Nissan’s concept car is covered in displays for the selfie generation
There’s little doubt the cars of the future will be increasingly more high tech. However, if Nissan has anything to do with it, those vehicles could be blanketed in customizable displays, too. The Japanese company revealed its “Teatro for Dayz” (yes, really) concept ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show later this month that covers most of the interior, and some of the exterior, with “a clean canvas” of LED panels. Nissan’s goal was to make a car that “share natives” (the selfie generation, in other words) would find appealing. To do that, the automaker designed a vehicle where time spent riding could also be used for “connecting and sharing experiences with friends.” And, you know, paying attention to the road. Slideshow-325470
All of that sharing can be done with the literal truckload of customizable panels that handle things like navigation, telemetry, social apps and even vary the look of the seats between leather, grass and more. The seats, headrests, door trim and dash are all part of the visual assault on your senses. On the outside, LED panels not only allow for more self-expression, but they display useful info like the EV’s recharge status. You won’t find any knobs and buttons on the instrument panel either, as air conditioning and audio are all voice controlled and driving data is only displayed when the car is in drive mode. If rotating seats and a smattering of interior panels sounds familiar, that’s because Mercedes-Benz F015 concept was equipped with a few of its own, including displays in the doors. Nissan has gone way beyond that, though, with a vehicle that can be decorated to suite the driver’s ever-changing sensibilities. Driving distractions be damned.
Via: PCWorld
Source: Nissan
Confessions of a ‘Rock Band 4’ drum queen
“Drums are hard.”
That was the verdict from my boyfriend after a raucous night playing Rock Band 4 with a group of friends. He’s a guitarist, in both the physical and digital realms, and to him, Rock Band 4‘s drums are an anomaly. The rhythms are somehow tricky and repetitive at the same time; landing the bass pedal takes nearly perfect timing; it’s a big rig that requires big motions; and the entire instrument takes a ridiculous amount of coordination. This is why my boyfriend doesn’t enjoy playing the drums in Rock Band 4 — and it’s precisely why I love it. Slideshow-324545
Drums are the best instrument in Rock Band 4. Hands-down, straight-up and sideways. To start with, drums are the most “real” instrument in the game, in the sense that banging on those rubber pads may actually help you play the drums in real life. It’s not an ideal teacher, but the heart of the instrument lies in hand-foot coordination and keeping a steady rhythm, which are the exact traits that Rock Band 4 emphasizes. The game isn’t going to teach you proper technique, but it drills in important foundations and even makes them fun to learn. Besides, playing the drums for an hour is a great upper-arm and lower-leg workout (provided you swap the bass pedal between your right and left sides).
The same real-life transference doesn’t apply to guitar — this isn’t Rocksmith, after all — although Rock Band 4‘s lead and bass tracks do provide a lineup of accessible finger exercises. As for the microphone, let’s be honest: Singing in Rock Band has always been fun, but a cat in heat would probably score the same as Christina Aguilera in most difficulty settings. Rock Band 4 proudly carries on this tradition.
To be fair, I’m probably predisposed to preferring drums. Before settling on the saxophone, I took a year of drums in elementary school and I’ve never quite satisfied that persistent itch to pick up a pair of sticks again. I’m also a former high school marching band section leader (tenor sax, represent), and the drums’ bass-pedal coordination requirements are a wonderful throwback to my first marching lessons, reminding me how to separate foot from fingers.
There are other, less practical reasons the drums truly rule in Rock Band 4. While landing a complicated streak on guitar is satisfying, it can’t quite compare to pounding out a perfect rhythm on the drums. You not only see your success on the screen, but also hear it directly on the instrument, right in front of you in the physical world. This is what makes players feel like real rock stars — not pressing buttons on the neck of a stringless, silent guitar or screeching into a microphone, but banging out a solid, consistent rhythm on a living-room drum set. That’s musical magic.
Even my drum-averse boyfriend agrees on this front. As he puts it, “It’s fun to hit things.” And it’s true, being encouraged to smack something with a pair of sticks is incredibly gratifying; plus it plays into the “real-life rock star” element of the game. However, that satisfying smacking sound comes with one potential downside.
We recently moved into a condo that shares a hallway with seven other units, containing everything from young families to retirees who seem to constantly have delicious food in the oven, and I’m a tad paranoid about the sounds that escape our door. I don’t want to be the noisy neighbor or the reason someone’s daughter can’t get to sleep on a school night. I’m acutely aware of every single tap that my sticks make on the hard rubber drumheads. So far, we haven’t received any complaints (fingers crossed). Either way, my sense of fun always wins out: I’m aware and I’m paranoid of the noise, but I’m not going to stop playing. I’m a rock star, damn it.
Let’s be clear here: I’m not saying that the drums are the best part of Rock Band 4. They’re simply the best instrument. The best part of Rock Band 4 is hanging out with a bunch of friends as they embarrass themselves at the helm of toy instruments. It’s the laughter when someone on vocals gets a solo and they break down in nervous giggles and weird yodeling (and still end up with a perfect score). It’s pretending to be a rock star on tour in a band composed of your closest buddies, though ideally with less gas station food (but perhaps just as much booze).
Besides, I’m glad that not everyone agrees with my preference. This way, I don’t have to fight my boyfriend for the drumsticks.
<a href=”https://www.wedgies.com/question/560c72ece189eb3900002b71″>What’s your Rock Band instrument of choice?</a>
What to expect from Microsoft’s Windows 10 device event
Microsoft may be tight-lipped about what will be revealed at its October 6th device event, but that doesn’t mean that everything is a mystery. In some cases, a slew of leaks have telegraphed Redmond’s plans in advance. More Lumia phones, anyone? However, there are still a few questions left. What about the fabled Surface Pro 4? When does Windows 10 reach your existing phone? And will there be any wearable tech? We’ll answer as many of those questions as we can so that you have a good idea of what to expect when Microsoft’s execs take the stage.
Windows 10 phones: the Lumia 950, 950 XL and 550
The Lumia 950. Image credit: Evan Blass, Twitter
If there’s anything that’s a lock for the Windows 10 event, it’s the launch of new Lumia smartphones. Microsoft promised that Windows 10 Mobile would arrive later this year, and you know that it wasn’t going to let a major operating system release go by without introducing some hardware to match. We’d add that Microsoft is overdue for releasing high-end Windows phones under its own name — its last flagships were the Nokia-branded Lumia 930 and Icon from early 2014.
Thankfully, it looks like you’ll get just that. Numerous leaks (including one from Microsoft’s UK store) point to Microsoft unveiling two range-topping Windows 10 phones: the 5.2-inch Lumia 950 and 5.7-inch Lumia 950 XL. Both should bring the Lumia series into the modern era with sharp Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) displays, 32GB of storage, iris scanning (for secure sign-ins) and refined 20-megapixel PureView cameras. The biggest expected differences are the processor choices (a Snapdragon 808 in the regular 950, an 810 in the XL) and possible pen support on the larger model, so your choice may boil down to whether or not you want a Galaxy Note-style experience. It’s not certain when these latest Lumias will ship (possibly when the New York City store opens on October 26th), but we wouldn’t count on immediate availability.
And what if you don’t have a lot of cash to spend? You may be covered there, too. Leaks have hinted at a Lumia 550 that proves you can run Windows 10 on budget hardware. While it won’t be a powerhouse, it could represent the first significant bump in specs for the 500 series since the Lumia 535 and 540 — the claimed 4.7-inch, 720p screen and quicker Snapdragon 210 chip would definitely be noticeable. The only real unknown is the value for money. Microsoft currently asks $149 up front for the Lumia 535, but it’s hard to say for sure that the 550 will carry a similar price.
Windows 10 for existing phones
Windows 10 Technical Preview on a low-end Lumia phone.
Of course, the Windows 10 Mobile rollout isn’t just about shiny new hardware. Microsoft also vowed to update many current phones to Windows 10, and there’s a possibility that you’ll hear something about the upgrade schedule on October 6th. If history is any indication, the new OS will see a staggered rollout that’s dependent on both the particular phone you have and your choice of carrier. Factory-unlocked phone models are most likely to be first in line. You may be waiting weeks (or months) longer if your phone is tied to a carrier, especially if that provider tends to be pokey with updates.
The Surface Pro 4
The Surface Pro 3.
Let’s not beat around the bush: If you’re reading this, you probably came here to read something about the next Surface Pro (most likely called the Surface Pro 4). The Surface Pro 3 was a hit among Windows fans, and the combination of early rumors with official price cuts has fueled anticipation for months. Microsoft will surely unveil a fourth version of its high-performance tablet on October 6th, won’t it?
Well, probably. The climate is certainly right for one. Intel recently released faster, more power-efficient sixth-generation Core processors that would be a good fit for a new Surface Pro, and it’s been roughly 16 months since the Pro 3 arrived. However, there’s been a conspicuous lack of solid leaks — we’ve seen just a trickle of relatively trustworthy info. The most credible claims are that the Pro 4 will tout a very high-resolution display (possibly 4K), a more portable design, improved pen recognition (thanks to the N-trig acquisition) and features that take advantage of Windows 10, such as biometric logins.
After that, it gets sketchy. One rumor from Digitimes insists that Microsoft is developing two Surface Pro models, one at the familiar 12-inch size and another at 13 to 14 inches. The site has a decidedly hit-or-miss track record, though, and the same rumor also discussed a 12-inch Amazon tablet that hasn’t materialized. Another site, W4pHub, is making an even more extravagant claim: It talks about a “smart frame” that would shrink the tablet’s size in tablet mode, and expand it in laptop mode. We’re not completely ruling out these rumored features, but there’s nothing to support them beyond the say-so of their respective sites.
Wearables: the new Band and VR Kit
The rumored Band 2. Image credit: MicrosoftInsider
Although the event is likely to revolve around phones and PCs, there’s a real chance that wearables will play a big role. If so, the centerpiece is likely to be the next Band (for sake of reference, the Band 2). The second-generation fitness device is rumored to track additional stats, like stair climbing, but its biggest improvement may simply be in the looks department. A curved display and metal accents could make the Band 2 something you’d like to wear, rather than the slightly clunky wearable you see today.
On top of this, you might hear more about VR Kit, the answer to Google Cardboard that makes its official debut sometime this month. The hoopla isn’t so much about the virtual reality viewer itself (surprise: It’s foldable cardboard) as the software that will go with it. Microsoft would no doubt want to talk about how the peripheral brings VR to Lumia phones, but a camera cutout suggests that augmented reality will also play a part. You could see the company frame VR Kit as a primer for HoloLens, giving you a taste of that hybrid real-plus-digital experience without having to either wait or spend a ton of cash.
Wild cards: Xbox and beyond
The Xbox One.
Microsoft occasionally pulls rabbits out of its hat at events. Who’d have thought that it would unveil a holographic headset like HoloLens, or an 84-inch touchscreen computer? While there’s no guarantee that it’ll have similar surprises in store for October 6th, you should be prepared for the unexpected.
What could the company unveil that isn’t already anticipated, though? New Xbox hardware is one option. It’s been nearly two years since the Xbox One reached stores, and the Windows 10 underpinnings of the system’s next update make the console eligible for an announcement. You could see new peripherals, new software-based functionality or even a redesigned system to mark that two-year anniversary. With that said, we’re not counting on anything. Microsoft usually saves its big Xbox news for E3, and the gaming expo already had its share of new gear.
There are other possibilities, too. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see Surface hardware beyond tablets, especially if there’s any truth to that rumor of a 13- to 14-inch device. New accessories (for the Surface or otherwise) would make sense as well. Also, Microsoft may use its event as an excuse to showcase Windows 10 machines from other companies, giving the overall platform a boost as it enters its first holiday shopping season. While we wouldn’t bet money on any of these showing up when the event should already be chock-full of gadgets, they’re not so far-fetched that we’d rule them out altogether.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson (Satya Nadella); Evan Blass (Lumia 950); MicrosoftInsider (Microsoft Band)]
Get the Android 6.0 Marshmallow factory images for Nexus devices!
Today, Google posted the Android 6.0 Marshmallow factory images for various Nexus devices. You can now manually install Marshmallow on your Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9, and Nexus Player. The exact version here is MRA58K.
Get ’em while they’re hot!
Source: Google Developers
Come comment on this article: Get the Android 6.0 Marshmallow factory images for Nexus devices!
[TA Deals] The Data Analytics Mastery Bundle is just $49 for a limited time
If you’ve ever wondered what data analysis is all about, now’s the chance to get your foot in the door! The Data Analytics Mastery Bundle is only $49 for just a few days. This bundle comes with three learning packages all taken on Udemy’s eLearning platform.
One of the first things users will be learning about is data analysis in Python with Pandas. If you’ve never heard of Pandas before, it essentially takes the power of the Python programming language and coverts it into a helpful and manageable spreadsheet.
Here’s an overview of what you’ll be getting in just this one course:
- Master this data analysis tool w/ over 34 lectures & 5 hours of content
- Use the pandas library & Python code to implement and manipulate data structures
- Apply lessons & gain practical experience analyzing real data sets
- Create basic 2D data visualizations such as plots, histograms, bar charts & more
- Perform mathematical functions such as linear algebra
- Study tools for C/C++ integration & N-dimensional arrays
- Utilize NumPy
Keep in mind that that is just one of the three courses you’ll be getting. There’s plenty to learn here, and it will definitely give you an excellent foundation to stand on while continuing your education in data analysis.
However, you’ll want to act fast! This bundle normally retails for $346, but for a limited time Talk Android readers will be able to get their hands on it for 85% off or a meager $49. Anyone picking one up today?
Come comment on this article: [TA Deals] The Data Analytics Mastery Bundle is just $49 for a limited time
Adobe Backpedals on Commitment to Bring Metal to After Effects
At WWDC 2015, Adobe director of engineering David McGavran demonstrated After Effects and Illustrator on Mac integrated with Metal, Apple’s new high-performance graphical acceleration API on OS X El Capitan. At the end of the demo, he said that Adobe is committed to bringing Metal to multiple Creative Cloud apps on Mac.
“Adobe is committed to bringing Metal to all of its Mac OS Creative Cloud applications, such as Illustrator and After Effects I showed you today, as well as Photoshop and Premiere Pro. We are very excited to see what Metal can do for our Creative Cloud users.”
Adobe has since changed its tune about its commitment to Metal on Mac, however, as Adobe product manager Todd Kopriva this week said in the Adobe Communities that the company has not made a commitment to Metal or any other GPU acceleration technology at this time.
“We are currently exploring various technologies for GPU acceleration, and Metal is one possibility, but we have made no commitment to any specific GPU acceleration technology at this time.”
Kopriva admitted that Adobe “sent a confusing message” about its commitment to Metal.
“I am the person who makes the commitments for After Effects. The person who did the demonstration was a member of of our engineering team demonstrating the results of an experiment,” said Kopriva. “I certainly agree that the engineer who spoke on the Apple stage sent a confusing message. At this point, the best that I can do—as the leader of the After Effects team—is to clarify the reality, which I have done above on this thread.”
Adobe’s demo included Illustrator’s rending engine built on Metal, which allowed for continuous zoom, while After Effects had up to an 8x performance improvement in rendering and reduced CPU usage with Metal.
Metal is available for both iOS and OS X developers, with documentation, sample code and video tutorials available on Apple’s website.
MacRumors has reached out to Adobe for comment.
(Thanks, Chris!)
Apple Watch Hermès Collection Debuts in Select Apple & Hermès Retail Stores
Apple today officially launched the Apple Watch Hermès collection, which the two companies announced at the September 9 “Hey Siri” event. The collection includes three different strap options for customers — Single Tour, Double Tour, and Cuff — alongside a stainless steel Apple Watch casing. None of the new Hermès bands are available to purchase separately, however, and are only included in one of the collection’s ten available models.
Hermès offers four different colored versions of the Double Tour band, including Bleu Jean and Etain gray, but only in 38 mm sizes. Those interested in the Single Tour can choose between three different colors, two of which come in both 38 mm and 42 mm, but one — the red-tinted Capucine Leather band — is only offered in 38 mm. Alternatively, the Cuff option is a bit more simplistic for buyers, due to its availability in one single color and size option: a Fauve Barenia Leather Band with a 42 mm casing size.
Anyone interested can expect to pay above the average price point for the Apple Watch’s mid-tier stainless steel range: the Single Tour starts at $1,100, the Double Tour costs $1,250, and the Cuff comes in at the most expensive with a $1,500 price tag. No models in the collection will be made available online, but instead are set to be offered at select Apple Store and Hermès retail locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Adobe’s Illustrator Draw and Capture CC apps make their way to the Play Store
Adobe is no stranger to releasing and removing applications from the Google Play Store every few months, and it looks like we’re getting another taste of that today. The California-based software company has just released two new applications, Illustrator Draw and Capture CC, to the Play Store, which should help you create all-around better images.
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For starters, Adobe Illustrator Draw will help you create vector illustrations and send the finished product as layered files to Adobe Illustrator CC or as flat images to Photoshop CC. Illustrator Draw lets you choose from five different pen tips and add up to ten drawing layers and a photo layer at the same time. You can duplicate, merge, flip, scale and adjust different layers at will. Once the image is done, you can send a native file to Illustrator CC or a PNG to Photoshop CC. It will automatically open on your desktop, which should definitely come in handy.
Download Adobe Illustrator Draw from Google Play
Related: Adobe releases Photoshop Mix, Shape CC, Brush CC and Color CC for Android
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Capture CC, on the other hand, consists of all the functionality Adobe introduced with its Brush CC, Color CC and Shape CC apps back in June. With the app, you’ll be able to quickly capture, edit and share crafted design assets to use in apps like Photoshop CC and Illustrator CC. You can extract color themes from photos, instantly convert anything you’re working on into vector graphics and more.
Watch our Xperia Z5 unboxing on Periscope
Note: Periscope does not allow the saving of the live comments and “hearts,” which is why you can’t see them in the video above. (We’re looking for a workaround.) To watch the live stream with comments, check it out on the Periscope website.
Hey folks, we’re trying something new and we want your opinion!
We’re taking the time-honored genre of tech unboxing and adapting it to our mobile-savvy audience. Android Authority has been on Periscope for a while, and now we’re (finally) putting the live-streaming app to good use. We’re starting with a live unboxing session of the Xperia Z5, and our Nirave Gondhia is your master of ceremonies.
If you need a primer, Twitter-owned Periscope lets you broadcast live video in real time to all your followers. It’s a powerful tool, and we think it’s a great match for some of our coverage. From Q&A sessions, to event impressions, and yes, unboxings, we plan to use Periscope to give you an unconventional look into all things Android.
Periscoping (which I hereby declare a real word) is fun, engaging, and interactive. But conventional unboxing videos have their strong points. Mainly, they can give you a better look at the devices. This is why we need your input.
Would you like to see more live unboxings and other live videos on Periscope? Or do you prefer the full-blown YouTube videos? Or both? Vote in our poll and comment below.
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Are you on Periscope? Follow Android Authority for more off the cuff videos of your favorite devices. We’ll make sure to let you know in advance about upcoming live streams, so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Amazing flower wallpapers to add a splash of color to your devices
Mother Nature can only be responsible for flowers. The colors, shapes, and beauty of Mother Nature’s creations can’t be replicated but should be appreciated. Here are some wallpapers of beautiful flowers for your Android devices.
If you see a wallpaper that belongs to you and you would like to receive credit, I would love to give it to you! Just drop a comment in the section provided below with some proof (You know, just so we don’t have people claiming things that are not theirs…) So, please choose those that you like and enjoy!
The post Amazing flower wallpapers to add a splash of color to your devices appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 