Google fixes random Pixel freezing with latest update

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL phones debuted to strong reviews, but not all has been perfect since — supply has been a problem, as has quality control. Case in point — some smartphones have been freezing at random times, requiring a complete reboot to clear the problem. Luckily, Google has just released a new OTA update that “should address many of the freezing issues that have been reported.”

Google’s Community Manager posted the fix to the user community, but didn’t sound 100 percent confident that it would solve the problem entirely. “Freezing and general device performance issues can be caused by many different things, so please continue to update this post with your individual experiences after accepting the June security OTA,” he said.

That said, most users seem to be experiencing the same type of problem. “My Pixel XL 128 GB becomes unresponsive randomly,” said one. “Doesn’t only happen while using a particular app or while doing a particular task.” At that point, he adds, he can either wait for it to go to a lockscreen or force a reboot using the power button.

Considering that Google took charge of the design and has complete control of the software — without the usual bloatware from third-party manufacturers — such a bug seems odd. To be fair, the Pixel and Pixel XL are the first-gen devices, so hopefully Google will sort out the bugs when the new models come along later this year. The new OTA update also buttresses the security of the Pixel, and should roll out to your device in the next few days.

Source: Google (product forums)

Master & Dynamic’s new headphones take cues from Bamford watches

It’s no secret that Master & Dynamic makes some of the best-looking headphones around these days, and the company routinely enlists other like-minded brands to join them. On heels of a Leica collaboration, M&D teamed up with UK-based Bamford Watch Department to re-imagine its wireless MW60 headphones. While Master & Dynamic’s signature metal construction is still here with a matte black finish, it’s the details from the luxury watchmaker that offer a new spin on the familiar over-ear headphones.

Instead of cowhide leather on the headband and outside of the earcups, this special edition has Saffiano leather. That material is a signature of Bamford’s product line much like the combination of leather and metal is a go-to for Master & Dynamic. There’s textured black with sky blue accent stitching on outside of the headband while the inside is solid colored in that same light blue hue. The accent color also appears a couple of other places, including inside of the earcups. Lambskin is still the material on the earpads and these are some of the softest I’ve worn on my head — partly thanks to their cushy memory foam padding.

The Bamford version of the MW60 comes with a black leather case that holds braided cables for USB charging and 3.5mm audio for wired use as well as a 6.3mm adapter. Yes, those cables are the same light blue and there’s more of that accent stitching from the headphones’ headband on the outside of the accessory case. Black canvas cases for both the MW60s and those cords are included in the box as well.

To me, the best part is Master & Dynamic isn’t charging you more for a special edition with new materials. Just like the Leica version of the MW60, this Bamford tie-in is priced the same as the regular ol’ version at $549. Of course, that’s nearly $150 more than my current favorite set of wireless headphones, the Sony MDR-1000X, and almost $200 more than the Bose QuietComfort 35. Both of those options also have active noise cancellation (ANC) that the MW60 doesn’t offer.

If you’re considering a set of Master & Dynamic headphones though, comparing them to Bose or Sony isn’t apples to apples. The M&D line uses premium materials like stainless steel and leather where others use plastic and less expensive options. Sound quality on the MW60s is a little more natural as well, in my opinion. They’re well-tuned, but there’s not too much booming base or high-end to be distracting when listening to some genres. I’d say “balanced” is the best way to describe it. Of course, if you need a heavy dose of low-end tones, you might want to look to Beats, Sony or others to get your fill.

My main criticism remains from my first stint with the MW60s: I could use more volume. With my both my iPhone and the headphones cranked all the way up, I find myself needing a smidge more power — especially when I’m trying to blast Kendrick Lamar’s Damn or Mastodon’s Emperor of Sand. Some genres are just meant to be played loud, especially hip hop and metal.

If you’re okay paying a premium for good design, the MW60 is a solid set of headphones. They have that folding construction you’re likely familiar with from other sets to make packing them away a bit easier. Tactile controls on the earcups on are in comfy positions for Bluetooth pairing, volume adjustments and more are here, too. The MW60s are also lightweight and don’t pinch in on my head like a lot of other options — two factors to look for if you’re hunting for new headphones for extended listening sessions. Sound is only part of the package, and even though Master & Dynamic does a respectable job there, it continues to nail key areas like design and overall comfort.

Both Master & Dynamic and Bamford Watch Department will stock these MW60 headphones online, as will a number of luxury retailers in Hong Kong, London, New York City, Paris and Tokyo.

Source: Master & Dynamic

Apple Helped U.K. Investigate Terrorist Attacks, Says CEO Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed on Monday that the company has been helping the U.K. government investigate terror attacks in the country, despite being criticized by officials for its steadfast support of digital services that use end-to-end encryption.

“We have been cooperating with the U.K. government not only in law enforcement kind of matters but on some of the attacks,” Cook said during a Bloomberg Television interview on Monday. “I cannot speak on detail on that. But in cases when we have information and they have gone through the lawful process we don’t just give it but we do it very promptly.”

Cook went on to suggest that rather than breaking encryption and risking the security of millions of users’ private data, technology companies could provide police with metadata – revealing when, where, and who sent and received messages, but not their content – which could be extremely helpful in criminal investigations. “Metadata, if you’re putting together a profile, is very important,” said Cook.

The comments follow a third attack in as many months in the U.K., which has reignited the debate surrounding online surveillance in the country. The current Conservative government is demanding new powers that would force technology companies to compromise encryption protocols.

In the wake of Saturday’s terrorist attack at London Bridge, Prime Minister Theresa May again called for new laws to regulate the internet, demanding that internet companies do more to remove places online where terrorists can communicate. “We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed,” she said. “Yet that is precisely what the internet and the big companies that provide internet-based services provide.”

Recently the U.K. government passed a bill that could theoretically mean companies are legally bound to do comply with such requests, although the practicalities of such a law have been repeatedly questioned by security experts. Apple’s privacy and encryption policy has also been criticized by U.S. law enforcement officials and the company publicly clashed last year in court with the FBI over the issue.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tags: Apple security, privacy
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Who needs a phone with the Huawei Watch 2?

We all love our smartphones, but it’s time to become less reliant on them.

No, don’t worry, we’re not going to start acting like your mum, telling you to put down your phone and go outside every once in a while. But how about switching up your tech addiction to something new, something that will garner envious glances from your mates. Something like the Huawei Watch 2?

The Huawei Watch 2, which comes in Classic and Sport models, is a master of many features; a wearable that can resign your smartphone to a life on the sidelines.

A well-rounded Android Wear 2.0-powered smartwatch that will let you monitor your daily step count, receive wrist-based alerts and monitor your heart rate, this fitness-focused wearable plays host to a raft of features that will do your phone out of a job. Here are seven of the best.

Huawei Watch 2: Making calls from your wrist

OK, lets start with a biggie. With the Huawei Watch 2, you don’t even need your smartphone in hand to do the most fundamental of phone things: make and receive calls. That’s because the Sport version can support its own 4G SIM, giving you Wi-Fi-free wrist-based connectivity wherever you are.

The 4G SIM seamlessly slots in behind the clasp for the lower section of the watch’s hardened silicone rubber strap and lets you add always-on connections for when your standalone smartphone is out of battery. To make calls you can select options from your contacts book or utilise the watch’s own built-in dialler.

Huawei Watch 2: Respond to text messages and email

Just like with its own built-in call functionality, the Huawei Watch 2 lets you utilise its integrated 4G connectivity skills to reply to text messages, IMs and emails, even when you’ve left your phone at home.

Pocket-lint

Thanks to its Android Wear 2.0 foundations, your replies don’t have to be restricted to boring pre-set answers such as “see you later” or “I’ll call you soon”. Instead, you can use the touchscreen interface to write out your replies letter by letter, with your doodles instantly transformed into text-based retorts.

Huawei Watch 2: Map your runs from your wrist

It’s not just the Huawei Watch 2’s integrated 4G SIM that helps it resign your phone to a life in the shadows. Thanks to its own built-in GPS skills you no longer need to take your handset with you when you go for a run.

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Letting you map your runs without trudging 10k with a phone awkwardly strapped to your arm or jiggling around in your pocket, the Watch’s integrated GPS also offers more accurate distance tracking. Paired with its built-in heart-rate sensor, accelerometer, and the new Huawei Fit app, this combines to create the ultimate fitness-tracking activity companion.

Huawei Watch 2: Make mobile payments without the plastic

Completing the connectivity set, the Huawei Watch 2 builds on its built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and 4G skills with NFC (near-field communication) abilities. Why does this matter? Well, it means you can use the watch to make payments when you forget your wallet or are simply plum out of cash.

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Playing nice with Android Pay, and the millions of payment terminals that support the contactless service, your bank card details are securely stored and accessed directly from the watch. You need never take your wallet or phone out of your pocket again – just cue up your digital card, tap the Watch 2 against the payment terminal and off you go.

Huawei Watch 2: Use heaps of third-party apps

As with any modern portable gadget, you can fill the Huawei Watch 2 with a variety of apps to enhance its own core abilities. These no longer need a synced smartphone to work either, but instead can be hosted directly by the watch.

Pocket-lint

A feature made possible by the Huawei Watch 2’s Android Wear 2.0 software and impressive array of specs, there are already a mass of compatible apps out there ranging from the fitness-friendly likes of Runtastic and Strava, to communication options such as Facebook Messenger and general utilities like the Weather Channel.

Huawei Watch 2: Enjoy the power of Google Assistant

Running Android Wear 2.0, the Huawei Watch 2 features a number of impressive features pairing new, improved message replies and a more refined interface with Google’s new voice-controlled PA, called Google Assistant. You don’t need your phone for this, and can make use of the assistant’s power simply by speaking to your techy timepiece.

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Press the Watch 2’s power button say “OK, Google” and your digital assistant will spring into life. Now you can ask the your watch to perform tasks such as sending texts, checking weather and setting alarms. All without having to fiddle through menus or ensure a half dozen button presses and screen swipe.

Huawei Watch 2: Listen to your favourite tunes

Further aiding your phone-free runs, you can listen to music stored directly on the Huawei Watch 2, letting you ditch your phone and enjoy on-the-go audio without the added bulk.

Pocket-lint

There’s 4GB of internal storage, capable of holding plenty of tunes, and the Watch 2 can be paired with a set of wireless headphones over Bluetooth to ensure your audio experience is on-point wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

Want to share your sounds with the masses? No problem: just pair the watch with a Bluetooth speaker instead to get the party started from your wrist.

Apple Offers External GPU Enclosure to Developers As Valve Opens Door to VR Mac Gaming

Apple announced a new version of its Metal graphics technology during Monday’s keynote at the Worldwide Developers Conference. As part of macOS High Sierra, Metal 2 will officially support external GPUs, allowing any Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 port to benefit from graphics hardware powerful enough to run demanding virtual reality applications and games.

The native VR support in macOS High Sierra also opens up the possibility for Mac owners to hook up VR headsets to their computer for the first time. And in a concurrent related announcement, Steam game platform creator Valve also revealed in a blog post on Monday that it is making a beta version of its SteamVR software development kit available on Mac, offering players the same 360-degree, room-scale tracking as the Windows and Linux variants.

On the development side, we have worked closely with Epic and Unity to make Mac extensions of content built on those engine technologies as simple as possible. Extension tools for those engines, and others, are available as part of this beta.

We’ve also worked with Mozilla to help enable WebVR support on Firefox, so macOS-based web developers can start trying out VR.

In addition to the Valve partnership, Apple announced it is also selling its own external graphics enclosure to developers who want to work on graphically intensive VR and 3D applications and games, although Apple noted that external GPU support likely won’t arrive for consumers until spring 2018.

Apps that use Metal, OpenCL, and OpenGL can now take advantage of the increased performance that external graphics processors can bring. The External Graphics Development Kit includes everything you need to start optimizing advanced VR and 3D apps on external graphics processors with macOS High Sierra.

Apple’s External Graphics Development Kit comes with a Sonnet external GPU chassis with Thunderbolt 3 and 350W power supply, an AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB graphics card, a Belkin USB-C to 4-port USB-A hub, and a promo code for $100 towards the purchase of a HTC Vive VR headset.

The External Graphics Development Kit costs $599 and requires a Mac with Thunderbolt 3 running the latest beta version of macOS High Sierra. The other caveat is that customers have to be a member of the Apple Developer Program to be eligible to purchase the kit.

The kit can be purchased directly from Apple’s website, although Apple cautions that the HTC Vive promo codes have limited availability and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Related Roundups: WWDC 2017, Apple VR Project, macOS Sierra
Tag: SteamVR
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Google’s Street View cars are gathering pollution data and here’s the first map

Why it matters to you

With the mileage they cover, it makes sense for Google to use its Street View cars in this way. Especially if it leads to cleaner air for city dwellers.

Google’s camera-equipped Street View cars have mapped and remapped millions of miles of road around the world, allowing anyone with an internet connection to enjoy a virtual drive through a plethora of countries.

While me might sometimes wish we could be there in person, some of those places are probably best viewed from the comfort of an armchair considering current pollution levels, especially in some of the more urban areas.

With constant exposure to foul air endangering the health of those who live with it, Google decided a couple of years ago to make more use of those Street View cars as they tour U.S. roads, fitting them with devices that gather pollution data.

This week the Silicon Valley, California-based company shared the first results of this ongoing project, which it’s conducting with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) using measuring equipment built by Aclima.

The new maps show data for the Californian city of Oakland, revealing levels of harmful pollutants such as nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon released from cars, trucks, and other sources. High exposure to such pollutants is linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some cancers, Google wrote in a blog post.

As you’d expect with a Google map, you can zoom in to each street for more accurate data, and see how pollution levels change within very short distances, often block by block. Added notes (below) also explain why some parts of a city are worse than others when it comes to pollution.

Google says the data can be used locally by environmental groups and regulators to improve air quality, as well as by other cities that are currently trying to get a handle on their own pollution levels as they search for ways to clean up the environment. The overriding goal is to “understand how to live healthier lives, build smarter and more sustainable cities, and reduce climate-changing greenhouse gases in both urban and rural areas.” Scientists can already request access to the validated data.

The Street View cars have helped to gather one of the largest air quality datasets ever published, Google said, helping to make the invisible visible and offering an excellent opportunity for city planners to enact changes to improve environmental conditions for one and all.

Welcome back! SpaceX’s Dragon capsule makes history with second visit to ISS

Why it matters to you

SpaceX is making awesome progress with its reusable rocket system, designed to drastically reduces the cost of space travel.

Following its successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule made history on Monday as it became the company’s first spacecraft to connect with the International Space Station (ISS) for a second time.

Its arrival makes it the first U.S. spaceship to return to the ISS since the space shuttle program ended in 2011.

The Dragon first visited the space station in 2014, with this second trip serving to highlight the progress SpaceX is making with the design of its reusable rocket system, which also includes a Falcon 9 launch vehicle capable of landing back on Earth minutes after leaving the ground.

NASA announced the historic revisit by the uncrewed Dragon on its website: “While the International Space Station was traveling about 250 miles over the south Atlantic ocean east of the coast of Argentina, Flight Engineers Jack Fischer and Peggy Whitson of NASA captured Dragon (below) a few minutes ahead of schedule at 9:52 a.m. EDT.”

NASA/SpaceX

Now that it’s in the firm grip of the inhabited orbiting satellite, the Dragon cargo ship will be carefully maneuvered by ground crew using the space station’s robotic arm. They’ll carefully install the capsule onto the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module before the astronauts begin unpacking nearly three tons of supplies and equipment.

The science gear includes, of all things, a number of fruit flies for an experiment aimed at improving our understanding of the effects on the heart of lengthy exposure to microgravity. “Because they’re small, age rapidly, and have a well-known genetic make-up, [the flies] are good models for heart function studies,” NASA explained.

The crew will also be conducting tests focusing on osteoporosis as scientists search for ways to help astronauts maintain bone density when in space for extended periods. If the research proves successful, the findings could lead to the creation of medication that can prevent bone loss and even build new bone, helping not only astronauts on future missions into deep space but also millions of people back on Earth currently dealing with the condition.

In addition, three payloads inside Dragon’s unpressurized area will demonstrate new solar panel technologies, study the physics of neutron stars, and host an array of Earth-viewing instruments, NASA said.

The Dragon will stay docked for the rest of this month before SpaceX embarks on its next challenge — bringing it back safely to Earth, where it’ll hopefully splash into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California. And after that? Another trip to the space station with more supplies, most likely.

The ‘Bobby Bizz’ briefcase-backpack combo is a cool bag with security in mind

Why it matters to you

Looking for a versatile business bag that’ll keep your stuff safe? Then check out the Bobby Bizz briefcase-backpack.

The Bobby backpack turned out to be a big hit with Kickstarter backers last year, with the durable, secure, and stylish bag attracting $820,000 of funding from more than 10,000 backers.

Well, its Dutch creators have just returned with a new design that clearly wants to be the best business briefcase and backpack in town.

The new Bobby Bizz bag takes many of the features of the original Bobby but adds a bunch of new ones, weaving them into a more serious design that you’d have no qualms about carrying into an important business meeting.

Like the Bobby, the Bizz also puts security front and center. The bag’s exterior, which includes a lightweight metal frame, is tough enough to repel knife blades while also protecting the bag’s contents from knocks.

The right shoulder strap includes an anti-cut steel wire so you can secure it to a fixed object when you’re in a cafe or restaurant or resting outside somewhere. It also has a built-in anti-theft lock and hidden zippers to foil would-be thieves.

The Bizz, which tips the scales at 2.87 pounds (1300 grams), opens to an angle of 30 degrees for quick access, as well as to 90 and 180 degrees if you need more space to get all your stuff organized. It’s big enough to hold any 15.6 inch laptop, and also “some” 17 inch models.

There are plenty of pockets and slots inside — and hidden ones in the side and back as well — to keep everything in place, and the bag’s water-repellant outer layer ensures everything stays dry. It also includes an integrated USB charging point that connects your power bank with your phone or other mobile device to keep them juiced up when you’re out and about.

And for safer night cycling, the bag features reflective bars on the side and back to help drivers spot you in the road ahead.

Thanks to the success of the Bobby, the team have learned a lot and carried many of the best bits over to the Bizz. However, a neat touch unique to the Bizz is its ability to switch from a backpack to a briefcase in just a couple of moves, so you can cycle to a meeting with it on your back and stroll into the room clutching it in your hand like a true professional — with all the unsightly straps concealed.

You can pre-order the Bobby Bizz with a pledge of 75 euros (currently about $85), which includes shipping, and if the campaign goes to plan, you’ll have this nifty-looking briefcase-backpack combo delivered to your door in September, 2017.

How to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S8 with Carphone Warehouse

You’ve decided to to upgrade to the new Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus, but what happens now? How do you trade in your current phone, and what’s the best deal to go for?

Don’t worry, Carphone Warehouse has you covered.

Here are five reasons to upgrade with Carphone Warehouse.

You get to keep your number and benefits

Carphone Warehouse offers a range of different deals depending on your budget. It has many price plans from a range of different networks, including EE, Vodafone and O2, ensuring you’ll find the best Samsung Galaxy S8 deal when upgrading from your old phone.

You can upgrade for less

You’ll get to keep your same number, the same benefits and all at a great price. Many of the networks offer specific perks, such as Apple Music free for six months or Now TV for two years, and you can get those same deals when you upgrade through Carphone Warehouse.

Price promise

Carphone Warehouse has a price promise that if you find a cheaper deal than the one they are offering, it will not only match it, but pay your first monthly bill. How cool is that?

You don’t have to be a Carphone Warehouse customer previously 

That’s right, you don’t need to have bought a phone from Carphone Warehouse before to be eligible to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus. The high street retailer offers Samsung Galaxy S8 contracts on all major networks and will happily upgrade you from your current contract if that’s possible. For Vodafone customers, that’s 75 days before the end of the contract and for O2 customers, it’s 30 days. You can use the company’s online upgrade checker to find out if you’re eligible for an upgrade.

You get to choose the network best for you

Unlike dealing with a network directly you can go to one place knowing that there will be a whole smorgasbord of the best deals available from all the networks in the UK – whether that’s EE, O2 or Vodafone. No more going from store to store or website to website trying to find out what’s best for you.

EVs are greener than ever thanks to renewable energy

Some wags will always try to claim that EVs are just as dirty as regular cars, because electricity is generated in coal-fired power stations. Except, that’s not really true anymore, which is why the Union of Concerned Scientists has updated its data on how environmentally friendly electric cars are. The results won’t shock you, but an EV is now about as efficient as a gas-powered car that can make 73 miles per gallon.

Back in 2009, the argument was a little muddier, thanks to the makeup of America’s energy sources, which has changed significantly. As states have moved from coal towards gas, solar, wind and hyrdo, emissions are falling. As the price of solar and wind energy, especially, continues to fall, emissions are going to get ever smaller over time.

The Union also poured cold water onto the argument that because EVs are more emissions-intensive to build, they’re a danger. They found that while the cars create 15 percent more emissions during construction, that is quickly balanced out by the climate savings made by not burning fuel. In fact, the report says that a car like the Nissan Leaf could pay off its carbon “debt” within six months of its purchase. So, in summary, the best thing you can do to help the planet right now is buy an electric car.

Via: Electrek

Source: Union of Concerned Scientists