BlackBerry Priv now available from Verizon

If you’ve patiently been awaiting the arrival of the BlackBerry Priv on Verizon, it looks like your time has come. BlackBerry’s first Android-powered smartphone is now available to order from Verizon’s website, further expanding the Priv’s reach across carriers.

As for pricing, Verizon is offering the Priv at $30 per month for 24 months or, for those looking to buy outright, at a full retail price of $720. The Priv’s listing on Verizon’s online store came with zero fanfare, so it’s unclear when we may see the smartphone land in retail stores, but we hope to hear more on that soon.

For the time being, interested buyers can check out Verizon’s website at the link below for more. Not sure if the Priv is for you? Be sure to give our full review a gander.

See at Verizon

Dubai hosts the first World Drone Prix on March 11th

While there are plenty of efforts to make drone racing a serious sport, Dubai is determined to outdo them all. It’s about to host the World Drone Prix, which will robotic fliers against each other in high-speed (over 62MPH) competition. Over 100 teams will participate in “American Idol-style” qualifiers between March 7th and 8th; the top 32 from that bunch will make it to the actual races on March 11th and 12th.

This isn’t about to usher in a Formula 1-like pro racing league, but this does have a shot at succeeding where other leagues might struggle. Besides the lavish production values (see the supercar-laden promo video below if you need proof), it’s handing out a total of $1 million in prizes, including $250,000 for the winner. Although that pales in comparison to what top-tier race car leagues offer, it’s a big enough incentive that it could keep teams coming back for future events.

Source: World Drone Prix

Play as two new heroes in the next ‘Battlefront’ DLC

DICE has announced the next map and character DLC pack for its wildly popular Star Wars: Battlefront game. The new pack, dubbed Outer Rim, will feature two new maps including a close-range field within Jabba the Hutt’s palace and garage complex as well as a second map for Sullust (which already has one in-game), a lava-laden industrial planet.

Greedo and Nien Nunb will make their Battlefront debuts with Outer Rim and players will have access to five new weapons as well. You will need to purchase the $50 Season Pass to access the new content, though that investment will also cover a couple more DLCs scheduled to arrive before the end of 2016.

Via: IGN

Source: Star Wars: Battlefront

1,000-pixel headlights could offer improved vision at night

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a new headlight technology that automatically and intelligently adapt to the current traffic conditions. The team, led by Dr. Hermann Oppermann, essentially wired four, 256-pixel LED arrays together and connected them to a driver electronics chip. With it drivers will be able to have permanent high-beams that automatically dim when an oncoming car is detected. The head lights will also follow the course of the road (like an old 1940’s Tucker) by blinking individual pixels on and off. What’s more the system will reportedly be exceedingly efficient since it automatically turns off any unneeded pixels.

In order to be able to control each point of light independently a gold nano-sponge establishes the contact between each individual pixels and the driver chip. The nanoporous gold structure compresses like a real sponge and can be precisely adapted to the topography of the component. © Photo Fraunhofer IZM

Infineon, Osram, Hella and Daimler all collaborated with Fraunhofer to create the new headlights but, despite the backing of one of the world’s biggest automakers, there’s no word yet on when or even if the lights will make it to market.

Via: Gizmag

Source: Fraunhofer

Finn from ‘Star Wars’ wants a story mode for ‘Battlefront’

Electronic Arts and DICE have gone on record saying that the “Battle of Jakku” map is the closest we’re going to get to any content in Star Wars: Battlefront that wasn’t in the classic trilogy. But does that edict mean the development teams will ignore the request of one of The Force Awakens’ breakout stars, John Boyega (disgraced stormtrooper Finn), for a “full on offline” story mode? Time will tell. “It’s more of an enjoyable way to learn controls,” he tweeted. He isn’t wrong, either: Trying to learn any game’s intricacies while also dodging incoming fire from folks online is a pain.

@EAStarWars Will fans get a full on offline story mode? It’s more of an enjoyable way to learn controls.

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 2, 2016

Boyega said he’s been playing the series for years and that it was pretty weird killing stormtroopers online before he actually offed them in Episode VII. Now, remember, there is an offline portion of the game dubbed “missions” where you can race through the forests of Endor on a speeder bike or participate in a pretty weak version of the Battle of Hoth, among other scenarios. It’s something the person running the EA Star Wars Twitter account was quick to point out.

@JohnBoyega Have you had a chance to try the Missions?

— EAStarWars (@EAStarWars) March 2, 2016

But Boyega shares another sentiment with folks playing Battlefront in that respect as well:

@EAStarWars yeah thought it was great! But definitely leaves you wanting to engage within a narrative. Can I visit your base in the uk?

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 3, 2016

So says Finn, so say we all. From the looks of it, Boyega will get one of his wishes granted, though: A tour through EA’s offices in the UK — maybe he’ll inquire more about the campaign while there.

Via: Kotaku

Source: John Boyega (Twitter)

iCloud Backups Not as Secure as iOS Devices to Make Restoring Data Easier

Apple’s ongoing fight with the FBI over whether the company can be compelled to help the government unlock the iPhone 5c used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook has brought the full range of Apple’s privacy policies into the spotlight.

The details surrounding the case have made it clear that while Apple is unable to access information on iOS devices, the same is not true of iCloud backups. Apple can decrypt an iCloud backup and provide the information to authorities when ordered to do so via a warrant, as it did in the San Bernardino case.

In a piece posted on The Verge entitled “The iCloud Loophole,” Walt Mossberg takes a look at Apple’s iCloud backups and explains the reason why iCloud data can’t be made as secure as data stored solely on an iPhone or iPad.

Apple is able to decrypt “most” of the data included in an iCloud backup, and an Apple official told Mossberg that’s because the company views privacy and security issues differently between physical devices that can be lost and iCloud. With iCloud, it needs to be accessible by Apple so it can be used for restoring data.

However, in the case of iCloud, while security must also be strong, Apple says it must leave itself the ability to help the user restore their data, since that’s a key purpose of the service. This difference also helps dictate Apple’s response to law enforcement requests. The company’s position is that it will provide whatever relevant information it has to government agencies with proper, legal requests. However, it says, it doesn’t have the information needed to open a passcode-protected iPhone, so it has nothing to give. In the case of iCloud backups, however, it can access the information, so it can comply.

iCloud backups contain iMessages and texts, content purchase history, photos and videos, device settings, app data, voicemail password, and health data. Backups don’t include information that’s easily downloadable, such as emails from servers or apps, and while iCloud backup does encompass iCloud keychain, Wi-Fi passwords, and passwords for third-party services, that information is encrypted in a way that makes it inaccessible to Apple.

Mossberg suggests customers who don’t want to upload data to Apple via an iCloud backup make local encrypted backups through iTunes using a Mac or PC, and he points out that other cloud storage services, like Dropbox, are no more secure.

Mossberg’s full exploration of iCloud is available over at The Verge and is well worth reading for anyone interested in the security of data stored in the cloud.

Tags: theverge.com, iCloud
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Apple Planning to Debut OLED iPhone in 2017

Apple is reportedly aiming to push up the debut of the OLED iPhone to 2017, reports Nikkei (via AppleInsider). The move would see Apple make the switch to OLED a year earlier than previously estimated.

In December, Apple contacted LG and Samsung about the potential to ramp up OLED production in time for the 2017 iPhone. However, the OLED technology would likely be limited to a higher-end iPhone like the 7 Plus or the rumored iPhone Pro due to possible supply constraints.

Apple, who is reportedly close to a deal with Samsung for flexible OLEDs, has been interested in using curved OLED displays in future iPhones, but Nikkei notes that Apple’s accelerated development may leave those plans temporarily stalled. Apple is apparently looking to quickly switch to OLED displays to juice iPhone sales, which analysts expect to stall.

In November, Nikkei reported that Apple expected to switch to OLED displays in 2018. Apple supplier Japan Display is planning for mass production of OLED displays for iPhones beginning in early 2018. Samsung and LG, however, are expected to provide the bulk of the OLED panel production, with Samsung planning to ramp up OLED production to 45,000 panels per month this year. The ever-reliable KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo reported in November that Apple was unlikely to fully adopt OLED displays until 2019.

Related Roundup: iPhone 7
Tag: OLED
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Slack rolling out voice calls beta to its desktop messaging platform

Slack has begun testing voice chat just a day after announcing the feature would be coming soon. Available in beta, the feature is currently only being tested on desktop in Slack’s apps and in Chrome. In a statement to TechCrunch, Slack’s Vice President of Product April Underwood said:

For customers who already use services like Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Bluejeans, it’s easy to initiate a variety of calling features from within Slack, but for customers who need a simple solution for voice calls with members of their Slack team, this new feature will make Slack more useful. We’re looking forward hearing feedback from customers testing the beta, and are eager to get this feature in the hands of customers in our Slack mobile apps soon.

As noted by TechCrunch, Slack says that the feature is currently only available to fewer than half of all users. However, if available, team administrators can check their Slack settings to enable the voice calling feature for their users.

For those with the feature enabled, you can initiate a call by clicking the phone icon at the top of a channel or a direct message thread. Whomever you initiated the call with will then be notified and you can start chatting away after they join.

Why you should try the $49 Amazon Fire tablet

In the past we’ve steered people clear of really cheap Android tablets. Not this time.

The Amazon Fire Tablet is both really cheap and Android, though perhaps not the Android you’re used to. There’s no Google to be found, which means no Play Store or Google Apps of any kind.

But if you go for the 7-inch Fire you’re only going to be asked to part with $49 of your hard-earned cash. I’ve been using one personally for a few months now, and I keep getting asked whether it’s worth a go.

The answer is yes.

I’m not going to run through how much hardware you get for your money and what that’s like, I’ve already done that in our extended hands-on. But there are a few things in particular that make this a great tablet that I’d happily recommend trying out if you’re remotely curious.

The first is the price. It’s one of the signature selling points for Amazon, and it’s almost too cheap to ignore. At $49 (£49 in the UK and €49 in the rest of Europe) it’s firmly in impulse buy territory. Amazon will even sell these things in a six-pack and you’ve still spent less than many tablets.

But expanding the price a little further, it’s a great tablet to travel with. I’ve had iPads and Android tablets before where the very cheapest was at least three times as expensive as the Fire. Because it’s so cheap I’m happy enough to travel with it and not worry too much if it gets lost/stolen/eaten/destroyed. It’s also extremely portable at a mere 7 inches, and slips into any reasonably sized pocket on a bag with plenty of space to spare.

It’s also pretty tough. Mine has seen a few child-induced falls to the floor, or worse, and lived to tell the tale each and every time.

Then you get to what you’re actually going to do with the tablet: Consume media. The Fire is perfect for this, and particularly good is being able to download Prime Video to a microSD card for offline viewing. 8GB of internal storage helps keep the price down, but a cheap SD card gives you tons of space to take content with you when there’s not going to be a connection. Offline content is why Prime has already surpassed Netflix as my favorite video service.

The 7-inch Amazon Fire Tablet’s microSD card can store Prime movies for offline viewing.

And while there’s no Google Play Store, the Amazon Appstore isn’t as bad as it used to be. You get tons of free apps through the Underground program, and if you’re a Prime subscriber (which you likely will be to get the most from the Fire anyway) you’re never more than a couple of clicks away from buying whatever you need. It won’t play some of the latest and most graphics-intensive games particularly well, but it’s just fine for casual titles.

Throw in Kindle and Audible and Prime Music, and you’re pretty much set. Amazon has a robust content ecosystem that, so long as you’re not entrenched in Google’s, has plenty to offer. Prime Music still falls a little flat, but since it’s included with your yearly Prime subscription for no extra charge, it’s hard to complain too much.

The 7-inch Fire tablet is absolutely something you should try. It’ll be better if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, but if you want a basic tablet for consuming content or giving to the kids to use, it’s well worth your time.

Sure, the battery life isn’t terrific and the screen isn’t superb, but it does what it needs to do and doesn’t struggle with it. The software may take a little getting used to, but there’s nothing particularly bad about it and your content is always close at hand. Which is one of the most important things here, because consumption is what you’ll want one of these for.

For $49 you can’t go wrong.

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Kiss your old wall goodbye this Wallpaper Wednesday

Don’t let your home screen fall into a rut — switch out your wallpaper!

You don’t have to pull out a complex new theme like Deadpool to bring a breath of fresh air to your home screen. A new wallpaper can do wonders, just ask your iPhone-carrying friends. Launchers like Action Launcher can re-theme your entire launcher around a good wallpaper. In our effort to help brighten your device — and maybe your day — we’re compiling some wallpapers for you to try out.

If you’ve got a wallpaper you use everywhere, share it in the comments below! We’re always looking for something new. In the meantime, we’ve got a few to give your home screen a lift.

Sakura Butterflies

Spring feels like it’s already here in the South, but if you can’t find the warmth of spring in your neck of the woods, take this warm wallpaper based on a design used in some kimonos. Warm icons packs and gold icon packs will work well here, but a new icon pack by MLV called Royale with an orange-purple color palette would click here nicely, too.

Sakura Butterflies Wallpaper

Beauty and the Beast

There’s no shortage of gorgeous Beauty and the Beast artwork around, but this work by deviantart user umintsu tugs at the heartstrings in ways few do. This wallpaper works well with minimal and mixed home screens. You can zoom in from the border for a slightly cleaner look, and for icons, Gold or Navy colored variants in Glim and Golden Icons pair well with the work.

Beauty and the Beast by umintsu

Geometric Dusk

Geometric wallpapers come in many shapes and styles, but this uneven design begs for a home screen to call home. This design doesn’t care if you’re rocking a minimal or heavy layout; it’s ready to serve any style and size of screen, and can work with just about any icon pack you throw at it.

Geometric Dusk

Arabian Nights

This fractal wallpaper is mesmerizing, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of my favorite color schemes: navy and gold. You can set it horizontally and have a beautiful (if somewhat busy) wallpaper, or you can rotate it to portrait and have a beautiful wallpaper with plenty of space for widgets and icons at the bottom of the screen. Gold icons are a must here, like Golden Icons or Gold Luxury.

Arabian Nights by Natalie Kelsey

Rockman.exe

I’m still waiting for my net navi, guys. Google Now is fine, but I want a net navi that’ll sass me and remind me to be tactful around other people. Smartphones have evolved like the PETs shown in the show Megaman, but I still don’t see any personal net warriors/assistants that’ll help us stay on track and will obliterate viruses with their arm cannons or Roll Whips. Moving along, for this Rockman.exe (Megaman, for us Americans) wallpaper from deviantart user inualet, most blue icon packs will work, but Turbulence Blue and UIcons blue take especially well to the image.

Rockman.exe by inualet