Google releases Pixel C Android 6.0.1 factory image
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In case you were wondering whether Google would be treating its new Pixel C tablet as it would one of its Nexus devices, wonder no longer. Google has today put up the Pixel C Android 6.0.1 factory image, joining the list of factory images that was released just a few days ago. Unusually, the Pixel C is codenamed “ryu”, which as far as I can tell isn’t a species of fish – Nexus devices (and even Android Wear devices) are generally codenamed with the name of a species of fish, but obviously the Pixel C must have been a different kind of beast.
I’m not even sure if anyone actually has the Pixel C in their hands (apart from media reviewers), but if you do and you want to try your hand at flashing the factory image, you’ll be able to download it from the Google Developers website here. Of course, the safer route would be the wait for the OTA update, which undoubtedly will start rolling out very shortly. And as a reminder, apart from the December security update, the main update in Android 6.0.1 has been the addition of new emoji.
What do you think about the Pixel C tablet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Google Developers via TalkAndroid
The post Google releases Pixel C Android 6.0.1 factory image appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
French prime minister says public WiFi will not be banned
A few days ago, French newspaper Le Monde reported on the existence of a document suggesting the country’s police are seeking a bill that would severely limit internet freedom, access and privacy. Among requests noted on the “wishlist” were a ban on access to Tor, a way to shut off public WiFi access during emergencies and for providers of encrypted communications to hand over the keys to authorities. Now, prime minister Manuel Valls says a ban on WiFi is not a part of any new security measures.
According to The Connexion, he also claimed not to be in favor of any ban on the identity-masking Tor network, and said he had no knowledge of any request by police for backdoor access to services like Skype or Whatsapp. Seeming to side with voicescalling out the measures as changes that would actually make France’s citizens less safe, Valls said any changes needed to be “effective.” While we wait to see what rules may be enacted, France is still under a state of emergency, scheduled to last until February 26th.
Via: Ars Technica
Source: The Connexion
Kickstarter hires a journo to investigate a failed campaign
When you hear the word “Kickstarter,” you probably think of campaigns asking for your money. This time, though, the crowdfunding website is using its own money to fund a project: one that aims to discover why Zano mini-drone, the most-funded campaign in Europe, failed to deliver. The company has hired an investigative journalist named Mark Harris, who has written for various publications such as MIT Technology Review and Scientific American, to look into what went wrong with project. If you recall, Zano’s CEO suddenly resigned in November, leaving backers out in the cold. Prior to that, the campaign promised a tiny, cheap drone that can be used for aerial photography, and people liked it so much, it raised over $3 million.
According to Harris, the company asked him to track the project from start to finish and to find out where the $3 million worth of pledges went to. Also:
Kickstarter has asked me to… answer the questions of whether Zano’s creators could have done anything differently, or made mistakes that future Kickstarter projects might avoid. I will also be looking into Kickstarter’s role in the project, and whether it could have served Zano’s creators or backers better throughout.
In an email sent to Motherboard, a Kickstarter spokesperson said the company is okay with creators taking on big ideas and failing, but that it expects “transparency and honesty along the way.” The crowdfunding website wants to use whatever Harris unearths as an example for other hardware makers aiming to launch ambitious campaigns. However, the story’s primary target audience is still Zano’s 12,000 backers, so they can have closure and know what happened to their money.
Via: Motherboard
Source: Mark Harris
Google CEO speaks up against ‘intolerant discourse’
Following a slew of tech CEOs coming out against anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, Sundar Pichai published his first essay on Medium tonight. Like Mark Zuckerberg and others his words stand in contrast to those of Donald Trump and others who suggest the country close its doors to immigrants from certain places or religions. According to Pichai, “Let’s not let fear defeat our values. We must support Muslim and other minority communities in the US and around the world.”
Let’s not let fear defeat our values
The exec did not mention Google by name in the post (or say why he posted it on Medium, with only a link to it from Google+), but did try to explain why he’s saying this now, and why he waited.
I debated whether to post this, because lately it seems that criticism of intolerance just gives more oxygen to this debate. But I feel we must speak out — particularly those of us who are not under attack. Everyone has the right to their views, but it’s also important that those who are less represented know that those are not the views of all.
Noting his own story of moving to the US from India, he called for America to remain a land that provides opportunities to and gains strengths from immigrants. While saying that Google is “urgently working to become more diverse,” (oh?) he pushed for a mix of backgrounds that he says will lead to a better outcome for everyone.
Any series of essays and internet videos are unlikely to extinguish Presidential campaigns that rely on fear mongering, bombastic statements and dog-whistle racism to garner attention, but it’s good to have an idea of where everyone stands on these issues.
[Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Source: Sundar Pichai (Medium)
Nexus 6P Special Gold Edition now on sale in Japan
The Japan-exclusive Gold Nexus 6P variant is now available.
After several months of waiting, the Gold colored “Nexus 6P Special Edition” is now available from the Google Store here in Japan, as well as SoftBank Mobile, the exclusive carrier of the Huawei handset. The phone was originally announced at the Nexus media event back in September, after having been rumored and leaked as a color option in the days and weeks prior to it.
Originally given a release date estimate of “late November”, the device has released 12 days after the start of December. It is unknown as to what caused the delay; it could have been a logistics issue, or it could have been quality control problems related to the limited production of a specific color variant.
Nexus 6P
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At the moment, it is unclear as to how long the Nexus 6P Special Edition will be produced. While all signs point to it being a standard model for the Japanese market – just with an alternative name to denote its exclusivity – there is the possibility that it will only be produced for a set period of time. Likewise, it is unknown as to if or when this color variant will be released in other countries; many have already expressed confusion as to why Japan is the sole recipient of the Gold shade, especially given the more significant appeal the color choice has outside of the country, in Asia.
The Nexus 6P Special Edition is available in a 64GB configuration only, and retails for the same 80,800 yen ($665) as the standard 64GB models. There is absolutely no difference whatsoever with respect to the device’s internals; the “special” element refers solely the color.
For those seeking to import
Given the nature of the global market, it is likely only a matter of days, if not hours, before sellers on channels such as eBay begin to offer the device. It would not be surprising to see individuals seeking to make a major mark-up, charging in excess of $1000, perhaps even $1500, or $2000 for the product.
For those who may seek to purchase it, please be aware that SoftBank Mobile does not unlock devices, and thus unless a special exception has been made for this product, a SoftBank Nexus 6P will only work with a SoftBank SIM card. It is therefore imperative that only Google Store variants be purchased. Unfortunately as the packaging for Nexus devices this year in Japan, be they carrier or direct sales, are indistinguishable, the burden of trust will thus be placed on the seller.
How to verify the IMEI status
SoftBank’s network verification status IMEI check.
There is one way to check however. Similar to the ESN system used in the United States, SoftBank (as well as other carriers) has a database that allows owners to check on the payment status of their phone. By entering the IMEI number here, one of four possible symbols will appear: a “CIRCLE” which indicates the device has been paid off, a “TRIANGLE” which indicates the device is under an installment plan and therefore not paid off, and an “X” which means the device has yet to be registered on the network. If a “MINUS” appears however, it means that the device is NOT listed in a Japanese carrier database.
Testing a Taiwanese HTC One A9 and a Google Store Japan LG Nexus 5 in the system yielded a (-) “MINUS” which makes sense as neither device is sold by a Japanese carrier. By this same account, a Google Store variant of the Nexus 6P should also turn up as a “MINUS” thus to those importing, it is recommended you request the device IMEI and enter it into the above link to verify the “MINUS” result.
Wrap Up
Is anyone interested in the Nexus 6P Special Edition? Are you angry that Google has ignored your country with such a smartphone? Surprised by the price tag? Leave us your comments below and let us know!
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Soak test coming to the DROID Turbo 2
Motorola has started to invite DROID Turbo 2 owners to a soak test for an “early preview of a new software release“. Maybe the DROID Turbo 2 will follow in the Moto X Pure Edition‘s footprints and will be receiving a Marshmallow update soon?
We aren’t really sure what this update is for just yet as Motorola or Verizon hasn’t given any other details. It may also be for WiFi Calling like the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge got this week? Once we know more, we will definitely let you know, however, what do you think it could be for?
Source: Droid Life
Come comment on this article: Soak test coming to the DROID Turbo 2
The App Store now shows you when iOS apps work on Apple TV
The fourth-generation Apple TV already has over 2,600 apps, a significant number considering tvOS is such a young platform. Naturally, as more developers make their applications compatible with the new hardware, Apple wants users to easily find these. In order to do that, Apple’s iOS App Store now lets you know when its iPhone or iPad apps also have an Apple TV version, similar to what it does with the Watch.
Originally spotted by 9to5Mac, the label (pictured below) doesn’t appear to be fully baked at the moment: it displays as “SF.UniversalAppleTV,” rather than something cleaner like “Apple TV.” Of course, you could always just search the Apple TV for apps, but this gives you a different option to see which will or won’t work with your set-top box.
Source: 9to5Mac
Chinese researchers create mind-controlled car
Researcher Zhang Zhao wearing a brain signal-reading equipment poses with a car which can be controlled with his brain wave, during a demonstration at Nankai University in Tianjin, China, November 17, 2015. REUTERS/Kim Kyung
If you ever needed any evidence that we’re living in the future, here you go. Chinese researchers have created a car that is controlled by what is effectively telepathy. The Nankai University research team in the city of Tianjin report that their investigation into practical detection of EEG signals has resulted in a vehicle that can be maneuvered while its driver sits motionless.
See also: Ex-Hyundai CEO to steer Google’s self-driving car project
It sounds like science fiction, but it’s true. The driver wears a headpiece equipped with 16 sensors that detect electroencephalogram (EEG) signals which are then wirelessly sent to an on-board computer that interprets the driver’s intention. In a demonstration reported by Reuters, researcher Zhang Zhao drove the vehicle forward, came to a halt, put it into reverse, and locked/unlocked the vehicle – all without moving his arms or legs.
REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
While undeniably cool as hell, one must immediately question the purpose of such technology. Associate Professor Duan Feng, who led the project, explained that the capabilities his team was developing are intended to be used in conjunction with driverless vehicles. While technologies such as Google’s Self Driving Car would control the bulk of an automobile’s on-the-road navigation, brain signal reading could be used as a means for the driver to seamlessly communicate intent to the vehicle. These combined technologies would give physically disabled drivers far greater mobility and control.
This project is still very much in its infancy and has focused on ferrying simple commands to the vehicle. The mind-controlled car cannot turn, for instance, and there aren’t any sort of plans to bring it to production. This technology is still very young, but I don’t think I have to trot out a bag phone and set it beside a Nexus 6P to demonstrate how initially clumsy technologies can grow.
What are your thoughts regarding China’s brain-controlled vehicle? Let us know in the comments!
Next: 13 best GPS app and navigation app options for Android
Watch T-Mobile CEO John Legere festively throw shade at rival carriers
T-Mobile is getting into the holiday spirit by producing a gleefully aggressive music video that flips the bird to Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T. It’s an interesting move, but we should almost expect it at this point. After all, the T-Mobile CEO John Legere has been building something of a celebrity status out of his own audacity. Like him or hate him, his strategy seems to be working. Watch the video below.
Just a few years ago, T-Mobile looked like it was on the ropes. Failing ad campaigns and a dwindling subscriber listings left some theorizing that the nation’s fourth largest carrier wasn’t long for this world. The company knew it had to change, and that change came in the form of their new CEO (as well as extensive HR restructuring). Legere immediately took to the public stage with all the swagger of a rock star and the arrogance of an underdog who doesn’t know when to give up.
See also: John Legere becomes a superhero in T-Mobile’s #DefeatDuopoly campaign video
To Legere’s team, it seemed like the whole point of contracts was to lock subscribers into plans even after they had become unsatisfied with them. In a move of business acumen and PR genius, Legere spearheaded a corporate shift that axed contracts, pushed unlimited data plans, and paid subscribers to switch from the competition. And it worked. People liked the idea of a contractless carrier. T-Mobile (now the third-largest carrier in the nation) is cashing in their recent momentum by heckling the competition like a high school sports team.
In a musical number sure to draw sympathy from those currently being gouged by major carriers, the “Un-carrier” CEO playfully bashes T-Mobile’s competitors with a rewritten holiday medley. Instead of Santa Claus and the Little Drummer Boy, we get lyrics like “You better watch out / You’d better change fast / Consumers won’t let your duopoly last / Un-carrier is coming to town.”
I won’t spoil anything else for you. Worth a look and a laugh even if you’re not a T-Mobile fan. When you’re done watching, let us know what you thought in the comments. Also, what’s your opinion of Legere and his unconventional business tactics?
After outcry, Microsoft bumping OneDrive storage up
A little over a month ago, Microsoft announced that they were bringing an end to the unlimited storage available to many users of their OneDrive cloud storage platform. As part of the changes, they were also planning to cut available free storage from 15GB down to only 5Gb. After an outcry from their user base, Microsoft announced today that they are modifying their offerings yet again to try to address some of the problems they created.
Besides the general criticism Microsoft faced from all corners for offering up unlimited storage and then having to back off of that, the company also saw over 72,000 customers get on their case on their UserVoice forum. Designed to get suggestions, the forum turned into a honeypot for customers upset by Microsoft’s decision.
In a post today, Microsoft acknowledged that the way the original decision was communicated gave the appearance the company was penalizing good customers for the action of a few customers thought to be abusing the service. Douglas Pearce, Group Program Manager with Microsoft, said the company was sorry and wanted to apologize for giving that impression.
Microsoft is also bringing back the 15GB of free storage for users who already have a OneDrive account with an existing 15GB of storage. Microsoft is also going to let users who had a bonus 15GB camera roll add-on keep that drive space as well. In order to take advantage of this change though, users do have to take the step of signing up to keep their storage. Microsoft has setup a special page that users can visit to make sure their account stays the same after the change to 5GB for free storage is made. This step has to be taken no later than January 31, 2016.
Users who have 1TB through Office 365 Home, Personal and University subscriptions will still get 1TB of storage and Microsoft will honor any additional storage space for up to 12 months. They will also offer a full refund for anyone who does not want to continue with unlimited storage.
If you have a Microsoft OneDrive account, be sure to hit the source link below for additional details and the link to let Microsoft know you want to keep your plan at the 15GB level if that is what you currently have.
source: Microsoft
via: Business Insider
Come comment on this article: After outcry, Microsoft bumping OneDrive storage up
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