Disney will remove content from Netflix and launch its own streaming service

Streaming services to get more and more fragmented.

Disney and Netflix will soon part ways. Rather than take a spoonful of sugar, Disney has announced that in two year’s time, its content will no longer have a friend in Netflix.

Fortunately for Disney fans, the company announced it will have its own streaming services with the bare necessities: Disney content. This also includes Pixar movies, but not the Netflix Original Marvel TV shows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and the upcoming Defenders series. There was no mention if the Star Wars or Marvel movies would remain on Netflix or be part of Disney’s world. The company said that after an initial U.S. launch, the streaming service would go international. Disney also announced that ESPN will get its own streaming service launching in 2018.

The launch of another streaming service means consumer dollars will be stretched even further, but that’s just another sign that we’re in a whole new world. Perhaps things will swing back around, and this whole exercise would have just been a circle.

Of life.

Yup, Google Hangouts is down

No, it’s not just you.

Google Hangouts has apparently been having sporadic issues today, but it seems as though just about everyone is having troubles with the service now. Over on our end, we’re unable to send or receive messages in Hangouts apps or on the web, even though the website itself loads. More importantly for many of us, this is also causing issues for Google Voice and Project Fi users trying to send SMS.

Over on services like Down Detector there are thousands of reports coming in about the service not working properly. Twitter is of course filled with complaints about it as well. For what it’s worth, Google’s status dashboard for its enterprise-level G Suite apps doesn’t show a Hangouts service disruption just yet.

This isn’t likely to last long, and no Google hasn’t just unceremoniously pulled the plug on one of its seemingly unloved chat services, but it’s still annoying and we’re allowed to be frustrated. At least you know you’re not alone in this struggle. We’ll get through it together. (Also, we bet Allo is up!)

Are you seeing issues with Hangouts on your end? Let us know in the comments!

Nougat for Moto X Pure Edition coming ‘soon’, Motorola releases Android 7.0 kernel source

Android 8.0 to be released this month; Moto X Pure Edition to get 7.0 “soon”

As Google gears up for the imminent Android 8.0 release, Motorola has released the Android 7.0 kernel source for the 2015 Moto X Pure Edition, also known as the Moto X Style elsewhere in the world (via Android Police). The Nougat update was originally promised for the device in April of this year, some eight months after Android 7.0 was made available to manufacturers. As time went on, Moto prioritized more recent releases. This is understandable, but doesn’t alleviate the fact that the company’s 2015 flagship device is a full year behind on software updates, especially considering how close its software is to “stock” Android.

The kernel source will be a boon for the custom ROM community, though. With this, ROM developers will have an easier time building software for the device, so that advanced users can get Nougat onto the device. It’s no substitute for a full update, but it’s something.

When reached for comment, Motorola said the Nougat update is in the testing phase and should be released ‘soon’, but did not give a specific timeframe.

Anecdotally, I purchased a 2015 Moto X Pure Edition when it was released, but sold it a few months later out of fear it would not get updates. I’m sad to say my fears were realized.

Microsoft’s Outlook.com beta is a smarter inbox with more GIFs

Microsoft already lets you preview versions of Windows and the Xbox interface before they’re finished, so why not its Outlook.com email service? Sure enough, you’re getting that chance. The company has launched an Outlook.com beta program that gives you a peek at future designs. The first preview is a whopper, too — it’s a significantly updated design that improves both search and your ability to express yourself.

The centerpiece is a smarter inbox that offers search suggestions as you type, so you can quickly recommend a restaurant or add flight details. You don’t have to be stone-cold serious, though: there’s also an easier way to find “expressions” like emoji and GIFs if you want to have some fun. There’s also a refined photo interface that puts all your sent and received images in one place, and a “modern” conversation style that helps you handle attachments.

You’ll only have to flip a toggle to turn the beta features on or off, but don’t count on seeing it right away. It’ll take a few weeks before everyone can experiment. Even so, this beats waiting weeks or months for features that you know you could appreciate right away.

Via: The Verge

Source: Office Blogs

Roland’s revival of the iconic TR-808 makes classic sounds portable

If we know anything about Roland, it’s that the company loves to debut new gear on the corresponding date. Today is August 8th, or as the company calls it “808 Day,” so naturally it’s time for a new piece of kit. As you might’ve already guessed, there’s a new version of the iconic TR-808 drum machine that first debuted in the ’80s. Last September on so-called “909 Day,” the company debuted its TR-909 revival (the TR-09) alongside a new take on the TB-303 (TB-03) and one other synth for its Boutique line. Now, the company is adding the TR-08 Rhythm Composer to its stable of reissued classics.

Like the revived instruments that came before it, the TR-08 employs Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology to recreate the sound of the original. The company says that it achieved this by “modeling each analog circuit right down to the component level.” Sure, it’s not analog, but Roland didn’t cut corners when it came to bringing as much of that classic sound as possible to this new model. Speaking of the original, the new TR-08 features all of the buttons, controls and knobs from the TR-808 despite its much smaller size.

There are some added features to the modern music maker as well. The TR-08’s sequencer offers 16 sub-steps per step which gives beat makers the ability to add even more detail to snare fills and other key elements. Another new tool is a track-selectable trigger that can be used with other instruments and modular audio gear. With the built-in LED display, there’s more control over tempo and shuffle and the TR-08 allows users to tap in parts without having to stop and change modes. In other words, when the beat is playing, you won’t have to switch to a specific setting in order to make changes in real time.

The smaller size makes the TR-08 portable, as does the fact that you can run it on four AA batteries. To be more specific, this new version weighs in at just under 3 pounds (1.3 kg). There’s a speaker for previewing tracks and annoying your roommates as well as MIDI support. And yes, the TR-08 also supports MIDI and audio over USB. The TR-08 also comes with an angled dock/stand/case so you can adjust the angle for optimal comfort.

This isn’t the first time Roland has brought back the 808. In 2014, the company debuted the TR-8 as part of its AIRA line. That instrument was more of a tribute than a re-creation or a reissue even though it offered some of the TR-808’s sound profile and features. When you consider the original drove the iconic sounds of Afrika Bambaata’s “Planet Rock” on up to Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown,” it’s easy to see why Roland would bring back the instrument for modern beat makers.

Roland isn’t sharing pricing and availability details for now, but the TR-08 has already popped up for pre-order at Guitar Center and Sweetwater for $350. Guitar Center’s listing shows an August 26th ship date. Retailers in the UK also have have the TR-08 up for pre-order at £340.

The new drum machine may be a much smaller version of the original and lack its analog backbone, but it allows you to get your hands on some of the iconic sounds that shaped hip-hop, electronic and other genres for under $400. That might make you rethink starting a music hobby. Of course, if you don’t want to tap into your saving account, there’s always the browser-based 808 for you to try.

Source: Roland

ESPN’s standalone streaming service arrives in 2018

Disney bought a majority ownership in consumer streaming company BAMTech for $1.58 billion as part of plans to start its own video services. The first one up under the ESPN name offering coverage of multiple sports and launch in early 2018 — and they’re making it easy for existing television package subscribers to key into the upcoming subscription service.

The ESPN service will feature approximately “10,000 live regional, national, and international games and events a year,” according to a press release. That includes Major League Baseball, Major League Hockey, Major League Soccer, Grand Slam Tennis and college sports. Crucially, individual sport packages like MLB.TV, NHL.TV and MLS Live will also be available, meaning you will conceivably be able to customize your streaming access and skip paying for what you won’t watch.

It will operate through an enhanced version of the existing app and include news, highlights and scores. Television subscribers will also be able to access ESPN TV networks within the app after authenticating their account.

Source: BusinessWire

‘Overwatch’ summer event adds lifeguard McCree and grilldad Soldier 76

We knew it was coming, but the return of Overwatch’s Summer Games is a welcome change. Like all of the game’s seasonal events, this one brings the opportunity to earn skins, poses and other character content. But the second round of this Overwatch mid-summer event brings back another fan favorite from last year’s Olympic-themed Summer Games: Lúcioball, the 3v3 soccer mode. Time to put on your skates and hit the field.

The Overwatch Summer Games have begun: https://t.co/d8HM2Rd9i4

Hit the pitch and go for the gold…or just relax and have some fun! 🌴⚽🏅 pic.twitter.com/fIr2iDDi11

— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) August 8, 2017

Lucioball gets a new map, adding a space-age Sydney field to the earlier Rio-themed pitch from last year. For players who have outgrown the casual bunny slopes, there’s Copa Lúcioball, a competitive version with placement matches, skill tiers and leaderboards.

The event has plenty of summer-specific cosmetic content, but not all of it is new. Veteran players will recognize some sporting-themed stuff from last year’s event, giving folks another chance to earn them before the event goes away. And hey, this time around, you can even buy them with in-game currency. Whether you’re gunning for vintage American flag-wearing McCree or Tommy Bahama’d-out grill dad Soldier 76, get them before the Summer Games end on August 28th.

Note: If you’re having trouble logging in or queueing for a game of Lucioball on any of the Overwatch platforms, you’re not alone. Blizzard Customer Service tweeted that it’s still working on a resolution for ongoing issues.

Source: Overwatch

Google Home plays Deezer tunes at the sound of your voice

Google Home doesn’t have a huge range of on-demand music services on offer (Google’s services and Spotify are your biggest choices), but you can add one to the list today. Deezer has launched Home support for its streaming music service, giving listeners in several countries a hands-free music source if they’re not fans of the larger providers. The stand-out is voice control over Deezer’s semi-automatic Flow playlist — you can tell Home to “play your Flow” and get a highly personalized playlist with very little effort.

Not surprisingly, Deezer is catering to its core European audience first: it’s starting today with support in France and Germany, while the US, UK, Australia and Canada are due later in 2017. You probably won’t rush to sign up for Deezer if you weren’t already a member, but look at it this way: few music services outside of the majors work with voice-guided speakers, so this could be a reason to stick to Deezer if you were thinking of jumping ship.

Source: Deezer

Bluboo delivers its Official Review of the Bluboo S8 (Sponsored)

Editor’s note: This is a paid sponsorship and does not necessarily reflect the views of AndroidGuys.com. This article is an “Official Review” of the Bluboo S1 by Bluboo. We have reached out to Bluboo for a review unit so we can bring you our own findings.

Samsung’s Galaxy S8 (international version tagged at $629.99 on Amazon) a bit too much for your wallet? Cast your eyes on the BLUBOO S8 which its global reserve is in full swing. Is it a really good phone? well-designed? check. Powerful? Check. Flexible? Check. Durable? Check.

Key Specs

• Display: SHARP 5.7” HD+
• Design: 18:9 aspect ratio screen
• Processor: MTK6750T octa-core processor
• Camera: Dual Sony rear cameras: 16.0MP+3.0MP
• RAM: 3GB of RAM
• Storage: 32GB of ROM expandable up to 256GB
• Body: Zn-Ti alloy frame
• Battery: 3450 lithium-ion polymer battery & fast charge Type C 2.0
• Dimensions: 149.5*70.6*8.4mm
• Weight: 193g

DISPLAY

BLUBOO S8 sports 5.7-inch display with a 1440 x 720 resolution and jumps into the trend of 18:9 aspect ratio screen design. the use of 2.5 D curved glass offers a more vibrant and saturated colors. Flipping the phone around reveals a dual camera module and a fingerprint scanner that has been placed in the center, right below the secondary lens. Also, there’s an anti-fingerprint coating layer on the surface that aids in preventing and cleaning fingerprint marks and 10 point touch is supported for more accurate and sensitive use.

Design

With use the advanced Nano molding craftsmanship, BLUBOO S8 makes the Nano-plastics fit the metal frame precisely so as to get a graceful streamlined edge. Also, the Zn-Ti alloy frame and back cover which is processed with IML electroplating technology provides higher hardness and scratch resistance. In addition, the most impressive one is the CD texture effect adopted by BLUBOO S8 which brings exquisite and multi-color visual effects.

HARDWARE and PERFORMANCE

When you look at the internal components of the phone, BLUBOO S8 equipped with a mid-range hardware. Of course, it makes some sacrifices to make to bring that price down: The chip that hums inside is an octa-core MediaTek MT6750T clocked at 1.5 GHz and coupled with 3GB of RAM. The phone comes with 32GB of storage and can hold a microSD card of up to 256 GB which are able to do multitasking with ease.The AnTuTu Benchmark of this phone is 41195, which is good considering the price.

SOFTWARE AND UI

The Bluboo S8 has the company’s own 360 OS software based on the Android 7 Nougat. It includes a security center, which is deeply integrated with the system and provides real-time intelligent file protection. There is no need for you to worry about the internet safety. it is quite simple and convenient to use this phone since the handset provides smooth and fast performance. The UI is customized by BLUBOO in order to make a concise and comfortable impression as always.

CAMERA

The smartphone equipped with Sony dual cameras at the back. it has a 16 MP main snapper with a 3 MP assistant. This means that the secondary sensor is used to collect object and distance data and is mainly used during “blur” modes, such as Portrait. The main sensor uses phase detection autofocus tech and has an aperture of F2.0. On the front, we have an 8 MP selfie snapper for detailed mugshots. Also, the dual rear flash guarantees the clear photo at night.

Bluboo S8 Camera Samples

1 of 2

OTHER GOOD FEATURES

It is worth noting that BLUBOO S8 adopts TYPE-C port which supports the double sided insertion of USB interface, officially solved the world problem of improper insertion. This change enjoys easy and fast operation. Also, there is two card slots which support Nano SIM+Nano SIM/SD Card.

Verdict

It might have become common for Chinese phones to have great build
quality, and the BLUBOO S8 with finely machined and well-crafted body is no exception. And now you are able to get the S8 for $149.99 in its presale period. More promos you can refer to this website.

US trade commission looks into Qualcomm’s patent fight with Apple

Qualcomm’s patent beef with Apple just took an important step forward. The US International Trade Commission has decided to investigate Qualcomm’s complaint that some iPhones violate six of its patents. If the chip maker has its way, the ITC would ban imports and sales of Apple’s handsets. Not surprisingly, Qualcomm says it’s “pleased” with the choice, and eagerly anticipates the “accelerated relief” it could get if the Commission finds in its favor.

We’ve asked Apple for comment.

It’s not surprising that the ITC would move forward, as it it usually does. However, this still ramps up the pressure on Apple to either settle or hope that its own legal action pans out. Companies embroiled in patent disputes often file an ITC complaint alongside a lawsuit knowing that the Commission tends to move far quicker than the court system — the average investigation takes less than a year and a half. That doesn’t give Apple much time to consider its next move, although it at least has the Federal Trade Commission (not to mention Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft) on its side.

Via: CNET

Source: US ITC, Qualcomm