Dato Duo is a simplified synthesizer for kids of all ages

Simple synthesizers are great for kids who are interested in music, and a pair of Dutch designers have built another instrument that does just that. The Dato Duo is two-panel synth features an 8-step sequencer on one side with the sound controls and effects on the other. It seems a bit odd at first, but the idea is to have one person control each to enhance the collaborative efforts. There’s also no wrong way to use the device, so even the youngest noise makers can get started with ease. And it doesn’t hurt that the Duo sounds pretty good either.

In terms of tweaking the sound, the Duo has two oscillators, a simple envelope generator, filter and two additional effects. For the older kids (read: adults), there’s MIDI in/out as well as sync in/out which means you can use the gadget alongside a Korg Volca, Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators, Boss guitar effects pedals and more. The Dato Duo will set you back €299 (around $334), unless you’re quick enough to cash in on the early bird discount. If you do decide to commit funds, the instrument isn’t expected to ship until April of next year.

Via: Fact Magazine

Source: Kickstarter

LAPD adds 100 BMW i3 EVs to its non-emergency fleet

After considering BMW’s i3 and Tesla’s Model S to replace a group of aging vehicles, the LAPD awarded the bid to the German automaker. 100 of the electric vehicles will be used as part of the department’s motor pool that’s mostly used by civilians, but they’ll be available to officers on “routine assignments” as well. Along with the EVs, 104 charging stations were also included in the contract. With the total electric vehicle count now sitting at 168, the LAPD says it has “the largest fully battery-powered municipal fleet” in the US.

While California’s own Tesla Model S was being considered, that electric sedan costs more than twice as much as the i3’s $42,000 price. The department had been testing the now discontinued P85D which would’ve offered more range and the power needed to participate in a high-speed chase if needed. LAPD announced last month that it wasn’t quite ready to switch over to an all-electric fleet for its cruisers, after spending some time with two of the Model S sedans. Cost and the availability of charging stations were cited as reasons for holding off on the switch.

Via: The Verge, Los Angeles Times

Source: LAPD

University of Calgary hands over $16,000 in ransomware attack

The University of Calgary has become the latest victim in a recent string of ransomware attacks. According to a statement released Wednesday morning, University computer systems were affected for 10 days while the IT team worked to remedy the issue. Ultimately, the University paid around $16,000 ($20,000 Canadian) to recover its data, with no guarantee that it was even possible to restore it.

“Ransomware attacks and the payment of ransoms are becoming increasingly common around the world,” the University’s VP of Finance and Services Linda Dalgetty wrote in her statement. “The university is now in the process of assessing and evaluating the decryption keys. The actual process of decryption is time-consuming and must be performed with care. It is important to note that decryption keys do not automatically restore all systems or guarantee the recovery of all data. A great deal of work is still required by IT to ensure all affected systems are operational again, and this process will take time.”

The University also says it is working with Calgary Police to investigate the hack, although other such investigations have come up empty handed in the past. Regarding the payment, Dalgetty told the Globe and Mail, “We are conducting world class research daily and we don’t know what we don’t know in terms of who’s been impacted and the last thing we want to do is lose someone’s life’s work.” (That’s work like building neurochips out of silicon and human brain cells, or creating one-handed iPhone gestures, by the way.)

In another recent case, Kansas Heart Hospital paid “a small amount” in ransom money, only to have the hacker turn around and ask for even more cash. In May, a ransomware attack on the United States Congress was thankfully averted. And on one, slightly reassuring note and the hackers behind the original “uncrackable” TeslaCrypt ransomware virus released the keys that would allow anyone affected to retrieve their data.

Former Reddit exec intros a friendlier message board alternative

Reddit earned its reputation as the “front page of the internet” thanks to its sheer diversity of topics and deep community. However, the message board also has its dark side: while its almost-anything-goes attitude is great for freedom of expression, it has also led to vicious abuse and harassment by people who only occasionally face consequences for their actions. Former Reddit VP Dan McComas thinks there’s a better way, though. He recently started Imzy, a board that tries to preserve the community while eliminating the vitriol. Much of it comes down to preventing the hit-and-run posting that sometimes sours Reddit and other online communities.

For one, you’re encouraged to join a few communities from the get-go. You’re not as likely to stumble upon a community at random, then. Also, you can only create one username for each community, which should (hopefully) reduce the chances that one person will create multiple accounts to cause havoc. Moderators in those groups will largely set their own rules, but a tip-based revenue model could give mods an incentive to run a tight ship.

Imzy is currently invitation-only, and the New York Times cautions that there’s a large backlog of people waiting to get in. However, its biggest challenge may simply be convincing people that there’s a need to leave Reddit for a safer equivalent. Reddit itself has more tools to help you fight abuse. And alternative message boards frequently exist because their founders think the originals are too safe — just look at 8chan and Voat, both of which pride themselves on their lack of filters. Imzy will have to show that there’s a clear advantage to keeping things clean (such as the celebrity partnership it has with Lena Dunham) if it wants a sizable following.

Via: Reddit, New York Times

Source: Imzy

Apple Again References ‘MacOS’, This Time on Developer Website

Because iOS, watchOS, and tvOS all share a common naming scheme, there’s been some speculation that OS X, the operating system for Macs, could see a name change to “MacOS” at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.

Earlier this year, Apple referenced “MacOS” in an environmental website update, and today the company has made the same gaffe on a developer FAQ page outlining new App Store revenue sharing policies, again raising the question of whether a name change is on the horizon.

In a section on when the new revenue split goes into effect, Apple references the types of apps that are eligible, listing iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

Unlike the first time “MacOS” was spotted on the Apple website, the iTunes Connect mention uses “macOS” with a lowercase “m” that better fits with the lower case letters used in iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

It continues to be unknown if the macOS mention is a mistake made because of the naming of Apple’s other operating systems or an error made because of an imminent name change planned for OS X.

If Apple is planning to switch from “OS X” to “macOS” or “MacOS,” it is not clear if the company will continue on with naming each iteration after California landmarks, a tradition that started with OS X Mavericks in 2013. tvOS, watchOS, and iOS operating system upgrades follow a number-based naming scheme.

We don’t have long to wait to find out if there’s a naming change in store for Apple’s Mac-based operating system. The Worldwide Developers Conference is set to kick off next Monday with a keynote event that will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

(Thanks, Guilherme!)

Related Roundups: WWDC 2016, OS X 10.12
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