StarWars.com (1), (2)
Tags: ColinTrevorrow, disney, episodeix, hdpostcross, jurassicworld, lucasfilm, movies, sci-fi, starwars
Tracking glitch grounds over 100 US flights
Hopefully, you weren’t flying to or from the US East coast this weekend — if you were, there’s a real chance that a technical glitch ruined your trip. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that airlines cancelled legions of flights (around 134 in Baltimore and Washington DC, according to Flightaware) after an automated tracking system in Virginia went haywire. It’s not yet certain exactly what went wrong, but the incident triggered a ripple effect that delayed several hundred flights. One thing’s for sure: between this and United Airlines’ network chaos, technology is becoming an ever-larger factor in your ability to travel on time.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin]
Filed under:
Transportation
Source:
Reuters (Yahoo)
Tags: aircraft, airline, airlines, automation, flight, flighttracking, flying, grounded, transportation
Galaxy Note 5 is missing VR software
The Galaxy Note 5 was launched alongside the Galaxy S6 Edge+ at an event held in New York City this past Thursday. So far, the handset has received very mixed reviews. Although most are happy with what the Note 5 brings to the table, many are unsatisfied. As recently reported, the Note 5 won’t include many features that where found in its predecessor, the Note 4. Some of these include expandable storage, a removable battery and a missing IR blaster for controlling your TV or AV equipment. A new report on Reddit states the Note 5 also won’t come with VR support for last years headset.
Unfortunately for Samsung VR users, the Galaxy Note 5 won’t fit the VR headset designed for the Note 4. It looks like VR lovers will have to wait until the company releases a new headset designed for the newly released flagships. So far nothing has been leaked or teased on any upcoming VR equipment from Samsung, but don’t count it out. Samsung is scheduled to release its upcoming Gear S2 smartwatch at the IFA 2015 trade show in Berlin early this September and the company may just show us a sneak peak on what its plans our with Virtual Reality. Only time will tell.
Source: Samsung Gear VR (Reddit)
Come comment on this article: Galaxy Note 5 is missing VR software
Gionee GN9007 appears on Geekbench and TENAA, could be the Elife S7 Mini
A new mid-range Gionee model has surfaced on Geekbench and TENAA. Specifications indicate this may be the new Elife S7 Mini.
The mid-range handset has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels. It’s powered by a octa-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 SoC processor backed with 2GB of RAM. The handset includes a 13MP rear-facing camera and an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies and video chats. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop and includes 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to an additional 128GB. Other features include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a Micro USB, and built in GPS. 
The Gionee GN9007 measures 144.9 × 69.8 × 6mm and weighs only 124.6 grams. It will likely come in White and Black color options. So far there is no word on pricing or availability. Signs point towards a possible launch at IFA 2015.
Via: PhoneArena
Come comment on this article: Gionee GN9007 appears on Geekbench and TENAA, could be the Elife S7 Mini
Malaysian carrier offering reservations for OnePlus 2 invitations
Malaysian carrier Maxis is offering reservations for invitation to purchase the all-new OnePlus 2.
Maxis says the invites are limited quantity and are released on a first come first serve basis. At this time, there is still no word on when the official roll-out will begin, but you can expect it to start promptly. This could very well be your best chance at becoming one of the first people to own the new OnePlus 2 handset or 2016 flagship killer as OnePlus states. Register now before you lose out.
Buyers will need to supply their full name, a verification ID number, phone number and email address. Once provided and agreed to the terms, you’re good to go. Users can register and learn more at the Maxis link down below.
Here are some of the handset’s specification brought you by MDroid:
- 5.5-inch 1080p IPS NEO display
- Snapdragon 810 Octa Core processor
- 3/4GB of RAM
- 16/64 GB internal storage
- 13MP OIS rear camera/5MP front-facing camera
- Fingerprint sensor
- 3,300 mAh battery
- USB Type-C port
- Dual SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity
Come comment on this article: Malaysian carrier offering reservations for OnePlus 2 invitations
AIVAnet 