Zipcar tests pay-per-mile pricing system for short trips
Zipcar currently charges per hour to rent a vehicle from its fleet for a short time. The company is also testing pay-per-mile pricing in a few US cities, but there’s no indication as to whether or not the new structure will be widely available in the future. As The Verge explains, the pilot program is actually a combination of the two pricing methods. You can rent a Honda Fit in Chicago for $4.50 an hour during the week or $5.50 an hour on the weekends, both of which tack on an additional 50 cents per mile. With regular pricing, a Nissan Versa costs $10.75/hour on a weekday with a 180-mile allotment before extra fees kick in.
The Fits are only available for hourly use, at least in Chicago, and Zipcar sees the new option as a solution for all the times “you just need to make a short trip.” Of course, if that drive is more than about 10 miles, you’ll be better off with the regularly-priced vehicles. If your destination is within a couple miles though, this could save you some coin while Zipcar is looking to keep pace with ride-sharing and other car-sharing options. Earlier this year, the company announced it would allow customers to keep a vehicle as long as they wanted while changing drop-off locations and destinations as needed. That service will be available in Michigan by December, a direct answer to GM’s Maven car-sharing initiative.
The free story mode for ‘Street Fighter V’ arrives this Friday
Earlier this month, we had a chance to try the first story mode Capcom has ever put into a Street Fighter game. It’s a free update for Street Fighter V owners, but there was one detail missing: a release date. Now, we know that the update will arrive on July 1st — it’s a little later than the “late June” timeframe Capcom promised, but we can’t quibble too much here.
It’s a pretty big update, with the story mode consisting of about four to five hours of new content. And two new characters are coming along for the ride, as well. Ibuki was previously announced, but the classic Street Fighter II character Balrog will also be playable in this update as well. Two more characters, Juri and Urien, will be playable in Story Mode, but they won’t make their way to the main game just yet. There’s also a handful of new stages and costumes available. but Story Mode is the clear big attraction in this update, and it’ll be ready to download as of this Friday.
Source: Capcom
Microscopic camera could be injected into your body
You may have seen some very small cameras in your day, but nothing like this. University of Stuttgart scientist have developed a 3D-printed, three-lens camera that’s just 100 micrometers (0.004 inches) across. That’s small enough that you could inject into your body with a syringe — perfect for endoscopy and other times you’d want to observe a patient’s body from the inside. It currently needs to be tethered to an optical fiber, but it can focus on objects as close as 0.12 inches. You can even print unconventional lens shapes (such as rings or triangles) to fit specific shapes and goals.
It’ll take a long while before the camera is practical, but its size extends its potential uses well beyond medicine. Researchers envision extremely tiny robots that can still visualize the world around them, or self-driving cars whose cameras are virtually invisible. You could also have 360-degree smartphone cameras that take up very little space. And importantly, it takes very little effort to make these lenses — the Stuttgart team designed and tested its camera in a few hours. Microscopic cameras certainly raise privacy concerns (there’s a real risk that people would misuse these cameras for snooping), but they also hint at a world where size isn’t an obstacle to smarter devices.
Via: Phys.org, The Verge
Source: University of Stuttgart, Nature
Apple Simplifies ‘Trade Up With Installments’ iPhone Program by Relying on Carrier Financing Plans
Apple today made some changes to its recently introduced “Trade Up With Installments” payment plan, which is designed to let prospective customers trade in an old iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone, putting the value of the device towards a new 24-month iPhone installment plan.
Previously, Apple’s Trade Up program relied on a 24-month installment loan from Apple partner Citizens Bank, but Apple is simplifying the service and instead relying on financing plans handled by carriers. Trading in a device at the Apple Store will now allow the value of the device to be applied to the purchase of a new iPhone from a carrier. Credits can be used to lower the cost of an outright purchase or to reduce monthly payments.
It is no longer necessary to undergo a credit check to trade in a device, nor do customers have to agree to a 24-month installment loan or minimum financing. Going through carrier financing does mean iPhones purchased through the program will be locked to the carrier a customer chooses, while phones previously available through Trade-In were unlocked.
Old wording:
Available to qualified customers with a credit check and eligible U.S. credit card. Monthly payment may vary depending on condition and type of device you trade in. Offer only available on presentation of a valid, government-issued photo ID (local law may require saving this information). Requires a 24-month installment loan with a 0% APR from Citizens Bank, N.A. (subject to any interest, fees, or other costs payable to the issuer of the credit card). Requires financing of at least $239.
New wording:
Sales tax on the full value of new iPhone and any applicable fees may be due at time of purchase. Value of your current device may be applied toward purchase of a new Apple iPhone via an available carrier financing plan.
With the changes comes an update to the site explaining the program, with new wording that calls it “Trade Up” instead of “Trade In” and new maximum trade-in values of $250 instead of $300. Apple has also removed all of the information on monthly payments based on trade-in, as pricing will now vary by carrier and trade-in value.
The program is otherwise unchanged, continuing to offer customers a way to apply the value of old devices to a new purchase. Estimated trade-in values, which are based on phone quality, range from $50 for the iPhone 4s to $250 for the iPhone 6 Plus. Customers are also still able to trade in other eligible smartphones from companies like Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, and LG, with all trade-ins done through Apple partner Brightstar.
Apple also continues to offer its dedicated iPhone Upgrade Program, which remains unchanged. With the iPhone Upgrade Program, customers can purchase an iPhone through Apple and trade it in each year for a new device.
Tags: Apple trade-in, Apple retail
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Apple Invites Retail Employees in Wheelchairs to Test watchOS 3
Apple last week sent out a memo to employees, inviting those in wheelchairs to help the company test an upcoming watchOS 3 feature that adds a dedicated wheelchair mode to the Apple Watch.
With the wheelchair setting, Activity options can be customized for wheelchair users. Wheelchair pushes contribute to all-day calorie goals, there are wheelchair-specific workouts, and the “time to stand” reminders are replaced with “time to roll” reminders.
During the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, Apple said wheelchair tracking had been in development for months through a partnership with the Lakeshore Foundation and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which saw 300 people in wheelchairs participating in more than 3,000 hours of activity research, and the beta testing period will give Apple more time to refine and perfect the feature.
In its memo to employees, Apple said it is committed to improving the Apple Watch experience for users in wheelchairs, which is why retail employees in wheelchairs are being invited to test watchOS 3. While retail employees have been invited to test iOS and macOS betas in the past, watchOS 3 betas are restricted to developers and internal corporate testers because downgrading from a watchOS beta is not possible without a proprietary adapter.
It is not clear if employees testing the feature are receiving the same watchOS 3 beta updates as developers, but it seems likely. With the retail beta test and developer testing, Apple is hoping to collect more data on movement and better optimize the new wheelchair exercises available in the workout app.
Apple offers some of the best accessibility features available in smartphones, smart watches, and other devices, and along with wheelchair activity tracking, the company’s latest operating system updates bring a range of accessibility improvements to iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2, watchOS 3
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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Apple Expands Shot on iPhone Campaign With Photos Focusing on Colors
Apple is expanding its “Shot on iPhone” advertising campaign with a new series of images focusing on color, reports TechCrunch. The images focus on “the bright, vibrant colors you’ll find in the world around you,” with Apple putting up new billboards and other imagery featuring the new photographs.
The “Colors” campaign will focus on sharing photographs taken by people local to the area where billboards and other signage are located, and new photographs are going up in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, UAE, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Korea, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand.
Image via TechCrunch
Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign began in early 2015 following the launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and Apple re-launched it in early 2016 it to show off images taken with the improved iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Most recently, billboards and artwork for the Shot on iPhone campaign featured snapshots of people.
Apple is likely to continue on with the Shot on iPhone campaign for some time, as the upcoming iPhone 7 Plus is rumored to feature a much-improved dual-lens camera that will allow for crisper, sharper images and other notable improvements. The iPhone 7, while not gaining a dual-lens camera, is expected to include similar improvements introduced through the inclusion of a larger sensor.
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Inateck Aluminum Car Mount: Keep your eyes on the road (Review)
Distracted driving has become a major problem in society. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. We are all guilty of it. We preach it to our kids and yet we don’t follow our on advice. I’m not confident that we will stop this from happening, but maybe we can slow it down a bit. Inateck offers a simple car mount that can help keep your eyes closer to the road and maybe a little less distracted.
Design
Inateck’s Car Mount is gold polished with a firm rubber front so it won’t damage anything. It’s has a sleek look and won’t be an eyesore in the car when the phone isn’t attached. The downside is if you’re like me and own a phablet, it will take away an entire vent. So you’ll need to forget about that vent and let the other vents do the work.
Function
Inateck’s Car Mount is an aluminium magnet mount that attaches to your car’s air conditioner vent, much like an air freshener in the louvers. It comes with two pieces of metal, you can use either one, that attach to the back of your device or case with a sticky adhesive. If you have a metal phone, (preferably with a flat back) then no worries as it should attach straight to it.
Another option is sliding it under your phone case is it’s thin enough and the magnet isn’t strong enough to go through a thick case.
The car mount is universal to any car and has an easy to install, yet firm enough to stay kind of power. Once you have attached the mount to the louvers and the metal to your phone, place your phone against the mount and let the magnet do the rest. Simple right?
Summary
I won’t pretend this is a miracle product that will save countless lives. It won’t. But maybe it will keep you from looking down at your phone or at least keep you from fumbling for it while driving. It will be safe and secure in front of your eyes. For $11, Inateck’s Car Mount is a good deal.
Buy Inateck’s Car Mount
Best card games for Android
Classic card games and fantasy card worlds on your Android phone? Yes, please!
For some, card games are the ultimate way to relax. Killing time on your morning commute or unwinding at the end of your day playing card games can happen on your phone now, which is fantastic. You can play solo or face opponents in virtual game rooms any time, day or night, in casino-style games or fantasy card games of every kind.
We’ve collected the best of both worlds with our rundown of the best card games for Android.
- CardShark
- Gin Rummy Plus
- BlackJack 21
- PokerStars Poker: Texas Holdem
- Euchre Free
- Magic: 2015
- Hearthstone Heroes of Warcraft
- Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer
- Card Crawl
- Exploding Kittens
CardShark
Play Classic Solitaire and a number of its variations in this multi-game app. Additional games include Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, Spades, Egyptian Ratscrew, Crazy Eights, Kings Corner, Concentration; a total of more than 40 games to choose from.
It has a good-looking 3D interface that’s easy to use and figure out for each game. The app automatically saves your games and updates to new versions as you need or as you progress in skill.
Download CardShark ($2.99)
Gin Rummy Plus
In Gin Rummy Plus, you can play live against others from all over the world or invite your friends to play at your table. It features progressive jackpots and allows you to play at various skill levels; why not hop back onto a lower-level table to hone your skills before taking on a real card shark?
There’s no need for in-app purchases in order to get more coins or progress through different games (but they’re offered if you want). Every coin earned comes right from your own skill progression. The real-time leader boards keep things competitive and give you a heads-up when you’re about to join a table of experts.
Download Gin Rummy Plus (Free with in-app purchases)
BlackJack 21
Sometimes you just want to play high stakes like you’re in Las Vegas but not drop all that money. There’s plenty of opportunity to improve your game, whether you’re an old pro or brand new to the table. The live games against real players will teach you new strategies every time. You can opt to play live, or explore other tables to get an eye on the action.
If you play your best and crack the weekly top 10 leaderboard, you’ll be eligible for fun in-app prizes! You also earn in-app Diamonds every time you play. Alternatively, you can opt to purchase them from the in-app store, but no purchase is necessary.
Download BlackJack 21 (Free with in-app purchases)
PokerStars Poker: Texas Holdem
You’ve seen the commercials for PokerStars, and it actually lives up to the hype, which isn’t always the case for such an advertised app. The poker tables are suitable for all levels, and the app features a built-in support site and forums so you can get tips and tricks from the experts. Play in tournaments or quick Sit and Go games when you have limited time. If poker is a new game for you, the app will be your teacher, and no real money will be on the line.
It’s a free download that offers in-app purchases if you want to play more competitively. You can select bundles of chips at various price points, or earn chips as you play and improve at the tables.
Download PokerStars Poker Texas Holdem (Free with in-app purchases)
Euchre Free
Euchre is a simple game to learn and it’s played in quick rounds, called tricks. Four players play in teams of two, and the goal of the game is to play your highest cards one at a time to win all the cards on the table. You and your partner earn points by strategizing which cards are best to play and when to lay down your Trump cards.
A great feature in Euchre Free is the ability to choose who you partner with and who you play against. There are levels that range from beginner to expert, so you’ll be well-matched at your table of choice. You can customize your backgrounds or use your own photos, which enhances the simple and smooth game interface. There are also hints and help available, as well as stats for every player at your table.
Download Euchre Free (Free)
Magic: 2015
The new offering from Magic is a build on Magic: The Gathering, in which you hunt mystical creatures across the Multiverse and earn cards you will use later to win battles. It’s a strategy-based trading card game with the goal of creating the ultimate deck.
You can buy booster packs via in-app purchases if you don’t want to wait to earn the big cards. You’ll have the option to play against friends or strangers to test the strength and ingenuity of your deck, so make sure you’ve stacked it well. It all might sound a bit complicated if you never played the traditional Magic card game, but the introductory tutorial lays out all the rules and goals quite well for beginners.
Download Magic:2015 (Free with in-app purchases)
Hearthstone Heroes of Warcraft
Hearthstone is a card-based strategy game set in a fantasy world. Play cards to cast a spells and summon your minions as you fight to win battles. Rather than go through a tutorials, you’re thrown right into introductory missions that teach you the ropes as you play. Additionally, before playing against other live players in the battle arena, you can engage in practice matches against computer-controlled heroes.
Your cards and points can be transferred from your phone to your tablet or computer, since your cards and awards are linked to your Battle.net account and will travel with you. The in-app purchases unlock new battles and give you access to rare, coveted cards.
Download Hearthstone Heroes of Warcraft (Free with in-app purchases)
Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer
Play in the world of Vigil, besieged by ancient monsters banished long ago and eager to return to terrorize your home. Build your arsenal of cards by earning Heroes and defeating Monster cards in every battle.
The game has an intricate backstory of characters and origins; you’ll learn to manipulate the board with the help of The Enlightened and defeat your enemies with the knowledge of The Void. Your in-app purchases can be complex sets of cards or individual cards of high game value that are tough to earn.
Download Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer (Free with in-app purchases)
Card Crawl
Card Crawl features solitaire-style gameplay served to you in four different game modes. Typical games last two to three minutes, so they’re perfect for commutes or quickly passing some time when you’re stuck standing in line.
As you play, you unlock ability cards and clear out dungeons to build your decks. You can check your progress against other players through an integrated leader board within Google Play.Try Card Crawl for free, and once you’re hooked, you can continue via an in-app purchase
Download Card Crawl (Free with in-app purchases)
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens plays like Russian Roulette: players draw cards until someone unfortunately draws an Exploding Kitten, which ends their game. You’ll play in groups of two to five people, and you can choose to play against your friends or strangers.
It’s a deceivingly simple game and you need a solid strategy to stay alive. Hilarious cards like Nothing but cat butt keep you laughing while you try desperately not to be killed right out of game.
Download Exploding Kittens ($1.99)
Show your cards!
Got a favorite card game that you’re hooked on? Shout it out in the comments below!
Amazon introduces Page Flip to help you page through ebooks while saving your spot
Amazon has announced a new feature for its Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, and Kindle mobile apps that brings the electronic reading experience closer to that of an actual book. The new Page Flip feature allows you to flip through a book while saving your current place, allowing you to quickly peek at previous or future chapter, appendices, and more.
Page Flip will come with a number of interesting new features. Here’s what Amazon says to expect:
- Save your place: Want to reference a chart or map on another page while you’re reading? Page Flip “pins” your current page to the side of the screen when you swipe away from it to explore other parts of the book. Tap your pinned page to instantly jump back to it.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the book: Looking for a picture or a passage you’ve highlighted? Zoom out to get a bird’s eye view of the book and quickly find what you’re looking for.
- Go ahead, explore: At a glance, easily recognize specific pages as you jump around. Pictures, charts, your highlights, and the layout of each page are easy to see with Page Flip’s pixel-accurate thumbnails that automatically adjust as you change your font and margin settings.
Page Flip will be rolling out soon as a free update for Amazon’s Kindle apps and products. You can grab the Kindle app from the Google Play Store.
Moto G4 and G4 Plus will be available on July 12 starting at $199
The Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus will be officially available starting on July 12 at select retailers. Best Buy, B&H, Amazon and others will begin carrying both models then, with Republic Wireless making them available on July 28. Pricing for the Moto G4 starts at $199, and the G4 Plus will be available from $249.
These will be unlocked versions and compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks Motorola says.
In the U.S., the new Moto G⁴ will be available starting at $199 and Moto G⁴ Plus will be available starting at $249 beginning July 12 at Amazon, Best Buy, BrandsMart, B&H, Car Toys, Fry’s, MicroCenter, Motorola, Sam’s Club and Walmart.com. Moto G⁴ and Moto G⁴ Plus will be available at Republic Wireless beginning July 28.
To sweeten the deal, Best Buy will also be offering a $50 gift card with in-store and online purchases of either model made through July 30. Will you be picking one of these up? If so, let us know which one in the comments.
More: Moto G4 Plus review
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