Siri now reads out your WhatsApp messages

Apple’s Siri assistant may not boast as many third-party integrations as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but it’s still useful in its own right. Since the company opened up the platform last year, major apps have tapped into the platform, allowing iPhone and iPad users to perform tasks completely hands-free. WhatsApp, for example, has allowed users to send texts using their voice since September, but as part of its latest update, Apple’s assistant can read messages aloud too.

Once the app has been updated, a simple “Hey Siri, read my last WhatsApp message” request will have Siri dictate the most recent text. It’ll no doubt help keep friends and family updated on the latest group chat happenings, but it will also promote vehicle safety by keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

To make use of Siri’s dictation, supported devices must be running iOS 10.3 or newer. The Facebook-owned company has also made visual tweaks to the Calls tab, Contact Info and Group Info screens, while adding the ability to add multiple statuses.

Via: Macrumors

Source: WhatsApp (App Store)

Tim Cook Threatened to Remove Uber From the App Store Over iPhone Tagging Tactics

Apple CEO Tim Cook threatened to pull Uber’s app from the App Store in early 2015 after discovering the ride-hailing company was secretly “fingerprinting” iPhones that used the app, it emerged on Sunday.

The claim appeared in a New York Times report profiling Uber’s risk-taking chief executive Travis Kalanick, who was apparently summoned to Apple’s campus for a face-to-face meeting with Cook over the app’s behavior.

Travis Kalanick (left) and Tim Cook at a 2016 fashion gala (Image: Reuters)
According to the report, Uber was trying to prevent fraudsters from creating multiple fake accounts on the same device to collect new account bonuses, but to do this it had been recording the UUID serial numbers of iPhones so that it could identify them even after the app had been deleted and the phone wiped.

Knowing that the approach was a clear violation of Apple’s app privacy guidelines, Uber implemented the tactic regardless, and even went so far as to geofence Apple’s Cupertino campus so that Apple engineers using the app wouldn’t see its fingerprinting behavior.

Mr. Kalanick told his engineers to “geofence” Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., a way to digitally identify people reviewing Uber’s software in a specific location. Uber would then obfuscate its code from people within that geofenced area, essentially drawing a digital lasso around those it wanted to keep in the dark. Apple employees at its headquarters were unable to see Uber’s fingerprinting.

However, the tactic didn’t go unnoticed by Apple engineers for long. Soon after the discovery was made, Tim Cook had a meeting with Kalanick and demanded that Uber stop the fingerprinting immediately, otherwise the app would be removed from the App Store. Facing the loss of millions of iPhone customers which would essentially destroy the ride-hailing business, Mr. Kalanick acceded.

This isn’t the first time reports have emerged over the Uber app’s dubious-sounding behavior. Concerns were raised late last year when users complained that the app appeared to track them for days or even weeks after they last used the ride-hailing service, forcing an explanation from the company.

The New York Times article offers more detail on the Uber CEO’s history of controversial business tactics and can be read here.

Tag: Uber
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Dummy ‘iPhone 8’ Images Appear Online Suggesting Touch ID Embedded in Edge-to-Edge Display

Pictures of a dummy “iPhone 8” model appeared on social media over the weekend depicting a handset with a front and rear made of what looks like 2.5D curved glass and a stainless steel edge design.

The dummy device is purportedly a “CNC model according to Foxconn”, according to the original Twitter poster, but there’s no way to verify the claim one way or the other, so take the following with a big pinch of salt.

The front of the device appears to have an edge-to-edge screen with no discernible bezels, while around the back there’s a vertically aligned dual-lens camera, but no other identifiable markings. That includes no rear-mounted Touch ID sensor, but also no Apple logo, either.

The sides look like stainless steel, similar to those of the iPhone 4. There are volume buttons and a mute switch on the left, and a power button and SIM tray on the right. The power button appears to be longer than on previous iPhones, however.

The poster of the images offered additional details supposedly from a source with links to Foxconn, suggesting that the “iPhone 8” will have a thickness and size similar to the current iPhone 7, while the steel edges will be finished in a polished “Space Black” color.

Apart from a further image showing off the latter feature, the poster has also shown off schematics “based on blueprints” that depict a series of components hidden beneath the top of the display, where the edges of the display are indicated by a red outline. An alleged schematic of the internal components of the next iPhone has also been shared.

Apple is thought to be testing more than 10 prototype iPhone models, so it’s not yet clear what we should expect. Most rumors so far suggest the upcoming OLED iPhone will have a 5.5-inch bezel-less screen with Touch ID embedded in the front display, so there will be no home button.

However Apple is said to be having trouble integrating the Touch ID technology into the screen, and leaked design schematics have indicated that the fingerprint sensor could be moved to the rear of the device, so the final design is far from certain.

Some rumors suggest the display itself may feature edges that are curved on both sides like the Galaxy S7, but the phone may have the same slightly curved 2.5D display as the iPhone 7 due to technical challenges manufacturing the more curved version. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the glass will be built around a polished stainless steel frame that’s similar in design to the Apple Watch.

More images of the dummy iPhone shown above, including one of a machined chassis, can be found here.

Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
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KFC plans to send its new Zinger sandwich into space for some reason

Why it matters to you

KFC hopes that a space trip for its Zinger will ultimatley lead to more sales of its new chicken sandwich.

If approaching aliens happened upon a KFC chicken sandwich floating around in near-Earth orbit, would their first taste of Earthling food send them scurrying back to where they came from, or prompt them to continue with their intergalactic mission in a bid to learn more about those mysterious multicellular organisms pottering about on the blue planet a few miles below?

KFC’s upcoming project, or “outlandish marketing stunt” to give it its proper description, will involve sending its brand new spicy Zinger sandwich — which launches in the U.S. on Monday — into space. Why? We have no idea.

The fast-food outfit has hired Hollywood actor Rob Lowe as the latest celebrity to play Colonel Sanders, the brand’s founder. Kitted out in a specially designed spacesuit based on the Colonel’s regular outfit, an ad released over the weekend has Sanders addressing the nation in an appearance that brings to mind Kennedy’s historic 1962 space speech, though it’s fair to say Kennedy made no reference whatsoever to fast food during his famous address.

“We choose not only to launch KFC’s new Zinger sandwich in a $5 fill-up here in America, but to take it to space,” Sanders tells a watching nation, adding, “Can you actually launch KFC’s wold-famous chicken Zinger sandwich into space? The answer is, ‘We certainly hope so. Our entire marketing campaign depends on it.’”

Zinger challenge

“I have no idea how we’ll launch a chicken sandwich into space, but the marketing team thinks they can do it,” KFC’s U.S. president Kevin Hochman said in a release. “What I do know is the Zinger is the bestselling KFC chicken sandwich in 120 countries and it’s now available in America.”

The space stunt will possibly involve calling up Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, both of whom have been making regular space-bound trips using their reusable rocket systems. Or KFC could simply tie it to a weather balloon and send it skyward in the same way that these guys did with a meat pie last year.

Whatever the case, KFC promises to release more details of its stunt in the coming weeks with a view to making it a reality in June. Bet you can’t wait.

‘World’s first modular eye mask’ promises some serious shuteye

Why it matters to you

If you like the idea of eye masks for sleeping or resting but are yet to find one that works, then check out the Manta.

Eye masks can be tricky affairs. The challenge of maneuvering them into place to block out all traces of light can be enough to keep you awake at night, which, of course, rather defeats the whole idea. They can be uncomfortable, too, with your eyes feeling the pressure of the pads as you move around in search of a comfortable position.

The Manta Sleep Mask, described as the “world’s first modular eye mask for sleeping,” hopes to change all that.

And judging by the thousands of Kickstarter backers who together have so far offered more than 10 times the Manta’s funding target, there’s plenty of call for a decent mask that offers some serious shuteye or a meditative rest.

The key to the Manta’s design is its adjustability. Recognizing that traditional eye masks adopt a cumbersome one-size-fits-all approach, the Manta offers a personalized fit that allows you to move its cushioned eye contours into a position that feels comfortable for your eyes while completely blocking out all surrounding light.

For maximum comfort and a perfect fit, the Manta has been designed with soft, breathable cotton, and incorporates micro Velcro, anti-slip gel, and an elastic stretch band. The modular sections that cover your eyes have also been designed in a way that prevents pressure on your eyelids often experienced with conventional eye masks.

Seattle-based designer Mark Zhang said trials showed that the Manta works for “99 percent of all face shapes and gives you 100 percent blackout … Regardless of your ethnicity, age, gender, nose shape, or preferred sleeping position, Manta’s patent-pending adjustable modular eye contours create the perfect seal — because it’s specifically tailored to you.”

Bonus features include a pair of earplugs and a carrying pouch that doubles as a laundry mesh net so you can machine wash your the Manta without fear of damaging it.

With more than three weeks left to run, Manta’s Kickstarter campaign still has a handful of early-bird offers available, but you’ll have to be quick. Still, if you miss the $20 offer, or the $35-for-two deal, the Manta will only cost a little more — $30 — when it hits retail stores. Shipping is set to begin in August, 2017.

The only issue you’ll have with the Manta is that you might find it hard to pull yourself from your restful slumber. In that case, one of these cool alarm clocks might come in handy.

The ‘paper’ Papr Watch won’t get soggy in the rain

Why it matters to you

The stylish Papr Watch is a design worth considering if you’re looking for a simple timepiece that looks a little different.

If you’re still not convinced your wrist needs a smartwatch but you’d nevertheless like a time-telling tool for at-a-glance convenience, then a super-simple digital device with a twist may appeal.

Switzerland remains the watchmaking capital of the world but a startup in neighboring Germany is hoping to score success with an offbeat design the likes of which you’ve almost certainly never seen before.

As its name helpfully suggests, the Papr Watch looks and feels like paper but is actually extremely durable and so won’t tear within seconds of you wrapping it around your wrist. Because that’d make it really rather useless.

It’s made from Tyvek, a strong spunbonded olefin sheet product that’s much, much tougher than paper. Developed many years ago by DuPont, you’ve probably already worn a Tyvek band around your wrist at some point, perhaps at a festival or some such event.

It won’t get soggy

Equally important is Tyvek’s water resistance, so the Papr Watch won’t get soggy and drop off your wrist if you’re caught in the rain. Heck, you can even wear the device in the shower should you need to keep an eye on the time while you’re washing away the day’s dirt.

The digital watch face sits under the paper in the usual place but is clearly visible (that’s good), and the strap clicks firmly shut using magnets. And don’t worry about having to charge it every day — the Papr Watch uses a battery that’ll run for up to two years before it needs changing.

A bonus is the large number of available designs — 29 at launch — that include retro, geometric, black and white, and maritime styles, as well as several featuring various animals if you’d prefer something a little more zoological.

The Papr Watch has just broken through its Indiegogo funding target and already has more than 300 backers. Early-bird deals include your very own Papr Watch in exchange for a pledge of 28 euros (about $30), representing a 20 percent saving on the expected retail price.

Berlin-based Paprcuts, which has five years of experience making other accessories using the same material, aims to start shipping its unique watch worldwide in August, 2017.

Xiaomi’s Mi Robot vacuum finally has an English language pack

Xiaomi’s Mi Robot gets much-needed functionality with recent update.

One of the main drawbacks of Xiaomi’s Mi Robot vacuum cleaner was that the user interface was limited to Mandarin. The robot vacuum is sold exclusively in China, and those looking to import it had to rely on Google Translate to decipher the menu options. Thankfully, an update rolling out to the Mi Robot includes an English language pack, making it easier for you to see the vacuum’s options and set cleaning schedules.

You’ll be able to install the English language pack by navigating to the Mi Robot’s settings within the Mi Home app. Once in settings, head to Voice pack, and select the one that says English female voice at the bottom of the list.

Once you have the language pack installed, you’ll be able to see the options for cleaning and docking the robot vacuum, and you’ll be able to monitor the cleaning time and area covered while the vacuum is active. It’s certainly a nifty addition, and one that makes the Mi Robot much more useful outside of China.

Xiaomi Mi Robot review

For now, the Mi Robot is limited to China, but Xiaomi is likely to bring the vacuum cleaner to India at some point this year considering it demoed the product at various launch events over the last six months. If you’re looking to pick one up outside of Asia, you’ll have to resort to resellers like GearBest.

See at GearBest

LG G6 with Quad DAC and 64GB storage lands in India for ₹51,990

LG G6 comes with attractive pricing and a slew of launch-day offers.

The LG G6 is now official in India, with the phone set to go on sale starting tomorrow exclusively on Amazon India for ₹51,990 ($805). LG is obviously targeting the Galaxy S8 and S8+ with its flagship, and the pricing reflects that. The Indian variant of the G6 comes with a 32-bit Quad DAC and 64GB storage, and is ₹6,000 ($95) less than the Galaxy S8. When seen against the Galaxy S8+, which is retailing for ₹64,900 ($1,005), the G6 turns out to be an even better deal.

After the debacle that was the LG G5, LG went back to the drawing board for the G6, and the result is a handset that is stunning. The G6 features a 5.7-inch QHD display with an 18:9 ratio and DolbyVision HDR certification, Snapdragon 821 SoC, 4GB of RAM, 64GB storage, microSD slot, Quad DAC, dual 13MP cameras at the back, 5MP front shooter, USB-C, NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, and a 3300mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0.

In addition to the aggressive pricing, LG is incentivizing the launch of the G6 with several cashback offers. HDFC and SBI credit card holders buying the phone on Amazon India will be eligible for ₹10,000 in cash back, and those buying the phone from offline stores will receive up to ₹7,000 if they purchase the G6 before May 1. LG is also offering a 50% discount on the LG Tone Active+ HBS-A100 for those pre-ordering the device from its website or through offline retailers.

What do you guys think of the pricing for the LG G6? Anyone interested in picking one up?

See at LG India

LG G6

• LG G6 review!
• LG G6 specs
• LG G6 vs. Google Pixel: The two best cameras right now
• Everything you need to know about the G6’s cameras
• LG forums

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Uber iPhone app close to being removed by Apple

Uber was on the brink on being barred by Apple and removed from the iOS app store. In 2105, it was discovered to be flouting Apple rules and guidelines, leading to a make-or-break meeting between company CEO Travis Kalanick and Apple boss Tim Cook.

The New York Times reports that Uber was found to be fingerprinting individual iPhones and tagging them on its systems, with the data remaining even after the Uber app was deleted devices had been erased and reinstalled.

Cook greeted Kalanick with the ominous words, “So, I’ve heard you’ve been breaking some of our rules.” It lead to a threat to stop the practice or be removed from the Apple app store entirely.

Uber changed tack and prevented the overnight loss of millions of customers.

That doesn’t mean Uber doesn’t still fingerprint devices, however, it just does it within Apple’s privacy guidelines these days.

TechCrunch reports that the company fingerprints individual devices to ensure they are not tools used for fraudulent means: “This is a typical way to prevent fraudsters from loading Uber onto a stolen phone, putting in a stolen credit card, taking an expensive ride and then wiping the phone – over and over again,” a company spokesperson told the site.

“Similar techniques are also used for detecting and blocking suspicious logins to protect our users’ accounts. Being able to recognise known bad actors when they try to get back onto our network is an important security measure for both Uber and our users.”

Fingerprinting is not used to track users: “We absolutely do not track individual users or their location if they’ve deleted the app.”

South Korean presidential candidate campaigns with ‘Starcraft’ maps

How should politicians connect with younger voters? How do you cut through the relentless waves of promises, speeches and the rest? If you’re South Korean presidential candidate Moon Jae-in, you take to Starcraft. Perhaps even more surprisingly, he’s actually a legitimate, tenable candidate who could well be the country’s next leader, according to recent polls. Moon Jae-in has launched two free maps on his campaign blog, a clever idea in a country that loves it some Starcraft.

He hasn’t gone to too much effort, though. As Kotaku explains, the map is merely an existing one, recast with a huge pile of all-important minerals that spell out “1 Moon Jae-In” in the middle. We’re assuming that the it’s meant to convey the prosperity that Jae-In believes he can bring to South Korean voters. Well, there’s never been a better time to get on that Starcraft hype train.

Source: Moon Jae In Camp (Korean)