Apple’s OS X El Capitan launches on September 30th
Apple’s latest desktop OS upgrade, dubbed “El Capitan,” is scheduled to launch on September 30th, Apple announced today. El Capitan is like an update within an update: It’s named after a landmark inside of Yosemite (the name of the previous OS version) and it features a series of minor, yet useful, tweaks. El Capitan offers a new split-screen view, changes to email and app management, drag-and-drop options for Notes, and updates to Safari and Maps, among other improvements. We got our hands on the developer build back in June and concluded it was a nice upgrade, if not revolutionary: “There simply is no killer feature this time around. But as minor as some of them may seem, they’re all at the very least nice to have, and in many cases genuinely useful.”
Apple teased the El Capitan release date yesterday with a sneaky little screenshot during its iPad Pro event:
Filed under:
Misc, Software, Apple
Source:
Apple
Tags: apple, ElCapitan, iphone2015, OSX, osxelcapitan
BBC to create ‘personalised radio’ that switches between stations
The BBC offers a mixture of local and national radio stations aimed at different types of listeners. Want the latest chart-toppers? Radio 1 has your back. Prefer something classical? Just switch to Radio 3 instead. The problem is that many Brits have eclectic music tastes spanning more than one station. To stop listeners from tuning out, the broadcaster is planning a personalised radio service — a single stream that intelligently switches between live and on-demand broadcasting based on your preferences. So let’s say you like the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, which runs from 6 to 9am. But you also love Lauren Laverne’s show on Radio 6 Music, which kicks off at 10am — the service would, in theory, change stations automatically, and maybe throw in a podcast for the hour in between.
“This will be based on understanding what you normally listen to, what you like, what you don’t like and linking this to factors such as time, location and what device you’re listening on,” the BBC says in a blog post. If such a smart, dynamic service sounds too good to be true, that’s probably because it is — at least right now, anyway. The BBC says it’ll be taking “some early steps” to put it all together over the next year. It’s certainly a novel concept, and something Apple can’t copy unless it creates a bunch of extra radio stations.
Filed under:
Internet
Source:
About the BBC
Tags: bbc, bbcradio, iplayer, iplayerradio, personalised, radio
New Google Wallet app is now in the Play Store
Google Wallet has taken a change of direction now that the future of mobile payments for Google is Android Pay, and is instead focusing on sending and receiving money.
With that in mind, there is a new revamped Google Wallet app that is making its way onto the Google Play Store as a new download rather than an update.
There’s a new icon for Google Wallet and also a color scheme change, but the main difference is how it works, allowing users to deposit and withdraw, and send and receive payments within the US for free.
Once you’ve downloaded the new Google Wallet, the old app will remain on your launcher – perhaps that will become Android Pay when it launches?
The post New Google Wallet app is now in the Play Store appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Verizon: Motorola Moto X Pure Edition will work on our network
Thinking about picking up a new Motorola Moto X Pure Edition but wondering whether it will work with Verizon’s network? Fear not, the carrier has reportedly made it clear that the smartphone will have no issues with activation.
According to a statement given to Droid Life, Verizon customers should be able to activate the unlocked handset with a service plan. Moreover, existing customers who already have a nano-SIM can simply insert it into the device.
We had hoped there would be no issue with this, of course, especially since Motorola proudly says the phone “works on on all major networks”. Then again, who knows when it comes to dealing with Verizon and its whole certification process?
If interested in ordering the unlocked handset, you can head to Motorola’s website to pick one up. What’s more, you can customize one of these through the Moto Maker with prices starting at $399.
We expect to have a review unit shortly and can’t wait to check out Motorola’s latest flagship experience. What about you? Are you anxious to try one of these for yourself?
The post Verizon: Motorola Moto X Pure Edition will work on our network appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Deal: learn to build robots with the Makeblock Arduino Starter Kit for only $79.99
Learning to program and put together hardware can be intimidating, but given the right tools it can also turn into a fun and productive experience. Have you ever thought about playing with Arduino to make your own robots? You can now learn to do it without breaking the bank. The AA Deals Store is currently selling the Makeblock Arduino Starter Robot Kit for only $79.99, a 46% discount over the product’s original price.
This Makeblock kit will give you the ability to construct a remote-controlled tank or car, which will make the learning experience about as fun as it can get. The included instructions will walk you through all the necessary steps, from programming to building the robot. It is a very user-friendly bundle and users don’t even need to practice any soldering. All the wiring is simple and very clean.
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The best part is you can take all your acquired knowledge and skills to step into an even bigger world of programming and electronics. Your imagination is truly the limit. The only requirement is that you 6 AA and a CR2025 batteries. Everything else is included in the Makeblock Arduino Starter Robot Kit.
Get building by signing up for the MakeBlock Arduino Starter Robot Kit over at the AA Deals Store. It’s only $79.99 to get your right foot into the realm of robotics. Go grab yours while the deal is hot!
Buy the Makeblock Arduino Starter Robot Kit for $79.99!
Pokemon Go is an AR game that lets you “catch ’em all” in real life
Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a recovering addict. During the late-90s and into the earlier 2000s I had a problem, I just had to catch ’em all. Eventually I learned to kick the habit, though I’ve had a few relapses over the years. If you too are a Pokemon addict, you might be intrigued to know that the series is leaping off Nintendo hardware and onto your smartphone in a big and unusual way.
Nintendo’s Pokemon Company has now introduced a new mobile-only experience dubbed Pokemon Go, in partnership with Niantic Labs, the creators of Ingress. While this isn’t the first time that Pokemon have appeared on mobile, this is certainly the most ambitious, and oddest, effort so far. Basically, Pokemon Go is Ingress with all your favorite Pokemon friends, including Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, and others.
Not much is known about the actual gameplay just yet, though the really cool and totally unrealistic video above certainly hypes up the concept. In reality, the AR game will probably play a lot like Ingress, with you wandering around the real world trying to find both wild pokemon and other trainers to challenge. Once you find your target, there will be some kind of onscreen battle to tie it all together. A lot of the gameplay elements remain unseen, though it appears that the visuals will be in 3D.
The Pokemon Company is also releasing a special optional wearable to help further augment the experience, called the Pokemon Go Plus. This smart wearable basically alerts you of nearby Pokemon, without the need to take out your phone. A cool idea, but probably only suitable for the most addicted Pokemon trainers out there.
Pokemon Go is slated for release sometime in 2016 as a free game, though there will be some sort of in-app purchase system. It is currently unclear if this title was created as part of the Nintendo/DeNA arrangement, but either way I have to admit I’m curious to see how this one unfolds. Although Ingress had a following, it never took off in a massive way. Can the mainstream-recognized Pokemon franchise help AR gaming take off in a bigger way? Let us know what you think in the comments.
8 best rhythm games for Android
Rhythm games have always had a home in the hearts of its loyal fanbase. Between DDR and Guitar Hero (Rock Band) brought the genre into the mainstream but it’s still a little niche on mobile. Even so, there are a few really good rhythm games for Android. Let’s take a look at them.
Beats, Advanced Rhythm Game
[Price: Free]
Beats, Advanced Rhythm Game is your standard DDR-style rhythm game. You have the standard left, right, up, down arrows and plenty of songs to play. It’s anime-themed so if you’re into that kind of culture, you’ll like how the game is designed. Perhaps the best part is the game operates almost exclusively on user-generated step-files submitted to the developers using StepMania which is kind of unique. There’s a lot of content and it works well.
BeatX
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
BeatX is another DDR-style rhythm game with bright graphics and plenty of content. The game boasts over 100,000 levels which is simply ridiculous. There is also a split-screen multiplayer mode included although it is a bit of a drag on a smartphone. It also claims to support game pads, dance mats, and more via USB OTG which is something different and fun. You can also add your own step files if you want to (in .sm, .smzip, and .dwi). It’s a good, deep option with a lot of stuff to do.
Cytus
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Cytus is the highest rated rhythm game on the list with an astounding 4.7 rating after 300,000+ ratings. It’s not as large as some other games as it includes over 100 songs in what it calls “over 200 variations” from various composers. Everything is wrapped up in very well done hand-drawn graphics and smooth mechanics. This also features a sort of campaign mode to give you a reason to come back and keep playing. It’s something different and fun.
Deemo
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Deemo is another rhythm game from Rayark, the same developers who did Cytus. Thus, you know what kind of stuff to expect with this one. Much like Cytus, there is a story line, extremely well-done music, hand-drawn graphics, over 100 songs available in total (40 in the free version) and good game play. Pretty much everything that holds true for Cytus is also true for Deemo. If you liked one, check the other out too.
Music Hero
[Price: Free]
Music Hero is a simple rhythm game that’s done in the style of Guitar Hero with colored pods you must tap in rhythm to the song. It boasts the ability for users to use their own songs but also comes with pre-loaded songs in case your music collection is small or that feature ends up not working for you. It’s a simple game without a lot of flashy elements but it’s a solid experience for those who want something simple.
Piano Holic
[Price: Free / $3.55]
Piano Holic is a unique rhythm game that has you playing songs on at least part of a piano. Instead of having a few buttons, this one has many and that makes it both harder and more fun in most cases. It features over 100 songs in four difficulties and includes both tapping and swiping to hit notes. There is also a grading scale, combos, and other elements that you’d find in a classic rhythm game. It’s something a little more difficult for those who want the challenge.
Santa Rockstar
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Yes, this, in fact, exists. This holiday-themed rhythm game has you playing as a rocker Santa Claus as you use the power of rock to deliver presents. Obviously, a game like this should be saved for the appropriate time of the year but it’s actually a fairly decent rhythm game done in the style of Guitar Hero. It contains a decent soundtrack even if there aren’t many tracks compared to other games. It’s fun to rock out during the holiday season.
TunesHolic
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
TunesHolic is last on the list for now and it’s a pretty good experience overall. It uses a flatter, more Rock Band style mechanics which is great if you’re good at precision. It features the ability to auto-create step files using your own music and pre-loaded songs for you to play as well. It has some freemium elements which feels weird but you can get around them with patience usually. Overall, not bad.
Wrap up
If we missed any great rhythm games, let us know about them in the comments below! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, feel free to subscribe to our weekly newsletter using the button below!
To see our complete list of Android apps and games lists, click here!
AMD spins off Radeon graphics into new division
AMD has formed a new Radeon graphics division and put its highly-regarded CTO, Raja Koduri, in charge. The Radeon Technologies Group will run quasi-independently of AMD with the goal of recapturing market share from NDVIDIA and “staking leadership positions in new markets such as virtual and augmented reality,” according to CEO Dr. Lisa Su. Koduri is a key figure in the graphics industry who developed the first DirectX 9 graphics cards. He later helped Apple build its Retina program during a tenure as graphics CTO before returning to AMD in 2013.
When AMD bought ATI for $5.4 billion in 2006, its aim was to develop all-in-one “APU” chips that do both graphics and CPU chores. That worked out well in some ways, as both the Xbox One and Playstation 4 consoles use custom versions of its 64-bit APUs. However, AMD’s processors and graphics cards haven’t fared well against its main rivals, Intel and NVIDIA, and sales have dropped precipitously since it bought ATI.
So why the split? Under Koduri’s leadership, the company wants Radeon to flourish on its own as a “more agile, vertically-integrated graphics organization,” as Su put it. New technologies like 4K and virtual reality demand the latest graphics technology, and “AMD is one of the few companies with the engineering talent and IP to make emerging immersive computing opportunities a reality,” said Koduri. On the other hand, VR and immersive tech is brand new, so nobody’s making any money from it yet.
It’s possible that AMD is priming its Radeon division for a sale, though it’s also rumored to be getting a private equity cash injection. Either way, the company needs to turn things around quickly — despite the console success, its market share in both discreet and graphics card sales has tumbled. If anyone can turn things around, it’s Koduri, but he certainly has his work cut out for him.
Filed under:
Desktops, Gaming, Laptops
Via:
Games Industry
Source:
AMD
Tags: AMD, chips, Graphics, Radeon, spinoff
Office 2016 starts rolling out on September 22
Microsoft’s next major Office update is now only a few weeks away: the software giant just announced that it will start rolling out Office 2016 starting on September 22. While it’s not nearly as exciting as new hardware, it’s still a significant release for Microsoft. It’ll be the first version of Office built specifically for Windows 10, and it also brings in some long-awaited features like real-time co-authoring and the addition of OneDrive attachments in Outlook. It also comes a few months after we saw the release of Office 2016 for Macs. You can still get a taste for Office 2016 on PCs today with the Public Preview, and it looks like you’ll be able to easily upgrade to the final versions of those apps once they’re available.
Filed under:
Software, Microsoft
Tags: microsoft, Office2016
California demands Verizon, AT&T pay for own network investigations
The California Public Utilities Commission has decided to launch an investigation into both Verizon and AT&T, claiming both networks failed to consistently provide quality service to their customers. What’s more, the CAPUC is insisting that the carriers pay for the investigation themselves. The investigations were first proposed back in the winter of 2010 after storms repeatedly knocked out services to customers. In 2011, the commission found that neither network was restoring services after outages within prescribed (and standardized) time limits. By 2013, the PUC had decided a “study of carrier network infrastructure, facilities, policies, and practices” was necessary and culminated at the end of last month after the PUC rejected Verizon and AT&T’s complaints of financial responsibility.
According to AT&T, the PUC’s service metric is “inherently flawed” and should be eliminated given the “competitive market” in which it operates. Verizon, conversely, has argued that both networks are “healthy and reliable,” so long as one doesn’t base that assessment off of metrics employed by the PUC. The PUC however shot back, stating that regulated entities aren’t allowed to dictate how government regulators may regulate them or by what metrics regulators can use: “All existing service measures and standards remain in place at this time, and cannot be simply disregarded at the regulated entity’s request.”
Moving forward, CAPUC will launch the investigation — employing an independent investigator — and report back regarding their “progress towards its completion” within six months. Within three months, the PUC will need to report its progress towards collecting funding from the two carriers.
[Image Credit: Associated Press]
Filed under:
Internet, Verizon, AT&T
Via:
Ars Technica
Source:
CA PUC
Tags: Associated Press, att, California, California Public Utilities Commission, CAPUC, PublicUtilitiesCommission, verizon
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