Google and Snapchat team up on geofilter coding contest for teens

Snapchat is teaming up with Google’s Made With Code initiative to try and encourage teenagers to get into computer science. Teens aged 13 – 18 can build a Snapchat geofilter with Google’s Blockly coding system for kids, then submit it to win a trip to the TEDWomen conference in New Orleans and mentoring sessions from Google and Snapchat engineers to create a Lens, an augmented reality filter for your photos. The five finalists’ Lenses will be judged at the conference for a chance to go live in the Snapchat app, along with a trip to Los Angeles for a private tour of the Snap, Inc. and Google offices.

“With this contest, Made with Code and Snap will help teens nationwide see that the things they love, like Snapchat, are made with code,” writes Google’s Elizabeth Reid in a blog post. “Teens are already Snapping. Let’s get them coding, too.” The idea here is to get teens creating, not just consuming, the apps and services they use every day. The contest, dubbed #MyFutureMe, will be judged by a host of tech heavy-hitters, including Google’s CFO Ruth Porat, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, activist Malala Yousafzai and NASA astronaut Dr. Yvonne Cagle.

Entries must be submitted by October 8th; Snap Inc. will notify finalists during the week of October 16th.

Source: Google

Watch us play ‘Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire’ at 3 p.m Pacific

Guild Wars 2, the MMO from Arena.net, launched its second major expansion, Path of Fire, on September 22. It includes a major expansion to the game’s zones, and new campaign story, new mastery points for end-game character progression and, for the first time in the game’s history, mounts.

Mounts might seem like old news, given that almost every MMO has them, but Arena.net had very specific goals when it implemented them in Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire. There are several different types of mounts, and each of them have a different, unique set of abilities.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Come check out our livestream of the game at 3 p.m. Pacific, 6 p.m. Eastern. We’ll be looking into the new expansion, as well as talking about how it stacks up to other major, recent MMO expansions, such as Blizzard’s World of Warcraft: Legion, and Final Fantasy 14.

Low light? No problem — Smart new drone camera can see in the dark

Why it matters to you

Bright light? Low light? This new camera helps drones fly autonomously no matter what the lighting.

For a drone to navigate autonomously requires it to have an extremely good sense of its own location. That’s especially tricky indoors, where GPS — the technology used by all commercial drones — doesn’t work. One way around this is to use onboard sensors, such as lasers or cameras. However, lasers are expensive and consume a lot of power, while cameras also have limitations in low-light situations. In such low-light scenarios, drone motion has to be slowed or else the image will blur.

So what’s the answer? According to researchers at the University of Zurich, the solution lies in their specially developed high tech “event camera,” which works very differently to regular cameras.

“Instead of capturing the light of the scene, an event camera only records changes in brightness for each pixel, ensuring perfectly sharp vision even during fast motion or in low-light environments,” Professor Davide Scaramuzza, director of the University of Zurich’s Robotics and Perception Group, told Digital Trends. “This means that if you point an event camera at a scene that is not moving, it won’t show you anything at all. But as soon as the camera detects motion — for example, if you move the camera — it will show you just that motion on a per-pixel basis and at a very high refresh rate.”

Because the camera looks for pixel changes, it is very sensitive in low-light settings, and also avoids getting confused in extreme bright light. In short, it means that a drone equipped with this camera sensor can navigate in extreme light conditions where others would fail. “Our tests so far have been very successful,” Scaramuzza continued. “We have demonstrated that we can continue to fly even after the light has been completely switched off in a room. In the same situation, a drone using a conventional camera would crash.”

At present, Scaramuzza said the research lab is speaking with drone companies about the possibility of commercializing the technology. To reach this point will mean additional testing — particularly outdoors in places where the drone will have to deal with rapid transitions between bright sunlight and shadow, which are also challenging for regular camera-equipped drones to negotiate.

A paper describing the work has been submitted to the journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.

Amazon announces second-gen Echo with better audio, new design, and lower price

Amazon just revealed its second-generation Amazon Echo with newer, better sound and a whole new design.

At a surprise press event on Wednesday Amazon revealed a new and improved Amazon Echo smart speaker. The device features an upgraded audio system and an updated design.

See at Amazon

The second-generation Echo touts immersive sound thanks to an all-new speaker architecture that packs in Dolby processing, a dedicated tweeter, and a 2.5-inch down-firing woofer. It also has Amazon’s second-generation far-field technology, which means it’s going to get a lot better at understanding you. Here’s what Amazon says about the new voice technology:

The new Echo uses Amazon’s second generation far-field technology, which features better wake word processing, improved beamforming technology, and enhanced noise cancellation. The Echo far-field technology works to detect the wake word from across the room even in the noisiest parts of your home.

Interestingly, the shorter, wider device also features interchangeable “shells” in six different finishes — charcoal fabric, heather gray fabric, oak, sandstone fabric, silver, and walnut — so you can choose a design that best fits with your decor. This is similar to the Google Home, which also features removable bottom covers that change the look of the speaker.

Alexa, Amazon’s intelligent voice assistant, is also getting a couple updates that’ll make having an Echo all the more irresistible:

• Alexa Routines: Routines combine a series of actions into a single voice command. You can, for example, say, “Alexa, good morning!” and your Echo will turn on your bedroom lights, raise the blinds, turn on the TV, and raise the thermostat temperature. Essentially, routines are a way to combine Alexa’s smart home integrations into one simple action so you’re not forced to bark out a bunch of individual commands for the lights, blinds, TV, and thermostat. Amazon says you can also schedule routines:

  You can also create Routines based on the time of day – for example, you can create a Routine that has Alexa turn on the kitchen lights, start the coffee maker, and read the weather forecast at 6 a.m. every weekday and at 9 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

• Improved smart home groups: Trying to tell your Echo to turn on the overhead light in the kitchen when the device is in the kitchen can be a little annoying. You’d think you could just ask it to turn on the lights. With improved smart home groups, you can!

  Now you can place your Echo and smart devices into smart home groups, which enables Alexa to act intelligently on your request, making your interactions with your smart home more natural and effortless. For example, when you walk into the kitchen, you can now say to your Echo “Alexa, turn on the lights” rather than “Alexa, turn on the kitchen overhead lamp.”

• Call anyone with Alexa: Amazon’s Alexa calling and messaging service, which lets you call or message others with Alexa-enabled devices, is getting an update. Now you can call phone numbers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for free. Calls to 911 are not supported.

  Just say “Alexa, call Mary’s mobile,” and Alexa will call Mary’s mobile phone from your smartphone’s contact list. Alexa can also dial phone numbers that you speak to her so that you can reach people or businesses that aren’t in your contacts.

The new Echo goes on sale today starting at $99.99 and will start shipping out to customers next month. Amazon says it’ll also be selling a three pack of second-generation Echos with a $50 discount.

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Best Bands for the Samsung Gear Fit 2

Update the look of your Gear Fit 2 with these stylish band options!

The Samsung Gear Fit 2 is a pretty good fitness band that includes a feature typically found on smartwatches: the ability to swap out the 22mm bands for other colors or styles.

If you prefer to wear yours 24/7, having a couple extra bands can help you accessorize your Gear Fit 2, whether you’re attending a formal affair or just like to spice things up with a fresh splash of color. There’s a number of great, affordable options out there, so let’s dive in!

• MoKo Soft Silicone Replacement Sport Bands
• Moretek Fit 2 Wrist Straps
• V-Moro Metal Replacement bands
• Maxjoy Metal Replacement Straps
• MDW Security Clasps

MoKo Soft Silicone Replacement Sports Bands

MoKo offers a wide range of color options of their silicone straps for the Gear Fit 2. Each strap is adjustable to fit small or large wrists (4.96″ – 8.38″) via the same style of metal plug used on the strap that came with the Gear Fit 2. Bands can be swapped in and out quickly with the one-button quick release for locking the watch band, making it convenient to have a fresh strap to swap out after a sweaty workout. With a price of only $10 compared to Samsung’s stock replacement for the black, you can economically afford to get a couple of these in your favorite colors, then keep them in a bit of a rotation so your wrist always feeling fresh and looking fine.

See styles at Amazon

Moretek Fit 2 Wrist Straps

Moretek offers two different style of wristbands for the Gear Fit 2: a more traditional strap available in 12 different color and pattern options and a rugged strap (pictured) that offers impact protection for your tracker’s watch face. Everything is made of a skin-friendly silicone material and held on your wrist with a traditional watch strap buckle. The rugged bands are definitely going to add some bulk to your wrist, but whether you’re playing a high-impact sport or simply prone to banging it against doorways, that extra protection might save you from incidental damage.

See styles at Amazon

V-Moro Metal Replacement bands

If you’re after a metal strap option for a more stylish look, V-Moro has you covered with two distinct styles — a classic metal link band and a Milanese loop band featuring a magnetic clasp. Both styles are available in silver or black, with the Milanese band (pictured) sold in small and large sizes, so choose accordingly.

The metal band includes a tool for adding and removing links for adjusting sizes. Both are great for incorporating your Gear Fit 2 as an accessory in a professional wardrobe. V-Moro also offers a medium-sized silicone strap on the same Amazon listing. In stark contrast to the stylish metal offerings, these are extremely utilitarian and offer that “classic” fitness tracker look, with five colorful options to choose for.

See styles at Amazon

Maxjoy Metal Replacement Straps

Not everyone digs the rubber strap look. While it might be ideal for getting sweaty in the gym, if you’re planning to wear your Gear Fit 2 out on the town you might be after a bit more of a classy look.

Maxjoy has a line of stylish metal replacement straps for your Gear Fit 2 that included Milanese loop bands as well as metal link bands made of high-quality stainless steel. The Milanese bands are available in black, silver, and rose gold for just $17, or choose between a black or silver metal link band for just $20. All bands are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 12-month warranty which means you can buy with confidence.

See at Amazon

MDW Security Clasps

Not digging the band recommendations above? We get it. Frankly, it’s quite alright to love the band that came with your Gear Fit 2. However, there have been reports of bands coming unclasped or otherwise falling off people’s wrists. Maybe this has happened to you.

Allow us to share this recommendation from the comments. You can get a 7-pack of these colorful security clasps that fit over the band and ensures your band never pops off. They should offer the extra protection from your Fit 2 falling off your wrist while also letting you add a splash of color.

See at Amazon

How do you accessorize your Gear Fit 2?

Are you a band swapper? What’s your favorite style for your Gear Fit 2? Let us know in the comments!

Update September 2017: Added some handy clasps for those who are happy with the stock bands but want a bit of added wrist security.

Amazon’s new Echo Connect brings landline phone calls to your Echo

A device that plugs into your standard phone jack (given that you still have one of those) and turns your Echo into a landline speakerphone.

At Amazon’s surprise press event on Wednesday, the company revealed a new addition to the Echo family: a call-centric device dubbed the Echo Connect.

On one side, the Connect plugs directly into your landline phone jack. On the other, it connects to your Echo device. This will allow you to call numbers, including 911, through your home phone number with a simple voice command to Alexa. It will be compatible with all current Echo devices, so if you already have one you won’t need to scramble to buy the new model — unless you want to, of course.

This approach of using separate hardware to manage phone calls looks surprisingly less elegant than Google’s software implementation on the Google Home, but also has a draw for those who still rely on a landline and want the security of knowing this is using that same system.

The Echo Connect is available for preorder now and will ship on December 13. Considering that it’s effectively an accessory for an Echo, the Connect will set you back just $35.

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Amazon announces $20 Echo Buttons for gaming with Echo

Amazon just revealed a new Echo accessory: a pair of buttons that can be used for gaming with the Amazon Echo.

At a surprise press event on Wednesday Amazon revealed the Echo Button, a light-up, bluetooth-connected accessory that pairs with the company’s Amazon Echo smart speaker.

Image credit: JP Mangalindan‏

You can think of them as buzzers used in a game show — whether you’re playing a trivia game, Jeopardy!, or another game that requires you buzzing in to beat out your opponents, these buttons will add an extra element of fun to the Echo’s gaming skills. Amazon says Echo Buttons will come in a two-pack that’ll run you $20.

BuzzFeed products and personal technology reporter Nicole Nguyen captured a video of a trivia game using some Echo Buttons.

Echo Button trivia pic.twitter.com/utGVJhrzeg

— Nicole Nguyen (@itsnicolenguyen) September 27, 2017

Amazon says Echo Buttons will be available later this year. Keep your eye on Amazon’s Echo page so you can be the first to grab these fun new buttons when they’re available!

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo Show expanding to the UK and Germany, pre-orders open now

This hasn’t always been one of Amazon’s strong suits.

Amazon’s only Echo product with a screen, the Echo Show, is expanding to the UK and Germany, the company announced at a hardware event today alongside several other Echo-related announcements. Pre-orders are kicking off now, and pricing is set at £199 in the UK and €219 in Germany.

See at Amazon

Image credit: Ry Crist

Amazon is known for being rather slow to bring its products outside of a few key markets, most notably keeping many exclusive to the U.S. at launch, but the UK and Germany have been key European expansion points for the company in the past. The pricing lines up within reason of the $229 price here in the U.S., taking into account added taxes and distribution costs. Amazon is also offering a promotion for £100/€100 off if you buy two at once.

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Amazon’s new Fire TV 4K supports Alexa, starts at $70

Amazon’s new Fire TV undercuts everyone on the market — by a lot.

Earlier this week, NVIDIA announced that its Shield TV got a price drop — from $200 to $180, as long as you don’t need the included controller. Apple’s new 4K TV also costs $180. Roku’s Premiere+ set-top box starts at $80, and supports 4K and HDR; Google’s Chromecast Ultra dongle is a reasonable $69.

Image credit: Martyn Landi

Now, Amazon has refreshed its Fire TV box with a lower $70 starting point, a new form factor and, of course, Alexa support. The company announced its new offering alongside updated Echo speakers at an event in Seattle today, and the Fire TV looks to be quite an attractive proposition. Like the previous $90 offering, it comes with a remote in the box. It supports 4K and HDR content along with Dolby Atmos audio, and can stream 2K content at 60fps. The remote has a microphone in it that lets you talk to Alexa, while the software is expanding to support many of the same skills that were first shown on the Echo Show earlier this year.

Pre-orders for the box begin today for $69.99 in the U.S., as well as £69.99 in the UK and €79.99 in Germany. Amazon says it’ll ship later this year.

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

New Amazon Echo Plus has ZigBee smart home hub built in, priced at $150

You can easily connect over 100 smart home devices to Amazon’s newly announced Echo plus.

At a surprise press event on Wednesday Amazon unveiled the Echo Plus, the newest and most premium iteration of the company’s famed tabletop smart home device.

The Echo Plus looks a great deal like the original Echo — tall, slender, plastic shell — which is an interesting choice given that it just updated the Echo’s look with interchangeable covers to better match users’ interiors. Internally, however, it’s definitely upgraded: not only does it have all of the improved features of the new Echo (integrated Dolby sound, better voice recognition), it also has a ZigBee smart home hub built into it to better and more easily connect to a wider range of smart home devices.

When you’re ready to connect your Echo Plus to your family of smart home products, all you have to do is say, “Alexa, discover devices.” The Echo Plus is compatible with everything from locks to light bulbs, and won’t need apps or skills in order to function. To really emphasize that point, Amazon is is shipping every Echo Plus with a Philips Hue light bulb so you can really maximize the use of your new device directly out of the box.

Echo products aren’t the only things getting an upgrade. Beginning next month, Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, will have a few new features as well. According to the company, these include:

• Alexa routines: Routines allow users to combine multiple actions under a single voice command. For example, if you say “Alexa, good morning,” Alexa could turn on your lights, start your kettle or coffee maker, and give you your daily news briefing or the weather forecast. This can even be customized so that certain responses to commands happen on certain days, so your “Good morning” command will result in a different series of actions on the weekend than it does on weekdays.
• Improved smart home groups: You now no longer need to remember specific smart home devices in order to control them. You can now place your Echo and whatever devices you desire into smart home groups, so instead of saying “Alexa, turn on the kitchen overhead light” you can just walk into the kitchen and say “Alexa, turn on the lights.”
• Call anyone: Now instead of just being limited to calling others with Amazon Echo devices, you’ll be able to call anyone within the U.S., Canada and Mexico. All you have to do is ask Alexa to call someone in your smartphone contacts list, and it will make the call. You can also speak a number aloud to Alexa, so even individuals or business that aren’t in your contacts list will be reachable. Calls to 911, however, are not supported.

The Echo Plus is available for pre-order starting today. It will be available in white, black and silver and is priced at $149.99, which is a very good deal considering the original Echo was notably more expensive at launch.

See at Amazon

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon