Microsoft OneNote can help solve your math homework
Just in time for back to school season, Microsoft has made a few slick updates to Office 365, intended to help users get more out of their pen-based digital notes. Building on the beta launch of Windows Ink, OneNote has added new ink effects, a replay feature and a new intelligent math coach that can help you solve handwritten equations.
While OneNote already comes with shape and handwriting recognition, the new math assistant takes inking one step further by converting a longhand equation into text and then highlighting the steps you need to solve it. Simply write out an equation in OneNote, circle it with the lasso and select which variable to solve for. From there, OneNote can walk you through the steps. Voila: suddenly all those FOIL method and PEMDAS mnemonics are obsolete.
On the other hand, if a class requires a more old-school teaching approach, OneNote now allows you to rewind and play back inked notes — useful for following the pencil strokes in a sketch or reviewing step-by-step instructions. Rounding out the ink updates are a couple splashy new effects like rainbow, galaxy, gold and silver ink options that are great for artwork, but will likely drive a calculus professor up the wall.
Also in today’s announcement: New support for Windows Information Protection in Office mobile apps, which allows users to separate “work” and “personal” data on their devices; Enhanced people experiences in the web version of Outlook; and new versions of Visio for the web and iPad.
Source: Microsoft
The new Papa John’s app for Apple TV makes ordering a breeze
Papa John’s knows a delicious pizza goes well with marathoning your favorite shows by way of the Apple TV. That’s why the pizza giant has launched a new app to let you order, customize and pay a pizza order directly from the Apple TV itself.
The new app actually beats Domino’s to the punch, a surprising turn of events given Domino’s “emoji” ordering and the Xbox ordering campaign launched a while back. The fact that Papa John’s got to Apple TV first is a milestone for the company in addition to the fact that it was the first pizza chain to offer up digital ordering back in 2001 and the first to introduce mobile ordering back in 2007. Has it really been that long?
You can use the “pizza builder” to create the pizza of your dream via the Apple TV app, access favorite orders and even sign in with your pizza profile and saved payment information. New app users will get 25 percent off their first order as well.
You could be ordering dinner via the app tonight with the whole squad sitting around making choices. Papa bless.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Papa John’s
Court tosses federal lawsuit over AT&T’s data throttling
The FCC may be having some success hauling AT&T out on the carpet for throttling unlimited data plans without clear warnings to customers, but the FTC isn’t so lucky. A Ninth Circuit appeals court has tossed out the FTC’s lawsuit against AT&T over allegedly failing to properly disclose slowdowns to customers. While a district court had ruled that the supposed violations didn’t occur when AT&T’s service was covered by common carrier exemptions from rules on deceptive and unfair practices, the Ninth Circuit sees things differently. It believes that AT&T’s exemption is based on its inherent status as a common carrier, not its activities, and thus that exemptions let the provider say as little as it did about throttling.
AT&T tells us that it’s “pleased” with the dismissal, to no one’s surprise, while the FTC tells Consumerist that it’s “disappointed.” Not that the network is completely off the hook, mind you. The FTC is “considering” its options and may well try to appeal this decision. And again, there’s that FCC case — the Commission could still punish AT&T with up to a $100 million fine if successful. The problem is that the FCC can’t obtain refunds for customers like the FTC can, so you may never get compensation if you were frustrated by throttling you hadn’t anticipated.
Source: Consumerist
Third-Party Siri Support in iOS 10 ‘Long-Overdue’ and ‘Useful in Everyday Life’
iOS 10 lets Siri work with third-party apps for the first time, enabling a whole range of features the personal assistant is able to help with, from summoning an Uber to sending cash to sending a message via WhatsApp.
Ahead of the launch of the new operating system update, The Wall Street Journal’s Nathan Olivarez-Giles was able to go hands-on with some of the apps that will support Siri and give a little more insight into how the feature will work in practice.
After using the feature, Giles called Siri support for third-party apps “long-overdue” and a factor “important to making Siri more useful in everyday life.” He was able to test apps for sending mobile payments, image search and messaging, but Siri will also support ride booking apps like Uber, VoIP calling apps like Skype, and workout apps. Giles says asking Siri to perform tasks was “quicker than launching the app” and carrying out the task himself.
As has been previously described by Apple, Siri commands like “Siri, send Catherine $20 for lunch with Square Cash” or “Send Jim a Message in LinkedIn” work in iOS 10, and with the former, security is maintained with Touch ID authentication. Commands vary from app to app and Siri support can also be built into watchOS 3 apps.
Strings can get even more specific. For instance: “Siri, show me photos of what Kanye West wore to the VMA awards this year in Looklive.” This command pulled up pictures of the rapper’s wardrobe, along with links to buy what he was wearing, in the celebrity shopping app. In most of these demos, Siri carried out the task without opening the app itself. Instead, a card, styled like the app, appeared with the details of the action.
According to Giles, some of the first apps to integrate with Siri in the chat, mobile payments, and photos categories will include LinkedIn, WhatsApp, WeChat, Slack, Square Cash, Monzo, Pinterest, Vogue Runway, Looklive, The Roll and Pikazo. Apple has previously said apps like Lyft, Uber, and Fandango will be compatible with Siri, along with CarPlay-specific apps.
Not all apps will work with Siri, but Apple has plans to expand the app types that can interface with the personal assistant in the future. When iOS 10 launches, the following app categories will have the option to enable Siri support: ride booking, messaging, photo search, payments, VoIP calling, and workouts.
Apple has limited SiriKit to certain kinds of apps in order to keep a tight rein on privacy, control the Siri experience, and develop Siri’s understanding of language and context. Apple has promised that third-party apps are only privy to the specific data necessary to perform a requested function, keeping user information locked down.
Siri support for third-party apps is baked into iOS 10 and will be available as soon as the new operating system launches to the public in September. Apps will need to update to support the new feature, but many companies are undoubtedly planning launch day updates to be among the first to work with Siri.
Related Roundup: iOS 10
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Corning Announces Super Scratch Resistant ‘Gorilla Glass SR+’ for Wearable Devices
In 2015, Corning announced “Project Phire,” a new material that combines the strength of Gorilla Glass with the scratch-resistance of sapphire, and as of today, the result of that project is ready to launch.
Now called “Gorilla Glass SR+,” Corning’s latest product is a composite material for wearable devices. It’s been designed to cut down on visible scratches while continuing to deliver all of the features of the original Gorilla Glass.
According to Corning, Gorilla Glass SR+ offers scratch resistance similar to sapphire but with 70 percent better damage resistance against impacts and 25 percent better surface reflection. Corning says these optical improvements enable better battery life and improved outdoor readability.
“In early 2015, Corning launched Project Phire with the goal of engineering glass-based solutions with the scratch resistance approaching luxury cover materials, combined with the superior damage resistance of Gorilla Glass,” said Scott Forester, director, innovation products, Corning Gorilla Glass. “Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ delivers a superior combination of properties that is not available in any other material today – it is in a class of its own.”
Corning is a long-time Apple Supplier, and its Gorilla Glass products have been used in the iPhone and the iPad for several years. For its wearable device, the Apple Watch, Apple currently uses Ion-X glass for the Sport model and sapphire glass for the stainless steel and Edition models.
It is not clear if Apple will consider Corning’s newest product for any future versions of the Apple Watch, but if it is superior to current technology, it is a possibility. Corning says Gorilla Glass SR+ is now commercially available and is expected to be in products from “leading global brands” starting later this year.
Tags: Corning, Gorilla Glass
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Apple Adds New 2TB iCloud Storage Tier for $19.99 Per Month
Apple today quietly added a new iCloud storage tier, offering customers 2TB of data storage space at a price of $19.99 per month in the United States. Apple now offers four iCloud storage tiers at prices that start at $0.99.
The new 2TB iCloud storage option comes just over a week ahead of the company’s September 7 event, where new versions of the iPhone and Apple Watch are expected to debut alongside new operating system updates.
Rumors have suggested camera improvements could be one of the features coming to the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, and that could be one of the reasons Apple is introducing more storage space. A dual-lens camera, as is rumored for the iPhone 7 Plus, could potentially produce images that are larger, resulting in customers who need more space to store their photos and other files.
We’ve also heard rumors that the high-end iPhone models could offer up to 256GB of storage (perhaps limited to the iPhone 7 Plus), which could be another factor leading to Apple’s decision to increase available iCloud storage space.
Perhaps the biggest reason for the jump in iCloud space is a new desktop syncing feature coming to macOS Sierra. In the new operating system, all files stored on the desktop or in the Documents folder of a Mac are automatically uploaded to iCloud to make them available across a wide range of devices.
Related Roundups: iPhone 7, macOS Sierra
Tag: iCloud
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Belkin Powerhouse Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
In case you missed it, late last year Belkin put out the Valet Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone. As its name implies, it can charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously and was one of the few Apple Watch accessories that had an integrated wireless charging puck. It was a great dock — and swanky looking — but it was pricey at $150 (it’s now down to $130).
Now Belkin has a new, more affordable dual charging dock, the Powerhouse Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone, which costs $99 (we’re still gathering international pricing and will update the post when we get it).
It’s missing the sleek aluminum trim and chrome pedestal of the earlier dock — yes, the expensive bits had to be cut to get the cost down — but it’s still an attractive-looking dock, has some nice heft to it, and worked well in my initial charging trials.
Belkin Powerhouse Charge Dock
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Here are its key features, according to Belkin:
- Built-in Apple Watch magnetic charging module with integrated Lightning connector for the iPhone
- Integrated 2-in-1 charging solution optimally charges the Apple Watch and iPhone simultaneously
- Elevated design keeps the Apple Watch and iPhone more protected and easier to see while charging
- MFi certification ensures that this product passed rigorous mechanical, stress, and electrical tests per Apple standards
“Most people who have an Apple watch also have an iPhone, so a combined charging solution just makes sense,” says Melody Saffery, senior director of product management at Belkin. “The Powerhouse Charge Dock is designed with the consumer in mind — it organically integrates both chargers into its design so all you need to do is plug it in and go.”
The dock has a knob on the back that adjusts the height of the the Lightning tip so you can charge a phone with its case on.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Belkin says the Powerhouse Charge Dock is available at Best Buy and other leading retailers globally and supports Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch Edition, iPhone SE, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5.
LG V20 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Come September, LG will announce the successor to the V10 (above).
Josh Miller/CNET
In addition to its G5 flagship phone, LG has another top-tier handset up its sleeve that has yet to be revealed. Known as the V20, the device is the successor to last year’s V10 and is expected to continue LG’s more premium series.
Not much is known about the V20, however. We do know that it will be officially announced on Tuesday, September 6, in San Francisco (and rest assured, CNET will be on the ground reporting from the event). Its event invitation merely hints at “playing more,” but no other details are given.
LG’s official V20 invitation.
LG
The V20 will also be the first phone to come out of the box with Google’s latest mobile operating system, Android 7.0 Nougat, which has already been rolling out over the air. Fortunately for us, we know a lot about Nougat — including its support for multiwindow, the ability to reply in a notification and its battery-saving feature, Doze on the Go.
Why Google is launching Nougat with the V20 and not with its own Nexus line (like it did every year before) has us scratching our heads. Then again, Google is shaking up its Nexus strategy lately, including dropping the brand name altogether.
Lastly, the V20 will come with some high-tech audio quality. Ahead of its reveal, LG announced that the phone is equipped with a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC (digital to analog converter), which produces crisper, clearer sound and decreases ambient noise.
Others are reporting additional specs as well, like two front-facing cameras, a Snapdragon 820 processor and a USB Type-C port. Of course, we won’t know for sure until Tuesday’s event, but let us know in the comments if you’re interested in the V20 or plan on nabbing one for yourself.
How to catch a cat with Android 7.0 Nougat
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BitTorrent app once again linked to Mac malware
The developers of Transmission can’t catch a break. Just months after their BitTorrent app was linked to the first known instance of Mac ransomware, security researchers at ESET have pinpointed another form of malware taking advantage of Transmission to infect Mac users. Keydnap, as it’s called, takes advantage of a modified version of Transmission (planted on the developer’s site without its knowledge) to attack your computer. It’s similar to the ransomware’s approach in more ways than just its choice of host app — it even uses a signing key to trick Apple’s Gatekeeper safeguard into letting it through.
The malware’s effect may be limited. Transmission only had the affected version available for about a day before they pulled it, and ESET has already told Apple about Keydnap about the relevant key. It’s just a matter of blocking that key to prevent the malware from running. Nonetheless, this is a reminder that even stringent system-level protections won’t always catch rogue code.
Via: MacRumors
Source: ESET
Snapchat just made it super easy to design a filter for your wedding – CNET
Ever wanted to create your very own Snapchat filter for a party or wedding, but didn’t know where to start? Instead of paying someone on Fiverr or Etsy to do it for you, Snapchat’s new tool has filter templates you can create in minutes.
Making a Snapchat filter for your wedding, birthday or Bar Mitzvah
To get started, visit geofilters.snapchat.com on your computer. Log in to your Snapchat account, and then click Design under the Create Online icon.
Snapchat currently has filters for three different categories: Weddings, Birthdays and Celebrations.
Enlarge Image
You can pick a design for your Snapchat filter.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Step 1: Select a category, then find a filter that fits your personal tastes. Use the tools on the right side of the page to add your own text (outside of what the template already has in place), upload a photo of your own and change the overall color scheme.
Step 2: Choose the date and time you want the filter to be active for, as well as the geofence. Remember, the filter is based on time and location.
Snapchat requires a minimum 20,000 square foot area geofence, and will let you know if you need to expand your selected area to meet its criteria. The price of the filter depends on the size of the area and the length of time you want the filter to stay active.
Tip: Choose a geofence larger than the actual venue. Since GPS reception can be wonky — especially at remote wedding locations — a wider range helps make sure your guests don’t miss the filter.
Step 3: Wait. Snapchat will review your filter. Mine is currently in review — I’ll update this post when it’s approved.
When the time comes, the $5 filter I created will remain active for 7 hours in a 27,000 square-foot area. Not bad.
AIVAnet 