Mini review video: Our verdict on the iPad Pro in under a minute
Had trouble reading every single word of my iPad Pro review? It’s okay, writing all of those words was kind of hard, too. For those of you with shorter attention spans, here’s the abridged version: Apple’s biggest-ever tablet isn’t for me, but it could be a compelling choice for two types of people. Namely, creative types who want to get work done on the go and plan to make good use of the optional Apple Pencil; and early adopters who just want the biggest, fastest possible iPad, and are willing to pay a premium for it. With no mouse support, a non-adjustable screen angle and an OS that isn’t as well-suited to multitasking as OS X or Windows 10, it doesn’t come close to replacing your laptop. But depending on your needs, it could serve as a decent stand-in when you’re away from your primary machine.
Rdio will transition subscribers to free accounts after November 23rd
Following the news of Rdio’s bankruptcy filing and sale to Pandora, the company offered some details on how its users can expect their streaming accounts to ride off into the sunset. Starting November 23rd, the service will no longer accept new customers and current subscribers can expect their accounts to be cancelled on the next billing date. When that happens, you’ll still be able to listen to the free ad-supported version of Rdio until it shuts down completely, but the company hasn’t given a specific date for that just yet. Rdio plans to let users export their data, including playlists and favorites before it’s shuttered for good. The deal with Pandora is set to close in early 2016, and we’d surmise Rdio’s brand of streaming will stick around in a limited form until then.
Source: Rdio
Playdate: Death becomes us in ‘Darksiders 2’
When publisher THQ went bankrupt a few years back it was a staggering blow to the game industry. Sure, the company made some flops (oh hi, Homefront), but it also published some killer games like the Saint’s Row and Metro franchises. The label also had Darksiders from developer Vigil Games. But unlike the first two series that I mentioned, Darksiders wasn’t scooped up by a major publisher during the bankruptcy proceedings and comparatively was kind of left to languish. I’d honestly thought all hope was lost because while the series is great, it just couldn’t really find an audience. So I was incredibly surprised when word came down that Darksiders 2 was getting a remastering earlier this year.
Nexus 5X now available on Amazon and B&H Photo
After having an exclusive run on the Google Store, the Nexus 5X is now available to purchase at Amazon as well as B&H Photo. Both retailers are selling the devices in 16GB and 32GB storage models at their respective prices.
As a quick reminder, here’s the key specifications in this device:
- 5.2-inch Full HD (1920×1080) LCD display (Gorilla Glass 3 protection)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 12.3MP / 5MP cameras
- 32GB/64GB of internal storage
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm, 136g
- USB Type-C port
- Fingerprint scanner
You can pick the Nexus 5x up from Amazon right now in White, Black, and Mint at $379.99 for the 16GB model and $429.99 for the 32GB model. Price and colour availability are the same at B&H Photo.
Anyone picking one up?
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5X now available on Amazon and B&H Photo
Verizon Wireless is giving all active subscribers 2GB of free data
Verizon is celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday by giving all active subscribers free data.
From now up until 11:59 Tuesday night, Verizon subscribers can claim 1GB of bonus data in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. The bonus data will be added right on top of your monthly plan and will be valid through the end of your current billing cycle. In addition, you’ll also get 1GB added to the following billing cycle. Verizon subscribers can claim the free data at the source link down below to Verizon’s website or by logging into the My Verizon application on your connected device. Verizon will also be holding a number of other promotions on November 25th, the day prior to the holiday, which can be viewed at the source link.
Well, what are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose! Claim that data now!
Source: Verizon
Via: Android Central
Come comment on this article: Verizon Wireless is giving all active subscribers 2GB of free data
The challenges of running a modern VFX Studio
We’ve come a long way since the Harryhausen-era of special effects. Instead of countless hours spent adjusting claymation models, modern VFX require more computer processing power than the moon mission. But while they seamlessly blend into our storytelling, creating convincing special effects is still no easy feat. Just ask Shade VFX CEO, Bryan Godwin.
Hillary Clinton calls for cooperation on encryption
The debate over smartphone, app and data encryption rages on in the US. With the recent events in Paris only fueling the fire for those arguing for backdoor access, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke up on the need for cooperation this week. “We need Silicon Valley not to view government as its adversary,” Clinton explained in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. “We need our best minds in the private sector to work with our best minds in the public sector to develop solutions that will both keep us safe and protect our privacy.” While the debate has gone back and forth for sometime now, reports that the Paris attackers used encrypted messaging services to coordinate last week’s events resounded the call for legislation that demands access for law enforcement.
Source: The Hill
View your photos with RotoView Photo Viewer (app review)
At some point in our photo taking adventures, we have to zoom in to view all the details of our pictures. With RotoView Photo Viewer, you can now scroll your magnified pictures with a simple tilt of your screen.
Overview
RotoView Photo Viewer is an alternative photo viewer for your android phone. You can easily find photos stored on your phone to view, start slideshows, and easily zoom in and view the fine details. When zooming in on a picture, you can long tap the screen to start scrolling around the magnified picture by simply rotating your phone sideways, or up and down. You can also choose to show a map of your photo, allowing you to easily see where you are on the photo. Your videos will also show up in your picture albums, but require a separate video app to play them.
Usage
When opening the app, you are given several viewing options. You can either view your photos by the albums they are in, by date or time, people, or tags. It would be nice if they could add viewing of pictures in your cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. You can view each folder’s pictures as a grid or a filmstrip. I personally like the grid view more, as you can view more photos at once.
You can also select to view the folder as a slideshow. It’s a nice feature, but it displays the photos in order, with no option for shuffling. You can also rotate pictures left and right, delete or crop pictures, and easily set the photo as a contact photo or wallpaper.
The app also uses your phone’s accelerometer, for older phones, and the gyroscope, on newer phones, to allow you to rotate your screen for easy scrolling of the magnified picture. To use the smart scroll option, all you have to do is select the picture you want to view, zoom in, long tap the screen, then start rotating your phone in the direction you want to scroll. You can also shake your phone to start the smart scroll. If you don’t like rotating your phone, you can easily turn off this feature by tapping the picture and selecting the RotoView icon at the bottom left of the screen.
If you keep your finger on the screen, it gives you the option to easily control the scroll speed by moving your finger as you scroll. If you are like me and don’t like this option, you can use an alternative way to adjust the scroll speed. You just select the map icon, once scrolling, and drag it up or down to adjust the speed. I like this option more, but found it difficult, sometimes, to properly adjust the speed. You have to be rotating the phone in order to use this option, so it would be nice if there was an easier way to adjust the speed settings.
If you need help getting started, or remembering all the different functions, you can tap on a photo and select the “?” at the bottom left of the screen. This will walk you through everything you need to know.
What we liked
- Multiple viewing options of pictures
- Multiple options for scrolling magnified pictures
What could be better
- Easier speed control options for scrolling
- Shuffle pictures option in slideshow
- Integration of Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services.
Summary
This is a great alternative to your basic picture gallery you have preinstalled on your phone. With all the basic options covered, and the addition of new features, you will enjoy looking at your pictures even more.
Google Play Store: RotoView Photo Viewer
The post View your photos with RotoView Photo Viewer (app review) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Facebook has a cure for your broken heart: more Facebook
Your best friend, Facebook — you know the one who toyed with your emotions for personal gain; repeatedly brought up moments you’d rather forget; and refused to call you by your chosen name for, like, ever — really wants to help you get over your ex. That’s right, yesterday the good vibes social network that wears its thumbs-up on its sleeve, started testing a set of features for the recently estranged.
Facebook at Work rolls out a dedicated chat app on Android
Facebook at Work caters to businesses, allowing employees to communicate and share documents on private channels, and this week it adds a new mobile feature called Work Chat. Work Chat is a separate messaging app that operates similarly to the standard Facebook Messenger service, though it’s restricted to you and your coworkers only. It’s available to select companies on Android now, with an iOS launch in the works, TechCrunch reports. Facebook at Work is still in beta, though TechCrunch says about 300 companies use it daily, from Heineken USA to the Royal Bank of Scotland. When it launches for all businesses next year, it’ll use a “freemium” model, the site reports.
Source: TechCrunch
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