Euro 2016 social activity will determine Eiffel Tower’s colors
The UEFA Euro 2016 soccer tournament kicks off next week, and fans will have the opportunity to show their team spirit via the Eiffel Tower. Tournament sponsor Orange, a French wireless carrier, will light up the Paris landmark in the colors of the most popular team based on social media activity across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Posts will be counted from 12:01 AM until 9:30 PM local time the following evening during the month-long event set to take place in France. At that time, the team/nation with the most activity will have its colors displayed on the iconic structure.
Of course, there’s plenty of opportunities for abusive language and trollish behavior. Orange says it has a crew of moderators and only hand-picked posts will be displayed on-site, projected onto the Eiffel Tower. What’s more, the carrier says it won’t count any social updates that contain “blacklisted” words. If the 2014 World Cup was any indication, the internet loves international soccer, so there’s sure to be a flurry of activity — especially now that there’s some added incentive.
Via: CNET
Source: Quartz
Apple’s 2017 iPhone May Feature Dual-Curve OLED Display
Though the 2017 iPhone is more than a year away from launching, we’re already hearing non-stop rumors about the device due to the major design changes Apple is expected to introduce. The latest rumor, coming from IHS analyst Kevin Wang, suggests the 2017 iPhone will include a dual-curve OLED display that covers the left and right edges of the device.
On Chinese social networking site Weibo (via PhoneArena), Wang said Apple will release a device with sloping edges similar to the Vivo XPlay 5 or the Galaxy S7 Edge.
Kevin Wong’s exact words are that after Vivo outed the Xplay 5 with its 5.4″ OLED screen that slopes to the sides like on the S7 edge, there will be more manufacturers using this technique, including Apple with next year’s iPhone.
Apple is already rumored to be using flexible OLED displays for the 2017 iPhone, which will be necessary for any kind of dramatically curved display. It is not clear from Wang’s statement how far the display will extend to the edges of the device and whether it will be a subtle curve for design purposes or a functional wraparound display as Samsung uses in its Galaxy Edge devices. The Galaxy Edge’s wraparound display features side buttons and alerts accessible when the phone is face down.
Wang does not offer details on where he is sourcing his information from, but it is presumably coming from the Asian supply chain and Apple’s myriad manufacturing partners. Supply chain information can be difficult to interpret at times and Wang does not have a well-known track record, but he has shared some semi-accurate information on the release of the iPhone SE. Earlier this week, Wang said the iPhone 7 will have 32GB as minimum storage tier.
Apple has reportedly secured 5.8-inch OLED displays from Samsung, and a previous analyst prediction has suggested that a display of that size could perhaps be used to wrap around the edges of a 5.5-inch iPhone, speculation that agrees with Wang’s prediction.
Other rumors about the 2017 iPhone, which may be called the “iPhone 8” instead of the traditional “iPhone 7s” because of the changes expected, include an edge-to-edge bezel-free display with built-in Touch ID functionality, no home button, and a glass body.
An edge-to-edge display that extends upwards towards the top and bottom of the device, as has been rumored, does not seem to mesh with rumors of a wraparound display, leaving a lot of questions about the actual display we’ll see in the 2017 iPhone. As the 2017 launch date creeps closer, we’ll undoubtedly learn more about the device, giving us a clearer picture of the changes Apple is implementing.
Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
Tags: IHS, Kevin Wang
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple’s 5K Thunderbolt Display Could Include Its Own Graphics Card
Thunderbolt Display stock shortages at some Apple retail stores have begun sparking speculation that a refresh is coming in the near future, and with current machines unable to run a 5K display over a single-stream cable, discussion has turned towards other methods Apple could use to introduce a functional 5K display.
Stephen Foskett and Daring Fireball’s John Gruber speculate that Apple could potentially introduce a refreshed Thunderbolt Display with a built-in graphics card, which would result in a display able to work with almost any Mac because it would be driven by an internal graphics card rather than the machine it’s connected to.
9to5Mac is floating a similar theory, claiming it’s heard rumors Apple is indeed working on a 5120 x 2880 display that has an integrated GPU. Such a display would likely require the purchase of a newer machine with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, but it would work with Apple’s notebook lineup going forward.
A noted analyst doesn’t believe Apple will go to the trouble of introducing a display with a built-in GPU, instead releasing a 5K display that will connect with newer Macs over Thunderbolt 3 by taking advantage of both DisplayPort 1.2 streams.
It’s been believed Apple would wait to introduce a 5K display until DisplayPort 1.3 support is built into Intel processors as the standard will allow for plug-and-play support for 5K external displays, but by using both of the DisplayPort 1.2 streams, forthcoming machines that include Thunderbolt 3 ports will be able to drive a 5K display using Multi-Stream Transport without the need for an external GPU.
Multi-Stream Transport (MST) would stitch two halves of a display together to make a single seamless display, with each DisplayPort 1.2 connection driving half of the display, a technique Apple previously used in the first 5K iMac. The 5K iMac used the internal equivalent of a dual cable DisplayPort 1.2 MST setup.
Multi-Stream Transport is inferior to the Single-Stream Transport that would be possible with DisplayPort 1.3, but DisplayPort 1.3 support is not built into Skylake or its successor Kaby Lake, meaning it will be at least 18-24 months (the time until Intel’s Cannonlake processors launch) before Apple can introduce machines powerful enough to drive a 5K display over a single-stream cable.
With the Thunderbolt Display having gone without an update since July of 2011, another two years is a long time to wait for a refreshed display.
There is no concrete word on when Apple will introduce a new Thunderbolt Display, but given the stock shortages and the rumblings that a successor is in the works, there is a possibility an announcement could be made at the Worldwide Developers Conference.
Related Roundups: Thunderbolt Display, WWDC 2016
Buyer’s Guide: Displays (Don’t Buy)
Discuss this article in our forums
Use Google search to find your iPhone – CNET
Google recently made it easier to find a lost Android phone, and today the company announced similar search options for owners of lost iPhones.
Google has added a new Find your phone section to the My Account page for your Google account. Click on it and you will see a list of the devices — including phones, tablets, Android and iOS devices — on which you have signed in with your Google account.
Choose an iOS device and you’ll see five suggestions:
- Find and lock your iPhone
- Try calling your phone
- Sign out on your phone
- Reach out to your carrier
- Reach out for local help
While these suggestions are a useful starting point for a panicked iPhone owner who can’t find their phone, the process isn’t as helpful as it is with a lost Android device for the simple fact that Google can’t take control of an iOS device.
Matt Elliott/CNET
For example, the Find and lock your iPhone option merely points you to iCloud.com where you can locate your iPhone on a map or enable Lost Mode to remotely lock your phone, while the same option for an Android device gives you Ring and Locate buttons to call your device or locate it on a map without leaving the page or signing into iCloud.
Owners of lost Android devices can also simply Google “find my phone” or “I lost my phone” to view their lost phone on a map at the top of the search results page. According to Google, this search feature will soon be available for iOS devices too. In my tests, it has yet to arrive; a Google search offered to locate my Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 but not my iPhone or iPad.
The first step in locating a lost or stolen iPhone should be visiting iCloud.com from a computer or using the Find my iPhone app from an iPad or another iOS device. But, since many people may not be thinking clearly when they first realize their iPhone is missing, Google’s new Find your phone section with its clear suggestions is a welcome addition to the My Account page.
JOBY’s Powerband Micro might be the most travel friendly portable battery yet (review)
JOBY, the company behind the famous GorillaPod line of tripods has been diversifying as of late and has just released an intelligent battery pack. The PowerBand Micro will come in two versions, one made for iOS devices and the other for Android microUSB compatible devices.
This battery isn’t intelligent in the way hundreds of other batteries are with Fast Charging and wireless charging. It’s intelligent in its design with a simple silicone/rubberized strap built into the back of the battery that allows you to attach it to any smartphone and charge on the go. The iOS version costs $59.95 while the Android version comes in cheaper at $49.95.
Specs
- 3.1 ounces
- 3500mAh
- Built-in microUSB cable for the Android model, and built-in Lightning cable for the iOS version
Build and Usage
I’ve tested and reviewed over 10 portable power banks, and all of them ran into the same issue. I needed to connect them to my smartphone and set them down on a table or hold them both in my hand while they charged. This always made for an awkward situation if I needed to use my smartphone while charging on the go.
The JOBY PowerBand Micro power bank is rated at 3500mAh which is 100mAh less than the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge’s battery of 3600mAh. That means I can get about one full charge with the PowerBand Micro, and that’s pretty much what I saw over five cycles. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note5, Moto X Pure, and Nexus 6P all have 3000mAh batteries so the 3500mAh power bank from JOBY should easily supply over one full charge.
While you can get far more storage capacity in a power bank for your money, like the 20,000mAh ones found on Amazon, you don’t always want to carry around a one pound brick with you. Generally, most of us just need one additional charge throughout a single day, and the JOBY PowerBand Micro was designed specifically for us. It wasn’t designed to get you through one to two weeks of usage away from a wall outlet, instead it was designed for the everyday user who needs a little more power.
“With the JOBY PowerBand, we give users a versatile power pack that provides the additional hands-free power needed for their smartphones while also providing a solution that will grow with them as device form factors change.” said Tim Grimmer, vice president of Brand and Product for JOBY.
At 3.1 ounces, the JOBY PowerBand Micro is half the weight of my already light-weight Galaxy S7 edge. It comes with a built-in microUSB cable, with nothing but a power button, battery indicator lights, and a rubberized strap on the back.
You can see in the images above how the PowerBand can be stretched to fit my phones. It’s extremely easy to use and provides a secure fit. You won’t get fast charging or wireless charging with this battery pack, instead you’ll get standard 1amp speeds. Another concern might be how the straps sometimes touch the front screen like they do on my S7 edge.
The strap doesn’t conduct electricity which means they will not, and do not affect the performance of the touch screen. However it does cover the corners which might be a distraction to some.
Summary
Priced at $49.99, the JOBY PowerBand Micro isn’t a whole lot of battery for the money. However, if you are the type of user who just needs a charge to make it through your commute or work day, the convenience of the strap is extremely nice to have.
JOBY is a reputable name when it comes to accessories and I have no doubt that the PowerBand Micro will be a goto battery for my daily needs for many years to come. It is right sized for my lifestyle and I’m thankful I no longer need to carry excess weight in my pockets.
If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself, head on over to Joby.com to learn more.
[Review] Charge on the go with the VoltIQ car charger
When we last wrote a review of Tronsmart car chargers, they were Quick Charge 2.0. Now the company has released a new series of car chargers featuring Quick Charge 3.0, and they are fast. I spent a short amount of time with the gadget, and I was impressed.
First Impressions
There isn’t much to the device. It looks like every other car charger out there. It features two Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports, and you plug the charger into your car’s cigarette lighter (they really still have those?). The way that Tronsmart differentiates its charger is by having it automatically detect what kind of device you plug in and deliver the maximum amount of voltage that the device can safely handle.
Specs
- Model: CC2TF
- Input: DC 12-24V/4.2A (Max)
- Output (Quick Charge 3.0): DC 3.6-6.5V/3A, 6.5-9V/2A, 9-12V/1.5A (each port)
Tronsmart uses its own VoltIQ charging technology in combination with Qualcomm’s proprietary Quick Charge specification. These car chargers have been officially certified by Qualcomm, and its website even features the original documentation to prove it.
Conclusion
If you don’t have a portable battery pack with you, car chargers like this are great to use, and Tronsmart has plenty of car and wall chargers to meet your needs. The company even has chargers with USB Type-C ports. You can get the VoltIQ Quick Charge 3.0 car charger for $22 on Amazon.
1 of 8
20 most ridiculous inventions ever created, you won’t believe what you’re about to see
Some inventions are better than others, then there are some that should never have seen the light of day. Well, maybe they should, if just to make us laugh.
From solar bikinis to a nose worn stylus, these are here to shock. Designers the world over have been creating gadgets that shock. Some might actually be of use but in the real world are they ever actually going to be used? In public? That decision is down to you, so you’ll need to see what’s out there. Some of them we really can’t imagine in the real world outside of these images.
We’ve collected the most ridiculous, insane, weird and downright odd inventions that have ever been made or conceived.
While plenty of these you can’t lay your hands on, not that you’d likely want to, there are some still available to buy. So if you want to treat this as your slightly off-the-wall shopping list, go for it.
Be warned some of these are shocking, one in particular which we’ve pushed towards the end so you can build up to get used to the insane so it isn’t too much for you. Be warned.
Check out the gallery above to see everything on offer.
George Carlin will be reborn as a stand-up hologram
The greatest honor the 21st century can bestow upon a dead artist is to have their life’s work reduced to commodity entertainment for nostalgia fiends. That’s why so many singers have been brought back as Pepper’s Ghost-style holograms in the hope of squeezing a few more dollars from their memory. George Carlin is the latest to become zombie entertainment, and will become a permanent fixture at the forthcoming National Museum of Comedy in New York State. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, chief curator Kliph Nesteroff reveals that a Carlin hologram will be a “gimmick to bring people to Jamestown.”
The idea is to create a museum that will become for comedy what Cooperstown is for baseball, bringing fans and newbies together. While the main halls will be dedicated to family-friendly humor, the basement of the facility will be dedicated to no holds barred, adult comedy. It’s here that the Carlin hologram will perform “like old times” in a “fake comedy club in one corner.” Nesteroff also adds that there will also be live shows in the venue, where budding circuit comics can see what will happen to their legacy should they be successful enough in life.
Source: THR
Computex’s most excessive PC mod is a cotton candy machine
Asia’s biggest tech show regularly delivers on the PC case mods. If they’re not labors of love courtesy of international case-modders, then it’s a company producing the case mods itself. MSI possibly went too far commissioning this blood sugar-baiting monstrosity. PC modder Mike Petereyns was responsible for the MSI “Cotton Candy,” made to coincide with the company’s 30th anniversary, pairing the state fair diabetes trap with the PC producers’ own GFX (GTX780Ti), camouflage motherboard and white liquid cooling system. Oh and someone was making cotton candy for everyone. Which always helps draw a crowd. Elsewhere,there was a vibranium-tinged Marvel tribute. Have a look at that in the gallery below.
OnePlus is ditching its invite system once and for all
The worst part about OnePlus phones? Trying to buy them. All three of the company’s phones have been sold, at least initially, using an often frustrating invite system. Fans could obtain one by completing various competitions, responding to social media posts or by cajoling their friends who had already bought a OnePlus phone. But no more. With the OnePlus 3, which will be launching on June 14th, the company is killing the invite system once and for all. Fans with a OnePlus VR headset will get a head start, but then it’s fair game from 3pm ET on the OnePlus website.
OnePlus has always argued that the invite system was necessary to control demand for its phones. Co-founder Carl Pei says it stopped the company from building too many handsets, which could have sat unsold in a warehouse somewhere. Unlike Amazon, which can easily take the loss on some unwanted Fire phones, OnePlus had to be careful with its supply chain. “The invite system allowed us to scale our operations and manage our risks to help us grow more sustainably,” he explains in a forum post.
“Invites are gone forever from future OnePlus product launches.”
Two years later, much has changed. OnePlus is no longer a fledgling brand with few fans and zero reputation. It’s delivered three, mostly excellent phones and has built a strong, loyal fanbase that crave new announcements. With the OnePlus 3, the company is finally ready to sell a phone like a conventional OEM. How that will affect its image — and the hype associated with each product release — remains to be seen, however.
Source: OnePlus
AIVAnet 