Sling adds Spanish TV to its multi-stream beta

Sling TV’s service is great for cord-cutters, but not ideal for families who like to watch different stuff at the same time. It recently launched a multi-stream option (in beta) that allows viewing on up to three Sling-TV supported devices at once, but so far content has been limited to Fox and a few other channels. However, Spanish viewers now have a bunch of new options thanks to the company’s Best of Spanish TV-Beta that brings multi-stream viewing of channels like Azteca, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, Cinelatino, CineSony, De Pelicula, Pasiones, Teleromántica, UniMás and Univision.

The service is among the new “Extras” options, which include Hollywood Extra-Beta, Lifestyle Extra-Beta and World News Extra-Beta. Each of those is $5 per month, while the Cinemax Extra-Beta is $10 and HBO Extra-Beta runs $15 a month. In addition, Viacom channels like Comedy Central will soon come to both the single- and multi-stream options. Those prices are on top of regular subscription prices — both the single and multi-stream options run $20 per month. That might make multi-stream seem like a bargain, but it doesn’t include some important channels like ESPN and Disney. However, the Spanish Extra pack is identical for both single- and multi-streams.

Source: Sling TV

Apple Looks to Streamline Clarification of Awkward Autocorrect Messages in New Patent Application

The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently published a new patent application originally filed by Apple last July, detailing a system in which the receiver of an iMessage could be notified when pieces of the message are scrambled incoherently by the company’s autocorrect system (via AppleInsider). The patent isn’t a proactive solution to enhance the sometimes spotty nature of autocorrect, but simply a way to let the person on the other end of the text know what’s happening, and give each user tools to better explain what they meant.

Apple describes a new user interface that would highlight any words or phrases in a message that have been siphoned through autocorrect. The system wouldn’t be advanced enough to reveal the specifically intentioned words the sender meant, but at least give the receiver a heads up about which parts of the text were corrected.

A design of the sender-side UI
Parts of the patent reveal iterations of the idea that can streamline the clarification process, as well. For example, a description of the sender-side user interface includes a prompt that pops up — after a user taps on the autocorrected word — with an option to “Send clarification” to the receiver. The canned message fills out the phrase, “I sent , but I meant [correct word].” If they want a complete do-over, the user could also just opt to re-send the entire message.

A design of the receiver-side UI
On the receiver-side user interface, if the sender isn’t opting to fix the issue themselves, the other person can “Request clarification” by tapping on the highlighted autocorrect word or phrase. The automated message is similar to the previous sender-side phrase, asking “You sent . What did you mean?”

If implemented in a future version of iOS, the autocorrect highlight patent could be similar to the way iOS currently underscores vague references to dates and times when users send and receive text messages. Apple’s new patent could be slightly more helpful for most users than that feature, however, especially given the speed with which iPhone users have grown accustomed to texting on the device, and how frustrating it can be to realize autocorrect interfered with your message.

Like most patents, it’s still advised to be wary of how long it’ll take Apple to implement the autocorrect notification system into iOS, if it ever will. Still, it’s easy to see how useful and streamlined such a feature could be, without completely taking out much of the humorous — and sometimes awkward — mishaps for which autocorrect has become famous.

Tag: Patent
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Grab the Wileyfox Swift for just £99 on Amazon UK today

Amazon UK is selling the Wileyfox Swift for just £99. The deal is valid on the white color variant of the phone, and represents a £30 discount from its usual retail price of £129.

The phone features a 5-inch 720p display, quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410, 2GB of RAM, 16GB storage, microSD slot, 13MP camera, 5MP front camera, LTE, and a 2500mAh battery. On the software front, there’s Cyanogen OS 12.1 on offer.

The promotion is valid for one day only, so if you’re in the market for a budget unlocked phone with decent hardware, check out the Wileyfox Swift from the link below.

See at Amazon

MORE: Wileyfox Swift review

Huawei Mate 9 could have a 20MP dual camera and blow P9 out of the water

We’ve only recently seen a couple of flagship Huawei phones launched, the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus, but there is talk of another device coming from the Chinese company that could overshadow them – at least where the camera is concerned.

The Huawei Mate 9 could come with 20-megapixel dual camera tech, says industry analyst Pan Jiutang. That would suggest its sensors would be far better than those in the P9, which features 12-megapixel dual cameras.

Considering the company has been shouting from the rooftops about the P9’s photography skills – especially about its partnership with Leica – an enhancement would be more impressive still.

READ: Huawei P9 and P9 Plus camera gallery: This is what the dual-lens smartphones can do

Jiutang also claims that the Mate 9 will be the first handset from the manufacturer to feature the Kirin 960 chipset. The processing unit is rumoured to use ARM Artemis cores for the first time and an octa-core architecture.

It is also expected to support Cat 12 LTE connectivity.

Gizmochina suggests that the Huawei Mate 9 will launch in late 2016, which would make sense considering the Mate 8 was announced late last year. It’s worth noting though that Pan Jiutang is just an analyst and although he might have made several accurate calls in the past, the specs above are only based on his considered opinion.

READ: Huawei Mate 8 review

You won’t believe how little you’ll pay for this 75-inch 4K HDR TV

Hisense has released a 75-inch 4K HDR TV for a little under £2,500.

The Hisense 75M7900 features all the latest telly tech but for a fraction of the price of rivals. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a 55-inch 4K HDR TV for much cheaper, let alone a mammoth home cinema screen like this.

As well as an ultra HD resolution, the high dynamic range (HDR) tech employed ensures that the set matches the recommended standards for 4K Blu-ray playback.

HDR effectively offers better colour reproduction and contrast than conventional television technologies. It is employed on 4K Blu-rays and some content from streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Video.

READ: Best 4K TVs: Ultra HD televisions to buy in 2016

Both of those latter services are available through the 75M7900, with 4K and HDR support. Its built-in quad-core processor also powers other smart TV functions and apps, including BBC iPlayer and the ability to stream and share content to the TV from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Two HDMI 2.0 sockets with HDCP 2.2 are available on the set, with another two for good measure. There are also three USB outputs, with one of them meeting USB 3.0 standards.

An optical audio output means you can hook it up to a soundbar or AV receiver.

Hisense is one of the partners for the forthcoming UEFA Euro 2016 footy championship in France, so expect plenty of content and promotions around that too.

After all, what better way to watch the action than on a 75-inch telly?

Range Rover Evoque Convertible first drive: Top down, revs up

Land Rover has taken the top off its Range Rover Evoque to make it convertible. Sounds simple, but this good-looking topless SUV is a feat of modern design, engineering and manufacturing.

This is the first convertible Range Rover, other than the Queen’s bespoke model of course – but who’d want to run down to the shops in that? Apart from the Jeep Wrangler, there aren’t many convertible SUV options out there.

We’ve driven the hard top Evoque, so the question with the Convertible is whether it can offer the same premium experience and handling both on- and off-road, without compromise.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible comes in 4WD 2.0-litre Ingenium automatic with 180bhp and 240bhp engine options, starting at £47,500. We took it to the roads, complete with its striking tangerine coat of paint, to see what this convertible Range feels like.

Pocket-lint

Range Rover Evoque Convertible preview: Design and build

The Evoque Convertible is here to make a lasting impression. Coming from the attractively designed hardtop model it’s already off to a good start – it looks much the same, like it’s had its top simply cut off. 

While that might seem simple at first glance it’s actually an impressive feat of engineering. Removing the roof not only means the car loses strength and torsional rigidity but also adds risk if it were to flip. To counter this there are a lot of changes under the outer shell to offer levels of support that allow that window frame enough strength to hold the car’s weight, should it invert. There’s even safety roll-over bars that fire out of the rear, like car airbags, to support the passengers in the event of a flip. Not that we flipped it, but it’s reassuring to know it should be safe.

From safety to sassy: the Convertible looks sleek thanks to those familiar lines that the Evoque is famous for. Side-on it almost looks smaller than the hardtop, even with the soft-top up – possibly thanks to body coloured side skirts. But this is still and SUV with decent riding position and height. It also has high sides which make you feel enveloped and protected from the wind.

The Convertible has a deeper front bumper than the original Evoque, which combines with the optional slim adaptive LED lights and larger air intakes to give it a more aggressive look. Wheels range from 17-inch to 20-inches, adding yet more beast points to the car.

The roof, a central part of this car, is a light fabric soft-top which can fold up in 18-seconds or rise out in 21-seconds – both while moving at up to 30mph. Despite this you still get the Evoque’s 251-litre capacity boot storage, although don’t expect a great deal of height. The rear seats are also snug but offer enough room for a comfortable ride if you’ve got the front seats forward enough.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible preview: Power and performance

The Evoque isn’t made to blow your socks off and while the Evoque convertible can blow your hair back, it isn’t going to win many races. Both model options feature 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve engines with 9-speed automatic gearboxes.

The top-spec model manages 240bhp, which equates to a 0-60mph time of 8.6-seconds, which isn’t too bad. The entry-level 180bhp model will do it in 10.3-seconds. So on paper they’re not mad fast, but in reality, with the top down, it feels super quick. There’s enough power to get you where you want and to overtake if you need – it does the job. There is lag when you put your foot down but then a steady progression of acceleration from there.

Bear in mind that the 180bhp model will offer a combine 46mpg while the 240bhp version tops out at 32mpg, according to Land Rover.

Pocket-lint

Range Rover Evoque Convertible preview: Handling and comfort

This car is an SUV, albeit a compact one, meaning it’s not built to cling to corners like a race car. That said, for something that’s also heavy, it handles well enough both on- and off-road.

The high ride position gives good visibility, but you’re still low enough to feel the corners when going at speed – although there’s a little waft at times, not that it’s quite like driving an orange bouncy castle. The Torque Vectoring by Braking does a lot of needed correction work for you here.

What the Evoque Convertible is built for is comfort when on the go. The Electric Power Assisted Steering adapts well automatically to offer lighter steering at lower speeds, like when parking, and becomes tighter when moving at pace. The result is a decent level of responsiveness on roads and easy handling around town. The turning circle is also impressive, making short work of any tight turn-arounds.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible preview: Smart driving and infotainment

The InControl Touch Pro infotainment system comes with the Evoque Convertible as standard, including a 10.2-inch screen, which already outdoes the standard Evoque’s 8-inch display.

This system is an exciting offering as Land Rover is working hard with app developers to create a setup that will enhance its cars with software updates for years to come. The touchscreen system offers pinch-to-zoom and general interactivity that feels more like using a tablet than a car system. Although, and as we said of the Jaguar XE, using touchscreen while on-the-go doesn’t always feel like the most logical option, in terms of safety.

All this and the Convertible is 3G connected for in-car internetting too. How, without that rear twin fin antennae on the roof, you ask? There are two antennae mounted in the bumper and rear seats to ensure connectivity is possible.

The system also offers plenty of audio power with a 10-speaker, 380W, dual-channel subwoofer surround-sound Meridian Audio setup as standard. It sounds really, really good, even at high volumes while driving with the top down. So if you want to blast out some classical Bach as you saunter round your local rowing club car park, you’re all set. Or maybe you’re more a 50 Cent kind of person.

As standard you get lane assist, parking sensors and cruise control, but you’ll need to shell out around £3,000 more for the upgraded LUX model extras. That includes automatic parking, 360-degree cameras, blindspot monitoring, keyless entry, traffic sign recognition a wind deflector, auto headlamps with High Beam Assist and more. 

First Impressions

The Range Rover Evoque hardtop starts at £30,600 for a manual 2.0 litre diesel. So if you want the new Convertible you’re going to need to find an extra £17,000 at least. Our test model, at around £50,000, is dangerously close to Porsche levels of pricing. 

But what sells the Evoque Convertible is that there’s more-or-less nothing else like it on the market. It comes from a strong stock too: this topless Evoque feels spacious in the front, offers enough power to make you feel in control both on- and off-road, and has the stunning InControl Touch Pro system as standard.

It’s stunning to look at too. So if you want a soft-top and an SUV, while making a statement at the same time, nothing will do better than the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. It’ll set the trend for convertible SUVs, much like the Evoque led the way for stylish, compact SUVs.

Cute robotic monk knows the meaning of life

The Longquan (Dragon Spring) Temple in Beijing is spreading Buddhist teachings with the help of an adorable, two-foot-tall monk. His name is Xian’er, and he’s a robot with a touchscreen chest. The temple teamed up with a dozen local tech and culture companies to create Xian’er, according to The New York Times. Xian Fan, the head of the temple’s Comic Center, which designed the robot and publishes Buddhist comics, says the machine demonstrates that “science and Buddhism don’t clash or contradict each other.”

Xian’er’s touchscreen chest gives him a way to answer questions, such as “What is the meaning of life?” To which he’d reply: “My master says the meaning of life is to help more people finally leave behind bitterness and gain happiness.” He also has a WeChat account under the name 贤二机器僧 where he talks with people who can’t go to the temple, though we couldn’t seem to find and add him when we tried. The temple’s human monks have no plans to mass produce Xian’er, but they’re already working on a smarter, more advanced robot that might be able to impart more wisdom.

Via: The Verge

Source: The New York Times

Flow is Microsoft’s take on IFTTT automation

Microsoft is about to release its take on the automation service IFTTT called Flow, according to a blog post published and removed by the company.

Flow connects to over 35 services, with more integrations planned. These include Microsoft products like Office 365 and OneDrive; third-party platforms such as Twitter, Dropbox, MailChimp, Google Drive, Slack and Trello; and developer-focused options like Github and SQL. Just like IFTTT, you’ll be able to create workflows across multiple services. Examples include adding a card in Trello if your boss emails you with “to do” in the subject line, sending a text alert if a Dropbox file is modified, or saving all of a user’s tweets to OneDrive.

Some of this functionality has been available as part of a private preview for Microsoft’s Azure business customers, but Flow appears to be a more user-friendly take on the concept. It’s aimed squarely at businesses, schools and other large institutions, but there’s no reason that it couldn’t be useful to individuals, especially if you’re the sort of person that organizes your life through Trello.

It’s not clear exactly when Flow will be ready. Twitter user @h0x0d first discovered the service (as spotted by The Verge) along with the blog post, but it was swiftly removed. The article itself had a typo and didn’t appear finished, so it seems that it was posted before it was ready. Ironically, one of the workflows mentioned in the post intended to ensure “that all of the posts [about Flow] were reviewed and approved.” It appears that particular Flow failed. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for more information on Flow, and will update you once we have more details.

Via: The Verge

Source: Microsoft Flow (Google cache)

TiVo will be acquired by patent giant Rovi for $1.1 billion

Rovi has agreed to acquire DVR maker TiVo in a deal worth $1.1 billion. The acquisition, which was rumored to be close to completion in March, will be part cash, part shares — only $277 million will actually change hands, with the rest of the figure being paid out in stock of a new company that will own both Rovi and TiVo. Subject to the usual regulatory approvals, the purchase will complete in Q3 2016, after which the joint entity will be known as TiVo.

While you’re aware of TiVo, you probably don’t know what Rovi is or does. The company started life as MacroVision, and owns thousands of patents relating to DRM and program guides. More recently, it’s mostly been in the news for wielding those patents liberally in various lawsuits, including a case against Netflix that it eventually lost. TiVo also has lots of IP relating to its DVR tech. With the acquisition, the new TiVo will have over 6,000 patents, and some far-reaching claims to royalties in the DVR market.

Source: Rovi

Drake’s New Album ‘Views’ Now Available Exclusively on iTunes and Apple Music

Drake’s latest album made its global streaming debut on Apple Music last night and is now available to buy on iTunes. Priced at $13.99, Views (previously titled Views From The Six) features 20 new tracks, including the slow jam hit “Hotline Bling”.

The Canadian rapper’s album will be exclusive to Apple Music for one week, after which it will become available on other music streaming services like Spotify.

Views is just the latest tactically timed release in an ongoing battle among music streaming services for exclusivity, with Drake forming rank alongside Taylor Swift and Adele in Apple’s corner, as the company faces off against competing streaming service Tidal’s frontline co-owners Jay Z, Kanye West, Beyonce, and Rihanna.

Last week, Beyoncé’s newest album Lemonade launched on Tidal approximately 24 hours before it became available for users to purchase on the likes of iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play, and remains the only service able to stream the album.

Drake and Apple have been in a partnership since the launch of Apple Music last summer, with the artist contributing his own Beats 1 radio show to the streaming service. Drake recently confirmed his partnership with Apple will continue into live music as Apple Music will sponsor his “Summer Sixteen” tour.

Drake’s fourth studio album comes one year after If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, which also had its debut on iTunes. In August, Quartz reported that Drake was the second most played artist on Apple Music.

Tag: iTunes
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