Bitcoin will pay for public services in a small Swiss town

Most experiments in paying with digital currencies have come from private companies, but the Swiss town of Zug is trying something different. As of July 1st, the community is launching a trial that will let you pay for public services using Bitcoin — as long as you’re shelling out the equivalent of 200 francs ($206 US) or less, you can skip old-fashioned money. The trial will run through the rest of 2016, though whether or not it lives beyond that depends on the town council’s findings.

It might seem odd to center a trial like this on a municipality with less than 30,000 people, but this is potentially an ideal testbed. Zug takes a laissez-faire attitude toward its economy, even in the context of Switzerland, and has much more financial clout than you’d expect — 3 percent of the world’s oil trades through the area. Combine that with a burgeoning financial tech sector and it’s likely that at least some locals will fork over some Bitcoin.

The real question is whether or not any other cities will bite. While some governments have been warming up to Bitcoin, the currency is still far from a household name. Zug would have to show that there are clear advantages (or at least, few drawbacks) to taking Bitcoin at municipal offices. The technology is secure and can lower transaction costs, but that has yet to be proven on this kind of government scale.

Via: Bitcoin.com

Source: Stadtzug.ch (translated)

Mobile Nations Weekly: Lock it down

Software updates, financial updates, stealth updates, and account updates.

Tesla had a huge week, starting off with their quarterly earnings call — they’re still losing money, in case you were concerned. No, what’s actually interesting is that Tesla is dramatically accelerating their production timeline, shooting to be producing 500,000 cars a year by 2018 — they plan to make 80,000-90,000 cars in 2016. They also executed a stealth upgrade option — some new Model S cars actually have a bigger battery than what they customer paid for, but they can pay to unlock the extra range.

Windows 10 has landed on 300 million computers, phones, and Xbox consoles. That’s huge. Also big: a thorough updating and redesigning of HP’s Pavilion PCs, our in-depth review of The Division, and details about how Microsoft plans to modernize classic Windows apps.

Google made a huge and long-awaited update to their keyboard app: one-handed mode (and some other stuff) while the HTC 10 got a software update with camera improvements. And while the roll-out of Marshmallow for the BlackBerry Priv continues, BlackBerry’s CEO confirmed that two new phones are coming by the end of the year (and we’d put out money on them running Android).

Apple, ever the subject of the tech media’s attention, found itself in the cross-hairs again. This time? Well-founded confusion about the confusing way that Apple Music merges streaming, cloud, and local music and the un-ending clamor that Apple’s best days are behind it (which may be true, but is likely hogwash).

We should also mention the elephant in the room: that huge data breach that may have compromised up to 232 million logins for Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo. If there was any doubt that you should be using two-factor authentication to make sure your accounts are secure, it should be erased now. Here’s how to set-up two-factor authentication for your Apple, Google, and Microsoft accounts. Additionally, check Two Factor Auth.org for a comprehensive list of services where you can enable two-factor authentication.

Android Central — Always waiting for a software update

HTC pushed an update to its new HTC 10 that has a few improvements for the camera, and we took the new software for a spin. At the same time, rumors are swirling about a potential upcoming Android Wear watch from the company.

Google rolled out updates to many of its core apps this week, including a one to Google Keyboard with several new features. And now’s a great time to remember that we should be glad these apps are in Google Play, because it can take some time for full software updates to hit your phone.

If you’re one who wants to keep up with the security side of Android, be sure to check out this month’s Android Security Bulletin. As these monthly security updates get more popular in the general public, Android manufacturers are starting to step up their game in terms of update frequency. Chances are those who are interested in Android security are also checking out Android N, and we want to know how you’re finding the software so far.

And if you’ve been eyeing the Nextbit Robin, you have until May 10 to get one for just $299 on Amazon, which is one heck of a deal.

• Should you upgrade to the HTC 10 from the One M9?
• How to set up Google two-step verification
• Exploring the idea of Android apps on Chromebooks
• Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand review
• Kick ass with our Captain America: Civil War themes
• AKG N60NC noise-canceling headphones review
• LG G5 vs. LG V10

CrackBerry — More to come

John Chen once again confirms plans to release two new phones, Android Marshmallow is reaching even more Priv owners as carrier updates have now begun and finally, BlackBerry brings back their ‘Fan of the month’ contest led by John Chen. All in all, a good week.

• John Chen: We have two new phones coming out between now and the end of the year
• The wider rollout of Marshmallow has begun for Priv owners
• John Chen wants to give you a BlackBerry!

iMore — Factored

The will-it-won’t-it see-saw that is iPhone 7 rumors continues, this week turning cold on a smart-connector. iOS 10, on the other hand, is promising a redo on the Music app, and maybe more.

There was also another data breach so, if you haven’t already, make sure you set up 2-factor authentication and get an app like Authy to manage it for you. Now, not when it’s too late!

• No, Apple Music will not magically erase tracks off your Mac
• How we work on our iPhones, iPads, and Macs
• ‘Apple’s best days behind it’… again
• Follow @imoregram on Instagram for your chance to win awesome iPhoneography gear!

Tesla Central — The ‘go’ pedal

Tesla’s not your typical car company, and it shows with how they implement new options. Take the 75kWh Model S battery upgrade — it’s built into every new 70kWh Model S, but that extra 15 miles of range is locked away until you pay a $3000 upgrade fee. That doesn’t sit right with some people, but that’s simply the future of how we’ll buy cars (not to mention a simpler manufacturing line for Tesla).

The bigger news, however, comes from their quarterly results (they’re still losing money, but that’s not new): Tesla is moving up their manufacturing plans and aiming to hit 500,000 cars a year by 2018 and 1 million cars a year by 2020. It’s hugely ambitious for a company that plans to make 90,000 cars this year.

Last, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that there’s still time to reserve a Model 3 and get it by 2018 — but that time is quickly running out

• Want a Model 3 by 2018? You better reserve now!
• Tesla’s Q1 2016 earnings results and the Tesla Q1 2016 earnings call transcript
• Tesla is dramatically accelerating production ramp-up, shooting for 500,000 cars a year by 2018 and 1 million in 2020
• Tesla Model S 75D now officially official; upgrade from 70D for $3,000
• Tesla’s changing how we think about buying cars, and it might feel weird
• This Tesla Model S was absolutely demolished in a joyriding wreck — and everybody survived
• Everything you need to know about the Tesla Model S

Windows Central — 300,000,000

Microsoft did not release any new OS builds this week as they try to fix some last minute bugs. Nonetheless, there was still some big news as Microsoft announced that they had hit 300 million installations of Windows 10 across all devices including Xbox, PC, tablets, and phone. The company is now almost a third of the way to that 1 billion goal they set for themselves.

HP announced a series of new updates to their existing Pavilion computer line. The Lumia 650 went on sale on Cricket for just $130 and the Verizon Lumia Icon is getting back into things as Microsoft is now supporting the phone for the Insider program (right after we boasted about how well it runs on that phone).

Vine launched their new app for Windows 10 on PC and it’s pretty impressive. A mobile version is expected shortly.

Finally, we answer questions about Project Centennial and whether or not converted Win32 apps can run on Windows 10 Mobile. We also show you how to set up two-step-authentication on your Microsoft Account.

• Tom Clancy’s The Division review: the full immersive, thrilling, and frustrating experience
• Review – Kangaroo Mobile Desktop Pro for $199
• Which Windows Insider Ring is best? All you need to know about Slow, Fast, and Release Preview rings
• How to dual-boot Windows 10 alongside an Insider Preview build

Kyocera DuraForce XD mini review: A rugged phone that doesn’t break the bank

Kyocera is no stranger to making rugged smartphones, and its latest offering, the DuraForce XD, shows just that.

Rugged smartphones are often times in a league of their own, and odds are unless you have a specific need for one you aren’t going to end up walking out of a retail store with one as your next phone. For those in the construction, trucking, and other more physically demanding fields, rugged smartphones are a no-brainer as the added protection is often times a necessity, not a want.

By nature, rugged smartphones are on the larger side, and generally much thicker than other smartphones, but that is to keep them protected. In the past, the trade-off to getting a rugged smartphone was general specs. You are looking at lower end specs on most of them, with the exception of Samsung’s Galaxy Active line which is a high-end smartphone with added durability.

This time around Kyocera decided to push the limits of rugged smartphones a bit further, increasing the internal specs and offering an overall appealing package to those who need this type of smartphone.

DuraForce XD Hardware

Coming in at around the $450 price point off contract, the DuraForce XD falls between the budget and flagship smartphones when it comes to price, and internally it has mid-range specs. Between the 5.7-inch impact-resistant display and the added bulk from the ruggedization of the phone, there is no denying that it’s on the large side here, weighing in at 10.8 ounces.

On the outside, the DuraForce XD is rather uninspired in terms of design but that isn’t necessarily bad. All rugged smartphones have a rather industrial-style design, and this is no exception. Looking at the front of it, you’ve got two speaker grills at the bottom, which protect the dual-front speakers. At the top is the AT&T logo and the earpiece. Over on the right side of the smartphone is the power button, with the volume buttons on the right along with a customizable button. If you will be using the PTT functionality, this key will be mapped to bring up your PTT contacts to start conversations.

On the top of the phone is a headphone jack and a speaker button, which enables or disables the speaker when using calls and PTT. The micro-USB port is down at the bottom of the phone, and on the back you’ve got the camera at the top with the flash next to it, and down at the bottom is a screw that keeps the battery door locked in place to maintain its ability to be waterproof.

Inside the DuraForce XD, Kyocera has opted to include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.6GHz and paired with 2GB of RAM. This combination isn’t out of the ordinary, as you wouldn’t expect a smartphone like this to come with a top of the line processor, nor a huge amount of RAM. As for storage, Kyocera has included 16GB of onboard storage that can be expanded by adding a microSD card.

But just how rugged is the DuraForce XD? Well, thanks to its Military-Standard 810G certification, it can withstand dust, shock, vibration and extreme temperatures with ease. The IP68 rating means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes and still work normal after. You will need to make sure that when you aren’t using the charging port or headphone jack that you make sure they are properly closed, or water may be able to get in either of these two places.

DuraForce XD Software

For software, the DuraForce XD runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box, with a slightly skinned user interface over the top. While we’ve previously said that the line was drawn in the sand for devices launching with the older software, odds are that people looking for these rugged devices value the durability more than the latest software. While that isn’t an excuse for the software choice, it makes it a little easier to deal with here.

What is absolutely inexcusable is the amount of bloat that AT&T has packaged with this smartphone. The app drawer on this phone at first boot is fuller than my Nexus 6P with my own apps installed, and that is saying something. Besides the usual stuff like Chrome, Android Pay, and Google’s other default apps, the DuraForce XD packs 25 additional apps with it — let that set in for a second.

AT&T has included a suite of its own apps from AT&T EPTT (necessary if you are going to use the Push to Talk functionality), AT&T Family Map, DriveMode, Mobile TV and Usage Monitor to Uber, Outdoor Report, YellowPages and others, there is way more here than anyone should be subjected to. Of the included 16GB of storage, there is only 6.21GB available out of the box to be used for your own data. 16GB is not an acceptable starting point for phones these days, especially when you limit customers to one choice, then load it with apps that they can’t delete to regain the space.

DuraForce XD Cameras

When it comes to the camera, you’ve got an 8-megapixel shooter on the rear, which would have excited us years ago. Over the past year or two, we have seen a lot of progress with cameras in Android phones, and while not among the best in class the camera still works great. As expected, low-light shots are not the greatest, but you can still manage to capture an image that you’ll later be able to look at and remember what was taking place in it.

For shots during the day with ample lighting you should be able to capture some nice looking shots. Motion shots are a bit trickier, as the shutter is a bit on the slow side. The camera has options for self-timers, touch shutter, smile shutter and blink detection to help aid in getting the best picture possible for you. On the video front, you’ll be able to take some clips of the kids at the park, but you won’t be using this to film weddings or anything you really want to show in high quality.

DuraForce XD Battery life

Packed inside the DuraForce XD is a 3700mAh battery, which is quite large in comparison to many other phones. The phone is said to get around 23 hours of talk time per charge, and in day-to-day use, I was easily able to get a full day worth of use with battery to spare. Since everyone’s use of the phone will be different, it’s hard to say how long it will last for you, but it should make it through the day for just about everyone.

Standby battery is astonishing. Android has been known to drain a battery when sitting idle, which was addressed by Doze in Marshmallow, but being on Lollipop you don’t have Doze to rely on. Knowing that the phone isn’t draining rapidly in your pocket is a relief, and if you need to leave it off the charger overnight or for an extended period of time, you should be fine.

Is this the phone for you?

Unlike with other phones like the Galaxy S7 or LG G5, this phone is likely to appeal to a smaller audience. If you are in need of a rugged phone but don’t want to miss out on all the benefits of how far Android has come, this is a great middle grounds. The display is nicer than other rugged phones, and the software doesn’t get in the way. Sure, AT&T has loaded it with bloatware, but those things are more likely to anger the nerds than it is to the audience which this phone is meant to appeal to.

If you are in the market for a rugged phone, this is likely the one you should be looking at.

See at AT&T

What do you hope to see from Google I/O 2016?

Robots? Giant robots? Self-driving giant robots? What is it you’re dying to see from Google I/O 2016? (Hint: Robots.)

We’re just a week or so away from the Google I/O developer conference, where Google shows developers the ins and outs of what’s to come for all of your favorite products. Android. Chrome. VR. Apps. The cloud. Games. Design. Three days of anything and everything Google.

There’s something for everyone. Most of it will be geared toward developers, of course. (That tends to happen at a developer conference.) But there’s also going to be plenty for those of us on the other end of the equation to take home. Bits and pieces of what’s to come in the next major version of Android. (And maybe we’ll finally find out what the Android N nickname will be.) Possibly even some new adventures into home entertainment, perhaps?

We’ll just have to see, starting with the two-hour keynote address on May 18.

In the meantime — what is it you’re hoping to see from Google I/O? New platform features? New toys for app developers to play with? New products from Google itself? The sky’s the limit, really (and does anyone else thing there might be some Project Loon balloons lurking above?)

Sing out in the comments and let us know what you’re expecting from Google I/O!

A rare fossil and a duck skull make an appearance at the AMNH

A nine-year-old girl patiently looked on while a technician pulled up a scan of her specimen. A 3D skull with a pointy beak popped up on the computer screen. The child, wearing clear frame glasses and a light grey tee with a sequined star on the front, walked up to her father who carefully put away the skull of a duck inside a round plastic container. They had found the tiny head on a beach and had decided to bring it in for Identification Day at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Identifying objects is an annual tradition at the museum. Scientists from various departments including botany, paleontology, herpetology, entomology and more come out to help visitors make sense of their strange and sometimes rare objects. In addition to the mini-army of experts and the specimen-wielding families in the room, there’s a smattering of gadgets that stands out. A shiny hand-held microscope throws up images of tiny bugs on a large flatscreen TV, while a large 3D micro-CT scanner reveals the insides of a duck skull and a pine cone on a computer.

It’s a glimpse into the massive technologies that have sped up the process of discovery in the museum. In the micropaleontology department, for instance, scientists have been using Nikon SMZ1500 stereomicroscope to zoom into microfossils that are the size of dust particles. The machine allows them to see the inside chambers without ever cutting into the specimens. “It would take us months to make sections and study the internal structures,” says paleontologist Bushra M Hussaini who takes care of the fossil invertebrate collection. “Now we are able to do it in a day and have the results overnight.”

Powerful microscopes and CT scanners have changed the way extinct species and rare objects are identified. But that hasn’t ruled out the need for expert hands and eyes. “The only way to get good at identification is to look at countless items, just stuff your brain full of images, touch objects and roll them in your hands and absorb them,” says Carl Mehling, a paleontologist who has been analyzing visitors’ specimens for the last 16 years. “The web helps in one way, so I have access to many more types of fossils all around the world but essentially it’s the same thing –- looking at stuff.”

A rare vertebra from a Plesiosaur identified at the museum this weekend. Image credit: AMNH

The idea behind Identification Day is to educate young, curious visitors and connect with families who come in hoping that they stumbled upon the remains of a rare species in their backyard. “I get a lot of local common fossils and a lot of imagination and dreams on my table,” says Mehling. “But every now and then we see something weird and cool.”

Earlier in the day, when Mehling was looking at an object, he noticed a kid who had brought in a fossil from New Jersey. Looking at it from the corner of his eye, he thought the vertebra probably belonged to a whale since it’s a common occurrence on the east coast. But when he looked at it closely, flipped it over, he noticed two holes on the bottom. “Those are the markers for Plesiosaurus — giant reptiles from the end of the age of dinosaurs,” he says. “It was one of the best things I’ve seen in years. I’ve been collecting in Jersey since 1988 and I’ve never found one of these things. It’s very very rare.”

Later, when Mehling asked the mother and son where they found the Plesiosaur vertebra, the child replied: “In my backyard.”

Best water-resistant Bluetooth speakers

Choose a great water-resistant Bluetooth speaker and singing in the shower will sound better than ever!

Bluetooth speakers are one of the most convenient ways to listen to music from pretty much any device. If you get yourself a water-resistant one, you don’t have to worry about it getting wet. Enjoy a poolside singalong by getting yourself a quality, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites!

• Braven BRV-X
• Archeer
• Monster Superstar Backfloat
• Polk Audio BOOM Swimmer
• UE Boom 2
• JBL Flip 3

Braven BRV-X

The Braven BRV-X is built like a tank. It weighs about 1.5 pounds and is covered in a rubberized shockproof exterior that makes the BRV-X incredibly rugged.

It has a certified IPX7 waterproof rating allowing it to be fully submerged in three feet of water for 30 minutes and function perfectly fine. The ‘X’ in the rating also means it’s shock-proof. Plus, it’s dust and dirt-resistant.

It has a built-in microphone and speaker, which allows you to respond to phone calls without getting out of the pool. It boasts a 12 hour battery life, which is more than serviceable for a day lounging by the pool.

See at Amazon

Archeer portable outdoor speaker

This portable speaker is really great for people who want a speaker for camping, hiking, boating, or any other outdoor activities. It really embraces the portable side of things by being extremely light for being so rugged, meaning you can take it everywhere you go!

While the Archeer can’t be submerged in water, it’s IP64 rating means it’s extremely resistant to dust but still has splash protection.

It offers 12 hours of playing time, a built-in microphone for taking phone calls, and even an LED flashlight on the side making it perfect for night time use.

See at Amazon

Monster Superstar Backfloat

Monster’s speaker is a pretty cool machine. It has an IPX6 rating which means it can handle getting sprayed by water jets, since it’s water-resistant and shock-proof. If you were to take your garden hose and spray this speaker it would hold up just fine. Plus, it is also designed to float on it’s back when it’s in water, so it can chill in the pool with you.

The Superstar Backfloat has a soft silicone outer shell, making it able to handle some bumps and bruises along the way.

See at Amazon

Polk Audio BOOM Swimmer

This little speaker was conceived by the folks at Polk Audio to be as versatile as possible. The tail on the end of this tadpole-looking device is actually bendable to fit around shower curtain rods or swimming pool railings with ease.

The great thing about the swimmer is its waterproof rating makes it able to be submerged in up to three feet of water without suffering any damage. Perfect for the kids to play with in the pool or to hang up in your shower, the Swimmer sure knows how to deliver.

It is a little small compared to some of the other speakers we have featured in this round up; however, we all know size isn’t everything.

See at Amazon

FUGOO Tough

FUGOO made this speaker to withstand a nuclear war. It has an extremely high waterproof and dustproof rating making it as close to mudproof, snowproof, and shockproof as a portable speaker can get.

It has a whopping 40 hours of battery life, meaning you can listen to your favorite tunes, podcasts, and audiobooks for as long as you need to between charges.

It has impressive sound, sporting six drivers on all four sides, it offers truly deep sounding 360 degree sound no matter which way it’s facing. On top of being able to take phone calls it also has Google Now compatibility, meaning all your questions can be answered with the tap of a button. Bluetooth not working so well? There’s an AUX port on the back for wired playback.

See at Amazon

UE Boom 2

The UE Boom 2 does its best to live up to it’s onomatopoeic name by offering impressive 360 degree sound in a small package. It’s waterproof rating allows it to be submerged in three feet of water for 30 minutes and come out the other side working just fine. On top of being heavily water-resistant, it also is protected against dirt and mud and give you the ability to hand-wash the speaker with warm soapy water in order to clean it.

It has a battery life of 15 hours, and a Bluetooth range of 100 feet giving you more than enough time and space to enjoy your favorite sounds. Plus, if you find yourself lacking the power you want from just one UE Boom 2, you can set up another Boom 2 to make a stereo pair and really blow the roof off. It can also be entirely controlled from an app so you don’t need to even move to turn up the volume or skips songs.

See at Amazon

JBL Flip 3

The JBL Flip 3 is a small, but powerful speaker that doesn’t hurt the wallet as much as some of the other selections we have featured. It offers clear sound and a well-balanced mix of highs and lows in order to give you a great listening experience.

The Flip 3 is able to accommodate non-Bluetooth playback with an AUX port and still has a very strong dust and water-resistant rating. You won’t be able to fully submerge the Flip 3; however, it can withstand a decent drizzling of rain and some splashes from the pool.

You even have the ability to pair Flip 3’s together through the JBL connect app, meaning you can listening to your favorite jams even louder and in stereo!

Overall, for the price of the JBL Flip 3, it’s a very solid speaker that will work for all your indoor and outdoor sound needs.

See at Amazon

Do you use a water-resistant speaker?

Do you have any experience with water-resistant speakers? Sound off in the comments below and let us know which ones you like and why!

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