Facebook hands Russia-backed ads to election investigators

Those Russia-linked Facebook ads are more than just a reason for concern — they could play an important role in one of the largest investigations in recent memory. CNN sources understand that Facebook has supplied the ads and “related information” to special counsel Robert Mueller and team after they obtained a search warrant. The move will theoretically help Mueller’s investigative team find out who was behind the ads and whether or not they played a role in Russia’s bid to skew the 2016 US presidential election. And reportedly, this only comes after other attempts to get the info fell flat.

The insiders claim that Facebook rejected House and Senate Intelligence Committee attempts to get the ads. The site’s policy, in line with the Stored Communications Act, requires a warrant before it can hand over search data.

Mueller’s spokesperson declined to comment, and Facebook would only say that it continues to “work with the appropriate investigative authorities.” Don’t expect to learn many specifics, then. All the same, this both highlights the breadth of the election interference investigation and the nature of these sorts of investigations circa 2017. Who’d have thought that social media ad spots could play a substantial role in a case like this?

Source: CNN

Action Launcher and Nova Launcher take different approaches to Adaptive Icons

Google’s Adaptive Icons has popular launcher developers solving problems in innovative ways.

With their most recent versions, popular third-party launchers Action Launcher and Nova Launcher are approaching the implementation of Google’s Adaptive Icons in different ways.

Nova Launcher’s latest beta offers users the opportunity to dynamically reshape existing icons, which doesn’t always work out but looks great a lot of the time. The upside? No custom icon pack necessary.

Action Launcher’s latest version does the opposite, launching a paid icon pack called AdaptivePack that promises to build a bevy of Adaptive Icon-supported icons for popular apps. To his credit, developer Chris Lacy promises near-weekly icon updates through the app’s request feature, which should plug some of the holes in the initial release.

Both solutions allow users on older versions of Android — Lollipop and above — to take advantage of one of Oreo’s most popular, and divisive, user-facing features. It also allows the few number of Pixel and Nexus users on Oreo an opportunity to fill in the gaps where developers have not yet turned to updating their icons for the new shapes.

Which implementation do you prefer?

What are Adaptive Icons and why do I want them?

Android Oreo

• Android Oreo review!
• Everything new in Android Oreo
• How to get Android Oreo on your Pixel or Nexus
• Oreo will make you love notifications again
• Will my phone get Android Oreo?
• Join the Discussion

Bose Soundtouch 300 setup & unboxing: Get your tunes sounding like they should

Nothing is more frustrating than owning a million-dollar 4K television that produces budget sound. To get the most out of your big, beautiful display, you’ll want to pair it up with a soundbar — and we’ve got an excellent one in mind, from Bose.

Our Bose SoundTouch 300 setup & unboxing guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to get your soundbar up and running, so you’ll never have to stress about your TV’s crappy sound again.

What’s in the box?

Along with the soundbar itself, you’ll find the following:

• A power cable.
• A Bose universal remote.
• An HDMI cable.
• A digital-optical cable.
• An ADAPTiQ sound calibration headset.

The soundbar doesn’t have a built-in subwoofer, but you can add Bose’s Acoustimass 300 wireless bass module for extra low-end power. Or, for surround sound, check out Bose’s Virtually Invisible 300 wireless surround speakers.

Hardware setup

You’ll find all the ports and jacks on the back of the soundbar, located in alcoves near the center. Connect the power cable, then you’ll want to connect to your TV via HDMI, if possible. Ideally, connect to the ARC-enabled HDMI port on your television (usually, it’s explicitly labeled) — you’ll need to remove the little plastic caps from the cable first.

If you don’t have an ARC-enabled port, you’ll want to use the optical cable instead. It’s also got little plastic tabs that will need removing before you can connect. If you connect via optical, you’ll also need to head into your TV’s audio settings and switch output from “internal speaker” to “Optical.”

Features and design

The SoundTouch is a handsome device, dressed in all black with a metal grille across the front and sides and a layer of reflective glass on top. Five small emblems below LED lights in the upper left corner indicate which input is selected, and there’s an NFC touch strip on top (you can remove this), which is where you tap a compatible device for NFC interfacing.

Software setup

Once your soundbar is working, you’ll want to properly calibrate it using the included ADAPTiQ headset. Plug the headset into the soundbar (there’s a dedicated port, and the cord is lengthy), and press the corresponding button on the remote — it’s in the center next to the “AUX” button, and it looks like a sort of musical note. The little note icon will light up, and you’ll need to press and hold on the number 8, near the bottom of the remote.

Next, you’ll see two of the LED indicators on the soundbar itself begin to blink green. Follow the audible prompts — it will ask you to move about the room as it plays different test tones — and voilà! Your SoundTouch is calibrated.

Pro tip: Download the Bose SoundTouch app. It will walk you through the Bluetooth pairing process, and it interfaces directly with several popular music streaming apps — like Spotify — to make life simpler.

Our Samsung MU8000 unboxing and setup guide gets you ready for life in Ultra HD

The Samsung MU8000 might not be part of Samsung’s premium QLED line, but it’s packed with similar features, and one of its best features (aside from the brilliant 4K UHD picture with HDR) is how cleanly it can be installed in your home theater.

We’ve put together this Samsung MU8000 unboxing and setup guide, filled with step-by-step instructions and handy tips for easily getting your new 4K TV up and running.

What’s in the box?

In addition to the TV itself, you’ll find the following in the box:

• Quick setup guide.
• Samsung One Remote, with batteries included.
• Four spacers for wall mounting.
• Two separate stand legs (marked right and left).
• One Connect breakout box.
• Power cable.
• Four wall mounting spacers.
• Two decorative back plates for cable management.

Several items are not included with the TV. You will need to buy HDMI cables to connect your TV to other devices. The easiest way to ensure you have HDMI cables is to buy the AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI cables at the same time you buy your TV. If you do not buy the AmazonBasics HDMI cable, make sure that the HDMI cables are rated as “high speed” cables so they can accommodate the large amount of data 4K HDR content requires.

Additionally, the TV does not come with any wall mounting hardware. For information about wall mounting check out our wall mounting guide video.

Hardware setup

Be sure to open the top of the box first. You’ll find a quick setup guide there that will give you helpful guidance during setup.

The MU8000 offers two different stand configurations, one wider than the other. Decide which one works better for your entertainment center. Then, simply slide the legs into the slots under the TV until they click. Unlike other TVs, this step doesn’t require fastening pieces with screws.

The next step is to setup the Connect One box. Instead of plugging into the TV, you’ll be plugging in your external devices (game consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, etc.) into the Connect One breakout box included with the TV. There are four HDMI ports, including one with ARC for easy soundbar setup, an antenna connection, two USB ports, and an optical audio port. As noted previously, you’ll need your own cables to connect your devices.

Remove the MU8000’s decorative back panel, which hides the input ports for the Connect One and power cable. Plug both in. The cables can be routed through the right stand leg to hide the cables, though be aware that this will shorter the available length of the power cord to around a foot in length.

There is a second recessed bay that houses a USB port for plugging in flash drives and an Ethernet port for hardwired internet connection perfect for streaming.

Features and design

The MU8000 has a sleek, slim profile. The almost nonexistent bezel lets the massive, crisp screen shine — and it really does shine. The screen is bright, delivering vibrant picture in even well-lit environments. The one point of consideration when setting up the TV is the viewing angle. Since the MU8000 is an LED TV, the picture tends to get blown out the further off-center you’re angled when watching. Make sure the TV is positioned within the sweet spot when facing your seating arrangement.

The cable management and Connect One box also make for a clean installation. Your home theater will look dapper. And since the back is so flat, it’ll look great wall mounted, too. For more of our thoughts on the MU8000’s design and performance, be sure to check out our full review.

Software setup

The MU8000 runs on the Tizen smart TV OS. Software setup starts with configuring your Wi-Fi connection if you’re not already connected to the internet via Ethernet. After you’re connected to the internet, the TV will automatically detect any devices connected to it or the Connect One box. The software will identify and label them properly. You’ll then be able to control your connected devices with the included Samsung One Remote.

Next, let’s optimize your picture settings. For presets, we recommend the Movie setting. Should that be too dim, try enabling the HDR+ setting. You’ll find it located in the Expert Settings. This will give you and HDR-like effect for non-HDR content, while simultaneously giving you a brilliant picture.

Finally, we recommend switching off the motion smoothing. Under the Auto Motion Plus settings, we recommend setting the Judder Reduction to zero. If you’ve enabled the HDR+ setting, this Auto Motion Plus will be set to Auto, but you’ll want to switch it off to avoid that distracting soap opera effect.

Amazon tests one-hour delivery for your fashion show picks

Ever seen a style at a fashion show that you wish you could wear out the same night? Amazon might just fulfill your wishes. It’s testing an option that delivers highlights from Nicopanda’s London Fashion Week lineup to local Prime subscribers within an hour — think of it as Prime Now for your wardrobe. Customers still have to pay on top of the subscription requirement, but it means you can get a bomber jacket or scarf in time to impress everyone at your next social outing.

The internet retailer has tried to shake up fashion more than once before, including the advice it dishes out through the Echo Look speaker. And labels besides Nicopanda are trying similar impulse purchase strategies, including Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger. With that said, this could be different. If Amazon decides to make these fashion show purchases a regular feature, the company’s sheer ubiquity and experience with online shopping could spur brands to sign up knowing that they could see a wave of early buyers. Individual labels may have strong recognition, but they don’t necessarily have Amazon’s shipping know-how.

Source: Reuters

iPhone 8 and Apple Watch Series 3 Orders Now ‘Preparing for Shipment’ Ahead of September 22 Delivery

A day after Apple began accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and Apple Watch Series 3, the first orders have shifted to “preparing for shipment” ahead of a promised Friday, September 22 delivery date.

Apple began preparing Apple Watch Series 3 orders starting yesterday afternoon, while the order status of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus appears to have started changing this afternoon. Apple TV 4K orders have not yet updated to preparing for shipment, but that should happen soon.

Pre-orders for all three devices started at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, September 15. While some SIM-free and T-Mobile iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models sold out relatively early for home shipping, supplies of other devices have remained strong. It should be no problem to pop into an Apple Store on launch day and pick up an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus.

It may be more difficult to get one of the new Apple Watch Series 3 models with LTE connectivity, as several configurations did sell out and list shipment dates of a few weeks. In-store pickup is also unavailable for these models. Non-LTE models are, however, readily available.

Orders that have been updated to “preparing for shipment” status should begin officially shipping out over the course of the next day or two. The first orders will arrive on Friday, September 22, with customers in New Zealand and Australia being among the first to get their hands on the new devices.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 3, watchOS 4, iPhone 8
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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Electric car prototype is built for Africa’s rural roads

With a few exceptions, most electric cars are delicate, expensive creatures designed for paved streets and well-heeled early adopters. And that makes them ill-suited to rural Africa — many roads away from the cities aren’t paved at all, and just about any EV would be out of reach. That’s where the Technical University of Munich comes into play. It recently revealed a prototype electric vehicle, the aCar, that’s designed for both the conditions and uses of rural Africa.

It has a rugged, four-wheel drive design that can handle dirt roads and off-roading. It only has about 50 miles of range, but the very nature of an electric motor makes it both well-suited to clearing obstacles (since it always has full torque) and more reliable. Also, it’s modular — it can switch between carrying passengers and cargo, and you can even use the battery to power a winch or other equipment beyond the car.

The aCar completed real-world tests in Ghana this July, and it’s already expected to go into production (eventually in Africa) with a target price below €10,000 (about $11,944). That’s not a trivial expense, but it’s far more affordable than the Nissan Leaf and other vehicles that wouldn’t be as well-suited to the African landscape.

Source: Technical University of Munich

Here’s your chance to get in on the ‘Call of Duty: WWII’ open multiplayer beta

Why it matters to you

The open multiplayer beta provides a chance for PC gamers to add their suggestions and comments prior to the game’s release.

After a successful console multiplayer beta, Sledgehammer Games has announced that PC users can jump into the trenches and experience the action with an open multiplayer beta. The Call of Duty: WWII Multiplayer Beta will be available on Steam for PC gamers, running September 29th through October 2nd.

The developers from Raven Games and Sledgehammer will be following user comments on reddit and through their Beta Web Survey throughout the beta. The studio recently detailed some of the changes they plan to implement as a result of the closed console beta, and now PC players will have their chance to provide feedback and suggestions prior to the game’s launch in November. The beta is free and open to all — you don’t need to pre-order to get in on the action.

These are the minimum specs you’ll need to play the beta, although the developers cautioned that these may change for the final version in November:

• OS: Windows 7 64-Bit or later
• CPU: Intel Core i3 3225 or equivalent
• RAM: 8 GB
• HDD: 25 GB HD space
• Video: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 @ 2 GB / AMD Radeon HD 7850 @ 2GB or better
• DirectX: Version 11.0 compatible video card or equivalent

In case you’ve been living in a foxhole for the last few months, COD: WWII is the latest iteration in Activision’s long-running franchise, with a single-player campaign and frantic multiplayer battles. After several forays into futuristic scenarios, with advanced weapons and even battles in space, the series began to lose some of its appeal with hardcore gamers. Sales began to decline, and now the creators are going back to where the series began with an authentic and gritty WWII experience.

The campaign focuses on the European conflict against the Nazis, following the Army’s 1st Infantry division through many of the bloody battlefields from 1944 and 1945 that led to the fall of Berlin. We’ve had our eye on this one for quite some time, and here’s a roundup of everything you need to know before you lace up your combat boots and hit the beach at Normandy in November.

This being a Call of Duty game, there are also zombies involved, with a co-op mode featuring undead Nazis that are ripe for the slaughter. Zombies are always fun, but it’s a rather silly addition into an otherwise serious game that realistically depicts the horrors of warfare. Not all gamers are happy with their inclusion.

If you want to get in on the beta you’ll be able to pre-load it early on Steam, and Sledgehammer will share more information about the features, modes, and maps available in the days ahead. Stay tuned, we’ll have lots more coverage of this big game leading up to the explosive launch for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on November 3.

Odd delivery drone design carries cargo while keeping it safe

Why it matters to you

As delivery drones become more commonplace, this new design may help keep packages safe and secure on transit.

Researchers at EPFL have designed an origami-inspired delivery drone that could someday carry cargo, while keeping it safe a cage along the way.

When unfurled, the drone can fly above buildings and traffic, while carrying a package up to 500 grams (a bit over one pound). When folded up, the drone is small enough to fit into a backpack.

Developed in EPFL’s Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, the delivery drone was designed to combine two functions. On one hand, the drone transports cargo; on the other hand, it serves as a protective packaging, acting like a resilient cage to keep cargo safe during its transit.

It’s also meant to be packable, so the drone’s designers turned to the ancient art of origami. Relying on principles of origami folding, the cage can be packed and unpacked in one motion. When not in use, it can be flattened in a few seconds, decreasing its volume by 92 percent.

The outer cage is made of flexible, yet durable carbon fiber to protect cargo from collisions. Within the carbon-fiber cage is a four-propeller multicopter, which allows the drone to perform vertical take offs and landings. With about a pound of cargo, the drone can travel about two kilometers (one and one quarter miles).

The drone’s propellers are positioned inside the cage so that they don’t pose a risk to their surroundings, including customers, who can grab the package midair without risk of injury. The researchers also included a safety feature that turns the propellers off once the cage is opened. They’re planning on adding a parachute to slow its descent if it breaks down mid-flight.

“Drone deliveries require to ensure safety for people,” Przemyslaw Kornatowski, the EPFL researcher who developed the drone, told Digital Trends. “That is why we integrated a quadcopter inside a cage. The cage physically separates fast rotating propellers from environment, thus provides safety for people and for the drone while flying close to obstacles.”

Cool as the concept may be, don’t expect to receive a package from this drone anytime soon. Kornatowski said the drone is ready for person to person deliveries but will need to integrate path-planning algorithms and obstacle avoidance features to accommodate deliveries on a larger scale.

Meanwhile, companies like Amazon are gunning to overcome hurdles to make drone delivery commonplace and only in December made its “first real” delivery. Elsewhere they’ve been used to transport samples between hospitals and and during deliveries.

The EPFL team have only recently underwent tests with people with more tests to come.

Windows Mixed Reality news: here’s everything you need to know

Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform is finally starting to take shape. The platform’s software foundation was introduced in Windows 10 Creators Update in April 2017, and the upcoming Fall Creators Update will add some polish. The hardware will start to catch up on October 17, when Microsoft’s OEM partners begin to roll out their low-cost mixed reality headsets alongside the update’s release.

Questions remain as to exactly what Windows Mixed Reality represents, so we took a look at all of the Windows Mixed Reality news to make some sense of Microsoft’s platform.

For now, “Windows Mixed Reality” mostly means affordable VR

Microsoft prefers the term “mixed reality,” or MR, and the company’s short definition of it is this. “Mixed reality is the result of blending the physical world with the digital world.” Rather than just adding artificial elements to a real scene as with augmented reality (AR), or creating a completely artificial environment as with virtual reality (VR), MR takes reality, digitizes it, and then places all or parts of it into a holographic environment that mimics the real world in real time. MR can be wholly immersive, or it can physically blend with a real-world view.

The following Microsoft video helps demonstrate the concept:

When we took a look at one of the upcoming Windows Mixed Reality headsets, however, we found it to provide a more affordable VR experience, but to be lacking in actual MR functionality. We asked Microsoft about this, and a representative responded:

“While the upcoming Windows Mixed Reality headsets are closer to the full digital end of the spectrum, they do begin to incorporate elements of the physical world, such as environmental awareness and full 6DoF hand input via motion controllers. Furthermore, Windows Mixed Reality is a unified platform that spans the entire spectrum, enabling the upcoming headsets to elegantly interface with devices closer to the physical reality end of the spectrum, such as Microsoft HoloLens. Our vision has been clear from the start, and this is why we call all of it Windows Mixed Reality.”

In other words, the term “Windows Mixed Reality” includes everything from HoloLens, to apps like Windows Reality Viewer (previously called View 3D), to the upcoming low-cost Windows Mixed Reality headsets, all built on the Windows Mixed Reality software foundation. For the immediate future, though, Windows Mixed Reality will mostly refer to those headsets and the apps that are written to utilize them.

Windows Mixed Reality hardware

None of this is meaningful without the hardware to access Windows Mixed Reality, and on that front, the wait is almost over. A number of Microsoft OEM partners have announced headsets that will be available starting on October 17, alongside Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. The following are the headsets that have been officially announced, and the general minimum specifications are the same:

Displays:
Two 2.89-inch high-resolution LCDs
Resolution:
1,440 x 1,440 each
Field of view:
95 degrees horizontal
Refresh rate:
Up to 90Hz (native)
Ports:
1x HDMI 2.0
1x USB 3.0 Gen1 Type-A
1x headphone / microphone jack
Other features:
Front hinged display
Detachable HDMI/USB combo cable
Insider-out tracking

Each of the headsets will be available either as standalone devices or with Motion Controllers, which will add around $100 to the price, and they’re close enough in features and functionality that choosing between them will likely come down to their looks and perhaps some additional software provided by each manufacturer.

Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset

Acer

Acer’s headset has been one of the first available to try out via its Developer Edition, and it’s the one we used in giving Windows Mixed Reality a try. It should come as no surprise then that Acer’s version should arrive on October 17.

Asus Windows Mixed Reality headset

Asus

Asus’s Windows Mixed Reality headset isn’t scheduled to arrive until Spring 2018, and it will be differentiated from the other headsets by its unique design incorporating hundreds of 3D polygons and a glossy tone-on-tone effect. The headset will weigh less than 400 grams, and it will utilize a balanced crown design for greater comfort by reducing pressure on the user’s face and nose.

Dell Visor

Dell named its Windows Mixed Reality headset the Visor, and it boasts an adjustable headband and extra cushioning for greater comfort. The Dell Visor is expected to be one of the headsets to arrive on October 17.

Lenovo Explorer

Lenovo

The Lenovo Explorer is due to arrive on October 17, and it will be slightly differentiated by specifically mentioning support for a keyboard and mouse. In addition, Lenovo will be providing its own apps, along with access to more than 100 upscaled VR games, both of which will be accessible through its Lenovo Entertainment Hub. The Lenovo Explorer will weigh 380 grams, and is one of the more conservatively styled of the early Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

HP Windows Mixed Reality headset

HP

HP’s Windows Mixed Reality headset has also been available in a Developer Edition, and it follows the same basic format as the rest of the Windows Mixed Reality stable. HP added in a knob to make adjusting headset size easier, and the design is relatively conservative, but otherwise, you won’t find much that’s different here. We haven’t heard official word on when HP’s headset will be released.

In order to connect a Windows Mixed Reality headset to your PC, you’ll be able to choose from two branded levels of PC that will provide for different levels of performance.

• Windows Mixed Reality PCs: Desktop and laptops equipped with integrated graphics will be able to drive immersive content at 60 frames per second. Prices will start at $500.
• Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PCs: Desktops and laptops equipped with discrete graphics will be able to run content at 90 frames per second.

Here are the specifications for each PC level:

Windows Mixed Reality PC

Performance: 
90Hz
CPU:
Intel Core i5 (NB), Intel Core i3 (DT)
GPU:
Discrete Nvidia GTX 965M, AMD RX 460M
Connectivity:
HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2
RAM:
8GB
Storage:
More than 10GB additional free space
USB:
USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C Port with DisplayPort
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories

Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PC:

Performance:
60Hz
CPU:
Intel Core i5 (NB), Intel Core i3 (DT)
GPU:
Integrated Intel HD 620
Connectivity:
HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2
RAM:
8GB
Storage:
More than 10GB additional free space
USB:
USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C Port with DisplayPort
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories

What content is coming for Windows Mixed Reality?

As we noted in our initial hands-on look at Acer’s Windows Mixed Reality headset, the platform will mainly provide a more affordable entry into the VR experience, and it will require less computing horsepower to get there. The overall experience will also be similar to that provided by other VR solutions like the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. In fact, Microsoft and Valve announced that SteamVR titles will eventually make their way to the Windows Mixed Reality platform, although that won’t be happening on October 17 or potentially anytime soon.

In the meantime, Microsoft announced at IFA 2017 a host of developers who will be writing apps for the Windows Mixed Reality platform:

With a suitable PC and a Windows Mixed Reality headset, you’ll be able to enjoy VR environments that have good environmental awareness without needing add-on accessories. The headsets can map the environment using cameras and therefore don’t require external sensors, and their Motion Controller accessories provide for six degrees of freedom (6DoF) hand control. And, all of the software needed to create the VR environments is provided by the core Windows Mixed Reality software that’s already built into Windows 10.

The result will likely be the same general emphasis on gaming that’s the focus of existing VR solutions. In addition, Microsoft showed off a virtual house environment that provided a 3D user interface into getting things done in Windows 10, and we expect that developers will create virtual spaces as well for using their apps. Imagine a 3D version of Adobe Photoshop, a 3D screen to watch Hulu or Netflix, or a technical support environment for getting help with your HP notebook. One primary benefit of Windows Mixed Reality is likely to be how easy it is to create VR apps given that Microsoft has already done much of the heavy lifting in the platform’s core software.

Availability and Pricing

As mentioned earlier, Windows Fall Creators Update will arrive on October 17, and a few manufacturers will be shipping their Windows Mixed Reality headsets alongside the update. Here’s an overview of when we can expect new headsets to arrive and how they’ll be priced.

• Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset: $300 headset only, $400 with Motion Controllers, arriving on October 17
• Asus Windows Mixed Reality headset: pricing TBD, arriving in Spring 2018
• Dell Visor: $350 headset only, $450 with Motion Controllers, arriving October 17
• Lenovo Explorer: $350 headset only, $450 with Motion Controllers, arriving October 17
• HP Windows Mixed Reality headset: $330 headset only, pricing with Motion Controllers TBD, arriving TBD