U.S. airlines are no longer required to warn passengers about the Note 7

The Note 7 saga is finally coming to a close.

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that airlines in the U.S. will no longer have to notify passengers about the Note 7. The phone is still banned from all passenger and cargo aircraft, but with Samsung stating that it recovered over 96% of Note 7 devices, the Department of Transportation is lifting its requirement regarding pre-boarding notifications:

The Department of Transportation removed the requirement for air carriers to specifically notify passengers about the Note7 phone immediately prior to boarding due to the high degree of public awareness of the ban since issuance of the emergency restriction/prohibition order, as well as the extensive efforts by Samsung and U.S. wireless providers to make all Note7 users aware the phone is recalled and banned from transport on U.S. aircraft.

The awareness of the ban is evidenced by the significant rate of recall returns.

With the FAA removing its requirement, other aviation ministries from around the world will likely follow suit.

For its part, Samsung has worked with carriers to effectively brick the Note 7 in the U.S. to expedite the recall process and mitigate any further explosions. The company undertook similar measures globally. As for what caused the phone to explode in the first place, we’ll likely find out the answer to that sometime this month.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

• Galaxy Note 7 fires, recall and cancellation: Everything you need to know
• Survey results: Samsung users stay loyal after Note 7 recall
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 review
• The latest Galaxy Note 7 news
• Join the Note 7 discussion in the forums!

Samsung Galaxy S7 will get Nougat update from 17 January

European Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners should begin receiving an over the air update for the official version of Android 7.0 Nougat from 17 January. The news comes after a screenshot leaked online with an official announcement from Samsung Turkey, confirming the news.

• When is Android Nougat 7.1.1 coming to my phone?

The screenshot only mentions the model number, G935F, which is the European version of the Galaxy S7 Edge, but we can safely assume that the regular Galaxy S7 will get the update as well, since Samsung had been running a beta trial version of Nougat for SGS7 and SGS7 Edge owners in the UK, US, Korea and China under the Galaxy Beta Program.

• Samsung Galaxy S7 can try a taste of Nougat with the ‘Galaxy Beta Program’

The Beta Program ended at the end of December, when Samsung said the official version would be rolled out in January. It’s not clear if the S7 Edge Olympics Games limited edition or S7 Edge Injustice edition will get the update after they were omitted from the Galaxy Beta Program.

It also isn’t clear when Samsung will roll out Android 7.0 to other Samsung Galaxy S7 owners around the world.

There are conflicting reports as to what version of Android Nougat will be seeded to Galaxy S7 devices. The leaked screenshot only mentions Nougat 7.0, but Samsung has previously stated the phones will get the latest version, Nougat 7.1.1, to keep them up to date with the competition.

According to the IB Times, it’s thought that certain versions of the phone, such as models on Verizon’s network and Vodafone Australia will only get Nougat 7.0 when the update is made available.

Sony Kids caters for young ones with new catch-up channel on YouView

Sony has announced it has launched a dedicated Sony Kids catch-up TV channel, accessible through YouView. The new player has launched today, 10 January, and is the first to launch since YouView underwent a design overhaul.

• YouView unveils faster, cleaner, TV user interface

The Sony Kids player will make full use of YouView’s new cloud services and will comprise Sony’s three UK kids channels: POP, Tiny Pop and KIX. With the Player, youngsters will be able to catch-up on missed shows, scroll back through an EPG, or use a search function to find something specific a little quicker.

The new service will be available for free across all YouView connected devices, including BT TV and TalkTalk TV boxes and is targeted at boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. To access Sony Kids, you’ll need to head to the main YouView menu where you can already find apps and services such as Netflix and Now TV.

• BT TV is getting a new look, more content and virtual reality in 2017

David Faulkner, Head of Corporate and Business Development, YouView said: “Sony Kids is a great addition to our already strong line up of Players and Apps. We strive to offer content for all ages as well as families and Sony Kids helps to grow our offering.”

Europe proposes stricter privacy rules for messaging apps

Less than a year after passing a strict set of data-protection laws, and the European Commission is already proposing some additions to bring them up to speed with the current reality online. As it stands, web services and communications apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Gmail and iMessage aren’t subject to the same privacy rules that cover telecoms operators. If the commission’s proposal is approved, Europe’s ePrivacy Directive would be extended to cover those apps, while also adding some controversial new rules on how cookies are used.

Lumping in communications apps with telecoms providers actually limits the amount of data WhatsApp, Facebook and others can share, and web companies operating in the EU would have to guarantee that users’ voice, text or email conversations are confidential. It also means that services like Gmail would no longer be able to serve advertisements based on the content of a user’s email, unless that user explicitly opts-in — which could potentially put a huge dent in revenue.

Meanwhile, the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association still believes the proposal will hold its member groups to stricter regulations than their web-based competitors. The ETNOA also claims the updated regulations would limit future technology by restricting things like location data in connected cars, IoT devices and mobile apps.

On the other hand, as TechCrunch reports, the new rules would also open up some business opportunities for the telecoms, allowing them to use metadata to provide “additional services,” such as sharing location data with cities or transportation companies to help plan new infrastructure. In cases like that, however, users would still need to consent to have their information shared.

The EC is also proposing to “streamline” the rules around when a site or service must alert the user that they are being cookied. While the EC claims their proposed changes will give individual users more control over their privacy settings, advertisers are arguing that the changes will actually add clutter to the web. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau (whose members have an obvious incentive to cookie and track as many web users as possible), the new rules would “undeniably damage” their business model by forcing users to “more actively deal with constant requests for permission for the use of harmless cookies when visiting websites and using other digital services.” However, certain “non-privacy intrusive” cookies — like the ones that keep track of what’s in your online shopping cart or monitor a site’s web traffic — won’t require active consent.

Finally, as TechCrunch also notes, there are a few popular pieces of ePrivacy language missing from the proposed rules. One earlier proposal to turn off cookies in browsers by default was scrapped alongside a plan that would have allowed European citizens to bring class action lawsuits against companies that violate the privacy rules. At the time being, these are just proposals, and they still need to be debated and approved before they take effect, but the EC hopes to have everything finalized by May 2018.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: European Commission

YouTube wants you to make a music video for Elton John

Like many legendary musicians, Elton John didn’t get music videos for some of his best-known songs — they simply came too soon for the likes of MTV. Thanks to the internet, however, he’s getting a second chance. YouTube is backing a competition, Elton John: The Cut, that challenges you to brainstorm an official music video treatment for “Bennie and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” or “Tiny Dancer.” There will definitely be some tall hurdles to clear. A trio of YouTube creators will screen the initial entries, and the resulting finalists will face scrutiny by John as well as long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, DreamWorks’ Jeffrey Katzenberg, music video director Melina Matsoukas and Moonlight director Barry Jenkins.

The rewards should be worth the effort, and we’re not just talking about the prestige that comes with visualizing a classic tune. The winners get the support they need from YouTube and Pulse Films to make their video, and $10,000 on top of that to help with any subsequent projects. You will have to hustle if you want to claim any glory, though, as the competition stops taking entries on January 23rd.

Source: YouTube Official Blog

New Xbox gamepad colors are simple, subdued

Choosing which color controller you want to saddle your second, third and fourth players with was a time-honored tradition until Microsoft launched the Xbox Design Lab last June, which theoretically allows for 8 million combinations. For those paralyzed by choice or who don’t care to shell out the extra $10-$20 to build their own, the company has released two more color options in the Xbox One’s already-extensive first-party controller list. Which is great if you prefer your gamepads sharing hues with stage blood or army green.

Alright, fine, the first is closer to drying blood and looks similar to the previously-released Gears Of War 4 edition controller stripped of its logos. That one’s available at the Microsoft Store and Gamestop today for $65. The other, a sort of subdued Master Chief-esque dark green hiding exciting orange undertones, will be available at the Microsoft Store and Walmart on January 24th. Like all the latest Xbox One controllers, these can also be used with Windows 10 and Samsung Gear VR.

Source: Xbox blog

Obama talks social media and climate change in final address

During his farewell address President Obama tackled many different issues, from the importance of our democratic institutions and the lingering effects of racism. But he also took a few moments to briefly address the economic, environmental and technical challenges facing Americans of all stripes.

For all the rancor over globalization and “free” trade, Obama argued that it was the “relentless pace of automation” that were the primary challenge facing the middle class and low-skill laborers. Trade deals became something of an unexpected issue during the campaign season, with both President-elect Donald Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders lambasting their negative impact on the economy. In his parting words as President though, Obama sought to change the conversation somewhat, by pointing to our technological progress that has made “many good, middle-class jobs obsolete.”

While he didn’t call out any particular politicians by name, he made it clear that he believed protectionist trade policies and tariffs were not the solution. Instead he believes that the changing economy and job market requires “a new social compact.”

He also addressed the continuing polarization and stratification of our country, arguing that “it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles… and never challenge our assumptions.” Of course these bubbles can be neighborhoods or campuses or churches, but as he also points out the problem has grown with the rise of social media and a news “channel for every taste.” He also urged Americans to engage more with each other, not just online but face to face, saying, “If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try to talk with one in real life.” Then he turned his eye to the relentless spread of fake news and naked propaganda, saying:

“Without some common baseline of facts; without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent is making a fair point, and that science and reason matter, we’ll keep talking past each other, making common ground and compromise impossible.”

That became the jumping off point, of course, for talking about climate change. President Obama took on deniers of climate science saying, “reality has a way of catching up with you.” He defended his administration’s record on renewable energy and its work in reaching international agreements to limit greenhouse emissions. But also said it was not enough, that unless more was done to rein in our reliance on fossil fuels, “our children won’t have time to debate the existence of climate change; they’ll be busy dealing with its effects.”

You can watch the president’s full remarks above, or read a complete transcript here.

Nintendo hid a secret message in the Famicom Mini

The NES Classic and it’s Japanese counterpart are already incredibly cool — but you know what makes an awesome toy even better? A secret message. Apparently, developers that worked on the Famicom Mini emulator left a short, hidden message in the code: “Please,” it says, “don’t break everything!”

It’s a cute, tongue-in-cheek message that calls back to Nintendo’s history and acknowledges the passion that went into building the Classic consoles. “This is the hanafuda captain speaking,” it reads, referncing Nintendo’s original business of selling Hanafuda game cards. “Launching emulation in 3.. 2.. 1. Many efforts, tears and countless hours have been put into this jewel. So, please keep this place tidied up and don’t break everything!”

The message is cute, but it’s also an subtle nod to the persistent modder community. The developer knew someone would break into the console eventually. Of course, they were right. Still, it’s a nice easter-egg for folks brave enough to fool around with the console’s code.

Via: Siliconera

New Video Pits iPhone Click Wheel Prototype Against Scott Forstall’s Icon-Based iPhone Prototype

A couple days ago Sonny Dickson shared a look at one of two early prototypes for the original iPhone, the iPod Click Wheel-based OS that iPod “Godfather” Tony Fadell was working on. Tonight, Dickson has shared a video pitting Fadell’s version against Scott Forstall’s icon-based iPhone prototype, which went on to become the basis for iOS.

Fadell’s prototype was referred to as P1 while Forstall’s prototype was referred to as P2. The two projects reportedly went head to head in 2005 when Steve Jobs pitted the two against each other. While the P1 used the click-wheel interface to navigate the OS, the P2 used a series of touch-based icons to move around the OS.

Both P1 and P2 run a prototype OS Apple codenamed “Acorn OS” internally, though Dickson notes that P1 runs faster because it uses a slimmed down version of Acorn OS. Each prototype also sports a unique logo that pops up after the Acorn OS logo while it boots up.

The P2 loads octopus whereas the P1 has the iPod classic logo. The P2 takes a significantly longer to load because it actually has a real OS, whereas the P1 takes much less time since the OS is slimmer. These P unit prototypes are so early in the development process that they rely on a custom process to be turned off, and can only be powered down during a certain step of the boot process.

The video, and accompanying photos, provide both a look at the choice Steve Jobs and Apple employees faced as they were developing the iPhone and iOS 10 years ago and how Apple explores ideas. As Dickson notes, “P devices” are the first step of any project at Apple. They’re barely-functioning devices that allow the company to explore and test concepts, iterating on them until they’re satisfied enough to push the project further.

More images of the P2 iPhone prototype are available on Sonny Dickson’s website.

Related Roundup: iOS 10
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Dacor Heritage Column Refrigeration Collection Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

The Heritage refrigerators are Dacor’s first counter-depth refrigerators. The interior is stainless steel, and LED lights surround the shelves.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Samsung has already started to rub off on the luxury appliance brand the company bought last year. That brand, called Dacor, just revealed its latest line of products at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Tuesday in Orlando — counter-depth refrigerators with cameras built into the door shelves.

The two cameras built into the door of the Heritage refrigerators take pictures of the food inside.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The Dacor Heritage Column Refrigeration Collection will be available in the US beginning in February. The company didn’t immediately have prices available.

Samsung’s acquisition of Dacor, a manufacturer based out of California, now gives the company the chance to add its own technology to high-end appliances and appeal to folks with fatter pocketbooks. And Samsung doesn’t have to create luxury appliances from scratch — as part of the acquisition, Dacor kept its name and US operations and manufacturing. Essentially, Dacor can provide the body, and Samsung can provide the brains.

Samsung got serious about connected refrigerators last year when the company released the Family Hub Refrigerator. The behemoth included a 21.5-inch touchscreen built into the fridge’s door, its own set of apps and connected cameras. Other companies such as LG have also upgraded their refrigerators to include cameras and connectivity.

There are two cameras built into the door of the Dacor Heritage fridge that take pictures of what’s inside. So if you forgot your shopping list at home, you can see what’s inside your fridge when you’re at the grocery store.

Features

• Fridge/freezer combos come in the following widths: 24-, 30-, and 36-inch
• Freezer-only is 18 inches wide
• Push-to-open doors
• Freezer can make regular or cocktail ice (clear cubes that are about 1-2 inches wide)
• Touch controls
• Integration with Dacor IQ kitchen app