Shared album comments bring added social flair to Google Photos

Google Photos is making it much easier to tease your friends and loved ones over that latest embarrassing picture in your shared album. Thanks to the latest update to Google’s premiere photo app, people using a shared album can now leave comments on both the photos contained within and the album itself.

Aside from that social boost, Google Photos has also added smart suggestions to shared albums. Says Google:

Plus, to make it easier to add your own photos to a received shared album, you’ll now see smart suggestions for the right photos to add. No more searching for photos from last weekend’s birthday party and picking out the perfect ones – now you can add your best photos from the event in one tap.

Google says the features are now rolling out to both the Google Photos app and on the web, so they may take some time to land for everyone.

Google Photos

• Getting to know the new Google Photos
• Get your Google Photos library started
• Manage Google Photos backup settings
• What happens when you delete pictures in Google Photos?
• Managing your shared photo links
• Where did Auto Awesome go?
• Discuss Google Photos in the forums!

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LG 360 CAM, CAM Plus and 360 VR are now available at ShopAndroid

ShopAndroid now carries all the best LG G5 accessories, including the LG 360 CAM, CAM Plus and 360 VR. If you recently picked up a G5 and have been looking to add some of these accessories to your collection, there is no better time than now. From the immersive virtual reality experience that the 360 VR brings to the stunning 360-degree pictures and video you can capture on the 360 CAMm, these accessories are great for just about anyone.

Currently, ShopAndroid is offering the LG 360 CAM for $199, the CAM Plus ‘Friends’ attachment for $69 and the 360 VR for $199. With any of these you get free shipping as well. Don’t delay too long, you’ll only regret it once you receive it and wish you had placed the order earlier. Which of these accessories will you be adding to your collection?

• See LG 360 VR at ShopAndroid
• See LG CAM Plus at ShopAndroid
• See LG 360 CAM at Shop Android

LG G5

• LG G5 review
• LG 360 CAM review
• LG G5 complete specs
• LG’s G5 Friends modules are a neat idea, but they won’t matter
• LG G5 Hi-Fi Plus w/ B&O
• Join the LG G5 discussion

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Google Calendar can now dial conference call passcodes for you

A very minor, but no less useful update is headed out to Google Calendar, bringing a feature that should be a welcome addition for anyone who frequently dials in to conference calls. Now, when you dial in to a conference call from Google Calendar, the app can automatically add the relevant passcode.

Says Google:

An update to the Google Calendar app for Android is coming to Google Play. When you dial in to your conference call, Google Calendar can now automatically add the passcode. Simply tap the call-in number from the calendar event and you’ll be prompted to select the relevant passcode for you ─ host or participant.

Since Google Calendar detects the passcode from the notes field in the calendar event, you’ll want to make sure you enter it ahead of time when you set up the event. As Google notes, this feature has just begun rolling out and should reach everyone in the coming days.

Android VR: What’s the story so far?

You might’ve heard by now: Google is going big on virtual reality in 2016.

We’re in early-days territory still, so it’s hard to be sure, but several reports about executive-level shakeups at the company, as well as VR talent poaching, and now VR-related job listings have indicated Google wants to move beyond its cardboard, DIY approach.

READ: Google Cardboard Camera app: All about ‘VR photos’

Android VR: System-level VR software

Google has been dabbling in virtual reality for a while now, with the company having released a do-it-yourself cardboard kit that turns into a budget virtual-reality headset. Also, more recently, Google-owned YouTube added support for VR-enabled videos. They’re an immersive type of video that require an Android phone, the YouTube app, and Cardboard.

Cardboard’s been a decent success with Google; it’s been a critical aspect of Google’s push to get VR into classrooms, add more 360-degree VR video to YouTube, and get developers on board with creating apps. However, Google likely wants to build on top of Cardboard in order to create a more advanced headset, like what Samsung and Oculus offer with Gear VR.

According to sources of The Financial Times, Google plans to upgrade Android with plenty of VR-friendly software. The result of baking virtual reality compatibility into the core software should be a better experience overall. It’ll result in far less latency and lag, for instance, meaning the user won’t risk feeling dizzy or ill when using a Cardboard viewer.

Cardboard VR experiences currently live in the Cardboard app, but by adding system-level integration to the next version of Android, Google could not only decrease latency but also get more developers and people to embrace the platform altogether. References to a VR helper service have already been found in the current Android N Developer Preview.

Google’s also working on new hardware for its Android VR software. The Financial Times said Google’s upcoming viewer will be like Samsung Gear VR. It could utilise a smartphone but still have motions sensors and controls built-in. It’ll be cross compatible with multiple Android phones too, whereas Samsung Gear VR only supports some Samsung phones.

Re/code believes, however, Google is looking to take on Facebook’s Oculus VR and Microsoft’s HoloLens. The company is reportedly developing a standalone VR headset and not just a viewer that requires a phone. There’s other evidence to suggest Google might be going big on VR in 2016 as well, and we’ve explained everything below.

Android VR: Standalone VR headset

Okay, so we know Google is developing a virtual-reality viwer that is more legit than Cardboard, but a new report has just indicated the company is making another device that doesn’t need a phone or PC.

It’s a standalone headset.

The Wall Street Journal said Google is getting real about virtual reality by developing an “all-in-one virtual-reality headset”. It doesn’t require a secondary device, such as a smartphone, computer, or even a game console, meaning it would be the first headset in recent history to power and display a VR experience all on its own. Even the $599 Oculus Rift relies on a PC.

The planned stand-alone headset should deliver a quality experience as well as feature a screen, high-powered chips, and outward-facing cameras. Google plans to use chips from Movidius, and the cameras will be able to track the motion of the user’s head. WSJ could not specify when this headset might appear. It might debut this year, or Google could even can it.

That said, tech journalist Peter Rojas tweeted in May – ahead of Google’s annual developer conference – that a headset called Android VR will debut at I/O 2016. His news follows a recent reference to “AndroidVR” that was spotted in the latest Unreal Engine preview. Rojas called Android VR a standalone headset but didn’t specify whether it’s a viewer that needs a phone. 

Android VR: Google’s new VR division

According to a report from Re/code in January, Google has been putting together a “dedicated division” solely for virtual-reality computing, and the whole thing is being run by a “key deputy” at the company, who Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, personally appointed.

Clay Bavor, a vice president for product management, who has long run Google’s apps, such as Gmail, Drive, and Docs, and who was previously been responsible for Cardboard, will focus on developing actual VR products at Google, while his previous apps division as well as web apps will fall under Diane Greene, a senior vice president, who joined Google in November.

Bavor is that key deputy appointed by Pinchai – and his move into virtual reality allegedly shows Google is taking VR seriously. Also, he now has YouTube alum Jason Toff working under him. Toff confirmed in January he was leaving Vine (amid a bunch of high-level Twitter executive departures) to work on the “exciting potential” of virtual reality applications.

According to Re/code, now that Google has a virtual reality division, it’s moving existing Googlers into it. It’s shuffled around 10 employees to a design team for VR, including Joshua To, who led design for apps. He actually worked at Google from 2006 to 2010, then returned in 2014 when Google acquired Hattery. He’ll report to Jon Wiley, a key design head at Google.

Keep in mind over 400 people at Facebook are working on Oculus Rift, which was recently given a steep price and launched in April 2016. So, Google has catching up to do. But it does have some experience, including a built-up apps catalogue, thanks to Cardboard.

Plus, it can capitalise on its investment in augmented reality firm Magic Leap.

Android VR: VR job listings at Google

Google in January posted several job listings, as discovered by Road to VR, confirming its interest in developing VR hardware.

There are 15 job listings related to VR, and some mention positions like “Hardware Engineer, VR Camera Systems” and “Electrical Hardware Engineer.” One listing for a Hardware Engineering Technical Lead Manager said the consumer hardware team is working on “revolutionising how people interact with their hardware, and looking for engineers to make that a reality”.

Engadget reported that Google originally listed some of these jobs specifically with mentions of virtual reality, but it has since replaced most of that phrasing with “consumer hardware” instead. Curiouser and curiouser.

Want to know more?

Check out Pocket-lint’s Google, Virtual Reality, and Cardboard hubs for all the latest news and reviews.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus could exclusively pack dual camera, Smart Connector

It looks like the iPhone 7 Plus will debut with more hardware changes than any other iPhone 7 model.

Recently-leaked design schematics suggested Apple might have three phones to unveil this autumn, including a Pro edition of the next iPhone. It might come with a dual-lens camera setup, Smart Connector, and no headphone jack. This new 5.5-inch flagship device from Apple is thought to be called iPhone 7 Pro and will presumably sit above both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

That said, a new set of factory designs published by USwitch has us questioning the legitimacy of those iPhone 7 Pro schematics. The images allegedly show the design of both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus and indicate the iPhone 7 Plus will actually receive the dual-lens camera and Smart Connector. The iPhone 7 however won’t look much different from the iPhone 6S.

USwitch

iPhone 7 Plus factory image 

We can see a larger, oval-shaped camera jutting from the back of the 5.5-inch phone, indicating it’ll contain two lenses. Keep in mind analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities now says as well that Apple’s dual-camera iSight array will be exclusive to the iPhone 7 Plus. Apart from that, these images show three dots on the iPhone 7 Plus’ rear. They’re presumably for the Smart Connector.

The images even show that both phone designs lack a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. It’s been long rumoured Apple will ditch the headphone jack, and previous schematics have similarly shown a missing headphone jack as well as dots for a magnetic Smart Connector.

USwitch

iPhone 7 factory image

It’s unclear whether Apple plans to unveil three phones this autumn or just two. But if this latest round of leaked schematics is legit, the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus will at least be significantly different-looking from its predecessor.

Best drone takedown videos: Eagle attack, shotgun blast, fisherman hook and more

As drones begin to fill the skies so too do videos of their antics.

If shows like You’ve Been Framed have taught us anything it’s that seeing expensive things get destroyed is funny.

So seeing pricey drones getting plucked out of the air by not-so-natural predators is, as you’d imagine, great entertainment.

We’ve compiled the best drone takedown videos to grace the interwebs so far. From bird attacks to fishmerman hookings, these are some unique ways to lose a flying toy.

Eagle drone takedown

The eagle is well known as the alpha of the skies. There are very few birds that are safe flying near an eagle, and now drones have joined that endangered list.

This drone was taken out by a wedge-tailed eagle in Australia.

Chimpanzee drone takedown

This clever chimp was able to use the wonders of his opposable thumbs to wield a branch and takedown a prying drone. This happened at Burgers’ Zoo in The Netherlands where the inquisitive fellow appears to investigate the downed drone after he crashes it.

Fisherman drone takedown

Some people find the noisy hum of drones annoying. Fisherman are fans of the quiet at the best of times, so this guy was understandably annoyed being filmed while he tried to fish.

As the soundtrack attests his aim is true, he hooks this drone in one. Somehow the drone manages to get away to share the footage. Lucky us.

Ram drone takedown

This angry ram decides the buzzing drone in its face is too much and with a swift headbutt takes it out of the sky.

Not content with just the drone it then turns its attentions on the drone owner too. That’s one angry ram.

Shotgun drone takedown

A shotgun is going to do damage to pretty much anything it’s pointed at. This is what has happened to numerous drones that stray onto gun-toting property owners.

This video shows a test of an armoured drone being hit by a shotgun blast. It does surprisingly well. Skip to 4:43 for the shotgun action.

There’s now even special shotgun ammo that features drones on the packaging. Yup, it’s being marketed as ammo specifically for shooting down privacy-invading drones.

READ: You can now buy special ‘Drone Munition’ shotgun shells to take down drones

Kangeroo drone takedown

You’ve probably heard of boxing kangeroos before, but likely never been at the receiving end of a ‘roo punch.

This unlucky drone took a direct hit before crashing to the ground. We say unlucky but in reality it was pestering the potential boxer, so maybe it had it coming.

Drone takedown by nudists

Yup, this is an odd one. Rather than taking down the drone directly these nudist chase the pilot off.

The pilot trying to justify himself is laughable, worth watching for that alone.

Drone takedown by a volcano

Not just one but several drones were taken down by the 1,000 degree Fahrenheit heat of a volcano.

Videos were being shot for one of a kind footage of the inside of an active volcano. While plenty of great footage was captured many a drone died doing it. This is the live footage that survived.

Drone takes down an aeroplane

Alright before you say it, yes this is not real. This was the work of special effects genius Bruce Branit.

Needless to say this footage went viral when it hit the interwebs but it’s just the work of fancy VFX. As far as we know there isn’t a civilian drone built that can beat a commercial jet at a game of chicken.

Drone takedown by an angry gig goer

At the Bachata concert one fan is not happy about the distraction and pounces, after quite a run, on the airborne device.

But security are there to save and avenge the drone immediately.

Skiing drone takedown

This video isn’t quite on the same lines as all the others. But it’s so outrageously close we had to include it. This shows slalom skier Marcel Hirscher narrowly avoiding a crashing drone. This is a professional camera drone so this would be heavy and as you can see from the impact it was falling fast. He’s one lucky guy.

Role-playing dude spears drone in Russia

Some sort of historical festival took place in central Russia recently, and it appears one guy who was role-playing doesn’t like drones too much. While a drone was getting some aerial shots of a group of people in costumes, he took an actual spear and chucked it at the drone, knocking it down from the sky. It’s an epic battle, to say the least.

READ: The best GoPro photos in the world, prepare to lose your breath

Learn to code, 93 per cent off: The Complete 2016 Learn to Code Bundle

Learning to code is no longer the mysterious geek-genius endeavor it once was, with various courses and tutorials offering anyone a foot in the door. Not all courses are created equal, however, and quality instruction is key for success.

That’s where the The Complete 2016 Learn to Code Bundle comes in, offering 8 top-rated courses designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the world of coding. This premium e-learning resource is available for just £41.33 ($59) from Pocket-lint Deals.

Strong coders are always in demand, and this course collection will help you build some of the most sought-after skills in the industry. Get started on the fast track to success as you explore the fundamentals of JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Ruby, Python, PHP, and other important web technologies.

Together, the The Complete 2016 Learn to Code Bundle courses would usually run you over £623.68 ($900). But at 93 per cent off from Pocket-lint Deals, you’ll pay only £41.33 (U.S. $59) for the following:

Python Tutorial: Learn by Coding
AngularJS for the Real World
Build Professional Websites with HTML5 & CSS3
Learn Web Development by Creating a Social Network
PHP OOP & PDO with Projects for Beginners
Total Web Development Course
The Complete Ruby on Rails Developer Course
Learn By Example: The Foundations of HTML, CSS & JavaScript

Take 93 per cent off your ticket to coding expertise, and grab The Complete 2016 Learn to Code Bundle from Pocket-lint Deals today!

Kim Kardashian gets a Webby for ‘breaking the internet’

For her “unparalleled success online,” Kim Kardashian will receive the first-ever Break the Internet Award at the 2016 Webbys. With nearly 70 million Instagram followers and 45 million Twitter followers, the Webby Awards are calling the 35-year-old Kardashian “the leading celebrity in terms of her online presence.” The award will recognize the wild popularity of everything she touches, from empowering nude selfies to custom emoji.

From the announcement, which will undoubtedly give the Webby Awards a Kardashian-sized traffic bump:

It is to her credit that the phrase “break the Internet” is part of the lexicon of everyday speak—she has shaped our understanding of how someone or something can draw the popular attention of Internet users everywhere. To the degree that she’s created a new type of celebrity — publicizing her life to the benefit of herself and her family — is due to the Internet. Kim’s preternatural sense of being in the public eye, sees her appearing at seemingly every major cultural moment, most notably, her support of Caitlyn Jenner’s sex change.

In addition to her social media presence, Kardashian is being honored for her apps Kimoji and Kim Kardashian: Hollywood — a pair of cash machines that have brought in over $100 million since launch.

sorry I’m late to the party guys I was busy cashing my 80 million video game check & transferring 53 million into our joint account 🤑🤑🤑💰💰💰

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 8, 2016

Her husband Kanye West, meanwhile, is also getting a Webby nod for Artist of the Year thanks to his constant tinkering with The Life of Pablo.