Apple Music will get a redesign to support its growing streaming video library

Why it matters to you

Apple is taking a stab at a streaming video service, with as many of ten shows set to debut on its overhauled Apple Music app before the end of the year.

Apple Music is set to undergo something of an upgrade later this year, when Apple’s longstanding plans to inject the service with streaming video content come to fruition. A new version of the app is set to debut alongside the release of iOS 11, which is expected to drop in fall 2017.

As many as ten original series could be available via Apple Music by the end of the year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The company is taking the time to establish content that users will want to see, but there seems to be no shortage of ideas for new shows that are at least tangentially related to the music industry.

We’ve known about several of the concepts that are currently in development for some time. Reality series Planet of the Apps was one of the first projects linked to the company’s ambitions for Apple Music, and a show based on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke skit has been in the works for several months — although the latter has apparently been delayed.

However, there’s plenty more going on behind the scenes. Documentaries on hip-hop labels Cash Money Records and Bad Boy Records are reportedly being hashed out, as well as another about influential producer Clive Davis. There are even rumblings of a follow-up to R. Kelly’s memorable rap opera Trapped in the Closet.

While the focus for now is on music-related content, there are plans to go bigger when the time is right. Jimmy Iovine, the record producer at the helm of Apple Music, has apparently met with Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams and Empire producer Brian Grazer to discuss future projects.

Apple clearly has some major aspirations when it comes to streaming video, but content is only one piece of the puzzle. Before Apple Music can compete with other streaming services, the app itself needs to be redesigned to properly accommodate a video library, and those changes will seemingly take effect when iOS 11 hits the scene.

Apple Music will get a redesign to support its growing streaming video library

Why it matters to you

Apple is taking a stab at a streaming video service, with as many of ten shows set to debut on its overhauled Apple Music app before the end of the year.

Apple Music is set to undergo something of an upgrade later this year, when Apple’s longstanding plans to inject the service with streaming video content come to fruition. A new version of the app is set to debut alongside the release of iOS 11, which is expected to drop in fall 2017.

As many as ten original series could be available via Apple Music by the end of the year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The company is taking the time to establish content that users will want to see, but there seems to be no shortage of ideas for new shows that are at least tangentially related to the music industry.

We’ve known about several of the concepts that are currently in development for some time. Reality series Planet of the Apps was one of the first projects linked to the company’s ambitions for Apple Music, and a show based on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke skit has been in the works for several months — although the latter has apparently been delayed.

However, there’s plenty more going on behind the scenes. Documentaries on hip-hop labels Cash Money Records and Bad Boy Records are reportedly being hashed out, as well as another about influential producer Clive Davis. There are even rumblings of a follow-up to R. Kelly’s memorable rap opera Trapped in the Closet.

While the focus for now is on music-related content, there are plans to go bigger when the time is right. Jimmy Iovine, the record producer at the helm of Apple Music, has apparently met with Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams and Empire producer Brian Grazer to discuss future projects.

Apple clearly has some major aspirations when it comes to streaming video, but content is only one piece of the puzzle. Before Apple Music can compete with other streaming services, the app itself needs to be redesigned to properly accommodate a video library, and those changes will seemingly take effect when iOS 11 hits the scene.

No trees were harmed in the designing of this eco-friendly treehouse

Why it matters to you

By working with nature, this concept treehouse could help cut back on carbon emissions of conventional construction.

It certainly won’t be cheap, but this $2.45 million eco-friendly treehouse concept may give architects some inspiration for the future of home building. Designed by civil engineer Anthony Leung, the treehouse incorporates sustainable concepts to work with — rather than against — nature.

“I have been doing research in looking for sustainable means to work with, rather than against, the nature, to improve the resilience of civil engineering infrastructure, combating against the negative impact brought by the irreversible environmental change,” Leung told Digital Trends. “My recent research interest is to look at how the presence of mature trees could adversely induce subsidence, hence structural integrity, of adjacent low-story buildings.”

Leung wanted to change the conventional perspective that sees trees as the “enemy,” things to be cut down and dug up. “In this context, I was wondering why we, as engineers, couldn’t more intelligently work with nature to build a more harmonic built environment — like the eco-treehouse.” he said.

In his concept, Leung used living trees as support columns and to provide shade. Grass along the roof would help regulate temperature and rainwater runoff, which would be directed to a small wastewater treatment plant to be recycled for later use. To ensure minimal impact to the natural surroundings, no wood would be removed to make space. And, although the treehouse seems futuristic, Leung pointed out that many of the concepts he incorporated are already being employed elsewhere.

“Green roofs and climbing plants have been researched for years and have actually been applied quite widely in many parts of the Europe including the United Kingdom,” he said. “Other features, such as integrating tree trunks as part of the structural components of a house and coupling plant physiological responses to air ventilation system, however, are more complex subjects.”

Leung doesn’t expect his concept to actually be built but hopes that it inspires architects and engineers to explore more sustainable methods. “The point of developing this concept is to demonstrate how we can borrow the power of nature to create natural shelter for human beings in a modern, yet ecologically friendly way,” he said.

Best app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers make paid apps free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money, and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

More: 200 Awesome iPhone Apps | The best Android apps for almost any occasion

Cameraxis

Cameraxis loaded with addictive fonts, impressive artworks, amazing filters, fantastic overlays, and many more awesome features that will spark imagination to create professional-quality images.

Available on:

iOS

ToonCamera

ToonCamera is an amazing video and photography app that turns your world into a live cartoon. Apply real-time cartoon and art effects to your camera feed to create instant works of art.

Available on:

iOS

DayCost

It takes just three seconds to deal with a bill with this app. It promises to be fast, secure, and easy to use, and pops up in your notification center when you need it.

Available on:

iOS

Briefcase Pro

Briefcase is an all-in-one document reader and manager for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It can import files from email attachments, GoogleDrive, Dropbox, SkyDrive, Box, and more.

Available on:

iOS

Pixagram

Create stunning images easily with Pixagram, and share them to your favorite social network. Add unique filters, effect, and frames to create a great design piece.

Available on:

iOS

Pro.Calendar

This is the organizer for business owners, real estate agents, freelancers, contractors, and project managers. Get a unified view for all calendars, appointments, to-do lists, checklists, tasks, and more.

Available on:

iOS

T-Mobile may address high phone prices with its next Un-carrier move

Why it matters to you

T-Mobile wants to make your next Android phone and iPhone cheaper, according to rumors.

T-Mobile, the self-coined “Un-carrier,” has made a point of addressing wireless customers’ biggest pain points. Its Un-carrier Next launch saw subscribers refunded the taxes and fees they normally pay on top of plan prices. T-Mobile’s KickBack, which launched earlier this year, doled out payments to subscribers who used 2GB of data or less a month. And now, the carrier wants to shake up how people buy new phones.

According to leaked documents obtained by Android Authority, T-Mobile will launch a service that reduces the price of top-tier phones like the Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7, which often retail for more than $650. It won’t be a contract deal — the marketing materials say its “commitment free” — and it’ll come with a lifetime warranty and insurance included. If you’ve broken a phone, want a new one, or have had enough and want to return it, you’ll be able to do so.

Android Authority expects the plan to launch in the third quarter of this year.

The new benefit appears aimed at subscribers who’d rather pay for new smartphones outright instead of in monthly installments. In 2015, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint eliminated subsidized phone pricing — the discounts on devices offered in exchange for two-year commitments. The shift has some investors worried. In January, Wells Fargo Securities lowered its rating on Verizon in part because of “installment plan migrations.”

It’s unclear whether the new plan will join — or replace — Jump, T-Mobile’s early upgrade plan. A $9 to $12 fee (depending on the phone) each month allows you to trade in and upgrade your phone after 50 percent of the total cost is paid off, and includes insurance, theft, and accidental damage.

In some cases, Jump ends up being more expensive than buying a phone outright. If you turn in an iPhone 6S and get a new iPhone 7, for example, you’ll pay $1,069 after two years — about $200 more than the iPhone 7’s $900 asking price.

The rumored benefit comes on the heels of T-Mobile’s new One plan, which includes unlimited talk, unlimited texting, and unlimited 4G LTE data for $70. “Four years ago, we were talking about a trend in the industry,” T-Mobile chief John Legere said at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. “More than 70 percent of wireless customers say wireless plans are too complicated. They want simplicity.”

And it comes as T-Mobile makes costly upgrades to its network. In April, T-Mobile acquired low-band spectrum, the frequencies over which cellular signals travel, for $8 billion.

Alphabet’s stock rises as revenue from Google increases 22%

Google posts strong revenues, but Alphabet continues to lose money with its “Other Bets.”

In its earnings results for Q1 2017, Google’s parent company Alphabet announced that it netted $22.8 billion in revenue, an increase of 22% from the same period a year ago. Net profit at $5.42 billion was 29% more than Q1 2016.

Unsurprisingly, Google contributed to a vast majority of the earnings. Overall revenue from Google came in at $24.5 billion, a YoY increase of 22%. The revenue includes money from advertising — including search, display, and YouTube ads. Mobile ads continue to lead the way for ad revenue, and although Google’s cost per click fell by 19%, paid clicks were up 44% from Q1 2016.

Revenues from Google’s non-advertising businesses — which include Pixel sales, Google Play, and the company’s cloud platform — rose 49% to $3.1 billion.

Alphabet is continuing to lose money on its Other Bets, which posted a loss of $855 million. Revenue, however, increased 48% to $255 million from the same period a year ago. With the business unit focusing on long-term bets and moonshots, Alphabet isn’t necessarily worried about losing money in the interim. From CFO Ruth Porat:

Our excellent results represent a terrific start to 2017, with revenues up 22% versus the first quarter of 2016 and 24% on a constant currency basis. We clearly continue to benefit from our ongoing investments in product innovation and have great momentum in our new businesses across Alphabet.

The Galaxy S8 is water resistant, not liquid resistant

Your phone has no fear when it comes to water but be careful with other liquids.

One of the features you’ll find in most top-end phones in 2017 is water resistance. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ from Samsung are no exception. Raining outside? No problem. The Galaxy S8’s IP68 rating means the rain has no effect. The same goes for a splash at the sink, a dip in the pool, and maybe even a spilled soda or beer.

Yes, maybe. Not everything wet is water and even things that are mostly water might be best kept away from your water-resistant phone.

This doesn’t only apply to the Galaxy S8, or even phones in general. Water resistant objects are designed to keep out water — exclusively. Because of the chemical composition of any liquid, anything water resistant might not be beer resistant. Or champange resistant, because science!

Rugged phone ratings: Everything you need to know

Liquids feel, well, liquidy. But all liquids have other things dissolved into them. Things like magnesium and calcium are in the water you drink and depending on where in the world you are you can have very hard water (lots of calcium and other dissolved minerals) or very soft water (very few dissolved minerals) or somewhere in between. The GS8 is designed to be soaked in good old tap water with no ill effects. You don’t have to worry, but we don’t recommend you take your phone snorkeling. (If you do, send us pics because that’s pretty cool).

Other types of water, specifically distilled water and really hot water, are probably something you don’t want to dunk your phone in. Science also means that distilled water is virtually free of any dissolved minerals and might be able to penetrate where “regular” water can’t. Hot water, on the other hand, can loosen adhesives and gaskets.

A quick rinse to wash away chemicals or sticky liquids isn’t going to hurt anything.

Other liquids like beer or antifreeze — or anything that’s not just plain water — might have chemicals that can penetrate the water resistant barriers or just make a mess in speaker holes, headphone jacks, and SIM card slots. If you get something that’s not water you’d drink on your phone, rinse it gently in the sink with room temperature water as soon as you can.

If you get the ports all gunked up, and it happens to the best of us, don’t go jamming toothpicks or sewing needles in the nooks and crannies to scrape it out. Wipe it down with a damp washcloth and let the fabric scrub away the surface dirt and sticky stuff or take a toothbrush and gently work at it. If you do end up having to dig in any holes with anything smaller than your elbow, be super careful not to cause any damage to parts or finishes. All that is part of being water resistant and needs to stay as intact as it can.

You don’t need to baby your Galaxy S8 when it comes to using it around the water. It’s built for it! Just be mindful for spills and splashes of other liquids.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Galaxy S8 and S8+ review!
• Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs
• Everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8’s cameras
• Get to know Samsung Bixby
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint

Torrent safely with a lifetime license to Streamza, right now 89% off

The torrent protocol is a convenient way to download large files quickly, and while it is often associated with piracy, you can find plenty of legal uses, like receiving Linux distributables, finding copyright-free music and media, and downloading libraries worth of free e-books. The only problem is that your PC can become vulnerable while you’re torrenting.

Torrent safely with a lifetime Streamza license for only $50 Learn more

To stay safe while torrenting, you need an app that reduces risks by keeping your IP private and keeping viruses out. The problem is that these types of services are generally pricey and involve a subscription plan.

Right now, however, Android Central Digital Offers has a deal on Streamza, an ideal app for torrenting safely. Instead of paying monthly subscription fees, a lifetime license will cost you only $50. That’s 89% off the regular price of $500!

You get 250GB worth of downloads each month that are added to a personal library, plus the included cloud storage means you can access your files from a number of other devices. Not sure what’s available? Connect with other Streamza users to see what’s hot or search the huge library of popular media.

Get safe access to your favorite content with a lifetime license to Streamza at 89% off Learn more

This lifetime license includes all future updates to Streamza, so you can be sure you’re always using a current client. Ready to start torrenting safely? Grab Streamza now for only $50.

Google Wifi comes to Canada to improve unreliable wireless signals

One of the easiest ways to get better Wi-Fi signal in the home is now for sale in Canada.

Google Wifi is now available in Canada, as a single unit for $179 and three-pack mesh combo for a cool $439.

That’s a steep premium over the U.S. price of $129 and $299 respectively, and even at the latest exchange rate includes quite a bit of a premium. Still, Google Wifi is a very good router setup, evolved from Google’s own OnHub program that it worked with Asus and TP-Link to develop.

Google Wifi simplifies the router setup experience dramatically, using your smartphone as the primary administrative hub and performing updates silently in the background to ensure that speeds stay fast and coverage stays reliable. On its own, Google Wifi provides a moderate amount of coverage for an apartment or small home, but it’s when one combines the units together — it supports two or three “pucks” for a mesh setup — that things get really interesting.

Instead of using a repeater, which merely captures the signal from the main router and tries to amplify it, Google Wifi uses mesh technology to seamlessly spread signal evenly around the house so speeds stay constant, and there are no nasty drop-off points in remote corners. Here’s what Jerry Hildenbrand said in his review:

I heartily recommend Google Wifi to anyone looking for a way to cover their whole house with a network connection. But I also can recommend the Amplifi system and have plans to look at what eero and Luma have to offer. I can’t say one is any better than the other, but I can tell you that each is a good choice. This is a good place to be, where we have a choice of products that work the way we expect them to work. If you’re deeply tied into the Google ecosystem, go with Google Wifi for a multi-device setup. You’ll like the On.Here integration for connected devices, and the Zigbee and BLE radios mean more functionality may be coming, though we heard that before with OnHub and it didn’t materialize.

If you just need one Wi-Fi router and want something expandable (and pretty cool to use through the app) definitely go with Google Wifi here. The price is comparable to any good Wi-Fi router and you’ll appreciate both the network performance and ease of use.

Jerry refers to other mesh router products, such as Amplifi, Luma and eero, but none of them are available in Canada. Google Wifi’s biggest competitor is Netgear’s Orbi system, which for $499.99 comes with a base unit and a single satellite, but its units have much larger antennas and have generally received glowing reviews from the rest of the industry.

Google Wifi is available April 28 from the Google Store, Best Buy, Staples Canada and Walmart.

See at Google Store

Google Hardware

• Google Wifi review
• Google Home review
• Everything you need to know about the Chromecast Ultra
• Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: Which should you buy?

Google Wifi:

Google
Amazon

Google Home:

Google
Best Buy

Chromecast Ultra:

Google
Best Buy

How to use a HOTAS controller with any PlayStation VR game

How do I use my HOTAS with PSVR?

In order to experience an even deeper level of immersion while in PlayStation VR, you might want to look into a Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) controller. This controller gives you a ton of control over your aircraft or vehicle, as they have a familiar joystick for movement in one hand and an adjustable throttle in the other hand.

You can grab a HOTAS controller designed specifically for PS4, but the number of compatible games in PlayStation VR is limited. If you’d like to use your PS4 HOTAS controller on all games, or if you’d like to use a PC HOTAS on PS4, you need something called CronusMax Plus which lets you map buttons and use any controller with PS4.

Here’s everything you need to know about using a HOTAS controller with all of your favorite PSVR games.

See the full guide at VR Heads!