‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ only works because of Iron Man’s tech

You’d be forgiven for being burnt out on Spider-Man movies. The last two Amazing Spider-Man films were so forgettable, they practically evaporated from our collective pop culture consciousness. So, in an unprecedented arrangement, Sony partnered up with Marvel Studios to share the character’s film rights. That led to the web-slinger being recruited by Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in last year’s Civil War. Consider that an appetizer. With Spider-Man: Homecoming, directed by Jon Watts, all of Stark’s technological ingenuity is on display with the most fantastically specced out Spidey suit yet.

Mild spoilers ahead.

Our new Peter Parker (played by the young Tom Holland) has a holographic display embedded in his gauntlets, allowing him to pull up information and track bad guys without a smartphone. There’s a parachute that automatically deploys if he falls from a high distance. And his suit also automatically conforms to his body’s shape (which seems much more convenient than squeezing into spandex). These features alone are a huge upgrade from the last five Spider-Man films, where Parker had to rely on his wits (and eventually, mechanical web shooters).

Later on in the film, we learn that Spider-Man’s outfit is more like Iron Man’s suits than we originally thought. There’s a built-in artificial intelligence, similar to J.A.R.V.I.S., who ends up training Parker on his new capabilities. And while Spider-Man still relies on homemade webbing (not organic shooters in his arms, like in Sam Raimi’s films), the suit gives him 576 different ways to use it. There’s electroshock webbing, several lethal options (which is a bit strange for the web-slinger), and web grenades for wrapping up foes remotely. Spider-Man can fly now — sort of — thanks to new wing gliders. And to make it truly a product of our times, the suit’s spider symbol also houses a reconnaissance drone.

All of this gadgetry adds up to a far different cinematic take on the character than we’ve seen over the past few decades. And that’s clearly for the better. One of the biggest issues with the Amazing Spider-Man films is that they felt like a bland and unnecessary rehash. Did we really need to see Peter Parker learn the same lessons; anguish over Uncle Ben; and fall for another high school crush so soon? With Homecoming, we get something completely fresh and new.

Spider-Man fans might take issue with the sheer load of gear he’s equipped with. This isn’t the same Peter Parker who was forced to learn hard lessons on his own, and didn’t have the support of a billionaire playboy philanthropist. Indeed, it almost feels like we lose a bit of the character in the process. This Parker is still a scrappy genius who mixes his own webbing, but he gets a huge assist from Tony Stark, and he knows there are other superheroes fighting the good fight. The fact that he’s not alone makes his circumstances feel a little less desperate at times.

Sony/Columbia Pictures

Still, this Spider-Man feels like a version of the character who’s better equipped for today’s highly connected world. He’s also facing off against a villain — Michael Keaton’s surprisingly sympathetic Vulture — who’s stealing and experimenting with the discarded alien technology from all of the Avenger’s battles. It’d be hard for Spider-Man to keep up with such a well-equipped villain without his own assortment of gadgets.

Perhaps most importantly, the technology in Homecoming isn’t frivolous. It’s all tied back to the characters in some form. The first few features we come across make it clear that Tony Stark is trying to mold Peter Parker into an ideal superhero, one who isn’t burdened by building weapons of mass destruction like he is. At the same time, all of the built-in safety features show how much he thinks about protecting his protege. And when Peter decides to hack the restrictions in his suit, it’s a classic act of teenage rebellion (though it comes from a good place, since he’s trying to protect people from the Vulture’s alien weaponry).

Ultimately, its smart use of technology is just one reason why Spider-Man: Homecoming works. It’s also incredibly well-written, with characters we actually care about. But it’s nice to see a superhero movie where gadgetry isn’t just an afterthought (I’m looking at you, Batman v. Superman), it’s an essential part of the story.

Audi takes its self-driving car where others dare not go

The self-driving future has a ratings scale. The classifications begin at zero, where you’re constantly in charge of all the car’s acceleration, steering and braking. Basically a car without cruise control. It ends with Level 5, where the car that doesn’t even need a steering wheel or a driver. Currently, if drivers want semi-autonomous features they’re getting a Level 2 experience. Like Tesla’s Autopilot or Cadillac’s Super Cruise, the car can drive itself in specific situations (usually on the highway) but require the human behind the wheel to pay attention and take over at a moment’s notice.

At its first tech summit, Audi introduced the new A8 with Level 3 autonomy. It’s the first production vehicle that’ll let the driver actually stop paying attention while the car drives itself. It’s also big deal for the automaker and drivers that really need to update their Facebook status while commuting. Here, the company is making a bet that other companies have decided to pass on.

Most automakers see Level 4 as the next logical step for their vehicles. At that stage, the car is is almost totally in control all of the time without any human interaction and will only stop itself if there’s a system failure or the conditions dictate that the human behind the wheel needs to take control.

A Level 3 vehicle can also drive itself without the driver paying attention. But not all the time and usually only in certain circumstances. Still, that’s a huge leap from what’s currently on the road and requires constant supervision by the driver. But before you start planning on napping while driving to work, this level of autonomy still requires the driver to take over if the system gets confused or fails.

It’s that last bit that’s had automakers like Volvo and Ford publicly state that they will go directly to Level 4. The argument against a Level 3 vehicle being sold to the general public is about safety. If a driver becomes too dependent upon the car’s autonomy, they’re less likely to intervene when the system fails. While Elon Musk has called out these automakers for withholding what he perceives are additional safety features that would ship with a Level 3 car, it’s likely that Tesla will jump to Level 4. Musk has even noted that Level 5 autonomy will be available in approximately two years.

Audi’s system seems to address some issues around Level 3 driving with Driver Ability Detection. This brings the car to a stop if it determines that the driver is not attentive and able to take control of the vehicle after 10 seconds of audible and visual warnings. At that point, the vehicle turns on the hazard lights and alerts Audi. Also it’s not Level 3 everywhere, just in heavy traffic going slower than 37 miles per hour.

Even then, Audi’s Traffic Jam Pilot feature requires that the vehicle is on a divided highway with a barrier or at least a median between the vehicle and opposing traffic. Basically it’s the road most people drive everyday to work. It’s a very specific circumstance that many people deal with everyday and during that time, the A8 will drive for you and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, you can text your friends while behind the wheel or even watch TV as noted by Audi.

The biggest obstacle to the vehicle being able to deliver on all its technical promises is regional regulations. While an A8 can drive itself without the driver paying attention, where it’s being driven will determine whether it’s allowed to That’s going to true for many vehicles in the future. Just because a car deliver Level 4 or even Level 5 automation, it doesn’t mean lawmakers are going to let it actually happen on the roads under their watch.

So if you live in a state or country that allows Audi’s flagship luxury sedan take care of the heavy lifting while you’re commuting, count yourself lucky. The automaker may be going all in on Level 3, but it hinted at the ability to update the new A8 to Level 4 capabilities via a software update — if the hardware can handle it.

Regardless of how lawmakers initially react to the new car’s technology, Audi is moving forward. The company will further fine-tune its AI and algorithms in anticipation of an autonomous world. The A8 isn’t so much a bet as an investment for Audi, as it levels up in the world of self-driving vehicles.

Lumosity doesn’t actually improve your cognitive skills

Brain training apps such as Lumosity and Elevate are supposedly useful in order to keep your cognitive skills sharp, but there’s been quite a bit of doubt cast on whether they are actually useful. Now, scientists led by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Joseph Kable are chiming in. As published in The Journal of Neuroscience, the team “found no evidence that cognitive training influences neural activity during decision-making, nor did we find effects of cognitive training on measures of delay discounting or risk sensitivity.”

The team’s interest in the issue was in regard to instant gratification. Specifically, they wanted to see whether cognitive training could change behavior, leading users to prefer delayed or less risky rewards. They set up young adults with the brain training app Lumosity; each participant completed a grand total of 50 sessions over 10 weeks.

The results were pretty clear. There was no change in choices or decision-making behavior by study participants. The exception was “specifically trained” cognitive task performance. In other words, the only thing that using Lumosity improved was users’ ability to play the games in Lumosity.

This isn’t all that surprising, given the history of brain training apps such as Lumosity. Last year, parent company Lumos Labs was ordered to pay $2 million to the FTC because of charges it misled the public. And way back in 2014, a Florida State University-based team determined that playing Portal 2 actually improves cognitive skills, while Lumosity does not. This current study is just another nail in the coffin for the brain training fad.

Source: The Journal of Neuroscience

$99 buys you a useful, but plain, Android Wear watch

When you think about all the Android Wear watches on the market, you probably recall LG, Huawei, Michael Kors or Tag Heuer. Google typically partners with heavyweights in tech and fashion. So it’s intriguing to see a small, obscure startup like Mobvoi offer its own Android Wear watch. What’s most interesting, though, is the Ticwatch E’s price tag: just $99.

Of course that’s only if you buy the Ticwatch E on the company’s Kickstarter project before it becomes more widely available. When that happens, it will cost $159 and you’ll be able to get it on Amazon or Mobvoi’s website. A higher-end version called Ticwatch S will cost $119 on Kickstarter, and $199 at retail. Even after the early bird period, though, that’s still the cheapest Android Wear 2.0 watch around right now.

What you get for those prices is surprising; Mobvoi didn’t cut corners. Both models sport a bright round 1.4-inch screen with a 400×400 resolution, a heart rate monitor and a GPS sensor — features that some more-expensive devices lack. Our demo unit of the Ticwatch E was responsive, and Google Assistant was actually faster than on competing devices I’ve tested. That’s particularly impressive given Mobvoi uses a Mediatek processor here instead of a higher-end Qualcomm option. During our preview, Google Maps was also quick to locate us, despite being indoors.

With their bright colors (white, black and lime are available) and silicone rubber straps, the Ticwatch S and E both look and feel cheaper than the competition. While you can swap out the standard 22mm band on the S version to make it prettier, you’re stuck with the default non-removeable strap on the E flavor. That’s because the latter’s GPS antenna is built into the band. Mobvoi figures the E model is more appropriate for a sportier crowd, so it made the entire device lighter. It also designed the E’s strap to be “breathable” by carving out a hollow underneath to avoid sweat buildup.

Mobvoi said it included only “essential hardware” that it believes its users would need, which explains why neither version has a cellular radio. That omission not only keeps the watches slim and lowers costs, but should also allow for longer-lasting batteries than the competition. Depending on how you use it, the company says each device should last between 1.5 to 2 days.

Mobvoi also says it will include five of its own apps on the watches, such as Tic Fitness, Health and Music Player, which lets you store and play music on your watch. These are carried over from the core app suite on the Ticwatch 2, and can’t be uninstalled. The inclusion is meant to please fans of the company’s existing smartwatches, which run Mobvoi’s own OS. Up to 15 other apps from that system will be available for download from the store, too. Since the apps weren’t on our demo unit, we couldn’t tell if they would actually be useful or feel more like bloatware.

Ultimately, we can’t determine whether the Ticwatch S and E will hold up after long-term use based on our brief preview. People who are style-conscious probably won’t appreciate the watches’ distinctly plastic, toy-like appearance. But those who could care less about looks and are more interested in trying out Android Wear 2.0 on a budget should hit up the team’s Kickstarter page before they’re sold out.

Tesla is building more service centers alongside Model 3 launch

Tesla just completed its first batch of Model 3s and 30 cars are scheduled to be in their owners’ hands on the 28th. But with an estimated 400,000 orders waiting to be filled, Tesla’s production ramp up is going to put many more Model 3s on the road in the very near future. In preparation for those added vehicles and the demand they’re sure to put on Tesla service centers, the company is working to expand its service facilities.

According to Tesla, it will be adding 100 new service centers, hiring 1400 more service technicians and tripling its service capacity worldwide. Remote diagnostic capabilities allow around 90 percent of potential car troubles to be identified outside of a service center and to address offsite issues, Tesla is adding over 350 service vans to its mobile fleet. The vans can tackle a number of repair issues and do so wherever the car may be, but if a vehicle needs to go into a service center, owners can schedule an appointment from their car. Tesla claims that it has optimized repair flow so that its shops work four times faster and in three times less space than regular repair facilities.

While more Tesla service centers will be useful and likely in demand, expanding Tesla repairwork to independent automotive shops would be a better move. In January, there were reports that Tesla was working on making repair information and spare parts available to Tesla owners, currently only available to those living in Massachusetts, which passed a right to repair law in 2012. However, that law is set to become a national standard by 2018 after a number of automotive groups, like the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers, struck a deal in 2014 with independent garages and retailers to make it so.

Unfortunately, the agreement isn’t a law and can’t actually be enforced, but if Tesla wants to become more mainstream, as its Model 3 would suggest it does, it would behoove the company to let others repair its vehicles.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Tesla

Microsoft Ends Support for ‘Windows Phone’ After Years of Battling to Compete With iPhone and Android

Today, Microsoft is ending support for Windows Phone 8.1, effectively marking the end of the “Windows Phone” era.

Microsoft released Windows Phone in 2010 and, within three years, it became the world’s third most popular mobile operating system. But the platform simply couldn’t compete with the likes of Apple and Google and, as of earlier this year, iOS and Android accounted for a combined 99.6% market share.

Microsoft continues to sell a limited number of mostly budget smartphones running its newer Windows 10 Mobile operating system, but the platform has only received minor updates in recent months as the Redmond-based company has shifted its focus towards the “intelligent cloud and intelligent edge.”

Microsoft has stopped manufacturing its own Lumia-branded smartphones and, according to The Verge, rumors suggest the company will simply maintain Windows 10 Mobile until support for the platform ends in 2018.

Ultimately, Windows Phone is another casualty of the iPhone, and later Android smartphones, which completely upended the mobile phone industry a decade ago. Just ask BlackBerry, Nokia, or Palm.

Tags: Microsoft, Windows Phone
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Are you new to the Apple Watch? Here’s how to change an Apple Watch band

If you’re new to the Apple Watch, you’re probably wondering how to change an Apple Watch band. There are several reasons why the Apple Watch is our top pick for the best smartwatch you can buy. One of the things that we love about this watch, other than the fact it showcases some of the best apps available for any smartwatch, is the multitude of stylish bands and accessories currently available for it. You can buy the Apple Watch in 42- and 38-millimeter sizes, too, meaning it can accommodate children and adults alike.

With so many Apple Watch accessories available, the first thing that you may want to do when you buy one is to customize it and make it your own. If you’re not familiar with how to change a band on the Apple Watch, we suggest you read this first, so you can get it right the first time. And to make your search for the perfect Apple Watch band a little easier, we’ve graciously rounded up the the best Apple Watch bands in existence.

Now, if only all of life’s decisions were as easy.

Before you change the band…

You may want to place your Apple Watch on a steady surface, face down. You obviously don’t have to do this, but if you do, keep in mind that only the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 2 utilizes scratch-resistant sapphire glass. The aluminum Apple Watch is prone to scratches, so you should put it on a soft surface or cloth.

How does the band attach to my Apple Watch?

If you look at the band on your Apple Watch, you will see a small piece of plastic in the center. When you insert the band, this small piece slides inside a small hole in the Apple Watch, and you hear it click. To take out the band, push the button on the back of the watch, which will release it.

Removing and changing the band on your Apple Watch

Step 1: Hold the watch firmly in your hand, or place it face down on a steady surface.

Step 2: Hold down the release button on the back of your watch, and at the same time, slide the band to the right or left to remove it.

Step 3: Slide the new band in until you hear it click.

Step 4: Without pressing the release button, gently try to slide the band left and right to make sure it is attached securely.

If you’re having trouble removing the band, don’t worry. Keep pressing down on the button and try again. Some bands are easier to remove than others.

Apple has a nice collection of bands for the Apple Watch. They all have different designs, so the way you adjust them varies slightly between models. With so many straps to choose from, you can have a different look for every day of the week!

Dell claims ‘world’s thinnest’ 2-in-1 throne with new Latitude model

Why it matters to you

Dell is targeting professionals with its two new Latitude 2-in-1 devices packing lightweight designs, increased security, and wireless charging technology.

Dell previously announced that its shipments of Windows-based 2-in-1 devices grew 48 percent during the first quarter of 2017. Months later, the company wants to increase that growth by introducing two more devices addressing the professional market: the Dell Latitude 7285 and the Dell Latitude 7389. Packing business-focused features like Intel vPro technology, facial recognition, and storage encryption, they follow the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible released in April with a starting price of $900.

Dell Latitude 7285 Detachable 2-in-1

Promoted as the world’s thinnest and lightest Windows-based detachable 2-in-1 device to date, the Dell Latitude 7285 is a “premium,” commercial product targeting mobile professionals. The tablet portion measures just 0.28 inches thick while sporting a bright, 12.3-inch screen and seventh-generation processors from Intel. Surprisingly, what you won’t find here is USB-based technology, but rather two Thunderbolt 3 ports with a Type-C interface pushing data at up to 40 gigabits per second.

“It’s the world’s first wireless charging 2-in-1 destined to modernize today’s workspace by further eliminating wires,” Dell says. “Integrating WiTricity’s magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, the device is built to transform any workspace into a clutter-free environment.”

Shown in the images above, the Dell Latitude 7285 supports the company’s optional wireless charging mat for re-energizing the battery without any wires. There’s also the optional wireless charging keyboard that supports the mat along with an optional wireless dock that depends on Wireless AD connectivity. As the specs show below, Dell provides an option for a tri-band wireless component supporting both Wireless AD (up to 4.7Gbps) and Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) connectivity.

On the software front, the Dell Latitude 7285 ships with the company’s Dell Client Command Suite. However, Dell also provides its optional Dell Data Security and Management Software suite that includes Dell Data Guardian, Dell Threat Defense, VMware Airwatch, and more.

Here are the Dell Latitude 7285 hardware specifications and options:

Screen size:
12.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 400 nits
Screen resolution:
2,880 x 1,920
Processor:
Intel Core i5-7Y54
Intel Core i5-7Y57 (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7Y75 (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 615
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage
(primary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe)*
*OPAL SED option in late 2017++
Storage
(secondary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe) in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (2×2) (Up to 867Mbps)
Bluetooth 4.2
Intel Tri-Band 17265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC)
Connectivity
(mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x Thunderbolt 3
1x uSIM card slot) WWAN only)
1x uSD 3.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Windows Home button
1x I2C for Keyboard connection
1x headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
720p user-facing
8MP world-facing
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Audio
Integrated array microphones with noise reduction
2x speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient Light Sensor
GPS (via WWAN card only)
Dimensions
(tablet only):
10.8 x 0.28 (H) x 8.2 (D) inches
Weight:
1.5 pounds tablet only
3.01 pounds with Productivity keyboard
Battery:
34 Watt hour with ExpressCharge
34 Watt hour Long Life Cycle (late 2017)
Operating system:
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Accessories:
Productivity Keyboard ($250)
Wireless Charging Keyboard ($380)
Wireless Charging Mat ($200)
Dell Active Stylus Pen ($50)
Starting price:
$1,200

Dell Latitude 7389 Convertible 2-in-1

As the spiritual successor to the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible, this model sports a 360-degree hinge that transitions between four modes: laptop, tablet, stand, and tent. However, it packs a larger screen at 13.3 inches compared to the 12.3-inch screen on the older Latitude 5289 model.

As shown in the hardware specifications below, Dell will sell various configurations spanning four seventh-generation processors from Intel. They’re backed by up to 16GB of system memory, and storage options relying on solid state disks. Note that customers can configure the new convertible with two storage devices if no WWAN card is installed.

On the security front, the Dell Latitude 7389 can be configured with an infrared camera for password-free facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner, a Smart Card reader, and more. There’s even an option for a self-encrypting solid state disk with up to 512GB of storage.

Other notable features offered with the Dell Latitude 7389 include a backlit keyboard, an optional tri-band Wireless AD connectivity component, support or Dell’s Active Pen, and support for Intel’s vPro technology. This model doesn’t arrive until August, so expect Dell to provide pricing details as the launch date approaches.

Screen size:
13.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 255 nits
Screen resolution:
1,920 x 1,080
Processor:
Intel Core i3-7100U
Intel Core i5-7200U
Intel Core i5-7300U (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7600U (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 620
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage (Primary):
Up to 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Up to 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Self-Encrypting
Storage (Secondary):
Up to 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.1 (adapter)
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.2 (card)
Intel Tri-Band 18265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC + Bluetooth 4.2)
Connectivity (mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A (one charges)
2x DisplayPort (Type-C)
1x HDMI 1.4
1x uSIM card slot (WWAN only)
1x uSD 4.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
1x 6.5mm HD RGB integrated camera with LED (fixed focus)
Audio
2x stereo speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
4x noise-reducing integrated array microphones
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
GPS (via WWAN card)
Dimensions (narrow bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.46 to 0.70 (H) inches
Dimensions (standard bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.50 to 0,75 (H) inches
Starting weight:
3.11 pounds
Battery:
45 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour Long Life Cycle
Operating system:
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Keyboard:
Backlit
1.65mm key travel
Single-pointing, dual-button touchpad
Optional accessories:
Dell Active Pen
Dell Dock WD15
Dell Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000
Dell Wireless Dock WLD15
Optional security:
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Fingerprint scanner
Contacted Smart Card reader
Contactless Smart Card / NFC5 reader
Control Vault 2.0 Advanced Authentication
Starting price:
Unknown

Dell claims ‘world’s thinnest’ 2-in-1 throne with new Latitude model

Why it matters to you

Dell is targeting professionals with its two new Latitude 2-in-1 devices packing lightweight designs, increased security, and wireless charging technology.

Dell previously announced that its shipments of Windows-based 2-in-1 devices grew 48 percent during the first quarter of 2017. Months later, the company wants to increase that growth by introducing two more devices addressing the professional market: the Dell Latitude 7285 and the Dell Latitude 7389. Packing business-focused features like Intel vPro technology, facial recognition, and storage encryption, they follow the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible released in April with a starting price of $900.

Dell Latitude 7285 Detachable 2-in-1

Promoted as the world’s thinnest and lightest Windows-based detachable 2-in-1 device to date, the Dell Latitude 7285 is a “premium,” commercial product targeting mobile professionals. The tablet portion measures just 0.28 inches thick while sporting a bright, 12.3-inch screen and seventh-generation processors from Intel. Surprisingly, what you won’t find here is USB-based technology, but rather two Thunderbolt 3 ports with a Type-C interface pushing data at up to 40 gigabits per second.

“It’s the world’s first wireless charging 2-in-1 destined to modernize today’s workspace by further eliminating wires,” Dell says. “Integrating WiTricity’s magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, the device is built to transform any workspace into a clutter-free environment.”

Shown in the images above, the Dell Latitude 7285 supports the company’s optional wireless charging mat for re-energizing the battery without any wires. There’s also the optional wireless charging keyboard that supports the mat along with an optional wireless dock that depends on Wireless AD connectivity. As the specs show below, Dell provides an option for a tri-band wireless component supporting both Wireless AD (up to 4.7Gbps) and Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) connectivity.

On the software front, the Dell Latitude 7285 ships with the company’s Dell Client Command Suite. However, Dell also provides its optional Dell Data Security and Management Software suite that includes Dell Data Guardian, Dell Threat Defense, VMware Airwatch, and more.

Here are the Dell Latitude 7285 hardware specifications and options:

Screen size:
12.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 400 nits
Screen resolution:
2,880 x 1,920
Processor:
Intel Core i5-7Y54
Intel Core i5-7Y57 (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7Y75 (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 615
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage
(primary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe)*
*OPAL SED option in late 2017++
Storage
(secondary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe) in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (2×2) (Up to 867Mbps)
Bluetooth 4.2
Intel Tri-Band 17265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC)
Connectivity
(mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x Thunderbolt 3
1x uSIM card slot) WWAN only)
1x uSD 3.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Windows Home button
1x I2C for Keyboard connection
1x headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
720p user-facing
8MP world-facing
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Audio
Integrated array microphones with noise reduction
2x speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient Light Sensor
GPS (via WWAN card only)
Dimensions
(tablet only):
10.8 x 0.28 (H) x 8.2 (D) inches
Weight:
1.5 pounds tablet only
3.01 pounds with Productivity keyboard
Battery:
34 Watt hour with ExpressCharge
34 Watt hour Long Life Cycle (late 2017)
Operating system:
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Accessories:
Productivity Keyboard ($250)
Wireless Charging Keyboard ($380)
Wireless Charging Mat ($200)
Dell Active Stylus Pen ($50)
Starting price:
$1,200

Dell Latitude 7389 Convertible 2-in-1

As the spiritual successor to the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible, this model sports a 360-degree hinge that transitions between four modes: laptop, tablet, stand, and tent. However, it packs a larger screen at 13.3 inches compared to the 12.3-inch screen on the older Latitude 5289 model.

As shown in the hardware specifications below, Dell will sell various configurations spanning four seventh-generation processors from Intel. They’re backed by up to 16GB of system memory, and storage options relying on solid state disks. Note that customers can configure the new convertible with two storage devices if no WWAN card is installed.

On the security front, the Dell Latitude 7389 can be configured with an infrared camera for password-free facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner, a Smart Card reader, and more. There’s even an option for a self-encrypting solid state disk with up to 512GB of storage.

Other notable features offered with the Dell Latitude 7389 include a backlit keyboard, an optional tri-band Wireless AD connectivity component, support or Dell’s Active Pen, and support for Intel’s vPro technology. This model doesn’t arrive until August, so expect Dell to provide pricing details as the launch date approaches.

Screen size:
13.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 255 nits
Screen resolution:
1,920 x 1,080
Processor:
Intel Core i3-7100U
Intel Core i5-7200U
Intel Core i5-7300U (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7600U (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 620
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage (Primary):
Up to 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Up to 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Self-Encrypting
Storage (Secondary):
Up to 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.1 (adapter)
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.2 (card)
Intel Tri-Band 18265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC + Bluetooth 4.2)
Connectivity (mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A (one charges)
2x DisplayPort (Type-C)
1x HDMI 1.4
1x uSIM card slot (WWAN only)
1x uSD 4.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
1x 6.5mm HD RGB integrated camera with LED (fixed focus)
Audio
2x stereo speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
4x noise-reducing integrated array microphones
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
GPS (via WWAN card)
Dimensions (narrow bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.46 to 0.70 (H) inches
Dimensions (standard bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.50 to 0,75 (H) inches
Starting weight:
3.11 pounds
Battery:
45 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour Long Life Cycle
Operating system:
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Keyboard:
Backlit
1.65mm key travel
Single-pointing, dual-button touchpad
Optional accessories:
Dell Active Pen
Dell Dock WD15
Dell Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000
Dell Wireless Dock WLD15
Optional security:
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Fingerprint scanner
Contacted Smart Card reader
Contactless Smart Card / NFC5 reader
Control Vault 2.0 Advanced Authentication
Starting price:
Unknown

We could soon know more about the GoPro Fusion as pilot program begins

Why it matters to you

The Fusion is GoPro’s first all-in-one immersive video camera and independent creatives are finally getting their hands on it thanks to GoPro’s pilot program.

Preproduction models of the GoPro Fusion have begun shipping to content creators signed up for the pilot program. A dual-lens, 360-degree camera, the Fusion is GoPro’s first all-in-one immersive video camera (the company previously offered only the six-camera Omni rig for virtual reality production). Details are still thin on the Fusion’s full specifications, but we have a good idea of what the final model will look like and know that it records 5.2K resolution at 30 frames per second.

The pilot program was originally announced alongside the reveal of the GoPro Fusion itself, and GoPro says it received over 20,000 applications from content creators. Cameras have now shipped to the first wave of selected individuals and production teams, which include the Golden State Warriors, AccuWeather, Getty Images, and travel vlogger Louis Cole, among others. The Warriors seem to be the first with confirmed Fusion content online, featuring the 2017 Championship Parade.

The pilot program isn’t just an opportunity to get content up early, and thus help market the Fusion, but will also inform design and usability decisions going forward. As GoPro CEO Nicholas Woodman said in a statement, “We are excited to get Fusion into the hands of creative professionals, both to see the content they create and also to receive feedback that helps us refine the overall user experience for when we launch Fusion to a broader audience later this year.”

The GoPro Fusion, unlike the larger Omni rig, is compact and lightweight enough to be used in virtually the same way as a standard GoPro Hero camera. Although taller than a Hero5 Black, it can still fit in the palm of a hand and attaches to all the regular GoPro mounting accessories. In addition to 5.2K immersive video, the Fusion can capture 1080p fixed-frame footage from any angle, allowing content creators to output both fixed-frame and 360-degree video from the same shot.

While the company has not said how many more applicants will be accepted into the GoPro Fusion pilot program, interested parties can still sign up online. The final production version of the camera is expected to ship later this year at a price that is yet to be determined.