Pope Francis is starting his own Instagram account

The Catholic church under Pope Francis is already quick to use the internet to spread its message, but it’s about to kick things up a notch: the Vatican has announced that the Pope will launch his own Instagram account, “Franciscus,” on March 19th. It’s not certain what he’ll be snapping, but it’s likely that it’ll take a different approach than the Vatican’s existing Instagram account. The big question is whether or not the Pope will take photos himself — it’d be great to see a few papal selfies as Lent winds to a close, but we won’t be shocked if it mostly amounts to others posting on his behalf.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: ANSA

Best Apple Watch apps to streamline your family life

With plenty of apps available on iTunes these days, the Apple Watch can potentially revolutionise interactions by extending phone features to our wrist and making them more efficient. And beyond the situations early adopters took their phones through, a rigorous test of the latest and most useful apps, we feel, is how they can help you cope with a busy family life.

Technology must sink or swim here by the delivery of genuine value to warrant the precious time and money invested in setting it up. As with any tech, the hardware may be beautiful but it’s only as good as its software.

Here therefore are five Apple Watch apps that have made a real difference to our family life – for a number of reasons – and why you should consider downloading them to your Watch too.

Apple

Workflow

Available here: iTunes

Workflow offers deep configurable access to all sorts of iPhone and Apple Watch features. The big benefit here is automation. Drag and drop a series of functions to line-up, manage and achieve everyday tasks at the press of a button.

On the Apple Watch, you can achieve all manner of things using just one tap on an action, from scheduling calendar events based on your current location, tracking expenses or quiz Google to translate a phrase.

Even a scenario as obscure as sending a text message to your spouse to let her know when you’ll be home when on a run is achievable. Simply tap a “Workflow Complication”, and it can automatically get your current location, calculate how far it is to get home and generate an estimated time of arrival based on your average running speed.

This can then be bundled into an iMessage to your wife’s contact number together with your current address. It can even add what what music you’re listening to. For example, “I’m at 17 Broadway Street, listening to Coldplay, and will be home in 21 minutes.”

The watch does all that work for you at the tap of a button, and it totally feels like the future.

Apple

Currency

Available here: iTunes

Whether you are travelling as a family or simply purchasing products from other territories, being able to quickly convert currency on your wrist is a godsend. You can customise the display settings such as text and flag size as well as row height.

It’s not a complicated addition to the Apple Watch but is another reason to keep your phone in your pocket and let the Watch do the work for you. This is even handier when shopping overseas as you don’t have to keep pulling your phone out to check the price. And of course this is all based on live exchange rates.

There’s a free version with ads or a Pro version that’s ad-free.

Apple

Sleep++

Available here: iTunes

The Apple Watch is a device perfectly suited to tracking how you sleep, and in a busy family life it’s important to get as much effective rest as you can. Sleep++ is an app you run on your Watch through the night and it records your movements. It charts how well you are sleeping.

Unlike some other apps, Sleep++ manages to avoid draining your battery too much in the process. The data is divided into different levels of sleep to give you a map of these periods through the night.

A nice touch is the option to include the sleep data in Apple’s Healthkit so that it can be accessed by other apps for a broader picture of your health and wellbeing.

We’d like the app to add tracking of your heart rate through the night as well as movement but perhaps this would drain the battery too much. As it stands this is a well designed app that will enable tired parents to make the most of the time in bed they have each night.

Apple

PCalc

Available here: iTunes

This is a nice addition to the wrist of any parent for a number of reasons. Not only does it recall 1980’s Casio calculator wristwatches but it can be invaluable for helping with homework. Being able to tap out a quick sum on your wrist means you don’t have to reach for your phone when helping the children with their Maths.

It’s also useful when out and about and has some nice built-in features. The tip calculator may have more of a US audience in mind, but is still a helpful way to split the bill and include different levels of tips when eating out.

At £7.99 it might not be the cheapest calculator app but the combination of iPhone and Apple Watch features you get for your money make this an essential for families.

Apple

Fantastical 2

Available here: iTunes

Of course, keeping track of the comings and goings of family members is another important part of family life. While the built-in Apple Watch calendar is pretty good there’s simply no beating the streamlined interface and smart interactions of Fantastical 2.

This has long been a top rated iPhone calendar app and now provides access via an Apple Watch interface too. The Watch provides a variety of different views to important calendar information as well as a variety of ways to quickly add and update this information.

The overview display provides a colour-coded schedule of important events and reminders. Creating new reminders is easy by adding events that start with the words “reminder”, “to-do”, “task”, or “remind me to”.

This is designed to work in collaboration with the iPhone app and achieves this well. Setting up complex repeating events and reminders will still be something you do on the iPhone but once configured you can keep track of your family by simply raising your wrist.

Conclusion

Although many have said the Apple Watch is without a killer app, for families there are a number that make a big difference. Chief of these is the customisable automation of Workflow. It’s the sort of technology you didn’t know you needed – but once you’ve tried it it’s impossible to live without.

At internetmatters.org parents can find all the advice they will need to keep their children safe online. Designed specifically for parents, the site offers a wealth of up-to-date, unbiased information and advice about how to deal with online safety. Parents can learn about the latest issues and technologies, get great tips on how to talk about online safety with their children and get the best advice on dealing with issues and taking action. Created with experts, Internet Matters provides detailed information, but also signposts to best-in-class resources from individual expert organisations. Our goal is to ensure parents can always access the information that they need, in a format that is clear and concise.

Samsung Gear S2 by de Grisogono is diamond and rose gold level premium

If you were a fan of Samsung’s Gear S2, you’re going to love the overhauled version by luxury specialist de Grisogono.

The Samsung Gear S2 by de Grisogono is the result of the two companies pairing up to release an ultra premium smartwatch in time for the Baselworld luxury watch event on Thursday 17 March.

The smartwatch features 56 white diamonds of roughly 1.2 carats around the bezel of the circular watch face. The edging finish is in rose gold and there is also a black stainless steel section of the face edge with 71 black diamonds of about 1.8 carats. The strap is black and studded with galuchat, a signature look for de Grisogono, for flexible comfort while maintaining that premium finish.

The smartwatch features a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED circular display at 360 x 360 resolution for 302ppi. Inside there is 4GB of storage, 512GB of RAM, wireless charging of the 250mAh battery and a heart rate monitor. The watch also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC and should last for two to three days on a charge, all running the Android Wear OS.

The Samsung Gear S2 by de Grisogono comes with unique faces to continue the premium build quality. Expect it to arrive this summer with a ridiculous price tag.

READ: Best smartwatches to look forward to in 2016

Windows 10 Mobile release date: Microsoft likely to begin rollout on 17 March

Windows 10 Mobile is coming – and soon.

According to Venture Beat’s Evan Blass, Microsoft will announce the availability of as well as release the anticipated software upgrade for Windows mobile devices on 17 March. To get Windows 10 Mobile, you’ll reportedly need to manually initiate the update from your handset. That’s how the rollout will start, but eventually, Microsoft will actively push it to eligible devices.

Microsoft has already confirmed a few Lumia phones that have been approved to receive Windows 10 Mobile. The free update was originally expected to roll out to Lumia smartphones in December, but that never happened. And then rumours claimed we would see it arrive in February, but again, that never happened. Now, however, the launch is thought to be imminent.

Although the full list of Nokia and Microsoft-branded Lumias set to get the update is not yet known, we’ll likely learn more during Microsoft’s announcement. Meanwhile, check out Pocket-lint’s review of the software, where we described it as something of a mixed result. It’s a more feature-rich platform than Windows Phone 8.1, with new options in the mix.

There’s more integration, such as Skype, and better handling with Outlook and individual Office apps, for a smartphone experience that feels more mature. But we we’re not taken with the design.

Dear Veronica: iOS and Android battle for your love

This week, we have some Real Talk about loving multiple operating systems, with Tom Merritt of Daily Tech News Show breaking it down for us.

I also have share some feelings about hyperbole re: Comodo Firewall, and explain why we can never get stuff done when we’re blasting Celine Dion. Maybe that’s just me.

As always, keep sending those questions in using the hashtag #DearVeronica! Subscribe in iTunes, RSS or YouTube!

Watch the Epic Games GDC 2016 keynote right here!

Although plenty of announcements have already come out of this year’s Game Developers Conference, the main Expo doesn’t officially begin until today. And Epic Games is kicking off the festivities with an opening keynote, led by none other than its founder Tim Sweeney. It’s unclear what we should expect from the Unreal Engine creator, but the company did say the GDC 2016 event will be newsworthy. You can watch it live starting at 9:30AM PT/12:30PM ET, via the embedded stream below.

MSI ships its Mac Pro-like Vortex gaming PC

Do you like the Mac Pro’s concept of stuffing a lot of computing power into a small cylinder, but wish there was a gaming PC inside instead of workstation hardware? You just got your wish. MSI has started shipping the Vortex, a riff on Apple’s formula that crams a full-on game rig into a tube that’s just 10.6 inches tall. It uses similar vertical cooling and includes Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 3 in this case), but it’s clearly aimed at a crowd that’s more interested in Far Cry Primal than Final Cut Pro. The mini desktop is billed as relatively upgradeable, and there’s even customizable lighting if you think the system isn’t attention-grabbing enough.

Just be prepared to pay through the nose for the privilege. In the US, the Vortex starts at $2,199 with a 4GHz Core i7, dual GeForce GTX 960 graphics, 16GB of RAM, twin 128GB SSDs, a 1TB hard drive and Killer-made networking. It’ll cost you $3,999 to get a no-compromise model with dual GeForce GTX 980 video chipsets and 32GB of RAM. This PC is strictly for well-heeled enthusiasts, then, but it’s likely your best bet if you want a compact game machine that doubles as a conversation piece.

Source: MSI

LastPass app takes the pain out of two-factor sign-ins

Many will tell you that it’s wise to use two-factor authentication to lock down your internet accounts. Actually using it, however, is another story — there’s only so many times you can enter passcodes from your phone before you tear your hair out. LastPass thinks it has a better way. It’s launching a LastPass Authenticator app for Android, iOS and Windows Phone that softens the blow when you have many accounts. Instead of entering a passcode to get into LastPass, you can have Authenticator send a simple verify button to sign in with one tap.

It’ll also work with any app or website that supports Google Authenticator (such as Dropbox or Facebook). You’ll have to use old-school codes in those cases, but that should still turn LastPass Authenticator into a management hub for your sign-ins. The app is free, so it won’t hurt to try if you want to simplify your online safeguards.

Source: LastPass, App Store, Google Play

Twitter brings some of its latest social features to Windows 10

The Android and iOS Twitter apps have seen a number of new features in recent months, and now the Windows 10 version is getting some of those tools. With an update for both mobile and desktop, the Twitter app for Windows becomes more like those universal apps we’ve heard so much about. In terms of Windows 10 mobile, the update delivers features like Moments, group DMs, GIF and video support, muting, and pull to refresh. On the desktop side, there’s a new dark theme akin to what you’d see in the mobile app or TweetDeck. As is the case with other platforms, you might prefer a third-party Twitter app over the official software, but at least the Windows version finally has some of the latest features.

Via: The Verge, MSPoweruser

Source: Microsoft Store

It’s a wrap: So long SXSW, see you next year

So much happened at SXSW, where to start? Well, you may have heard that the President rolled into town. He took the chance to warn — the mainly tech crowd — about not being “absolutists” on encryption, given what a hot topic that is right now. Meanwhile, Sony’s R&D Lab debuted the prototype for its new Arc wearable speaker, which is worn around the neck, has voice commands and even a camera inside. Samsung, not to be outdone, showed up with headphones that let you “feel” movement in VR games via electrical impulses. We’re aware that sounds like some kind of torture tool, but it is what it is.

Facebook on the other hand encourages you to tell it who your digital next of kin is. It’s less creepy than it sounds, we promise; it’s all about making sure your online legacy lives on, just as you’d want it to. Plus there was the usual flow of wild, wacky weird (and important) discussions, shows and just-for-the-heck-of-it stuff. Just another typical week in Austin, Texas then?

The Engadget Editors on SXSW

James Trew
Deputy Managing Editor

As a Brit abroad, I had high hopes that SXSW would live up to its reputation for good times and southern hospitality. I wanted big ideas, beer, BBQ, cowboys… the works. Sadly, not too many Stetsons floating around (I’m kidding, I know this isn’t Dallas), but pretty much everything else I’d heard about the show delivered.

As for what we were going to see at the show itself? I had pretty much no idea. Unlike CES or MWC where we know we’ll see phones, TVs and smart everything, SXSW — by its very definition — is about breaking down boundaries, and stepping into the unknown. It’s about trying to do something different, which for us means hitting a ton of panels, and then getting a rickshaw over to the next big idea.

I got to see robot improv comedy, some music-making swings, collaborative musical art, and enjoy an “augmented” concert. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. Peer past the party veneer though, and there’s some serious stuff going on. NASA hot shots were in town ramping up interest in getting humans to mars, and the sober topic of online harassment got the airtime it deserved. For me, though, the highlight was getting a 3D avatar made that can pretty much match my world famous dance moves. You can check it out right at the end of the video in this post.

Nathan Ingraham
Senior Editor

Trying to sum up a show as vast and varying as SXSW would generally be an exercise in frustration. But for me, the trip started with President Obama’s keynote which I got to cover live. I’ve never been in the same room as a president before, and getting to cover his remarks on important issues concerning our country that also dovetail perfectly with Engadget’s mission was a privilege that I’ll always remember.

After that, the week was a whirlwind of panels, meetings, strange demos and BBQ, none of which quite measured up to the way things started. That said, getting to hear JJ Abrams speak was pretty cool, too. And as fate would have it, one of my favorite bands CHVRCHES was recording an episode of the podcast Song Exploder in town, so I got to catch that at the tail end of the journey. Bookending the trip with President Obama and CHVRCHES makes for a pretty great time in Austin.

And, of course, assembling the Engadget cyborg from various points of the world is always a delight unto itself.

The social side of SXSW

If you’ve been following our coverage this week (across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope, Snapchat, Tumblr and Vine), you’ll know that SXSW is also the place where the tech elite come to play. Jump into the gallery below, to take a look back at some of the best (and our favorite) candid moments from SXSW Interactive 2016

So long Austin, see you next year!