Google WiFi, OnHub routers inexplicably crashed today

Google’s smart router projects are supposed to provide hassle-free networking, but today many owners are experiencing just the opposite. Reports are streaming in of nonfunctional Google OnHub and WiFi units pushing little more than a flashing blue light. On Twitter, the Made by Google team is advising users to try setting up again, while a support forum thread that users in need of immediate access should use the credentials printed on the bottom of their devices.

It’s unclear what caused the problem because no update went out today, but judging by reports, running through setup again is enough to get most people back up and running. Some owners with a mesh network are reporting that only one of their devices ever went offline, while there are others who are still disconnected even after a hard reset. Of course, for those with any kind of custom settings that could cause quite a headache. We’ve contacted Google about the issue and will update this post when we receive a response.

Source: Google Support Forum

Disney’s Maker Studios changes strategy and lays off employees

Disney-owned Maker Studios is putting its business through a major overhaul in an effort to become profitable. According to The Wall Street Journal, Disney is laying off around 80 people — some of them are Maker employees, while some are from the House of Mouse’s consumer products unit’s digital-publishing division. This move eliminates job dupes as Disney fully absorbs Maker Studios almost three years after its $675 million acquisition. The layoffs aren’t enough for the YouTube network to start making money, though, so it also plans to shed tens of thousands of creators to concentrate on a chosen few.

The studio will no longer help most of its 60,000 creators gain visibility and sell ads. It aims to work more closely with 300 of its most popular creators with the largest followings instead, as well as those most suited to work with Disney. YouTube creator Alexys Gabrielle, for instance, is making a show that’s a tie-in to the “Oh My Disney” website that features games, interviews and skits promoting the company’s franchises.

Maker Studios has apparently never been profitable despite its status as one of YouTube’s biggest networks. These changes have been in the works for quite a while and have nothing to do with the termination of Pewdiepie’s partnership. One former Maker exec told Digiday that he was excited to join the company after the Disney acquisition. “But when you started to poke around,” he said, “it was obvious there wasn’t much there.”

The studio’s channels might be making hundreds of millions in ad revenue, but it doesn’t own all of its creators’ content. It can’t sell videos to other platforms, and what it can do to make money is very, very limited. The only reason why its ad revenue and views kept on growing was because it added more and more channels.

In addition, Disney reportedly lost interest in investing the kind of money needed to create good original content like what Maker’s rival studios are doing. Clearly, the company is disappointed that the network hasn’t been financially successful like it thought it would be. The troubled network’s future is now uncertain and most likely depends on how well its new strategy performs.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Digiday

Apple Cut Ties With Supplier Super Micro Computer Over Server Security Concerns

Apple cut ties with server supplier Super Micro Computer in 2016 after unearthing a potential security vulnerability in at least one of its data center servers, reports The Information.

The vulnerability in the server, which was part of Apple’s technical infrastructure powering its web-based services, was discovered in the early months of 2016. According to Super Micro senior vice president of technology Tau Leng, Apple ended its business relationship with Super Micro Computer shortly after uncovering the security issue.

Leng’s account of the incident makes it sound like Apple received bad firmware from an FTP site hosted by Super Micro that may have been infiltrated, which may have compromised the server.

According to Leng, when Apple was asked to provide the version number of the firmware it had downloaded after experiencing issues, Apple provided an invalid number. After that, Apple refused to provide more information to Super Micro.

Mr. Leng said Super Micro regularly provides firmware updates that data center customers like Apple can download from a private “FTP” site, hosted by Super Micro. He said the firmware updates come from outside chip manufacturers–in this case, a networking chip maker that he declined to name.

Sources who spoke to The Information said servers that handled Siri requests and App Store search functionality may have been compromised, but an Apple spokesperson said Apple did not receive bad firmware nor was any customer data stolen.

“Apple is deeply committed to protecting the privacy and security of our customers and the data we store,” the spokesperson told The Information. “We are constantly monitoring for any attacks on our systems, working closely with vendors and regularly checking equipment for malware.”

It’s not quite clear what caused the vulnerability that led to the end of the agreement between Super Micro and Apple, but Apple has since moved on to other server suppliers, increasing orders from ZT and purchasing servers from Inspur.
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Firefox Test Pilots can try out SnoozeTabs and Pulse experimental features

Why it matters to you

If you’re willing to risk some bugs, then you can snooze your tabs and report issues with Firefox’s two new experimental features.

Mozilla introduced a Firefox Test Pilot program in May 2016 to give brave users early access to experimental features. Much like with Microsoft’s Windows Insider and other programs, joining the Firefox Test Pilot program lets users try out and provide feedback on features that will eventually make their way to everyone.

It has released two new experimental features that are aimed at making it easier to come back to interesting material later and let Mozilla engineers know about problematic sites. Mozilla covered the details of the new features, SnoozeTabs and Pulse, respectively, in a post on their blog.

More: Mozilla reopens its Test Pilot program for Firefox in the safest way possible

SnoozeTabs is aimed at overcoming the fact that we often come across just the perfect bit of information on the internet at exactly the wrong time. The new feature lets users time shift browser tabs, mark them as important, and set a specific time and date for them to reappear.

In order to use SnoozeTabs,  just hit the snooze button in the top right corner and then select a time and date for when you’d like to receive a reminder to bring back the tab. You can select from a list of times, or set the specifics yourself. Snoozed tabs can be managed from the same menu.

The new Pulse feature is focused on making Firefox a better browser. Using Pulse, users can rate the browser’s performance on a given site, letting the Mozilla engineering team know which sites work well with Firefox and which work poorly. To use Pulse, just click on the Pulse button in the address field and answer the questions that pop up.

If you want to test out these features, you need to be signed up for the Test Pilot program. You can do that here, but note that the program is available in English only. Like all such preview programs, you’ll want to keep in mind that the experimental features can cause issues, and the Test Pilot program makes it easy to turn these features on and off as you like.

Your next questions texted to an Airbnb host may be answered by chatbot

Why it matters to you

Airbnb guests could see faster responses while hosts can spend less time answering them with a new option from Burner.

A new chatbot is aiming to help Airbnb visitors get immediate answers to their questions — and allow hosts to spend a little less time answering them. Announced on Tuesday, Hostbot is a tool that answers the most frequently asked questions for Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and other vacation rental marketplaces.

The feature comes from Burner, an app from the start-up Ad Hoc that gives you another phone number to keep your actual number private while still receiving text and voice messages on the same phone. The app is popular for keeping work or project calls like rental properties separate from a private phone number.

More: Pantone’s color of the year is now an actual Airbnb house you can stay in

While Burner already offers a private number for hosts, setting up Hostbot within the Burner app creates an automatic response system. With Hostbot, when guests text one of the most frequently asked questions, the chatbot will respond for them, cutting back on the messages hosts need to send. The chatbot sends out replies that the hosts write during the initial setup — Hostbot currently uses a list of 16 of the most frequently asked questions.

When there’s a question not among that list of 16, hosts can just respond as they normally would.

The new chatbot is being added to Burner’s list of features, which includes turning off a certain number at certain times, setting unique answering machine messages or simply deleting a Burner number when you are finished with it. The company suggests using a separate Burner number for each rental property.

The launch of Hostbot came on the same day Burner announced the launch of their API, which allows third-party companies access to use Burner for their own apps or to create plug-ins to expand Burner’s functionality. That means more add-ons and chatbots like Hostbot will likely be coming to the Burner platform.

Burner is a free download for both iOS and Android, with in-app credits and subscriptions for the additional phone lines.

PSVR tips and tricks for better gamplay

If you picked up or ordered a PlayStation VR headset, you probably can’t wait to pull it over your head and enter your favorite virtual world (be it mechanized sports arenas, horrific amusement parks, or the bustling streets of London). But hold up! Your experience will be more enjoyable and far less frustrating if you know your way around Sony’s first foray into virtual reality. Here’s what you should know, whether you’re looking for the quickest way to jump right in, or for tips on preventing unwanted eyestrain.

More: PlayStation VR: Common problems and how to fix them

Tips for setting up

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Choose and measure your space carefully

The PSVR has cables — lots of cables. These include a direct line to the headset, a cord for your earphones, a cord for the outlet power, a connection to the hub, and hub cables that connect to your TV and PlayStation 4. The PSVR also needs plenty of room, including a 6-by-10-foot space to play in (and that’s when you’re sitting down). We haven’t even gotten to the camera yet, which needs to be about 6 feet away, in a high location that’s not prone to vibrations or light. Just for the record, we find it much easier to play standing up, which makes the in-VR movement seem more natural, so plan your space with standing room if possible.

So, the bad news is that you may have to do some planning and rearranging to create the ideal spot for your PSVR. The good news is that you can this while waiting for your headset to arrive! Just remember, cords, people, pets, and walls can all be physical dangers. Practice your sixth sense, and devote at least a little attention to the real world no matter what you’re doing.

Get important accessories early on

Your PSVR experience can be easily improved with a few smart purchases. Your headset greatly benefits from a separate stand, and a microfiber cloth to use for regular cleaning. When putting the headset on, you may find that a new pair of headphones and a bandana for tying down errant hair are both very helpful. Even more traditional PlayStation accessories like a separate charging dock for your controllers can be an important asset. Consider accessories like these while you are buying the PSVR so you don’t have to worry about them later.

Practice taking the headset on and off

Do this before you try turning anything on. A tight fit is important, so this is the time to test the fit, make adjustments, and figure out how it should rest on your head. Thankfully, the round button on the underside of your device will allow you to quickly disengage the headset. When the fit is right, it should be comfortable and prevent any light coming inside — this is a tough goal, but get as close as you can.

Stay away from Bluetooth devices

The PSVR doesn’t play well with other Bluetooth devices. Yes, we found this to be an occasional problem with modern entertainment systems, which tend to involve at least a couple Bluetooth connections. But it’s a good idea to pick a spot without competing signals, or to at least turn off nearby Bluetooth devices before setting up your PSVR.

Use the Adjust settings

There is a customization segment during the setup process, but we suggest paying a visit to the Adjust settings once you’re officially out of the setup process. These options will help you position your Camera, adjust tracking lights, and adjust the lights on your headset and controllers. Go through all of these to create a more stable, reliable response.

Additionally, keep all lights and reflections away from the camera’s “eye.” The PSVR camera can be particularly testy about light and other distractions. If you’re having a problem with tracking, then look to the camera first. Make sure it hasn’t fallen out of alignment, or isn’t facing a window or screen of any kind. Try turning off any nearby lights, too.

If a particular game is giving you trouble, try making some very slight adjustments to the Camera, since the best angle/distance can differ from game to game. This is easier to do once you have a little experience in how the camera and general setup behave.

You are what you tweet: Researchers predict dieting success from social media traits

Why it matters to you

People who use more positive phrases on social media sites were found to be more likely to stick to their day-to-day diet plan.

It’s obvious — your social media accounts say a lot about you. But it might not be so obvious just how much your use of sites like Twitter or Instagram reveals.

In a new study, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have shown they can predict dieting success with 77 percent accuracy.

More: Suggestic wants to use artificial intelligence to help you stick to your diet

Amid the popularity of fitness and quantified self apps, lead researcher Munmun De Choudhury noticed that many people were sharing their results on social media. “Twitter is a general purpose social media platform, not specifically about health or diet,” she told Digital Trends. “Why is it then people are sharing these diet updates on Twitter? This led to our main research question – so are there certain types of content, language, and activities shared on Twitter that would predict somebody’s future diet compliance?”

Choudhury and her team studied the words and phrases of more than 2 million tweets and over 100,000 daily fitness app entries from 700 Twitter users. They found that people who use more positive, future-focused, and self-reflective phrases were more likely to stick to their day-to-day diet plan.

On the other hand, Choudhury said, “Unsuccessful dieters tend to talk less about health and fitness in their tweets, and their self-esteem seems to be low, because they do not talk about their achievements and accomplishments. They also have fewer support they can glean from their social networks on Twitter. Finally, these dieters express more negative emotion, anger, anxiety, and sadness in their Twitter posts.”

The findings may not be revelatory, but they do suggest a way to improve dieting success, both for fitness apps and the people doing the dieting. “Despite the plethora of availability of various quantified self tools, people still struggle with maintaining good health and fitness,” Choudhury said. “Part of the problem stems from the fact that over extended periods of time, people lose their motivation of using these apps, and inability to conform to diet goals demoralizes people, leading to further abandonment.

“Quantified self tools could incorporate this information to nudge people persuasively to continue to share their diet information, and adopt better health behavior practices that can reduce the likelihood of failing,” she added.

Bionic Leaf project creates natural fish food out of thin air — sort of

Why it matters to you

Love to DIY? Try DIY-ing your food with Bionic Leaf, a technology that turns carbon dioxide into fuel for the body.

Forget turning water into wine. A new project wants to turn air into food. It’s called the Bionic Leaf, and it’s a new, almost sci-fi technology that claims to employ the power of the sun and bacteria to make food out of carbon dioxide.

So impressive is the concept that Bionic Leaf recently won a $100,000 Amazon Catalyst grant. The goal of the Bionic Leaf Bioreactor Development Kit is “to develop and disseminate a simple open-source kit using Microbial Electrolysis Carbon Capture technology to demonstrate the removal of excess CO2 from ambient air by converting it into methane fuel and food.”

What does that mean? In essence, Bionic Leaf wants to take carbon dioxide, a main culprit in the increasingly concerning issue of climate change, and turn it into fuel for the body. Not our bodies, necessarily — not yet, at least. Rather, for the time being, the byproducts of Bionic Leaf can be used as fish food, though other end results may soon take shape.

More: Feed your entire neighborhood with this new garden idea from Ikea

The beauty of the Bionic Leaf, the team says, is that it might be able to mitigate or perhaps even “reverse the catastrophic buildup of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere … by mining carbon directly from the sky and sequestering it into useful products.” While the technology behind this project has been in the works for a few years now, the point of the new Development Kits is to make the tech more widely accessible. Indeed, the Bionic Leaf team noted on its website, “The project is educational in nature and will be the basis for courses and collaborations with other inventors and tinkerers.”

Mark Minie, an affiliate assistant professor in the University of Washington’s bioengineering department, and one of the masterminds behind the new project, told GeekWire that he hopes the kits will be similar to the computer building kits of the 1980s, and that they will “spark innovation and inspire young learners the way the originals did.”

So if you’re looking for a new DIY project, consider DIY-ing your own fish food out of nothing but the air around you.

Ambiotherm may look goofy, but it lets you feel the warmth of a virtual sun

Why it matters to you

Virtual reality is all about creating immersive experiences. This wacky accessory thinks it’s got what it takes to make VR worlds even more convincing.

Virtual reality’s goal is to transport you to other worlds and make the illusion as convincing as possible. A bit like the early days of flight, when a wide range of weird flying machines were tried out, here in 2017 researchers are exploring all manner of off-the-wall ideas to make VR that bit more realistic.

The latest? A virtual add-on called Ambiotherm, which mimics the feeling of the wind and sun on your face and neck by… well, blowing air and pumping heat in your direction.

Created at the National University of Singapore, Ambiotherm is an accessory that clips on to the bottom of existing headsets. The front section boasts two fans mounted on servo-motors, while a temperature module attaches to the back of a user’s neck to create heat. Both thermal and wind effects are controlled via a microcontroller that receives commands from the headset via Bluetooth.

More: Underwater virtual reality will give you anything but a sinking feeling

Despite the two components only targeting specific body parts, the idea is that by utilizing thermal and wind cleverly in combination it’s possible to simulate complex environments, like walking through a desert, in a way that feels like it’s affecting the wearer’s entire body.

“Traditionally, VR systems simulate physical presence in an environment through visual and auditory stimuli. By utilizing only two of the human senses, this approach to VR limits the number of modalities that are engaged, in turn having a negative effect on the user’s sense of immersion during the VR experience,” the Ambiotherm project description reads. “By providing the user with a combination of visual, auditory, thermal and wind sensations, Ambiotherm is able to increase users’ sense of presence in VR experiences by simulating real-world environmental factors such as ambient temperatures and wind patterns.”

The system is due to be presented at the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Colorado this May.

Will it catch on in the long run? Almost certainly not in its present form factor. However, like the clever “brain hacks” that make you feel as though you’re walking forever in the virtual world, or the oddball haptic accessories that make it feel like you’re grasping things in VR, we suspect that all of these will one day find a place in fully-realized immersive virtual reality.

In other words, as weird as this concept is, we’re a fan. Pun intended.

Trippy VR self-portrait takes you inside its artist creator’s body

Why it matters to you

This Californian artist’s VR self-portrait shows how creatives are jumping on the virtual reality bandwagon.

The best artwork puts you inside its creator’s head.

Los Angeles artist Theo Triantafyllidis’ latest creation, “Self Portrait (Interior)” doesn’t stop at his head, but also includes a bunch of his lower organs, as well — and all of it in stunning, slightly unnerving high definition virtual reality.

The work in question is hailed as a “guided tour” of its creator, in which viewers aren’t just passive onlookers but get to make gamified decisions, courtesy of different path choices. You start off on an icy beach, before beginning your intrepid journey into Triantafyllidis’ giant, deceased-looking head, down his throat, and … well, wherever else you want. Imagine a more unnerving, artistic version of the classic 1966 sci-fi movie Fantastic Voyage, and you won’t be too far off!

It’s pretty interesting stuff, and another example of how artists who, not all that long ago were going gaga over the possibilities of video, are now busy thinking up creative ways to use virtual reality.

More: Google is helping artists work in virtual reality with new Tilt Brush tool

On a philosophical level, the work explores not just its artist’s fears and desires, but also postmodern concepts about reality versus artifice and the nature of free will in simulations. On a technical level, it’s a nifty demonstration of what’s possible for one person to put together using modern VR game engines and some original ideas.

“Self Portrait (Interior)” was commissioned by DiMoDa, a virtual institution that’s dedicated to spreading New Media Art. It was created as part of a VR group show titled Morphe Presence, which showcased four artists — including Triantafyllidis.

You can download Triantafyllidis’ “Self Portrait (Interior)” in multiple formats here, or the complete DiMoDa group show here. While you can choose whichever VR viewing format you’ve got available, you’re best off experiencing it with an Oculus Rift headset and Xbox controller.