Google staffer makes his own smart bathroom mirror
Smart mirrors are everywhere in tech companies’ visions of future homes, but they never seem to show up in real homes — at best, you might find them in fitting rooms. That just wasn’t good enough for Google’s Max Braun, though. He recently built his own smart bathroom mirror, and it even matches some of the lofty expectations set by concept videos and sci-fi movies. Thanks to the combination of a two-way mirror, an Amazon Fire TV Stick and a display board, Max gets the weather, news headlines and other key facts while he’s busy brushing his teeth. All it’s doing is calling on data that would normally go into a Google Now card — Max can even use his voice to search for info, like a tech-savvy version of Snow White‘s Evil Queen.
This is just a “messy” prototype at the moment, and Max hasn’t been too specific about how it works. However, he’s teasing the possibility of a more detailed making-of post, and notes that the mirror only needs a “few hundred lines” of code to work as slickly as it does. There’s a chance that you’ll get enough info to build your own smart mirror well before you can find one sitting in your local home supply store.
Source: Max Braun (Medium)
Microsoft Band 2 gets better battery life with new GPS mode
Despite its flaws, the Microsoft Band 2 is an improvement from Redmond’s first attempt at wearables. With an update, the version 2.0 is getting a fix for one of our biggest gripes with the device: battery life. Thanks to a new GPS Power Saver mode, you can extend your tracking time by up to four hours, according to Microsoft. The option tells the wearable to nab your GPS location in intervals rather than monitoring your movements continuously. Power Saver mode is ideal for activities like running and bike riding, and the Microsoft Health app will still map your course on both mobile and the web.
Speaking of the Health app, it’s getting a new feature, too. With a weight-tracking tool, you can keep tabs on how much you’ve lost and get an approximate BMI reading. After entering your weight on a regular basis, you can view your progress in charts for 1-month, 3-month and overall timelines. Both the Microsoft Band 2 update and the weight-charting feature in the Health app are rolling out now.
Via: The Verge
Source: Microsoft
Google’s new head of search is an AI research leader
There’s a changing of the guard underway at Google… and it could have big ramifications for how the company tackles its main business. Senior VP of search (and early employee) Amit Singhal is retiring on February 26th, and he’s being replaced by John Giannandrea, the VP who leads the company’s artificial intelligence and research work. In the process, Google is folding its research division into search — it’s now an integral part of how Google operates.
The shift isn’t surprising. Google has been big on AI for a while, whether it’s defeating board game champions, developing image recognition or building self-driving cars. It’s only logical that the company would want someone who understands that technology to occupy a key role. Also, it’s not as if the competition is standing still. Apple, Facebook and Microsoft are all adopting AI to various degrees, so it makes sense to promote someone who can keep Google competitive on that front. Giannandrea hasn’t said just what he’ll do in his new role, but it’s entirely possible that AI will power more of your web searches.
Via: Recode
Source: Amit Singhal (Google+)
Oklahoma private university makes Fitbits mandatory
A Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma has made wearing Fitbits required of all students at all hours. They’re calling this part of their “whole person education” approach, and students’ fitness statistics will even be collected across holidays like spring break.
Oral Roberts University has been pushing better fitness for its students for a long time. Previously, students had to manually log workout routines as a part of a mandatory health regimen. This battle against the “Freshman Fifteen” has just gotten a little bit simpler (if more expensive) thanks to wearable technology. All 900 incoming students must now purchase and wear Fitbits that will relay data to a “central learning management system.”
Perhaps controversially, students’ fitness information will be made available to professors, who are encouraged to lower a student’s grade if they fail to meet their fitness goals. Some may argue (reasonably) that grades are typically regarded as a figure that represents a student’s comprehension of a particular topic, and that it would be nonsensical to say that, although Kyle understands 98% of vectors calculus, he’s only going to be slipping by with a B- because he didn’t go jogging as often as he should have. But hey, at least there will be some new style options coming up.
See also: The Fitbit Alta is a new fashion-forward fitness tracker with interchangeable bands
Although students will not be tracked via GPS (a feature offered by Fitbit Surge), they will still be monitored at all times. Meaning if you’re logging footsteps while you should be sitting in Biology 101, your hooky-playing may be noticed. Rest assured that in some dorm on campus, some engineering student is putting together a Fitbit-gaming device – possibly involving a metronome or drill – to ensure that he or she can meet the requisite fitness goals without falling behind on League of Legends.
Oral Roberts University was founded by a televangelist who was one of the main players in what came to be known as the “prosperity gospel,” a sect of theology that considers prosperity to be a hallmark of God’s favor. Roberts once told his television audience that if he failed to raise $8 million, God would call him home. When the fundraising was over, Roberts had netted $9.1 million.
What are your thoughts regarding required fitness tracking at a private university? Let us know in the comments below.
Textra brings Android 6.0.1 emoji to KitKat and Lollipop devices
Textra, alternatively known as “the best text message app that there is” or alternatively “God’s gift to the Android operating system,” is bringing Marshmallow’s trove of brand spanking new emoji to those of us who haven’t had the luxury of upgrading to Android 6.0.1 yet. Moreover, they’re also adding diversity options so that you can make those little Simpson-esque yellow figures more accurately reflect the color of your skin.
#WorldFirst: In v3.13 we provide all 1600+ emojis even on older KitKit & Lollipop phones. + we added diversity too! pic.twitter.com/Tc0HviN3CZ
— Textra SMS (@TextraSMS) February 3, 2016
Even without the update, this text messaging app brings a lot to the table including Lollipop-style Material Design and a slew of customization options. The app is lightweight, and flexible, and although it has ads, a $3 upgrade to professional is some of the best money you’ll ever spend on a mobile app.
The update hasn’t hit the Google Play Store quite yet, but if you’re anxious to get your hands on it, Textra tweeted a link to the apk:
If you can't wait get v3.13 from https://t.co/vveUrOmAFQ
— Textra SMS (@TextraSMS) February 3, 2016
With the added emoji, the number of little emoticons available at your fingertips has exploded to over 1600. Soon you’ll be able to walk like an Egyption through the mobile world, communicating exclusively in hieroglyphics to convey even the most complex thoughts to your friends and families.
See also: 10 best texting apps for Android
What are your thoughts of Textra? If you disagree with my hyperbolic praise in the first paragraph, let us know which texting app you prefer and why in the comments!
Get it in the Play Store
Next up: 10 best Twitter apps for Android
Textra brings Android 6.0.1 emoji to KitKat and Lollipop devices
Textra, alternatively known as “the best text message app that there is” or alternatively “God’s gift to the Android operating system,” is bringing Marshmallow’s trove of brand spanking new emoji to those of us who haven’t had the luxury of upgrading to Android 6.0.1 yet. Moreover, they’re also adding diversity options so that you can make those little Simpson-esque yellow figures more accurately reflect the color of your skin.
#WorldFirst: In v3.13 we provide all 1600+ emojis even on older KitKit & Lollipop phones. + we added diversity too! pic.twitter.com/Tc0HviN3CZ
— Textra SMS (@TextraSMS) February 3, 2016
Even without the update, this text messaging app brings a lot to the table including Lollipop-style Material Design and a slew of customization options. The app is lightweight, and flexible, and although it has ads, a $3 upgrade to professional is some of the best money you’ll ever spend on a mobile app.
The update hasn’t hit the Google Play Store quite yet, but if you’re anxious to get your hands on it, Textra tweeted a link to the apk:
If you can't wait get v3.13 from https://t.co/vveUrOmAFQ
— Textra SMS (@TextraSMS) February 3, 2016
With the added emoji, the number of little emoticons available at your fingertips has exploded to over 1600. Soon you’ll be able to walk like an Egyption through the mobile world, communicating exclusively in hieroglyphics to convey even the most complex thoughts to your friends and families.
See also: 10 best texting apps for Android
What are your thoughts of Textra? If you disagree with my hyperbolic praise in the first paragraph, let us know which texting app you prefer and why in the comments!
Get it in the Play Store
Next up: 10 best Twitter apps for Android
Virgin Mobile announces new unlimited plans
It’s not everyday that we hear of big news from Virgin Mobile. The carrier just announced that it’s adding three new unlimited plans to its U.S. cellular network.
The first of Virgin Mobile’s new plans gives subscribers unlimited talk and text with 4GB of high-speed data, slowing down from there. The next plan includes unlimited talk and text with 6GB of data. The 4GB data plan costs $40 per month and the 6GB plan costs $10 more at $50 per month. You’ll also have the option to pay $30 for 500MB of data and unlimited talk and text if you’re not as data hungry. Users can also add 1GB to their plan for only $5 or $2GB for $10.
If you’re looking to sign up with a new cellular service, Virgin Mobile is worth considering. In addition to the data that comes with the plan you choose, you’ll also get free music-streaming that doesn’t count against your data. This only works with select services like Pandora, Slacker and a few others. T-Mobile also has a music-streaming deal of their own, but most U.S. carriers do not. For more details on Virgin Mobile’s new plans, click on the source link just below this article or check out the image above.
Source: Sprint
Come comment on this article: Virgin Mobile announces new unlimited plans
[TA Deals] This Lithium Card Wallet Battery is the perfect solution for your portable charging needs
Keeping you smartphone charged can always be a pain, particularly if you’re a power user. Thankfully, the wonders of engineering has made it possible to keep your smartphone charged on the go. One of those marvels is the Lithium Card Wallet Battery. No thicker than five credit cards, this portable battery will keep your smartphone powered throughout the day.
Here’s what you get with this portable battery:
- Keep your micro USB-compatible devices charged w/ the built-in connector
- Enjoy the premium design crafted from durable aluminum
- Charge your device quickly at up to 1% of battery life per minute
- Add charging power capacity to your device
- Simultaneously charge your device & LithiumCard w/ 2 flip-out charging cables
- Carry it everywhere: fits into almost any wallet
- Stick to your device w/ the NanoStik pad as an alternative to storing in your wallet
Portable batteries have historically been thick and difficult to truly call “portable.” This isn’t the case with the Lithium Card Wallet Battery, though. It’s literally no thicker than five credit cards, making it easy to fit into a pocket or another small space. It has a capacity of 1200mAh, which is just enough to keep the lights on until you can access a wall charger.
This portable battery normally retails for $60, but for a limited time only, our readers can head on over to Talk Android Deals to pick it up for $20. That’s a whopping 66% off, not to even mention the included free shipping!
Anyone plan on picking this bad boy up?
Come comment on this article: [TA Deals] This Lithium Card Wallet Battery is the perfect solution for your portable charging needs
ZTE will launch its new Falcon 4G Mobile Hotspot through T-Mobile on Friday, February 12
ZTE announced earlier today that it will launch its brand new Falcon 4G Mobile Hotspot on T-Mobile starting Friday, February 12. While the market for dedicated Mobile Hotspot’s is declining as a result of every Android smartphone having the feature on board, there are some people who need to connect multiple devices when they’re on the road — so they plumb for a standalone LTE tethering unit.
The Falcon’s optimal attraction is by far its ability to pair with up to ten devices simultaneously, whilst providing equal Internet speeds to each of them. Its 2,000mAh rechargeable non-removable battery will also see you through a good 4-to-5 hours worth of constant use, while a standard mid-range smartphone would only provide around 3-hours worth of LTE tethering before dropping down to the 25% battery mark.
“We understand consumers are always on the go. From the comfort of their own home to the office to activities outside, the need for reliable, secure WiFi access never changes,” writes Lixin Cheng, chairman and CEO of ZTE USA.
As previously mentioned, the Falcon will be up for grabs on February 12th exclusively from T-Mobile. It will be listed on the carrier’s online portal, in addition to being stocked in a variety of its nationwide bricks-and-mortar stores. The little square box carries a price tag of $79.99 and requires a T-Mobile hotspot plan to function. 2GB of super-fast 4G data will set you back $20/mo, while 18GB will cost you $80/mo.
To see the device in all of its glory, be sure to take a look through the gallery below. If you’d like to find out a little more about the Falcon and all of its technical specifications, you can sift through the press release at the bottom of this page.
ZTE Falcon 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Lands at T-Mobile at a Hot Price Beginning February 12
The new ZTE Falcon hotspot delivers worry free Wi-Fi at 4G LTE speeds while on-the-go
Richardson, Texas – February 3, 2016 — ZTE USA, the fourth largest smartphone supplier in the U.S. and second largest in the no-contract market*, today announced the availability of the ZTE Falcon 4G LTE mobile hotspot at T-Mobile. The compact and lightweight mobile hotspot provides fast, secure internet access for up to 10 WiFi devices wherever T-Mobile’s network can take you. The ZTE Falcon is available online at http://www.t-mobile.com and at select T-Mobile retail locations for just $79.99 MSRP beginning February 12.
“We understand consumers are always on the go. From the comfort of their own home to the office to activities outside, the need for reliable, secure WiFi access never changes,” said Lixin Cheng, chairman and CEO of ZTE USA. “Users can depend on the ZTE Falcon’s solid performance and long-lasting battery to connect them to people, information, or services online easily, whenever they want.”
Worry-free, secure, and portable nationwide WiFi access
- When you don’t want to rely on your smartphone or drain its battery, the ZTE Falcon can connect you to WiFi for hours thanks to its long-lasting 2000mAh battery
- Optimized for T-Mobile’s network, the ZTE Falcon delivers expanded WiFi range and better signal quality for up to 10 devices
- You won’t have to rely on slow or unsecure public WiFi thanks to T-Mobile’s fast 4G LTE nationwide network and WiFi Calling capabilities can now be taken almost anywhere you may go**
- Measuring in at 105x60x16 millimeters in size and 110 grams in weight, the ZTE Falcon is ultra-portable for those on the go
The ZTE Falcon is durable and affordable. Matched with T-Mobile’s affordable data plans the hotspot offers flexible and budget-friendly pricing options.
*Strategy Analytics, Q3 2015
**Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas
Come comment on this article: ZTE will launch its new Falcon 4G Mobile Hotspot through T-Mobile on Friday, February 12
Microsoft buys popular Android keyboard Swiftkey
Microsoft has confirmed that it has agreed to buy London-based Swiftkey. Shortly after, the popular AI based Android keyboard was swift to confirm that it would be joining the Microsoft family. The deal is reported to be worth $250m, although financial terms were not disclosed by either company.
Swiftkey was started in 2008 by co-founders Jon Reynolds and Ben Medlock. The two have grown the company into a monster both on Android and iOS, after taking in only $20m in funding over the course of the company’s lifetime, a relatively small amount. The co-founders, who own “substantial minority stakes” will each make about $30m each.
“This acquisition is a great example of Microsoft’s commitment to bringing its software and services to all platforms. We believe that together we can achieve orders of magnitude greater scale than either of us could have achieved independently.“
While Swiftkey is huge among third party keyboards on iOS and Android, it’s not currently available on Windows phones. The Windows first party keyboard does emulate some of the same features, but it’s now seemingly inevitable that Swiftkey will be a big part of Windows going forward.
Already installed on 300m devices worldwide, Swiftkey has continued to innovate despite the lack of a solid business model. Swiftkey Neural, which is currently in Alpha, “is an experimental keyboard app that uses artificial neural networks to predict and correct your typing.” The company has also developed a language model that helps astrophysicist Stephen Hawking communicate.
There’s no word on how this will affect the Android application and keyboard in the short term, but this is another in a long list of acquisitions from Microsoft, many of them Android apps. In a little over a year, Microsoft has purchased Wunderlist, Acompli, and Sunrise.
I’m personally a user of Sunrise, and I’ve seen nothing but positive things from the app since the Microsoft purchase. The app still continues to work perfectly and new features like subscribable interesting calendars have been expanded.
While this isn’t concrete proof of the future of Swiftkey, it’s hard to believe that Microsoft would do anything to alienate its largest group of users, Android phone owners.
Sources: Swiftkey, Microsoft, Financial Times
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