LeEco goes beyond its electric Aston Martin RapidE with new autonomous LeSEE car

LeEco shot to fame after it began investing in the first electric Aston Martin, the 1000bhp RapidE – now it’s unveiled its own autonomous car, LeSEE.

LeEco also makes smartphones and televisions but it’s really pushing cars right now following its Aston Martin and Faraday Future investments. LeEco LeSEE is the name of the all electric car that was demoed driving on stage at a live event. The car was able to self-drive and self-park using voice commands via a smartphone app.

LeSEE appears to be a concept car at this stage but the fact it was shown moving is a very promising start for the company. LeEco envisions a future for these cars as taxis, each using coloured front lights to show their availability. The car should top out at 130mph and features a front face that doubles as a smart screen for readouts.

The rear doors are front opening “suicide doors” to the rear seat which apparently adapt to the passenger. Extending that passenger comfort focus, there are screens behind the front seats for entertainment. The car even manages facial recognition and self-learning, apparently.

It’s all very early days stuff with LeSEE only shown off on stage right now but expect more in the form of a concept or prototype at the Beijing Auto Show on 24 April.

READ: This is the all electric Aston Martin RapidE, 1000bhp expected

Lian Li’s first standing desk is also a computer

Lian Li is no stranger to building desks with computers crammed into them, but this is the first time it’s playing to the standing desk crowd. After all, you can justify more of those late night raids if you’re also standing up and, therefore, kinda exercising. Much like its predecessors, the DK-04 is a large chassis that’ll let you build your dream water-cooled PC with support for eight expansion slots. It also has an electronically-controlled motor that’ll let you push the table to heights between 67.5 and 116 centimeters. The other big change is to the underside of the chassis, which now tapers to provide bigger and better legroom than the originals. If this is the desk of your dreams, you can pick it up in Europe in early may for £1,269.99 and in the US for $1,499.

Source: Lian Li

Giphy brings its image search app to Android

Online GIF clearinghouse Giphy debuted a new means of finding and sharing animated GIFs using Android on Tuesday. The Giphy app now empowers users to search the entirety of Giphy’s library and share them on multiple platforms — from Gmail and Messenger to SMS and Twitter. The updated app will hit the Play Store immediately and will finish rolling out to existing users by the end of April.

Giphy has been on a tear lately, working to expand its user-generated content empire. The company launched a new studio last month expressly for creating original animations. In October, it debuted an online creator app, dubbed GIFMaker, and in November, rolled out the iOS-only GiphyCam.

US Air Force sets a new maglev speed record

The US Air Force has smashed the world speed record for a vehicle aided by magnetic levitation, or “mag lev.” The 846th Test Squadron at the Holloman Air Force Base broke the milestone twice — first hitting 513MPH, then topping 633MPH a few days later. The team’s sled is levitated with super-conducting magnets cooled with liquid helium. Rockets then power the contraption along a 2,100 foot-long track, with an acceleration close to 928 feet per second. Although maglev transportation isn’t unique — trains have used it to top 370MPH — this particular setup is one of a kind.

“What we plan to do after this test is refine the design of the sled itself,” Shawn Morgenstern, commander of the 846th Test Squadron said. “We want to look at some lighter materials and continue to see what kind of capability we can get out of this system in terms of the speeds that we’re capable of going.” Check out the video below to see the sled in action.

Via: Gizmodo

Source: Holloman Air Force Base, YouTube

Snapchat’s 420 Bob Marley filter is just digital blackface

Today is April 20th, and you now what that means — time for everyone to celebrate marijuana! Snapchat is paying tribute to 420 with a few new filters. Sure, the “traveling bong” one is innocent enough, but the Bob Marley filter, well… see above. Not only does it replicate all the creepiness of face-swapping, but it it adds a dash of racial insensitivity to the mix. Basically, Snapchat is giving everyone the ability (and an excuse) to put on digital blackface.

Snapchat is no stranger to controversy. But at a time when a number of silicon valley companies have come under fire for their lack of racial sensitivity and lack of diversity, creating a filter that lets you play dress up as another race seems incredibly shortsighted. We’re sure Snapchat and its employees meant no offense. However, it’s hard not to see this as another instance where a more diverse workforce could have helped identify a potentially offensive feature and worked to correct the problem before it became national news.

When asked for comment a Snapchat spokesperson responded, “The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate, and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music. Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements.” The company would not address concerns about the perceived racial insensitivity.

Samsung Said to Supply Apple with NAND Flash Memory in 2017 After Five-Year Hiatus

Samsung is once again set to begin supplying Apple with NAND flash memory chips in 2017, ending a five-year hiatus dating back to the debut of the iPhone 5 in 2012, according to ETNews. The reason for the dissolution of the original supplier relationship is given as Samsung’s unwillingness to comply with Apple’s electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding requirements via packaging changes or special coatings on the memory packages themselves.

This new claim comes on the heels of an report earlier report, also by ETNews, suggesting Apple was looking to individually shield more parts inside its devices for performance and EMI compliance reasons.

The earlier article claimed the impetus for this change was the use of multiple diverse systems such as 3D Touch along with the presence of various high-speed interfaces, all of which can contribute to and be affected by EMI. Individual shielding would also allow Apple to dispense with discrete metal shielding components, which could ultimately save on logic board space and allow more room for other components inside the devices.

The new report notes that Samsung’s use of ball grid array (BGA) packaging places it at a disadvantage to competing products that use land grid array (LGA) package contacts, which allow the package to sit flush with the printed circuit board.

LGA type lead (left) compared to BGA type lead (right)
It appears Samsung’s existing sputter coat EMI shielding technologies were insufficient for Apple’s performance requirements, given the shielding gaps created by the raised BGA contacts. The emergence of new, cheaper spray techniques for ultra-thin coats of metal shielding seems to be one development that has changed the dynamic of this relationship, as have Samsung’s concerns about a weakening flash memory market.

Samsung remains a leader in NAND type memory solutions, with its 3D V-NAND memories offering up to 256 Gb densities on the market currently. While this development seems most likely to affect the memories used in Apple’s iPhone and iPad products, there would also be an opportunity for Samsung to show up in the entire line of Mac computers, which have become heavily reliant on flash storage. Along with the recent news that Samsung will supply Apple with OLED panels for future iPhones, it appears Samsung very much remains in play as a supplier for Apple devices.

Tags: Samsung, 3D NAND
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Best Mobile VR headsets

Everybody has a smartphone these days, and anyone who doesn’t probably has more pressing matters to attend to than virtual reality games. For the phone-enabled, smartphone VR headsets provide an easy and even cheap inroad into our virtual future. Make no mistake, virtual reality is coming, and 2016 is either the VR equivalent of the Cambrian explosion or something nearly close. However, what should you buy, if you were aiming to get your hands of on VR? Let’s explore some of the better options out there.

The first and the most basic one is Google Cardboard. It’s so basic, we can even list the parts used to make it: a piece of cardboard cut into shape, 45mm focal length lenses, magnets or capacitive tape, a hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro), a rubber band, and, optionally, a near field communication (NFC) tag. Google has released the documentation a long time ago, and cardboard is produced both by the company itself and various third-party producers. However, the $5 price tag comes at a, er, price: the set features no controls nor focus setting and relies entirely on your phone for any kind of functionality, and there are no straps. However, it accepts many kinds of phones, has a lot of material made for it (as the platform is absolutely open) and it’s extremely cheap. Perfect for toe-dipping into VR!

The other most popular mobile VR option is Samsung Gear VR. Unlike Google Cardboard, it’s the exact opposite of “cheap”. It also has a limited roster of supported phones, those being Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge devices. But you also get to use apps from Oculus store, hooray! The headset also has straps, so you don’t need to hold it to your face, another major bonus. It also features both volume controls and an integrated trackpad, as well as a “back” button. Headset’s own inertial measurement unit is superior to those used in phones, too. This means that games can be more sophisticated and interactive than those on Cardboard. We heartily recommend EVE: Gunjack, probably the best turret shooter in the market. More than a mere gaze shooter, it relies on trackpad to fire, reload and use special weapons. It’s an amazing experience!

Archos VR comes closer to Cardboard than to Gear. It’s cheaper than Gear VR, for one, but not as technologically sophisticated. You won’t find volume controls or a trackpad on this offering. However, it supports a wide of variety of phones, both iOS and Android. Supported screen sizes range from 4” to 6”. It might lack padding to keep your nose comfortable, but otherwise it’s a good, sturdy system. It doesn’t hurt that it looks like piece of movie camera equipment, too.

Lakento MVR (Mobile Virtual Reality) is an another offering that fits iPhones 5 through 6 Plus and most Android phones. An interesting feature is that the front cover is translucent to allow for augmented reality uses (via your phone’s camera). The headset offers 100 degree view, and is compatible with Google Cardboard games, so you’re never strapped for content (it also comes with free games standard). The foam pads are interchangeable and the head straps are adjustable. Neat!

The IncrediSonic Vue Series VR glasses are fancier, because they have a Bluetooth controller. Unfortunately, as many reviewers mark, it does not work with iPhones – a usual complaint where Bluetooth and iPhones are concerned. Vue works with smartphones with screens from 4.7 inches to 6 inches big, so you can use your iPhone 6S. If you want to use a smaller phone, you will need to use a handy included widget. The headset also comes with batteries (for the controller), replacement nose pads and a microfiber cloth to wipe your lenses. It’s a great budget offer that’s a lot more universal than Gear VR and the controller is easier to use.

One thing that unifies all the mobile VR headsets is that they all use similar – and limited – hardware. All those splendid apps and games run on smartphones, and the phones are straining to support them. This means that mobile VR games have lower requirements for processor intensive stuff like graphics. This makes it easy for newcomers to capitalize on the VR craze. If you have an killer idea for a game, you can do it. Game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine 4 are free, and can support visual programing (you connect blocks of functions rather than writing code). For the visual side of things, use online stock model marketplaces: CGTrader is one of the leading ones, and it has many free models in addition to low-polygon models that VR games so badly need.

So there you have it. We’re but scratching the surface of the mobile VR headset offerings. There are predictions that mobile headset ownership will outnumber PC/console headsets 4 to 1. This is a huge market to tap. And now that you have a headset of your own (you did buy one, right?), you too can become a developer!

Now you can turn any plant into a phone and tablet battery charger

Charge your phone using leaves, nature’s solar panels, thanks to a new smart plant pot called Bioo.

The Bioo, currently on Indiegogo, is able to harness the energy gathering process of photosynthesis in order to create power. You can then plug your phone or tablet cable into the pot’s USB output, cunningly disguised as a rock, and charge your device.

This is a totally green way to power your gadgets. In fact it’s so positive that it could help add another reason to save plants and forests in the future.

The Bioo works by creating a chemical reaction between the organic material in the pot, water and organic materials discharged by the plant photosynthesising. The result should be unlimited power where you barely even need to water the plant much. Check out the video below for more of the science.

Bioo

Bioo’s creators say you should be able to charge two or three times per day at 3.5V and 0.5A, but it works both night and day. At that amperage don’t expect to charge a tablet or phone quickly, but when it’s free and actually helping the environment it’s hard to complain.

The Bioo is currently on Indiegogo where it’s broken its goal. You can order yours for €89 which is about £70, or $100, for an expected delivery date of December this year.

READ: Future batteries, coming soon

E3 2016: All the launches, games and consoles to expect

Each June, the games industry travels en masse to Los Angeles for E3, the western world’s biggest videogames conference in order to show and see the hottest titles around.

Ahead of the event there are always rumours that fly around about specific games, consoles or accessories, right up to the doors opening themselves. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide on what we’ve seen and heard so far, to give you an idea of how E3 2016 might pan out.

We’ll update this round-up as the show gets nearer so bookmark it if you want to keep abreast of the latest E3 2016 gossip.

What is E3?

First held in Los Angeles in 1995, the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) after the games industry decided it didn’t want to share a convention with consumer electronics manufacturers. Until then, CES in Las Vegas each year had a large gaming presence.

E3 was devised to give the rapidly rising industry its own major trade show and platform.

It has expanded, constricted and expanded again over the last 21 years, even switching location on a couple of occasions, but regardless of the more controversial moments it has always endured.

It is the number one event for major game announcements, specifically from Sony and Microsoft. It is currently held in the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown area of the city.

When does E3 2016 start?

The show itself technically opens its doors at 12pm (PT) on Tuesday 14 June. It ends at 5pm on Thursday 16 June.

Show times are (PT):

• 12pm – 6pm: 14 June
• 10am – 6pm: 15 June
• 10am – 5pm: 16 June

In addition, there are related events on the days prior to the main show opening.

Sony (PlayStation), Microsoft (Xbox), Electronic Arts, Bethesda and Ubisoft each hold press conferences on the Sunday and Monday ahead of E3. That’s on 12 June and 13 June this year.

When are the E3 2016 press conferences?

Not all of the E3 press conferences have been announced yet, with PlayStation, Xbox and Ubisoft yet to send out invites or times.

Electronic Arts has controversially decided not to have a presence at the main E3 show this year, instead hosting its own events on Sunday 12 June in both LA and London, titled EA Play. There will be an EA Play press conference therefore at 1pm local time, 9pm UK time on that day.

Bethesda is the only other company to so far confirm its press conference. It will also be held on Sunday 12 June, but at 7pm local time, so Monday morning in the UK at 3am.

What games companies will be at E3 2016?

Hundreds of publishers and developers show their wares at E3 each year, either on the show floor or behind closed doors in private rooms. This year’s event will be no different.

Surprisingly though, there will be no Electronic Arts or Activision stands at the show itself. There will be some BCD sessions for the latter, while EA is hosting its own separate event, EA Play, on the Sunday beforehand – as detailed above.

Activision will also have some of its new games on partners’ stands, such as the PlayStation and Xbox booths. The new Call of Duty and Skylanders titles are expected to be among those.

The three biggest stands each year are naturally those for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. They are each expected to have a massive presence at the show as before, although Nintendo shifted away from an annual press conference at E3 to its online streamed Nintendo Direct announcement format. There could well be an E3-themed version around the same week in June – maybe even with further news on the Nintendo NX console.

The other major companies currently confirmed as appearing at E3 are as follows:

• 2K
• Bandai Namco
• Bethesda
• Capcom
• CD Projekt Red
• Deep Silver
• Focus Home Interactive
• Konami
• Logitech
• Oculus
• Razer
• Sega
• Square Enix
• Take-Two
• Ubisoft
• Warner Bros

There are plenty of smaller developers, publishers and hardware manufacturers we also have our eye on because they promise some great games and accessories this year, including Rebellion, Alienware, Crytek and Nvidia.

What will be the big E3 2016 announcements?

With so many companies showing their latest games and gizmos, there are bound to be plenty of big name products among them. Here are a few of the biggest announcements that could occur during E3 2016.

Nintendo NX

There are rumours that Nintendo will announce its next home console and replacement for the Wii U before E3 starts, perhaps even a month or two prior. If it does, it’s very likely well get to see more on or about it at the show itself.

A couple of different reports suggest that Nintendo might even revert to former years and hold a dedicated NX press conference during the show, but we think that’s less likely.

READ: Nintendo NX: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

The Last of Us 2

Rumours have flown about a PS4 sequel to Naughty Dog’s incredible The Last of Us ever since the original was first released. However, more recent clues have pointed at it being Sony’s big games reveal. Its “one more thing”, so to speak.

It is unlikely The Last of Us 2 will be playable at E3 2016, but we will likely see something during Sony’s press conference.

PlayStation Neo/PS4K/PS4.5

It is also thought that Sony will announce the upgraded version of the PlayStation 4 during its Monday night press event.

There have been some substantial rumours about the machine codenamed “Neo”, with a faster processor, better graphics allocation and 4K output for video all touted. We’ll find out for sure come June, we expect.

READ: Sony PlayStation 4K: What is PS4.5, when is it coming and how will it affect VR?

Xbox One Two

This is more of a guess or a hunch, but with Sony expected to announce a better spec’ed PS4 at E3, Microsoft could be about to do something similar too.

During the Xbox Showcase in San Francisco in February, Xbox head Phil Spencer teased that there would be hardware upgrades coming to the Xbox One. Whether than means an add-on could be on its way to improve performance or a new version of the console, we genuinely think he has something up his sleeve for the Xbox media event on the Monday.

Destiny 2

Wishful thinking perhaps, considering Activision won’t even have its own stand at the show, but there have been rumours that Destiny 2: The Shattered Suns will be announced at E3, while Activision has already confirmed that it will be released next year.

We don’t expect anything to be playable at the show, but it could make an appearance at one of the major press events – most likely Sony’s.

What games will be at E3 2016?

As well the big titles announced but not technically playable or demoed at E3 there will be plenty on the show floor and in private sessions that will be. Here are our picks of what we expect to be available to see or go hands-on with at E3 2016. There will clearly be plenty more too, but these are on our most immediate hitlist.

• Crackdown 3 – Xbox One
• Dead Island 2 – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• Dishonored 2 – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• FIFA 2017 – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• Final Fantasy XV – Xbox One, PS4
• Gears of War 4 – Xbox One, PC
• Halo Wars 2 – Xbox One, PC
• Mafia III – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• Mass Effect: Andromeda – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• No Man’s Sky – PS4, PC
• Planet Coaster – PC
• Star Citizen – PC
• South Park: The Fractured But Whole – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• The Legend of Zelda – Wii U
• The Last Guardian – PS4
• Titanfall 2 – Xbox One, PS4, PC
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands – Xbox One, PS4, PC

There will also undoubtedly be a flood of virtual reality games for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. We expect Sony in particular to have many headsets on its stand and in private viewing rooms which will be set up to demo some of the launch titles. PS VR is coming out in October so expect the focus to be massive.

We’ll also update this list as and when we hear of other big name games due to be at E3.

McDonald’s places a large order of Samsung tablets in the UK

If you make a trip to a McDonald’s in the coming months, expect to see a few tablets. As part of an agreement with device management company SOTI, the fast food chain plans to install Samsung Galaxy Tabs in the “majority” of its UK restaurants, giving you the chance to play games, check Facebook or browse the web while you eat.

The rollout comes after a successful trial last year. It falls under McDonald’s’ “Experience of the Future” initiative, which is designed to increase footfall in its restaurants as the company looks to overturn falling sales. Technology is the driving force behind a couple of new launches, particularly the introduction of table service in the UK (with the help of table-mounted tablets) and the unveiling of self-order kiosks in selected stores to reduce waiting times. In Sweden, it even bundled VR goggles inside Happy Meals.

Neither company has confirmed which tablet from Samsung’s broad Galaxy Tab range will be installed in the restaurants, but regardless of their size and features, they’re going to light up like a beacon to families with younger children. That’s good news for McDonald’s, but maybe not for parents who are hoping to wean their kids off technology for a few hours.

Via: The Verge

Source: SOTI (PR Newswire)