Watch these drones build a rope bridge
One of the big selling points of drones is that they can get to areas that aren’t exactly safe or accessible by humans. That’s why watching quadrocopters assembling a rope bridge that’s sturdy enough for a person to walk across is so damned awesome — it immediately calls to mind a real-world use scenario that probably all of us can relate to. The video below was filmed at RTH Zurich Flying Machine Arena in Switzerland, and, according to the YouTube description, aside from the scaffolding on either side of the bridge, the structure is “entirely realized by flying machines.” Every knot and braid in the 7.4 meter (just over 24 feet) bridge was tied by the UAVs using Dyneema rope. As Robohub tells it, the material has a low weight-to-strength ratio that makes it pretty great for aerial construction uses.
That isn’t the whole story, though. Before the first ropes are wrapped, the room in question is outfitted with motion capture devices that offer positional measurements that feed back into the custom-made drones. The researchers involved say that this experiment “acts as a demonstrator” and is the first effort showing that diminutive air-borne drones are able to build load-bearing structures at full scale. No, you can’t drive a tank over this, but the bridge is definitely more useful than drone-delivered mistletoe.
Via: Robohub
Source: ETH Zürich
Moments by Facebook is now available in “most countries”
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Back in June, Facebook announced a new app for Android and iOS that would feed into its main Facebook app: Moments by Facebook. The premise of the app is that at social events, we either end up taking a million of the same photo with multiple devices, or someone takes a photo and we never get a hold of it because that person never posts it up. Moments aims to ease that process of sharing by making it private and using grouping algorithms to make it easier for you to share groups of photos from any given day. When it was announced, Moments was only released for the US, but obviously that’s been enough of a success for Facebook to want to spread the love, announcing that the Moments app is now available in “most countries” – I can confirm that Australia is one of those countries.
Moments is a simple enough app – you can get to it via the main app in the options menu, and there are only so many things you can do from within the app. But for those people that take loads of pictures at events and need to distribute them, Moments is likely to be an app that will prove to be very useful.
http://playboard.me/widgets/pb-app-box/1/pb_load_app_box.jsWhat do you think about Moments by Facebook? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Facebook Newsroom
The post Moments by Facebook is now available in “most countries” appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
AVG says it can sell your browsing data in updated privacy policy
AVG has updated its privacy policy’s language, and in the amended document, the security firm admits that it can “make money from [its] free offerings with non-personal data.” These “non-personal” info include your device’s brand, language and apps in use, among other things. The company is adamant that it doesn’t sell anything with identifying information, and the data that it does collect is anonymized and stored without anything that can link it back to you. According to the updated policy, AVG can collect data you yourself provide — plus, it can use cookies to track your searchers and your activities on websites, apps and other products. It can then use those details to “build anonymous data profiles” or create statistical information, which it can then sell.
A spokesperson from the company told Wired UK that AVG updated the language to be more transparent and make sure people know that it can make money off its free products using their information. The new rules will take effect on October 15th, 2015 and by continuing to use AVG after that, you already agree to the collection — unless you take the steps to opt out. The spokesperson said that “users who do not want [the security firm] to use non-personal data in this way will be able to turn it off.”
[Image credit: CharlieAJA/Getty]
Via: Wired
Source: AVG Privacy Policy
Apple Pay gets ready to launch in China
Apple is thriving in China, so you can imagine that it’s practically salivating at the thought of launching Apple Pay in the country — and it looks like that may happen relatively soon. The state-backed newspaper Wenhui News has learned that Apple quietly registered a payment business in Shanghai’s free trade zone back in June. While it wasn’t exactly clear what this would entail at the time, Wall Street Journal sources claim that the new business exists chiefly to bring Apple Pay to China. This doesn’t guarantee an imminent debut (Apple still has to line up banks and stores), but the groundwork is now in place. If all goes well, it shouldn’t be too long before tapping your iPhone will buy goods in Beijing.
Google has sent out invites to Sept 29th event to likely announce new Nexus devices
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It was foretold that September 29th would be the day that Google would be announcing something, and now Google has sent out invites to an event that day. In the not-so-subtle invite, Google says to “join us for some tast new treats and much s’more” – in case that’s too much of an Americanism for you, a smore is a cracker sandwich with marshmallow and chocolate inside. No doubt this is referring to the official release of Android Marshmallow, though in true Google style, doesn’t give away anything else.
However, that’s not going to stop us speculating about what’s going to be at the event. Based on the rumours we’ve heard, Google will be announcing the LG Nexus 5X and the Huawei Nexus 6P, two new Nexus smartphones – and we’re interested to see how they are differentiated despite being similiarly sized. We’re also expecting to see a new Chromecast with slightly more bulbous frame, as well as a new Nexus Player, but we don’t have much information on this one. We doubt there’s going to be anything else announced, but we’re always up for being pleasantly surprised.
What do you think about Google’s event on September 29th – what are you expecting to see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Police
The post Google has sent out invites to Sept 29th event to likely announce new Nexus devices appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Huawei Nexus 6P could be available with 128GB storage
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Google Nexus devices have never had microSD expandable memory slots, for whatever reason, but with 4K video recording and huge photos starting to clog up our devices, the idea that flagship smartphones can survive with a small amount of storage memory is well and truly out the door. With even 32GB looking a little small these days, a rumour has surfaced that suggests that the Huawei Nexus 6P could be available with 128GB storage, giving it 3 storage variants including 32GB, 64GB and 128GB versions.
Naturally, this would come at a premium – we’re guessing about $50 more with each level, but for power users who manage to use a lot of it, that extra cost is priceless. As for the LG Nexus 5X, today’s rumour suggests that it – like the old Nexus 5 – will only come in 16GB and 32GB versions, which is a little disappointing if true. We’ll have to see what is announced come September 29th when Google announces both these devices at an event in their hometown of San Francisco.
What do you think about the possibility that the Huawei Nexus 6P could be available with 128GB storage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Police
The post Huawei Nexus 6P could be available with 128GB storage appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Score some deals on awesome Android games: GTA San Andreas, Dragon Quest IV, Horn and more
Trying to find some good games to enjoy this weekend? The Google Play Store is always full of great deals, but it’s often hard to find these in a sea of over 1.6 million apps. We know sometimes you need some help finding these exciting offers. Today we have a list of great deals on fun games for you. Let’s dig right in, shall we?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
This one happens to be an all-time favorite game in which crime, drugs, corruption and murder are your daily cup of tea. The game has an immersive map and an engrossing story. You really can’t go wrong with this one, which happens to be on sale at $4.99 right now. That doesn’t sound very cheap, but keep in mind Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas usually costs $6.99, and it’s a game that will provide you with endless hours of entertainment.
Buy Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas from the Google Play Store
Dragon Quest IV
RPG fans will go nuts over this deal, especially those who are fond of Square Enix titles. With Dragon Quest IV you will embark on an epic adventure revolving around 5 main characters. As it goes with any good classic RPG, gamers will see their characters grow stronger as the story unfolds. And about that story line, it will be as intriguing, exciting and full of emotion as always.
The game is still expensive at $9.99, but keep in mind this is a Square Enix title, and the company is known for its premium prices. These games are so worth it, though! And the original price is $14.99, making this a 33% discount. Not too shabby.
Buy Dragon Quest IV from the Google Play Store
The Deer God
Some games go beyond entertainment. These can become beautifully orchestrated works of arts, with amazing visuals and extraneous story lines. The Deer God happens to be one of these. It focuses around survival and has you traveling through a beautiful 3D pixelated world.
Buy The Deer God from the Google Play Store
Horn
Need more action? Horn is a 3rd person adventure game that will definitely keep you on your toes. Imagine this: you are a blacksmith’s apprentice and wake up to a world suddenly taken over by monsters. Crazy? It doesn’t end there! It turns out these creatures are actually people and animals from your village. It’s your duty to free them… or you can just go explore the intricate map.
Buy Horn from the Google Play Store
Revamped Infinite Loop Apple Store in Cupertino Now Open
After being closed since June for a complete overhaul, Apple today re-opened its Infinite Loop Campus Store in Cupertino, California. The store is located on its famous campus, and it is the only Apple Store that sells Apple-branded products like t-shirts, notebooks, and coffee mugs in addition to standard Apple Store fare like MacBooks and iPhones.
Hundreds of people visited the new store today, waiting in long lines to get inside to see the new design. Apple employees were on hand to give out umbrellas to block out the sun and water to beat the 90 degree heat. Customers who waited in line received a free shirt that plays on the Apple Watch and Apple Music, reading just “ Shirt.”
Before it was redesigned, the campus store only sold items like T-shirts and coffee mugs, but after the revamp, it is a full Apple Store that lacks only a Genius Bar for device repairs. The store now sells iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, Beats headphones, and related accessories like cases and bands, but it does not offer third-party accessories.
All available products are widely spaced out to place focus on each individual item, and as employees at the store opening pointed out, this is the first Apple Store in the U.S. to sport this particular internal design.
While Apple has cut down on the number of Apple-branded swag products that are offered at the store, the company is selling a selection of notebooks, coffee mugs, water bottles, and pens that are designed to match its MacBook lineup in shades of Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
Apple’s Infinite Loop Store will be open to the public from Monday to Friday, and going forward, the store will also be open on Saturdays, something that’s new for this particular location.
Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week – September 19, 2015
We’re only a little over a week away until we see the new Nexus smartphones, but that can feel like an eternity to dedicated Android fans. To tide you over until then, we’ve managed to bring you a wide range of video coverage this week.
Lanh just recently unboxed the Moto X Pure Edition, and we’ve already brought you our full in-depth review of the new handset. We’ve also brought you some hands-on coverage of the Nextbit Robin and Marshall London, as well as an exclusive first look at the upcoming BlackBerry Venice. This has been a pretty interesting week in the Android world, and you definitely don’t want to miss any of it.
If you happened to miss any of our coverage, fear not. We’ve rounded up all of the Android-related videos you don’t want to miss this week.
Don’t miss: CTIA 2015 highlights: phones, drones and Internet of Things
Reviews
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition (Moto X Style) review
Motorola has made some huge improvements with the Moto X Pure Edition, but does the phone fall short in any key areas? Check out Lanh’s in-depth review to learn more.
When flagships go head to head
OnePlus 2 vs Samsung Galaxy S6
The OnePlus 2 and Samsung Galaxy S6 are two of the most controversial smartphones of 2015. So everybody is wondering, how do they compare? Josh pits the two flagships head to head.
iPhone 6S vs the Android competition
Apple just recently announced its new flagship smartphone, the iPhone 6S. Wondering how it compares to the Android competition? Rob walks us through the stats in the written portion below, and be sure to check out Jayce’s video to get all the details.
BlackBerry’s upcoming Android phone
Exclusive: New leaked images of the BlackBerry Venice
BlackBerry’s upcoming Android-powered handset has been in the rumor mill for some time. Thanks to a few sources close to Android Authority, we’ve been able to bring you some hands-on images of the phone in the wild. Check out our full written post below for all of the pictures, and don’t miss Jayce’s video above.
BlackBerry Venice quick look
Just a few days after we brought you the exclusive images of the Venice, our friends at Baka Mobile were able to bring you a hands-on video, showing off the device’s software, hardware and more. Be sure to check out that video attached above, and don’t miss the written portion below for some extra leaked images.
Hands on and first impressions
Nextbit Robin quick look
Nextbit is setting out to change the way we use our smartphones, and the Robin is one heck of a start. Nirave goes hands-on with the Nextbit Robin and gives you his first impressions.
Marshall London unboxing and first impressions
The Marshall London smartphone focuses on high-quality, lossless audio for a superior listening experience. Want more information on this audio-focused device? Josh unboxes and gives us his first impressions on the Marshall London.
Android Apps Weekly
Apple’s first app, Russia tells Google no, Order & Chaos 2 – you don’t want to miss Joe’s newest episode of Android Apps Weekly!
Best gadgets for your dorm
Looking for some awesome tech gadgets to spice up your dorm room? We’ve got you covered! Check out Krystal’s video for the best ways to pimp your dorm.
Edward Snowden held a secret chat with the actor portraying him
Many actors in biographical movies will interview the real people they’re portraying to get a feel for their mannerisms and values. However, Joseph Gordon-Leavitt is going the extra mile to make sure that he’s correctly representing NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in Oliver Stone’s upcoming movie. The star has revealed to The Guardian that he held a secret, four-hour meeting with Snowden in Russia to understand the fugitive. How secret? Gordon-Leavitt was not only advised to avoid recording the conversation, but (for a while) to avoid even acknowledging that it took place — not surprising when the US likely wants to watch Snowden’s every move.
Gordon-Leavitt isn’t saying a lot about what happened during the chat, but he believes that Snowden acted out of a genuine concern that American mass surveillance was going too far. There’s no guarantee that the sit-down will lead to a truly accurate movie, of course. You’ve probably seen at least a few “based on a true story” dramas that take a lot of poetic license, some of them from Stone himself (see the controversy over JFK‘s conpsiracy-laden plot). Still, it hints that the movie producers are making at least some effort to faithfully depict Snowden and the motivations behind his leaks.
[Image credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Motion Picture & Television Fund]
Via: Business Insider
Source: The Guardian
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