You can now compare ride-sharing options in Google Maps – CNET

Until we all have a Google self-driving car to get us home at the end of a long night, we must rely on friends, public transportation, a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber. Uber and its ilk are an increasingly popular option for getting around town, and yesterday Google Maps announced it will soon add a new tab to its mobile apps for popular ride-sharing services.

Google Maps added Uber integration a couple years ago, but it only showed up at the end of public transportation, walking and driving directions when available. With this latest update, when you ask for directions in Google Maps, you’ll see a new tab for ride-sharing services alongside the driving, public transportation, walking and biking options.

In addition to Uber, Google Maps will display other ride-sharing services in five countries: 99Taxis in Brazil; Ola Cabs in India; Hailo in the UK and Spain; mytaxi in Germany and Spain; and Gett in the UK.

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Google

The ride-sharing options will show a fare estimate and how long it’ll take for the nearest car to get to you. You will need to have one of the supported ride-sharing apps installed on your device in order to see it listed in Google Maps. Tap on a ride-sharing option listed and Google Maps will open the corresponding app so you can book a car.

Google states it is rolling out the new ride-services tab to Android in the next few days. As for iOS, Google states vaguely that it is coming very soon.

If you prefer to drive yourself than share a ride, Google Maps in an earlier update has made it easier to make a pit stop or take a detour.

Hands-on with Neato BotVac Connected, a robot vacuum your phone controls

Most robot vacuums kinda suck. But Neato manages to make one that’s better than most — but still has its own room for improvement.

Robot vacuums are, with few exceptions, expensive toys that occasionally clean things about as well as asking a 7-year-old to run a regular vacuum. Many of them have obstacle-avoidance issues that cause them to crash into everything, and you basically have to pre-clean your floors of most things that aren’t dust bunnies to avoid clogging or property damage. The ultimate goal of these machines is to run unsupervised, with enough intelligence built in to avoid obstacles and keep from trying to suck up a stray sock.

Unfortunately, few of these pricey little robots have reached that point.

Neato is one company that has been working on robot vacuums for a while now, and the company thinks their latest version is smart enough that you can confidently start a cleaning session from your phone even when you aren’t at home. It’s called the Neato Botvac Connected, and while it’s not without flaws this little robot is one of the better automated cleaning systems available today.

Botvac Connected is smart and connected, but it could still be smarter. And better-connected.

The cleaning bits of the Botvac are fairly simple. There’s a single rotating brush with rubber fins to throw everything to the suction tube, passing everything it sucks up into the tiny dirt trap. A small set of bristles on the right side of the robot stick out just far enough to sweep things from under places the robot head can’t reach, and that’s about it. A pair of wheels in the middle of this design raise and lower to handle moving over separators in door frames, with just enough tread to climb over things like rugs with raised corners or the occasional book on the floor. The rest of this robot is the stuff that makes it run automatically, the display and sensors on the top and a pair of charging pins on the back that line up with the charger dock you leave on the floor.

Once Botvac is set up physically, you pair it to your phone and connect it to Wifi. By making this connection, you gain the ability to initiate a clean from wherever you are, set up scheduled times for cleaning, or jump into a manual mode where you drive the robot with your phone as though you’re holding a controller. Manual mode suffers from a slight delay between tapping something on the screen and seeing the instruction happen on the robot, but if you’re unable to move and need to vacuum something in a specific area, this mode gets the job done. everything else you do with the Botvac Connected happens through the automated cleaning system, where Neato’s smarts map out the house and clean everything the robot can reach.

This new Botvac does a decent job mapping rooms and dodging obstacles to clean things. If you are standing in the room, Botvac won’t just run into you. It’ll clean around you, and if you’re not there when it makes another pass through that part of the room, it’ll clean where you were standing. This logic is great for most things, but less great for cat trees that are the same color as your carpet. On several occasions, the Botvac we tested would use its raised wheels to try to clean up and over the base of the cat tree instead of skipping it when appropriate. Still, Neato’s object detection is better than most and carries over to things like wheel tangles and sucking up more than can be handled by this little vacuum. On several occasions we tried to trip up the vacuum with power cords wrapped around the wheel, and in every case the system was smart enough to detect resistance and back up to avoid any serious issues.

A pretty smart system for avoidance, but it still tends to eat things it shouldn’t.

Where this vacuum didn’t fare so well was when it sucked up something it shouldn’t, which in this house usually meant socks. Botvac tries with limited success to regurgitate when it eats something it shouldn’t, but most of the time we’re left with a message on the display that asks to clean the brush so cleaning can continue. In fact, Botvac frequently will throw messages to your phone and on the display that try to tug at your heart a little. Things like “I’m finished cleaning” and “Please put me down” are small but personal, and quickly create a mild emotional attachment if you’ve got children around to read the messages. Even the way it wiggles itself back onto the charging dock is almost like watching a pet curl up on a blanket. It’s a nice touch, but also highlights how much supervision this vacuum needs on a fairly regular basis. Pre-cleaning is still an important part of using a robot vacuum, which is a problem when the system is designed to be started when no one is around to do so.

The biggest problem with the Botvac Connected is that it isn’t connected enough. You have an app on your phone to start cleaning, but that’s basically it. You don’t get to see the map of the house Botvac has made, you can’t schedule out specific parts of that map to be cleaned on different days, and there’s nothing in the experience that makes the phone feel like it’s adding much. Neato has the ability to empower the user with this vacuum, and instead offered up little more than an on/off switch to a robot that’s only slightly more impressive than the previous model. It’s the start of a cool idea, and hopefully it gets better over time thanks to the ability to do things through the app. In the mean time, Neato’s Botvac Connected is a strangely cute robot servant that you have to keep an eye on so it doesn’t accidentally eat something dangerous and die.

As a vacuum, $700 is far too much for what you get. As a robot that will most of the time keep your floor clean without needing a lot of maintenance, $700 is a great price if you’ve got the cash to spend.

See Botvac Connected on Amazon

Verus is offering a number of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge cases for as low as $5 at eBay

Verus is offering a selection of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge cases for as low as $5 on eBay. All you have to do is add it to your cart, and the price will drop. There are a number of cases priced at $5, with some coming in at the $7 mark. From slim and clear to protective and colorful, there is likely a design here that will appeal to everyone.

These listings take you to a page that shows both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge versions. Be sure to select the one that you need for your phone!

• Crystal Bumper – $4.99
• Crystal Mixx – $4.99
• Damda Clip – $4.99
• High Pro Shield – $4.99
• Shine Guard – $4.99
• Single Fit – $4.99
• Verge – $4.99
• Triple Mixx – $6.99
• Layered Dandy – $6.99

If you are interested in any of these, be sure to act quick as we have no idea how long the sale will last for. Be sure to let us know which one you grabbed in the comments!

Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge — which should you buy?

This may be the toughest question a prospective smartphone purchaser has to ask themselves. Fortunately, we have answers.

You can’t turn on a television, visit a web page or take two steps outside your home without running into the Samsung Marketing Machine. It’s in full effect now that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are upon us. And if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll note that Samsung is pushing one phone more than another — that’d be the Galaxy S7 edge. That’s not unexpected, and Samsung’s been pretty transparent about which phone it truly sees as the more important model.

But let us not forget about the Galaxy S7. It’s a very capable phone, and there are number of reasons why you might chose it over the edge. Let’s discuss which one is right for you.

If price is a factor: Galaxy S7

There is a price difference between the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge when you’re buying it from the U.S. carriers. On average, the Galaxy S7 edge is about $100 more. But you do get more phone for that extra money. You get a bigger screen. You get a higher-capacity battery. And you get the “edge” display. (More on all that below.)

An extra $100 isn’t a huge difference in the scheme of things, but it’s something to keep in mind. Here’s how things break down by the four U.S. carriers.

Where to buy Galaxy S7/edge in the U.S.Where to buy Galaxy S7 in CanadaWhere to buy Galaxy S7 in the UK

If you just want a phone with as few gimmicks as necessary: Galaxy S7

There’s sort of no such thing as a “basic” smartphone these days, especially when it comes to Samsung. But the Galaxy S7 edge brings a little extra to the table in its “edge” display. That curved section is a must-have feature for a lot of folks. And you don’t have to use it if you don’t want it.

But if you don’t want to deal with curved glass and one more extra software feature, then you’ll want to stick to the GS7. And there’s something to be said for simplicity, especially since smartphones (and Samsung’s in particular) come with so many features out of the box.

That’s not to say that the GS7 edge is overloaded with features any more than the GS7 proper is. It’s just that the edge model has one (OK, two) extra features beyond the other model.

If you need as much battery as possible: Galaxy S7 edge

This one comes down to some pretty basic math. The Galaxy S7 has a 3,000 mAh battery. The Galaxy S7 edge has a 3,600 mAh battery. That’s 20 percent more, which isn’t a whole lot. But it’s not nothing, either. And that’s more important since the GS7 doesn’t have a removable battery. You’re going to have to recharge at some point, the question more a matter of when.

What’s that difference mean in real-world use? Depends on how hard you’re pushing your phone. Maybe a couple more hours or so. But either way the GS7 edge should last longer.

We haven’t exactly been over the moon for the battery life on either one of these phones. “Adequate” is the word that comes to time. And while 3,600 mAh in the GS7 edge sounds like a lot of capacity (and in most cases it is), it’s not magic. Here’s how we put things in our Galaxy S7 edge review:

This larger-than-average battery capacity is definitely required to get the Galaxy S7 edge through a full day without making you worried about where a power outlet is, and it means I rarely worried about battery life on the phone. It doesn’t, however, give you the confidence of “do anything, no consequences” battery life that so few phones can offer.

It’s good. Not great.

If you need more storage: Either one

This one’s a push. Samsung is only offering the GS7 and GS7 edge with 32 gigabytes of on-board storage. You’ll actually be able to use only about 20GB of that, though, because of the way storage is measured, and because the operating system takes up a good bit of space.

To that end, Samsung has brought back the SD card. You can add up to 200 gigabytes more storage for things like pictures and movies and music and what not. You also can move apps to the SD card, if you want. Not every app will move — and Samsung isn’t using the new Adoptable Storage feature for SD cards. But it’s definitely better than nothing, and should be fine for most folks.

More: Best SD cards for the Galaxy S7

If you want a smaller phone: Galaxy S7

There’s a pretty stark difference in size between the two phones. The Galaxy S7 display comes in at 5.1 inches diagonally. The GS7 edge is 5.5 inches. The GS7 also is about three-tenths of an inch shorter.

Size is one thing, and you definitely can tell the difference between the two phones when you’re holding them. But perhaps the bigger change is due to the curved display on the GS7 edge. It’s a good bit thinner at the edges than the GS7. And for that reason we’ve found it to be a little harder to hold onto.

And for the reasons we detailed above, there’s just some more simple about the GS7 vs. the edge.

The bottom line …

Look, you can’t really go wrong with either one here. Both the Samsung Galaxy S7 and GS7 edge are really good Android smartphones in a sea of good high-end models. And in many ways, the two phones are pretty much identical. As a refresher, here’s how the Galaxy S7 edge differs:

• Larger, 5.5-inch display.
• Larger battery, at 3,600 mAh.
• The “edge” display, which adds more features along the side of the screen.
• About $100 more expensive.

It also differs in that it’s getting more attention from Samsung. And to be fair, it’s the better phone in some respects. A good bit of this is going to be subjective, though. Want a smaller phone? Get the GS7. Want to save a little money? Get the GS7.

Want a damn good phone in any event? Get either one.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

• Galaxy S7 review
• Galaxy S7 edge review
• Galaxy S7 edge with Exynos: A Canadian perspective
• Here are all four Galaxy S7 colors
• Details on the Galaxy S7’s camera
• The SD card is back on the GS7
• Join our Galaxy S7 forums

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Samsung introduces the diamond-studded Gear S2 by de Grisogono

Samsung has unveiled a new version of its Gear S2 smartwatch, created in partnership with Swiss jeweler de Grisogono. The Gear S2 by de Grisogono is a limited-edition, 41mm smartwatch that features both rose gold and black stainless steel segments. The rose gold portion of the watch features 51 white diamonds, while the black stainless steel is set with 71 black diamonds.

From Samsung:

The Samsung Gear S2 by de Grisogono channels inspiration from traditional jewelry and watchmaking, evoking the distinctive de Grisogono design heritage. The smartwatch is transformed into smart fashion with rose gold, over 100 black and white diamonds and a bracelet studded with de GRISOGONO’s signature galuchat. The diamond-set gold bezel turns freely around the dial, allowing consumers to access the Gear S2’s library of applications and features, including notifications, activity logs.

Samsung has not yet announced the pricing for this limited edition watch, which will be introduced at Baselworld 2016. The Gear S2 by de Grisogono will be available for purchase at some point this summer, both from Samsung and from de Grisogono.

Samsung Gear S2

• In-depth Samsung Gear S2 review
• Full Gear S2 specs
• Here are the phones that work with Gear S2
• Gear S2 vs. Apple Watch
• Join the discussion in our forums!

Samsung Amazon AT&T Verizon Best Buy

Uber’s newest feature lets whole families share one payment method

Uber is looking to make paying for rides for friends and family members a bit easier with the addition of Family Profiles. Family Profiles, which are only available for Uber customers in Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix for the time being, allow you to easily share payment information with others to cover the cost of their trips.

If you’re in one of the launch cities, you can set up a Family Profile by heading to the Settings menu and tapping the “Add a Family Profile” option. From there, you can select up to 10 contacts you’d like to add to the profile, and an invitation will be sent to each. Once the invitation is accepted, the invited family member can then select the Family Profile as their payment method for rides, and the organizer will automatically be billed for each ride.

While only available in Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix for now, it’s likely we’ll see Family Profiles expand more broadly in the future.

The Oculus Rift will launch with 30 VR games on March 28

When gamers finally get their hands on the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset on March 28, they will be able to get access to 30 games right off the bat. The launch titles will be joined by many more in the coming weeks and months, with over 100 more titles planned by the end of 2016.

Here’s a list of the 30 games that will be available, for various prices, for the Oculus Rift:

• AdrIft
• Adventure Time:
• Airmech: Command
• Albino Lullabye
• Audio Arena
• BlazeRush
• Chronos
• Darknet
• Dead Secret
• Defense Grid 2 Enhanced VR Edition
• Dreadhalls
• Elite Dangerous: Deluxe Edition
• Esper 2
• EVE Gunjack
• Eve Valkyrie Founder’s Pack
• Fly to KUMA
• Herobound SC
• Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
• Lucky’s Tale
• Omega Agent
• Pinball FX2 VR
• Project CARS
• Radial G
• Rooms
• Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe VR
• Smashing the Battle
• Vanishing of Ethan Carter
• Vektron Revenge
• VR Tennis Online
• Windlands

Gamers will also be able to check out the main interface for the Rift, Oculus Home:

“We designed Home from the ground up for VR, and it’s evolved significantly since its launch on Gear VR. Home is the best way to explore your library, discover new content, and connect with friends in VR.”

The Oculus Rift is priced at $599 but orders made today won’t ship until July. Pre-orders will get two games for free; the space shooter EVE: Valkyrie and the platformer Lucky’s Tale.

See at Oculus

Tidal extended its free trial by 30 days all because Kanye updated his album

We usually don’t say no to free stuff – especially if it’s an extra month of Tidal.

Tidal has begun alerting people who recently signed up for its 30-day free trial that they will now get the chance to continue using Tidal for an extra 30 days. It’s basically extending the free trial period by a month. Jay Z’s music-streaming service is offering this promotion of sorts simply because Kanye West decided to revise his latest album, called The Life of Pablo, which is a Tidal exclusive.

“Kanye West continues to deliver new music exclusively to Tidal,” Tidal said via an email to users. “Listen to the new version of ‘Wolves’ and the new song ‘Fade’ now that was just added to The Life of Pablo. Because Tidal is about discovering new music, we are extending your complimentary Tidal trial with an additional 30 days so you’re always the first to hear new music from Kanye.”

READ: Kanye is trying to make Tidal a thing

The Life of Pablo first dropped last month. West took to Twitter soon after, and in between confessing to money woes when it comes to his business ventures and begging Facebook’s CEO for help funding more of his dreams, among other things, the rapper announced he wanted to fix the song Wolves. He has since updated his new album a couple times, tweaking tunes like Famous, adding ones like Frank’s Track, and more.

To take advantage of the extended trial, log in to Tidal with the same credentials and reactivate your account. You of course don’t have to listen to West’s TLOP and can instead stream any tunes you want to hear.

Tidal

Nike is teasing new trainers that self-lace like those Back to the Future kicks

Nike plans to sell real-life, self-lacing trainers, according to both teaser video and blog post it just published.

Although the upcoming shoes don’t look like the famous pair worn by Marty McFly in the 1989 film Back to The Future II, they do function pretty similarly in that they can automatically tighten your laces for you. Called the HyperAdapt 1.0, the new trainers basically bring to life a dream that many BTTF fans have had for the last three decades: the ability to hit a sensor and have snug kicks.

According to Nike, the HyperAdapt 1.0 trainers have a sensor in the heel that auto-tightens the laces, while buttons on either side of the shoe allow you to adjust the tightness of the fit. Keep in mind these sneakers are different than the actual self-lacing Air Mag trainers directly inspired by Back to the Future. Nike gave a pair of those to Michael J Fox, who played McFly, last October.

READ: Nike to release Marty McFly’s self-lacing trainers next spring

Nike said it planned to sell them in limited quantities, but not much has been heard about them since, until now. The HyperAdapt 1.0 trainers have similar technology to what the Air Mags offer, but these will be mass-marketed to customers this year. To buy a pair however, you’ll need to be a member of the Nike+ fitness portal. They’ll also only be available during the holiday season.

Nike said it will sell them in three different colours. There’s no word yet on pricing or global availability.

Netflix’s Chelsea Handler talk show debuts May 11th

We’ve been hearing about how Netflix and Chelsea Handler would “revolutionize the talk show” for nearly two years. On May 11th, though, the streaming service’s first show to feature that format will make its debut. Each episode will be 30 minutes long and stream three times a week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And yes, they’ll be commercial-free. We still don’t know the title of the show just yet, but that’s expected to be announced this week. Handler already debuted the four-episode comedic documentary series Chelsea Does on Netflix in January and will stream a stand-up special as well.

Here’s the announcement for my new show on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/Cqx89RkZNA

— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) March 16, 2016

Via: Deadline

Source: Chelsea Handler (Twitter)