Computer vision is key to Amazon Prime Air drone deliveries
For all of Amazon’s grand plans regarding delivery drones, it still needs to figure out concepts we take for granted with traditional courier methods. Namely, figuring out how to drop off your latest order without destroying anything (including the UAV itself) during transit and landing. That’s where advanced computer vision comes in from Jeff Bezos’ new team of Austria-based engineers, according to The Verge. The group invented methods for reconstructing geometry from images and contextually recognizing environmental objects, giving the drones the ability to differentiate between, say, a swimming pool and your back patio. Both are flat surfaces, but one won’t leave your PlayStation VR headset waterlogged after drop-off.
The project’s Konrad Karner notes that the neural network is scalable and can run on “several thousand” computers in parallel to give the drones the instantaneous info they require for making safe deliveries. “The drone will not just see the world around it, but understand its properties,” Karn says. Helpful when all of the onboard tech in the world won’t help it communicate with or avoid the likely most common airborne object found flying at drone-approved altitudes: birds.
Source: The Verge
ESPN and Verizon settle lawsuit over customizable FiOS TV plans
It’s been more than a year since ESPN sued Verizon over Custom FiOS TV, a channel bundle that allows subscribers to make à la carte selections. But today, the companies announced they have settled their lawsuit, which was filed in New York’s Supreme Court in 2015. Back then, ESPN argued that while it embraced “innovative ways to deliver high-quality content to consumers on multiple platforms,” it simply wanted Verizon to abide by its terms of contracts. Verizon, on the other hand, denied any wrongdoing.
“Consumers have spoken loud and clear that they want choice, and the industry should be focused on giving consumers what they want,” Verizon said in a statement after ESPN filed the lawsuit. “We are well within our rights under our agreements to offer customers these choices.” ESPN wasn’t the only network to come out against Verizon’s flexible TV packages, either: Fox Sports and NBC did too, although they never took any legal action.
ESPN and Verizon said terms of the settlement will not be disclosed to the public, with each adding that they look forward to growing their long-standing relationship. Terry Denson, Verizon’s vice president of content and strategy acquisition, said in a press release that the carrier will continue to collaborate with ESPN “to deliver customers content across all of our platforms.” He added, “ESPN is an important partner of ours.”
We have reached out to both parties for additional comment and will update this story if we hear back.
Source: Verizon
Disney cancels ‘Infinity’ as it quits video games
So much for Disney remaining a big player in the video game world. As part of its second quarter earnings release, the media giant has revealed that it’s getting out of the self-published video game business… and canceling its Infinity game series in the process. Disney hasn’t said much about why it’s jumping ship, but it notes that “lower results” (read: poor sales) for Infinity prompted the move. It’s a fairly costly move: Disney is taking on a $147 million charge to axe the division.
This isn’t the first time Disney has bailed on in-house games. In 2013, it both closed Epic Mickey developer Junction Point and the legendary LucasArts studio. The interactive group has regularly struggled since then, too, leading to Disney cutting 700 jobs in 2014. In the second quarter, the segment’s operating income sank 8 percent year-over-year — an outlier for a corporation that’s riding high on the successes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and endless Marvel superhero movies. The writing may have been on the wall when Disney dropped the Apple TV version of Infinity just weeks ago.
Disney will still have a toehold in gaming through licenses, but it’s evident that the era of direct involvement is over. That’s unfortunate if you’re a fan of its small but generally well-regarded output. With that said, at least some of the developers working on licensed games (such as EA and Respawn) are very capable. What’s left of Disney’s gaming strategy is likely in good hands.
Source: Disney (PDF)
‘Disney Infinity’ Game Series Officially Discontinued by Disney
Disney today announced the end of its Disney Infinity line of games and accompanying figurines, which are being discontinued as of today. Disney Infinity games, such as the one available on the Apple TV and iOS devices, will officially no longer be updated and the studio that developed the games is being shuttered.
In a blog post, senior vice president of Disney Infinity John Blackburn thanked fans for supporting the game and called the decision to discontinue the series “difficult.”
By now you may have heard the news that we have made the difficult decision to discontinue production of Disney Infinity. From the beginning, Disney Infinity was built for you–our fans–and I wanted to take a moment to thank you not just for your support over the years, but for creating a community that made Disney Infinity more than just a game.
Our goal for Disney Infinity was to bring the best of Disney storytelling to life in homes around the world, and with your support we accomplished that. We hope you had as much fun playing the game as we had making it.
Disney’s decision to discontinue the Disney Infinity series may not come as a surprise to Apple TV users, who have been without Disney Infinity updates for the last several months. Back in March, a Disney customer service representative told Apple TV customers that Disney had no plans to update the Apple TV version of Disney Infinity 3.0, despite the fact that it was only released last November.
With no additional updates planned for the Disney Infinity 3.0 app on the Apple TV, newly released characters will not be supported and no bugs in the Apple will be fixed. Disney has not announced plans to remove its apps from the App Store, so they will presumably continue to be usable in their current state.
Disney will take a $147 million charge to offset the discontinuation of Disney Infinity and going forward, Disney is changing its approach to console gaming and will be transitioning exclusively to a licensing model.
Apple is still selling a Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack in its online store for $99.95 and the Disney Infinity apps remain available for download. Disney says it will release three new characters from Alice Through the Looking Glass and a Finding Dory playset before the Disney Infinity retail releases come to a halt.
Tags: Disney, Disney Infinity 3.0
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Limited edition Jeff Koons Live Cases now available at the Google Store
If you are looking for something a bit more unique from your Live Case, you’ll want to check out these limited edition Jeff Koons cases. You can grab one at the Google Store for either the Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P, with each case having its own individual number. That’s right, being a limited edition case, each one will be numbered so you can feel a little more special when using it.
There are three different designs to pick between, which are Bust, Mailbox and Diana. These cases are a bit more expensive, coming in at the $40 price point instead of the $35 of the original ones. Will you be adding one of these Live Cases to your Nexus? If so, let us know which design you prefer.
See at Google Store
T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Best family plan
Comparing data, minutes, cost, perks, which carrier is right for your family?
If you live in a home with multiple phones, tablets or wearables, it might be worth looking into a family plan, which can share your data and hopefully save some money. When you’re shopping between T-Mobile and Verizon it’s important to know how much data you need, how many devices will be on your account, and how much data you expect to use.
- What sharing plans are available?
- How many devices are allowed on a shared plan?
- How does data work on a shared plan
- How do talk and text work on a shared plan?
- What perks come with share plans?
- Which carrier’s shared plan is right for my family?
What sharing plans are available from T-Mobile and Verizon?
Sharing plans allow you to purchase one big chunk of data and divvy it up between all the phones and devices on your account.
T-Mobile doesn’t really offer a true sharing plan. Instead of sharing one big chunk of data, each person on your account is given a monthly allotment of data. Once they surpass their data limit, they can still use data on their phone or tablet, but their download speeds will be slower.
The Verizon Plan lets you choose between plans sized from S-XXL depending on how much data you need. From there you add the number of devices you want to share the data with.
How many devices are allowed on a shared plan?
With both T-Mobile and Verizon you are charged for each device on your plan. Adding smartphones to your plan costs more than adding tablets or wearables, so knowing how many devices you want to share data with will impact your total bill each month.
T-Mobile cost per device
With T-Mobile you can have up to 12 devices on one account. The more devices you add, the cheaper it is per device (until you eventually bottom out at $10 each). Adding a tablet to your T-Mobile plan is only $10/device if you also have a phone on your plan, otherwise it’s $20.
- Phone 1, $50
- Phone 2, $30
- Phone 3, $10
- Each additional phone $10
- Each additional tablet $10 (or $20 if you don’t have a phone)
Verizon cost per device
On Verizon, you pay a flat rate per device, regardless of the size of your plan; however, the rate varies depending on what kind of device you’re using. At least one of the devices on your plan must be a smartphone in order to share data.
- $20/month/smartphone
- $10/tablet/month
- $10/mobile hotspot/month
- $5/device/month
Remember, if you’re not bringing your own phone, your carrier will also charge you a monthly fee for one of their phones. Costs vary, but if you want the most up-to-date phone, you’ll be looking at about $25-$30 per month until the device is paid off.
How does data work on a shared plan with T-Mobile and Verizon?
This is where things get tricky. T-Mobile gives you a specific data allotment for each device, whereas Verizon gives you a big pool of data to share.
If you go over on T-Mobile your data speed slows down, but you won’t have to pay more. If you go over on Verizon, you have to pay overage fees.
T-Mobile monthly data rates
- 2 GB (included with your monthly charge for each device on your account)
- 6 GB, $15/device
- 10 GB, $30/device
- Unlimited, $45/device
Overage Charges: If you go over your monthly data limit with T-Mobile your connection speed can be reduced (If you have a normal, 4G, LTE connection your speed can be cut from between 6 and 20 Mbps to between 64 and 128 kbps which is slower than a 2G network connection). Even on an unlimited plan, if you exceed 25 GB on a device in one bill cycle your speeds may be reduced. This may only happen during peak use times, or if you’re lucky, not at all, but T-Mobile reserves the right to limit your speeds if you go over.
Rollover Data: T-Mobile offers a service called Data Stash which allows you to rollover any unused data in future months and will save this unused, high speed data for an entire year.
Verizon monthly data rates
Verizon groups their data plans in sizes of Small to XXL.
- 1 GB $30
- 3 GB $45
- 6 GB $60
- 12 GB $80
- 18 GB $100
Overage Charges: If you go over your data limit, Verizon charges $15 per GB (rounded up). This means if you have a 6 GB plan and use 6.1 GB, Verizon rounds up and charges you an additional $15 overage fee that month.
Rollover Data: Verizon is not like other major carriers and does not let you carry unused data into the next month. If you don’t binge through all your data in one billing cycle, it’s gone.
How do talk and text work on a shared plan on T-Mobile and Verizon?
Both T-Mobile and Verizon include unlimited talk and text with their shared plans.
T-Mobile includes unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada with any plan, no matter how much data you buy.
Verizon doesn’t include talk with countries outside the U.S. but this can be added to your plan. However, you will be able to send an unlimited number of text and multimedia messages internationally from any device on the shared plan as long as you’re in the US when you send them.
What perks come with sharing plans from T-Mobile and Verizon?
Sometimes it’s tough to decide between one carrier or another, so each provider generally offers something extra to sweeten the pot.
T-Mobile’s incentive package helps protect your high speed data, by making certain data-draining activities are exempt from your overall high speed data allotment. T-Mobile’s Music Freedom allows you to stream music from popular services you already have an account with like Apple Music, Google Music, Pandora, without counting against your data. Binge On works the same way as Music Freedom, but for popular video services you have an account for like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. (This is limited to “DVD quality” at 480p resolution.)
Verizon will let you bundle services together which could be helpful if you’re also interested in having a home phone, and/or TV hookup. They also offer a loyalty program called Verizon My Rewards + which allows you to earn points when you pay your phone bill or order products from their shop or third-party services. You can use these points to put toward gift cards at restaurants, receive discounts on products, or use them for travel rewards program.
Which carrier’s shared plan is right for my family?
Both T-Mobile and Verizon leave room for customization based on the needs and budget of your household. For comparison purposes, we will look at share plans that have two phones and two tablets on them.
If you want the absolute cheapest plan, that can be built with Verizon, but you would have a very small amount of data (1GB) to share between devices.
If you want the most high speed data you can get that with T-Mobile, but even though you’re buying “unlimited” high speed data, it may start to slow down after you use 25 GB on one device.
If you want the best value for your data T-Mobile lets you buy the amount of data you think you’ll need for each device and won’t charge you overage fees.
If you have many devices (5 or more) consider the T-Mobile plan as its per-device account fee bottoms out at $10 for three or more devices, which is less expensive than Verizon’s rates. However, if you only have one smartphone on your account and the rest are tablets or wearables, then Verizon may be a better choice.
If you want to avoid overage fees then T-Mobile is a clear winner since they only slow down your data if you go over your limit instead of charging you per GB of data.
If you’re primarily concerned with talk and text from your provider, T-Mobile and Verizon are pretty equal. The only difference is if you frequently talk or text with people in Mexico or Canada, T-Mobile includes this in their plans whereas you would have to upgrade for this service with Verizon.
If you already pay for TV service in your home you might find more value with Verizon if you choose to use their Fios TV service.
Keep calm and carrier on!
Ultimately choosing a shared plan for your family comes down to how many people are in your home, what devices they use, and what they use them for. T-Mobile and Verizon have slight advantages between each other depending on what category you look at.
Overall T-Mobile’s plan offers the most customization and flexibility and their low data prices and lack of overage charges make them a really appealing option for data-hungry households.
Samsung’s 256GB EVO Plus microSD hits the market in June for $250 with blazing speeds
Samsung has announced plans to release the EVO Plus 256GB microSD card. The card, which can store up to 12 hours of 4K UHD video, will go on sale in June worldwide for $249.99.
Samsung claims its new microSD card has the highest amount of storage in its class. It adds:
The EVO Plus 256GB raises the bar for capacity and performance of microSD cards thanks to Samsung’s advanced V-NAND technology, offering high read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively. This level of performance will provide general consumers and professionals with superb user convenience for storing heavy-loaded, high-resolution photography and 4K video recording, as well as graphic intensive multimedia like virtual reality (VR) and gaming.
3 reasons you should install Opera VPN for iOS right now – CNET
Opera made headlines last month for adding a VPN to its desktop browser, which allows users to bypass region-oriented content blocks while at the same time improving online privacy.
Opera VPN for iOS brings those same capabilities to iPhones and iPads, meaning you now have a free, unlimited VPN you can use on the go. Here are three reasons you should install the app right now:
1. Pandora at work
Many companies and college campuses block user access to certain sites, which is understandable from a security and productivity perspective, but annoying from a can’t-listen-to-my-Pandora-stations perspective.
Enlarge Image
Opera VPN for iOS encrypts your online activities and helps you access restricted sites. Best of all, it’s free!
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET
Because Opera VPN routes your Internet traffic through a special server, it allows you to bypass these kinds of site restrictions and content-blocking.
Likewise, it helps you overcome regional limitations. For example, if you’re traveling overseas and want to access a streaming service account back home in the U.S. that is unavailable while abroad, you’d configure Opera VPN to connect to a United States-based server.
2. No more trackers
No one likes being followed, but Web trackers (to say nothing of Web hackers, potentially) do exactly that as you hop between websites. Mostly for innocuous reasons, but many users find the practice objectionable.
If you’re among them, Opera VPN’s tracker blocker is enabled by default. At the same time, the app encrypts all your local Web traffic, thereby protecting you at public Wi-Fi hotspots.
3. No more ads
If you’re tired of ads cluttering up your mobile browser, Opera VPN can block them. And not just in Safari, but also in Chrome and other apps. That feature, too, is enabled by default.
I turned it off. Much as I welcome privacy, especially when connected to hotspots, I made the decision last year to stop using ad-blocking software. That’s because I value all the free content I’m able to get online and know that ads pay for that content.
Let your conscience be your guide, of course, but I think the occasional banner or inline ad is a very fair price to pay for the incredible breadth of material you get for free.
Best tablets for kids 2016
If you’re in the market for kid-friendly tablets, we’ve got a list of contenders.
Every kid wants a tablet. They’re fun, portable, easy to use, and they keep the little ones entertained. If your children have seen you working (or playing) on a tablet, chances are they want to play, too.
Deciding to invest in a tablet for your child is a big step, and there are a number of qualities to consider: price, parental controls, and perhaps most importantly, durability. We’ve read the reviews, asked around, and brought together the five tablets we believe will be the best for your kids .
- LeapFrog Epic Kids Tablet
- Dragon Touch 7 inch Quad Core Android Kids Tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E Lite Kids
- Amazon Fire Kids Edition
- iPad Mini 2
LeapFrog Epic Kids Tablet
LeapFrog was one of the first tablet-style devices made just for kids. Until recently, parents had to purchase cartridges in order to get games or educational materials for LeapFrog products, but the latest version of the tablet has eliminated the cartridges in favor of Wi-Fi and an Android 4.4-based OS. Now that everything can be downloaded, just like a regular “grown up” tablet, you’ll never have to go searching for little green cartridges again.
The tablet comes with LeapSearch, a child-friendly browser that lets kids “explore” the web without stumbling into adult territory. Kids can download pre-approved apps without worry and keep themselves occupied with plenty of safe content. The 16GB LeapFrog has an expandable SD card port, just in case your child requires more storage for their new favorite gadget. Parental controls within the LeapSearch browser allow you to set time limits either for the entire tablet or for particular games. These controls also let you unlock web access as your child grows up.
The Epic has a battery life of approximately 6 hours and a 7-inch screen. At 3.6 pounds, this tablet is heavier than most, but it stands up to drops and unexpected accidents. The bumper case, available in either green or pink, is removable, which helps reduce some of the weight and bulk once your child has mastered their grip on the tablet.
See at Amazon
Dragon Touch 7 inch Quad Core Android Kids Tablet
The Dragon Touch tablet runs on Android’s KitKat OS. It’s Wi-Fi, HDMI, and Bluetooth-compatible, so you may find yourself playing around on it after the kids are in bed. Reviews for the Dragon Touch are consistently favorable, and the cost is reasonable, starting around $60. The 8GB storage is expandable thanks to a microSD slot.
The tablet comes pre-installed with “Zoodles,” a child-friendly app store. Here, kids can access free games and educational software. If you want to share some digital artwork your kids have created on social media, you have access to Parent Play Along mode, letting you access things like Facebook. In Play Along mode, you can download other apps for your kids that they would not otherwise have access to. You’ll also have access to services like Netflix for family-friendly shows and movies or for binge-watching your own shows when the kids are done playing.
The thick silicone case makes the Dragon Touch drop and bump-proof, and it’s easy for small hands to grip onto. It weighs 9.8 ounces, and the bumper is available in either red or blue. The battery life tops out around 3.5 hours — which could even be an advantage if you’re looking to limit usage.
See at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab E Lite Kids
Samsung’s tablet is a good option for a number of reasons; most significantly of which is that many certified used editions are available alongside the new ones. While this tablet is less likely to follow your kids as they grow up, it does run Android 4.4 KitKat-based software, and has a 7-inch screen. It is consistently well-reviewed, and the availability of used ones is a testament to durability and quality. With its bright, colorful design, it’s a favorite for much younger children who are just being introduced to tablets.
The Galaxy Tab E Lite comes loaded with popular games and apps and a three month subscription to “Samsung Kids” is also included, so kids can pick from a variety of apps to download without safety or content concerns. Parental controls let you set time limits, and, if you feel like your child has spent too much time on any given game, you can restrict access to any of the apps they’ve downloaded. The standard 8GB is expandable but it’s usually not necessary.
The soft bumper case included with the tablet is neon and bright, which makes it easy to spot in a hurry. It’s easy for little hands to hold and weighs 15.2 ounces. And the 5-hour battery life provides more than enough play time for quiet afternoons or longer rides in the car.
See at Amazon
Amazon Fire Kids Edition
The only tablet that offers a 2-year warranty is Amazon’s. If the unthinkable happens to the Fire Kids Edition or if you know your kids tend to be hard on their toys, this is peace of mind included for free. Running on Fire OS 5, the tablet is fast and Bluetooth-compatible, making it a good investment if you’re looking for something the whole family can use — and that your kids won’t outgrow.
It comes with one year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which allows your child to access over 10,000 apps, games, shows, movies, and books, all kid-tested and parent-approved. Parent mode, which is accessed with a password, gives you the opportunity to share media that your kids need your permission to get into. Parent mode also lets you access your social media accounts and Netflix, which means that one day, your kids will be able to do the same when they’ve outgrown the FreeTime restrictions. This tablet is expandable beyond the 8GB it comes with via microSD.
With a 7-inch screen and a 7-hour battery life, the tablet will look and perform just like a Fire tablet you might purchase for yourself. And Amazon’s Kid-Proof Case can protect the Fire Kids Edition, but is easily removable, It’s available in blue, pink, and green.
See at Amazon
iPad Mini 2
Finally, the most expensive option is an older model of iPad, but parents overwhelmingly recommend the iPad Mini 2 if you’re going to go with Apple products. Because the Mini is available in several versions, many people have traded in their gently or barely used Mini 2 for a newer model, making a refurbished one ideal for younger users. The price difference between new and refurbished isn’t tremendous, but it’s good to know it’s an option. The Mini 2 runs on Apple’s iOS, and it fully up-to-date with the latest iOS 9.
This particular iPad comes standard with 16GB of storage and is expandable. Parental controls are available, but you need to set them up yourself. In the Settings menu, you can select the Restrictions button and limit the browser or turn off the iPad’s ability to download anything at all. That said, you can customize this tablet just the way you want before giving it to your child, so a particular browser or app is not controlling any of the content — you are. Taking into account the higher cost of the iPad and the fact that it’s not specifically designed for young children, older kids and pre-teens would be better recipients.
The Mini 2 is easy to customize, with a large variety of cases available, many of them kid-proof, durable, and inexpensive. It’s light, weighing in at 0.73 pounds and has a 7.9-inch Retina Display, which is larger than most kid-centric tabs, and designed to be easier on the eyes. The average battery life is 10 hours.
See at Amazon
See at Apple
The bottom line
No one knows your child like you do. You are the best predictor of what your child is going to enjoy and get the most use out of. You’re also the one with the wallet.
If you’re buying your child’s first tablet and they’re still quite young, the LeapFrog is easy to use and ready to go out-of-the-box. Samsung is also an excellent option for younger children, especially if you can get a certified refurbished model. The overall winner for a kid-friendly, parent-approved, budget-conscious tablet has to be the Amazon Fire Kids Edition. The warranty is a perk by which many parents are comforted, and the tablet itself will move on with your child as they mature.
Share your thoughts on tablets for kids in the comments below. Let us know if your personal choice made it onto our list or if you have some advice for first-time buyers.
Samsung Galaxy Note 6 may feature a BlackBerry Hub-like experience called Samsung Focus
According to a new report, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 6 may have a new feature which is being called Samsung Focus. This would be a central hub for all of your notifications, very similar to how BlackBerry does on BlackBerry 10 and the Priv. The feature is said to integrate your calendar, email, contacts, memos and much more in one central location.
From SamMobile’s report:
With the Galaxy Note 6, Samsung seems to be working on a similar feature. This feature is dubbed Samsung Focus, and it will integrate functions like email, calendar, contacts and memos. The aggregation of emails will be one of the major features, with Focus offering options for viewing and responding to emails from various accounts, similar to Google’s Inbox app. We’re unsure if this will include Gmail or only work with Android’s default email app, which went defunct with Android 5.0 but continues to be present on Samsung’s smartphones and tablets.
It is also rumored that Focus will make its way to other Samsung phones following its debut on the Galaxy Note 6.
More: Imagining the Galaxy Note 6
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