Allo’s next trick: Turning your selfies into emoji

The new features takes advantage of Google’s machine learning abilities to make a set of stickers based on your face.

Feel like your feelings could better be expressed through emoji that look like you? Well, you’re in luck if you’re an Allo user. The latest update comes with a feature that turns your selfie into a reusable sticker.

The feature was announced in an official Google blog, and then confirmed in an interview between Google’s Jason Cornwall, Communications UX Lead at Google, and FastCo Design. Starting today, you’ll be able to shoot and save your own emotive stickers to use within Allo conversations. Google’s image-recognition algorithm will analyze your face and map each of your individual features to a preset selection of images illustrated by artist Lamar Abrams, who is best known for the Cartoon Network series Steven Universe. Then, you can choose the emotion that best suits your mood.

“The goal isn’t accuracy,” Cornwell said about the ability. “It’s to let someone create something that feels like themselves, to themselves.” Google estimates that there are 563 quadrillion possibilities. Once you create your stickers, you’ll have 22 different moods to choose from.

The FastCo Design article continues with some background on Google’s objective behind the sticker-making feature:

The project represents a long-running priority at Google—to figure out new ways that it can apply ML to broader and broader swathes of experience. The logic, for Google, is alluring: Google leads the world in ML, so if it can make ML into a must-have feature for apps and websites, then its products will be able to leapfrog competitors. Along those lines, Allo has become a test bed for all kinds of novel ML applications. “What we’re doing with Allo is trying to find all the ways that ML can make messaging better,” says Cornwell. “From saying the right thing at the right time to conveying the right emotion at the right time.”

Unfortunately, I don’t see the update available in the Google Play Store at the time of writing, which is quite a bummer. A sticker-making feature that uses Google’s Machine Learning abilities is rather impressive, and I’m curious to see the end result in real time.

You can read the rest of the article, which includes background on how the stickers were designed, at FastCo Design. As for the app update, keep checking in the Google Play Store.

Verizon spent $3.1 billion for a 5G company that AT&T was going to buy for $1.6 billion

Verizon is getting spendy on some big 5G acquisitions, because it doesn’t want to be behind again.

When Verizon decides it wants something, an extra $1.5 billion is no problem. According to the Wall Street Journal, America’s biggest cellular provider has agreed to spend $3.1 billion — $1.5 billion more than AT&T’s initial purchase offer — to acquire Straight Path Communications, which has one of the largest battle chests of potential 5G spectrum in the U.S.

The interesting part about this deal is that in April AT&T actually announced the acquisition on its website, claiming that with Straight Path, and a previous purchase of FiberTower back in January, it would have the spectrum necessary to roll out one major part of its impending 5G network (its real one, not the fake kind). Specifically, Straight Path controls hundreds of megahertz of so-called millimeter wave spectrum, up in the 28GHz and 39GHz range, which allows for immense amounts of data to be passed very quickly over short distances. Along with more medium and low-band spectrum, millimeter wave will comprise much of the 5G backhaul where wired options, such as cable or fiber, can’t reach.

Clearly Verizon saw the value of such spectrum, since it nearly doubled AT&T’s initial offer and spent nearly eight times what the stock was worth back in April. This is very good news for Straight Path investors — at least the ones that stayed with the company through an FCC investigation that targeted unused spectrum. Straight Path ended up paying a small fine to the regulator, but also inked a deal to pay 20% of the cost of the licenses; new suitor Verizon will have to pay those fees, along with a $38 million breakage fee to AT&T.

Considering the first 5G networks, which won’t incorporate this millimeter wave technology, are not expected to roll out for another two to three years, it’s interesting to see Verizon spending so generously on spectrum that may only be integral to next-generation networks in half a decade or more.

How to connect an accessory to Samsung Health

Connecting an accessory to Samsung Health makes tracking your progress easier than ever.

Samsung Health aims to be your one-stop-shop for tracking your health and exercise. While it contains plenty of features within the app to track things, you can also connect compatible accessories that will help you in this endeavor. Whether you’re hoping to know what your fastest mile is or precisely how far you biked, you can do it all by connecting the right accessory. It’s also an extremely easy process, and we have the details for you here.

Why connect an accessory to Samsung Health?

Connecting your Samsung Gear S3 Smartwatch, or Gear Icon X earbuds to Samsung Health can definitely enhance how well Samsung Health works. This is because the app is actually set up to connect to activity trackers, bike sensors, smartwatches, heart rate monitors, and plenty more.

Samsung Health really does aim to be an all-in-one place for you to build healthy habits, and then track them. To this end, they’ve included compatibility with a slew of different devices you may be using to aid you in a variety of ways. Whether these are smart scales to check your weight, glucose monitors to check your sugar levels, or just an activity tracker to get the stats from your morning run, this is a pretty big deal.

This makes tracking your progress easier than ever.

Being able to have all of your health information in one place, and to see the improvement day after day and week after week may be the motivation you need to get serious about your health. While the devices that you’ll be able to connect are primarily Samsung’s own, you can see a full list of supported devices within the accessory page inside of the app.

Now one thing to remember is that if you are connecting a Samsung Accessory, you’ll need to go ahead and install Samsung Gear Manager first. Your phone won’t connect to your smartwatch if the Gear Manager isn’t on your phone.

Once you have an accessory connected then you’ll be able to track specific information without having to manually enter it into the app. This makes tracking your progress easier than ever, especially if you tend to forget to input information after a workout.

How to connect an accessory within Samsung Health

Open Samsung Health.
Tap the overflow icon that looks like three vertical dots in the upper right corner.

Tap Accessories to open the accessories page.

Tap the Accessory you want to connect to Samsung Health.
Tap Register in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

Tap Connect to pair your accessory to your phone.

Have you connected an accessory to Samsung Health?

Connecting an accessory to Samsung Health lets you keep better track of information like your run, heart rate, weight, and plenty more. This makes it easier than ever to track your progress as you try to get healthier, without having to think about it or constantly input information. Have you made the jump and connected your smartwatch, or another accessory to Samsung Health? We want to know about it! Leave us a comment below!

Verizon debuts its own chatbot on Facebook Messenger

The Fios customer service bot will answer your questions and help you find things to watch.

Probably the worst part about customer service is having to talk to someone on the phone when things go awry or you have a quick question. But would you rather have the conversation over Facebook Messenger?

Verizon has introduced the Fios chatbot on Facebook Messenger. You can use it to do things like search for content to watch, manage your DVR, and add channels to an existing package. It works for Verizon Fios internet service, too, so if you’re wondering what the throughput is on your internet speeds, you can simply ask the chatbot to test the connection.

“The Fios chatbot is focused on entertainment content now,” said Miguel Quiroga, head of digital for Verizon’s Fios consumer business, in the official press release. “It will continue to evolve based on how people use it. In effect, our customers will be ‘co-creating’ the platform with us.”

Automated customer service isn’t a new concept, just as chatbots aren’t new either. Facebook on its part recently announced its plans to double down on chatbots in an effort to give them substantial credence over time.

If you’re a Verizon Fios customer, you can try out the Fios chatbot on Facebook Messenger right now. Search for Fios, and then select “Get Started” as the first chat entry to start the process of linking your account.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: Everything you need to know

Microsoft has announced its next major Windows 10 update.

Remember, Microsoft already revealed it will update Windows 10 twice a year – in the spring and in the autumn – with new features and noteworthy upgrades. The last major update, which arrived in March, was the Creators Update. While at Build 2017, Microsoft confirmed the autumn update will be called the Fall Creators Update, and it includes a focus on bringing Windows experiences to iOS and Android devices.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Fall Creators Update.

• Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop, a Windows 10 S device
• Microsoft will now release major Windows 10 updates twice a year
• Windows 10 S is a streamlined version of Windows for education

What is the Fall Creators Update?

Technically called the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, it is an upcoming major software upgrade for existing Windows 10 users. Microsoft is detailing the update for the first time while at Build, its annual developers conference. The company has announced six key additions included in the update: Story Remix, Timeline, Pick Up Where You Left Off, Clipboard, OneDrive Files On-Demand, and Fluent Design.

What does Fall Creators Update include?

Story Remix

• Microsoft Story Remix lets you edit movies on iOS, Android, or Windows

Story Remix is a new Windows 10 app. But it’s not just any app. It’s basically a successor to, or even a replacement for, Windows Movie Maker, an app that let you create videos on a Windows XP or Windows 7 machine. Story Remix works in the cloud and essentially lets you pull in images and video from any device – whether iOS, Android, or Windows. In other words, it provides a true multi-platform experience.

Coming to #Windows10, Story Remix will help you find inspiration and explore new ways to create great stories. #MSBuild pic.twitter.com/xliM5Nnrcg

— Windows (@Windows) May 11, 2017

You can grab media from multiple devices and get started right away working on your video. It reminds us a lot of Apple’s new Clips app. You can even start making an video with Story Remix on an iPhone, but if you want to finish creating it on a Windows 10 PC, you can do that too. The app also supports 3D models and lets you pin objects in scenes. It therefore combines Microsoft’s Remix 3D and Paint 3D technologies.

It seems to borrow a little from Snapchat’s augmented reality effects. And, like all video makers meant for the average consumer, you can add soundtracks, including ones from Microsoft’s Groove music service. From what we can tell, this app is aimed at everyday people and not professional video editors. It will launch with the Fall Creators update.

Timeline, Pick Up Where You Left Off, and Clipboard

Microsoft introduced a feature called Timeline. It will be built into the Fall Creators Update. With Timeline, you can go back to an earlier snapshot of your system and restore open programs and documents. You can therefore go back in time to find what you were working on, scrub through your history of open apps and documents, and restore a session. It essentially lets you rewind your system to a previous time.

Introducing Timeline. Easily jump back in time to continue where you left off. #Windows10 #MSBuild pic.twitter.com/e3gxhXnp6W

— Windows (@Windows) May 11, 2017

Timeline also works with the new Pick Up Where You Left Off feature that lets you resume sessions and apps on multiple devices. Microsoft wants app developers to link their desktop apps so users can resume experiences on an iPhone or Android device. It’s even adding a cloud clipboard that will sync across Windows, iOS, and Android, so you can copy from a PC and paste it on a phone.

These features remind us of Apple’s Time Machine and Universal Clipboard tools.

Cortana will help you pick up where you left off, even as you switch from PC to phone. #Windows10 #MSBuild pic.twitter.com/71JsD5xtEh

— Windows (@Windows) May 11, 2017

OneDrive Files On-Demand

• OneDrive Files On-Demand will finally only download your files when you need them

OneDrive Files On-Demand will store all of your data in the cloud and only download it when you actually want to use relevant files. You can choose to keep everything in the cloud, with OneDrive only downloading the required data when needed. A new status icon will show whether a file is available locally or needs to be downloaded from the cloud first, in case you need to use the service offline.

Save your disk space with OneDrive Files On-Demand. Use File Explorer to access your cloud files whenever needed. #MSBuild pic.twitter.com/PhafHk2WEX

— Windows (@Windows) May 11, 2017

Fluent Design

Microsoft debuted a new look and feel to Windows 10: Fluent Design System. It was previously codenamed Project Neon and is part of Microsoft’s effort to leave the Metro user interface behind. The name refers to the tools developers have to create applications, and in this instance, can bring game-like features to interfaces, such as layering, elements that pop out at you, and more motion and design options.

Introducing the Microsoft Fluent Design System! Draw the right focus to the right thing at the right time. #MSBuild pic.twitter.com/tzHRAb4Pm0

— Windows Developer (@windowsdev) May 11, 2017

Is that it?

Microsoft hasn’t revealed all the features in the Fall Creators Update. We suspect the company will announce more details over the summer.

When will Fall Creators Update be out?

The Fall Creators Update should release in September 2017. We will keep you posted when we learn of the exact release date.

Is the Fall Creators Update free?

Yes, the update will be free for existing Windows 10 users.

Want to know more?

See our Build 2017 guide for more news from Microsoft’s conference. You can stay tuned to Pocket-lint’s Microsoft hub for what’s next at Build 2017 as well. Microsoft even has some information available about Build 2017 announcements on its news hub.

‘Payday 2’ puts you inside the bank heist with free VR mode

Popular multiplayer bank heist shooter Payday 2 has been around since 2013, but it’s about to get a new life as a virtual reality game. Developer Overkill showed off the new mode at its Starstream event, with players using an HTC Vive VR headset and dual wielding weapons via the motion controllers. It uses a full body system, letting players duck or lean to shoot around walls or other obstacles.

Lest you think this is a mere companion experience, fear not. It’s actually a full version of Payday 2, with all the bank, jewellery store and other set pieces, and any gameplay you’ve already unlocked will be available in VR. What’s more, you’ll be able to do cross-play with friends who don’t have a headset and if you already own the PC game, its free on VR. (The developer hasn’t yet said if the game will also work on the Oculus Rift.)

Overkill also revealed the Payday 2 Ultimate Edition coming June 8th, and said that any upcoming downloadable content will be a free update, after it was stung by criticism for microtransactions. Until the new edition arrives on June 8th, the current game will be available at an 85 percent discount — good news if you’re interested in the VR version but don’t yet have the PC game.

Via: Polygon

Source: Overkill (YouTube)

Director of National Intelligence warns of IoT security threats

Hackers aren’t the only ones bypassing the weak security of the Internet of Things. According to Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, smart devices could also be used to shut down US intelligence operations in the future. At an open hearing today, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) heard testimony on the worldwide threat assessment of the US intelligence community. Coats’ opening statements included a warning of the dangers of poor smart device security as well as the continued inevitability of Russian cyber threats.

Coat’s testimony lists these concerns first, with Russia topping the list of enemy actors. Coats says that the Kremlin has taken a much more aggressive “cyber posture,” which “was evident in Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 US election.” Coats’ report also says that Russian actors have conducted attacks on critical infrastructure networks, even going so far as to pretend to be third parties hiding behind false online personas. “Russia is a full-scope cyber actor that will remain a major threat to US Government, military, diplomatic, commercial, and critical infrastructure,” says Coats in the written version of his statement. The document notes that China, Iran and North Korea, as well as terrorists and criminals, are also threats.

Coats also spoke at length about “smart” devices, which have increased the number of vectors that hostile actors can attack. The denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that we already see will only become more prevalent. These botnets use weakly-protected IoT devices to overwhelm websites and other networks. “In the future,” Coats says in his report, “state and non-state actors will likely use IoT devices to support intelligence operations or domestic security or to access or attack targeted computer networks.”

According to cybersecurity reporter Eric Green, who liveblogged the hearing on Twitter, Coats didn’t mention climate change in his verbal testimony, even though it is noted in the written report as a threat to human security. Cybersecurity has been an area of concern for a while now, with hackers taking out howitzers and federal commissions seeking more funding for innovation. Even the president thinks it’s an issue with an executive order aimed at increasing the federal government’s cyber security.

Vice-chair of the Senate committee, Mark Warner, noted that FBI Director Comey was not in attendance. According to reporter Eric Geller, Warner said, “It is impossible to ignore that one of the leaders of the intelligence community is not with us here today.” The Democrat finds it hard to avoid the conclusion that the Comey firing was related to the FBI investigation into Russia, and said, “we will not be deterred from getting to the truth.”

Via: Eric Green/Twitter

Source: Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

The Wirecutter’s best deals: Save $70 on an Apple Watch Series 2

This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here.

You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.

Garmin Forerunner 230 Running Watch

Street price: $190; MSRP: $250; Deal price: $155 with code AFFEMFIT

This is the lowest price we’ve seen on this GPS running watch at $155 after applying coupon code AFFEMFIT. While the street price of the Forerunner 230 has fallen under $200 in recent months, this is still a new low by a nice margin and a good opportunity to pick one up if you’re a runner looking to up your game. Black, Yellow, and Purple colors are available at the $155 price. Shipping is free.

The Garmin Forerunner is our pick for the best GPS running watch. Jim McDannald writes, “The Garmin Forerunner 230 (FR 230) has everything we were looking for in a great GPS running watch. It takes the accuracy and long battery life of our previous pick, the Forerunner 220 (FR 220), and makes the screen larger and more readable during activities, while retaining a light and small profile that won’t feel weird wearing as an everyday watch. The FR 230 can pass along smartphone notifications and track your steps and other casual activities. The interface and data syncing are easy enough to use if you are new to GPS watches, but the FR 230 also contains deep features and optional app downloads that experienced runners and statistics wonks can dig into. It can track some advanced running metrics we’ve only seen in higher-priced models and can also work with separate cycling monitors for speed and cadence. All of these features rest on top of Garmin’s unparalleled reputation for making reliable GPS watches; adding up to a watch that, while right in the middle of the pricing curve at about $250, feels many product cycles ahead of its competitors.”

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Tracker

Street price: $100; MSRP: $100; Deal price: $60

Here’s a nice drop on our new budget pick for best fitness tracker, the Fitbit Flex 2. This is the first sale we’ve seen on the Fitbit Flex 2 since making it one of our picks and marks a $40 drop from the usual street price. Most of the sales we see on this Fitibit only drop the price $20 down to $80, so this is a great price to pick it up. Since the only other time we saw this Fitbit at $60 was last year during Black Friday sales, it’s unlikely that this deal will stick around for too long. The deal is currently available in black, lavender, magenta, and navy.

The Fitbit Flex 2 is our new budget pick in our guide to the best fitness trackers. Amy Roberts wrote, “If you just want a simple way to monitor and track your daily activity (including workouts), nightly sleep habits, and get reminders to be more active, the Flex 2 is a great choice—especially if all your friends are on Fitbit. Unlike other Fitbits, it’s water resistant to 50 meters so you can track swimming and shower with it. However, there’s no screen—just five status LEDs to track progress towards your daily step count goal. It also doesn’t track heart rate, but Fitbits in general continue to struggle with heart-rate accuracy, so we don’t see this as a major issue; it helps the Flex 2 maintain its slim profile and lower price. The Flex 2 syncs wirelessly to the Fitbit app on a smartphone or the Fitbit website on a computer to keep a record of your activity and link you to other Fitbit users—a real highlight, as research shows that friendly competition can be very motivating.”

Apple Watch Series 2 – 38mm Aluminum

Street price: $370; MSRP: $370; Deal price: $300

This is the first big drop we’ve seen on our upgrade Apple smartwatch pick. We haven’t seen many (or any) really worthwhile sales on the Apple Watch Series 2, so if you’ve been waiting for a decent sale, now is the time. This deal is available in space gray, rose gold, and white, as well as the 42mm size for $30 more.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is our upgrade pick in our guide to the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. Dan Frakes wrote, “The Apple Watch Series 2 has three features that make it far more useful than the Series 1 for outdoor or water exercise: onboard, no-phone-required GPS, a waterproof design (up to 50 meters in fresh or salt water) that can handle swimming or surfing, and a brighter screen that’s easier to see outside. Combined with the watchOS 3’s improved Health app, these improvements mean the Series 2 watch can compete with fitness trackers and running watches while also being stylish enough to wear in casual and work settings.”

Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet

Street price: $90; MSRP: $90; Deal price: $65

This comes in $5 below the previous sale we featured last month and is one of the best sales we’ve seen on this tablet. Since those sales tend to be pretty short, it’s safe to assume that this one won’t last longer than a few days. Outside of the occasional lightning sale, this is likely the new best price you’ll find on the Fire HD 8.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 is our budget pick in our guide on the best Android tablet. Chris Heinonen wrote, “If you want a cheap tablet for watching videos, reading, or browsing the web, Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet is great. It doesn’t have access to the Google Play Store or any of Google’s apps, but it costs less than $100 and makes it easy to access Amazon content (especially for Prime members). Amazon’s Fire OS (based on Android) runs very well, and the Fire HD 8 offers better battery life than the Shield K1 or Pixel C. The display is only 1280×800, but that’s fine for a budget media tablet. Amazon’s app store is not as extensive as the Play Store, but it does have free versions of many apps and games that cost money on other Android tablets. The Fire HD 8 also has more extensive parental controls than other tablets, making it a great family device.”

Because great deals don’t just happen on Thursdays, sign up for our daily deals email and we’ll send you the best deals we find every weekday. Also, deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.

By the numbers: Microsoft Build 2017

It was a big day for Microsoft’s personal-computing aspirations. During its Build keynote today in Seattle, the company announced a new pair of mixed reality controllers and support for three separate Linux builds as well as unveiled its Fluent Design System. Here are the numbers, because how else are you going to calculate market share?

Click here to catch up on the latest news from Microsoft Build 2017.

Harley-Davidson embraces the potential of electric motorcycles

Bikers interested in going green have reason to rejoice today. Harley-Davidson has already shown off its prototype Livewire electric bike, and it’s promised to offer you a real one in the next five years. Today, the motorcycle manufacturer said it has plans to make 100 new motorcycles over the next 10 years, including an entire range of electric vehicles.

Vice president Bill Davidson confirmed that electric bikes are Harley-Davidson’s future to Drive magazine while in Sydney to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary in Australia. While an electric Harley won’t have the signature engine boom that its combustion-powered bikes have, Davidson said that the company is working on a sound that he likens to a jet engine. “It is an amazing motorcycle,” he told Drive. “While it doesn’t have a 45-degree, pushrod twin-cylinder engine it has the performance expected from a Harley Davidson even if it won’t sound the same,” he said.

So far, we’ve only seen the one Livewire concept model with a limited top speed and range, it’s likely thHarleyely-Davidson will create both sport and cruiser-style bikes to appeal to both the speed freaks and the touring bikers. Davidson noted that as automated cars become more ubiquitous, driving enthusiasts may turn to motorcycles to get their manual fix, telling Drive, “I think the more automatic cars [happen], motorcycling will become more appealing. I see it as a huge opportunity.”

Via: Autoblog

Source: Drive