The Big Picture: NASA shows off Pluto’s largest moon
As the long, slow download of data from the New Horizon’s mission continues, NASA has posted some new high-res enhanced color pictures of Pluto’s largest moon, Charon (shown above in the upper left corner). Other than a reddish polar region, the images also reveal a surprisingly detailed landscape with canyons, mountains and more. A video composite of images (embedded after the break) takes us flying over a canyon NASA says is four times as long as the Grand Canyon, and twice as deep. NASA says even better pictures are on the way, although with the spacecraft 3.1 billion miles away and still going, we’ll be waiting a year to get everything.
Source: NASA
Display Bug Affecting Some iPhone 6s Users Who Restored From iPhone 5/5s/5c Backup
Since the iPhone became available for purchase on September 25, a growing number of former iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s users who transferred their content to their new devices via iCloud are experiencing a display bug that causes certain apps to look zoomed in on the iPhone 6s screen.
Users on both the Apple Support communities and the MacRumors forum have run into this issue, and we’ve also received a number of emails from customers who are affected. The problem appears to be primarily associated with the Wallet, Weather, Watch, Calculator, and Health apps, causing some data to be cut off at the edges of the screen. It seems to happen when an iPhone 5/5c/5s running iOS 9 is backed up to iCloud and then restored to an iPhone 6s.
I just got my iPhone 6s today and tried loading credit cards into the Wallet app only to find that the view (for lack of a better word) is zoomed-in, essentially cutting the sides off of my cards and passes. While this does not affect the functionality of the credit cards and ApplePay, it does create a problem managing passes. It cuts off the toggle button for each pass, allowing me to delete it.
I’ve tried restarting and nothing. I don’t feel like restoring the software on a phone I just got moments ago. Anyone else seeing this problem?
As can be seen in the screenshots below, credit cards and passes stored in the Wallet app are cut off at the sides, preventing them from being displayed properly. Wallet is one of the apps where the zoom problem is most prevalent because it prevents people from deleting cards.
Turning on the Display Zoom feature in the Settings app causes Wallet to appear normal, but it leaves the rest of the iPhone zoomed in. It works as a temporary solution to give users the ability to manage their cards in the app, but it is not a suitable permanent fix. Quitting apps and restarting the iPhone do not appear to solve the problem.
Several users who have contacted Apple have been told that the company is working on a fix, but the problem was not resolved in either iOS 9.0.1 or iOS 9.0.2. One thread from the MacRumors forum suggests this is potentially an iOS 9 bug that has existed since before the operating system was released. Some users running the iOS 9.1 beta 3 update say the problem is fixed, so a solution may be coming with iOS 9.1.
Ahead of a fix, Wallet can be accessed using the Display Zoom feature as outlined above. Apple Store employees appear to be suggesting customers set their iPhones up as new devices as a solution, but users who do not want to have go through the hassle of setting up a new device might want to hold off until iOS 9.1 is released.
Check out a trailer for the first chapter of Minecraft: Story Mode
Telltale Games has released a trailer for the first chapter of Minecraft: Story Mode. The first episode is called “The Order of the Stone” and sets the backdrop for the scheduled five chapters.
The first chapter of Minecraft: Story Mode is due out on October 15th on PCs and major consoles, with a mobile Android and iOS version slated for two days afterwards. It will follow Telltale’s typical narrative-driven style of gameplay, but the company has been talking up the humor aspect of the game that will starkly contrast the likes of The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us.
You can check out the trailer below. Anybody going to be picking this up later this month?
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Check out a trailer for the first chapter of Minecraft: Story Mode
Nextbit successfully funds campaign to back cloud phone
Nextbit is a new company (with people from companies like HTC and Google) that placed their new phone, the Robin, on Kickstarter a month ago. The Robin is akin to Chrome OS on a smartphone, but taken to the next level. The main idea is for the Robin to backup data (including apps and all of its settings) to the cloud when you haven’t used it for awhile, only for you to be able to quickly call that data back when you need it. Essentially, the storage on your phone is only limited by the amount of cloud storage you have.
Well, the Kickstarter campaign is closed, and it’d be an understatement to say they reached their goal. They had a goal of $500,000, and they more than doubled it – completing with a total of $1,362,343, with 3,611 backers! This included a deal with Verizon, and a brand new color chosen by backers: “Electric”, which is “sort of a pool-colored blue”.
The Nextbit Robin is supposed to start shipping as early as January of 2016. We will be working to get our hands on a model to tell you more about the Nextbit Robin. In the meantime, keep a lookout for more news on the Nextbit Robin.
Is this a phone you’d be interested in getting? Let us know!
The post Nextbit successfully funds campaign to back cloud phone appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Amazon lands exclusive streaming rights to more CBS series
If you thought Amazon was done getting cozy with CBS, think again. The online retailer today announced yet another streaming deal with the TV network, which will give it exclusive access to three new summer series through 2018. What this means is you’ll be able to watch certain CBS episodes on Prime Instant Video four days after they’re first aired, as has been the case with Under the Dome and Extant — two of the channel’s most popular shows. This new licensing partnership includes episodes from CBS’ upcoming BrainDead a comic thriller about brain-eating aliens in Washington, DC, plus two more shows that have yet to be disclosed.
[Image credits: citron_smurf/Flickr]
Source: Amazon
Nexus Protect website is now live
We covered what the Nexus Protect plan is all about during the Nexus launch event, but now the official program has been launched. Technically, you can’t actually use it yet since it launched before the new Nexus’ did, but you can still read what it’s all about.
Basically, it’s a warranty program. You pay a certain amount and you get two years of coverage for hardware failure and accidental damage. The cost will be $69 to cover the Nexus 5X and $89 to cover the Nexus 6P.
What happens if you break your phone and have Nexus Protect? You will get two replacement devices for broken phones over the two years, but each one has a $79 deductible. If you have a defective phone it will be replaced and you will receive next day shipping on everything.
Source: My Nexus Protect
Come comment on this article: Nexus Protect website is now live
LG V10 pre-registration opens at T-Mobile
LG introduced a new and interesting high-end device late last night. Dubbed the LG V10, it has all of the innards of the LG G4, but offers something unique: two front screens and dual selfie cameras. There’s no set availability date for the phone, but T-Mobile is letting customers pre-register to get an email when the LG V10 is available.
As quick refresher, here’s some of the specifications the new LG V10 is rocking:
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) IPS Quantum display with a secondary 2.1-inch (160x 1040) IPS Quantum display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor (64-bit)
- 4GB of RAM
- 64GB Internal storage
- MicroSD card slot for up to an extra 2TB
- 16MP rear camera with F1.8 Aperture and OIS 2.0
- 5MP front dual-lens camera
- Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
- Quick Charge 2.0
- Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue
As for the two screens, it has the main 5.7-inch Quad HD 2560 x 1440 IPS Quantum display, and then it has the secondary 2.1-inch 160 x 1040 screen. The secondary display is “always on,” showing notifications, weather, time, and other information while the main display is off. When the main display is on, it provides quick access to apps, serves up notifications and more.
Anyone plan on picking one up at T-Mobile?
source: T-Mobile
Come comment on this article: LG V10 pre-registration opens at T-Mobile
Jetpack Joyride is receiving a ‘Back to the Future’ update
Do you like playing Jetpack Joyride and like the Back to the Future movie? Well today is your lucky day. You can now surf through the streets of Hill Valley in Jetpack Joyride with their new update. The new update brings new levels, new vehicles, character costumes, and more.
The new features are:
NEW EVENT & BACKGROUND
Welcome to Hill Valley 2015! Get as far as you can in the time allocated in our all-new Back to the Future™ update. Add five seconds to your time when you successfully collect a Flux Capacitor and lose ten seconds when you collide with an obstacle. It’s our best event yet!
NEW COSTUMES
Bust out your favourite life preserver, hide the plutonium, and get ready for the big dance with three iconic costume sets from Back to the Future™. Every Flux Capacitor you collect brings you one step closer to unlocking the Marty, Doc and Biff outfits.
NEW VEHICLES
Fasten your seatbelt because the greatest vehicle of all-time has now arrived: the DeLorean Time Machine. If our calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you’re gonna see some serious… stuff! Prefer something a bit more modern? Don’t be a bojo – try out the hoverboard too. Please fly safely!
AWESOME NEW JETPACK
Are you ready to rock and roll? Strap on the new Amped Up Jetpack, crank it to 11, and hit the high notes in style with this brand new addition to the jetpack arsenal. Wild guitar solo? That’s heavy!
The way we see it, if you’re gonna build a time travelling update for Jetpack Joyride, why not do it with some *style*? Get ready to go back to the future. We promise it’s gonna be a wild ride!
Click here to view the embedded video.
As you can see from the video above, it’s basically just like the regular game only everything is Back to the Future themed. You can download the new update right now in the Play Store.
Source: Halfbrick
Come comment on this article: Jetpack Joyride is receiving a ‘Back to the Future’ update
Microsoft and ASUS expand on their patent deal
Today, Microsoft and ASUS expand on their joint patent deal. The deal is a broad cross-license covering things like “Android-based phones and tablets and Microsoft software, devices and services.”
With this new agreement, ASUS promises to pre-install Microsoft Office services on their Android smartphones and tablets in the future.
Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC. said:
“This agreement delivers significant value for both companies. Beyond ensuring continued improvements to our products, it opens the door to the kind of collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS made possible only through mutual respect and alignment on intellectual property,”
ASUS General Counsel Vincent Hong said:
“This agreement will give us both a greater ability to innovate for our customers. We see it leading to broad partnership opportunities for future technologies and a strengthened relationship between our two companies as leaders of the technology industry.”
Press Release:
REDMOND, Wash. and TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Microsoft Corp. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS) on Thursday announced the expansion of an earlier patent licensing agreement between the companies. The deal includes a broad cross-license covering, for example, ASUS Android-based phones and tablets and Microsoft software, devices and services. It paves the way for closer integration between the two companies, including pre-installation by ASUS of Microsoft Office productivity services on ASUS Android smartphones and tablets. The agreement also facilitates technology sharing toward the development of new, innovative product solutions.
“This agreement delivers significant value for both companies. Beyond ensuring continued improvements to our products, it opens the door to the kind of collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS made possible only through mutual respect and alignment on intellectual property,” said Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC.
ASUS General Counsel Vincent Hong said, “This agreement will give us both a greater ability to innovate for our customers. We see it leading to broad partnership opportunities for future technologies and a strengthened relationship between our two companies as leaders of the technology industry.”
About ASUS
ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets, smartphones and wearables. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,326 awards in 2014 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 16,000 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 5,200 engineers. Company revenue for 2014 was approximately US$14.5 billion.
About Microsoft Technology Licensing
Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and license Microsoft’s patent portfolio.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Come comment on this article: Microsoft and ASUS expand on their patent deal
Tim Cook Addresses Privacy, Government Requests in New NPR Interview
Just days after Apple updated and expanded its privacy site to explain how it handles personal information, CEO Tim Cook sat down with NPR’s Robert Siegel to talk about how the Cupertino company protects user data and when and where it uses that information.
Image via NPR
Cook starts off by noting that Apple designs its products with privacy in mind after being asked about government data requests. Apple wants the user to control the data and who gets to see or use it.
However, we design our products in such a way that privacy is designed into the product. And security is designed in. And so if you think about it … some of our most personal data is on the phone: our financial data, our health information, our conversations with our friends and family and co-workers. And so instead of us taking that data into Apple, we’ve kept data on the phone and it’s encrypted by you. You control it.
The Apple CEO goes on to address his thoughts on a “back door” that allows government agencies access to user data in an effort to pursue national security. Cook notes that if you leave an open door for the good guys in your product, there’s an opportunity for the bad guys to find and use the open door. He believes that everyone, including government agencies, are coming around to the idea that a “back door” is a nonstarter and that encryption “is a must in today’s world.”
When asked whether Apple’s emphasis on privacy is a dig to competitors like Google or whether it would exist if Apple wasn’t a hardware company, Cook maintains that Apple’s views on privacy are born out of the company’s values.
Our values are that we do think that people have a right to privacy. And that our customers are not our products. We don’t collect a lot of your data and understand every detail about your life. That’s just not the business that we are in.
Cook also talked about how Apple uses user data, noting that he believes its fine for the company to know your purchasing history in iTunes or the App Store to recommend music and apps to customers. However, Cook draws the line at sharing data between apps, saying that he doesn’t believe the News app should know what music you buy, or whether the content of your emails should be used to sell a different product.
This marks the third major occurrence in which the Apple CEO has addressed the company’s stance on user privacy this summer. Two weeks ago, Cook spoke about privacy concerns regarding the new “Hey Siri” feature in the iPhone 6s during a ride to Apple’s flagship 5th Avenue location in Manhattan. In June, Cook spoke about the importance of encryption and privacy at the Champions of Freedom event in Washington.
The entire interview can be listened to at NPR’s website.
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