Mobilicity being subsumed into Rogers flanker brand Chatr

The Mobilicity brand is disappearing, subsumed into Chatr Mobile, says parent company Rogers.

According to an FAQ posted on Mobilicity’s website, its 150,000-odd customers will be ported over to Chatr’s billing system with “comparable plans,” based on information sent to MobileSyrup. Mobilicity will stop activating lines on August 15th, and will shut down the brand by the fall.

Rogers purchased Mobilicity in mid-2015 for $465 million after working out a deal with the former Conservative government to sell off a considerable portion of the company’s spectrum to Wind Mobile (which was then purchased by Shaw Communications).

In the subsequent months, Mobilicity customers were incentivized to upgrade their devices in order to take advantage of Rogers’ more robust 3G network, on which Chatr also runs.

Mobilicity notes that “by joining the chatr mobile… you can enjoy larger chatr zones and their consistent and reliable network,” which has been competing with Mobilicity and Wind Mobile since 2009, when the new entrants launched.

Unlike Rogers’ other flanker brand Fido, Chatr has mostly assembled a client base of prepaid users that typically don’t use much data, if at all. The company unveiled a deceptive “unlimited data” plan last month that caps 3G speeds at 3Mbps, up to 1GB per month.

Some Mobilicity stores and dealers will be forced to close, while others will be rebranded as Chatr locations.

Google Developers website now offers Nexus OTA files in addition to full factory images

A small but seriously cool update was pushed to the Google Developers website today, launching a new section that gives Nexus owners download links to OTA (over the air) update files in addition to the full factory images we’ve used before. The website is currently showing the two most recent Android 6.0.1 OTAs for all Nexus devices since the Nexus 7 (2013), as well as the Pixel C.

With these OTA files, you can quickly update your Nexus phone or tablet using the “adb sideload” command via your connected computer without downloading a full system image. With the OTA update file you also don’t have to worry about accidentally wiping your data during the update. But most importantly for many folks, the use of adb sideload doesn’t require an unlocked bootloader, saving you yet another step in the process.

You’re still going to have to do a little legwork to manually update your Nexus this way, though, as it still requires the use of ADB. But for those who have previously held out for someone to yank the OTA file each and every time updates roll out to Nexuses, this page will save the hassle and provide a direct download link.

If you need more information on how this process works, Google has the tools available on its website, and we have step-by-step instructions in the guide below.

More: Our full guide to manually updating your Nexus

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Firefox users can try experimental features with Test Pilot

Firefox already has several builds made to test out experimental features, but now you can take some of them for a spin even if you only have the stable browser. Mozilla has re-launched Test Pilot for Firefox, an add-on it first released in 2009 to study how people interacted with their browser. This one comes with three features the team is still in the midst of developing. First is Activity Stream, which turns every new tab into a home-page-slash-news-feed that displays the newest posts from your top websites. It also highlights some of the pages you’ve bookmarked.

The second feature called Tab Center functions like OneTab and other similar third-party add-ons. It displays all your open tabs on the left-hand side of the browser for easy access. Finally, Universal Search gives you recommendations right on the address bar as you type. According to VentureBeat, Mozilla decided to launch Test Pilot to be able to gather more data and feedback about its newest features from more people. If you’d like to try it out yourself, just go to Test Pilot’s official website on Firefox and click “Get Started.”

Source: Firefox Test Pilot

Hyperloop Technologies gets a new name ahead of propulsion test

The world of Elon Musk-imagined levitating super trains that fly through tubes is finally a little bit less confusing. Today Hyperloop Technologies changed it’s name to Hyperloop One. The new moniker should help reduce any mix ups with competing company Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT). More importantly, the company is ready to publicly demo its propulsion system.

Tomorrow, the company formerly known as Hyperloop Technologies will show off its propulsion system in the Nevada Desert outside of north of Las Vegas. The company says that it can currently hit 400 MPH along an open-air test track but is shooting for 700 MPH within the confines of a vacuum-sealed Hyperloop tube. CTO and Co-founder Brogan BamBrogan said that the company would have a full system, full scale test (a pod racing through a tube) by the end of 2016.

During a presentation in Las Vegas the company also announced Hyperloop One partnerships both in the private and public sector. Probably the most important of those is the state of Nevada. In a statement, Nevada governor Brian Sandoval said, “we believe that Hyperloop One will develop the next mode of transportation while also providing a significant revenue stream and job opportunities for Nevadans.”

Because the Hyperloop community loves competition, the company dropped that it’s starting the Hyperloop One Global Challenge. It says the event will be an “opportunity for individuals, companies and governments to develop competitive proposals for using the first Hyperloop One solutions on transport corridors in their regions.” Proposals are due on September 15, 2016 with the winners announced in March of 2017.

At the event the company also announced that it’s taking part in studies to see if routes are feasible in Finland, Norway and between the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

But again, the real news is tomorrow’s open-air test of its propulsion system. All the partnerships and competitions in the world won’t matter if the Hyperloop One can’t get its pods through the tubes. While the chances of confusing it with its rival Hyperloop Transportation Technologies have been reduced thanks to the new name, there’s still competition between the two endeavors. Yesterday, HTT announced that it will use the government-developed Inductrack levitation system. It will be partnering with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to bring the passive magnetic system to its pods.

If successful, Hyperloop One is looking beyond passengers to cargo. BamBrogan even hypothesized the potential of moving an entire port offshore and using underwater Hyperloop tracks and pods to move goods from ships to the land. This would expand the company’s idea to put tubes underwater along the shoreline.

We’ll be covering the Hyperloop One propulsion test tomorrow.

Source: Hyperloop One

Robot hand learns to twirl objects on its own

Robots can (usually) walk or roll around just fine, but hand control has often proven elusive: it’s hard to give them the same kind of finger dexterity as a human. However, University of Washington researchers just got much closer to fulfilling that dream. They’ve built a robot hand that is not only dextrous enough to spin objects (such as the tube of coffee beans you see above), but learns how to do this on its own. Its algorithm gradually discovers what works and what doesn’t — give it enough time and it’ll go from clumsy to reasonably skilled.

As you’ll notice in the clip below, the hand isn’t very quick right now. You’re not about to see robot band leaders twirling batons. There’s also a big difference between a disembodied hand and dealing with a whole body that requires much more coordination. This beats old-school claws and pincers any day, though, and it’s an important step toward robots that adapt to their environments instead of mimicking existing behavior.

Via: Wired

Source: Vikash Kumar

Best cases for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

Cases to keep your Galaxy Tab S2 protected from both light wear and tear, and heavy-duty use.

Whether you’re looking for a simple and sleek case to fit into your bag, or a tough shell to protect your tablet, there’s no shortage of styles and brands to choose from. We’ve sorted through product reviews and manufacturers to share our picks for the best cases for your Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. All of our choices are available for both the 8 inch and 9.7 inch versions.

• Best basic cases
• Best rugged and heavy use cases
• Best original and unique cases

Best basic cases

For everyday use, your case should be reasonably priced, durable, and take up minimal space.

Fintie Ultra Slim Smart Case

Fintie offers a case with the largest variety of color options, hands down. It lives up to the title “ultra slim,” taking up very little space in your bag or on your desk. The PU leather cover is scratch resistant, and the microfiber interior protects your screen with a snug fit, so odds and ends can’t make their way in to do damage.

The one-piece case is ideal for landscape viewing and keyboard use and clips on easily. Fintie’s products have a loyal following, and this case is a crowd favorite for a reason.

See at Amazon

rooCASE Dual View

There’s nothing like a quality two-for-one, and this cover is just that. rooCASE gives you a wide range of options with its basic, streamlined case.

The outer cover is durable synthetic leather, and the interior is soft microfiber. The inner sleeve can be removed and still offers corner and edge protection against accidental bumps. You can also use your Galaxy S2 in either landscape or portrait view, with three angles available for each.

Other included features, like the interior card holder and the stylus loop, are handy when you’re travelling and need to keep track of things. rooCASE also offers a similar model in an expanded portfolio style, with extra interior pockets and slots that don’t take up any extra space. For the avid traveler, rooCASE is a solid investment.

See at Amazon

Best rugged and heavy use cases

If your Galaxy S2 will be tagging along on some rough terrain, there are cases made to keep it safe and sound.

SUPCASE Shell Cover and Protector

Well-reviewed and tested, this offering from SUPCASE is a solid choice. It comes with a built-in screen protector that won’t hinder sensitivity, so there’s no need to make an additional purchase. It’s easy to snap on and comes in a range of colors. Fans of Otterbox cases will find that SUPCASE is a quality rival.

This case nearly doubles the thickness of the Galaxy S2 but manages not to become overly bulky. That extra thickness comes in handy if you’re looking for additional grip and is helpful for young tablet users who may accidentally drop or bump it. Meanwhile, the case’s port covers will prevent dirt and dust from collecting in small spaces if you’re using your tablet outdoors.

See at Amazon

DWay Armor Hard Case

This hard case from DWay is ideal for those not interested in a thicker shell design. The back case is a combination of hard and flexible polycarbonate materials and withstands unexpected drops well. The texture of the case offers additional grip for users who are constantly in motion. While the secondary color is always black, there are several primary color options to choose from.

The case does not come with a screen protector, but it does have a significant advantage over other cases in this category: a kickstand. This comes in handy if your tablet is joining you on a camping trip or similar adventure; watch downloaded movies without worrying if (or when) the tablet’s going to get knocked off the picnic table.

See at Amazon

Best original and unique cases

Your case can be as unique as you can imagine. Think outside the box and stand out from the crowd with something completely different.

Werktat’s Fachwork Sleeve

Crafted in Germany and shipped worldwide, this leather and felt sleeve is simple and artistic at the same time. Your order is also completely customizable, so no one in the world will have a case like yours.

The vintage look will only get better as time goes by, as the leather starts to show wear. There’s something refined and professional about this case that buyers love, and Werktat’s designs are becoming a favorite on Pinterest. We absolutely understand why.

See at etsy

Huyen Ngoc Handmade

This is one of the best-reviewed portfolio cases we’ve seen. That’s because it fits your tablet and just about everything else. The pockets fit money, cards, an additional device (like a phone or camera), and paperwork.

These genuine leather cases are handmade, and the stitching is beautifully done. This small company out of Vietnam makes cases for many gadgets and ships worldwide, so you may find yourself needing some matching cases for every device you own.

See at etsy

Got a favorite?

Do you own one of the cases on our list? Have a favorite you want to share? Make sure you tell us about it in the comments section!

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

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8-inch model:

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Google releases new Now on Tap commercial to remind us the feature still exists

Even though we’re several months removed from the launch of Android Marshmallow and Android N is already in a Developer Preview status, Google is just now getting around to releasing a commercial touting its Google Now on Tap feature.

As most of us know, Google Now on Tap was introduced to further extend the reaches of Google Now into your phone experience, giving you access to a wealth of knowledge from Google by simply long-pressing on your home button to get information on whatever is on your screen. Unfortunately, anyone who has used Now on Tap for any length of time will tell you the feature just … doesn’t work all that well, despite how nice it may look in a commercial where it’s helping you find an obscure restaurant or score tickets to a concert.

Interestingly enough, the name “Google Now on Tap” (or just Google Now) isn’t even mentioned, and the branding of the commercial seems to be more of a sales pitch for Android 6.0 itself.

Let’s just hope that Google is working to improve Google Now on Tap a bit more now that it’s choosing to tout the feature on its official YouTube page.

Where do you charge your phone at night?

We use our phones to help us navigate our day with ease. We use them to get from place to place, figure out what we’re eating for lunch, and talk to friends and family members. To say that our phones have become a necessary tool in our day-to-day lives isn’t an exaggeration. So when you get home at the end of the day, and are getting ready for bed, what happens to your phone?

Whether you have an awesome battery on your new Samsung Galaxy S7 or you constantly need to top up the battery, charging your phone is inevitable. That’s where this week’s poll question comes in. We want to know where you plug your phone in to charge at night. You’ve got four options this week: “Next to the bed,” “Next to the computer,” “Across the room from me,” or “Anywhere but the bedroom.”

Where do you charge your phone at night?

Where do you leave your phone at night to charge? Do you only charge during the day? Pop into the comments and let us know about it!

WhatsApp introduces new desktop app for Windows and Mac

Following the release of leaked documents showing a WhatsApp desktop client being in the works, WhatsApp has now officially introduced the offering for Windows and Mac via their company blog.

From WhatsApp:

Today we’re introducing a desktop app so you have a new way to stay in touch anytime and anywhere – whether on your phone or computer at home or work. Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.

The new desktop app is available for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+ and is synced with WhatsApp on your mobile device. Because the app runs natively on your desktop, you’ll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more.

To download the app, visit https://www.whatsapp.com/download from your desktop browser. Then, open the app and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone (look for WhatsApp Web menu under Settings).

The app itself is similar to that of WhatsApp web, so if you’ve used that previously, setting up the desktop client should be a breeze. It’s available for Windows 8 and higher, and Mac OS X 10.9 and higher.

When it comes to supported devices, it all remains the same as WhatsApp as well, meaning there’s now support for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, Nokia S60 and now both Windows and Mac.

Download: WhatsApp Desktop for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+