Amazon will collect state sales taxes nationwide April 1st

While Amazon has resisted collecting state sales taxes, over the last few years it has bent, state by state. Now CNBC reports that as of April 1st, it will collect sales taxes in every state that imposes one, as Hawaii, Idaho, Maine and New Mexico join the list. Even if Amazon (or another online retailer) doesn’t collect sales tax, consumers may be on the hook to pay via a “use tax.”

For companies like Amazon, however, bringing warehouses, services and data centers closer to where customers live has closed the loophole, and they’ve begun collecting the tax on their end. Between the taxes and universal pricing policies, the gap between Amazon and local retailers (big box or small) is getting closer. Of course, the convenience of Amazon Prime and the addition of other services (Fresh, Local, etc.) may keep things tipped in its favor.

Source: CNBC

Research project aims to build a 3D-printed robot hand as good as our own

Why it matters to you

Robots are getting better, but in order for them to live up to their potential they need the kind of dexterity humans have with their hands. This project aims to help.

A lot of robotics labs are focused on building entire robotic bodies, not just comprising a number of different body parts, but also a range of comprehensive senses.

A laboratory at the U.K.’s University of Bristol is thinking a bit smaller than that — although their macro goal is as big as anything currently happening in the robotics world.

Led by Dr. Nathan Lepora, the Bristol Robotics Laboratory is currently at the start of a five-year research project to build a 3D-printed robotic hand with a realistic sense of touch. According to Lepora, after five years they hope to have a robot hand that is capable of doing everything our own hands can do: From dexterous movement to touch-based perception.

“If a robot has human abilities in terms of interacting with the world, it can take on any of the disciplines that right now require human manual labor,” Lepora told Digital Trends. “That could be anything from caregiving, such as handling patients in hospitals or nursing homes, to manufacturing lines, where people are still doing a lot of the assembly work. You could even bring about that long-term dream of the home robot that follows around after you, tidying up. There’s a whole spectrum of different use-cases we could explore if robots had the dexterity and manual abilities to do them.”

More: Researchers built an artificial hand so agile and graceful, it’s lifelike

The research is being sponsored to the tune of $1.25 million and draws on experts from fields like neuroscience and psychology, as well as engineering.

Already, the team has built creations like TacTip, an open-source 3D-printed fingertip which won Harvard University’s International Soft Robotics Competition and is currently on display at London’s Science Museum. TacTip is made up of a webcam that is mounted in a 3D-printed soft fingertip which tracks internal pins, designed to act like the touch receptors in human fingertips.

“The other part of what we’re doing as a lab is to develop the algorithms that will make this possible,” Lepora continued. “To use a tactile 3D-printed hand, you need to have the software to interpret its sense of touch, and the data that comes off its tactile sensors, and then to use that information to control the hand.”

Half a decade to build a robotic version of the human hand, which evolved over many millions of years, is certainly a tall order — but Leopora sounds confident.

“What we wind up with may not look exactly like a human hand,” he said. “It may have three fingers, for instance. But it’ll be a 3D-printed robot hand with comparable abilities to our hands. In tandem with artificial intelligence algorithms, it will be able to interact with the world with comparable capabilities to our own. That’s the goal. Everything we do is about bringing that goal closer.”

Google is reportedly working on a new social app for photo editing and sharing

Why it matters to you

Google’s apps are a little hit-and-miss — but if it’s good, the next big photo app could allow you to share and edit photos with your friends.

Google is working on yet another app. One of the company’s most-loved apps is Google Photos and it offers excellent options for photo editing, storing, and sharing — but it looks like Photos isn’t the only photo-based app Google is concerned with.

Reports indicate that the company working on another app, this time specifically for photo editing and sharing. Why? Well, it could be because of the pressure posed by the other large tech companies. Facebook, for example, offers Moments — and Google’s new app could be similar. The news comes from a TechCrunch report, which notes that the app allows groups to edit photos together, then organize them.

More: Google announces updates for Duo, Allo, Photos, and Google Search in Brazil

In another report, from Engadget, a Google spokesperson noted that the new app is just an experiment — so it’s possible it may not even see the light of day. In fact, Google doesn’t currently have launch plans, although that could, of course, change.

It’s important to note that reports indicate this won’t just be “another messaging app.” Rather, it will be aimed at collaborative photo editing — along with a splash of Google’s computer expertise.

Reports also note that the new app sounds very similar to Paths, an app that gained popularity for offering small groups of friends to share photos and chat. At the time, it acted kind of like a counterbalance to the more open sharing that had gained popularity on Facebook and Twitter. Incidentally, Google previously tried to buy Path. In the end, however, it was sold to Kakao, a Korean messaging giant, and its popularity has slowly but surely shrunk.

It will be interesting to see what Google’s new app ends up looking like if we ever see it at all. Google has a spotty history in social media, after all. It’s also possible that the features in the new app will end up being baked into Google Photos. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Google is reportedly working on a new social app for photo editing and sharing

Why it matters to you

Google’s apps are a little hit-and-miss — but if it’s good, the next big photo app could allow you to share and edit photos with your friends.

Google is working on yet another app. One of the company’s most-loved apps is Google Photos and it offers excellent options for photo editing, storing, and sharing — but it looks like Photos isn’t the only photo-based app Google is concerned with.

Reports indicate that the company working on another app, this time specifically for photo editing and sharing. Why? Well, it could be because of the pressure posed by the other large tech companies. Facebook, for example, offers Moments — and Google’s new app could be similar. The news comes from a TechCrunch report, which notes that the app allows groups to edit photos together, then organize them.

More: Google announces updates for Duo, Allo, Photos, and Google Search in Brazil

In another report, from Engadget, a Google spokesperson noted that the new app is just an experiment — so it’s possible it may not even see the light of day. In fact, Google doesn’t currently have launch plans, although that could, of course, change.

It’s important to note that reports indicate this won’t just be “another messaging app.” Rather, it will be aimed at collaborative photo editing — along with a splash of Google’s computer expertise.

Reports also note that the new app sounds very similar to Paths, an app that gained popularity for offering small groups of friends to share photos and chat. At the time, it acted kind of like a counterbalance to the more open sharing that had gained popularity on Facebook and Twitter. Incidentally, Google previously tried to buy Path. In the end, however, it was sold to Kakao, a Korean messaging giant, and its popularity has slowly but surely shrunk.

It will be interesting to see what Google’s new app ends up looking like if we ever see it at all. Google has a spotty history in social media, after all. It’s also possible that the features in the new app will end up being baked into Google Photos. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Facebook is testing out animated GIFs for comments in its Android app

The social network finally gives in to what the people really want.

The GIF is alive and well, folks, and it appears Facebook has finally caught on to its ubiquity. The social network is officially exploring its relationship with these animated images. It will soon begin testing the ability to add GIFs to comments in your feed.

In an email to TechCrunch, a Facebook spokesperson confirmed the addition of animated GIFs:

Everyone loves a good GIF and we know that people want to be able to use them in comments. So we’re about to start testing the ability to add GIFs to comments and we’ll share more when we can, but for now we repeat that this is just a test.

Those of you with poor internet connections or slower computers, you don’t have to worry too much. Facebook won’t allow embedded GIFs in the main feel; they’ll be ostensibly limited to use as reactions to main posts. The company wants to avoid the images become distractive, or disruptive to the main news feed.

But at the same time, the ability to comment on posts with an animated GIF should have been implemented a while ago. Most mainstream messaging apps and services already support animated GIFs, and I bet you can’t go a few hours without someone dropping in an animated Imgur link. The GIF has no plans of leaving the internet anytime soon.

Google partners with Howard University in an effort to recruit more black engineers

Juniors and seniors enrolled in Howard University’s computer science program can study for three months at the newly dubbed “Howard West.”

Technology has always had a diversity issue. But rather than relegate to the way things appear to be, some technology companies are instead electing to invest in changing the status quo. Google has been particularly active in its initiatives. The company announced that it’s partnered with Howard University to launch a school branch on its Mountain View campus, dubbed “Howard West.”

Students who are chosen for the program will have a chance to learn from Google’s own engineers and technologists for three months. They’ll receive a stipend to help cover housing and other expenses they might incur living in the statistically pricey Silicon Valley. Students will also earn school credit towards their degree.

“Howard West is now the centerpiece of Google’s effort to recruit more black software engineers from historically black colleges and universities,” writes Bonita Stewart, Google’s VP of global partnerships. She continues:

One of my all-time favorite quotes comes from acclaimed management consultant Peter Drucker: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This is exactly the thinking behind Howard West, as the program is a way to create a future that reflects the values of diversity and inclusion Google has held since day one.

The program begins this summer. Google plans to eventually expand the program to other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the country.

Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger reveal new Android Wear 2.0 watches

Six months ago it seemed like we shouldn’t expect  new Android Wear hardware, but now, there are several companies announcing watches, with the latest being fashion brands Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger.

While at Baselworld 2017, they introduced two Android Wear 2.0 watches. The Hugo Boss watch, called the Touch, looks like a classic, formal watch with a leather band option. Wareable said it lacks a heart-rate sensor but will come with NFC. It should cost $395 (about £315) when it launches in August. As for Tommy Hilfiger’s watch, it’s called TH24/7You. Seriously. And because it’s Hilfiger, it looks easygoing.

Introducing the new @HUGOBOSS Touch, powered by #AndroidWear. #Baselworld2017 pic.twitter.com/o6EsGKyYr0

— Android Wear (@AndroidWear) March 24, 2017

• Android Wear 2.0: What’s new in the major software update for watches?
• Best upcoming smartwatches: Future wristwear to look forward to in 2017

It has an informal metal link bracelet and very on-brand, patriotic watch faces. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a heart-rate monitor or even NFC, and it still manages to cost $299 (about £250). Specs for these watches are scant right now. We don’t know how big they are or what kind of features they’re offering up. We also don’t know which markets they’re headed for, but we’ll let you know when we learn more.

Introducing the @TommyHilfiger TH24/7You watch powered by #AndroidWear. #Baselworld2017 pic.twitter.com/EiIZMDHgS6

— Android Wear (@AndroidWear) March 24, 2017

Check out all the other connected watches announced at this year’s Baselworld here.

Latest Samsung Galaxy S8 leak is a video of someone typing really fast

Another day, another Samsung Galaxy S8 leak.

As spotted by SamMobile, there’s a new video that shows Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S8. In it, we can see someone testing the phone by rapidly typing and entering random letters from the keyboard. Is it a touchscreen test? Who knows. But it’s obvious the phone responds well and is lag-free. The video also seems to confirm every single leak we’ve seen thus far (and there has been plenty).

• When is Galaxy Unpacked 2017 and can you watch it online?

Earlier this week, for instance, we saw the colours Samsung is expected to offer, as well as retail packaging for the lager S8 Plus model. There was even a leak that showed the default screen resolution. See Pocket-lint’s round-up for more leaks on the upcoming Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Honestly, there isn’t much we don’t know about them, as they’ve been fully revealed by reports and rumours.

This video doesn’t reveal any surprises about the design, either. Once again, we see minimal bezels and no physical home button. But we’ll know all the official details and specs soon. Samsung is slated to confirm everything at its Galaxy Unpacked event on 29 March.

When Samsung formally announces the phones later this month, we will bring you the news as it happens.

Yaass! Facebook is finally testing GIFs in comments (but not for posts)

Facebook lets you send GIFs in Messenger, but there’s no native way to use one in a comment on Facebook itself.

But that might soon change. Facebook confirmed to TechCrunch it will soon begin testing a GIF button that lets users post GIFs in comments. The button will pull from GIF repositories such as Giphy. In a statement, Facebook said: “Everyone loves a good GIF and we know that people want to be able to use them in comments. So we’re about to start testing the ability to add GIFs to comments.”

• What is Facebook Live, how does it work, and which devices support it?

It added: “We’ll share more when we can, but for now we repeat that this is just a test.” Since it’s a test, Facebook is only giving a small number of users access to its GIF comment button, but if Facebook likes what it sees, it could roll out to everyone. So, how will it work? Pretty much exactly like the existing GIF button in Facebook Messenger, which lets you browse trending GIFs and search for specific GIFs.

Unfortunately, you still won’t be able to share GIFs as news feed posts. We imagine that’ll one day arrive, however, since GIFs are a fact of life at this point. In fact, we have no idea why Facebook is so against them. Maybe it thinks it’ll bog down the news feed experience? TechCrunch said Facebook already built support for GIFs years ago but has delayed rolling it out for “fear of disrupting the feed aesthetic”.

That doesn’t make too much sense when you consider the number of auto-playing videos hogging up your new feed. We’ll make sure to update you when we know more about whether GIF comments are coming to everyone on Facebook.

• 17 Facebook tips and tricks you probably never heard about

Tesla Model 3 ‘release candidate’ drives off the lot

As Tesla continues its march towards producing a mass-market electric vehicle, CEO Elon Musk gave us a brief glimpse at the latest prototype. This Vine-length clip showed the first drive of a “release candidate” Model 3. Autoblog explains that unless there’s some unforeseen problem, it’s unlikely there will be any major styling or content revisions from this before the car goes into production, but engineers can still test and tweak things like brake calibration.

Musk didn’t stop there, however, also tweeting that a performance version of the Model 3 with dual motors and all-wheel-drive is likely to arrive next year, around the same time as right hand-drive models for the UK. Despite the Model 3’s lighter weight, it will also pack a smaller 75kWh battery, which means even the performance model will still trail the Model S in acceleration. That would leave the Model S as the EV speed king until the next-gen Roadster launches in a few years, which is the same window given for Tesla’s mass-market SUV, the Model Y.

If you’ve already jumped on the pre-order list for a Model 3, Musk says you will be able to wait and get first access to the dual-motor performance “D” versions when they’re available.

First drive of a release candidate version of Model 3 pic.twitter.com/zcs6j1YRa4

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017

Source: Elon Musk (Twitter)