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21
Mar

Apple Discontinues iPad Mini 2


Apple today discontinued the iPad mini 2, which launched in November 2013 and was most recently sold for $269 in the United States. Apple’s cheapest tablet is now the new 9.7-inch iPad, which starts at $329, while those preferring the 7.9-inch size can purchase the iPad mini 4 with 128GB of storage for $399.

Apple’s tablet lineup has now been narrowed down to the iPad Pro in 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad, and the iPad mini 4. Rumors suggest Apple is also readying a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro with an edge-to-edge display, which could be unveiled at a future Spring event, WWDC 2017, or even later.

Related Roundup: iPad mini 4 (2015)
Tag: Apple retail
Buyer’s Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
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21
Mar

Never gonna give floppies up: Floppotron takes on Rick Astley


Why it matters to you

If you miss the days of grinding floppy drives and clunking HDDs, then the Floppotron makes for a great nostalgic flashback, with its own soundtrack to boot.

If you want to “Rickroll” someone in retro style, what better way than with YouTube’s very own “Floppotron.” The monstrous creation of retro technologies, most notably a number of 5.25 inch floppy drives, has now taken on the Rick Astley classic, Never Gonna Give you Up.

It’s been almost a year since YouTuber Paweł Zadrozniak first debuted the Floppotron, an array of floppy drives, scanners, hard drives and an ATMega microcontroller. When forced to actuate at an appropriate frequency, each drive can make specific sounds that, when combined together, can make a variety of tunes.

Their latest rendition is of the classic Rick Astley track which was used so successfully over the past decade to “Rickroll” people – that is, trick them into viewing the video when expecting something else. It’s an internet staple and it’s more surprising that it’s taken Zadrozniak this long to take a crack at it.

More: Still got a floppy drive in your desktop? Here’s one way to make it useful again

However he has been rather busy with other tunes. The Floppotron has also taken a swing at other internet classics like Smash Mouth’s All Star – which was recently played with Windows XP error noises, too.

Perhaps the most fitting of all its projects though is the Portal – Still Alive theme, which it nails perfectly. The retro feel to the sound seems just right for this sort of tune.

In total the Floppotron is built from 64 floppy drives, eight hard drives and two scanners. Why so many? In short, volume. While each individual drive can produce unique notes, they can only make so much noise by themselves, hence Zadrozniak created banks of drives, so that when a louder note was required, he has the mechanical oomph to deliver it.

Each channel of eight floppy drives is connected to a single eight-channel controller, which controls the “voice” of the drives and how many will output the sound. The scanners and hard drives have their own controllers, all of which translate commands from the main Arduino board which interfaces with the PC that controls the Floppotron.

If you’d like to learn more about its construction or the Python that handles the software side of the equation, Zadrozniak has a thorough breakdown on his blog.

21
Mar

Latest Windows 10 Insider preview build fixes Microsoft Edge bugs and others


Why it matters to you

Microsoft is keeping its Insider users updated regularly, making sure everything is ready for the next big Windows 10 update for all users.

The next update for Windows 10 Insiders will help fix up a number of bugs that are faced by Windows users the world over. Available for anyone on the Fast Ring, Preview Build 15063 specifically shores up problems with Microsoft Edge and an outstanding issue with the .Net Framework 3.5 release.

Microsoft has had a lot of success with its Insider rings over the past few years, having its biggest fans act as external beta testers to iron out bugs and problems before new builds of Windows reach the public. The latest Insider Build looks to do much the same, though there are a few outstanding issues which Microsoft says it is aware of.

There were two big changes for PC users in this release. The first is a fix for a reliability issue from Build 15061 that affected Microsoft Edge and caused it to hang. That’s been cleared up, as well as a problem where localized files and registry keys for additional language packs would not be installed when the .Net Framework 3.5 was enabled.

More: With Windows 10 Creators Update around the corner, Microsoft keeps fixing bugs

But of course, Windows 10 isn’t just an operating system for PCs any more, it’s also a mobile OS. The fixes for that branch of the system are more numerous and affect things like inbox apps failing to launch, a bug that caused background tasks not to run properly, a problem that would see call, text, and email history lost after a device reboot, and another where speech packs would not install correctly.

All of those and a few more have been fixed up in the new Insider Build, though Microsoft has pointed out in its release notes that there are a few outstanding issues. Language pack installs have been disabled for the next week; a particular error message may require manually deleting a registry key, though that fix is not guaranteed; some apps and games may crash due to advertising ID issues from a previous build, and there remains an issue where reboot prompts are not being shown correctly after downloading an update.

Microsft also acknowledged that it was releasing a lot of builds recently, but that it appreciated the enthusiasm and feedback of the Insider user base.

21
Mar

Skip the pre-made stickers, make your own with PicsArt’s latest editing tool


Why it matters to you

Sticker fans, you can now create your own stickers to easily paste yourself or your creations into a photograph.

Snapchat may have brought photo stickers into the spotlight, but photo editing app PicsArt is making them personal. On March 21, the popular image editor launched a new tool that allows users to create their own custom stickers, then export them for use on Facebook, Instagram, iMessage, Messenger and other social media and messaging apps.

picsart custom stickers sticker placement

picsart custom stickers sticker cutout

The new suite of editing tools means users can create their own stickers from their own images or one of the app’s six million free-to-edit photos. Stickers can also be designed using PicsArt’s illustration tools, making it possible to use custom drawings as well as photos. This feature is based off an earlier release of tools that let users cut out sections of an image; PicsArt adjusted that feature to now allow cutouts of custom stickers that can easily be re-used across multiple projects.

More: Edit. Share. Repeat. PicsArt adds new chat feature to encourage remixing photos

“Stickers have become the universal form of communication and are a great way to annotate other images,” PicsArt CEO Hovhannes Avoyan said in a press release. “Since we launched our Cutout tool with powerful and accurate edge detection, our users have been making more and more cutouts and using them like stickers. Now, more than 450,000 cutouts are created in PicsArt every day – that’s over two million per week. Today’s launch encourages even more sticker creation by providing users with a rich set of tools for creating, sharing and discovering stickers.”

After downloading the updated app (on both iOS and Android), PicsArt users can access the new tools by tapping the pink plus sign and choosing the sticker options. The stickers can start from a blank canvas and drawing tools or a photograph. Outline tools tells the app which portions of the image to leave in that new sticker.

PicsArt’s latest feature makes it possible to turn yourself, your pets, your drawings or whatever you can imagine (or photograph) into a re-usable sticker. The custom stickers also join a new sticker gallery where users can download and share other stickers.

The latest sticker tools join the more than 3,000 editing options inside PicsArt, which now has 90 million monthly active users. The updates are available to download on both iOS and Android platforms.

21
Mar

Huawei P10 vs. LG G6: Battle of the big-brand flagships


Samsung sat out of this year’s Mobile World Congress, leaving Huawei and LG free to compete solely against each other. Huawei announced the P10 and P10 Plus, the latest in its P series of devices, and LG launched the G6, the successor to last year’s failed G5.

While both smartphones offer killer features, which is superior? Check out a full list of specifications for each of the phones, as well as a quick breakdown of how their features compare to one another.

More: LG G6 vs. iPhone 7 Plus: How does the hottest new Android compare to Apple’s best?

Specs

Huawei P10

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LG G6

Size
145.3 x 69.3 x 7 mm (5.72 x 2.73 x 0.28 inches)
148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm (5.8 x 2.83 x 0.31 inches)
Weight
5.11 ounces (145 grams)
5.75 ounces (162 grams)
Screen
5.1-inch IPS-NEO LCD capacitive touchscreen
5.7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, Dolby Vision/HDR10 compliant
Resolution
1,080 x 1,920 pixels (432 ppi)
1,440 pixels x 2,880 (564 ppi)
OS
Android 7.0 Nougat (EMUI 5.1)
Android 7.1 Nougat (UX 6.0)
Storage
64GB
32GB (64GB in select regions)
MicroSD card slot
Yes
Yes
NFC support
Yes
Yes
Processor
Kirin 960 2.4 GHz Octa-core
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
RAM
4GB
4GB
Connectivity
LTE, GSM, HSPA, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
LTE, GSM, HSPA, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
Camera
20-megapixel and 12-megapixel monochrome and color rear cameras with OIS, 8-megapixel front
13-megapixel dual rear with OIS, 5-megapixel front
Video
2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps
2160p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Bluetooth
Yes, version 4.2
Yes, version 4.2
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Other sensors
Gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity, compass
Gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer
Water resistant
No
Yes, IP68 rated
Battery
3,200mAh
3,300mAh
Ports
USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Color offerings
Ceramic White, Dazzling Blue, Dazzling Gold, Prestige Gold, Graphite Black, Mystic Silver, Rose Gold, Greenery
Mystic White, Astro Black, Ice Platinum
Availability
None in USA
AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile
Price
650 euros ($694)
$672 on Verizon
DT review
Hands-on
Hands-on

Power and productivity

Huawei P10 Our first take

As both phones are flagship offerings, neither holds a serious advantage in terms of specs. The P10, however, features a Kirin 960 octa-core processor, powered by four ARM Cortex A73 cores alongside four A53 cores. Combined with a Mali-G71 GPU — which is based on the new Bifrost architecture — the Kirin system-on-a-chip is capable of maintaining peak performance for longer than the G6’s Snapdragon 821 chip, making it ideal for tasks such as gaming and video streaming. The Snapdragon is no slouch, though, and it’s the best Qualcomm can offer until the 835 version arrives soon. Qualcomm chips typically outperform Kirin chips in benchmarks, though real-world use is similar.

More: LG G6: Our First Take

Both smartphones sport 4GB of RAM and 32 to 64GB of storage. The LG G6 offers wireless charging and 32GB of storage in the U.S. variant, but South Korea and some Asian markets get a quad-Digital-to-Analog Converter for high-quality audio as well as 64GB of internal storage. Europe, sadly, gets neither of these features.

Thankfully, both support storage expansion via MicroSD card slots, and they have nearly identical battery capacities, though the G6’s 3,300mAh battery barely outstrips the P10’s 3,200mAh counterpart.

Winner: Huawei P10

Design and display

While Huawei looks to break new ground with a vibrant selection of colors curated by Pantone, LG finds success with a radical new look, opting for a nearly bezel-free and glass-and-steel design.

The P10, crafted mostly out of ceramic and aluminum, features a textured “hyper-diamond cut” that really shines (literally) on certain models, and its modest 5.1-inch screen is a nice departure from the ginormous phablet-style displays with which many smartphones are equipped. The phone’s side panels are also on the flat side, giving it a more distinguished feel, and the camera lenses are flush with the frame.

More: Huawei P10: Our first take

The G6, on the other hand, boasts a 4-to-1 screen-to-body ratio, a result of the 5.7-inch Quad HD screen’s 18:9 aspect ratio. Eliminating the bezel (mostly) allows the G6 to fit snugly into most people’s palms, creating a comfortable experience as it has a smaller frame than most 5.5-inch phones. Texting and navigating with one hand is easy, considering the size of the screen. The G6 also supports a higher resolution (1,440 x 2,880 pixels) than the P10 (1,080 x 1,920 pixels), packing in far more pixels per inch. Still, the P10’s IPS-NEO display ensures that images will look just as good when viewed from an angle.

Winner: LG G6

Software

While both phones run Android Nougat, LG has an edge as the G6 runs the more recent 7.1 version of the operating system. LG also built many of the default apps to interact specifically with the G6’s 18:9 screen, essentially dividing the screen into two squares. It’s a neat trick that cleans up much of the Android UX — particularly when multitasking — and automatically modifies app icons so that they’re all the same shape and size.

More: 6 pro tips to taking amazing portrait photos with the Huawei P10

The P10 also runs Nougat, except with Huawei’s EMUI 5.1 over the top. This extension, which helped make the Mate 9 far more user-friendly than its predecessors, adds some new features. For example, the fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone can be used to navigate the phone. EMUI also modifies memory usage to help apps launch faster, though, so that’s a plus.

Still, the win goes to the G6 for offering a cleaner and more useful user experience.

Winner: LG G6

Camera

Like the Mate 9, the P10 is equipped with three separate cameras — two on the back, and one in front. All three are built by German camera company Leica, which lends a sense of legitimacy to photographs taken with the phone. A 20-megapixel monochrome sensor sits beside a 12-megapixel color sensor, which itself boasts a f/2.2 aperture and optical image stabilization. Both rear cameras feature bokeh control, and the new Portrait Mode utilizes advanced facial recognition mapping (190 points in 3D space) to adjust lighting, even while people are moving around. The front camera, a more-than-respectable 8-megapixels, boasts a sensor that improves brightness and widens the camera’s dynamic range.

More: LG G6 video teardown, and safety testing lab tour

That said, the G6 can hold its own, thanks to the dual 13-megapixel lenses on the back of the phone. What’s unique is that one of the lenses is wide-angle, allowing you to capture far more in a shot than most smartphone cameras. The 5-megapixel selfie camera isn’t too shabby, either. The G6’s camera UI is also unique and more useful as you can see your gallery of photos and take new ones at the same time.

Ultimately this decision comes down to personal preference — if you’d rather have the wide-angle lens, the G6 is for you. But if you’re more of a black-and-white or portrait photographer, then go for the P10.

Winner: Tie

Price and availability

Both phones are set for release in the coming months, but the P10 won’t be available in the United States. There’s still hope for Huawei devotees — after all, the Mate 9 released saw a U.S. release in January — but for now, only the G6 is likely to be available domestically. The newest iteration of LG’s flagship series is set to arrive at the end of March, and so far we know it will cost $672 on Verizon. Expect the price to be similar from other carriers.

Winner: LG G6

Overall Winner: LG G6

Huawei’s 10th phone in the P-series is truly extraordinary, from its powerful processor to its trio of high-quality cameras. Unfortunately, the lack of domestic availability bumps it down a notch, while LG’s G6 excels across the board, especially with its nearly bezel-less design.

The G6’s bigger, brighter display is sure to impress, while its clean UI makes multitasking easier. You can’t go wrong with either choice, but for the foreseeable future, you can’t go with the P10 at all in the U.S. That makes the G6 our winner.

21
Mar

Zocdoc’s new AI-powered search knows what you mean when you search ‘hemroids’


Why it matters to you

Medical jargon can be intimidating. That’s why Zocdoc has engineered a system that makes sense of it.

It’s not easy finding a new doctor. Whether the motivation is a big move to a foreign city or the simple swapping of insurance coverage, there’s a better way to find an MD than the yellow pages. It’s a search engine called Zocdoc, and starting on Tuesday, it will begin tapping machine learning to help surface physicians even better than it did before.

Zocdoc’s new feature is Patient-Powered Search, a “more intuitive” search experience that’s “built […] to bridge the gap between health care industry and human speak.” In simpler terms, it’s an AI-powered search bar that interprets what you type to help you find the specialist you need. Enter “hurt wrist,” for instance, and Zocdoc will recommend local orthopedic surgeons. “Post-election stress disorder” will serve up a list of psychologists. And searches for “stomach” and “tonsil” will show gastroenterologists and ENTs, respectively.

More: Maintain your health and mind with these 15 medical apps

Patient-Powered Search corrects for common errors, too — the misspelled “hemroids” is interpreted as hemorrhoids, and “gyno” is entered as OB-GYN.

It’s filling a growing need. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nine in 10 Americans struggle to understand jargon-filled health information. “Patients [are] at a disadvantage, making it difficult to decipher what type of appointment they need or which specialist they should see to treat a specific symptom or condition,” a Zocdoc spokesperson said. “This disconnect between medical speak and patients’ own […] language […] can frustrate, intimidate, or even deter patients in their searches.”

The secret is a machine learning algorithm derived from online medical literature, Zocdoc’s millions of users, and the more than 50 specialties and 1,000 different procedures that make up the app’s database of services. Zocdoc’s team developed a natural language processing model that can interpret human colloquialisms and “map” them, in effect, to specialties, visit reasons, and procedure types. Zocdoc calls it “semantic search.”

Patient-Powered Search’s machine learning algorithm works in tandem with “string-matching” technology that surfaces the most relevant results. A secondary AI, meanwhile, factors patient behavior into search results, automatically adjusting the ranking of selections based on popularity, trends, and other factors.

More: 100 awesome Android apps that will turn your phone into a jack-of-all-trades

The end result is a measurable step up from the old system, a Zocdoc spokesperson said. Before People-Powered Search, users had to know the appropriate specialty for a given procedure and use precise medical terminology to describe their condition. Then, they had to select a specialist from a lengthy drop-down menu and select a procedure or reason for the visit from a pre-vetted list.

“[Zocdoc’s search feature] was working for millions of patients, but we knew we needed to evolve our search experience to one that was more dynamic, intuitive, and oriented around the patient,” a Zocdoc spokesperson said. “Patient-Powered Search lays an important foundation for the future.”

Patient-Powered Search is rolling out to Zocdoc’s mobile site and smartphone app this week.

21
Mar

The first five things you need to know about Mass Effect: Andromeda


mass-effect-andromeda-crew.jpg?itok=SVbq

There is plenty to do in Mass Effect: Andromeda, so be ready to dive in.

The Mass Effect franchise has officially returned with the fourth installment in the series, and everything here is very shiny and new. A new galaxy, new set of characters, and plenty of new content to delve into. Don’t be worried if you’re a returning fan though, there are plenty of nods to the original trilogy, and this includes the alien races you know and love.

With a game as expansive as Mass Effect: Andromeda, knowing what to keep an eye out for early is a good call. That’s why we’ve got 5 tips to help you get started exploring the Andromeda galaxy.

Scan all the things

You have a handy little scanner right on your arm which can be activated by dressing the down button on the directional pad. This allows you to scan your surroundings and see if there is anything hiding from your view. Do this. Do it often, and do it everytime that you enter a new area. Even during the initial planetside mission there is tons to see and explore. While you won’t be able to access everything at the get go, you can still tag it for your eventual return.

Scanning the environment is such a small thing, but it really does make a difference. Since unscanned items pop up in bright orange, it makes it easier to find important items or alien technology you might otherwise miss. You can also use it to scan enemies whether they are alive or dead, which can be particularly handy when you’re just getting started. Scanning unfamiliar tech and aliens will also net you research points which are used to unlock technologies in the game, and you want those technologies.

Cover is your friend

mass-effect-cover.jpg?itok=Feb2p6r2

There are some games where you can stride around like a tank, blowing the face off of anything you come across without paying a price for that audacity. This, is not one of those games. Cover is important, you will need cover, or you will die. Repeatedly. I would know, because I learned this lesson the hard way. Taking cover will allow you to heal from your wounds, flank an enemy while they can’t see you, and get a better read on what you are dealing with.

To break it down further, humans are not a dominant species in the Andromeda galaxy. There are more of them than there are of you, and sprinting around shooting sounds fun until you die three times in a row because there are seven aliens shooting at you simultaneously. Use cover if you want to survive.

Keep an eye out for containers

You shouldn’t be surprised, but there are plenty of loot containers to be found scattered through the worlds you’ll be exploring. Be sure to keep an eye out for them, because not all loot containers are made equal and some of them have some lucky items in store for you. The loot containers will have items that relate directly to the race that left it behind. This means on an Angaran world, you’re going to find Angara loot of one kind or another. What you find is also randomized, using a dynamic loot generation, so you won’t get the same result if you die and return to a specific box.

Salvage containers look like boxes left behind, and alien orbs scattered about. Generally they look a little bit broken, or mussed up, and are filled with salvage only usable for trading to merchants for credits. The boxes you really want are the normal containers, which look like boxes. More or less. Depending on the rarity, you can find anything from components for weapons to the weapon itself. By grabbing every container you see, you can ensure that you have a solid stock for selling to merchants, and using later for crafting.

Stay aware of your surroundings

mass-effect-andromeda0surroundings.jpg?i

While the planets you’ll be exploring are the hope of a future for mankind, they are still a bit hostile at times and if you aren’t paying attention to what is going on it’s very easy to wind up dead. This is because the planets are covered in various hazards of varying severity. While the level 1 hazards can damage your health and be a nuisance, level 3 and 4 hazards can kill you quite quickly. It is worth mentioning high level hazards are usually indicative of an area that is currently off limits until you have progressed further.

For the most part, hazards are pretty easy to see. Green smoky haze, fire, ice, geysers, and lava are all examples of hazards that you will run into during your exploration. To avoid being wounded by the hazard, just avoid the hazard. The hazard level is also shown at the bottom left of your HUD, so that you are aware when you are entering a dangerous area unwittingly.

What are your tips?

There is tons to do, and plenty to explore within Mass Effect: Andromeda, but these tips should help you to get a running start when it comes to exploring the Andromeda galaxy. Find rare items, get the perks you need, and remember that you are in hostile territory and you should have the hang of things in no time flat. Just remember that this is just the beginning, and there will be plenty more to explore and discover. Do you have a tip for those just starting Mass Effect: Andromeda? Be sure to drop us a line in the comments below and let us know.

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PlayStation 4

ps4-controllers.jpg

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See on Amazon

21
Mar

Samsung’s Galaxy S8 Korean teaser hints at a world of possibilities


Samsung starts hyping up the Galaxy S8 ahead of its official unveil on March 29.

Samsung has released a 15-second trailer for the Galaxy S8 in South Korea, showcasing little of the phone itself, a refreshing change in pace from the litany of leaks, rumors, and renders we’ve seen of the device in recent weeks.

The trailer starts off with a countdown to the number 8, and features a man walking to a door that has the same basic contours of the Galaxy S8. Behind the door lies outer space, replete with rocks whizzing around — a possible reference to the VR prowess of the upcoming flagship. The Galaxy S8 will be the first phone to be powered by Qualcomm’s 10nm Snapdragon 835, which has improved VR chops in the form of 15ms motion-to-photon latency and six-degrees-of-freedom for accurate motion tracking.

The trailer ends with the tagline (roughly translated), “Completion and new beginning,” which suggests that Samsung is entering a new era with the Galaxy S8. There’s certainly a lot at stake following the company’s recent woes, and with the phone slated to make its debut on March 29 in New York, we don’t have to wait long to find out what’s in store.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus

  • Latest Galaxy S8 rumors!
  • Galaxy S8 announcement coming March 29 in NYC
  • Galaxy S8 release date set for April 28
  • Join our Galaxy S8 forums

21
Mar

Nintendo and Cyanogen almost partnered for the Switch


Nintendo was flirting with Android again, but it looks like Cyanogen didn’t pick up.

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You know that massively successful new console Nintendo can’t keep in stores? The one that smashed Nintendo’s own sales records and caused the company to dramatically ramp up production to meet demand? Apparently the OS for that console was almost based largely on Android, but Cyanogen’s Kirt McMaster put a stop to that according to his Twitter feed.

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From a fun, nerdy perspective, it would have been kind of cool to know the Switch was based on Android. And, knowing some of the nice performance enhancement things Cyanogen projects had been capable of, it’s not impossible to imagine a Switch that was even more capable as a result of that custom OS. But that’s what it would have been, a custom closed down version of Android that didn’t look anything like the OS you see on tablets and phones. It would have been an entirely unique and locked down thing, which was very much the opposite of what Cyanogen was all about as a company.

Lots of folks in the Android bubble hear the name Cyanogen and immediately think of CEO Kirt McMaster very publicly saying a lot of very silly things about how successful the company was going to be. With the company dismantled and its core features picking up steam as the community-led LineageOS, you may find yourself wondering how he feels about passing up something like opportunity to work on the Nintendo Switch.

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Hindsight is always 20/20, but it looks like he’d be a little more “open” to the idea if it were to come back around. Given the complete lack of reputation these days, that second chance is a little more than unlikely.

Check out more of our Nintendo Switch coverage over on iMore!

21
Mar

U.S. bans laptops and tablets on flights from eight Middle East countries


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Travelers from eight Muslim-majority countries are prohibited from carrying devices larger than a smartphone onboard U.S.-bound flights.

The Department of Homeland Security is rolling out new restrictions for carry-on items for U.S.-bound flights from eight Middle East countries. Electronic devices larger than a smartphone are prohibited from being carried onboard flights from nine airlines operating out of 10 airports in eight countries. People flying from these airports will have to stow laptops, e-readers, portable gaming devices, and cameras in their check-in baggage.

The DHS cited attempts in the last two years involving laptop bombs as the reason for the enhanced security measures:

The US government is concerned about terrorists’ ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years, as evidenced by the 2015 airliner downing in Egypt; the 2016 attempted airliner downing in Somalia; and the 2016 armed attacks against airports in Brussels and Istanbul.

Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items. Based on this trend, the Transportation Security Administration, in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies, has determined it is prudent to enhance security, to include airport security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States.

These are the airports where the new restrictions will be enforced:

  • Queen Alia International, Amman, Jordan
  • Cairo International Airport, Egypt
  • Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
  • King Abdulaziz International, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • King Khalid International, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait International Airport
  • Mohammed V International, Casablanca, Morocco
  • Hamad International, Doha, Qatar
  • Dubai International, United Arab Emirates
  • Abu Dhabi International, United Arab Emirates

The ban doesn’t affect any U.S.-based carriers as they do not have direct flights from the airports mentioned above. It does, however, affect these airlines:

  • Royal Jordanian
  • Egypt Air
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines
  • Kuwait Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways

The airlines have until Friday to comply with the new restrictions, failing which they risk losing their operator license in the U.S. As of now, there’s no end date to the restrictions, with the DHS stating that they will be in place until the “threat changes.”