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6
Nov

Dear first-generation sex robot …


Sex Robot

A life-size rubber doll named Roxxxy is on display during the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

Computer Love is a semi-regular column exploring the weird world of human sexuality in the 21st century.

It appears we’re on the brink of a robo-sexual revolution. Some have claimed that you’ll be, like the selfie, a socially derided mainstay by 2025. Other, more conservative, estimates posit that having sex with you will be either commonplace or more popular than human-on-human sex by 2050. Whatever the case, you’re coming — or should I say arriving — soon.

6
Nov

Sprint teams up with Amazon to offer a free Prime membership with qualifying Samsung smartphone purchases


sprint_logo_wall_sign

Sprint has revealed that it’s teamed up with Amazon to bring all customers who take out a two-year contract on a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy Note 5 for $10 per month or $17 per month respectively a free 365-day Amazon Prime membership, along with free express shipping — so they can get their hands on their shiny new smartphone within a couple of days of placing an order.

This promotion will run until Monday, November 30, and is available both online and in any of Sprint’s nationwide bricks-and-mortar stores, so you’ve got plenty of time to get in on the action.

Sprint Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season with an Exclusive Wireless Offer: A Year of Amazon Prime Included with Sprint Activation on a Qualifying Samsung Device

Amazon Prime – a $99 value on us; Giving customers FREE Two-Day Shipping, access to tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes including Amazon Original Series with Prime Video, unlimited ad-free streaming music with Prime Music, and more

Get the Samsung Galaxy S6 for Only $10 per Month or the Samsung Galaxy Note5 for $17 per Month with Trade-in of a qualified smartphone

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), November 06, 2015 – Beginning Nov. 6, new and existing Sprint (NYSE:S) customers that activate qualifying Samsung devices on Sprint, receive a full year of Amazon Prime on us – that’s a $99 value, exclusively from Sprint. With Amazon Prime, customers can enjoy unlimited FREE Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items, unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, access to ad-free streaming of over a million songs including thousands of curated playlists and personalized stations with Prime Music, unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos and much more this holiday season and the year after.

This offer is available for existing Sprint customers who upgrade or add a new line of service and new customers switching to Sprint. Qualified Samsung smartphones include Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ and Samsung Note5. Customers can get their new Samsung smartphone through Sprint Lease, Sprint Easy Pay, sign a two-year contract or pay full retail price. Visit your local Sprint store, Sprint at RadioShack or call 1-800-Sprint1 to get your new Samsung device and year of Amazon Prime with activation. The offer is available until Nov. 30, 20151.

Special Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Lease Offer

In addition, new and existing Sprint customers that trade-in a qualified smartphone can lease a Samsung Galaxy S6 32GB for only $10 per month or the Samsung Galaxy Note5 32GB for $17 per month. This offer is only available in Sprint retail stores and Sprint at RadioShack. The offer is available through Nov. 25, 2015.2

“Getting the best price in data on new Samsung smartphones and a year of Amazon Prime with activation is the best way to kick start the holiday season,” said Roger Solé, senior vice president marketing, Sprint. “It comes just in time to watch all of the great, new Amazon Original series premiering this fall, plus with FREE Two-Day Shipping, our customers can complete all their holiday shopping from the comfort of their own home.”

Family Share Pack Plan with Starter Unlimited Data

Customers can activate their new Samsung device on a Sprint Family Share Pack plan. With Sprint Starter Unlimited Data, customers can choose a 1GB high-speed data for $20 per month, then get unlimited data at 2G speeds so you never have to worry about unexpected overages again3. Or, choose to buy additional high-speed data. Plus get unlimited talk and text for $20 more per month while on the Sprint network (excludes taxes and surcharges). Sprint Global Roaming also is included with the plan.

Families switching to Sprint get four lines with unlimited talk, text and 40GB of high-speed data to share while on the Sprint network for $120 per month (excludes taxes and surcharges)4.

Switch to Sprint

Sprint will pay off every dime of your old phone or contract so you can switch via an American Express® Reward Card after online registration and phone turn-in5.

About Sprint

Sprint (NYSE:S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served more than 58.6 million connections as of Sept. 30, 2015 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the past five years. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

1 One year of Prime offer per account. Requires purchase, lease or upgrade of select Samsung devices and a credit card on file with Amazon. At the end of the year, your Prime membership automatically renews, and Amazon will charge your card the current membership fee plus taxes, unless you visit “Your Account” on Amazon.com and turn off auto-renew in the membership settings. Promo code may not be transferred or resold. Data rates may apply for download and app usage.

2The following devices in good working condition qualify for the trade-in for the Samsung Galaxy S6 32GB $10 lease: iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom G, Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy S5 Active, Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport, Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, Samsung Galaxy Note3, Samsung Galaxy Note4, Samsung Galaxy Note5, Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, HTC One M8, HTC One M9, LG G3, LG G4. $0 down at signing on a 24-month lease at $10 or $17/month for qualified customers. Requires new line of service or eligible upgrade. Payment varies for other memory configurations. No equipment security deposit required. Lease payment amount excludes taxes and svc plan charges.

After high-speed data allotment is used, speeds will be reduced to 2G until the end of your bill cycle. Req. purchase of unlimited talk and text for add’l $20.

4All phones must be ported from an active wireless line at another carrier and remain active on the plan. Devices must be acquired with Sprint Easy Pay, leasing option, by paying full MSRP or by bringing a compatible phone.

5Requires valid port-in, submission of previous bill, current phone turn in and online registration. Via American Express Reward Card.

Samsung, Galaxy S and Galaxy Note are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

Come comment on this article: Sprint teams up with Amazon to offer a free Prime membership with qualifying Samsung smartphone purchases

6
Nov

New Android malware virus puts millions of devices at risk


Lookout_map_torjan_virus_android_security_100615

Android has yet another malware issue, this one being nearly impossible to fix.

The new malware puts nearly all Android devices at risk. The malware will attempt to bury itself within the OS, making it hard to locate and then remove. The virus software will gain root-like access to your device. As of now the only way to fully remove the virus software is to boot on a clean ROM or comletely remodel the device’s system files, which can only be done through ADB. If you were thinking full system restore, this will only temporarily resolve the issue, but will then come back. If you’re not very experienced in remodeling your phone/tablet, it may easier to just buy a new phone or send in for a replacement if need be the case. According to Lookout, over 20,000 apps have already been infected with the virus, so be cautious on what you download. To find more information on this vulnerability, check out the source link down below.

Source: Lookout

Come comment on this article: New Android malware virus puts millions of devices at risk

6
Nov

You can now order the LG G Vista 2 through AT&T


LG-G-Vista-2

As anticipated, AT&T has now started taking orders for LG’s latest oversized, mid-range smartphone, the G Vista 2. The handset is available to purchase from the operator’s online portal and from any of its nationwide stores for $499 off-contract.

Just in case you missed its announcement, the G Vista 2 packs a 5.7-inch Full HD IPS display, a Snapdragon 617 octa-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable internal storage, a 13MP rear-facing camera, a 5MP selfie shooter and a 3,000mAh removable battery.

The handset runs the latest build of Lollipop unboxed and comes equipped with LG’s full suite of additional features, including Knock On, Knock Code, QSlide and Quick Memo.

Do you like the sound of the G Vista 2? Are you planning to pick one up? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: AT&T

Come comment on this article: You can now order the LG G Vista 2 through AT&T

6
Nov

Google Wallet app adds support for multiple bank accounts in new update


Google Wallet 3Version 11.0 of Google Wallet brings support for linking multiple bank accounts and some other nice features as well.

Google Wallet, although its own application, has gotten much of its attention taken away now that Android Pay is out. But if you’re like me, and you still use Google Wallet, here are some good reasons to update to the latest version.

The newest version of the Google Wallet application allows users to add multiple bank accounts. So if you have a checking account and savings account, which most do, you can now add both of them to make money transfers all within the app. Google Wallet is also bringing a new lock button for an added security. This comes into play right after one uses the Google Wallet app, but has not ended the task. What this will do, is rather than keeping it in your device’s memory, users can click the new lock button to return to the pin entry screen. This will ensure that nobody gets into your account if you happen to leave the app open. You can find it at the bottom of the navigation bar once logged in. Google hasn’t started pushing the update to the Play Store just yet, but it should be arriving shortly. If you’re impatient to get it, you can download via the safe APK download below. Just enable “unknown sources” in your settings and you’re good to go. Happy updating!

Via: Android Police [APK Download]

Come comment on this article: Google Wallet app adds support for multiple bank accounts in new update

6
Nov

Rumored A10 Production Win for TSMC Could Be Tied to Device Packaging Advances


tsmc_logo_newAccording to a recent report from Taiwan’s Commercial Times, via EE Times and a separate research report from KGI Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo, Taiwan-based TSMC may have won sole production rights on the A10 chip slated for the next-generation iPhone 7.

This is in contrast to the split production of the A9 processor between Samsung and TSMC featured in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Apple’s decision to revert back to TSMC as a single supplier, as was seen in A8 chip production, could be motivated by advanced device packaging techniques offered by TSMC that may not have equivalents in Samsung’s packaging offerings.

The Commercial Times report mentions TSMC’s integrated fan-out wafer-level packaging (InFO WLP) technology as one of the key inclusions in the production contract. InFO WLP is one of many competing 3D IC technologies that promise higher levels of component integration in a single package with better electrical characteristics.

Among those improvements is the possibility for higher-width memory buses that support lower-power operation necessary for mobile devices, which for consumers means better performance and efficiency. 3D IC technologies are just beginning to emerge in the consumer space, with AMD‘s use of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) in its Fiji XT line of discrete graphics cards being one of the first implementations.

According to a paper abstract from TSMC engineers, InFO WLP also allows for better thermal performance as well as superior performance for radio frequency (RF) components such as cellular modems. We reported last year about Apple hiring more engineers to potentially bring RF component development in house, so this packaging technology could serve as additional motivation to Apple for packaging in the future. Even if Samsung could offer Apple a comparable technology, the challenges of verifying a design on two new manufacturing flows may be a motivating factor for Apple to stick with one supplier for its next processor.

In the near term, the thermal advantages and potential increased memory bandwidth are the more immediate sources of improvement for Apple’s potential next chip. Many 3D IC technologies have seen slow adoption due to increased costs and processing steps, but the simpler InFO WLP technology offers an easier, cheaper entry point for Apple, which also has the luxury of uncommonly high margins on its devices.

tsmc_chip_packagingComparison of packaging technologies offered by TSMC

TSMC’s InFO WLP differs from many competing 3D IC solutions in that it does not require an additional silicon interposer along with the existing package substrate used for component integration. Though they do not feature active components, silicon interposers are made on silicon wafers just like the application processors featured in mobile devices, making them a costly addition to the device assembly.

InFO WLP allows multiple flip chip components to be placed side-by-side on a package substrate resembling a traditional assembly, but with the ability to interconnect to one another through the package substrate. This is in contrast to traditional methods which feature stacked packages (package on package, or PoP) interconnected with tiny wires. As mobile memory technologies advance, with LPDDR4 being the latest iteration, electrical signaling becomes an increasing technological challenge which begins to make 3D IC technologies more attractive for enhanced performance.

The list of included components would not be limited to memory, however, so future device teardowns will be interesting as mobile devices begin to include these technologies. More information on TSMC’s packaging technologies can be accessed via this PDF.

Related Roundup: iPhone 7 (2016)
Tags: TSMC, A10 chip

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6
Nov

Instagram Begins Testing Ads That Use 3D Touch and Apple Pay


Instagram has begun testing various ads that will allow users to shop for everything from clothing to menu items at local restaurants, integrating new iPhone features like 3D Touch and Apple Pay as well (via Digiday). The social network has had ads appear in users’ feeds for a while now, but hopes that more unobtrusive shopping experiences that keep users in the app itself will attract bigger brands to the service.

instagram ads

“From an innovation standpoint, Instagram is where a lot of brands are putting the most eggs,” said an ad agency executive familiar with the tests. “Force touch gets interesting, because instead of quickly tapping Shop Now to buy this one thing, you can choose from two or three offers. It makes for more frictionless shopping.”

3D Touch integration will let users press harder on the ad to toggle between various selections from a clothing brand, for instance. The addition of Apple Pay aims to add to the “frictionless shopping” experience by letting users purchase something they see directly within Instagram, without having to visit the brand’s own app or Safari to complete the purchase.

Instagram, owned by Facebook, is attempting to get a cut from the sales of many of the products that its service generates naturally, according to Digiday‘s sources. Some of those sources fear Instagram’s commercialization due to the heavily-marketed advertisements being tested on the platform, suggesting the photo-focused service is best left as a “branding opportunity” for companies and leaving the sales portion to its parent site, Facebook.

Tag: Instagram

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6
Nov

Google to offer discounts to Play Music subscribers?


hbTGycpIf you’re a fan of Google’s Play Music service, you may be in for a treat. Reddit user Thomas79 pointed out that when he purchased an app, he received what looks to be a 10% Play Music subscriber discount. While this may turn out to be a glitch, it is also possible that Google is readying a discount for its existing Play Music customers, which would be a nice bonus for the holiday season. It is worth mentioning that Thomas79 lives somewhere in Europe, and this discount was not applied when we attempted to purchase the same app here in the U.S.

We also have no indication as to which apps this discount would apply to in the Play Store, or if it would apply to books, movies, or other content. It’s not clear when (or if) this will be rolling out to all users, but we will definitely keep our eyes open for future discounts.

The post Google to offer discounts to Play Music subscribers? appeared first on AndroidGuys.

6
Nov

Google finds security bugs in Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung promises update fix


Galaxy-S6-edge+_left_Siver-TitaniumA team of researchers at Google’s Project Zero have tested the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge’s security chops, and they found quite a few substantial holes. After testing the device in the U.S. and Europe, researchers found a total of 11 bugs, including one that allowed them to execute code on the device after it had been wiped. Google’s researchers seemed alarmed, since it didn’t take long for them to find and exploit these bugs. Given Samsung’s reputation with its Knox security program, it is interesting to see that one of their flagship devices has so many security gaps.

Samsung did address eight of those bugs in an update released in October, and another update will supposedly be released sometime in November to deal with the remaining three. The Google team tested this statement, and found that eight of the issues were indeed fixed. The other three issues relate to memory corruption of photos and execution of JavaScript embedded in an email. It is worth noting that the most severe issues were fixed in the October update, so at least emphasis was placed on the serious holes. It is not clear if these bugs are present on the other flagship devices like the Galaxy S6 and Note 5, although those devices will likely receive the November update as well.

Screenshot_2015-11-06-09-15-58As of writing this article, we actually received an update notification on a Galaxy S6 (Sprint) that appears to be the security update Samsung mentioned. If you have a Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, Note 5, or S6 Edge+, you may be receiving the same update in the next few days. While security issues are a big deal to many users, it is good to see that Samsung is working to address them as quickly as possible.

Source Time

The post Google finds security bugs in Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung promises update fix appeared first on AndroidGuys.

6
Nov

Here’s another “In-Between Moments” LG V10 ad, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt


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LG last week launched one of their ads for the V10 handset in collaboration with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This comes after LG announced a partnership with the actor and his online collaborative production company, HitRECord.

What’s particularly interesting about the ad is that it was shot entirely on the LG V10. There’s obviously some post-production happening, but this ad still demonstrates the quality of video that the V10 can shoot.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This ad is the first video in a short film Gordon-Levitt is dubbing the “In-Between Moments,” which was an idea submitted to HitRECord by an artist from their community. With that in mind, HitRECord searched out the talent and creativity from its community to put this film together.

The ‘In-Between Moments’ happen all throughout the day and can be beautiful, or spontaneous, or fleeting – but they give life its texture,” Gordon-Levitt said.

LG designed the V10 with content creators in mind, making this collaboration with Gordon-Levitt and his production company the perfect partnership. With a 16-megapixel rear sensor, 4K video capabilities, and an arsenal of manual video controls, LG hopes that the V10 will be the go-to smartphone for creators. And don’t forget, LG is still offering free goodies for those that purchase a V10 anytime between now and November 15.

Anyone plan on picking up a LG V10? Could you put its professional video capabilities to use?

source: LG (YouTube)

Come comment on this article: Here’s another “In-Between Moments” LG V10 ad, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt