Internet troll’s book deal is rescinded
Just a couple of months after announcing a book deal for Milo Yiannopolous — an internet figure most well-known for being banned from Twitter due to harassment focused on actress Leslie Jones — Simon & Shuster has apparently had second thoughts. In a statement, the publisher said that “After careful consideration @simonschuster and its @threshold_books have canceled publication of Dangerous by Milo Yiannopoulos.”
That “careful consideration” probably included a year-old podcast episode where the Breitbart editor criticized the “arbitrary and oppressive idea of consent” as it pertained to sex with “younger boys.” As NYMag explains, that video resulted in the self-styled “provocateur” being disinvited from an opportunity to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Despite the existence of that video and numerous claims of inciting internet harassment, in December he received the book deal with a reported $250k advance attached. At the time, he told The Hollywood Reporter that “I’m more powerful, more influential and more fabulous than ever before, and this book is the moment Milo goes mainstream.”
In other news, game developer Zoe Quinn’s book will come out later this year, we will share details on how to pre-order it when they are available.
Source: Adam Rothberg (Twitter)
Julian Assange ‘happy’ about the rise of fake news
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is taking time out from hiding in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to sing the praises of fake news. He appeared via satellite at a Q&A in Sydney, Australia this weekend, where he defended his organization and painted the traditional press as “opportunistic snipers” who publish “weaponized text.”
“When the narrative of fake news came out and was then taken off effectively by the neo-liberal press and pushed around … I could see exactly where that was going. I was rather happy about it,” he told the crowd, according to Cnet. “WikiLeaks is very happy that there is a narrative about fake news out there because we have a perfect record of having never got it wrong in terms of authentications.”
Assange went on to describe Wikileaks as “a wonderful library you can trust” and a source of “original pristine information.”
“I think that is the real beauty of WikiLeaks … it is that sea of information, that treasure, that intellectual treasure, that rebel library of Alexandria you can go into.”
Assange’s views are ironic considering his organization’s role in the 2016 presidential election. He was critical of Clinton and turned Wikileaks into a weapon against her. He called her potential presidency, “a consolidation of power in the existing ruling class of the United States.” Wikileaks’ release of nearly 20,000 emails sent to and from top DNC officials directly impacted her campaign. Some of the messages led to rumors that Clinton and her campaign chairman, John Podesta, were involved in Satanic rituals. Other correspondence detailed schemes to potentially undermine candidate Bernie Sanders by attacking his faith and political leanings. A number of DNC officials, including Committee chairman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned following the leaks.
Wikileaks has also faced scrutiny in recent months over its handling of personal information. It floated plans to create a database of verified Twitter user data, but changed its mind after intense public backlash. An Associated Press report called out the organization last August for publishing sensitive details on hundreds of innocent people, including teen rape victims.
Source: Cnet
What is Android TV, how does it work, and which devices offer it?
When Google shut down Google TV a couple years ago, it replaced the platform with something completely different: Android TV.
It seems to be doing reasonably well, having been well-received by both developers and manufacturers alike. Google TV had a lack of apps, but Android TV has access to the Google Play Store, so developers with a mobile app can easily apply some modifications to make an Android TV app. Plus, Android TV has Google Cast support. In a nutshell, Android TV is essentially Android optimised for the big screen.
It is easy to operate, can be controlled via voice, and has more apps than Google TV. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including how it works, when you can use it, and which devices offer it.
What is Android TV?
Simply put, Android TV is designed to bring the sorts of things you enjoy on your phone to your TV. That doesn’t mean you’ll be taking calls through your TV or trawling through emails, but it’s about ease of navigation, access to entertainment and simple interactivity. It’s about making your TV smart and doing it with an interface that’s recognisable and easy to use.
It offers voice controls and gives you control across other devices, like your Android phone and Android Wear watch. The card-based interface behaves in a familiar way, making it easier to do the things you want to do without a convoluted menu system. Essential entertainment apps are available, and there’s the opportunity for Android’s app developers to adapt apps for the big screen experience. That can be anything from information services like weather, through to gaming. Android TV lets you quickly customise your TV’s content to suit you.
For a TV manufacturer it presents a distinct advantage: why design your own smart TV platform, when Google has already done it? Why develop your own apps, when the community will be developing for Android TV? Why have your own app store when Android TV offers Google Play? For Google, it offers a distinct advantage too: it puts Android on the big screen in your house, and it provides another avenue to serve you its content.
How does Android TV work?
Discovery
Android TV is simple to learn and use. When you fire up your television or set-top box, you’ll see the main screen/home screen. It is filled with a vertical stream of rows, and you navigate through each row from left to right. The top row is the Content Discovery bar, which highlights suggested content from popular apps you use. You may see tutorials on YouTube or The Walking Dead from Google Play TV and Movies.
Voice search
Backing up a bit, right at the top of the interface you’ll see the search utility. Android TV supports voice commands, as long as you have the necessary hardware that’ll allow Android TV to hear you. In fact, the entire interface is based around voice-activated searching, which you can use through the one-click remotes, like Sony’s One-Flick remote with a built-in mic. Simply click on it to start your search.
Supported voice commands include simply stating a video game title…or more complex searches like “All the Oscar-winning movies from 1989”. When you speak a search, Android TV will not only show you all related results in Google Play but also results from Netflix, Hulu, etc. When sifting through results, you’ll notice handy cards below. They contain informational bits like who’s who in the movie you’re about to watch, other popular titles from the video game developer you’re browsing, YouTube clips featuring the actor you’re looking at, and so forth.
Google Assistant
While making an announcement at CES 2017 in January, Google confirmed Google Assistant is coming to Android TV-compatible televisions and set-top boxes. Pending a forthcoming software update, it will enable the £190 new Nvidia Shield TV to be controlled almost entirely by voice, and Samsung SmartThings support will add the ability to control smart devices around the house. It will effectively turn your Shield into a Google Home or Amazon Echo, albeit one that plays media through a TV rather than speaker and has the ability to bring up on-screen results.
We’ve seen it work with a Nest thermostat, coffee maker and lighting in an early demo, so it’s an excellent addition when it comes. Nvidia chose to use the game controller as the mic, however, so you do need to leave it lying around within earshot. Nvidia told us that was necessary. Putting the mic in the Shield TV box meant that it would have to be proudly displayed instead.
- What is Google Assistant, how does it work, and when can you use it?
Apps and content
Now, back to the vertical rows on the home screen. The second row is a list of featured apps, like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, BBC iPlayer, etc. On select TVs and devices, you may also see the manufacturer’s apps. On Sony TVs, for instance, you will get Sony Select, a portal to a selection of apps that you can also access in the Google Play Store on Android TV. Confusing, we know.
You’ll also see a vertical row for TV inputs, like HDMI 1 and HDMI 2, allowing you to easily control and switch between inputs, while the vertical row below that showcases apps you’ve downloaded or have available on your device, like the Google Play Store, Music, Album, Movies and TV Google Play, etc. Click on any of these apps in order to browse and find more content.
You can browse the full list of Android TV apps available from here.
Gaming
Below the Apps row, you’ll see a list of all the games you’ve downloaded. Android TV supports single-player, multi-player, online, and offline gaming. You can use up to four gamepads, Android phones, or tablets at once when competing against friends. You can also finish a level on your phone and play the next one on your TV, as Google Play Games saves your progress.
Settings
The last row on the home screen isn’t necessarily a row but rather a dedication area where you can click through to access settings, timers, and help guides. If you enter the Settings option, you’ll see smart TV settings such as Channel Setup, External Inputs, Display, Sound, as well as Network and Accessories menus for Google Cast, Bluetooth (so you can add a device), and System Preferences and what not.
Chromecast
One of the coolest features in Android TV is the ability to use it for casting. Android TV comes with Chromecast built-in.
If you don’t own an Android TV-compatible television, but want to cast content from your laptop or mobile device to your television, you need to buy a Chromecast HDMI dongle from Google and plug it into your television. But not if you own an Android TV-powered television or set-top box. With one, you can send everything from movies and music to even browser tabs to your television.
There’s no Chromecast HDMI dongle required. Just tap the Cast button on your mobile app to start playing on your TV.
When can you use Android TV?
Android TV officially launched in October 2014 via the Nexus Player (Google and Asus’ $99 set-top box that connects to a television), but several other companies — including Sony, Philips, and Sharp – later unveiled new televisions running Android TV at CES in January 2015. Since then, some of those TV manufacturers have scaled back, but still, there are newer Android TV-compatible products you can buy.
Pocket-lint
Which devices offer Android TV?
You following televisions and set-top boxes are powered by Android TV and are now available for purchase:
- Sharp AQUOS TVs
- Sony Bravia TVs
- Xiaomi Mi Box set-top box
- Nvidia Shield set-top box/console
- Razer Forge TV set-top box
Pocket-lint
What are the Android TV alternatives?
LG turned to WebOS in 2014 for its TV interface on its top TVs and the results were excellent. Samsung, on the other hand, has been pushing a platform it’s heavily invested in: Tizen. Panasonic even turned to Firefox OS for its sets. Either way, if you’re after a new, smart television, most manufacturers serve up their own interfaces.
Another foe to Android TV is competing set-top boxes from the likes of Apple, Roku, and Amazon. While Roku devices try be neutral and serve up access to content stores from Google and Amazon, Apple TV limits users to Apple’s own goods. Amazon Fire TV devices also heavily push Amazon Prime Video and Amazon’s own services first.
- Which is the best movie streaming box for under £150?
Report: Apple might be revamping its iPad lineup in March
Japanese website Macotakara reports that Apple’s upcoming March event will see the release of a new line of iPad Pros as well as 128GB iPhone SE and a new bright red color choice for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The company is expected to unveil iPad Pros in 7.9-inch, 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch models.
That could mean that Apple is replacing the iPad mini 4 with the 7.9-inch Pro, refreshing the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch models. and introducing a whole new model, the 10.5. However there have been some conflicting reports as to whether Apple really will do that. Both Barclays and KGI Securities failed to mention the 7.9-inch model in their predictions so it could be that the 10.5-inch will actually replace the mini 4. As DigiTimes points out, the 10.5’s screen width would be the same as the iPad mini’s screen height and, with that rumored edge-to-edge display, would fit in the same overall footprint.
Still, Macotakara is saying that the 7.9-inch will use the Smart Connector, a 12MP iSight camera, True Tone flash and display, just like its larger counterparts. The 10.5 and 12.9 inch versions will reportedly run on A10X chips while the smaller models will use the A9X.
Macotakara’s report also states that Apple plans to release an iPhone SE with 128GB of onboard storage as well as red variants of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, potentially as a licensing tie-in with Product Red. We might see new Watch bands in March as well given that the company similarly refreshed those at last year’s “Loop You In” event.
And while Macotakara is generally trusted as a source for advanced Apple announcements, there is no guarantee that the company will actually announce all of this stuff. We’ll simply have to wait until March to find out.
Via: Macrumors
Source: Macotakara
HTC’s sequel to the One X9 could launch at MWC 2017
HTC’s One X9 midrange handset apparently sold well enough to warrant a sequel, and it looks like the Taiwanese firm will now launch one, according to reports.
Rumors about the phone have popped up a few times over the past few months, giving us a pretty good look at the specs and design we should expect from the HTC X10. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming handset so far.
More: HTC jumps onto the augmented reality bandwagon by investing in Lumus
Design
On the outside, the One X10 is rumored to adopt similar design cues to those featured on the OnePlus 3, the LeEco Le Pro 3, and plenty of other Android handsets. Now, we have our first leaked photo of the upcoming handset, which matches previous rumors about the phone’s design. The photo, which comes from SlashLeaks, shows the phone as it would come out of the box — protective stickers and all.
Specs
Under the hood, the phone is expected to sport relatively decent specs, although that will largely depend on how much it ends up costing. Rumored to power the One X10 is MediaTek’s octa-core 1.9GHz MT6755 chipset, which also made an appearance in the Desire 10 Pro, along with 3GB RAM. 32GB of storage is available out of the box, though a MicroSD card slot might be available for additional memory.
Around back, the phone is set to feature a 16.3-megapixel camera above the circular fingerprint sensor and next to the dual LED flash module. The front features a 7.9MP sensor above the 5.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution display.
Below the display reportedly sits Google’s traditional back, home, and overflow buttons, noteworthy features given how prior HTC phones do not offer this set of buttons on the hardware.
If the specifications turn out to be accurate, the One X10 might not show enough improvement to persuade someone with the One X9 to make the jump. Apart from the processing package, the main difference is the former’s higher-resolution cameras compared to the latter’s 13MP and 5MP cameras.
By itself, though, the One X10 is a decent midrange option that most likely won’t break the bank — we assume the phone will not go for very much, although pricing and availability are currently unavailable. HTC initially announced the One X9 during the tail end of 2015, and sold it for around $170, so the same could happen, together with similar pricing, during this year’s get-together in Spain. The One X9 made its way to China and other parts of the world, so the One X10 might see similar availability.
Updated on 02-20-2017 by Christian de Looper: Reformatted article and added leaked photo from SlashLeaks.
AOG expands its line of gaming monitors with new 27-inch and 31.5-inch models
Why it matters to you
AOC just introduced two new monitors that offer advantages for gamers and creative professionals alike.
Display maker AOC has a full line of PC monitors aimed at a variety of markets, including gamers and creative professionals. They offer everything from displays with ultrafast 1ms response times and high refresh rates of 240Hz, to curved 4K displays with both high refresh rates and wide color gamuts.
The company has announced two new curved monitors the help round out its lineup. The AGON AG322QCX and AGON QG272FCX provide a mix of specifications that make them fairly well-rounded displays that can meet the needs of both gamers and creative professionals, as Hexus reports.
More: No trouble with these curves: AOC’s 35-inch AGON display is built for gaming
The AG272FCX is a 27-inch curved monitor offering up a curvature of 1800R promising an immersive gaming experience. Its 16:9 widescreen palen runs at Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution with the company’s Adaptive Sync technology that varies refresh rate for optimal results up to 144Hz. In addition, the 4ms response time is enhanced by AOC’s Low Input Lag mode that minimizes input lag. The monitor enjoys a 3,000:1 contrast ratio with 100-percent sRGB color gamut support.
The AG322QCX is a similar monitor with a 31.5-inch 16:9 display at QHD resolution (2560 x 1440). It offers the same refresh rate and input lag technology as its smaller sibling, along with the same 1800R curvature and VA panel. The larger monitor adds in AOC QuickSwitch controller for custom game presets. Contrast comes in at 2,000:1 with 100-percent coverage of the sRGB color gamut.
Both display offer AOC Shadow Control to help keep dark scenes visible by adjusting shadow and light levels, and fatigue during long gaming sessions is attacked with Flicker-Free technology and a Low Blue Light Mode. AOC’s Ergo Base offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments to help gamers find the best viewing angles, and the three-sided “frameless” design minimizes bezels for a stylish and minimal appearance.
Connectivity for the AG272FCX is provided by D-Sub, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB inputs. The AG322QCX offers HDMI and dual DisplayPort connections. Customizable LEDs run along the back and lower bezels of the monitors.
The monitors have been announced for Europe with availability in May 2017. Pricing is set at 389 British pounds (about $485) for the AGON AG272FCX and 519 British pounds ($647) for the AGON AG322QCX.
Vitastiq uses electro-acupuncture to measure your vitamin levels — but does it really work?
Looking at a device like the Vitastiq conjures up images of the famous scene in Back to the Future where an incredulous Marty McFly asks Doc Brown about how a DeLorean could be turned into a time machine. In the movie, such a thing seemed completely implausible to him — and that’s how the Vitastiq initially comes across too.
Originally a crowdfunded product, Vitastiq’s developers in Croatia claim the device can measure 26 essential vitamin and mineral levels by taking readings from key acupuncture points on one’s body. The data is passed wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet, showing a visual scale of where levels are at — but is this breakthrough technology or just junk science? Digital Trends got to try one for a few months to gauge whether there’s more than just a vitamin deficiency going on here.
Electro-acupuncture
The medical methodology for the Vitastiq is based on electro-acupuncture (EAV) that goes back to research done by Reinhard Voll in West Germany in the 1950s. Medical products that perform similar functions already exist in pharmacies, according to the company, so its primary claim is in using the same process, yet gleaning the results with a more non-invasive and painless process that has a mobile device component.
While measuring vitamin and mineral levels, the Vitastiq is not classified as a medical device.
The prevailing theory behind this suggests acupuncture points have an electrical current of increased conductance and decreased resistance. With calibration, those acupuncture points are referenced to gauge electrical resistance — thus leading to what is supposed to be an accurate reading. The original version of the Vitastiq used an audio cable to connect directly to the phone, but the current model is Bluetooth-enabled with a rechargeable battery and titanium body.
Registering the device through an included QR code appears to be mandatory because the information it collects is naturally personal. Vitastiq says it stores the data in its cloud servers, encrypting it and ensuring it only matches with that registration, abiding by regulations in the European Union. In the U.S., the company has an FCC certificate classifying it as a smart lifestyle device and tracker.
Ted Kristonsis/Digital Trends
Unfortunately, Vitastiq doesn’t provide any hard and fast rules on how often to use the device, so that part is left fairly ambiguous based on the user’s need. “Several times a week” is what the FAQ on the Vitastiq website suggests would be adequate, though.
More: Get a truly personalized multivitamin 3D-printed for you by Multiply Labs
The iOS and Android (version 4.0 and up) app has a section for profiles, meaning multiple users can track their own levels by switching to their own profile. That way, a child could be tracked just as easily as an elderly grandparent. The calibration and tracking process doesn’t change, regardless of age or health.
Reading levels
I would stress that, while measuring vitamin and mineral levels, the Vitastiq is not classified as a medical device because it can’t cure or treat a deficiency, nor directly impact a medical condition that stems from a deficiency. In that respect, it’s really no different than a blood pressure monitor that connects to a smartphone and app.
After a handful of attempts, the process became like clockwork.
The calibration along the outer thumb takes about 12 seconds. With a light push upon contact, the ball point of the Vitastiq recesses and a blue LED lights up on the stem, while calibration is confirmed on the app.
From there, the app gives visual indicators for each acupuncture contact point. By default, the app is on the essentials template, where 10 vitamins and minerals are measured, all upon contact points on the thumb and fingers. Advanced doubles that to 20 and includes readings from toes. Total Care goes up to 30 different readings from all over your body.
Pressure doesn’t seem to matter as much. It’s accuracy that counts, and as long as the ball point is recessed and the blue light comes on, the device is (apparently) reading something. Placement is important, which is why Vitastiq has tutorials to help users get started. It took me a few tries to make sure I got it right, particularly because of how I had to angle the stick. I knew I was getting it right once the meter moved on the app as I maintained the same amount of pressure, indicating it was doing its job.
Ted Kristonsis/Digital Trends
There was an initial inclination to press harder when the reading was at a low level, but I learned not to do that and just adjust the angle instead. After a handful of attempts, the process became like clockwork. Still, Vitastiq would better serve users by noting how much angling the stick can affect readings. The app has videos outlining how to find the right point, which is within a 3-5mm parameter, so there is some leeway in precision.
After a full reading is done, a summary shows the results, and may include a graph showing your progress over time. An information icon is always on the right, with a description of what the vitamin or mineral is, noting deficiency and toxicity symptoms, along with a recommended intake.
Gauging accuracy
How does a device like the Vitastiq compare to the accuracy of a blood test? The company commissioned and released a research study in 2015 that aimed to determine the viability of EAV as an alternative, concluding that “there is a high concordance between the assessment of vitamin status using laboratory tests and Vitastiq.”
A newer, more comprehensive study is set to be completed by the end of 2017. Either way, it’s hard to be sure without getting some corroboration from a doctor through bloodwork.
Some of the results I received surprised me, especially since I do take a multivitamin almost daily. It showed a deficiency in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, which I found odd, particularly in the latter case because I drink freshly-squeezed orange juice and eat fruit daily. Readings for that were inconsistent, so I couldn’t be entirely sure I was on track or deficient.
At the same time, if there was a solid measure of accuracy, consistently low readings would be a cause for concern. For most, getting a physical done through a family doctor might happen once a year, where vitamin levels are clear for a professional opinion. Whether the Vitastiq can provide that same level of certainty for every reading is hard to say. Blood doesn’t lie, whereas technology is known to falter.
Blood doesn’t lie, whereas technology is known to falter.
It’s the variations over the course of days and weeks that suggest Vitastiq’s creators might be on to something. If everything was the same every time, it wouldn’t seem right. Fluctuations in vitamin and mineral levels are normal, after all. If I didn’t get a lot of sun, my Vitamin D level would be lower. If I didn’t take my omega-3 pills regularly, those levels might be affected too.
It could be sheer coincidence, or it may be the device telling me something. Having never read this kind of information through a gadget before, I’m willing to take its readings seriously enough to ensure I’m more vigilant. Same with my parents, whose results weren’t all good, either.
Conclusion
While the Vitastiq does use an EAV method that isn’t entirely foreign to medical practice, it requires a great deal of trust in assessing its performance. That goes for any gadget tracking a health metric, except the difference between a typical fitness band and this device is that there’s nothing to really compare it to. Not to mention that tracking steps and estimating calorie burn is not quite as intense as measuring essential vitamins and minerals required to live a healthy life.
The burden is largely on Vitastiq’s developers to prove this existing methodology can work just as well in its non-invasive form. It’s conceptually sound, with an ease of use that anyone can appreciate, so if it is as accurate as the company claims, it can be an indispensable device for those concerned about health and wellness.
I came away from it thinking it does more good than harm. Even if slightly off, a low reading could be enough of an incentive to a balanced diet or vitamin supplement.
Highs
- Lightweight and portable
- Multi-user support
- Easy setup and calibration
- User-friendly app
- Non-invasive
Lows
- 100% accuracy unclear
- Fluctuations based on placement
- Doesn’t work with HomeKit or other health aggregators
- Pricey
Charge your devices on the trail with the $13.50 Unifun waterproof power bank
Portable chargers and external batteries are a staple for those of us who are on the move a lot, but most are not built for use in rough outdoor conditions. If you require a charger that is tough enough to be your companion in the great outdoors, or if you already own one but it isn’t quite suited for hitting the trail, then the rugged Unifun waterproof power bank may be what you need. For a short time, Amazon is offering this portable outdoor charger for just $13.50 when you enter the coupon code 7KYUNRJU at checkout.
The Unifun U821 power bank contains a 10,400mAh internal battery which offers enough juice for roughly five charges for most standard-sized phones or around three charges for larger models. The battery is paired with dual USB ports for charging two devices at the same time. Four LED lights on the side of the unit give you a quick visual indication of when it’s running low, and the device can be fully charged in under seven hours for several days’ worth of power on the go.
More: Aukey SoundTank Bluetooth speaker can be your outdoor audio companion for $45
The U821’s shock-resistant housing and IP66 dustproof and waterproof rating make it ideal for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activity where a standard charger might not hold up. Its body is bright orange for easy visibility in case you drop it in tall grass, water, or other places where a dark-colored unit might be easily lost. The power bank also doubles as a high-powered LED flashlight which can provide six to eight days’ worth of light when the internal battery is fully charged.
The Unifun waterproof power bank normally costs $17, making it an affordable option for a rugged outdoor charger even at its regular price. You can now take $3.50 off with the checkout code 7KYUNRJU, bringing the price down to just $13.50 for a limited time.
$13.50 on Amazon
Pod 3 is a modular GPS tracker for use with virtually anything
Why it matters to you
This modular GPS tracking device can be attached to anything, allowing you to keep tabs on its whereabouts using your smartphone.
One of the biggest fears of any pet owner is having their animal escape and get lost outdoors, potentially never to be seen again. But two years ago, a small start-up out of Sydney, Australia, created a device called the Pod to protect against just such an occurrence. The Pod is a GPS tracking device that can be attached to your pet’s collar, allowing you to track their location right from your smartphone.
Since its release the tracker has seen a few incremental updates, and it’s about get its most substantial redesign yet with the release of the Pod 3, a modular GPS device that delivers even more functionality.
Pod Trackers, the company behind the Pod 3, has managed to pack a lot of technology inside this tiny device. Not only does it come with GPS capabilities, but it is also equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 2G/3G cellular networking features too. This gives the user the ability to track the gadget in real time, both indoors and outdoors, across 175 countries worldwide, using an app for both iOS and Android.
More: The Action DB Pro is your favorite childhood drawstring bag all grown up
GPS tracking of this kind isn’t all that new, and we’ve seen it offered in other devices before. But what sets the Pod 3 apart not only from the company’s previous generation of Pod trackers, but from the competition as well, is its modular capabilities. The gadget has been designed to accept a number of special modules that snap into place along one end. These modules add functionality to the device beyond its tracking capabilities.
For instance, one module converts the tracker into a light and location strobe, while another is an extended-life battery that allows the Pod 3 to continue functioning for up to two weeks between charges. Other modules include a USB dock to keep the GPS working at all times and an ultrasonic speaker that emits a “discreet, high frequency noise” designed to keep birds away. Those last two modules are made to be used on a boat, car, or other vehicle.
The standard Pod 3 device is waterproof, impact resistant, and is smaller and lighter than previous versions. It can run for up to five days on its standard rechargeable battery, and it comes with a simple reusable strap that allows it to be connected to just about anything. This makes it a good choice for not only tracking your pet, but other valuables such as a car, bike, or luggage, too.
Pod Trackers was hoping to raise $50,000 through its Kickstarter campaign to get the Pod 3 into production, but with just a few days left before those efforts come to an end, it has brought more than three times that amount. That means that the device should begin shipping to supports in March, when it will also go on sale for $149. If you hurry and pre-order one now, however, you can get one for as low as $99.
Score 10 percent off Parallels Desktop 12 with coupon code through Feb 24
Software and hardware don’t always come in the perfect package, and this issue comes up most with Windows and Mac users. Sometimes you love your hardware (whichever brand of the two) but need to run different software or vice versa. Instead of being tied down to just one option, switch it up with a program that allows you to have the best of both worlds such as Parallels Desktop 12, currently 10 percent off with coupon code AFF17FEB from now until February 24.
More: Parallels Desktop 12 For Mac Debuts With The Stand-Alone Parallels Toolbox
Parallels Desktop 12 allows you to run Windows on your Mac without any hassle. The program lets you run Windows apps like they are native to Mac or PC. Released last year in August, Parallels Desktop 12 is bundled with a brand new set of tools called Parallels Toolbox, which is an app which contains over 20 new utilities designed to make virtualization a little easier, and a little more user-friendly. The toolbox streamlines some important everyday tasks, such password-protecting individual files, downloading videos from sites like Facebook and Vimeo, and recording desktop screencasts.
This latest version of Parallels has three different versions: Desktop, Pro, and Business. Pro and Business customers get expanded technical support and a complimentary copy of Parallels Access, which allows you to remotely access up to five Macs or PCs from anywhere. Parallels Desktop 12 is optimized for Windows 10 and MacOS Sierra and includes 500 GB of online backup storage for one year.
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