Android 7.1 Developer Preview now available to give your Nexus a Pixel shine
It’s been eight days since the announcement, and now the Android 7.1 Developer Preview is available to download.
Beginning with support for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C, the Preview brings a number of the Pixel’s features to these older devices, allowing developers to test Android 7.1 features in their apps.
These include circular app icons, app shortcuts, image keyboard support, and software A/B testing.
Released as Android 7.1.1 for the supported devices, Google says the Developer Preview represents “beta quality” software, and finalizes the APIs at Level 25. Thankfully, Google is now encouraging developers to update their apps to support Android 7.1 on Google Play, so Pixel owners will start seeing circular app icons and app shortcuts on third-party apps in the coming weeks.
Google also says the Developer Preview will be expanded to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 before Android 7.1 is released publicly in early December.
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Daily Briefing: Samsung hates GTA5 mods, LeEco dives into Le U.S., and the 7.1 preview is here for your Nexus
You can buy your LeEco phone at LeMall, but not the one with LeNordstroms.
Imagine if you had the new LeEco 85-inch uMax85 4k TV connected to your gaming computer to play Grand Theft Auto V. You would be able to see every little detail when the Note 7 you threw at your rival (which is Steve Haines no matter what anyone else says) blew up and caused a fire and/or a panic. You certainly won’t be watching it on YouTube, as Samsung has filed a DCMA claim over the video showcasing the popular mod. We get why Samsung isn’t finding the humor here, but abusing copyright laws isn’t how to fix it. Bad form, Samsung.
On a happier note that will get your freedom juices pumping (or something, cut me some slack) the Android 7.1 developer preview is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C. You know the drill — enroll in beta, receive download, turn to internet to say how awesome/horrible it is. We’re checking it out, too.
And who would have thought that Verizon would be the cheapest place to find a V20?
Samsung files DMCA claim against GTA5 video showing Note 7 as a weapon
Techdirt points out a YouTube video about a GTA5 mod that turned a Note 7 into a handheld grenade has been pulled over copyright claims. This is funny and sad at the same time.
Android 7.1 Developer Preview now available
Google has released the Android 7.1 Developer Preview for three Nexus devices, allowing developers to publish their apps with support for circular icons, app shortcuts and a number of other features, on the Play Store. More
LeEco launching phones, TVs, and superbikes in the U.S.
LeEco made a big entrance to the U.S. market earlier today. Bringing two phones — the high-end Le Pro 3 and the low-end Le S3 to their online LeMall (Le all the things). They’re also serious about entertainment with a positively huge 4K TV and a streaming service to pair with it.
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Verizon is selling the V20 earlier and cheaper than everyone else
If you’re looking for an LG V20 and are a Verizon customer, you’ll be pleased to know that the phone hits online sales and store shelves October 20 — and it’s more than a few dollars cheaper than it is from anyone else.
More
Android Pay is a go in Hong Kong
Starting today you can pay using your Android phone islandwide at over 5,000 locations in Hong Kong. This is of course in addition to the app perks like loyalty card management and app integration.
Bring a little bit of Pixel to your phone with the new Wallpapers app
Google has released the Wallpaper app from the Google pixel and Pixel XL to Google Play for everyone to download. There are tons of great wallpapers to choose from, both dynamic and static, and it’s worth having a look.
More
Microsoft bringing new features to OneNote for Android
Password protection, proper multi-window support, voice input and file embedding round out the October changes in the OneNote for Android app. While Microsoft may be struggling as a hardware vendor, they are killing it on the software and services side.
That’s it for tonight! See you tomorrow.
Twitter fires a VR manager after his past comes to light
Yesterday, Twitter announced that they had hired the former CEO of AngelHack Gregory Gopman as a contracted VR program manager. TechCrunch wasted no time reminding the Internet about his 2013 rant against San Francisco’s homeless, and just like that, it seems the social media company sent him packing. At 11 AM ET this morning, Gopman allegedly posted on Facebook that he was fired thanks to that post.
As Techcrunch and SFist point out, Gopman fled the city for awhile afterward until public pressure died down, then had some dalliances with the idea of helping San Francisco’s homeless before leaving for another personal reinvention. For Twitter, that’s probably not the guy you want leading your cutting-edge VR content experience when your company’s persistent abuse problems just potentially cost you getting acquired by Disney.
But Twitter’s decision to give Gopman the boot a day after announcing his hiring doesn’t bode well for the company’s VR strategy, either. It’s not like the incident was buried or forgotten: Even coverage as positive as Backchannel’s redemption piece, which explains the controversy following his rant, shows up in an easy Google search of his name.
Not that Twitter’s VR program has anything public to tarnish. While Facebook has soldiered forth into the space by open sourcing its 360-degree video camera and showcased how users will digitally hang out using its platform, Twitter hasn’t demonstrated any virtual reality applications. As TechCrunch notes, all of its VR/AR efforts come from its Twitter Cortex engineering group, which hasn’t announced anything since hiring former Apple UI designer Alessandro Sabatelli to lead the team at the end of June.
Correction: this article previously stated that Gregory Gopman was the head of Twitter’s VR department; he was a contracted program manager. It also stated that he was hired and fired in a 24-hour period; he had been employed for several weeks, but after Twitter announced he was hired on October 18th, his employment was terminated on October 19th.
Via: Fast Company News
Source: TechCrunch
Airbnb bans multi-listing hosts in New York and San Francisco
Airbnb knows that city and state governments are eager to crack down on abuse of its home rentals for makeshift hotels, so it’s taking action before it has no choice. As of November 1st, residential hosts are banned from offering multiple listings in both New York state and San Francisco — you can’t just buy up a string of apartments in the hope of turning a profit. At least in New York, it will also implement a three-strikes policy that permanently bans repeat offenders. It’s not yet certain that Airbnb will institute similar rules in other areas, though it wouldn’t be surprising if they spread elsewhere.
The effort comes just as New York’s Governor Cuomo is expected to sign a bill that fines Airbnb hosts caught violating the law. Airbnb is also proposing its own rules for the state, such as collecting taxes itself (which could prevent cheating and send money toward affordable housing) and a “simple, streamlined” registration system that would make it easier to track and thwart offenders. The company points to its cooperation with Chicago on a registration system as an example of what could happen.
The efforts could go a long way toward reclaiming real estate and lowering rental rates for honest-to-goodness residents, but they aren’t going to silence critics. Although Airbnb has taken down illegal listings and now agrees that hosts should only list one home, affordable housing advocates have asked why it took so long (and so much official pressure) to make that happen. Shouldn’t it have already been aware of the consequences of letting hosts offer multiple listings? And why can’t Airbnb deliver names of hosts with unregistered San Francisco listings, instead of suing the city to overturn the registration law? The voluntary policies are a start, but certainly not the end.
Source: Airbnb, New York Daily News, SF Gate
Russian arrested over giant LinkedIn password hack
You might not be happy that a hacker swiped millions of LinkedIn passwords back in 2012, but it sounds like you might soon get some justice. Czech police acting on behalf of the FBI and Interpol say they have arrested a Russian citizen suspected of compromising both LinkedIn and other US targets. Officials quietly caught the unnamed man in Prague on October 5th, but are only confirming the bust now for “tactical reasons.” A court will decide whether or not the alleged hacker faces extradition to the US.
Russia, not surprisingly, is demanding that officials send the accused back to his homeland. It might have a tough time making that happen, however. Prague is considered a staging point for Russian activities in Europe, and it’s no secret that the US is more determined than ever to hold Russian hackers accountable (the arrested man isn’t connected to the spate of hacks targeting the Democratic party). If the FBI gets its wish, this man could serve as a warning to hackers hoping that geography will keep American police at bay.
Via: New York Times, Mashable
Source: Czech Republic Police (translated)
‘Dead Rising 4’ DLC is as ridiculous as you’d expect.
Golf, but with ridiculous instruments of death like a fire-breathing triceratops head instead of woods and irons. That’s the pitch for Dead Rising 4’s season pass of add-on bits and sounds like the best kind of absurdity. Specifically, the “Super Ultra Dead Rising 4 Mini Golf” mode that’ll come out some time after the base game’s December 6th release date. A post on Xbox Wire says that the game of undead putt-putt is made all the more difficult with zombies acting as hazards and generally getting in the way on the mini links. It isn’t the Outlaw Golf sequel we’ve been clamoring for, but at least it’s something.
Not into golf? There will also be an add-on episode dubbed “Frank Rising,” which, as its name suggests, finds protagonist Frank West infected with the zombie virus and needing to find the cure before his life — and time — runs out. Sounds like an interesting twist on the original game’s ever-ticking countdown clock. And if you want to outfit Mr. West with a bit of [insert December holiday of choice] cheer, the “Stocking Stuffer Holiday Pack’ should do the trick.
The season pass will run you $24.99 if you’re going to take the wait-and-see approach (which is honestly the prudent option), or, you can go all out for the Digital Deluxe Version for $79.99. That’s a $5 savings over buying a physical copy plus the season pass, but you won’t have a green plastic case to put on your shelf. The choice is yours. Unless you own a PlayStation 4, that is. Sony fans will have to settle for an HD remaster of the first three games this fall, as DR4 is an Xbox One exclusive for the time being.
Source: Xbox Wire
Tesla brings self-driving hardware to its entire fleet
If you’re wondering if the Model 3 will be ready for our eventual autonomous future, wonder no more. Today Tesla announced that beginning today, all the cars it builds will have the necessary hardware to drive on their own if the owner decides they want to enable option.
According to Tesla, each vehicle produced by the company will have: “Eight surround cameras provide 360 degree visibility around the car at up to 250 meters of range. Twelve updated ultrasonic sensors complement this vision, allowing for detection of both hard and soft objects at nearly twice the distance of the prior system. A forward-facing radar with enhanced processing provides additional data about the world on a redundant wavelength, capable of seeing through heavy rain, fog, dust and even the car ahead. “
Developing.
Source: Tesla
WhatsApp Update Adds the Ability to Write and Draw on Photos and Videos
WhatsApp today added several new camera improvements for its iPhone app, including the ability to draw, write, and place emoji on photos and videos before sharing them. The features are similar to the camera features offered in both Snapchat and Instagram Stories.
Users will be able to use the new editing tools for photos and videos captured within the app and photos and videos previously captured and stored within the Photos app. The editing tools will also include the ability to change the color and font of the text.
The WhatsApp camera has also gained several other improvements, including front-facing flash, the ability to zoom in and out by sliding a finger up and down, and quickly switching from the front-facing camera to the rear by double tapping.
WhatsApp is available on the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Tag: WhatsApp
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Moov HR Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Moov
There are a lot of devices out there that promise to measure heart rate. Most do this with a sensor on your wrist or a strap around your chest. What intrigued me about the Moov HR is that it promises to measure “EKG-accurate heart rate” with a headband or swim cap.
The technique isn’t all that different from other trackers. It uses the green LED lights and optical sensors you’ve seen in Fitbits and the Apple Watch, but the sensors on the Moov HR measure blood density around the temples, rather than blood flow on the wrist. The company said this unique technique “determines heart rate with ultra-fine precision.”
The sensor on the Moov HR is waterproof and will last up to six hours, but that’s only half the story. It’s when you connect to the Moov app on Android or iOS that you can unlock the device’s full potential. The app can coach you through a variety of high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts within your target heart rate zone. This will ensure that you burn more calories and fat in the shortest amount of time. Workouts include HIIT running, indoor cycling and a bodyweight circuit.
Moov
I didn’t get a chance to see the Moov HR in person, but my colleague Lexy Savvides did. During her brief time with the device, she said that it seemed pretty accurate and the band was comfortable to wear, although she didn’t do anything strenuous with it.
The Moov HR will be available in two models, one comes with a sweatband (Moov HR Sweat) and the other with a swim cap (Moov HR Swim). Both models will begin shipping in February 2017 for $99. For a limited time, you can preorder a Moov HR for $60. International pricing and release information wasn’t immediately available, but the full US price converts to about £80 in the UK and AU$130 in Australia.
We will have a full review of the Moov HR in the coming months.
Sony Xperia XZ review – CNET
The Good Sony’s Xperia XZ looks good, it won’t die when you spill your drink on it and its bold screen makes mobile games look great.
The Bad Its battery life doesn’t impress, and nor does the camera. Its full HD display isn’t as high resolution as most of its rivals.
The Bottom Line The Sony Xperia XZ is a decent all-round phone, but it doesn’t offer any competition to its main rival, the Galaxy S7. Its high price means the XZ isn’t the phone to go for.
Visit manufacturer site for details.
Sony needs to get it together. I’ve reviewed its phones — from the top of the line down to the most basic — for several years now, and I hate to see the Xperia family decline. Hard truth: It just can’t keep up with its competitors. Take this “flagship” Xperia XZ, for example. It looks good, the screen is great and the Xperia line was water-resistant before IP68 was a glimmer in Samsung’s eye.
But that’s not enough of a reason to buy it. It costs a lot: $687, £540 or AU$999. Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy S7 phones have much better cameras and longer battery life, for the same price or less. And their fingerprint readers work all over the world — for some insane reason, Sony turns it off for the US. While there’s little that’s seriously wrong with the Xperia XZ, there isn’t much to grab my attention, and that’s a big contrast from even a year ago when Sony was an undersung brand just waiting for its time in the sun.
The Xperia XZ is a decent Android phone, but you’ll probably feel more connected with the Google Pixel, OnePlus 3 or Galaxy S7. This one will get the job done; it just won’t dazzle you while it does it.
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It’s Sony’s signature black block. That’s metal this time, not glass.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Refined design
- 161 grams (5.67 ounces)
- 146x72x8.1mm (5.7×2.8×0.3 inches)
- Fingerprint scanner on right edge — but not in the US
- Water resistant
- 32GB built-in storage
If you’ve seen last year’s Xperia Z5, you’ve basically seen the XZ. The newly rounded edges make the XZ a smidge more comfortable to hold, while also making it look less boxy. The back panel is metal, not glass, and while there’s a seam separating it from a plastic strip at the bottom, it’s smooth and feels good to hold.
The changes aren’t huge and it still bears the unmistakably monolithic Sony design, but XZ looks and feels like more of a refined, luxurious option than its predecessor.
The phone is water and dust resistant (IP68 rated, if you’re wondering), but that doesn’t mean you can take it in the swimming pool. The protection it has is designed to keep it safe from accidental drink spills or rain, but it’s not an underwater camera. Sony’s official advice states, “You should not put the device completely underwater; or expose it to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water, or liquids such as drinks. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty.” Yikes.
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Just a power button? Yes, but only in the US. Elsewhere it pulls double duty.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
There’s a fingerprint scanner on the right-hand edge, built into the power button. Its position means the scanner is right beneath your thumb when you hold it in your right hand, or under your index finger when you hold it in your left. It’s quick to register your fingerprint, and I found it to be fast and accurate in granting access.
Those of you in the US should note that the fingerprint scanner is disabled in the model sold there. In America, it’s just a dumb power button. It’s an odd move and it does put the XZ a step down against rivals like the Galaxy S7, which have the scanners built in wherever you buy them.
There’s 32GB of built-in storage as standard, but you can pop in a microSD card to expand that to your heart’s content. The XZ uses the new USB type-C, so prepare to replace your stash of old Micro-USB cables.
Bold display
- 5.2 inches
- Full HD (1,920×1,080-pixel resolution)
Colours really pop on this screen, making it a good option if you like playing vibrant games like Candy Crush or watch colourful TV shows like “Power Rangers.” Although maybe that’s just me.
It’s a bright screen too, easily countering the overhead lights in CNET’s London office, and being easily readable under Britain’s grey, autumnal clouds. How it fares under midday summer sun remains to be seen, but I’m comfortable saying it’ll be at least as good as most of its main rivals.
It has a full HD (1,920×1,080-pixel) resolution, which is sufficient to make apps and games look crisp, but it’s not as high as you’d expect from a top-end flagship. Phones such as the Galaxy S7, LG G5 and HTC 10 all pack ultra high resolution displays, so the XZ feels like it’s coming up short here. For everyday use this won’t make much difference, but if you want to use a phone with a VR headset — where the phone will be displayed close up in front of your eyes — that lower resolution will be noticeable.
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The Xperia XZ runs Android Marshmallow.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Android Marshmallow, with additions
- Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software
- Sony custom interface
- Too much preinstalled software
- 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
- 3GB RAM
The phone arrives with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on board, which isn’t the absolute latest version — that honour goes to Android Nougat — but it’s the most recent version you’ll find on most phones at the moment. Sony has confirmed that the XZ will get the update, but hasn’t yet set a firm date.
AIVAnet 