Microsoft’s mixed reality headsets are finally here, and you can pre-order Acer’s

Why it matters to you

Windows Mixed Reality headsets will sell at much lower prices than previous models, and will support motion control without the need to set up external sensors.

Microsoft maintained its commitment to Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) during its Day 2 keynote at Build 2017. There, the company announced retail availability of two headsets alongside the reveal of a Windows Mixed Reality motion controller.

The first headset, from Acer, is now available for pre-order at $299. The second, from HP, will set you back $329. Though labeled as developer kits, the units are much more accessible than, say, the HoloLens. Microsoft said both headsets will be available for pre-order starting Thursday, May 11, on the Microsoft Store. Delivery is set for summer, though no specific date is set.

This is not the first availability of Acer’s headset. Microsoft made an announcement regarding availability to “developer partners” at GDC 2017. However, that rollout was extremely limited. The headset could not be ordered at a retailer, so today’s reveal marked the headset’s first widespread availability. We recently had chance to try the headset, and were impressed by what we saw.

The existence of WMR headsets, though exciting, is no surprise. The big reveal is Microsoft’s new Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers. While the existence of a controller for use with WMR is no shock — it was sure to happen eventually — the technology used is impressive.

“Inside-out” tracking is the weapon of choice, which means the controllers rely on sensors in the headset itself instead of external units. This is the method used by Intel’s Project Alloy and Qualcomm’s Virtual Reality Development Kit, but neither of those have controllers. They use inside-out tracking to determine the headset’s position and orientation. Project Alloy can also see the user’s hands and use that as a method of control, but its imprecise.

Microsoft says the controller will offer six degrees of freedom, and will be useful anywhere a headset’s sensors can detect them. That means they will work best when in front of the user, but may not work at all if held behind the user’s back.

The company intends to treat the controllers as a platform, not a set-in-stone device. Representatives said partners are working on their own controllers, which “must adhere to a specification,” but may otherwise deviate. There’s still some vagueness in how Microsoft describes this relationship, so it’s unclear how common third-party controllers will be.

Right now, Acer seems to be the only partner jumping on the bandwagon. A $399 bundle that pairs its headset alongside the Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers will be available alongside the $299, stand-alone headset.

The controllers are in their infancy. It’s hard to say how well the controllers will work, and Microsoft declined to provide demos at Build 2017. However, the aggressive pricing of Acer’s bundle seems a shot across the bow of Oculus and HTC, both of which charge $800 for their VR headsets with motion controllers included.

Pigs are flying as Apple iTunes, Ubuntu Linux head to the Windows Store

Why it matters to you

The wall between Microsoft and Apple is seemingly starting to crumble with the upcoming launch of iTunes on the Windows Store.

During Microsoft’s second Build 2017 keynote, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson announced that iTunes will be coming to the Windows Store. He said Windows 10 Home/Pro and Windows 10 S users will get the “complete” iTunes experience including Apple Music and full support for the iPhone.

Myerson also revealed that the Linux-based Ubuntu operating system will be offered through the Windows Store as well. This stems from the Linux Bash Shell feature added to Windows 10 last year, which enables users to install and run Linux-based operating systems without the need to create a dual-boot scenario. That said, SUSE Linux and Fedora are heading to the Windows Store as well.

Myerson made these announcements after officially revealing the next major update to Windows 10. Code-named Redstone 3, it will arrive this fall officially dubbed as Fall Creators Update, and will expand on what Microsoft introduced to Windows 10 in the first Creators Update released in April. One of the improvements will be in the Windows Store, which will see new app solutions across multiple platforms.

For example, UWP capabilities are coming to Visual Studio Mobile Center. UWP is short for Universal Windows Platform, which is an architecture that enables apps to run on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile no matter what kind of hardware is running underneath. This new capability will provide a more unified app experience across all Windows 10, Android, and iOS devices.

“For consumer apps, we added 35 new payment instruments this year and now support payments in 247 markets globally. We have also seen monthly in-app purchase sales double year over year in the Windows Store,” Myerson added.

He went on to talk about specific apps that will appear in the Windows Store. Spotify previously announced its intention to offer a UWP-based app after the introduction of Windows 10 S. Now, Autodesk plans to expand its UWP-based presence in the Store by way of its Autodesk Stingray graphics rendering engine, which will not only take advantage of proprietary UWP features, but support Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform.

“When Autodesk introduced their UWP SketchBook last summer, it became their fastest growing new platform introduction with an average of 35-percent sales growth every month throughout 2017,” Myers said. “Autodesk SketchBook, the de facto application for painting and drawing, was built from the ground up as a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app leveraging the pen and touch capability of Windows 10.”

Enterprise application software company SAP plans to invade the Windows Store this month with its SAP Digital Boardroom app. It will be a “next-generation” board portal providing a “single source of truth” for C-level executives wanting real-time contextual information, data summaries, analytic reports, and so on. However, it won’t be based on Microsoft’s UWP platform, but serve as a progressive web app instead. That means it will rely on web-based technologies but deliver an app-like experience.

“This allows SAP to reuse their web content and investments to target multiple platforms, while at the same time take advantage of deeper integration with Windows 10,” Myerson said.

Pigs are flying as Apple iTunes, Ubuntu Linux head to the Windows Store

Why it matters to you

The wall between Microsoft and Apple is seemingly starting to crumble with the upcoming launch of iTunes on the Windows Store.

During Microsoft’s second Build 2017 keynote, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson announced that iTunes will be coming to the Windows Store. He said Windows 10 Home/Pro and Windows 10 S users will get the “complete” iTunes experience including Apple Music and full support for the iPhone.

Myerson also revealed that the Linux-based Ubuntu operating system will be offered through the Windows Store as well. This stems from the Linux Bash Shell feature added to Windows 10 last year, which enables users to install and run Linux-based operating systems without the need to create a dual-boot scenario. That said, SUSE Linux and Fedora are heading to the Windows Store as well.

Myerson made these announcements after officially revealing the next major update to Windows 10. Code-named Redstone 3, it will arrive this fall officially dubbed as Fall Creators Update, and will expand on what Microsoft introduced to Windows 10 in the first Creators Update released in April. One of the improvements will be in the Windows Store, which will see new app solutions across multiple platforms.

For example, UWP capabilities are coming to Visual Studio Mobile Center. UWP is short for Universal Windows Platform, which is an architecture that enables apps to run on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile no matter what kind of hardware is running underneath. This new capability will provide a more unified app experience across all Windows 10, Android, and iOS devices.

“For consumer apps, we added 35 new payment instruments this year and now support payments in 247 markets globally. We have also seen monthly in-app purchase sales double year over year in the Windows Store,” Myerson added.

He went on to talk about specific apps that will appear in the Windows Store. Spotify previously announced its intention to offer a UWP-based app after the introduction of Windows 10 S. Now, Autodesk plans to expand its UWP-based presence in the Store by way of its Autodesk Stingray graphics rendering engine, which will not only take advantage of proprietary UWP features, but support Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform.

“When Autodesk introduced their UWP SketchBook last summer, it became their fastest growing new platform introduction with an average of 35-percent sales growth every month throughout 2017,” Myers said. “Autodesk SketchBook, the de facto application for painting and drawing, was built from the ground up as a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app leveraging the pen and touch capability of Windows 10.”

Enterprise application software company SAP plans to invade the Windows Store this month with its SAP Digital Boardroom app. It will be a “next-generation” board portal providing a “single source of truth” for C-level executives wanting real-time contextual information, data summaries, analytic reports, and so on. However, it won’t be based on Microsoft’s UWP platform, but serve as a progressive web app instead. That means it will rely on web-based technologies but deliver an app-like experience.

“This allows SAP to reuse their web content and investments to target multiple platforms, while at the same time take advantage of deeper integration with Windows 10,” Myerson said.

Microsoft’s next Windows update will let you time travel and copy-paste anywhere

Why it matters to you

The next major update to Windows 10 will make your Windows PC work more closely with your iOS and Android devices.

The first day of Microsoft’s Build 2017 conference focused on the company’s developer tools, cloud computing platform, and artificial intelligence offerings. Notably missing from the discussion was Windows 10, an omission that Microsoft addressed during the second day’s keynote and sessions.

As expected, Microsoft provided details on the next major Windows 10 update, which was code-named Redstone 3 and is now officially titled the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. The name isn’t a mere convenience, as the update once again focuses on making the operating system particularly useful for anyone who engages in creative activity.

The first major feature coming with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is a new creative app built with the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) thatwill be distributed through the Windows Store. Called Windows Story Remix, the app will utilize the Microsoft Graph to pull in data from various sources, including friends’ photos and videos, to create stories complete with soundtrack, theme, and cinematic transitions. Windows 10 Remix will allow users to add 3D objects and Windows Ink to photos and video that are anchored to objects, making it easy to create more complex video stories using relatively sophisticated special effects.

The app was demonstrated by using the example of a soccer game captured by multiple parents who shared their images and video with Windows Story Remix. Using Microsoft artificial intelligence (AI), the app identifies individual players and can then create stories with each one featured as a “star.” Simply by switching the star status from one player to another, the app creates individualized stories that focus on a specific player. In addition, themes can be created using music pulled from Microsoft Groove, with the system intelligently adjusting cuts to correspond with the music’s beat, and a “Remix” button will change the story using different music and styles with a single click.

Next, Windows 10 will receive a new design system that developers can tap into that will provide a more consistent look and feel across different device types, screen sizes, and interactive methods. Formerly code named “Project Neon” and now officially called Microsoft Fluent Design System, the new look and feel will integrate touch, ink, voice, gaze, and gesture to create a more responsive and inclusive cross-design experience. Fluent Design System incorporates five different elements — light, depth, motion, material, and scale — to allow developers to create apps that are optimized for a given device.

The example used in the keynote demonstration was using the pen’s specific input characteristics to both adjust how an app, in this case Microsoft Edge, works with the user to allow an optimized interaction experience. The Fluent Design System allows the pen to control every aspect of the system in a natural way, from writing into the search box to scrolling through the page and marking up PDFs. The concept goes beyond merely how an app looks but includes how it interacts with input devices, other apps, and the system in general.

Microsoft says the Fluent Design System will be an ongoing project. Its first elements have already rolled out to Insiders in barely noticeable ways, and the project will continue through multiple updates past the Fall Creators Update.

For even more robust cross-platform integration, Microsoft is utilizing the Microsoft Graph to pull information on people, conversations, projects, and content from the cloud to create a seamless experience across Windows, iOS, and Android. Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will essentially turn a Windows 10 PC into users’ central hubs for all of their devices regardless of platform.

The following features will leverage both the Microsoft Graph and the new Fluent Design System:

• Timeline: Users will be able to move through a timeline that displays what they were doing, and when, moving back in time to access previously used files, apps, and websites. The timeline will allow users to go back over a long period of time and return to a past task as if it was still open. In addition, the feature will work across devices, allowing a user to see what was done no matter which device or platform was used.
• Pick Up Where You Left Off: Cortana will provide the means to access previously used apps, documents, and websites across Windows, iOS, and Android. Users will be able to log off of their PCs, for example, and then pick up a doc where they left off on an iOS or Android device.
• Cloud Clipboard: The Clipboard will now be shared between PCs and smartphones via the cloud, allowing users to copy photos, map links, paragraphs, images, or other content and then paste it into apps on other devices.
• OneDrive Files on Demand: Microsoft is bringing back the ability to see all files stored in OneDrive and access them on an as-needed basis. One of the most-requested features, OneDrive Files on Demand, saves local storage space while providing the ability to download specific files on-demand for offline access.

Microsoft previously announced a biannual update cycle for Windows 10, which would put the Fall Creators Update on schedule to arrive around September 2017, though the company has not committed to a date. We expect to see these features roll out to Windows Insiders over the next several months, meaning that nobody has to wait too long to start experiencing the new design and cross-platform support.

The Cardiogram app for the Apple Watch can help detect heart disease

Why it matters to you

Need another reason to convince yourself to own a smartwatch? Helping diagnose heart disease should be a good enough.

Turns out the Apple Watch is good for more than just telling the time, tracking steps, and dictating text messages. It can detect heart disease, too.

That is according to a study presented at Heart Rhythm 2017, the Heart Society’s 38th Annual Scientific Sessions, on Thursday. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco Division of Cardiology paired an artificial intelligence with the Apple Watch’s photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensors — the LEDs that record heart rate — to build an algorithm that could detect conditions like arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Atrial fibrillation, which affects more than 2.7 million American adults, was the study’s principle focus. Researchers recruited more than 6,000 users of the Cardiogram app for Apple Watch and collected more than 139 million heart rate measurements and 6,338 mobile electrocardiograms — records of the heart’s electrical activity — over the course of several months. The data was used to train a deep neural network, a human-like form of AI, to distinguish between atrial fibrillation and a normal, healthy heart rhythm.

The study’s authors validated the neural network against a subgroup of 51 patients set to undergo cardioversion, a medical procedure that restores the heart to a normal rhythm. Each wore an Apple Watch with the Cardiogram app for 20 minutes before the procedure and 20 minutes after and found that the AI correctly detected atrial fibrillation 97 percent of the time. That is higher than any previous algorithm.

“Our results show that common wearable trackers like smartwatches present a novel opportunity to monitor, capture and prompt medical therapy for atrial fibrillation without any active effort from patients,” Dr. Gregory Marcus, Director of Clinical Research at UCSF’s Division of Cardiology, said in a statement.

The researchers point out that smartwatches like the Apple Watch present a novel opportunity to diagnose hard-to-detect illnesses. They cite a recent survey indicating that as many as one in five Americans owns a wearable fitness tracker. “With the growing number of people using this mobile technology, there is an opportunity to address public health issues such as undiagnosed AF in a way that is convenient for many,” the study said.

Already, the authors are exploring the potential for broader wearable self-diagnosis and testing the AI to identify other health conditions.

They are not the only ones. AliveCor, a smartwatch accessory maker, produces Apple Watch cases with built-in ECG monitors that can detect heart palpitations. And a study by scientists at Stanford University found that wearables like the Apple Watch can spot the onset of a potential cold or disease.

Apple is experimenting, too. In September, Bloomberg reported the company was working on new HealthKit apps with rudimentary sleep and heart rate analysis. It is also planning to make the medical data the Apple Watch collects usable for diagnoses — potentially via Gliimpse, a technology it acquired this year that collates medical databases in a single location.

“While mobile technology screening won’t replace more conventional monitoring methods, it has the potential to successfully screen those at an increased risk and lower the number of undiagnosed cases of AF,” Marcus said.

Download Cardiogram for iOS

Corsair’s new hot-rod-inspired memory kit combines style, top-tier performance

Why it matters to you

If you like your memory fast and flashy, Corsair’s hot-rod-inspired DDR4 kit is sure to get you all revved up.

Corsair’s latest memory kit, the Dominator Platinum Special Edition Torque DDR4 set, comes with a unique look and high-speed performance. Beyond its stylish color scheme and brushed aluminum heat spreader, each stick features a heat-treated effect top-bar, giving it that high-performance engine look.

The Dominator series of Corsair kits have always courted the top tier of memory performance while sporting powerful passive cooling for added stability and enhanced aesthetics. This new kit takes that to the next level, by offering high-end performance with unique styling.

It comes in two 32GB configurations — two 16GB modules and four eight gigabyte modules. Each features a stock speed of 2,133MHz, though they’re rated at up to 3,200MHz. Whichever kit you opt for, they run at a default voltage of 1.2v, though have been tested up to 1.35v. Timings start at 15-15-15-36, but have been tested at 14-16-16-36 as well.

Each kit is built with a custom 10-layer printed circuit board (PCB) for “superior signaling” that enables greater overclocking potential. Corsair claims you should be able to safely overclock these modules to 3,600MHz and beyond.

To go along with that high-end performance, the new Dominator Platinum Special Edition Torque kits have a unique visual look to them. There’s a brushed aluminum heatspreader running along their flank. and it’s built right into the PCB for swifter cooling.

There’s also an aluminum hea sink mounted atop them with an orange paint job. Really separating this kit from the competition, though, is the heat-treated effect top-bar, which Corsair hopes evokes the feeling of speed associated with powerful vehicles.

If all of that isn’t enough for you, each stick features built-in lighting, and you can keep an eye on how the kit is running using Corsair Link software.

The Corsair Dominator Platinium Special Edition Torque DD4 kits are now available straight from Corsair starting at $400 for the 2 x 16GB kit, and ranging up to $450 for the 4 x 8GB kit.

Best iPhone 7 Plus screen protectors to shield your big, beautiful display

The iPhone 7 is a sizable financial investment, but the larger iPhone 7 Plus is even more expensive. Covering the entire phone to keep the body dent- and scratch-free is one thing, because nobody wants to get their new toy scratched up within a month, but you shouldn’t neglect the front of the smartphone. After all, the touchscreen is the part you’ll be using the most.

It’s a good idea to equip your smartphone with a screen protector, but selecting the right one isn’t always easy given the multitude of choices. Some boast features like scratch resistance, while others offer self-healing and anti-yellowing properties. Some are definitely better than others, and those are the ones you want. That’s why we’ve found the best iPhone 7 Plus screen protectors on the market and gathered them here. Picking the right protector for your newfangled device is rarely as easy.

The Best

OtterBox Alpha Glass ($5+)

For the best screen protection, you want to go with OtterBox, a manufacturer that’s often brought up when talking quality smartphone cases. The Alpha Glass is a bit pricier than some of the others on this list, but that money gets you quality protection that revels in a crystal-clear design, perfect touchscreen sensitivity, and scratch and shatter resistance. Even if you drop your iPhone and it lands face down, you shouldn’t have to pick up the shattered remnants of your screen protector or, more importantly, your iPhone’s display.

Buy one now from: 

Amazon OtterBox

The Rest

Moshi Airfoil Glass ($40)

Moshi’s Airfoil Glass is designed to make the application process easier, eliminating air bubbles. A special adhesive layer makes this possible, and once the protector is applied, it’s fairly difficult to spot, especially if you use a case. The Airfoil Glass also reduces the number of fingerprints and smudges you’ll find blemishing your display, thanks to an oleophobic surface coating. Rounded edges, cutouts for the speakers and camera, and a build that’s 40 percent thinner than other protectors all make for an ergonomically friendly accessory that doesn’t interfere with your iPhone 7 Plus. Thankfully, it will still be there to take the hit if and when your phone takes a tumble.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Moshi

Skinomi MatteSkin ($10)

If you often use your smartphone in the great outdoors, Skinomi’s MatteSkin could be the way to go given it has anti-glare properties that make it easier to see your display in direct sunlight. The MatteSkin completely covers the front of the phone, too, instead of just the touchscreen. The material is capable of slowly fixing smaller scratches over time, and it should cut down on finger smudges. This screen protector also promises protection against scratches, precise punctures, and everyday use, and it’s made with cases in mind, so you shouldn’t have to deal with peeling when using a case and the MatteSkin together.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Skinomi

TechMatte amFilm Tempered Glass ($9)

The amFilm screen protector doesn’t completely cover the front of your iPhone 7 Plus, but this allows space for protective cases and room for adjustment during the application process. For those seeking edge-to-edge protection, amFilm’s design choice may be disappointing, but this protector still safeguards the touchscreen. The 1080p HD display won’t be compromised, nor will touchscreen functionality or accuracy, so you can continue to use 3D Touch normally. It’s incredibly thin, but will prevent scratches and fingerprint marks, and should take the sting out of any drops your phone encounters.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Omoton Crystal Clear Tempered Glass ($8)

Omoton’s screen protector covers the entire front of the iPhone 7 Plus, except for the curved edges, which may be a huge turn off if you’re hoping to cover every part of your phone. That said, its ultrathin, and when combined with a protective case, you’ll hardly be able to tell you’re using a screen protector. Scratch resistance is its leading feature, but clarity, bubble-free installation, and the ability to fend off oil residue and smudges round out the rest of its features.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Tech Armor Ballistic Glass Screen Protector ($6)

While Tech Armor’s screen protector is yet another that doesn’t extend to the iPhone 7 Plus’ curved edges, it does protect the 5.5-inch display incredibly well, making it perfect for those that are prone to cracking their screens. The protector’s most unique quality is that it’s made using Japanese Asahi glass, which basically means it won’t shatter as easily as other, cheaper, screen protectors, though we recommend avoiding drops if possible. Nearly perfect HD clarity, uninterrupted 3D Force Touch, and compatibility with most protective cases make Tech Armor’s product a decent choice if you’ve yet to decide on a screen protector.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Tech Armor

Spigen GLAS.tR SLIM HD ($8+)

If you’re familiar with Spigen’s products for other smartphones, you’ll get a similar experience when using the GLAS.tR Slim with the iPhone 7 Plus. Like others on this list, it also doesn’t reach the curved edges of the iPhone, but the protector’s own edges are rounded to provide a better feel during use and to reduce the number of sharp edges in the event that it’s 9H tempered glass is chipped or cracked. The phone’s HD resolution is maintained, and the applied oleophobic coating ensure’s you’ll have fewer fingerprint stains to wipe off.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Spigen

iCarez True Glass Pro ($7)

Nothing about iCarez’s True Glass Pro screen protector really sets it apart from the competition, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as good — it’s still a suitable choice if you feel the need to protect your iPhone 7 Plus’ display. The protector maintains the phone’s touchscreen capabilities, HD quality, and has cutouts for the Home button and speakers; basically everything you’d expect from a standard screen protector. It’s also smudge and scratch-resistant, with the former characteristic becoming immediately useful during installation. Like we said, it’s not mind-blowing, or wildly different from other screen protectors, it’s just another good one we think you should check out.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Supershieldz Anti-Glare Screen Protector ($6+)

As its name suggests, Supershieldz’s screen protector will protect you phone from the annoying glare caused by nearby light sources, making it possible to use your phone while outside and in direct sunlight. It’s a film protector instead of the tempered glass we’re accustomed to seeing, meaning it’s flexible and won’t shatter into tiny pieces if/when the unfortunate drop occurs. Other qualities of the protector are pretty standard: Scratch-resistance, flawless touch screen accuracy, reduced fingerprint smudges, bubble-free application, and 6 come in the box.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Supershieldz

BodyGuardz SpyGlass Screen Protector ($40)

BodyGuardz SpyGlass is most beneficial to those concerned about people looking over their shoulder to see what’s on their screen. The SpyGlass screen protector, aside from providing the usual protection, makes it impossible for the iPhone’s display to be seen from an angle, meaning you can bring up personal information such as phone numbers, bank accounts, and work documents without worry. The concept is very similar to PC monitors that are unable to be seen unless you’re standing directly in front of it. If you enjoy your privacy, and are often on your phone in public, BodyGuardz’s SpyGlass is perfect for you and is probably the protector you should be using.

Buy one now from:

Amazon BodyGuardz

Updated on 05-11-2017 by Kyree Leary: Updated prices. Added 5 new screen protectors from Tech Armor, Spigen, iCarez, Supershieldz, and BodyGuardz.

New Google patent hints at infrared device that could better track your sleep

Why it matters to you

Sleep is an important part of everyone’s life and the ability to better manage it could be helpful in ensuring a restful night.

Google, Apple, and other major tech companies have started putting a heavy emphasis on health, which is supported by the new wearable trend as well. But what about when you’re not wearing a wearable? Google is looking into ways to still ensure you can manage and track your well-being.

Specifically, the company filed a patent for a system that uses an infrared sensor to track a user’s sleep. The patent basically describes an infrared sensor that collects data about the subject’s movement and compares it to a sleep profile, helping determine whether the subject is asleep or not. The patent even goes as far as to note that the system could collect information about a subject’s breathing patterns based on the infrared light reflected back to the device.

“The disadvantages of contact sensors are magnified during sleep studies, where the presence of the sensors can influence a person’s sleep patterns. Similarly, when monitoring the sleep of an infant, contact sensors often interfere with infant’s ability to sleep and otherwise inhibit the infant’s interaction with the world around them,” notes the patent, which was recently posted on the U.S. Patent Trademark Office website.

It’s certainly an interesting concept and it highlights the importance of health tracking in modern phones, wearables, and other devices. If Google were to build an effective way to track sleep into a smartphone without the need for a wearable device, it could help more people track and manage their sleep. Still, the patent does seem to highlight the use of a stand-alone infrared device which would be mounted near the bed to collect as much data as possible.

It will be interesting to see if Google ends up pursuing the patent, but until then we will have to stick with wearable sleep-tracking solutions.

Pocket-sized personal drone gives soldiers an extra pair of eyes

Why it matters to you

Don’t be alarmed if mini-drones are soon hovering overhead at your local park.

Foot soldiers may soon carry micro-drones in their backpacks, deploying them on the battlefield to survey the surrounding area. Developed by California-based AeroVironment, the 5-ounce Snipe Nano Quadrotor can be neatly packed into a hard-shell case and launched within a minute.

AeroVironment has a history of micro-drones. Six year ago, it released its Nano Hummingbird, a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of complex maneuvers like hovering while flapping its wings. Snipe is apparently the next iteration of this device.

With a range of one kilometer (0.62 miles), top speed of 22 mph, and flight time of about 15 minutes per battery, the Snipe may greatly increase the battlefield capacity of a single solider. A soldier, after all, can only see so far with his or her own eyes.

But Snipes won’t be exclusive to military personnel. AeroVironment is expected to make its tiny drones available for police forces and first responders as well by the end of the year, according to New Atlas.

Snipes are designed to perform close-range reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions, recording or relaying footage back to the operator in real time. The drone is equipped with low-light electro/optical and nighttime thermal cameras that can be tilted to focus on various targets.

As a loud drone on the battlefield would blow a soldier’s cover, AeroVironment said they’ve developed the Snipe with relative silence in mind. Controlled remotely, if the drone loses connection with its operator, it’s programmed to automatically return to its point of origin.

Whether taking the drone out in a park or in the battlefield, strong winds can be an issue. While the Snipe is built to withstand winds up to 15 mph, an onboard stabilization system subtracts the subtle movements of the aircraft and makes sure operators receive a relatively clear feed.

“The guys that fly Snipe are not necessarily UAV guys,” said Jon Ross, senior program manager. Instead, the soldiers who will use Snipes just happen to have a UAV as part of a bigger arsenal — as such the drones are designed to be easily controlled and require minimal training.

Latest Windows Insider build lets users animate, annotate photos with Story Remix

Why it matters to you

Microsoft just introduced a revamped photos app called Story Remix, and the latest Windows Insider build will introduce users to it.

Even with its Build 2017 event in full swing, Microsoft took the time to roll out an important Windows Insider preview update ahead of the upcoming Fall Creators Update. The latest build, now available for Insiders on the Fast Ring, lays the groundwork for the Fall Creators Update’s very first Bug Bash, and includes a brand-new content creation app.

Today at Build 2017, Microsoft introduced a revamped photos app called Story Remix. This new photo app allows users to create video stories using photos and videos to help capture and relive memories. Story Remix, in its earliest form, is now available as part of Build 16193.

The app itself, as part of the Creators Update’s stated mission, makes creating content easier for Windows 10 users. Not only can you remix your own videos and photos in the app, Windows 10 will browse your available photos and videos, and arrange them automatically using machine learning, to determine how individual photos and videos are related.

Using that information, Windows 10 will automatically sort and tag the photos and videos, making it easier to put together your own Story Remix.

Moving on to more utilitarian tweaks, today’s Windows Insider build enables users to individually control the volume of Universal Windows Platform apps from the taskbar. So, clicking on the volume icon now not only pops up controls for your speakers and system sounds, but also for any UWP apps that are running — such as Groove Music and Microsoft Edge.

There are a number of other smaller tweaks included in the latest update, which you can read in full here. But the other important aspect of this build is the upcoming Bug Bash. Starting at 12:01 a.m. PT on Monday, May 15, Insiders will be able to take part in the first Fall Creators Update Bug Bash. From the feedback hub, Insiders will be able to take on quests, and contribute to making the new Windows update as stable and user-friendly as possible.