A city in a warehouse in a city

I’ve always had a fascination with architectural models. This interest rose in recent months, following a move to a new apartment block. I love my new place, but it has its problems. There are over-sized windows that capture too much heat, coupled with poor ventilation. There’s the glass panel on the balcony, which rattles whenever the wind picks up. And the surrounding area isn’t beautifully landscaped, but instead a patchwork of concrete and the detritus left behind from years of construction. In the lobby of the block, there’s a scale model of my building, complete with tiny figures lounging on balconies, landscaped surroundings with vibrant plants and children playing on the terrace.

Whenever I look at that model, everything is perfect. It’s an idealized version of the real thing; the architect’s dream for what this place could’ve been, rather than the considerably more drab reality. And in Tokyo, there’s a museum that houses those dreams: The Archi-Depot. Opened a few months ago, it’s a giant room built to contain tiny structures. Shelf after shelf is filled with models, many of which are of real-world Tokyo buildings, including the tallest structure in Japan, Skytree, Haneda Airport and others. Each is accompanied by a QR code that takes you to an information page on the building, where you’ll find blueprints, information on architects, and links to other works.

The Big Picture is a recurring feature highlighting beautiful images that tell big stories. We explore topics as large as our planet, or as small as a single life, as affected by or seen through the lens of technology.

Source: Archi-Depot

App Stores Experiencing Issues on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV [Resolved]

Apple has updated its System Status page to reflect ongoing issues with all store services, including the App Store on iOS devices, Mac App Store, tvOS App Store on Apple TV, and app-related Volume Purchase Program for business customers.

Apple notes that some users may be unable to access the aforementioned stores or services or make purchases in the United States, Canada, and other regions. The issues began around 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Update: Apple’s System Status page now shows that all store services have been restored as of shortly after 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Tag: system status
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DxO ONE Gaining Improved Wi-Fi Connectivity and Waterproof ‘Outdoor Shell’

After introducing a standalone mode for the DxO ONE Smartphone Camera earlier in the year, the camera manufacturer today announced an update to its DxO ONE lineup that’ll bring waterproofing to the accessory, as well as an all-new Wi-Fi remote control. The latter feature will be available to all DxO ONE users through a 2.0 software update coming to the connected iOS app [Direct Link], while the former will manifest as a separate hardware accessory available for any existing DxO ONE.

The Wi-Fi remote control will streamline the Wi-Fi setup process on the accessory thanks to a Lightning adapter connection that allows an iOS device to “seamlessly pass its Wi-Fi authentication credentials from the iPhone to the DxO ONE.” The enhanced communication between the camera and the iPhone allows for users to retain control over every setting in the DxO ONE without needing to return to the smartphone, along with “the ability to easily view, edit and share their content to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.”

“Last year, we revolutionized mobile photography by packing DSLR-quality into a camera design so incredibly small that it could always be available in our pocket,” said DxO CEO and founder, Jérôme Ménière. “And now, thanks to WiFi Remote Control and our new accessories ecosystem, all our users can take the DxO ONE with them absolutely anywhere, without restrictions, and extend their creativity even further.”

In addition to the Wi-Fi upgrade, the 2.0 update will introduce an automatic lighting feature called Mobile Smart Lighting, battery management enhancements, an auto-focus mode, and an underwater white balance for better submerged images. The update is expected to hit sometime in the second half of September.

On the accessory side of things, DxO touts the stainless steel Outdoor Shell as an “extremely rugged” add-on that’s still easy to attach and remove at a whim. Attachable to the shell are two waterproof back doors, one that is splash proof (IP67) and one that is “fully submersible and immersion proof” up to 150 feet. In addition to water resistance/proofing, the shell protects from dust and basic accidental drops, while still providing access to the camera’s buttons and modes.

The company is also launching a line of other new accessories, including an optical adapter and a stand, both selling for $24.99. For the $59.99 Outdoor Shell, customers can choose from seven different colors: yellow, lagoon, lime, coral, black, khaki, and white. As with the 2.0 update, the accessories are expected to begin shipping later in September. The DxO ONE camera itself sells for $499.00.

Tag: DxO One
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Next Year’s iPhone Said to Include Iris Scanner to Authenticate With Your Eyes

Apple is planning to include iris scanning capabilities on the tenth-anniversary iPhone launching in 2017, according to a Chinese-language MoneyDJ report translated by DigiTimes. The latter website, citing supply chain sources, previously said the feature would not debut on iPhones until at least 2018.

An iris scanner could complement or replace Touch ID as a way to verify a user’s identity, enabling iPhone users to unlock their smartphone, make payments, and more by authenticating with their eyes. A person’s iris, or the circular colored muscle of the eye, contains a complex and random pattern that is unique to each individual.

Taiwan-based supplier Xintec, an affiliate of Apple manufacturer TSMC, will begin mass production of iris-recognition chips in 2017, likely in an effort to secure orders from Apple and other smartphone vendors next year:

Xintec is expected to enter mass production for iris-recognition chips in 2017, which will boost the backend house’s revenues for the year, the report cited market watchers as saying. New orders for iris-recognition sensors include those for the chips that will be embedded in the 2017 series of iPhone, the watchers were also quoted in the report.

Xintec said the company does not comment on rumors or speculation about specific products or customer orders.

Based on rumors, Apple’s tenth-anniversary iPhone is shaping up to be a more significant upgrade compared to the iPhone 7 series expected at Apple’s September 7 event. Other rumors surrounding the so-called iPhone 8 include a 5.8-inch curved OLED screen, glass casing, an embedded or completely removed home button, wireless charging, an enhanced Taptic Engine, and more.

Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
Tag: digitimes.com
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Garmin Virb Ultra 30 takes on GoPro Hero4 Black with 4K thrills of its own

Garmin has announced a 4K Ultra HD action camera that includes GPS, voice control and a colour LCD touchscreen for easy control.

The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second or, if you need extreme slow motion footage, 720p at 240fps.

It is waterproof thanks to an included, sealed case and can livestream footage at the touch of a button. It also has 3-axis stabilisation, and can take still photos at 12-megapixels.

Its voice command functionality enables users to bark orders at the camera, such as “OK Garmin, start recording” or “OK Garmin, remember that”.

The LCD touchscreen can be used when in the waterproof case or outside.

The Virb Ultra 30 hooks up to smartphone or tablet, which can then be used as a Wi-Fi remote control for the device. Garmin includes its Virb Edit software for desktops to cut and create videos, including an auto-create mode that builds clips based on the best moments.

It has started to rollout around the globe now, through retailers such as Amazon, although we’re still yet to see it listed on British retail sites. It is priced at $499.99 in the States and will retail for £449.99 in the UK.

Amazon Dash Buttons: 10 to get in the UK

Amazon Dash Buttons have launched in the UK allowing you to access Amazon’s one-click order service if you are a prime customer.

Each Dash Button costs £4.99 and comes with £4.99 credit – so are effectively free of charge. Setup is via Wi-Fi through the Amazon Prime app, but once linked will operate independently meaning all you have to do is press the button to order more product.

One press shows a blinking light, which turns green after around 10-15-seconds to demonstrate the order is accepted. An alert notification will follow to your device. And that’s it, job done. Dash Buttons’ batteries are said to last for years too.

With over 40 brands available at launch from cat food to Play-Doh there is plenty to choose from. Here are our top 10 favourite ones to get:

Ariel

Amazon

You always run out of washing power at the wrong time, and now when you go to get the last tablet out of the box you can press the button knowing that by the next day you’ll have a delivery of a new batch of washing up tablets. Handy

Get

Kleenex

Amazon

Like watching teary-eyed movies, or maybe you’re just one of those people that always have a cold? The Kleenex button is there for you to be able to press and order more tissues. Sadly you do have to wait at least a day for new ones to arrive before having a grizzle.

Get

Andrex

Amazon

We’ve all been there. Sat on the loo, done our business, only to realise the last person didn’t bother to tell you they had used the roll and that you need to order more. Whether it’s cursing your partner or your kids. A well placed button next to the toilet will stop you wonder just how painful using the cardboard roll actually is

Get

Durex

Amazon

Another one where some will wish Amazon did round the clock 24 hour delivery, but we can some unscrupulous cads having one in their sock draw ready to press when the box is empty.

Get

Huggies

Amazon

Buying nappies is boring, takes up loads of space in the shopping bag, and isn’t exactly the most stylish thing to be seen with one the way home from work. Buying them online makes sense, having them automatically delivered when you’re down to your last few because you’ve been savvy to press a button, even more so.

Get

Lenor

Amazon

Like the washing power above, but for softer. We aren’t sure about you, but we are always running out of one or the other in the Pocket-lint households.

Get

Derwent

Amazon

This is for the extreme artist, but Derwent have an Amazon Dash Button to let you re-order pencils without thinking about it. Stationary on tap sounds dangerous.

Get

Nerf

Amazon

I need more darts we hear you cry, and so does Amazon. Nerf has created a button just for you if you are under siege. Just don’t let the kids find this Dash Button though, otherwise we can quickly see a small armoury being built up in the following days and weeks as they eagerly press the button at the end of firefight.

Get

Finish

Amazon

Stick one of these dishwasher tablet ordering button under the sink and you’ll never need to worry about those inbetwen days when you can’t make it to the shops and are forced to wash the dishes like you are back at university.

Get

Play-Doh

Amazon

You know, for kids. Yep, even Play-Doh has got in on the Dash Button excitement allowing you to order more at the press of a button. The Amazon site isn’t clear though at the moment whether this is ordering a huge pack, single colours, or just something random. We kinda hope it’s the later just so spruce up the fun.

Get 

DxO One camera for iPhone gets Wi-Fi update, new accessories available too

We first saw the DxO One camera – a 1-inch sensor unit that connects to the iPhone Lightning connector – in September 2015. We thought it had potential, but was a mix of high and low points. Now, with its fourth software update due 1 September 2016, it adds Wi-Fi connectivity to improve its capabilities. There are also forthcoming accessories.

The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity means the DxO One can be used remotely from the iPhone, with the phone used to control the unit on the same Wi-Fi network. That means, assuming the network is one and the same, the two devices can be spaced apart – whether an arm’s length or a couple of storeys, it’s up to you – for more creative control.

As the DxO One connects to the iPhone or iPad via the Lightning connector, it means the Wi-Fi data can be passed from phone to the camera, without the need to faff about setting up both components, which is a neat solution. In addition, Wi-Fi connectivity also means less lag than at launch, which is a notable benefit.

If you’re not in a Wi-Fi network area then the option for Wi-Fi direct means phone and camera can be paired to operate up to 45-metres away from one another – which is still pretty good going.

DxO

In addition to the Wi-Fi functionality, the new DxO One software will also bring better battery management via a new Autofocus On-Demand (AF-OD) feature, which will only focus after you ask the camera to; in addition to Mobile Smart Lighting, which is like DxO’s HDR (high dynamic range) option to equalise shadows and highlight detail in slight, medium or strong presets.

The new accessories comprise the DxO Stand, for tripod mounting, priced £20; the DxO Outdoor Shell, for waterproofing to 45-metres, including a tripod mount and GoPro mount, available in six colours, priced £50; the DxO Optical Adapter, a trio of snap-on 30.5mm filter threads, to add in your own filters, priced £20; and the DxO Zipped Pouch, a mini carry case for the camera, priced £20.

Looks as though the DxO One is on the up. It’s still only available for iPhone/iPad, of course, given its Lightning connector, priced £399. We have the refreshed model in hand, so will be updating our original review in due course to see whether the new software will iron out the low points we found at launch day.

READ: DxO One original review: The iPhone add-on camera’s highs and lows

Viceland brings ‘Bodega Boys’ podcast hosts to late night TV

The latest podcast-to-TV transfer hails from the Bronx, as Viceland announced plans for a late night talk show from Bodega Boys hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero. This is the 6 month-old channel’s first dive into late night programming that co-president Eddy Moretti tells Variety is aimed towards “a young, smart, affluent audience.” With a planned October launch, Desus & Mero could arrive on screens before we see in-development shows based on the Serial & Lore podcasts.

i used to hit the @VICE store on lafayette street for evisu tees and copies of the magazine. we done came full circle.

— Desus Nice (@desusnice) August 31, 2016

As a listener, I can confirm their unique viewpoint opens up discussions that cover web development with ColdFusion just as much as the importance of avoiding ableist language. For them, firsthand advice can include how to survive a long holiday weekend in Rikers or being unmasked on Gawker without suing the place into oblivion. The comedic duo has moved up from an online series, Desus vs. Mero, as well as spots on shows like Guy Code and Wild’n Out to carve out this late night spot. Their experience at creating digital-friendly content may help them avoid Larry Wilmore’s quick exit, or some of the growing pains noted with Chelsea Handler’s show on Netflix.

Source: Viceland (Twitter)

Corning’s latest Gorilla Glass will make wearables tougher

The latest Gorilla Glass variant out of Corning’s offices was specifically designed for wearables, which tend to be more exposed to damage than phones. Corning describes Gorilla Glass SR+ as a whole new composite that’s different from previous versions and is based on Project Phire. If you’ll recall, the company teased a new type of glass called Project Phire in 2015 that’s almost as scratch-resistant as sapphire.

Corning Gorilla Glass director Scott Forester said in a statement:

“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. 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.”

Based on Corning’s lab tests, SR+ is 70 percent more resistant to impacts than the luxury cover materials smartwatches and other wearables use today. Further, the company says it has better overall optical performance and outdoor readability that ultimately contribute to a longer battery life. Corning didn’t list out which manufacturers plan to use SR+ for their wearables, but the variant is apparently expected to debut on devices that “leading global brands” will launch later this year. We’ll just have to wait and see if it’s truly as good as the glass-maker claims.

Source: Corning