You don’t need to sign in to use Skype anymore
Unless you have Skype configured to boot-up when you start your computer, starting the program, logging in and connecting to a call can be mildly tedious. It’s not anymore — Microsoft just announced a new ‘Guest’ mode for Skype that makes user accounts almost completely optional. Now if you want to join a Skype call, all you have to do is click a link and enter your name.
Skype as a Guest includes voice and video calling, group instant messaging and screen and file sharing features for up to 300 people per conversation. Users will be given a unique link to share with contacts that instantly open the Skype conversation, which can be made up of more Guests, or fully signed-in Skype users.
So, what’s the catch? Not much: conversations expire after 24 hours, and you’ll still need to log-in to call a landline or use Skype’s live translation features. The account-free mode also only works in Skype.com’s web-client, but those limitations aside it seems to offer all the service’s basic free features. Not bad — particularly if you only use Skype when somebody else asks you to.
Source: Skype
Apple is reportedly testing a set of augmented reality glasses
According to Apple insiders, Cupertino’s next foray into the quickly expanding wearables market will be digital, augmented reality glasses. As Bloomberg reports, Apple has discussed a potential competitor to Snapchat’s Spectacles and Google’s Project Aura with its hardware suppliers and even ordered “small quantities of near-eye displays” for testing purposes.
If the Apple shades do become a reality, Bloomberg’s sources say they will connect wirelessly to an iPhone and will display information, images and other data directly in the user’s field of view. At the earliest, a product like this could be announced sometime in 2018 at the earliest, but Apple is notoriously secretive with its product development, which could change course at any moment. What we do know, however, is that Tim Cook has been infatuated with augmented reality, and even more so after Pokémon Go became a widespread hit. “We are high on AR for the long run,” Cook said in an earnings call back in July. “We think there are great things for customers and a great commercial opportunity.”
Overall, Tim Cook has been bullish on augmented reality. Earlier this year Apple hired up a high-profile AR expert from Microsoft’s HoloLens team and purchased the pioneering AR and computer vision company Metaio back in 2015. Although Google Glass flopped hard and Snapchat’s offering is more like a wearable camera than an AR device, there’s a sense that Apple might actually be able to pull off a can’t-live-without-it face computer. On the other hand, we’re still waiting for those AirPods to arrive.
Source: Bloomberg Technology
The Monoprice Melody Bluetooth Speaker is a great Christmas gift option
I don’t know about you, but music is constantly on around me. Whether it’s coming from my home entertainment system, my phone’s speakers, a Bluetooth speaker, or headphones, I constantly have something going. I’m by no means an audiophile, but I do enjoy quality sound reproduction for some of the more demanding tracks that I listen to.
When Monoprice offered me the chance to check out the Melody Bluetooth Speaker, I was intrigued because I’ve been familiar with Monoprice for years. Before I wrote for AndroidGuys I was just a normal consumer and bought its HDMI cables exclusively. Since I’ve gotten into writing, I was lucky enough to team up with Monoprice to review its fun and colorful USB type-C cables. Monoprice has always impressed me with the line it walks between truly outstanding prices and products with excellent quality. I was hoping that wonderful combination would show up in the Melody Bluetooth Speaker too.
Build
The Monoprice Melody Bluetooth Speaker is made of a hard plastic body and an equally plastic front grill. I would’ve like to see a metal grill in the front for a bit more premium build, but the plastic is just fine. There’s a bit of flex when you press on it, but nothing that should cause any problems unless something is coming at it at high speeds.
The top is a smooth surface with a rather barren hard plastic construction. You’ll find only three buttons on top- a previous track/volume down button, a next track/volume up button and a play/pause button that also accepts incoming calls. They’re flush with the surface with small cutouts inside them so you may not know exactly which button you’re touching if you’re going on feel alone. But, they do feel nice and clicky with an audible thump when pressed, so high marks there.
The rear of the device houses an on/off switch, USB port for charging your phone, an aux jack, a headphone jack and a DC power input port. The power button is a switch on this device so you can definitely tell when your speaker has been switched off. No holding down a button waiting for a beep. The USB port allows you to charge another device off the 6500mAh battery but is capped at 5V/1A so it won’t be a quick charge by any means. The audio in jack allow you to plug your phone directing into the device bypassing the Bluetooth functionality, and the headphone jack allows you to pull audio out device into your headphones.
Overall the build quality is pretty decent. I’ve not had any issue throwing it in my bag or throwing it in my back seat. It’s going to be a bit big for some bags like purses since it comes in at 10.2″ x 4.3″ x 3.8″, but if you have a bigger messenger bag, gym bag, or duffel bag, you should be set. While this doesn’t have the highest build quality in the world, there are way worse out there. Through extended use, mine still looks like the day I got it so I would have to say Monoprice has done well here.
Sound
What’s the point if it doesn’t sound good, right?
The Monoprice Melody Bluetooth Speaker gets loud as hell. There’s isn’t another way to state it. If you’re looking to fill an entire room, the Melody will do right by you. There are louder speakers out there like the ridiculous Braven BRV-XXL or the UE Megaboom, but they cost much, much more than the Melody.
One of the little quirks of the Melody is that a single tap on the next track/volume up button will skip to the next track and you have to hold the button down to raise the volume. This can make it hard to get the exact volume that you want and can lead to some pretty loud accidents. I’d like to see them switch the functionality of the buttons in future speakers to avoid this.
Where the Melody shines is overall clarity of audio. Some speakers can suffer from muddy audio quality where everything just sounds like it has a cloth over the speaker. That’s not the case here. Instruments can be picked out and voices are very clear. Again, this isn’t an audiophile grade speaker or pair of headphones with a massive soundstage, but for a $50 Bluetooth speaker, I am impressed at the quality of the mids and highs.
Where the Melody can suffer just a tad is in the lows. Yes, there is some bass that comes through, but not enough in my opinion. When I sit the speaker next to my keyboard while typing and play some electronic music, I can feel a bit of a thump so I know the effort is there. But, the execution leaves a little to be desired. Low booming bass is something that makes music come alive in my opinion, and really the only flaw that I can point out with the audio quality of this speaker is that sometimes music feels a little flat because of the lack of bass. I’ve certainly heard less bass in speakers, but you may want to pass on this one if you’re a basshead.
Conclusion
Popular YouTuber Unbox Therapy has a series of videos named “Does it suck?”. This is always the first question I have when unboxing a new product. Is this going to suck? The Monoprice Melody Speaker gets a big fat NO. It doesn’t suck.
Are there other speakers on the market that provide better sound? Yep, but be prepared to pay. Are there other speakers on the market that are cheaper? Yep, but be prepared to be disappointed with the audio.
Monoprice has struck a happy medium between build quality, audio quality, and price. Sure, there are a few quirks like the mixed up volume controls and the USB port only charging at slow speeds, but I don’t think any of those should disqualify it. A Bluetooth speaker’s first job is to sound good and the Melody Bluetooth Speaker delivers there.
If you’re looking to pick up a Bluetooth speaker for your kid who just went away to college, an outdoor weekend warrior, or someone looking to fill up the basketball court with some quality audio, check out the Monoprice Melody Bluetooth Speaker.
Purchase Link: Monoprice | Amazon
Buyer’s Guide: Bluetooth Speakers
AndroidGuys
Bluetooth has been a standard means of connectivity in smartphones since the first days of Android. And, because of its flexibility, other devices such as laptops and computers will often include the technology. For many of us we’re now routinely pairing a set…
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Master & Dynamic MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: Audio heaven reached (review)
I recently had a discussion with a close friend of mine about the topic that music no longer is a form of entertainment that people enjoy on its own. We have access to dozens of video streaming services that fight for our attention – Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube to name a few. Or we are creating our own media through Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
Media is changing and music and audio has become a lost art. Or has it?
I thought about the topic on my own for a period of time and think music is lost in the background for many, because we treat it with disrespect with our generic audio products.
Imagine if the painting Starry Night was done with colored pencils instead of oil paints. It definitely wouldn’t convey the beauty that it does. That’s what we are doing to our music when we listen to it with generic earbuds that come as an afterthought with our smartphones.
There are those of us who still love our music and the accuracy of it; we call it audiophilia.
We are a rare breed but we are as passionate about our audio products as anyone else with a specific hobby. Audiophiles will sit for hours at a time enjoying music the way it was recorded.
We audiophiles are willing to spend extraordinary amounts of money on audio products mainly because it is a journey that is never ending. Our demands are higher than most – we expect everything from sound quality excellence to long lasting comfort and durable build quality.
That’s where today’s review is focused; The Master & Dynamic MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones.
Main Features
- Dimensions: 200mm x 185mm x 50mm
- 45mm Neodymium Drivers
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Weight: 345g
- Over-Ear Fit
- Omni-directional microphone
- Bluetooth 4.1 with AptX
Beauty at first sight
Ever sit in a German automobile like a BMW or Porsche? The attention to detail and use of quality materials help you understand why the cars demand a premium and that’s even before the car is turned on. That’s the feeling I get with the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones every time I look at them. The craftsmanship is rare in a set of mobile accessories as almost everything is made of plastic these days, including headphones from Bose and Beats which costs hundreds of dollars.
Premium grade heavy grade cowhide is used to cover the headband and exterior, while lambskin is used on the earcups for ultimate comfort. It’s the kind of leather that looks better over time.
Stainless steel is used in all areas where the headphones need extra durability. Steel does add a bit of weight to these headphones, but not so much that someone would notice. The overall fit and feel of the headphones is so comfortable that they almost conform to your head like whipped cream melts over a hot fudge sundae. Aluminum is used in the antenna which is machined into the body of the earpiece that allows for a skip and lag free wireless signal.
The build conveys a message that I will be using these headphones for many years to come.
Controls and smart features
Similar to what you would find on many wireless headphones are controls for volume, track, play/pause, and answering/ending phone calls. The controls are built into the sides and have good feedback so you don’t accidentally change things when you don’t want to.
What’s a particularly nice feature about the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is the ability to plug in a 3.5mm cable into them to use them passively. It’s perfect for when you forget to recharge the battery or simply don’t want to deal with wireless connections.
The finest attention to detail was even given to the microUSB charging and 3.5mm audio cables. They’re wrapped in braided cotton that make the cables extremely flexible, while reducing microphonics. Microphonics is the noise that transfers from the cable into the headphones, and the wrapping on the M&D cables prevents that noise. It’s the little details like this that make the headphones a complete package.
Sound and Usage
Most audiophiles understand that all headphones are tuned differently. While some premium headphones are extremely analytical, the MW60s are rich and warm. This sound may not meet the typical audiophile’s profile for the perfect set of headphones, but it meets my daily desire for quality sound that I can listen to for hours per session.
I understand that extreme detail is one of the best quality in headphones that cost more than $500, but that detail gets tiring really quick. Most ears aren’t able to handle the highs for long periods of time, and that’s why I think the engineers at M&W tuned the MW60s to sound rich.
Rich is a good way to say the lows and mids are pronounced, with enough effort from the highs to round out the overall sound profile. What makes these headphones great are details in the mids, which in my opinion is where the money is at. Our ears hear the most sound frequencies in what is defined as the mid-range, 250-2000Hz. The 45mm Neodymium drivers are tuned deliver an unparalleled level of separation that I have never experienced in wireless headphones. The detail is so clear, that I would challenge almost any audiophile to pit the MW60s against any wired headphone in the same price range in a blind test. I highly doubt 99% of users could tell which headphones are wired and which are not.
Many assume the low-range is all about low and deep bass. There’s really more to the low-end than that though. Lower end speakers and headphones pump out high levels of bass to make up for the lack in detail to make them sound more fun. They also jack up the power levels so users can crank up the volume to make up for inadequate sound. For those looking for just deep bass, just go with Beats Audio. Looking for massive bass is like buying a car that has 1000 horsepower, but can’t take a corner without flipping. There are very few songs that have an unnatural abundance of bass when they’re recorded.
For those who take the time to give music a little more attention, they know bass comes in a wide range of frequencies. Without getting technical, there’s bass that is quick and punchy, low and rumbly, and somewhere in between too.
A song I always use to test bass is Brass Monkey by the Beastie Boys. It has wide range of low-end that can sound one-note on lesser headphones, and can also overpower the rapper’s lyrics. Using TIDAL as a source of Hi-Fi audio, in combination with the Astell&Kern portable player, the MW60s separate every low-frequency detail with perfection. It does it without piercing your ears too.
In Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones, I can discern the snare drum and tambourines like I was sitting right in front of them. I find myself playing air drums on my own a little too often when listening to the Ramones. The sound stage is massive. It reminds me of when I played the drums back in high school.
Even though I said the highs round out the sound, they are still very detailed. They’re just a tuned down a bit to remove the piercing sound that can cause ear fatigue.
No matter what genre of music I throw at the MW60s, I find myself immersed so deep in my music that I enjoy it like it I am at the actual concert. It also brings me back to a time when I was a teen and would lay on the bed and enjoy my music. It’s therapeutic and entertaining at the same time.
Master & Dynamic managed to find the right balance of price, power, sound and build in the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Make no mistake, the price alone will eliminate many consumers from ever trying the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. They’re not cheap at $549, but they’re also not ridiculously priced like other high-end headphones. It’s clear that M&D is targeting a very discerning audience. For those who don’t appreciate audio, they won’t appreciate the price. Or even the physical weight for that matter. Sometimes quality needs a little weight, just like a Bentley or Rolls Royce will always be heavier than a Honda or Toyota, or how a Rolex will be heavier than a Casio watch.
In a world of disappearing audio jacks, having the options to stream high-res music over Bluetooth or use the headphones with a cable is a luxury most competitors do not offer.
The headphones will sound spectacular no matter how you decide to use the MW60 headphones.
While the price is a bit high for most, I respect Master & Dynamic for putting its money in the headphones rather than paying high advertising fees to appeal to the masses. It gives audiophiles like me an all-around experience that very few headphones can.
For those who love audio, and for those with bigger budgets, look no further. The comfort, strong Bluetooth connection, high-quality materials, high-fidelity playback and attention to detail make the Master & Dynamic MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones my favorite of 2016.
If you want to learn more about the MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, check out http://www.masterdynamic.com. If you decide to grab a set, make sure you purchase direct so your warranty is honored in full if any problems were to arise.
Marshall Major II Bluetooth Headphones: Live for music (review)
Marshall has been in the sound game for a long time – longer than most brands you’re familiar with. The recognizable Marshall logo is seen everywhere from concerts to garages. It’s only fitting that the iconic company decided to make its own branded headphones. The Marshall Major II wired headphones were a hit which paved the way for its wireless brother, Marshall Major II Bluetooth headphones.
Iconic Build
The package comes with Marshall Major II headphones, USB-charging cable, and a detachable coiled 3.5 mm cord.
The Marshall Major II Bluetooth design is very similar to its wired predecessor, the Major II, with a few added features. The headphones come in a variety of colors: black, brown, and white. Marshall went with a lightweight and portable design. The earpieces are connected by a flexible hinge that allow it to fold up in a compact package for portability.
The outside of the earpieces features Marshall’s trademark logo and textured design seen on its amplifiers. The earpieces feature a very comfortable padding that ensures a secure fit onto your ears. The left and right sides are labeled in big gold letters on the inside of the headphones to make sure you are wearing them the proper way.
The bottom right earpiece features a 3.5 mm jack, power and Bluetooth pairing button, and a micro-USB port to charge your headphones. Powering on the device is done by long-pressing the round black button, while double-tapping will execute the Bluetooth pairing. Charging is easily done by connecting the micro-USB into a USB power source.
Underneath the left earpiece features a familiar brass knob seen on many other Marshall equipment. The knob functions like a joystick to control in-line commands. Pushing it left or right will control skipping or repeating music. Up or down will control the volume levels. This is a welcome addition seeing as how it was omitted in the wired version of the Major II. Play and pause are controlled by pressing the knob.
Comfort
I have to confess, I am not a big fan of on-ear headphones. My ears will throb after wearing on-ear headphones for longer than 30 minutes. I found out about this right after I bought a pair of on-ear Bose headphones from my friend. Needless to say, he wouldn’t give me my money back. I need new friends.
Anyways, I was really surprised at how comfortable the padding is on the earpieces. I used them all day, walking around the lab and sitting at my desk. The secure fit ensured that no noise leaked out of the headphones, which is great because I’ve been binge listening to Nickelback. I hate headphones that leak music because I listen to embarrassing music constantly.
Sound
The Major II headphones comes with aptX technology which uses a unique, compression algorithm to produce CD-like quality audio over Bluetooth. This is huge for Bluetooth devices which have been known for lower sound quality due to its limited bandwidth.
The bass absolutely slaps coming from the 40 mm dynamic drivers. The full-sounding lows create a warm sound experience, perfect for listeners who need that extra oomph from the bass. I love Pound Cake by Drake and listening to this song on the Major II’s did not disappoint. I found the vocals and highs to be clear giving it a detailed sound.
These headphones can get loud. I turned the volume up to 100% and did not hear any sound distortion. However, the bass can get a bit overwhelming but that could be because I prefer a balanced sound rather than a bass-focused one.
Usage
I work in a research lab so Bluetooth headphones are a staple in my life. I stopped using wired headphones because I would always get it caught on something and either knock it over or get minor whiplash. I replaced my usual Bose Bluetooth headphones with these for the past couple of weeks and I got to say it hasn’t been a difficult transition.
The battery on the Major II’s is absolutely absurd. It claims you can get around 30 hours of playtime. I stopped keeping track after 30 hours, but I think I was getting in the ballpark of around 40-45 hours. I used these headphones at 60-70% volume and they lasted a week and a half of frequent use before I had to charge it.
My favorite part of the headphones was the brass knob to control music. It’s such a simple function that’s neglected from many other headphone makers. The unique in-line controls are intuitive and have an array of functions for only one button. Answering and ending phone calls are also done through the brass knob simply by pressing it down.
Another great feature is the use of the 3.5mm jack on the left earpiece. You can plug in your audio cable if you run out of battery. or let a friend plug in their 3.5 mm cable and listen to music with you. Not a bad excuse to get your crush to sit close to you, wink wink.
I would recommend getting a case for these headphones. The lightweight design makes these headphones less durable than others.
Conclusion
Marshall changed the sound game with its well-known guitar amplifiers. Its technology allowed music to be loud enough to be heard and enjoyed by huge crowds. You can’t go to a rock concert without seeing Marshall everywhere.
Marshall’s Major II Bluetooth headphones retain the same caliber high performance that the company has always been known for. The 40mm dynamic drivers will produce huge bass, with clear mids and highs. You can be comforted knowing that these headphones will rarely die on you with a battery life of over 30 hours. If you do forget to charge it, you can always listen via audio cable. The addition of a unique brass knob to control music will allow you to change music effortlessly or pick up a call.
Marshall’s Major II Bluetooth headphones can be found on the Marshall site for $149. However, Amazon has the headphones on sale for only $114.98 with free shipping. This is an absolute steal for overall quality of these Bluetooth headphones. The extra functionality of being wireless and having in-line music controls makes this a considerable upgrade from its wired predecessor.
Google collaborated with over 1200 museums, galleries and institutions to bring you Arts & Culture (app review)
Do you know where the term “Impressionism” is derived from?
If you answered from Claude Monet’s painting Impression, soleil levant, which was exhibited in 1874 in the first of the independent exhibitions mounted by Monet and his friends as an alternative to the Salon de Parism, then you were right. I learned that from Google Arts & Cultures.
Arts
Art was a requirement in my schooling growing up, but I never truly appreciated it. I always saw or read about it in books that never did it justice. It was only until I was in my late twenties when I started to travel the world and see art in person when I developed a deep appreciation for it. Also, now in my thirties and living a life immersed in science and technology, I have an even deeper appreciation for art. Technology is a world of creating products that improve our lives, but also might distract us a little too much.
While science pays the bills for my lifestyle, it is a process that requires little emotion. That’s why I like to expand my horizon and appreciate art.
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte
Georges Seurat1884-1886
Art stands the test of time because it is universally accepted for its beauty and emotional response.
Google collaborated with over 1200 museums, galleries and institutions to bring art to you the history of art and culture on your smartphone, tablet and computer. It’s available for free at the official website, or as an App for Android and iOS.
There you can learn about some of the most influential artists in documented history.
You can learn about specific artists or movements and how they impacted society. You can even educate yourself about specific paintings like the featured image, Water Lilies.
This app is great for all ages. If you’re a middle aged adult like me, you can revisit art if you missed it growing up. It’s almost impossible to see all of this artwork in person since the cost of travel is so high.
There’s no cost to view or educate yourself on any of the works. That’s something most museums can’t even offer.
If you’re looking for wallpapers of art you can download the entire gallery of art I’ve collected here.
Culture
The second half of the app/website is Culture. It’s a great way to learn about historical figures and events that helped shape the world we live in today.
Imagine what kind of world this would be if the US had lost the Revolutionary War to England. We might be eating tea and biscuits with our pinkies pointed up in the air. Could the war have been won without George Washington? Probably not.
There are hundreds of historical events documented in Google Arts & Culture and thousands of places to visit around the world too.
In a world obsessed with social media, streaming videos, and games, sometimes it’s nice to learn about where we have come from and what shaped the world we live in now.
I love technology as much as any of you. However as much as I love it, I also like to take a break from it. That means turning off Clash Royale, Netflix, and Twitter. It’s nice to put on some music and read about historical events while browsing through art that gives me a different appreciation on life.
I highly recommend checking out the official Google Arts & Culture website here, or downloading the free iOS or Android apps.
App Features
– Zoom Views – Experience every detail of the world’s greatest treasures
– Virtual Reality – Grab your Google Cardboard viewer and immerse yourself in arts and culture
– Browse by time and color – Explore artworks by filtering them by color or time period
– Virtual tours – Step inside the most famous museums in the world and visit iconic landmarks
– Personal collection – Save your favorite artworks and share your collections with friends
– Nearby – Find museums and cultural events around you
– Exhibits – Take guided tours curated by experts
– Daily digest – Learn something new every time you open the app
Chat bot helps immigrants complete their visas
Legal-minded chat bots are useful for more than just fighting parking tickets — they might just start your life in a new land. Visabot has launched a namesake Facebook Messenger chat AI that helps you complete US visa applications. After you answer a slew of questions, the bot fills out the relevant forms and gives you instructions on how to send those documents to immigration officials. And it should learn over time — if you voluntarily report officials’ decisions on those forms, you can improve the bot’s approach for future applications.
The assistance is limited to two visas right now (B-2 extensions for business and travel, O-1 for exceptional individuals), but the plan is to extend it to H-1B and L-1 skilled worker visas. Your first session is free, and you can talk to lawyers over Skype if Visabot can’t answer a question.
This won’t take all the hard work out of applying for a visa, and there’s certainly no guarantee that you’ll be approved. The AI can only work with the information you provide — it can’t work miracles. However, it could eliminate some of your initial uncertainty about the process, and spare you from talking to flesh-and-blood lawyers until it’s truly necessary.
Via: VentureBeat
Source: Visabot
Jaguar introduces its first electric concept car
A world where the majority of vehicles on the road are electric is pretty much inevitable at this point. With that in mind, British luxury automaker Jaguar unveiled its first battery-powered vehicle at the LA Auto Show. But it’s not the coupe or touring car you would expect, instead the I-Pace concept is sort of based upon the company’s F-Pace SUV line.
While it may share some of the DNA of the automaker’s SUV, the I-Pace has been designed nearly from the ground up. Ian Callum, director of design for Jaguar said that not having to worry about an engine meant the cab could be expanded forward.
The result is a wide wheelbase and hood that’s shorter and more aggressive than the F-Pace. Plus, it has a sitting position that’s closer to the front wheels. And because it’s a concept car, instead of a typical metal roof, the passengers will be able to look up and see the sky thanks to a glass ceiling.
Of course the most important thing for anyone looking to purchase an electric vehicle is range. Jaguar says that it’s aiming for 220 miles between recharges. That puts it on par with the upcoming Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3.
The all-wheel-drive car is powered by motors on the front and rear axles that put out a combined 400 horsepower and 516 pounds of torque. While a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack resides under the passenger compartment.
Callum said the company wanted to built an electric car without compromise. He noted that the design of the I-Pace “is the closest we’ve ever been to a production vehicle” for a concept car.
So what you’re seeing now, might be very close to what the company eventually introduces in late 2017 for purchase in 2018. Which if you’re a fan of Jaguar or just want an electric SUV that’s not the Model X, could be good news.
Source: Jaguar
US Army’s ‘Phaser’ could fry entire drone swarms in a volley
While the US military has enjoyed several decades of aerial dominance with few enemy fighter planes to shoot down, the emergence of ISIS drones presents a new threat to American ground troops. To combat swarms of these cheap, small dangers, the US Army is testing a new anti-air device that is designed to blow multiple UAVs out of the sky in a single shot. They call it the Phaser.
No, it’s not a Star Trek-style turret. The Raytheon-built “Phaser” is a microwave-emitting dish that sits atop a shipping container containing its diesel generator power source. It relies on external radar systems to track targets, then fires a burst of radiation powerful enough to fry control systems, enough to knock drones out of the air. While it’s functionally similar to radio-based anti-UAV systems like the rifle-style DroneDefender concept, the Phaser shoots a broad swathe of energy wide enough to catch several targets per shot.
The Phaser’s electronics-destroying capabilities means it isn’t just good at skeet-shooting drones — it can knock out anything with circuits. That means iPads, computers, targeting systems or even cars speeding toward checkpoints, Popular Mechanics points out. Think of it like an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), the shockwave emitted from nuclear explosions that disables electronics. As the demonstration video below mentions, the Phaser can modulate the intensity of the blast, choosing to disrupt activity or damage a machine’s computational innards.
The Phaser began testing in 2013 and has only recently become declassified. But further details, like maximum range, are understandably still hidden. As with most weapon concepts still in the test phase, it’s unclear if or when this system will see field deployment.
Via: Popular Mechanics
Source: Aviation Week
WhatsApp finally launches video calling
WhatsApp has introduced a number of new features in recent months but perhaps the most eagerly awaited has been video calling. Some users briefly flirted with video calls back in May but it took until October before a wider set of Android device owners could get involved. Now, the Facebook-owned company is ready to unleash video calls on everybody and in the coming days will roll out the feature to iOS, Android and Windows devices.
When the feature is activated, open a chat and select the phone icon. You’ll then be given an option to place a voice or video call. When we tested the feature, we found that voice and video quality was excellent over strong WiFi, but your mileage may vary if you’re connecting via a mobile or slower broadband connection.
While Facebook Messenger users have enjoyed voice calls for over a year and a half, many popular messaging apps like still don’t offer the feature. With over one billion users, WhatsApp’s video calls can connect people all over the world, regardless of their choice of mobile operating system, allowing it stay ahead of apps like Google’s Allo.
AIVAnet 