ICYMI: VR yourself into a robot, plasma physics and more
Today on In Case You Missed It: UC Berkeley is using VR, motion capture and spatial mapping to put a human ‘into’ the body of a robot with a technique called robotic teleoperation. The video looks like a complicated form of the claw game, but also gives a really interesting perspective.
Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics is running, finally, after nearly 20 years of design and construction. The hope is that its design will lead to a safer alternative to nuclear power.
And a Kickstarter project is asking for money for a cable that backs up your data while charging your phone. It costs about $60 for either an iOS or Android charger; snap it up if you’re into redundancy or don’t trust cloud storage.
It was really a week for car news. We recommend reading editor Roberto Baldwin’s reporting on the Uber protests in San Francisco. As always, please share any interesting science or tech videos, anytime! Just tweet us with the #ICYMI hashtag to @mskerryd.
The Public Access Weekly: Let me see your Super Bowl
Yes, it’s finally here — the day that we all gather around to eat snacks, yell at the TV and watch the sportsball. I have personally prepared for the weekend’s Super Bowl 50 event by doing something I almost never do: Actually throwing a football around. In between finalizing all your Sunday plans, why don’t you sit down and join us for another Public Access Weekly?
This week, the survey is still up and I am still pushing it harder than your auntie with a side dish at Thanksgiving. If you’ve been meaning to chime in, please take a moment this weekend and give us your thoughts because we’ll be closing the survey soon and we really want to hear from you. If you’ve already taken it, many thanks! Your answers have been truly interesting and helpful.
In other news, a big ol’ proper tip of the hat to Edward Watkinson, whose story on travel apps is the first Public Access post to make it to the Engadget home page! Thanks to Edward for a great story on your favorite travel apps! I will honestly fess up to immediately downloading the Bonjournal app to test out (oddly for non-travel purposes, but more on that after I get a chance to play around with it). If you want to see your story on the Engadget home page, you can sign up to contribute to Public Access right here. Go ahead, do it. All your friends are doing it.
We’re also still giving shout-outs on social media to those members who have posted their first stories to Public Access; if you’d like an @ mention, make sure you’ve included a Twitter handle or social media link in your profile. (Not sure how? Sign into your Public Access account and go here.)
Public Access members may have noticed that some old topic ideas have been removed from the CMS, as we’re currently working on updating and refreshing topic ideas and how they’re displayed to members. If you have a draft that you’ve been waiting to finish, now is a great time — It might get a hard due date sooner than later! And if you have an idea for a great Public Access topic idea, feel free to hit us up here.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, we’re developing a lot of plans this year for Public Access and we’ll be keeping you updated both via these weekly posts and on the Public Access landing page.
Looking for something to read? Check out:
Operation Finish All The Games January 2016: Kris Naudus gives us the first update on her plans to play through a game a month, all year. This month: Broken Age.
If Apple doesn’t launch an 802.11ah router, who will?: Good question, Robert Blake. Who indeed.
Google ‘ProjectSkyBender’ to Beam 5G Internet Using Drones: Meanwhile I’m still getting my internet out of tubes, like a sucker.
Looking for something to write about? Mull over:
Clean out your computer day: Celebrated on February 8th, this is a holiday designed to remind us all to spend some time cleaning out files and downloads. Share your cleaning tips and organizing tricks in a helpful how-to.
Professional gamers: If you could play a game – any game – professionally, what would it be and why?
Children and technology: There are some interesting points being made in the comments to this story about a man who was arrested after confiscating his child’s iPhone (a case complicated by custody issues). But what are best practices for parenting children who have constant access to technology? How do you instill proper tech etiquette in kids who have never known a life without a smartphone?
Ohlala’s ‘paid dates’ app debuts in New York City
Valentine’s Day for single folks can be a pretty touchy subject. But New Yorkers who don’t have qualms about exchanging money for short-term companionship have an alternative option in Ohlala. It recently launched in Gotham and offers men and women the option of paying for a “date.” From the look of things, it’s a bit like a cross between Tinder and Uber.
Unlike the worst-case scenario you might have in mind, however, it isn’t a process where you swipe for a ride but the driver doesn’t show up because you gave him or her your phone number. A press release from the company describes the process as such:
To initiate conversations, Ohlala users create verified profiles in which male users can fill date requests detailing specifications such as time and price range. Requests are made available to all active female users in the area for only 21 minutes, emphasizing an instant dating experience.
Only once the request is accepted can private conversations begin to discuss further details of the date – helping foster a safe and anonymous environment. Once both users have agreed upon the terms of the date, the price of the date is logged, and the date is accepted, users can then take the conversation offline and meet face-to-face under the agreed parameters.
Founder Pia Poppenreiter tells TechCrunch that what happens on a date here is actually a private matter. She also disagrees about the idea of her app being an escort service. Her preferred nomenclature? “A dating app with a payment mechanism built in.” It debuted last year in Germany (a profile on Broadly illustrates the ins and outs of the service), and this week’s New York launch marks its first trip outside of Deutschland.
Other apps have existed to help find a paid companion in your area — Poppenreiter previously built another one called Peppr — Ohlala covers every aspect of the transaction from start to climax, and aims to make those connections quickly. Now it’s just up to you to figure out how much a money shot is worth, and if it’s legal in your area.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Pehub
130+ HD minimalist wallpapers of colors, macro images and more
Your phone probably has a fantastic display and there is no better way to see the beauty of it than through a wallpaper. We’ve collected a huge library of over 130 wallpapers of macro images, color, water droplets, dandelions and flowers all to make your background pop. These are perfect to show off the pixels and color gamut on your Android, iOS or Windows smartphones. They’ll also look great on your tablets as well.
We’ve changed things up lately and will be sharing the entire collection through Google Photos rather than hosting them on our servers. There are thousands of you who love these wallpapers and rather than drain the speed on our server, we’re offloading that responsibility to Google. All you have to do is join the collection through this link and you’re free to download all of the wallpapers to your device.
We would also love it if you tweeted screenshots of your home screens to us at Twitter.com (@AndroidGuys). We might feature your background in an upcoming wallpapers collection!
See the entire collection by clicking on this LINK to Google Photos.
Here some of our favorites from the collection.
Dandelion seed with water drops
The post 130+ HD minimalist wallpapers of colors, macro images and more appeared first on AndroidGuys.
GoPro and Microsoft ink patent licensing deal
GoPro and Microsoft have forged a partnership, and it’s a very secretive one. The two companies have signed a patent licensing “for certain file storage and other system technologies.” That is seriously all they’re willing to tell us at this point, as the rest of the agreement’s details remain confidential. TechCrunch notes, however, that Microsoft made the exFAT file system available for licensing, making it a likely candidate for one of the technologies included in the agreement.
exFAT is a format optimized for flash drives, allowing you to save files 32GB and up. GoPro uses exFAT for larger SD cards, but for 64GB ones and smaller, it still uses the FAT format that only save files up to 4GB in size. Microsoft has refused to give TechCrunch more info about the agreement, but in the partnership’s announcement, Microsoft Technology Licensing’s Nick Psyhogeos said:
This agreement with GoPro shows the incredible breadth of technology sharing enabled through patent transactions. Microsoft’s licensing of personal wearable technologies is seeing strong demand as we partner with companies from all industries to optimize solutions for their customers around the globe.
Despite all the secrecy, GoPro has already benefited greatly from the deal. The action camera-maker’s stock has been dropping these recent months, but it’s gone up from four to six percent after the partnership was announced.
Source: Microsoft
Apple Launches Repair Program for Late 2013 Mac Pro Video Issues
Apple today launched a new Repair Extension Program that addresses video issues on some late 2013 Mac Pro models, according to an internal notice obtained by MacRumors.
Apple has determined that graphics cards in some late 2013 Mac Pros, manufactured between February 8, 2015 and April 11, 2015, may cause distorted video, no video, system instability, freezing, restarts, shut downs, or may prevent system start up.
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair eligible Mac Pro models affected by the video issues free of charge. Customers can book an appointment with the Genius Bar at an Apple Store or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to determine if their Mac Pro is eligible for coverage.
Unlike Apple’s voluntary recall of some international AC wall adapters last week, Apple is unlikely to publicly announce this repair program on its support website, but it may contact some customers directly.
Apple has sold around 11 million Macs since Q2 2015, which is when the affected Mac Pro models were first sold, but the company does not provide a sales breakdown by type of Mac. It is also unclear if the affected Mac Pros were sold beyond April 2015, making it difficult to gauge how many customers are potentially impacted.
A lengthy Apple Support Communities topic was posted about Mac Pro video issues in February 2015, and it has since amassed nearly 3,500 views and 50 replies from affected users. One customer claimed Apple agreed to replace his Mac Pro’s graphics card after he contacted the company’s support team about the issue.
Apple also launched a repair program for 2011-2013 MacBook Pros with video issues in February 2015.
Discuss this article in our forums
Cops nab man for crashing a drone into the Empire State building
A New Jersey native’s drone has recently crashed into the Empire State building, and unlike the person whose machine hit Seattle’s Great Wheel, he didn’t get away with it. Authorities have arrested the man an NBC affiliate identified as Sean Nivin Riddle after his drone struck the iconic building’s 40th floor, ultimately landing on the 35th. While authorities didn’t mention what the drone’s purpose was in flying around NYC, a man with the same name tweeted that he was using the UAV to film until it hit the skyscraper.
The pilot made it easy for cops to arrest him by asking the building’s security personnel for his drone back. In the tweet we linked above, the user said he was with security getting a background check. According to Reuters, nobody was injured and no property was damaged, but Riddle is facing charges of reckless endangerment and navigation in and over the city. Last year, a 26-year-old teacher was also arrested for crashing a drone at the US Open, ruining the hobby for all responsible pilots out there.
filming w/drone, now its stuck on the empire state building….w/security #backgroundcheck @BlueMalus @johnnypittman pic.twitter.com/U5ih1hb2jz
— Sean Nivin Riddle (@SeanRiddle12) February 4, 2016
Via: BoingBoing
Source: Reuters
Best LG V10 cases
There are various kinds of LG V10 cases which you can use to protect it from shocks, bumps, scratches and drops. But only a select few can be considered the best of the best. The following cases offer both protection and style to keep your V10 intact.
Verus Heavy Duty Drop Protection Case
This case has a brushed metal surface on the back. And on the off chance that you are searching for a case to give brilliant drop insurance with a moderate design, then this is the best case for your V10.
It has multi-layered impact resistance built into high-grade TPU and polycarbonate. There is a delicate rubbery within its layer pads, which shields it from drop harms. Also, its outside is made of a hard, extreme layer to counteract severe damages.
- Colors: Steel Silver, Shine Gold, Rose Gold
- Price: $17
[Amazon]
OtterBox Defender Case
OtterBox is a standout amongst case and cover makers for mobile devices. OtterBox’s Defender Series cases are exceptionally suggested to those who have a V10. From interior cushioning, a polycarbonate shell, and sturdy swivel holster, this is the case to protect the phone from anything. This tough case for the V10 will shield your phone from a few sorts of every day harms and even more extreme dangers.
- Colors: Black
- Price: $54
[OtterBox]
OBLIQ Shock Absorption Case
Here we have something from OBLIQ’s premium series. The entire case is tear and scratch resistant. Not everyone cherishes colorful cases, and in this manner this case’s rich dark color will make it more visually pleasing than typical cases.
- Colors: Black
- Price: $10
[Amazon]
Spigen Rugged Armor Case
Spigen, a personal favorite of mine, is a wonderful case maker. The Rugged Armor case is made of single layer TPU which is typically flexible in nature. It accompanies a phenomenal design with reflexive and textured pattern, and this case gives protection to the sides of your V10 by means of its air pad technology. And fantastic cutouts enable you to have access to all the ports and buttons of your V10.
- Colors: Black
- Price: $11
CASEFORMERS Armor Case
In case you need to make use of a slim-yet-protective case on your V10, then you ought to get this one. It’s made of rubber-treated hard TPU material to shield your LG V1 from impacts and knocks. This case for the V10 accompanies a kickstand feature which will help you to watch videos or photos on landscape mode. You will have the capacity to make use of every port and functionality while this case is on your V10.
- Colors: Concrete Blue, Grey, Red, Silver, Champagne Gold, Ice Blue
- Price: $11
[Amazon]
Closing
The list above doesn’t mean that other cases are not great. This is just our compilation of what we consider as the best of them.
Come comment on this article: Best LG V10 cases
Latest Android Wear update is on its way to the Moto 360 (2015)
Good news for anyone currently wearing a Moto 360 (2015)! It looks like Motorola is pushing out the Marshmallow update to the smartwatch, bringing all those newly announced Android Wear features to the stylish wearable. Things like Doze support, improved gestures, and alternate messaging platforms are all on board, plus all the things that Motorola has baked in. While that update does enable speakers on watches that have them, the Moto 360 does not include any kind of speaker, so don’t get your hopes up there.
Motorola is enabling support for six new languages in the update, plus tons of bug fixes related to step counts, audio playback, and the mandatory stability and performance improvements.
The update should be rolling out over the next few days, so keep an eye out for it.
source: Motorola
Come comment on this article: Latest Android Wear update is on its way to the Moto 360 (2015)
AT&T wants to test a 5G network in Austin, Texas
AT&T has filed for a license with the FCC to begin testing a 5G network in Austin, Texas in order to stay in line with Verizon, who also plans on testing a 5G network this year. AT&T’s filing is for an experimental three-year license, which lines up with predictions that 5G will be commercially available in 2020.
The carrier is testing this network with equipment from an unspecified company, so at this point there probably aren’t any phones in the pipeline that will support the ultra-fast network. The tests with this license include sending and receiving signals from moving vehicles, with a few base stations sprinkled in. Hopefully the speed of the network holds up to early predictions.
source: FCC
via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: AT&T wants to test a 5G network in Austin, Texas
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