Adobe Lightroom mobile for iOS handles full resolution images

Back in February, Adobe updated Lightroom mobile for Android to include the ability to open, edit and export images at their full resolution. Now, the same feature is available inside the iOS version of Lightroom. The app can output any full resolution image that was either captured with the mobile device or added manually. And yes, this means that you can transfer directly from a camera over WiFi or nab a file from the likes of Dropbox, Google Drive and other cloud-based repositories before doing your edits.

Unfortunately, full resolution doesn’t mean RAW. In fact, the iOS version of Lightroom doesn’t play nice with Adobe’s own DNG RAW format like the Android version does. The company says that full-on RAW support for the app is something users have been clamoring for, so maybe it’ll arrive in the future. In addition to the new full resolution output, Lightroom mobile for iOS has expanded the use of 3D Touch to include that handy peek and pop image preview in the Camera Roll. If you’re looking to take advantage of the new stuff, the update is available in the App Store now for both iPhone and iPad.

Source: Adobe

High-speed video shows how water lily beetles sprint on water

Water lily beetles are little speed demons, flitting from one pad to another at half a meter (1.6 feet) per second. Now, thanks to a study conducted by Stanford bioengineering assistant professor Manu Prakash and his students, the secret to its mode of flight has been unraveled. Turns out the insects (Galerucella nymphaeae) perform a routine before their flight, wherein they step on the water before lifting their legs one by one so that only their tips touch the surface. They then raise their middle legs high up in the air while their wings flap, making it look like they’re sprinting across the surface.

Their bodies move up and down with the beating of their wings, so much so that they probably feel “as though [they are] on a pogo stick.” But they remain stable throughout their flight, because the water’s surface acts like some sort of a magnet sticking to their four remaining legs. The team had to video their lab beetles while they darted to and fro inside their aquariums, as well as create mathematical models to figure out the physics behind their movements. It’s a very complicated process, as you can tell, but it pays off for the little guys: Prakash says this mode of flight is “one of the fastest-known locomotion strategies on the surface of water.”

Now that we know how they move, we wouldn’t be surprised if someone somewhere decides to make a robotic version of the creature. Until that happens, you can watch some real, living water lily beetles ski across water in slow motion below.

Source: Stanford

WSJ: Intel is building its own augmented reality headset

As the craze over both augmented and virtual reality heats up, it looks like another big name tech company is stepping into the fray. Wall Street Journal reports that Intel is working on an augmented reality headset of its own, looking to employ its RealSense 3D camera tech to help the device stand out. If you’ll recall, the company’s imaging tech is already being used to improve the vision of drones and object detection in phones. According to WSJ, the augmented reality project will help Intel further expand beyond the confines of personal computing, following its big push into wearables over the last few years.

“We have to build the entire experience ourselves before we can convince the ecosystem,” RealSense chief Achin Bhowmik told WSJ. He explained that Intel has a habit of creating devices to show off new tech to get other companies to adopt the goods. According to the report, Intel plans to offer the headset to other device makers rather than release the final product itself. Back at CES, Daqri showed off a high-tech hardhat that packs in augmented reality features to increase workplace safety. That helmet makes use of Intel’s RealSense technology.

Intel’s take on the augmented reality comes on the heels of Microsoft’s HoloLens headset. Redmond’s device went up for presale earlier this week for developers after making its debut at an event months ago. In fact, Intel’s headset is said to get a boost from collaboration with Microsoft, but details are scarce on the partnership for now. Intel’s developer conference is set to take place later this year, so perhaps we’ll hear more about the company’s augmented reality plans then.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Privacy concerns kept Nest from making an Echo-like assistant

With the announcement of two new Echo speakers, Amazon also revealed that those voice-controlled devices (and the Fire TV) now play nice with Nest thermostats. According to Recode, the Google-owned connected home company thought about making an Echo-like of its own, but scrapped the idea due to concerns over privacy. Nest thought that consumers wouldn’t think too highly of a device with a virtual assistant that was tied directly to Google. Of course, there’s no telling how far along those plans were. What’s more, the company’s CEO Tony Fadell addressed privacy concerns when Mountain View bought Nest, explaining that the smart home outfit would remain a separate entity.

Recode reports that Nest representative didn’t elaborate on upcoming products, other than there are new gadgets on the way. However, they did confirm that an Echo-like device isn’t part of the company’s plans. Like Amazon has done with the Echo and its Alexa virtual assistant, Nest has a Works with Nest initiative to sync up with other connected home products. Amazon’s speaker already worked with smart thermostats from other companies, along with a number of other household gadgets. Now it looks like Nest is content to leave the virtual assistant part of the equation to Amazon and others rather than develop a similar feature for its gear, at least for now.

Source: Recode

John McAfee says he’ll have ‘no problem’ becoming president

You know that it’s a topsy-turvy year when John McAfee isn’t the most preposterous candidate vying for the White House. The antivirus millionaire has been talking up his chances with US News and believes that he’ll have “no problem” becoming president. He feels that America’s dissatisfaction wth the current political process gives a third-party candidate like himself a genuine shot at the title. In fact, he feels that if he can’t win in 2016, then “the Libertarians should just give up.”

McAfee’s speaking in the run up to the Libertarian Party convention this May when it’ll pick its candidate for the election. He’ll be going up against ex-New Mexico governor Gary Johnson for the nomination who was selected to run in 2012. McAfee also has a reputation as something of a colorful candidate — offering online tutorials on how to uninstall the software that made his name. In addition, he produced a series of comic videos poking fun at his image as a paranoid gun-obsessed lunatic addicted to bath salts.

McAfee believes that his tech savvy and distinctive past will help to win over voters that, he feels, are stuck with a difficult choice. In 2013 he told The Engadget Show that he dealt drugs during the ’70s and had to evade the Mexican authorities. He was also arrested in Guatemala after fleeing Belize while under suspicion of murdering his neighbor. Since he’s not yet won the backing of his party, he’s not currently included in our Election Guide, but we’ll lay out his stance on the issues should he succeed in May.

Via: The Hill

Source: US News

Samsung and Six Flags team up for virtual reality roller coasters

If you’re making the trek to a Six Flags park this summer, virtual reality will be an option for some roller coasters. The company teamed up with Samsung on a number of virtual reality roller coasters that offer a more immersive experience thanks to Oculus-powered Gear VR headsets. A total of nine rides spread across the US will have the new option, and six of those will show a “New Revolution” futuristic battle to save Earth from an alien invasion. The other three will serve up a Superman-themed VR experience where riders must defeat Lex Luthor during a tour of Metropolis.

While Six Flags touts its collection of coasters as the first in North America to feature VR, similar rides have been announced in other parts of the world. Alton Towers in the UK will open the Galactica VR roller coaster in April that also uses Samsung’s Gear VR headsets. At Thorpe Park, plans are in motion for a ghost train that uses the HTC Vive to offer a particularly spooky ride.

At Six Flags, season pass holders will get first dibs on the new roller coasters during a “technical rehearsal” before opening VR up to the public. The company says that each ride will be equipped with enough Gear VR devices to allow for cleaning between runs. Six Flags also claims that you won’t have to worry about motion sickness as the visuals are synced with the movement of each roller coaster. Unless you splurge for a season pass, you’ll have to wait a bit to give it a shot, but you can catch a glimpse of what to expect in the video below.

Source: Samsung

First iPhone SE Cases Start Appearing With Conflicting Designs

Last week, we saw some conflicting designs for what the upcoming 4-inch iPhone 5se or SE might look like, based on information obtained from case manufacturers. With less than three weeks to go before the device’s introduction, we’re now seeing the first actual “iPhone SE” cases surface online, although it’s clear these companies have yet to nail down just what the phone will look like.

iPhone 5se/SE case with iPhone 5s-like design including power button on top
As revealed in images obtained by MacRumors, distributors offering “iPhone 5se” cases for bulk purchase are carrying cases of both rumored designs, which include one very similar to the iPhone 5 or 5s design with the power button on the top and another more like the iPhone 6 design with rounded edges and the power button on the side.

iPhone 5se/SE case with iPhone 6-like design including power button on side
Early case leaks have historically been fairly accurate indicators of new iPhone designs, though there have been a few notable exceptions. With two distinct case designs still floating around this close to the iPhone SE’s launch, it’s clear there is still confusion over just what Apple intends to release.

Yesterday, we published our own take on one way to reconcile the conflicting rumors, combining a curved-edge front glass panel that has been a consistent feature of iPhone 5se/SE rumors with a metal chassis that has a bit of the iPhone 5s design aesthetic including glass antenna windows at the top and bottom of the device’s back.

Related Roundups: iPhone 5se, iPhone SE
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Original Musical ‘The Crazy Ones’ Will Depict Steve Jobs’ ‘Powerful Demons’

A new musical centering around the founding of Apple Computers by Steve Jobs is debuting this month in New York. Developed at the New York Musical Festival, the Musical Theatre Factory, and the New York Theatre Barn, “The Crazy Ones” is billed as “a thrilling new original pop-rock musical” that aims to depict Jobs’ genius as well as his “very powerful demons.”

In 1982, Steve Jobs was in control. His company, Apple Computer, was on top of the world: his products were changing the work and home life of hundreds of thousands of users every day, and he was exorbitantly, extravagantly rich. But something sinister was brewing underneath the surface – both at Apple, and in Steve’s own mind. The Crazy Ones tells the story of the man behind the genius and how he strove to leave behind a legacy, despite some very powerful demons.

The music and lyrics were written by award-winning composer Zack Zadek with a book by Alexander Pototsky, who’ve been working together on the idea for The Crazy Ones for over two years. Their creation will finally see its debut on March 15 at Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City. Those interested in attending can check out ticket pricing here.

This isn’t the first time Steve Jobs’ life has been the subject of dramatization outside of film — last year it was announced that an opera depicting the Apple co-founder’s life will debut in 2017.

Tag: Steve Jobs
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Save space and organize spices on your fridge – CNET

Alina Bradford

If you don’t have much room in your kitchen, then a magnetic spice rack for the fridge is a great way to store your herbs and spices while keeping them fresh. This DIY takes absolutely no skill, so if you’re not crafty, don’t worry.

All you need for are small containers with sealable lids, self-adhesive magnets, adhesive labels and a marker. I used 4-ounce plastic storage containers that you can buy at the grocery store, but you can find pretty metal containers at craft stores. Also, if you don’t have any labels laying around you can use clear office tape for labels.

Once you have your supplies gathered, just peel the sticker off of the magnets and stick one on the bottom of each container. Fill the containers with herbs and spices and label the lids. Then, line the containers up on your refrigerator door.

My favorite part about this hack is that you can line your herbs and spices up alphabetically so that they are easy to find.

10 easy ways to keep your fridge clean and…

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Here’s how you can buy an Amazon Echo Dot and Amazon Tap – CNET

I’d really like to get Amazon’s smaller new Echo Dot for my apartment, but unfortunately I can’t. Since I don’t already own an Amazon Echo or Amazon Fire TV, I’m not able to buy one just yet.

Amazon today debuted the Echo Dot and Amazon Tap, two new voice-activated personal assistant devices. The Echo Dot is the Echo’s little sister; smaller and without a speaker (you provide your own), but with the same features of the Echo.

Amazon Tap is a portable, rechargeable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker that uses the voice assistant Alexa to control the music, deliver news, get weather reports and more. The key difference with Tap is that it’s not always listening like the Echo; instead you have to press a button to talk to Alexa.

Here’s everything the Amazon Echo can do…

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But before you head over to Amazon to buy them, there are few things to know.

Amazon Echo Dot, $89.99 (approximately £64)

The Amazon Echo Dot.

James Martin/CNET

To get an Echo Dot, you need to be an Amazon Prime member and already own an Echo or a Fire TV. You have to use Alexa Voice Shopping to buy one. Say the magic words, “Alexa, order Echo Dot” and you’re all set. There’s a limit of one Dot per order and two per customer, and Echo Dot is currently available only in the US, though Amazon plans to sell them internationally soon.

Amazon is expected to eventually sell the Dot alone on its website, but for now you need to be a Prime member and already have an Echo or a Fire TV.

Amazon Tap, $129.99 (approximately £93)

The Amazon Tap.

James Martin/CNET

Getting an Amazon Tap is far easier: you can just purchase it from Amazon’s website. There’s no purchasing limit as there is with the Dot, though it’s available only in the US for now, retailing for $129.99. It ships on March 31.

Get our hands-on impressions of the Amazon Echo Dot and Amazon Tap on CNET to decide if either is worth buying.