Google kills Google Instant in effort to optimize Search for mobile devices

Why it matters to you

While search results will no longer load as you type them, the search experience on mobile should be better.

As it continues to push toward mobile devices, Google decided to retire Google Instant, a groundbreaking feature that essentially showed users search results as they typed their search query.

The feature was first introduced at Google by Marissa Mayer in 2010, who at the time was the company’s vice president of search and user experience. There are, however, some major differences with how we handle searches now and how we did seven years ago — the biggest being that the majority of search queries happen on mobile devices. It seems as though Google has simply decided that the Google Instant experience does not work that well on mobile devices.

“We launched Google Instant back in 2010 with the goal to provide users with the information they need as quickly as possible, even as they typed their searches on desktop devices,” said a Google spokesperson in an interview with Search Engine Land. “Since then, many more of our searches happen on mobile, with very different input and interaction and screen constraints. With this in mind, we have decided to remove Google Instant, so we can focus on ways to make Search even faster and more fluid on all devices.”

It’s important to note the difference between Google Instant and auto-complete. Google killing Instant does not mean that suggestions will not continue to pop up in a drop-down menu as you type. What it does mean is that the results of those suggested queries will not render in real time until you complete your query.

The move makes sense. When we are using a smaller screen already taken up largely by a keyboard and search bar, loading search results in real time does not really make for a great user experience. Still, the feature was somewhat helpful on desktop and it will be a little sad to see it go.

The removal of Instant Search is already taking effect, so when you enter a term into the search bar on the Google home page, you will not see results load automatically. You will, however, still see the drop-down menu with suggested queries, which should continue helping you save time as you search.

Google has been making a number of steps toward improving how it gets information to the user. Last week, the company announced that it was updating “the feed” with better ways to customize the information shown to you.

Latest Windows 10 Insider preview build links your phone to your PC

Why it matters to you

You can tell that Microsoft is getting closer to the release of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update given how the latest preview build polishes things up.

The next major version of Windows 10, Fall Creators Update, is fast approaching its official release. Windows Insiders have been using the new version for a few months, however, testing out its newest features and diligently reporting issues back to Microsoft. Windows Insider builds have been pretty hefty, for the most part, and today’s release of preview build 16251 is no different.

For the most part, build 16251 continues the most recent trend of polishing up the major new Fall Creators Update functionality, while not necessarily adding in absolutely new features. However, Microsoft did slip in something new with a way to directly link to a smartphone, and the company also worked to polish up Cortana, made things a bit faster, improved input, and fixed a number of problems in Microsoft Edge.

Link your PC and phone

First up is an initial step toward making Windows 10 work even more closely with smartphones. Microsoft introduced a number of features at Build 2017 that are aimed at integrating PCs and phones, including a cloud copy feature, a Timeline feature that won’t be making it to Fall Creators Update after all, and a number of other ways to make using Windows 10 with any smartphone platform a better experience.

Today, July 26, Microsoft is introducing enhanced cross-device web browsing, specifically for Android with iPhone support coming soon. The new feature starts out with a new Settings option, simply called Phone, that allows users to link an Android device so that web sessions from the phone are continued on the PC. The feature requires the installation of a new Android test application, “Microsoft Apps,” which will be available to users in a link sent via SMS.

When a phone and a PC are linked and the new app has been added to the share menu, there will be a new share option on the phone called “Continue on PC.” Select that, and an option to “Continue now” or “Continue later” will be available. If you select “Continue now,” then the website will immediately open on the PC; otherwise, it will show up as an Action Center notification. Note that the PC and Android phone both need to be connected using the same Microsoft Account.

Web search results right in Cortana

Next, Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana gets some attention in Build 16251. To begin with, Cortana will now show search results directly in her interface without needing to launch a browser. That will provide faster and easier access to search results.

Also, Cortana has finally received the ability to lock, sign out of, shut down, or turn off a PC. You can simply say things like, “Hey Cortana, restart PC and “Hey Cortana, turn off PC” and she will respond accordingly. This feature was announced some time ago, but it’s finally live in this build. Some commands, such as shutting off the PC, will require voice confirmation — a good thing, just in case a user gets tongue-tied. In addition, users need to make sure to enable Cortana on the lock screen for all of the functionality to work, and it’s only available in English.

Better Boot Up

Microsoft has extended the advanced Windows Update feature that uses sign-in information to finish setting up a device, now enabling it for regular reboots and shutdowns. That means that Windows 10 will automatically set up your account after it has booted up, making sign-in faster and restoring accessibility applications and others that have registered for application restart.

There are command line options for the new feature:

• shutdown /sg
  Shutdown the computer. On the next boot, restart any registered applications.
• shutdown /g
  Full shutdown and restart the computer. After the system is rebooted, restart any registered applications.

And, users can opt out of the feature by going to Settings > Privacy and then disabling the option.

Input Improvements

Windows 10 also received a slew of improvements to input. Here are a few highlights directly from the Microsoft blog post:

• We’ve adjusted the size of the one-handed touch keyboard to be a little bigger, as well as added a thicker border as padding around it so you’re less likely to accidentally tap outside the keyboard and dismiss it.
• We’ve updated the new XAML touch keyboard to now support a full keyboard layout option for English (United States), English (Australia), French (France), Italian (Italy), German (Germany) and Spanish (Spain) languages. Appreciate everyone who shared feedback on the subject! To access this keyboard layout, tap the button in the top left of the touch keyboard.
• As you launch and dismiss the touch keyboard, you’ll now notice an animation of it sliding in and out.
• We’ve softened the sound of typing on the touch keyboard – thanks for your feedback!
• We fixed an issue where the touch keyboard might get into a state where swiping across it would move the keyboard contents around.
• We’ve adjusted two-finger precision touchpad scrolling so it should feel a bit smoother now – please try it out in today’s build.
• In addition to scrolling, pen can now also select and drag objects when barrel button (a button on the side of the pen) is pressed. This functionality was already available in Win32 apps and Microsoft Edge as of 16215, and today we’re expanding it to include all UWP apps as well. Please try it out in your favorite apps and let us know how the experience is working for you.

Microsoft Edge Improvements

Finally, Microsoft’s underdog Edge browser has received its own share of improvements. Here’s the list, also straight from Microsoft:

• Microsoft Edge will no longer re-scale sites when in Tablet Mode with narrow viewport width (such as in a snapped view or portrait orientation). This provides a more natural experience on modern responsive sites in tablet mode.
• We fixed an issue from recent builds where the Copy Link option displayed in Microsoft Edge when you right-click a hyperlink wasn’t working.
• We fixed numerous reliability issues in Microsoft Edge that will improve user experience with crashes and hangs within the app.
• We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge with PDF failing to open on refresh.
• We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge with PDF fitting to page for certain books.
• We fixed an issue with Pinned Sites from Microsoft Edge where it wasn’t showing the right favicon on the taskbar.

You’ll want to check out Microsoft blog post on Windows Insider preview build 16251 to for the comprehensive list of fixes and known issues. As we get closer to the release of Fall Creators Update, the number of outstanding issues continues to decrease but there are still some important things to keep in mind before hitting that update button. As usual, you’ll need to be in the Fast Ring to get this build, and it’s also the build you’ll receive if you’re signed up for the new Windows Insider “Skip Ahead” option.

Apple and Cochlear team to launch first sound processor implant for iPhone

Why it matters to you

In partnership with Cochlear, Apple wants to improve the accessibility feature options on its devices for those with cochlear implants.

On Wednesday, Cochlear announced it will be launching the first implant — the Nucleus 7 Sound Processor — made specifically for Apple devices, TechCrunch reports. The Australian-based medical device company is known for supplying the Nucleus cochlear implant for those with hearing loss.

Cochlear’s Nucleus 7 Sound Processor will now be able to stream sound directly to a patient’s surgically implanted sound processor using a compatible iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Past Cochlear sound processors required connecting it to an external Bluetooth device that would then pair with a smartphone while other implants controlled sound and features through an app. Although Cochlear does have the Nucleus Smart App with a wide range of features, the new implant will make it easier for users to adjust more simple functions.

With Apple’s integration into its iOS interface, users with the Nucleus 7 can access the controls through the Settings app on the iPhone. By going into Settings > General > Accessibility, they’ll find their Cochlear hearing implant listed under hearing devices. It will then pair the same way a Bluetooth device would pair with your iPhone or any other device. Users can control the volume settings simply using the iPhone volume controls and can send audio like phone calls or music into the implant as well.

Apple does have a history of working with hearing aids in the past like the ReSound LiNX — which initially launched in the U.K. in 2014 — that also connects directly to the iPhone. Apple developed a protocol that is offered at no charge to hearing aid and implant manufacturers to use with its devices.

By creating these types of features, Apple expressed to TechCrunch that it wants the iPhone to essentially be “the best piece of technology” people have ever used.  Adding new accessibility features to its operating system will help the company expand the support it can give to people on a global scale. With the iOS 11 public beta released, users can already experience new accessibility features added to the new operating system like “Type to Siri” and call audio routing.

The Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor is expected to be released in September, with significant improvements from its predecessors. It is said to not only be smaller and 24 percent lighter than previous models, but also has a longer battery life — making it ideal for children to use as well.

Essential Accessories For Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Perfect partners for your Pixel.

So you’ve just dropped a chunk of cash on a shiny new Pixel or Pixel XL — or maybe you’re a longtime Pixel user who’s been enjoying the phone since launch. In either case, a complete loadout of accessories is important.

Google has a wide range of first-party accessories for its first own-branded handset, and we’ve also rounded up some top essentials from elsewhere. Take a look!

• Daydream View
• Google Live Cases
• Anker PowerLine USB-C cable
• Anker PowerCore+ USB-PD power bank
• Google 22.5W Dual Charger
• Chromecast
• Anker USB-C to Micro-USB adapters

Daydream View

OK, OK. This is a good deal larger (and a bit more expensive) than your traditional smartphone accessory. Nevertheless, Google’s Daydream View headset is something you should definitely consider buying alongside your new Pixel. Google’s new phones are the first to be fully Daydream-certified, and ready for use with Google’s new VR platform. Here’s what Russell Holly had to say in his review:

This headset has the potential to be the best mobile VR headset you can buy, and maintain that title for quite some time. Google’s efforts in implementing motion controls, controlling the software to an extent, and making sure the headset is comfortable enough to want to use for longer periods of time are great. The price is great as well, $79 is within striking distance of many higher end Google Cardboard headsets and undercuts Samsung’s Gear VR by $20 on the shelf.

Daydream View doesn’t have a huge number of apps or games right now, but the situation will only get better, and quickly.

See at Google Store

Google Live Cases

Google sells a range of traditional silicone cases for the Pixel and Pixel XL, but for just a little extra you can grab a Live Case. These are made of the same materials, but are customizable with your favorite photos, places (through stylized maps) or artworks. A tool on the Google Store website allows you to customize your Live Case to your liking.

The concept has been around for a while through Google’s Nexus program. And Live Cases are a great way to make your Pixel or Pixel XL unique to you.

See at Google Store

More: Best Google Pixel cases

Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB-C cable

Most USB-C phones charge over a USB-A to USB-C cable. Google’s phones are a bit different — like the Nexus 5X and 6P, the Pixel’s boxed charger is a USB-C brick, so you need a USB-C to USB-C cable like the one boxed with the phone.

These are still relatively hard to come by, so you might want to pick up a couple of spares. Anker’s PowerLine C-to-C cable is a good cheap option for a reasonable long (3 foot) backup. And it also comes in black or white, so you can match the color of your cable to your phone.

See at Amazon

Anker PowerCore+ 26,800mAh USB-PD battery

The Pixel charges using the USB Power Delivery standard, and it’s not easy to find batteries with this tech built in. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Anker power bank, though, along with an enormous 26,800mAh capacity that’ll see even the larger Pixel XL through multiple recharges. In fact, there’s so much power and capacity on offer here that the Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 can even recharge USB-PD-compatible laptops, including Apple’s newer MacBooks, and some Chromebooks.

This is a hefty power brick, but if you’re going to be away from a wall plug for more than a day, you’re guaranteed peace of mind and speedy charging with this model.

See at Amazon

Google 22.5W USB-C charger with USB-PD

Your Pixel will charge fastest with a USB-PD compatible charger and cable, and this is exactly what you’re getting here. Google’s 22.5W wall plug uses USB Power Delivery for faster charging, and comes bundled with a long 1.8 meter USB-C to USB-C cable, so you’ve got a reasonable amount of range while your Pixel is plugged in. And best of all, there’s two ports, so you can charge another device from the same brick while your Pixel is plugged in.

This isn’t the cheapest Pixel charging option, but you’re guaranteed to be getting the official, Google-sanctioned wall plug here, which is capable of charging your Pixel as fast as possible.

See at Google

Chromecast

Even if you’re not tempted by the flashy new 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra, the older second-generation Chromecast is well worth investing in. Google’s year-old streaming dongle plugs into your TV over HDMI, and is small enough to be tucked behind your set. It’s powered by a microUSB connector on its base.

Content up to 1080p is supported, with many popular streaming apps having built-in Google Cast support. For those that don’t, Chromecast also lets you mirror the screen of any Chrome browser tab, or Android-based smartphones. Alternatively, the fancy new 4K Chromecast Ultra will go great with your fancy new TV.

See at Google

Anker USB-C to Micro-USB adapter (2 pack)

If you’re moving from an older Android phone to a Pixel or Pixel XL, chances are you’ve got a mess of old Micro-USB connectors lying around. Anker’s Micro-USB to USB-C adapters are small enough to fit in a wallet, and will let you use older cables with your Pixel.

See at Amazon

Android Wear Smartwatches

Android Wear smartwatches can you show you notifications, help you keep track of your fitness, and even run full-blown apps. Newer Android Wear 2.0 devices can even make payments using Android Pay, thanks to built-in NFC, and connect independently of your phone thanks to LTE support.

Check out our rundown of the best Android Wear watches to see what’s worth buying.

See at Google

More: Best Android Wear smartwatches

Your favorite?

Do you have a favorite accessory not listed here? Let us know, and we’ll consider adding it!

Update, July 2017: This list has been updated to include a new USB-PD power bank, and to recommend Google’s Pixel C dual-port USB-PD power adapter, as the Pixel model is out of stock.

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
• Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
• Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Join the discussion in the forums!

Google Store
Verizon

A USC fertility clinic now uses VR to aid men with “extraction”

VR is taking men away from a cold, sterile clinic and into a world that makes the grand finale a little easier.

From the minute we saw our first VR headset, we knew porn production companies would be in love with the idea. Here’s a case where one such company is doing it for the greater good.

Motherboard (probably not safe for work) tells us that VR Bangers (age restricted and definitely NSFW) aims to provide standalone VR headsets chock-full o’ porn to fertility clinics so that men can feel more comfortable while they do the deed. The first clinic to use these headsets is USC Fertility (this one is safe for work), part of the Los Angeles-based University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.

The clinic was provided with AuraVisor standalone headsets
stocked with 12 “premium” adult videos, and new videos can be added at any time by copying them directly to an SD card.

VR Bangers is said to be talking with other fertility centers and sperm banks to expand the program.

We’re behind any idea that can ease stress and help couples who are having difficulty becoming pregnant, but our first thought echoes one brought up by Motherboard: How will you see the cup?

Best multiplayer games for Gear VR

Games in VR are better when you get to play with friends.

Samsung Gear VR gives you access to tons of awesome games. If you’ve been hoping for games that you can play with your friends, you’re in luck too. There are a few awesome games that you can check out with friends or use to make new friends in VR. We’ve got all the details so you can jump right in and find the games you enjoy most.

Reas more at VRHeads

Transform your standard outlet into one with 2 USB ports for $16

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a deal on wall outlet with 2 USB ports!

The Topgreener Dual USB charger outlet is down to $15.88 on Amazon with the promo code TGUSBXSD. This outlet normally goes for $22.69. It has seen a couple of drops down to $20 or so but never this low.

Features include:

• Upgraded High Speed Charging Tech: In-wall dual USB power outlet with a total output of 4.8 Amp, 24W, 5VDC
• Smart intelliChip USB ports precisely read the power needed then maximize charging efficiency without overcharging
• Design Innovation: 3 snap-on face covers. 3 face cover colors include: White (comes attached), Black, Light Almond
• Duplex power outlet with tamper-resistant (TR) shutters enhance electrical safety, preventing unwanted objects from being inserted into the outlet; Meets 2011 NEC
• Compatible with USB 1.1/2.0/3.0 devices, 2 USB ports total 4.8 Amp, 5VDC; TR Receptacles 15 Amp/120VAC; UL listed;
• Easy installation includes simple back and side wiring. Wall plate not included.

This outlet has 4.4 stars based on more than 458 user reviews.

It doesn’t come with a face plate, but those are pretty cheap and you can add them to your order for just $3-4 like this one from Leviton.

See at Amazon

More from Thrifter:

• How to save money on gas during your next fill up
• Tips for leveraging Uber as a side gig

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!}

Latest Windows 10 insider build lets you link your Android to your PC

Linked phones can send web pages to a PC, and more features are coming.

During the Microsoft Build conference, we learned that Microsoft was working on clever ways to link your phone with your Windows 10 PC. The latest insider build kicks off the first step with some cross-browser magic that lets you send a web page from your phone right to the big screen.

Users on the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 16251 for PC now have a new setting called “Phone” where you can get everything started. Hit it (it’s with the rest of the settings) to link your phone to your PC to get started. Right now, you can only set things up with an Android phone, but we imagine the iPhone version has to be coming.

Once the two devices are linked, you can send a web site to your computer through the browser’s native share option. Open it and choose the “Continue on PC” option to get to step two. Next, you’ll need to sign into the same Microsoft account that you’re using on your PC, because that’s how all this cloud magic works — one account in both places can share almost anything you want it to share.

You’ll have the choice to “Continue now” or “Continue later”. Choosing “Continue Now” opens the web page on your PC immediately, letting you browse on the bigger and better screen of your computer. If you choose to “Continue later” you’ll see an entry in the Action Center so you can have a click whenever is best for you.

Microsoft is steadily leveraging the billions of Android devices out there, and this first step of their ambitious linking project is a good one. We can’t wait to see what they think of next!

Yeast could hold the key to custom-built DNA

Scientists have been playing with DNA for a long time, but now researchers are taking things a step further by building DNA from scratch in a bid to conquer life’s blueprint. An international team of 11 labs from four continents are working together to “rewrite” the yeast genome, a project which could reveal the hidden rules that govern the structure of all living things.

The controversial work, headed up by New York University, aims to enable scientists to create custom-made DNA codes. These could then be placed into living cells, changing how they function and giving valuable insight into disease. Much further down the line, scientists may even be able to create entirely new organisms. The right adjustments could also make yeast create new, efficient biofuels.

Also in the pipeline is redesigned DNA — a disconcerting idea on paper, as this would effectively allow scientists to create genetically-altered people. But this isn’t the team’s intention (although they do plan on consulting ethicists and the general public before they do it). Instead, the altered DNA would be inserted into cells for medical benefits, such as making the body better at pumping out pharmaceutical proteins, or to engineer stem cells as a safe source of lab-grown tissue needed for organ transplants.

The work is underway, but it will be a while time before we see it come to fruition. Rewriting the yeast genome is an enormous undertaking involving 12 million chemical links (the human genome has 3.2 billion). Once the new yeast genome has been created, the scientists will have added, removed or edited around one million DNA letters.

Via: Phys.org

Airbnb and NAACP partner to boost minority-hosted rentals

Airbnb is doing everything it can to repair its image after a racist host cancelled a reservation earlier this month. The next step of that is to help people of color rent out their homes or spare rooms. “Under the new partnership, Airbnb and the NAACP will conduct targeted outreach to communities of color to help more people use their homes to earn extra income,” the NAACP writes.

In addition to helping minority communities list their homes via the service, Airbnb will give 20 percent of what it makes from this to the NAACP. From there, the social justice organization will work with Airbnb to improve its workforce diversity and ensure that there are plenty of minority-listed homes.

The NAACP stresses that the money Airbnb shares won’t affect host pay-outs, and that even more news will be shared about the initiative in the near future. Now, this isn’t the direct result of the awful sub-letter, Airbnb has been pushing for diversity amongst its hosts. Last year, the company started requiring that hosts agree to anti-discrimination clauses after discovering that racism skewed rentals.

Source: NAACP