How to convert and play FLAC music files on your iPhone or iPad

While there’s little argument that iPhones and iPads are attractive, well-designed gadgets, they do come with strict limitations when it comes to the type of audio files they will accept — Apple isn’t known for playing nice with files, except those that it sells you. It can be frustrating to drop thousands on high-end hardware for playback, only to be limited by the Apple ecosystem.

Those who’ve been paying attention to the quietly percolating hi-res audio revolution may wonder about a decidedly un-Apple high-resolution audio file that’s become one of the most popular file formats: FLAC.

If you’re unfamiliar with FLAC, you might be asking: What are these high-resolution audio files? What is their advantage? And most importantly, how do you play them on your iOS device? Great questions! As always, we’re here to provide the answers.

What is FLAC, and why is it great?

FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio File. It’s a high-resolution audio file that has been compressed (usually from a large WAV file) so that it is more manageable to store. The “lossless” compression of the files means that they’re around half the size of a hi-res WAV file, but none of the information has been discarded. MP3 only takes up a few megabytes of space, but it is a “lossy” file, and dumps up to 90 percent of the original file via compression when it’s created. Yep — up to 90 percent of your favorite music is lost in translation when compressed to MP3. Some people will tell you that you can’t hear the difference, but these people are wrong (or they don’t have good enough listening equipment).

Since FLAC files support higher sample and bit rates than CDs (starting at 24 bits/48kHz), they more accurately reproduce organic audio when they’re played on speakers or in headphones — the higher the numbers, the better the reproduction. It’s also true that if you have better audio components in your playback device, your audio files will sound better, which is why players like Astell & Kern’s AK Jr are worth splurging on, for some. But there’s still an advantage to using hi-res files on your iOS devices.

Apple has its own version of FLAC files, called Apple Lossless Audio Files (ALAC), which have identical sonic properties. As such, iPhone owners may ask: Why use FLAC files at all? The reasons come down to content (what you already own), and sources (what you can get). There are several purveyors of high resolution audio files. The biggest, like HD Tracks, offer albums in full size WAVs  — and Apple’s version, AIFFs — as well as FLACs, and ALACs. However, there are lots of websites that offer only the popular FLAC files. On top of that, you (or someone you know) may already own a few FLACs. FLAC is like the MP3 for high-resolution audio; it’s the standard.

How to convert FLAC files to ALAC (so your iPhone can read them)

You can’t really upload music to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod without going through iTunes, and it won’t accept FLAC files. The solution? Convert them to Apple’s ALAC format. Regardless of whether you have a PC or a Mac, though, you’ll need to get the right application to bring your FLAC files into the iTunes fold.

Before you start converting, make sure your preferences in iTunes are set correctly to preserve your files at their full sampling and bit rate. Otherwise, you could end up stepping down in resolution — and once a file steps down, it can’t step back up. That’s why converting to MP3s (or from them) is a pointless proposition when it comes to hi-res audio.

dBPowerAmp (PC, Mac)

For your audio file conversion needs, DBPowerAmp is the best choice. The software, compatible with Windows XP and up (as well as MacOS Mountain Lion or newer), can do all sorts of file conversions, as well as batch conversions (for multiple files at a time). The program is blissfully free of frustrating malware toolbars, and even allows for the addition of DSP effects like volume level and normalization.

Once your FLACs take a spin through this power wash, they’ll be ready to rock as ALACs on iTunes and, as such, on your iOS device. The only issue is that the program is pretty damned expensive, priced at $39 for a single PC, and $68 for the family pack. If you’re not convinced, you can try the software free for three weeks.

Any Audio Converter (PC)

If you don’t mind a few pop-up ads, Any Audio Converter is a great alternative for switching your files, and it’s totally free! The app covers just about any file format you’ll come across, and there’s a comprehensive set of instructions displayed on the website for ease of use. Keep in mind that, after conversion, ALAC audio files can appear as M4A files, since M4A is a container format for all Apple audio files.

Mediahuman (PC, Mac)

If you’re on a Mac, and you don’t want to pay to convert your music files, Mediahuman is (by far) the best way to go. Simply download and install the application, open it, and select ALAC from the dropdown menu at the top. From there, you can drag and drop FLAC files into the app, or use the “+” button to select files from your computer. Mediahuman is capable of converting multiple files simultaneously, it’s relatively fast, and there are no annoying pop-up ads. What’s not to like?

After using one of these applications to convert your audio to ALAC, you must import the files to iTunes, connect your iOS device, and sync your music files to load them the old fashioned way. Below are some more modern solutions.

The best FLAC apps for your iPhone

If you don’t want to take the time to convert your FLAC files to play them on your iPhone or iPad, there’s an app to solve this problem for you; in fact, there are several. Most of these apps work by circumventing the standard “sync” feature in iTunes, allowing you to share files directly to the app installed on your device. Once the app is installed, it should show up below your iPhone or iPad when connected to your computer. From there, you should be able to drag files from a folder directly to the app, and you’ll be set.

Frankly, life is often much easier if you just integrate the files with your iTunes library via the ALAC format. But, in case you have other plans, we’ve found some of the best apps available, all of which can be found through the app store on iTunes.

FLAC Player

The best option around as far as features and stability, this $10 app will do the trick, and even includes some pretty stellar features like a multi-band EQ, detailed file information, and more.

Golden Ear

If you want to save two dollars on an iOS app to play lossless, non-ALAC audio, Golden Ear will work. The app actually provides a lot of different functions — it can automatically decompress ZIP and RAR audio folders, apply tags and album art, and it even supports AirPlay. The app does add small gaps between tracks, so if you’re looking for a traditional way to listen to albums, you might be disappointed. But, hey, there are other options.

MoliPlayer

An all-in-one player which offers compatibility for a litany of different video and audio file types, MoliPlayer is free and fully-loaded, though it might nickel and dime you a bit with in-app purchases if you really dig deep into its features. MoliPlayer is limited to iPad use, as well, so you’ll need to explore different options if you want to listen to FLACs on your phone. If you’ve got an iPad, though, this baby will do what you need — and a whole lot more.

Updated on April 25, 2017 by Nick Hastings: Updated for accuracy with current software, and to include Golden Ear and Mediahuman.

DJI, Hasselblad unleash 100-megapixel frankendrone on the friendly skies

Why it matters to you

If you’re in the high-end photography business, this megapixel monster is about as good as it gets for aerial shots.

DJI and Hasselblad unveiled what the two companies call the “world’s first 100-megapixel integrated aerial photography platform.” By fusing together the DJI M600 Pro Drone, Ronin-MX Gimbal, and Hasselblad H6D-100c camera, DJI and Hasselblad have created a megapixel monster that is destined for the sky.

The announcement of this collaboration should not come as a surprise, considering DJI acquired a majority stake in Hasselblad earlier this year. Not to mention, the two companies have teamed up in the past for a drone/camera collaboration.

What is surprising is the fact the two companies are pushing it as a “world’s first” when in reality, there is nothing new about the system. Every component of the setup can be purchased individually and combined to create the exact “platform.”

The only difference is the fact that it will soon be sold as a package, which would presumably lower the cost compared to buying the components individually. However, neither DJI nor Hasselblad has announced a price for the platform, so there is no guarantee that a package discount will indeed be the case.

Individually, the components add up to roughly $40,000, without a lens for the setup: $33,000 for the H6D-100c, $5,000 for the M600 Pro, $1,600 for the Ronin-MX.

As much as this platform is designed for professional photographers, it’s also designed with industrial, commercial, and scientific applications in mind. Drones are becoming more popular than ever in fields outside traditional photography and the combination of pixels and power makes perfect sense for artists and scientists alike. In the announcement, DJI and Hasselblad even hit on the topic of these applications, saying the “enhanced accuracy [of the M600 drone’s instruments] over typical barometer, compass and GPS systems makes it ideal for exacting commercial, industrial and scientific applications.”

According to the press release, the 100-megapixel drone platform, deemed “the next era of aerial photography” will be released in the third quarter of 2017. We will be sure to update this post when pricing is made available.

Verizon’s $70 Gigabit internet plan misses both targets

Yesterday Verizon announced the launch of Fios Gigabit Connection, as “the nation’s largest deployment of gigabit Internet connection service.” It even promised a $70 per month price standalone, however, as people tried to sign up a few shortcomings have become evident. First of all, it’s not quite 1Gbps speed, with downloads reaching a maximum 940Mbps and uploads stopped at 880Mbps. Further, its pricing scheme is more complicated than the announcement advertised, with that $70 price (that doesn’t include the charge for a modem or other fees) only available to new customers.

Ars Technica heard from a reader who tried to upgrade from $150 750Mbps “Instant Internet” that their price would go up to $200 per month, but it appears it won’t be that expensive. We confirmed what they heard from Verizon PR, which is that the price for existing customers can vary based on what they have right now. The confusion appears to come from the application of promotional rates that may not be updated in its billing system yet, and it’s unclear whether they will expire or remain in force for as long as users keep their service.

Either way, as of April 30th, existing customers with 100Mbps speed can upgrade for $30 per month more, while 150Mbps customers can upgrade for an additional $20 per month. What we’ve been told by Verizon is that in many cases, existing customers will be in the $95 range for Gigabit service, while the press release says Instant Internet customers should see their prices lowered automatically. Simple, right?

The improvement over 750Mbps Instant Internet is apparently the result of “fine tuned” diagnostics and network hardware, and it will be available in over 8 million homes across “New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Richmond, Va., Hampton Roads, Va., Boston, Providence and Washington, D.C.”

Verizon:

Fios Gigabit Connection service bundled with Fios Custom TV and Digital Voice service is available online for $79.99 in year one and $84.99 in year two, with a two-year agreement.

In areas where Fios Gigabit Connection service is available, Verizon now offers two tiers of standalone Internet service – 50 Mbps for $39.99 a month and Gigabit Connection for $69.99 a month when ordered online. Existing customers who wish to upgrade to Fios Gigabit Connection will be able to do so online starting April 30. Customers with Instant Internet service today will soon automatically receive Fios Gigabit Connection and will see their bills lowered.

Source: Verizon

Google Maps can remember where you parked on Android and iOS

Google Maps already lets you know when parking at your destination might be difficult, but the app’s latest navigation feature aims to make things even easier after you’ve arrived. The helpful parking location features we saw last month just became official, meaning Google Maps on Android and iOS will now remember where you parked the car once you reach your destination — and it’s literally a no-brainer to use on iOS.

On Android, users simply need to tap the blue dot once they’ve parked and then hit “Save your parking” to drop a pin handily labeled “You parked here.” Tapping the pin label brings up another card where you can set a reminder to pay the parking meter, snap a picture of your parking space, share your car’s location or just jot down some parking notes.

Users on iOS will have a similar experience, but they won’t actually have to remember to drop a pin first. If your phone is connected to the car via Bluetooth or USB, Google Maps takes advantage of a feature built for Apple Maps to automatically tag your car’s location once your phone disconnects from the vehicle. The search giant baked a similar feature into older versions of its Google Now app on Android, but it worked using some GPS trickery and algorithmic guessing, so the new method is a more elegant (and much more accurate) solution. Of course, iOS users can also tap the “Parking location” label on the map to bring up or share their parking info and the card also includes Street View images of the nearby area, but you’ll have to set parking meter timers yourself.

The new features are available now in the Android and iOS versions.

Source: Google Blog

When is the Call of Duty: WW2 reveal livestream and where can you watch?

Activision and Sledgehammer Games are about to announce the next installment in the Call of Duty series.

During the worldwide reveal, which will be live-streamed from London IMAX, we will see the title shown off the first time. We should hear all about the story, gameplay, multiplayer, and more, though we suspect some things will remain a secret until E3 in June. Still, if you’re excited about this upcoming game, here’s everything you need to know about the worldwide reveal, including how you can watch.

• Call of Duty Infinite Warfare review: Infinitely better than ever
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What is Call of Duty: WW2?

Call of Duty is going back to its roots, as the next installment in the series will be set during World War II. Since 2008, the series has focused on other time periods, such as the 1960s and the future. But on 21 April, publisher Activision confirmed the Sledgehammer Games-developed, first-person shooter will be called Call of Duty: WWII, and that the game will be officially unveiled soon via a livestream.

• It’s official: The next Call of Duty will be set in World War II

When is the Call of Duty: WW2 worldwide reveal?

The worldwide reveal of Call of Duty: WW2 will take place on 26 April at 10am PST (1 PM EST/3PM GMT). Activision said the reveal will be hosted at the London IMAX, but it will make a live stream available so that people around the world can watch as well.

Where can you watch the Call of Duty: WW2 reveal?

Below are links to the worldwide livestream.

You can also tune in on Twitch and Facebook.

What can you expect from the Call of Duty: WW2 reveal?

We expecting to see the title’s CG trailer. We also think we’ll get more details on the game’s single and multiplayer portions or even the private beta that was recently spotted by Charlie Intel, which also revealed some of the settings to be found in the game (like that players will get to battle across several European countries and locations including the Beaches of Normandy).

The story will focus on the “unbreakable brotherhood of common men fighting to preserve freedom in a world on the brink of tyranny” featuring “bold, lifelike visuals.” We expect to get a confirmation on all this, as well as learn more about platform availability and competitive multiplayer and co-op modes during the reveal. We’ll keep you posted when we learn the official details.

Want to know more?

Check out the Call of Duty: WWII official website. Right now it has a countdown timer on the front page that counts down to the reveal.

Uber plans to demo its fleet of electric flying cabs in 2020

Uber is developing electric flying cabs – and a network for them.

While in Dallas at a three-day “Elevate” summit, Uber revealed plans for a “vertical take-off and landing” (VTOL) vehicle. Uber sees these so-called flying cars as the future. Uber said it’ll demonstrate VTOL and its Elevate Network in 2020. Right now, everything seems to be in the concept stages, as Uber spent most of its keynote talking about how it is cultivating the partners it needs to bring Elevate Network to fruition.

It is working with the cities of Dallas-Fort Worth and Dubai to launch pilot programs. Uber has also partnered with Dubai’s road and transportation authority to take a closer look at the needs of the metropolitan area in order to optimise pricing and network. Thanks to this study of the city, Dubai is expected to be the place where Uber unveils its first public demonstration during the 2020 World Expo.

• What is Uber and how does it work?
• Uber iPhone app close to being removed by Apple

Uber has also partnered with ChargePoint to develop the Uber Elevate battery charger so the VTOL vehicles can quickly charge upon landing. Uber is further hoping to work with local real estate companies on building vehicleports. And, of course, it’s looking at aircraft manufacturers that are already developing electric VTOL vehicles. Those include Aurora Flight Sciences, Pipistrel Aircraft, and Embraer.

Uber is also looking at Mooney and Bell Helicopter. All these companies were selected by Uber because they have the expertise required to help Uber complete Elevate network sooner rather than later. Uber has dreamed of a future where customers can travel via VTOL from the airport to a hotel in just a few minutes instead of an hour. It all seems like lofty ambitions, but Uber appears determined.

• Uber apparently wants to buy a fleet of autonomous cars in Germany
• Facebook Messenger now lets you hail an Uber: Here’s how it works
• Uber will deliver ice cream to you for free today: This is how to get it

Netflix gets its shows into China through iQiyi licensing deal

While Netflix has dominated much of the streaming content market, it’s been blocked by regulators in a major region: China. Having previously licensed content to LeEco (which is currently dealing with its own problems) as far back as 2014, the company has now found a new stopgap method to get its material into the country by way of Beijing-based video service iQiyi, which is a subsidiary of Baidu.

Obviously, this isn’t the unfettered broadcasting access that Netflix would prefer, but it allows them to continue distributing content into the region. This will grow awareness of the streaming service’s unique content and brand, a Netflix vice president told The Hollywood Reporter.

Netflix didn’t offer any further details, like what content would be distributed through iQiyi or when it would be available. The company expanded into East Asia in 2015, but despite its efforts, strict regulation has kept it and other content providers like Amazon from expanding into China. Licensing content through subscriber-based distributors is a viable alternative, but iQiyi faces stern competition in the streaming content market from Tencent Video and the Alibaba-owned Youku Tudou.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Nvidia’s latest GeForce drivers get you ready for ‘Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III’

Why it matters to you

If you pre-ordered Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III and use an Nvidia GeForce GPU, then get updated to the latest drivers for the best performance.

GPU makers are constantly updating their drivers to ensure the best possible game performance. In some instances, specific games are targeted, and such is the case with the latest Nvidia GeForce Game Ready Drivers.

Specifically, Nvidia is particularly proud of the performance that its version 381.89 WHQL drivers bring to a handful of new and upcoming titles. The latest GeForce driver update offers enhanced performance for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, Heroes of the Storm 2.0, Batman: Arkham VR, Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality, and Wilson’s Heart.

Of course, enhanced performance in specific gaming titles is only part of the story when it comes to the newest drivers. Version 381.89 also brings support for the Nvidia Titan Xp GPU along with a handful of new features, including the following as listed in Nvidia’s release notes:

• Added support for Windows 10 Creators Update.
• Added DTS X and Dolby Atmos support for 5.1.2 speaker configuration.
• Added Dolby Vision support for games.
• Added Nvidia AnselTM support for Snake Pass and Kona.
• Nvidia Control Panel
• Display page: Added the option to override the Windows 10 control of desktop
  color settings.

The new drivers also bring some fixes:

• [Sniper Elite 3]: The game crashes. [1880113]
• [Notebook][eDP panel]: Blue-screen (code 3B) occurs followed by the Recovery screen during software unbundling process. [1900432]
• [GeForce GTX 1060]: Blue-screen crash occurs pointing to driver (Nvlddmkm.sys) after the system reboots from sleep mode. [1814559]
• GPU idling voltage has increased. [1904229]

Finally, the version 381.89 has a number of known issues with a variety of supported operating systems. Here are some highlights regarding Windows 10 support, and be sure to check the release notes for other issues that you might encounter:

• [GeForce Experience]: Driver installation may fail when attempting to perform a driver overinstall. To workaround, perform a clean installation.
• [SLI][GeForce GTX 1080][Battlefield 1 XP1]: With SLI enabled, corruption appears in the game when switching between full-screen and windowed mode. [1889162]
• [GeForce GTX 1080 Ti][Mass Effect: Andromeda]: Random memory errors may occur when playing the game. [1887520]
• [GeForce GTX 1080 Ti][Sid Meirie’s Civilization VI][G-Sync/SLI/DirectX 12]: Black corruption appears while entering the in-game menu after skipping the cutscene. [200283322]
• [GeForce GTX Titan X][Ansel][Ghost Recon Wildlands]: With FXAA enabled from the Nvidia Control Panel, the application crashes when enabling the in-game Ansel UI. [200283194]
• Error code 43 appears in the Device Manager after installing the driver with HDMI display connected. [200283276]
• [Pascal][Notebook]: The display remains blank while over-installing the driver, requiring a reboot. [200273603]
• [GM204, Tom Clancy’s The Division Survival DLC] Game crashes, pointing to ntdll.dll when changed to full-screen and to windowed full-screen. [200252894]
• [GM204, ShadowPlay] For Honor silently may crash if the intro video is skipped while instant replay is on. [200247313]

As always, you can open the Nvidia GeForce Experience app and grab the update there. Or, head to the Nvidia support page and download the update yourself. Follow the directions, and then get ready for some gameplay improvements.

AI can screen for cervical cancer more accurately than other methods

Why it matters to you

More than 80 percent of the deaths from cervical cancer occur in the developing world. This algorithm could help screen for the disease more accurately.

The use of artificial intelligence in medicine isn’t just about top-flight university labs and pricey private hospitals; a group of researchers want to use it to help screen for cancer in the developing world.

“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer to affect women,” Sharon Xiaolei Huang, associate professor of computer science and engineering at Lehigh University, told Digital Trends. “More than 80 percent of the deaths from cervical cancer occur in developing countries. The current screening methods — which include PAP smears, HPV tests, and other tests — often have low sensitivity. That means that a lot of patients, even if they go for screening, have their cancer undetected. That’s if they can have screenings at all, since the high cost can often prove prohibitive. Motivated by that, we saw that there was a call for a more sensitive, less expensive, and more highly automated screening method.”

That’s where the algorithm developed by Huang and her colleagues comes into play. Based on 10 years of work, their algorithm is able to recognize signs of cervical cancer based on noninvasive photos of the cervix. It was trained using data from 1,112 patient visits, of which 345 had lesions that were positive for dysplasia likely to develop into cancer, and 767 had lesions that did not fall into this category.

Searching for visual signs of cancer, the team’s algorithm turned out to have 10 percent better sensitivity and specificity than any other screening method, while also being lower cost. Its accuracy levels were upwards of 85 percent.

The researchers’ work is described in an article in the journal Pattern Recognition titled, “Multi-feature base benchmark for cervical dysplasia classification.” Next up, the team hopes to carry out trials using the AI system.

“There has been massive growth in AI technologies, especially over the past five or six years,” Huang said. “For example, we’ve seen a big increase in the recognition accuracy of image recognition systems. That’s very useful for medicine, which is what I’ve been working on. With recent developments, these tools are really starting to reach a point where they could be used in clinical settings. At the same time, there’s been more acceptance from clinicians and the general population about AI assisting with medicine.”

AT&T’s ‘5G Evolution’ is a step on the true 5G path, but there is a ways to go

Why it matters to you

Make no mistake, AT&T’s 5G Evolution is an improvement over existing LTE, but it’s well short of what 5G should achieve in a few years’ time.

The race to 5G has officially kicked off — well, depending on what your definition of 5G is. On Tuesday, AT&T announced it has switched on its 5G Evolution service in Austin, Texas, and Samsung Galaxy S8 users can start experiencing the improved service right now.

AT&T claims its 5G Evolution spec is twice as fast as its current 4G LTE network, which OpenSignal rated at about 14Mbps on average in February. The Galaxy S8 series can take advantage because it uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chipset, which supports data transfers at up to gigabit speed.

However, calling the service 5G is a bit misleading. The 5G standard has not been finalized yet and, while AT&T claims this Evolution network will lay the foundation for its future infrastructure, the technology isn’t necessarily cutting edge anymore. According to AT&T, 5G Evolution utilizes carrier aggregation, 4×4 Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) and 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) to deliver faster data speeds — the same enhancements T-Mobile brought to its existing LTE network all the way back in September.

In other words, what AT&T is calling 5G Evolution is indeed an upgrade over existing LTE, but it is not even close to what true 5G is purported to offer when it arrives a few years from now. While much will likely change between now and then as to what officially constitutes 5G, one feature it will certainly bring is data speeds of at least 1Gbps. What AT&T is introducing now cannot even manage half that.

Again, it is still faster, but it is not 5G. In fact, it is a lot like how AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint were marketing technologies like HSPA+ and WiMax — iterations upon the 3G standard — as 4G, well before LTE was ever introduced. Never mind the fact that LTE still does not reach the initial agreed-upon standard for 4G.

While AT&T customers in Austin will be the first to receive 5G Evolution, the carrier says it expects to roll the service out to cities including Indianapolis, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Nashville, Tennessee next. By then, it is possible another phone featuring the Snapdragon 835, or an even more powerful system-on-chip with support for faster data speeds, will also launch to take advantage of AT&T’s improvements.