Luxury apartments on wheels may keep you from ever going home

Why it matters to you

If hotel amenities don’t measure up, you can travel with your own luxury suite.

If rolling luxury is the only way you’ll travel on the ground, high-end motor homes are the answer — as long as you can write a big check. Prevost is a premier brand associated with luxury motor homes, but you won’t find one on RVTrader that isn’t associated with another brand name. The posh motor home we’re looking at, for example, is the Prevost-based Emerald Luxury Coach No. 5389.

Here’s the deal with Prevost, which is a division of Volvo Bus Company. Prevost builds and sells upscale motor coaches, but not finished motor homes. Prevost builds motor home coaches including the power train and all the mechanical work from the chassis up. A select list of converters then finishes the interior and amenities. Emerald Luxury Coaches is one of five motor home converters currently recommended on the Prevost website.

You can buy new Prevost Emerald Luxury Coaches already finished, such as No. 5389. However, if you want to create a custom rig, here’s how Prevost describes it, “The process of creating a motor home to ideally suit your needs and desires begins with a collaboration involving you, Prevost and our converter partner that you choose.

“We work with our converters to ensure that the structure and the floor plan that we build will fit not only with your needs but also theirs in terms of conversion procedures and content. This support and service, provided while making your motor home perfect for you, is just the beginning of our long-term association with you, the Prevost owner.”

Sounds pretty sweet, right? When the checkbook comes out, however, leave a lot of space on the amount lines. Prices for brand new Prevost-based motor homes vary by the converter and the finishing and amenities you choose. Figure somewhere in the ballpark of $1.5 to $2.5 million and you’ll have a lot of leeway in your choices. While we don’t know the exact pricing structure, it’s conceivable you can go quite a bit north of the higher number, but you have to draw the line somewhere.

Prevost has two 45-foot long motor home coaches. The H3-45 VIP is the taller of the two, at 149 inches and its 497 cubic feet of underfloor storage space is larger. The X3-45 VIP, the coach the Emerald No. 5389 is built on, has more interior headroom but at 141 inches, less overall height, which can help with handling and getting into low-clearance spots. The X3-45 VIP also has a longer wheelbase. There’s not as much underside storage space (433 square feet) with the X3-45 VIP, but it has a wider 30-inch entrance door and fewer and lower steps, which makes it easier to get in and out.

In each case, the standard Prevost coaches have loads of standard equipment with an equally long list of options, including up to four factory slide-outs to increase the coach’s interior width. As you can see from the images, the Emerald Luxury Coach No. 5389 is set up for sleeping two people with plenty of space for entertaining. If you’re building from scratch within the 45-foot standard length, there are plenty of ways to adapt the coach for sleeping more people. Top entertainers on the road often set up Prevost-based motor homes to handle several of their group.

Whether you’re an actual rock star or a success in some other lifestyle, if you’re thinking about riding and staying in your own luxurious digs while you move around the country, this is the way to go.

China bounced an ‘unhackable’ quantum signal between cities

The field of quantum cryptography, which seeks to transmit encrypted information using entangled quantum particles like photons, could help lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s quantum networks but it faces a significant physical hurdle: entangled photons are crazy hard to transmit long distances. Even in fiber optic cables, they can only go about 150 miles before completely degrading. But a team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences may have the solution. You just have to send the photons 745 miles into space.

Though the idea of using satellite relays to shunt entangled photons into space and back has long been considered, it wasn’t until last August that the nation sent up its first such orbiter, the $100 million Quantum Experiments at Space Scale. It is reportedly equipped with a laser-and-mirror system as well as a special crystal that can encode data and encryption keys onto photons as they travel back to Earth.

Even without the ground-based obstacles that conventional quantum networks and experiments have to contend with, spotting these photons on their way back from orbit is no easy feat. The crystal can generate as many as 6 million pairs of photons at any given time however the two designated ground stations, which are located 750 miles apart, are only able to detect around one par per second. “It’s a challenging task,” physicist Chao-Yang Lu, told Wired. “It’s like you have to clearly see a human hair from 300 meters away.”

Lu and his team hope that this successful experiment, which has recently been published in the Journal Science (paywall), could pave the way for more secure encryption systems. In theory, you’d first encode an encryption key based on the characteristics of a photon stream and send that to your message’s recipient. You’d then encrypt your message with that key and send it on as well.

If someone tries to intercept, decode or even observe the key while in transit, the laws of quantum mechanics dictate that the key itself would change. So even if they intercepted the key and the message, both would be useless. The current state of the technology isn’t quite sensitive enough to do that yet but that’s essentially the goal.

Via: Wired

Source: Science (paywall)

‘Super Mario Odyssey’ lets player two tag along as Mario’s hat

Just like at last year’s E3, a new installment in a Nintendo franchise is stealing the show. Super Mario Odyssey already plays like a weird, wonderful new game with an expansive world to explore. But you won’t have to go it alone: the new game will let another player take control of Mario’s eyeball-lined sentient hat, Cappy.

In a demonstration, the game’s developer Kenta Motokura showed off what the second player can do with Cappy…which isn’t much more than flying around hitting enemies. That’s pretty much what other players got to do when tagging along in Super Mario Galaxy, which Nintendo released for the Wii a decade ago. At the 6-minute mark in the video above, Nintendo’s Samantha Robertson hints at another combo move they’ll unveil sometime in the future, but it seems the second-player role in Odyssey is a lot like that in Galaxy: a fun, relaxed experience for younger or more casual friends to tag along with the main player. The game launches for the Switch on October 27th.

Source: Nintendo (YouTube)

Musical.ly debuts original mini-shows from NBC and MTV

Musical.ly debuts its first original shows today — the first of a few it will be rolling out over the coming weeks. The company has signed original content deals with entertainment groups Viacom, NBCUniversal and Hearst Magazines.

It was rumored last month that the music video app might be offering this sort of content soon, something that Snapchat has been doing for a while. As of now, the media groups won’t be making any money off of the shows, but Musical.ly plans to start generating programming revenue later on.

Setting itself apart from Snapchat is the user engagement Musical.ly has built into their content. Each episode of every show will link to a hashtag page filled with user-generated reaction videos.

The two shows that launched today are a shorter version of MTV’s “Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out” and a how-to show called “Fashion to DIY For” that will help Musical.ly users put together runway looks. On Saturday, two more shows will hit the app — another MTV series called “Greatest Party Story Ever” and Hearst’s “Seventeen and the City,” which will feature things for young people to do in NYC. NBCUniversal will premiere a show about social media stars’ celebrity crushes in the coming weeks and plans to produce series from Telemundo in the future.

As of last December, Musical.ly claimed to have 40 million active users. So, these new shows will have quite an audience. Each show will be 2-4 minutes long and will be listed in a trending section for 24 hours.

Via: The Verge

Source: Variety

The new Microsoft Modern keyboard lets you forget your password

Why it matters to you

Do you tend to forget your computer login password? Microsoft’s modern keyboard has you covered.

Along with its newest Surface devices, the Surface Pro, and Surface Laptop, Microsoft added a number of new Surface-branded accessories that either stand alone or work with specific models. Now, there is another new Microsoft accessory to add to your list of options, although it drops the Surface brand name.

Specifically, Microsoft announced another Bluetooth keyboard that will work with any machine, not just a Surface device. But the Microsoft Modern Keyboard also adds in a convenient way to access Windows 10’s Hello password-less login technology, MSPoweruser reports.

The Microsoft Modern Keyboard is similar to the existing Surface Keyboard, which means it offers a sleek design with chicklet-style keys, isolated and dedicated arrow keys, and a numeric keyboard for anyone who needs to enter copious amounts of data. It utilizes Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity and will work with a host of systems including Windows 8.1 through 10, Windows 10 phone, MacOS 10.10.5 and later, Android 4.4.2 and later, and iOS 8.1 and later.

The Modern Keyboard adds in a fingerprint scanner on a dedicated key that ties in with Windows Hello. That means you can simply tap that key with your registered finger and log into Windows 10 without needing to remember your password. In addition, if you’re using any apps that work with Windows Hello, then you can log into them and approve purchases using just your finger as well.

The newest Microsoft keyboard joins a number of specifically Surface-branded input devices that share a similar appearance. The Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, $130, offers a curved design that promises less fatigue along with Alcantara fabric for a more comfortable palm rest. The Surface Mouse is available for $50 and offers a metal scroll wheel in a sleek and simple design and, as MSPoweruser notes, will soon be rebranded as the Modern Mouse to match the new keyboard.

The Microsoft Modern Keyboard will be available soon from the Microsoft Store and other retail outlets for $130.

Google updates list of Chromebooks gaining Android app support

Why it matters to you

You’ll want to check if your Chromebook has been added to the list of those supporting Android apps, because it just got a little longer.

Google’s Chromebook platform has made some serious strides lately, gaining enough momentum in the education and business markets to spur Microsoft to respond with its Windows 10 S initiative. To be truly competitive, though, Chromebook needs more apps, and its long-anticipated Android app support is key.

Getting Android app support on the Chromebooks people already own has been a challenge, however, even as Google indicated that all 2017 and later Chromebooks would get Android support. The list of Chromebooks that can officially run Android apps has been a bit limited, but that’s changing, as Android Police reports.

Google on Thursday updated its list of Chromebooks that now have official support, and 16 new machines have been added. They include:

• Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731, C731T)
• Acer Chromebook 15 (CB3-532)
• Asus Chromebook C202SA
• ASUS Chromebook C300SA/C301SA
• CTL NL61 Chromebook
• Dell Chromebook 11 (3180)
• Dell Chromebook 11 Convertible (3189)
• Dell Chromebook 13 (3380)
• HP Chromebook 11 G5 EE
• HP Chromebook 13 G1
• Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook
• Lenovo N23 Yoga Chromebook
• Lenovo N22 Chromebook
• Lenovo N23 Chromebook
• Samsung Chromebook 3
• Mercer Chromebook NL6D

If you check out Google’s list of supported devices, you’ll notice that there are three current levels. Some machines are supported in the Stable Channel, meaning that you should see the Google Play Store app out of the box and be able to install Android apps without doing anything special. Some Chromebooks are supported in the Beta Channel, meaning that you’ll need to change your system’s channel in order to get Android apps installed. It’s an easy enough process but it does mean you’re playing with pre-production code.

You can follow our guide here on how to install Android apps on your Chromebook. If your machine has a “Planned” status, then you’ll have to wait awhile before installing apps. If it’s not on the list at all, it’s still possible that it will be supported at some point. Be sure to keep up with this list, as it changes regularly.

Google updates list of Chromebooks gaining Android app support

Why it matters to you

You’ll want to check if your Chromebook has been added to the list of those supporting Android apps, because it just got a little longer.

Google’s Chromebook platform has made some serious strides lately, gaining enough momentum in the education and business markets to spur Microsoft to respond with its Windows 10 S initiative. To be truly competitive, though, Chromebook needs more apps, and its long-anticipated Android app support is key.

Getting Android app support on the Chromebooks people already own has been a challenge, however, even as Google indicated that all 2017 and later Chromebooks would get Android support. The list of Chromebooks that can officially run Android apps has been a bit limited, but that’s changing, as Android Police reports.

Google on Thursday updated its list of Chromebooks that now have official support, and 16 new machines have been added. They include:

• Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731, C731T)
• Acer Chromebook 15 (CB3-532)
• Asus Chromebook C202SA
• ASUS Chromebook C300SA/C301SA
• CTL NL61 Chromebook
• Dell Chromebook 11 (3180)
• Dell Chromebook 11 Convertible (3189)
• Dell Chromebook 13 (3380)
• HP Chromebook 11 G5 EE
• HP Chromebook 13 G1
• Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook
• Lenovo N23 Yoga Chromebook
• Lenovo N22 Chromebook
• Lenovo N23 Chromebook
• Samsung Chromebook 3
• Mercer Chromebook NL6D

If you check out Google’s list of supported devices, you’ll notice that there are three current levels. Some machines are supported in the Stable Channel, meaning that you should see the Google Play Store app out of the box and be able to install Android apps without doing anything special. Some Chromebooks are supported in the Beta Channel, meaning that you’ll need to change your system’s channel in order to get Android apps installed. It’s an easy enough process but it does mean you’re playing with pre-production code.

You can follow our guide here on how to install Android apps on your Chromebook. If your machine has a “Planned” status, then you’ll have to wait awhile before installing apps. If it’s not on the list at all, it’s still possible that it will be supported at some point. Be sure to keep up with this list, as it changes regularly.

No green screen, no problem with Logitech’s C922x webcam, now $20 off

Online streaming has exploded in popularity among gamers in the past couple years. Although webcam technology is nothing new, the demands of amateur and pro streamers alike have pushed companies to develop new-and-improved units made specifically for streaming. If you’ve been getting by with a cheap webcam or the built-in one that came with your computer, then consider upgrading to the Logitech C922x Pro Stream camera.

This top-rated webcam is purpose-built for professional-quality video streaming and is capable of recording video in crisp 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second or in 720p resolution at 60fps.
The HD glass lens provides a consistently clear image while autofocus keeps the picture looking sharp. The camera also utilizes automatic light correction to keep things in focus in low-light conditions. A pair of microphones, one on each side of the camera body, pick up your voice to deliver clear stereo sound to your viewers.

The most noteworthy feature of the Logitech C922x Pro Stream webcam, aside from its HD video quality, is its background replacement technology. This unique functions tracks the user’s body silhouette and edits out the background, replicating the effect of a green screen without the need for one. While this effect won’t be identical to using a green screen, it is sufficient for casual streaming and is a great option for users who don’t have room for a green screen setup or simply don’t want to mess around with one.

The Logitech C922x Pro Stream usually costs $100, but a $20 discount lets you score this excellent webcam for just $80 from Amazon for a limited time. If you’re in the market for a new camera specifically built for streaming on Twitch or YouTube, and your current setup isn’t cutting it, then the top-rated C922x is an excellent choice – especially if you don’t want to fuss around with a green screen.

Amazon

Facebook fights against terrorist content on its site using A.I., human expertise

Why it matters to you

To help fight terrorism, Facebook is increasing its efforts to keep the platform a safe space for all users.

As the number of terrorist attacks continue to increase globally, Facebook is making an attempt to be completely transparent about its plans to keep terrorist content off its website. To make efforts more efficient, the company enlisted the help of both artificial intelligence and human expertise.

To kick off the initiative, Facebook introduced a thread called “Hard Questions” as a safe space to discuss complicated subjects. The first post within the thread is titled “How We Counter Terrorism” and written by Monika Bickert, Facebook’s director of global policy management, and Brian Fishman, counterterrorism policy manager, who explain in detail how Facebook is committed to making the platform a hostile environment for terrorists.

The post lists a number of current tactics that use AI, including image matching — where systems search for whether or not an uploaded image matches any terrorism content previously removed by Facebook — to prevent other accounts from posting the same photo or video. Another experiment Facebook is currently running involves analyzing text previously removed for supporting terrorist organizations in an effort to create text-based signals. This will help to strengthen the algorithm in place so it catches similar posts at a quicker speed.

To prevent AI from flagging a photo related to terrorism in a post like a news story, human judgment is still required. In order to ensure constant monitoring, the community operations team works 24 hours a day and its members are also skilled in dozens of languages. The company also added more people to its team of terrorism and safety specialists specifically — ranging from former prosecutors to engineers — whose responsibility is to concentrate solely on countering terrorism.

Facebook will continue to see employee growth after CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to expand the community operations team by adding 3,000 more employees across the globe — this decision came after a string of violent deaths and incidents were broadcast over Facebook Live. By having a larger team of reviewers, Zuckerberg pointed out that inappropriate content can be taken down faster and the response rate for those in danger can potentially be higher.

The company continues to develop different partnerships with researchers, governments, and other companies — including Microsoft, YouTube, and Twitter. These businesses continuously contribute to the shared database dedicated to gathering terrorist content.

Harnessing magnetic fields could allow phones, cars to charge on the move

Why it matters to you

This ambient charging-environment technology could end the tyranny of wires.

A bit like the way that products marketed as hoverboards don’t actually hover, today’s wireless charging technology is not all that wireless. Sure, you do not have to physically plug your phone in to get it charging, but placing your phone on a charging pad to juice up its battery still is not quite the wire-free dream we have been hankering after.

A new piece of research from researchers at Stanford University could make that dream a reality, however. In a paper published in the journal Nature, investigators describe a kind of ambient charging environment that would allow devices to start charging whenever you walk into a room — a bit like a Wi-fi setup you instantly connect to when in close proximity.

“What we’ve demonstrated is robust wireless power transfer,” Professor Shanhui Fan, a researcher on the project whose work involves computational and experimental photonics research, told Digital Trends. “It’s a system in which the transfer efficiency remains high as the receiver moves over a range of distances, without need for any external tuning. It means that you could walk around in a room, with your phone continuing to get charged.”

The method the team developed involves a large magnetic field “amplifier” that can power a device wirelessly. In their proof-of-concept demonstration, the simple device the researchers chose to focus on was an LED light which they moved further and further away from its power source. The work built on research developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007, which showed that it is possible to transmit electricity wirelessly over a distance of several feet to a stationary object. This time, however, the Stanford researchers augmented the setup with a voltage amplifier and feedback resistor. As Fan noted, the result is a system that can work out the correct frequency for variable distances without a human needing to fine-tune it along the way.

The idea of true wireless charging phones is certainly exciting, but Fan said there is another larger goal involved: Wirelessly charging electric cars. “If you’re driving on the road, and somehow energy can be sent into your electric car, that would be very useful,” he said. “It’s also an example of a situation in which it wouldn’t be practical to do plugged-in charging, since you would be driving at the time.”

There is still more work to be done on increasing the amount of electricity that can be transferred using the method, but — provided this research advances as planned — this could turn out to be the start of something very significant.

“I think it’s a fairly practical technology, but it’s always difficult to predict commercialization,” Fan said. “What we’ve currently done is to file a patent application, which takes us one step closer.”