Venus may have supported life before Earth
Venus is a hellhole. Despite being much closer to Earth than Mars, its climate is off-the-charts insane: Average temperatures of 864 degrees F, crushing barometric pressure, and did I mention the volcanoes? It’s hard to believe that as little as 750 million years ago, it may have had oceans of liquid water and an Earth-like, habitable climate, according to simulations from NASA Goddard Institute researchers. Those conditions may have endured for several billion years, until volcanoes transformed it into its present, hostile state.
Venus is nearly the same size as Earth and is 25.8 million miles closer to the Sun, so it receives about 40 percent more solar radiation. It’s still on the edge of the so-called habitable zone, but the atmosphere is heated in the extreme by greenhouse effects caused by the dense, mostly carbon dioxide atmosphere. The thick clouds also reflect 70 percent of sunlight back into space, making it the brightest object in the sky, other than the moon.
Astronomers figure it wasn’t always like that, though. While Venus now has very little water in its atmosphere, it could have had oceans as deep as 525 meters (1,700 feet) billions of years ago. The atmosphere was likely far less thick and toxic, too. The Goddard team plugged all of those factors into climate models used for Earth, and they showed that it had a mean surface air temperature of 11 degrees C (52 degrees F), with max temperatures at 95 degrees F. That means that several billion years ago it could have been just as likely to support life as Earth, if not more so.
The surface of Venus in false color (NASA/JPL)
There are a lot of “ifs,” though. The simulation depends on the rotational period and topography of Venus being about the same as they are today. Venus takes a ridiculous 243 Earth to spin once on its own axis, but planets usually spin slower over time. When the simulation was re-run using a faster rotational period of 16 Earth days, average temperatures were nearly 5 times hotter — 133 degrees F, maxing at an inhospitable 183 degrees F. Changing the landscape to be more Earth-like, meanwhile, yielded temperatures warmer by 18 degrees F — also borderline for life.
The new models don’t prove that Venus was once habitable, but they do show that it could have been. That knowledge may allow astronomers to reconsider exoplanet habitable zones by taking rotation into account. It also provides another theory for how life got on Earth. Scientists already think that meteor impacts spread materials between Mars and our planet, possibly seeding life. If Venus harbored life billions of years ago, it might have done so, too.
The work may also motivate scientists to search for life on Venus as well as Mars. That won’t be easy, however, because the Venera probes Russia sent didn’t last more than a couple of hours in the extreme temperatures.
Via: Gizmodo
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
The Psychology of Internet Security
We all know what fun the internet can be, especially social media. With our numerous accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and other sites we open ourselves up to people all over the world. While a lot of these are potential new friends, there are some out there that have less than friendly motives for getting in touch.
With this in mind, there is a need to keep security high. We wouldn’t share information with a stranger on the streets, so why would we share these details with some random stranger out on the world wide web? Businesses such as Logdog are aware of this hence the rise in Anti-virus software and Anti-hacking tools
A lot of the problems with this is that we often don’t know just how much we are sharing, and this needs to change. When commiting to anything online you’re usually served some lengthy T&C’s and it’s difficult to understand just how much information you are sharing about you.This is why it’s important to have your online security for mobile phones installed to help prevent you from downloading any untrusted apps or content.
What needs to happen with the people who enjoy the internet is a change in the way it is changed. This can be done psychologically by changing the way they see the way social media and other sites work, and making them wake up to the real world.
While this may seem like scare stories, we just have to look to the news to find out about the rise of identity theft. This can often come from sharing too much information, not checking that our trash has been shredded before disposal, and of course online. The amount of times people share passwords with others is a worrying trend, and often leads to all kinds of problems.
The fact is, people need to realise that you can’t really trust anybody. If you decide to trust them, then it is your own choice, but you should also be aware of just how much you choose to share. When emails come to you with offers that sound too good to be true, would you give your details over with the hope of winning big? The problem here is that some people do.
What we need to do is realise that every “deal” we are offered has to be scrutinised. If the email sounds too good to be true, why are you even getting it? If it is from a known source, then the level of danger may be lessened. This shouldn’t stop the reader of the email checking the email address to make sure that the origin of the communication is also legitimate.
The simple fact is that the Internet is not a place to be implicitly trusted. We always have to be on our guard and question everything we see. Even if this is a chance to meet somebody for a date, what do you know about this person? The real answer to internet safety is to think safety first at all times, and always be aware of what you’ve chosen to share online.
Amazon’s Great Indian Sale discounts the Xiaomi Mi 5, OnePlus X, and much more
If you’re in the market for a new phone, you’ll want to check out Amazon’s Great Indian Sale. The retailer is discounting several phones, including the Xiaomi Mi 5, which is now available for ₹22,999.
Here’s what’s on sale:
- Xiaomi Mi 5 – ₹22,999 – down from ₹24,999
- OnePlus 2 – ₹20,999 – down from ₹22,999
- OnePlus X Ceramic – ₹18,999 – down from ₹22,999
- Honor 7 – ₹21,999 – down from ₹22,999
- Samsung On5 Pro and On7 Pro – discount of ₹1,000
The overall discount may not seem like a lot, but these phones rarely go on sale. In addition to handsets, Amazon is discounting SD cards, storage devices, and more. Check out the sale from the link below.
See at Amazon
Essential accessories for Galaxy Note 7
What are the best accessories to pick up for the Galaxy Note 7? Well, there are a bunch, so let’s take a look.
Whether you want to make sure that your new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is protected, able to be charged everywhere you are, or has enough storage for your local media, there are a number of accessories you can add to enhance the experience. Samsung will be offering a wide variety of its own official accessories for the new phone, but there are also going to be a ton from other brands. With the move to USB-C from Micro-USB, you may need some new cables, and the addition of the microSD slot may prompt you to buy a new card.
Maybe you aren’t sure what you should pick up, so let’s take a look at some of the must-have accessories for the Galaxy Note 7, so you can be prepared for when it arrives.
Keeping it charged
Even though Samsung has included a 3500mAh battery, you may still need some additional power through the day, especially if it will be a long one. With the move from Micro-USB to USB-C, odds are you will need some new charging accessories
USB-C Cables and adapters
Samsung USB-C cable
If you prefer to charge your phone with Samsung-branded accessories, this is the cable for you. Odds are that you will need to grab an extra cable for the office, your car or just to have around so you don’t need to carry the one from the box with you everywhere. This cable will support up to 3A of power output for charging the USB-C devices quickly. You can also use it to sync data between your phone and computer, like pictures, movies and more.
See at Samsung
Choetech USB-C six pack
If you are moving from a Micro-USB phone to a USB-C phone for the first time, you’ll likely need to replace a bunch of your cables with new ones. Choetech’s six pack scores you a bunch of cables to keep around for a great price, and they all vary in length. There are cables as short as 1.5-feet, and as long as 6-feet. The best part is, when you bundle them you save big. You don’t want to miss out on this if you need a few extra cables to spread around to charge and sync your phone.
See at Amazon
Samsung Micro-USB to USB-C adapter
Samsung includes a Micro-USB to USB-C adapter in the box with the Galaxy Note 7, but with how handy it is, you may want to pick up a spare. Whether you want to grab an extra for your car, office or just to keep in a bag, this could save you from not being able to charge your phone because of a lack of cable. For just $10, you can’t really go wrong, and then you can use some of those existing accessories with your new phone.
See at Samsung
Aukey USB-C to USB 3.0
Whether this is your first USB-C phone or not, having an adapter around is something that will almost always be beneficial. Since it isn’t a super popular charging cable yet, odds are your friends and family may not have one laying around. This adapter takes the USB-C port and allows a regular, full-sized USB cable to charge the phone instead. It also supports USB OTG, so you can use it to plug in flash drives, keyboards and more.
See at Amazon
Wireless Charging Pads
Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand
There are tons of options available when it comes to wireless charging stands, but Samsung’s own option is hard to beat. With its angled design, you can keep your phone standing up, and the Fast Charge technology gets you the most amount of power in the shortest amount of time. It is relatively small and portable too, so if you want to take it with you on trips and such it won’t take up much space. The charging stand is available in both black and white, so you can pick the one that you prefer.
See at Amazon
Spigen Wireless Charger
One of the tricky parts about wireless charging is getting your phone lined up with the coil so that charging can begin. Spigen’s charging pad offers three coils inside, so you can easily find one to make it easier to start charging. It’s design features a lip at the bottom so your phone won’t slide around, and instead will stay in place. It will also keep the device somewhat upright, so you will be able to see calls and notifiactions as they come in. You’ll want to pair this charging pad with a 2A adapter to get the best results in charging speeds.
See at Amazon
Portable battery packs
Kmashi 20000mAh power bank
It isn’t always easy to get your phone connected to a wall or car charger, but a portable battery pack allows you to charge anywhere. Kmashi’s 20000mAh unit features Quick Charge 2.0 compatibility so you’ll get a faster charging rate, and it has two USB outputs for charging multiple devices. There is a built-in LED flashlight, as well as four LED indicators to show you how much power the pack has left. You recharge it with a Micro-USB cable, and the thin design makes it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
See at Amazon
Anker 5000mAh power bank
If you are looking for an ultra-compact power bank to carry around, Anker’s PowerCore 5000 may be the perfect option for you. It has a cylindrical design and a small profile so it is easy to stick in your bag, purse, or even pocket just in case you find yourself in need of some additional battery life. Sure, it doesn’t have as big a capacity as others, but it will fully charge your Galaxy Note 7 from empty, and it’s easy to carry around with you. It has a single USB output that utilizes Anker’s PowerIQ technology to provide the fastest charge possible to any phone.
Car Chargers
If the car charger that you already have allows you to just plug a new cable into it, then you can swap in a USB-C cable and you will be set. If you are looking for something with faster charging speeds, or just want something new, there are a few options.
Aukey Quick Charge 3.0 Charger
Aukey’s Quick Charge 3.0 car charger offers three ports for charging your electronics, two of which are full-size USB ports, and one of which is a USB-C port. Using this charger you’ll be able to charge your Galaxy Note 7 up to four times faster than with an older charger, and you can charge multiple devices at the same time. To sweeten the deal, Aukey provides a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, so you won’t even need to purchase an extra for the car.
See at Amazon
Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging Vehicle Charger
Samsung is also offering its Adaptive Fast Charging vehicle charger to keep your Galaxy Note 7 charged up while you are in the car. Thanks to its Fast Charge technology, this charger should be able to get you from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, which allows you to spend less time connected to a plug and more time enjoying everything else. It offers two USB ports, so you can plug in the cable of your choice to charge multiple electronics at the same time.
See at Samsung
Staying protected
The Galaxy Note 7 feels incredible in your hand without a case, but that also leaves it out there braving the elements on its own. Odds are you will want to keep it protected, but without hiding its beauty. You don’t need a big bulky case for it, but a layer of protection is something you will find yourself wanting.
Cases
Samsung Protective Clear Cover
Samsung is offering four different color options with the Note 7, and you likely will want to show off the color that you pick, right? Well, with this case you can prevent scratches and dings on the phone, while still showing it off. It wraps around the back and four sides of the phone, offering a thin layer of protection and easy access to all the ports and S-Pen. Don’t be caught without a case, and don’t sacrifice style for protection, especially when you can get the best of both worlds in one case.
See at Samsung
SUPCASE Rugged Holster
If protection is most important to you, you’ll want a solid case that can clip into a holster so that your phone will be safe at all times. SUPCASE’s rugged case has a dual layer design, with a TPU layer and a hard shell to prevent damages during drops, bumps and more. Since the Galaxy Note 7 is already on the larger side, adding a bigger case may make it hard to get it in your pocket, but luckily you can just dock it in the holster that clips to your belt, and not worry about the size. It is available in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that best matches your preference.
See at Amazon
Having enough storage
Samsung has bumped the internal storage up to 64GB this year, and added the microSD card slot back to the phone. While 64GB may be enough for most, it won’t be for everyone. You are gong to want to make sure you have a good, high-speed card inside the phone if you add storage, not just a cheap card from the corner store.
High-speed microSD cards
SanDisk 200GB microSDXC
SanDisk was one of the first to bring such a large card to market, and since its release it has been an extremely popular option for many. If you don’t think the 64GB of internal storage is enough, but can’t justify the cost of adding Samsung’s own microSD card to the phone, this is a great option. You’ll be able to store plenty of additional files and media on the card, without filling up the internal storage of the phone.
See at Amazon
Samsung 256GB EVO+ microSD
This is actually the card that Samsung is offering for free for a limited time, but if you would rather have the fitness tracker you could always grab this separate. Being one of the largest microSD cards available, Samsung’s latest card is also plenty fast to serve your needs. Whether you want to store pictures, videos or lots of documents, they should all fit pretty easily on this, allowing you to keep your phone’s internal storage reserved for games and apps.
See at Samsung
For your wrist
Whether you are looking for a fitness tracker or something to show you your notifications without reaching for your phone, there are a few options that will pair well with your Galaxy Note 7.
Smartwatch
Samsung Gear S2
A great complement to the Galaxy Note 7 is Samsung’s own Gear S2 smartwatch. With its circular interface, the Gear S2 is based on Samsung’s Tizen, and allows you to use the rotating bezel to move around the various aspects of the OS. From using apps to tracking health and seeing notifications, the Gear S2 makes it easier to leave your phone in your pocket and see the information you want at a glance. It is available in both a regular and Classic design, with various color options.
See at Samsung
Fitness Tracker
Samsung Gear Fit 2
Samsung will be offering the Gear Fit 2 as a freebie with the Note 7 for a limited time, but if you picked the microSD card and still want a fitness tracker, it is a great option. The Gear Fit 2 can track how many steps you’ve taken, how many calories have been burned, how you slept and much more. In addition to tracking all the great fitness related information, it can also display your notifications and allow you to response to calls and texts right from your wrist. It is available in black, blue and pink, and you can select between small and medium/large to get one that fits you just right.
See at Amazon
Other accessories
There are a number of other things you may need for the Galaxy Note 7 over time. If you are the type to lose things, you may find yourself in need of a replacement S-Pen at some point in time, a case with a physical keyboard attached to it or something else. If you are eyeing an accessory not listed here, be sure to let us know in the comments which one it is and why you want it.
Polar M600 could get Android Wear back on track
Polar has launched its very first Android Wear device, and just like the rest of its wrist-worn gadgets, it’s designed with the fitness fanatic in mind. And it could be just what the Android Wear market needs to get back on track. With new announcement from Google’s wearable OS being quiet of late, a partnership with Polar is just what the doctor ordered.
The Polar M600, although Android Wear based, still has its own set of unique features, thanks to the manufacturers years of experience in the fitness market. And it looks really impressive.
Using its advanced built-in sensors it can tell you exactly how many calories you’ve burned based on your weight, height, age, gender, individual maximum heart rate and how hard you’re training, rather than just making guesses based on steps and pace. It also uses all your data to give you feedback on your activity on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
After each training session, it gives you immediate feedback describing the effect of your run, bike ride or swim. As well as that, you can train for a specific running event using its training program feature, choosing from four different targets. Whether you have a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon coming up, the watch sets up a schedule to get you ready for it.
Polar
It’s not just a fitness tracker though, it can also track your sleep at night so that you can see how healthy your resting patterns are and – like many other fitness trackers – it can give you a poke when you’ve been inactive for too long. And, so that it’s not just a vague, generalised tracker, you can set up multiple sport-specific profiles to more accurately train for each individual sport.
All this information is displayed on a square 1.3-inch 240×240 resolution screen which uses transmissive TFT technology and is covered in Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Inside, the watch features a 500mAh battery which Polar claims will give you two days use, and up to ten hours of continuous training.
To measure heart rate accurately, Polar has equipped the device with its own bespoke 6 LED-based system. There’s also the usual selection of sensors; including the accelerometer and gyroscope for tracking motion, and the ambient light sensor, vibration motor and ambient light detector.
Perhaps more important than all of those sensors is the GPS, which means it can quickly and accurately track your location without the need of a smartphone. So you’ll be able to take it out and leave your phone behind. What’s more, the watch is built with IPX8 water resistance, which means you can go swimming in depths up to 10 meters, and it’ll be just fine.
The Polar M600 is available to pre-order now for £264.50, and comes with either a black or white silicone strap.
Analyst claims Apple Watch 2 due later this year
Across the land, armchair speculators are all talking about one thing: if we’ll get a new Apple Watch this year, and what features it’ll get. But Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at KGI Securities, believes that his wild speculation might be worth paying attention to. He’s told his clients — as reported by MacRumors and AppleInsider — that a second Apple Watch will arrive in the second half of this year. His note suggests that the device will get a faster processor, GPS, barometer, better waterproofing and a bigger battery.
Some of those additions would easily pass a smell test, like the addition of a built-in barometer and better waterproofing. Those seem like the sort of decent, incremental refinements that Apple is famous for producing year-on-year. But the more capacious battery seems a little harder to swallow given Sir Jonathan Ive’s well-publicized aversion to adding power at the expense of thickness. Although it’s likely that smaller internal components may provide enough space to cram a few more mAh inside the case.
We’re not so sure about Kuo’s claim about GPS being added to the device, given the power such a module currently requires. With the first-generation Watch, you’re likely to get through a day of normal use with 20 to 30 percent of charge left in the bank. GPS requires an order of magnitude more power, and Polar’s dedicated running smartwatch has a 500mAh battery and can get 8.5 hours of GPS on a full charge. The first-generation 42mm Apple Watch has a 205mAh cell, and unless the company has developed a new low-power module, it’s simply not going to happen for a while.
The report also mentions that LTE support will come to the watch in 2017 and that the 2018 version will be medically reliable enough for FDA approval. LTE in a smartwatch isn’t impossible since we’ve already seen it in LG’s Urbane LTE, but we expect that Apple will, again, need to research low-power options before adding it. As for FDA approval, we can’t speculate on something that’s so far away, although Apple is one of a handful of tech companies with the money and patience to see something like that through. Not to mention, of course, that it’s already made in-roads into drug research using its ResearchKit platform.
Way back in 2013, TUAW ran an analysis of Ming-Chi Kuo’s analyses and found that “Half of Kuo’s predictions ultimately turn out to be either partially or substantially incorrect.” Like when he suggested that prices for Apple Watch would start at $1,000 (it didn’t) or that Apple would launch a HDTV in 2015 (it didn’t) or that the non-Retina MacBook Pro would be killed off forever in 2013 (you… you get the idea).
Via: The Verge
Source: AppleInsider, MacRumors
Delta computer system meltdown puts all flights on hold
After a strange succession of software bugs and glitches delayed and grounded flights across several airlines last year, you’d think system resilience would be top-notch by now. Delta Airlines, however, is living through one of these nightmare moments today, with all departing flights on hold at the time of writing. A widespread computer meltdown is at the heart of the problem, with Delta issuing the standard “we’re working on it” statement, and warning any passengers booked in to travel today not to head to the airport without checking the status of their flight first.
Customers should check the status of their flight before heading to the airport while the issue is being addressed.
— Delta News Hub (@DeltaNewsHub) August 8, 2016
Update: According to Delta, a power outage in the middle of the night threw its systems into disarray. The issue is ongoing, and the airline anticipates “large-scale cancellations” today.
Via: BBC
Source: Delta Airlines
Bloomberg: iPhone 7 gets new home button, drops headphone port
Another report has suggested that Apple is taking a different tack with this year’s iPhone. Bloomberg reporter and renowned Apple scooper Mark Gurman has published a story claiming that the new handset will have a design “similar to the 6 and 6s.” We’ve heard this before — it suggests that Apple is holding back on a big aesthetic change until next year, when the iPhone celebrates its 10th birthday. Gurman is also reporting that the next iPhone will ditch the headphone jack — again, something that’s been rumored for some time — switching instead to “connectivity via Bluetooth and the charging port.” (Get ready for lots of Lightning headphones.)
The iPhone is known for its sublime photo-taking capabilities, however recently Android manufacturers — particularly Samsung — have managed to close the gap, if not create leads of their own. Apple is reportedly working on a dual-camera setup for this year’s model which will produce “brighter photos with more detail” by merging separate images shot with each sensor. The configuration will also help to sharpen photos captured in dark conditions, as well as retain image quality as the user zooms in.
Finally, Bloomberg is reporting that the new iPhone will have an updated home button similar to the MacBook’s Force Touch trackpad. Instead of a physical click, the new button will trigger a series of vibrations under the surface. The reasons for this are a little unclear — it could provide new functionality, or simply serve to save some space under the hood.
We’ve heard these rumors before, but Gurman’s story gives them greater weight. If they prove accurate, this year’s iPhone launch will be quite unusual. We’re used to a “tick-tock” release cycle — a numbered iPhone, followed by an iterative “s” model — which would make this year the iPhone 7. A largely unchanged design, similar to an “s” phone, would buck this trend, raising expectations for a more dramatic handset in 2017.
Source: Bloomberg
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus to Feature Pressure-Sensitive Home Button With Haptic Feedback
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will feature a flush pressure-sensitive home button in place of the physical switch button found on previous iPhones, according to a Bloomberg report filed this morning.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the news outlet said that the new models will have a pressure-sensitive button “similar to trackpads in the latest MacBook line” that will provide feedback to the user via a vibrating haptic sensation instead of a true physical click.
Last month, Mac Otakara cited unspecified supply chain sources that it claimed confirmed the veracity of an April Stormmedia report suggesting the same thing. MacRumors has also heard the same rumor from DigiTimes and analysts at Cowen and Company, but Bloomberg’s report today substantially increases the likelihood that the rumor is indeed accurate.
In addition, the article claims that the dual cameras now widely expected on the larger iPhone 7 will produce brighter photos with more detail, “according to a person who has used a prototype version of the upcoming device”.
Both sensors, which each capture color differently, simultaneously take a picture, and the device produces a single, merged photograph, said the person.
The dual system sharpens photos taken in low-light environments, the person said. The combination of the merged photos from the two camera sensors also allows users to zoom while retaining more clarity, the person added.
Elsewhere, Bloomberg noted that the new iPhones will have no antenna bands running across the back of the handsets, and Apple will remove the headphone jack in favor of connectivity via Bluetooth and the Lightning port. That will make room for a second speaker, said the paper’s source, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Other rumored features for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus not included in the article include a faster TSMC-made A10 processor, faster LTE and Wi-Fi, a slightly larger battery, and a minimum 32 GB of base storage.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus next month. Pre-orders could begin Friday, September 9, ahead of retail availability on Friday, September 16, according to noted leaker Evan Blass.
Related Roundup: iPhone 7
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Pokémon Go Debuts in 15 Asian Countries, But Not India or China
Pokémon fans in 15 countries got their first chance to play wildly popular mobile game Pokémon Go over the weekend, but prospective players in China, India, and Korea are still waiting for the title to debut in their own territories.
Niantic confirmed trainer locations on Friday in the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.
Niantic CEO John Hanke told Forbes that Pokémon Go’s introduction in Korea is proving particularly challenging, due to Google Maps’ information system being limited because of security concerns over North Korea.
As for China, Hanke called a rollout “technically possible, but difficult to introduce due to the many hurdles, or should I say regulations we’d have to clear to get it to users.”
Niantic has been silent on the reasons for the launch hold-up in India, which is home to a lucrative mobile market of over 200 million users.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Council of Virtual Spaces has temporarily banned Pokémon Go in the country. According to the BBC, the ban is related to “unspecified security concerns” and followed a short meeting where the council “were waiting to see to what extent the game’s creators would co-operate with them”.
The game has been downloaded 100 million times in the U.S. alone, and is reportedly responsible for doubling sales of portable smartphone battery backups as players roam for extended periods trying to locate pokémons.
Its ratio of paid users to total users is said to be 10 times that of Candy Crush, which generated over $1 billion of revenue in both 2013 and 2014. According to brokerage Needham & Co, Apple is set to make $3 billion in revenue from the game’s in-app purchases in the next one or two years.
Tag: Pokémon GO
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