The Morning After: Thursday December 15, 2016

Welcome to the Morning After!

This Thursday morning you’ll be reading about Yahoo’s huge data breach, Amazon’s first drone delivery (in time for the holidays!) and the not-so-whimsical journey that carbon dioxide makes around the globe each year.

The biggest breach ever?
Yahoo reports data theft affecting more than one billion accounts

How do you top a 2014 security breach that leaked info for 500 million accounts? If you’re Yahoo, apparently you reveal that another one in 2013 resulted in the theft of info (names, security questions and answers, and more) from over one billion email accounts. Also, the company believes that the unnamed state-sponsored hackers from the 2014 incident were using forged cookies to target specific accounts directly.

You always remember your first
Amazon’s first drone delivery

In three years, Prime Air has gone from concept to reality, with Amazon sending its first delivery to a customer in Cambridge, England. Operating autonomously, it completed the order in just 13 minutes. These drones fly as high as 400 feet in the air while making deliveries, and Amazon says it will open the service up to hundreds of customers living near its fulfillment center in the city.

Just three bucks per month at launch
Amazon spins out Prime Video all on its own for a global launch

Amazon has decided to fully engage Netflix and is spinning out its streaming service to stand on its own feet. Prime Video has just launched in “200 countries and territories” around the world with a competition-bating introductory price of $3/€3 per month. However, it’ll only be showing Amazon’s homemade shows.

Perfect for single-port laptops.LG targets media pros and gamers with 4K HDR display

LG’s new monitor will be ideal for new MacBook Pro owners. It supports 4K HDR with a single USB-C cable that can simultaneously charge your laptop and can also act as a USB hub. The 32-inch 4K HDR screen also going to be a very nice addition for gamers looking to upgrade, with support for console and PC HDR games as well.

Justice rains from above … and everywhere else too
Dolby Atmos comes to games, on Xbox One and Windows 10

We’ve only had a day or so of trying out Dolby Atmos audio in Blu-ray movies on the Xbox One, and now Microsoft announces it’s coming via games too. The first games ready to position audio within Dolby’s three-dimensional space (whether through your surround sound setup or headphones) will arrive in 2017. If you’re dying to try out the tech on movies, join the Insider program and then look under the Blu-ray player settings.

But wait, there’s more…

• Steam supports customizable inputs on your PS4 controllers
• Trump adds CEOs of Tesla, Uber to his presidential policy forum
• If you have a Netgear router, you need to read this
• NASA’s latest model shows a global CO2 journey over the course of a year

Apple CEO Tim Cook Attends Executive Tech Summit at Trump Tower

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Trump Tower along with other prominent tech executives on Wednesday as they gathered in New York for a summit with U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump, who was accompanied by three of his adult children.

According to The New York Times, the meeting was attended by 11 other tech executives, including Alphabet’s Larry Page and Eric Schmidt, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, and Tesla’s Elon Musk. Vice-President-Elect Mike Pence was also at the table.

Cook sat two seats away from Trump, beside Facebook board member and Trump transition official Peter Thiel, and listened as the president-in-waiting began by heaping praise on the executives in the room.

“This is a truly amazing group of people. Anything we can do to help this go along, and we’re going to be there for you… you’ll call my people, you’ll call me – it doesn’t make any difference, we have no formal chain of command here. We’re going to do fair trade deals, we’re going to make it a lot easier for you to trade.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, executives were then invited to introduce themselves one by one.

“Tim Cook, very good to be here,” said the Apple CEO. “And I look very forward to talking to the President-Elect about the things that we can do to help you achieve some things you want.”

A number of issues were discussed once the press were ushered out of the meeting room. According to several executives who attended the meet, topics included trade, immigration, and vocational education – the latter being one of the main reasons Cook has previously given for why most Apple products are made in China.

Trump has rebuked Apple in the past for basing the vast majority of it assembly plants in other countries. While campaigning earlier this year, Trump said “we’re going to get Apple to start building their damn computers and things in this country instead of in other countries”, while he has also threatened to introduce a 45 percent tax on products imported from China.

According to USA Today, Trump also told executives at the meeting that he planned to slash the corporate tax rate in the U.S. in order to make it a lot easier to repatriate money kept overseas.

Referring to his commerce and economic administration picks, Trump said they would “make it easier for you to trade across borders, because there are a lot of restrictions, a lot of problems”. He added, “If you have any ideas on that, that would be great.”

The meeting reportedly ran for two hours and included “productive discussions about job creation and economic growth”, said incoming White House Chief of Staff Renice Priebus. At the end of the summit, Trump suggested, and tech leaders agreed to, meeting quarterly, according to a person briefed on the meeting. 

Cook was a Hillary Clinton supporter during the election campaign and hosted a fundraiser for the Democratic presidential nominee in August on behalf of himself. In a company-wide memo issued following Trump’s victory, Cook urged Apple employees to “move forward together” despite “uncertainties ahead”.

Despite any personal misgivings he may have had in the past, Cook reportedly stayed at Trump Tower after the summit was over to meet privately with the President-Elect for further discussions.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tags: Tim Cook, Donald Trump
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Watch NASA’s third attempt at launching CYGNSS to space

NASA had to scrub its second attempt to launch eight weather microsatellites to space yet again. Its new target launch date? Today, December 15th, at 8:26AM Eastern time. The agency’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission was supposed to leave our planet on December 12th and then again on December 14th. Unfortunately, the first one had to be delayed due to a problem with the hydraulic pump the controls the release of Orbital ATK’s Pegasus rocket from its modified aircraft carrier. See, unlike typical rockets that lift off from the ground, Pegasus was designed to be dropped from an airplane. The second attempt, on the other hand, had to be scrapped due to an issue with the flight data used by the spacecraft’s software.

Once they finally make it to orbit, the CYGNSS microsatellites will fly in formation 316 miles above the planet’s surface. They’ll measure wind speeds over the oceans to gather data so that scientists can learn how to predict hurricanes a lot better. You can keep an eye on today’s attempt through NASA TV, starting at 7AM. NASA says there’s an 80 percent chance of favorable weather — if everything else goes well, you’ll get to see a different kind of rocket launch.

Source: NASA

Pebble Says Existing Smartwatch Services Will Continue to Function Through 2017

Pebble has moved to reassure its customers that software and services will continue to run through 2017, following Fitbit’s acquisition of the company last week.

Fitbit bought out Pebble for its software assets, not for its hardware, which has concerned many existing owners of Pebble smartwatches about the continued functionality of their devices. Today, however, Pebble sought to allay fears by confirming in a blog post that services would continue as normal for at least another year.

Fitbit is going out of its way to keep Pebble software and services running through 2017. To be clear, no one on this freshly-formed team seeks to brick Pebble watches in active service. The Pebble SDK, CloudPebble, Timeline APIs, firmware availability, mobile apps, developer portal, and Pebble appstore are all elements of the Pebble ecosystem that will remain in service at this time.

Pebble said it has “seen a massive influx of community developers teaming up to keep the Pebble watch experience alive, long into the future,” but as TechCrunch notes, what that means for third-party apps developed for the smartwatch remains unclear.

In addition, Pebble said that it was working on an update for release in the coming months that will ensure the normal operation of core Pebble functions, including Pebble Health, once the company’s cloud services close down.

Tags: Pebble, Fitbit
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Project Fi vending machine hands out free travel goodies to subscribers

Project Fi subscribers get free travel goodies.

If you’re traveling through San José International Airport, you should stop by the new Project Fi vending machine. The Project Fi Travel Trolley (as it’s called) is located across from gate 25, and is handing out free travel goodies to Fi subscribers, including eye masks, socks, and charging cables.

Traveling through SJC? Check out the new Project Fi Travel Trolley filled with goodies for subscribers. #flywithFi pic.twitter.com/W8O4xvUGyd

— Project Fi (@projectfi) December 14, 2016

If you’re a Fi subscriber, you can generate a unique QR code by dialing *#*#FLYWITHFI#*#* (that’s *#*#359948434#*#*) on your phone. Once you get the QR code, hold it up to the machine and choose your free item. To prevent abuse, you’re only eligible for one free goodie every 24 hours.

It’s certainly a nifty service and a great way to brand Project Fi offline. All Google has to do now is bring these vending machines to more airports across the country.

Google Project Fi

• What is Project Fi?
• Get the latest Project Fi news
• Discuss Project Fi in our forums
• Phones: Google Pixel | Nexus 6P | Nexus 5X | Nexus 6
• Sign up for Project Fi

Second Android 7.0 Nougat beta build rolling out to the OnePlus 3

Expect a final Nougat update for the OnePlus 3 before the end of the year.

OnePlus is rolling out a new Android 7.0 Nougat build for the OnePlus 3. The official Nougat release is slated for the end of the year, but OnePlus is offering a preview of the changes to come with the Open Beta program. The first beta build for the device was made available at the end of last month, and today’s update includes stability and UI optimizations, as well as a new expanded screenshot feature.

Here’s what’s new in OxygenOS Open Beta 9:

• Added Expanded Screenshots
• Shelf Design Optimizations
• General UI Optimizations
• DPI Optimizations
• Battery Performance Optimizations
• Stability and Performance Optimizations
• General bug fixes

You’ll be able to sideload the build by downloading it from OnePlus’ forums, which will enable you to get further updates. However, if you’re on the beta channel, you won’t receive updates for stable OxygenOS releases. You’ll have to flash your phone to an official release to continue receiving updates, a process that involves wiping all data on your device.

OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T

• OnePlus 3 review: Finally, all grown up
• The OnePlus 3T is official
• OnePlus 3 specs
• OnePlus 3T vs. OnePlus 3: What’s the difference?
• Latest OnePlus 3 news
• Discuss OnePlus 3 in the forums

OnePlus

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 review: The retro-inspired hot hatch

The fact that the GTI Clubsport even exists is a miracle in itself. Volkswagen already offers the brilliantly capable GTI and the Golf R for those needing extra spice, while the fallout from an emissions scandal has seen the entire Volkswagen group withdraw from publicising anything overtly sporting or CO2-emitting.

We should be thankful, then, that engineers decided to celebrate the 40th birthday of one of the most influential hot hatches on the planet with a complete rascal of a machine.

The changes, tweaks and additional niceties on the Clubsport may seem subtle from afar. Slip behind the wheel, however, and all becomes clear: this is true front-wheel-drive menace that manages to give a gigantic nod to the golden era of hot hatches without compromising on the mod cons.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 review: History repeating

Volkswagen isn’t averse to celebrating the birthday of one of its most successful models and the Clubsport 40 Edition follows in the footsteps of the 25th, 30th and 35th anniversary offerings, but 40 genuinely feels special.

Pocket-lint

Need proof? The Clubsport Edition 40 very briefly held on to the title of “most powerful GTI”, shortly before having it ripped from its grasp by the insane and super-limited Clubsport S.

Just 400 of the aforementioned mean machines were put into production worldwide, with just 150 making their way to the UK. But the tried and tested 2.0-litre turbo-charged engine was tuned to develop an almighty 306bhp in that machine. It lapped the ‘Ring in 7min 49.21secs thanks to it being stripped of rear seats and other such niceties, bettering Honda’s Civic Type R by 1.4 seconds and shaming the list of other front-wheel-drive hot hatches attempting to take the title.

Fortunately, the slightly more sedate Clubsport model, which we’ve been driving, is almost as powerful, generating 262bhp under normal driving conditions – but offering around 288bhp when a temporary boost function kicks in.

Pocket-lint

The Clubsport also packs five doors, comfortable seats – you know, those things your family and friends can sit on – and all of the interior gizmos one expects of a modern Golf. Yet it manages to retain a certain old school hot hatch charm that’s been missing from the market for too long now.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 review: What lies beneath

The secret to the Clubsport Edition 40’s loveable personality is the extensive list of changes that have been made to the suspension and steering. For example, it boasts an all-new spring layout, re-tuned dampers and improved aerodynamic flourishes that combine to make a car that loves to be thrown through the bends.

Where the Golf R grips like a sloth covered in No More Nails, the Clubsport Edition 40 wriggles and shimmies through the corners, hinting that it’s happy to indulge in some lift-off oversteer if you’ve got the cojones.

Pocket-lint

The steering is also sharp and precise. Granted, it doesn’t offer the sort of feedback afforded by something like a Caterham, but it means the car can be placed through a corner with confidence.

Let’s no forget that engine, either. The Gold’s transverse mounted 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder unit may be found in plenty of VW products but it doesn’t fail to deliver the goods.

When mated to the slick manual gearbox, it can be revved to the limit and wrung out for every Newton Meter of torque it possesses. The DSG auto gearbox isn’t quite as engaging but it’s rapid enough to provide thrills and comes into its own on long motorway slogs.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 review: Retro flair

To add to the nostalgic charm of the driving experience, Volkswagen has seen fit to throw in a wide black stripe, which runs from the front to rear wheels. It’s a knowing nod to the original GTI of 1976.

Pocket-lint

There are also plenty of modern touches, which stand it head and shoulders above the regular GTI range: including a larger boot lip spoiler, 18-inch Quantra alloy wheels, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and optional, figure-hugging sports bucket seats at the front.

It looks great, if a tad understated, but that has always been the appeal of a Golf: you can thrash it around a country lane and then arrive at the school gates without feeling and looking like a complete buffoon.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 review: Kit bag

Granted, there’s nothing groundbreaking about the infotainment offering but VW’s Discover Navigation system with a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen does everything you ask of it.

Pocket-lint

There’s DAB radio, 2D and 3D mapping, plus dynamic navigation based on TMC+ technology. VW will even throw in a three-year subscription to Car-Net Guide and Inform, which gives you online access to live traffic, fuel pricing, parking, weather and news feeds via a built-in SIM card.

The test car we drove also benefited from the Car-Net App Connect optional extra, which costs an additional £130 but sees Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink thrown in for tethering the compatible smartphone to the touchscreen system via a USB slot. It’s a little cheeky this isn’t thrown in for free, considering the Clubsport 40 Edition costs in excess of £30,000 and that less expensive Skodas feature the tech as standard.

Verdict

The Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is a wonderful car with just enough engineering extras and additional power to make it worth spending the extra dosh to buy.

Those wanting truly blistering performance and seemingly unending levels of grip should stick with the Golf R, but if you have a taste for old school hot hatches and don’t want to deal with a rust bucket, the Clubsport Edition 40 is the one.

Limited edition appeal, a fantastic chassis and handling characteristics that hark back to the 1980’s, what’s not to like? We’re in modern day retro love.

Prescription lenses for Snapchat’s Spectacles just got cheaper

While Snapchat’s Spectacles are pretty neat, they’re not ideal for those who need prescription lenses. A couple weeks ago, however, Rochester Optical announced that it would offer corrective lenses for the video-recording glasses for only $99. That sounds pretty good, right? Well, GlassesUSA announced today that it would offer the same thing starting at only $29 for single vision lenses.

The catch here is that you’ll need to have your very own pair of Snapchat Spectacles to start with. That’s because you’re only ordering the lenses themselves. Simply enter in your prescription and then you can choose from a variety of lenses such as reflective lenses, tinted sunglasses, transition lenses, computer “digital block” lenses” and more. Once you receive the lenses through the mail, you’ll be able to “snap” those lenses in place yourself by following a how-to tutorial. There’s no need to send the Specs to a specialty retailer.

It all seems pretty easy enough, though the trick is getting those Snapchat Spectacles in the first place. Better head on over to New York City to get your pair now.

Source: Glasses USA