Apple Rejects AstroPad Update That Turned an iPad’s Camera into a Software Button

Astro HQ, the makers of popular iPad drawing app AstroPad Studio, yesterday announced that their plans for a “Camera Button” feature for the app have been scuppered by Apple.

The developers’ clever hack that turns an iPad’s front-facing camera into a functional software button was supposed to be coming in the next AstroPad Studio update, but Apple has rejected it on the grounds that the idea flouts App Store review guidelines.

The announcement came in a Medium.com post by Astro HQ titled “RIP Camera Button”, which revealed that Apple had turned down the innovative iPad interaction because it broke the company’s rules for iOS software.

We planned to introduce the Camera Button in an update to Astropad Studio going out today. However, we are disappointed to report that the Camera Button was rejected by Apple’s App Store review under Section 2.5.9:

Apps that alter or disable the functions of standard switches, such as the Volume Up/Down and Ring/Silent switches, or other native user interface elements or behaviors will be rejected.

Apple is known for its strict adherence to App Store rules, so the rejection shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise. But the news will also likely disappoint backers of AstroPad’s forthcoming Luna display adapter, which turns an iPad into a wireless extended Mac desktop. The developers had hoped to include the Camera Button feature in the Luna software, but they’ve been forced to drop it from that, too.

Despite the setback, Astro HQ said their “urge to innovate” lives on, and that they remained “committed to pushing the boundaries of software and hardware engineering so that we can create the best productivity tools possible”.

Tag: Astropad
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Highlights the Best of iPhone X Reviews

Apple today highlighted iPhone X reviews from major publications such as The Verge, TechCrunch, Mashable, BuzzFeed News, The Independent, and CNET with a GIF that cycles through positive comments about the device.

Apple changed its review strategy with a staggered release of the iPhone X to select YouTube channels and media outlets, some of which received less than 24 hours of lead time with the device before Apple’s publishing embargo lifted.

Steven Levy, a journalist who reviewed the original iPhone, was among the first to share iPhone X impressions on Monday. A handful of YouTube channels shared hands-on and unboxing videos of the device on the same day. Then, on Tuesday, a larger wave of tech publications and media outlets published reviews.

Apple quoted the following reviews in its press release:

Mashable: “Apple’s iPhone X is the beginning of something new. Everything the iPhone X is serves as a roadmap for future iPhones.”

BuzzFeed: “Face ID worked as promised: with sunglasses, without sunglasses, with my hair up, with it down, at night in the dark, or during the day.”

Creative Live Blog: “The OLED display is insanely good. The contrast is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. And the edge to edge / bezel arrangement is stunning. It somehow further humanizes the device. I feel like I’m holding my photos and videos…not a device on which to view them.”

The Wall Street Journal: “Face ID is secure, fast, reliable and very easy to use. But even if it is Halloween, you’ll be headed for trouble if you go trying to clone yourself.”

CNET: “After 10 hours on the streets of San Francisco, mostly in and around Fisherman’s Wharf, I was impressed by how Portrait Mode transformed the everyday selfie into a respectable and elegant photo.”

The Evening Standard: “Apple’s implementation of the camera is flawlessly done and THE Animoji are fantastic.”

TechCrunch: “What I can tell you is that [Animoji] are cute and super funny. The way that the camera is able to accurately track and map your face, the physics in the models and the fun factor of being able to ‘wear a mask’ combine to make something that’s actually a ton of fun.”

iPhone X launches this Friday, November 3, including the first deliveries to customers and limited in-store availability for walk-in customers.
Discuss this article in our forums

Bad weather knocks out Freeview TV across the UK

Having trouble with your Freeview TV service today? You’re not alone. Hundreds of disgruntled TV watchers have taken to websites like DownDetector to register their frustrations with the platform, which has been experiencing intermittent signal across the south of the UK for more than 12 hours. While many are pointing the finger at the provider, Freeview isn’t accepting any responsibility — it’s blaming it on the weather.

In a statement, the company put the signal issues down to high air pressure: “TV and radio signals can be affected by atmospheric conditions, including high air pressure (which brings fine weather), heavy rain or snow,” said a spokesperson. “We’re aware that high air pressure is currently affecting TV and radio signals for some viewers. We’re unable to prevent or remedy this, normal services will return once the weather changes.”

So, there you have it. It’s (apparently) just a case of waiting for the problematic weather to clear before BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and dozens of other channels return.

The Morning After: Wednesday, November 1st 2017

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

November is here, and Sony’s pet robot is back. Before we play with Aibo, however, we’re preparing for an afternoon news deluge. That includes Razer’s ‘biggest unveiling of the year,’ as well as earnings reports from Facebook and Tesla at 4 PM ET. Stay tuned.

A pet with an off switch.Aibo’s back

After more than a decade away, Sony has resurrected its robot pet. The new Aibo has advanced AI, and it’s connected to the cloud so its personality will evolve. You can pre-order one today to get it in January — in Japan.

99 euros for a smartphone that promises two days of use.The Nokia 2 is a very cheap Android phone with a huge battery

Cheap smartphone? A battery that lasts? Stock Android that promises to be up to date? Be still, my beating heart. Nokia steals a trick from its Windows Phone days by offering an entry-level smartphone that doesn’t look like trash and has one major selling point: a giant battery.

Mario’s return is the biggest hit yet for the Switch.‘Super Mario Odyssey’ is selling even faster than ‘Zelda’

We learned earlier this week that the Switch is a bonafide hit for Nintendo, and its latest major game is also on track to be a hit. Super Mario Odyssey has already sold two million copies, according to the company. That was in a mere three days.

Nice specs.Razer Phone leak suggests it’s made for gamers

We knew Razer was working on a high-end gaming smartphone, but a leak from one of its partners shows just how powerful it might be. According to a (since deleted) page from a UK mobile plan reseller called 3G, the Razer Phone will have a 5.7-inch, 120Hz IGZO display, Dolby Atmos sound with dual front speakers and amps, a dual 12- and 13-megapixel wide angle/zoom camera, 4,000mAh battery and 8GB of RAM. We’ll find out what’s true during Razer’s launch event at 4 PM.

How much are you willing to pay for a Kindle?Kindle Oasis review (2017)

The first waterproof model in Amazon’s Kindle lineup makes a strong case for buying a $250 e-reader.

Customers were complaining.Best Buy stops selling full-price iPhone X following backlash

It wasn’t just full-price for the iPhone X — more like full-price plus another 100 bucks.

But wait, there’s more…

• It wasn’t full-price, more than full-price plus another 100 bucks.
• Apple might build its next iPhone without Qualcomm chips
• Google glitch locks some Docs users out of their files temporarily
• Sony shows off ‘Doom VFR’ and the rest of the PSVR holiday lineup
• AI is the checkout-line’s death knell
• TSA Precheck will let you into some NFL stadiums faster

The Morning After is a new daily newsletter from Engadget designed to help you fight off FOMO. Who knows what you’ll miss if you don’t Subscribe.

Craving even more? Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter.

Have a suggestion on how we can improve The Morning After? Send us a note.

Samsung takes on Apple’s Genius Bar with ‘care centers’ at WeWork

Why it matters to you

It’s currently only a pilot scheme, but this latest initiative could become an additional option for sorting out an issue with your Samsung device.

Samsung thinks it can do Apple’s “Genius Bar” experience better, though it’s teaming up with workspace-sharing outfit WeWork to make it happen.

Have a problem with your iDevice and you probably Google it first, or ask a friend. If you’re still flummoxed after that, you might schedule an appointment with a Genius if there’s an Apple Store within driving distance.

The Korean tech giant wants to do things differently, and as a result is piloting a new “care center” where folks can get help with their Galaxy Note 8 or whatever Samsung device they’re having problems with, Fast Co Design reports. The centers will be located at WeWork locations, the idea being that if you need to wait for help, you can use the facilities to get some work done or simply relax and enjoy a coffee.

To start with, Samsung is opening service centers in three WeWork locations, in Detroit, Miami, and Williamsburg in New York City.

Samsung’s space at a WeWork location.

Via Fast Co Design

Most Samsung premises are currently located inside Best Buy stores, though Mick McConnell, VP of design at Samsung Electronics America, believes the tie-up with WeWork could offer the best solution for resolving issues with Samsung devices.

According to Fast Co Design, Samsung will be properly embedded in the three WeWork locations, with the setup comprising a Miesian black steel and glass box and nearby spaces featuring Samsung workstations and videoconferencing systems. WeWork subscribers will  be free to use the Samsung facilities.

Both companies could gain from the partnership — if Samsung customers who visit WeWork like what the location offers, they could end up signing up to use the facilities on a regular basis. And if WeWork users can find out more about Samsung’s offerings, the tech company could win over more customers.

At this early stage, however, Samsung customers will only be able to obtain so-called “tier 1” support, in other words, help and advice on how to use their mobile device. Staff can also organize the mailing of a device if it needs fixing at a workshop. A higher level support, such as replacing vital parts for phones or other Samsung machines, could come later depending on how the trial works out.

McConnell told Fast Co Design that he came up with the idea for the WeWork initiative after apparently being kept waiting at one of Apple’s Genius Bars for 90 minutes.

“Service is a hassle,” McConnell said. “I know I’m going to have to take time out of my day to do it.”

The Samsung executive explained that if he has to use valuable time to sort out an issue, at least with WeWork he can “sit in a conference room, make phone calls, and do work, as opposed to sitting in a busy room with a bunch of angry people.” Not that everyone waiting for a Genius appointment is angry, of course.

Editor’s Recommendations

• Intel dives deep into virtual reality tech inside its VR development lab
• Apple’s ‘Steve Jobs Theater’ looks stunning for next week’s iPhone event
• Hard-earned tips you’ll need to take back Earth in ‘XCOM 2: War of the Chosen’
• Here’s how to unlock your phone automatically with Android Smart Lock
• Intel dives deep into virtual reality tech inside its VR development lab

Sony’s new Aibo robot dog is much smarter than before and ‘loves anything pink’

Why it matters to you

While having a real dog requires a fair bit of time, patience, and cash, Aibo the robot pet might work out as a fun alternative.

Two indisputable advantages of having a robot dog are that it’s cheap to keep and doesn’t leave unwanted gifts around the house for you to step in. And if you happen to be in the process of making your home smart, what better companion to have padding about the place than your very own robotic canine?

At least, that’s what Sony hopes.

Having consigned Aibo to the great robot dog-run in the sky on more than one occasion in its 18-year history, the Japanese tech giant has resurrected the contraption yet again, and this time it looks more like a mutt than it ever has. With smarts to match.

The all-new Aibo is way cuter than before, with a fresh set of OLED eyes that “sparkle with a clever twinkle” to give it way more facial expressions than a household pet — whether real or robotic — really needs.

The revamped Aibo moves much more naturally, too, and sports “hundreds” of different movements and gestures thanks to a brand new set of advanced actuators incorporated into its design.

Aibo gets to know you

But the most notable advancements come thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). The technology, which has come a long way since Aibo was last seen shuffling along the carpet, enables the robotic pet to react to what it sees, modifying its behavior over time as it becomes increasingly familiar with its owner and other people that it meets.

Cameras behind Aibo’s eyes help it detect obstacles as it moves around, and it’ll even take a photo for you if you ask, while built-in sensors enable it to respond to spoken commands. It’ll even take kindly to a gentle pat on the head or tummy tickle.

Oddly, Sony has programmed Aibo so that it “loves anything pink,” while additional software code ensures the robot also has a fear of heights and tight spaces.

In what seem like more commendable efforts to give Aibo true dog-like qualities, its creators have also designed it to act unpredictably from time to time, though pooping in the kitchen when your back’s turned is thankfully not in its range of unexpected behaviors.

The all-new, app-enabled Aibo can be pre-ordered in Japan now and starts shipping on January 11 for 198,000 yen (about $1,750), though new owners will also have to shell out 2,500 yen (about $22) a month for various cloud-based services that over time will apparently help the dog to learn new tricks (yes, apparently you can teach an old dog …)

There are no current plans to sell Aibo outside of Sony’s home country, but the fact that it has a slick website in English suggests Aibo could at some point be let off the leash overseas.

Editor’s Recommendations

• Tech’s grim reaper calls up Windows Phones, Sony set to revive Aibo robotic dog
• Awesome tech you can’t buy yet: Robo friends for Fido, a smart motorcycle helmet
• A beginner’s guide to A.I. superintelligence and ‘the singularity’
• Awesome tech you can’t buy yet: 8K VR, smoke-free fires, a drone for your home
• ‘Overwatch’ review

Sony’s new Aibo robot dog is much smarter than before and ‘loves anything pink’

Why it matters to you

While having a real dog requires a fair bit of time, patience, and cash, Aibo the robot pet might work out as a fun alternative.

Two indisputable advantages of having a robot dog are that it’s cheap to keep and doesn’t leave unwanted gifts around the house for you to step in. And if you happen to be in the process of making your home smart, what better companion to have padding about the place than your very own robotic canine?

At least, that’s what Sony hopes.

Having consigned Aibo to the great robot dog-run in the sky on more than one occasion in its 18-year history, the Japanese tech giant has resurrected the contraption yet again, and this time it looks more like a mutt than it ever has. With smarts to match.

The all-new Aibo is way cuter than before, with a fresh set of OLED eyes that “sparkle with a clever twinkle” to give it way more facial expressions than a household pet — whether real or robotic — really needs.

The revamped Aibo moves much more naturally, too, and sports “hundreds” of different movements and gestures thanks to a brand new set of advanced actuators incorporated into its design.

Aibo gets to know you

But the most notable advancements come thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). The technology, which has come a long way since Aibo was last seen shuffling along the carpet, enables the robotic pet to react to what it sees, modifying its behavior over time as it becomes increasingly familiar with its owner and other people that it meets.

Cameras behind Aibo’s eyes help it detect obstacles as it moves around, and it’ll even take a photo for you if you ask, while built-in sensors enable it to respond to spoken commands. It’ll even take kindly to a gentle pat on the head or tummy tickle.

Oddly, Sony has programmed Aibo so that it “loves anything pink,” while additional software code ensures the robot also has a fear of heights and tight spaces.

In what seem like more commendable efforts to give Aibo true dog-like qualities, its creators have also designed it to act unpredictably from time to time, though pooping in the kitchen when your back’s turned is thankfully not in its range of unexpected behaviors.

The all-new, app-enabled Aibo can be pre-ordered in Japan now and starts shipping on January 11 for 198,000 yen (about $1,750), though new owners will also have to shell out 2,500 yen (about $22) a month for various cloud-based services that over time will apparently help the dog to learn new tricks (yes, apparently you can teach an old dog …)

There are no current plans to sell Aibo outside of Sony’s home country, but the fact that it has a slick website in English suggests Aibo could at some point be let off the leash overseas.

Editor’s Recommendations

• Tech’s grim reaper calls up Windows Phones, Sony set to revive Aibo robotic dog
• Awesome tech you can’t buy yet: Robo friends for Fido, a smart motorcycle helmet
• A beginner’s guide to A.I. superintelligence and ‘the singularity’
• Awesome tech you can’t buy yet: 8K VR, smoke-free fires, a drone for your home
• ‘Overwatch’ review

LTE networks aren’t getting faster, but they are becoming more commonplace

LTE network speeds have stalled, but availability shows “massive gains” according to OpenSignal.

OpenSignal has released their bi-annual “State of LTE” report today and the prediction of a country that would finally have average LTE speeds of 50 Mbps (Megabits per second) didn’t come as expected. Instead, they noticed what they call “massive growth” in LTE network availability around the world.

OpenSignal releases their report every six months, and it combines data from LTE networks worldwide to try and get real-world metrics about how the network performs. It focuses mainly on two key data points: actual availability and average speed of connected users.

This is done by collecting more than 50 billion measurements from over 3.8 million users in 77 different countries through the OpenSignal app.

For this particular report, 50,119,524,309 datapoints were collected from 3,816,934 users during the period: Jul 1st – Oct 1st 2017.

LTE speeds have stalled

Some carriers have broken OpenSignal’s 50 Mbps prediction, but no country has a 50Mbps average speed just yet. Singapore, with a 46.6 Mbps average, and South Korea’s 45.9 Mbps average, are the closest, but the countries with the fastest speeds have actually seen them decrease slightly.

In the June report, OpenSignal found that 14 countries had an average LTE network speed of 30 Mbps or higher and the November report sees 13. Of the 45 countries who had an average network speed of 20 Mbps or higher in June 2017, only 42 had the same figure in November. Singapore, South Korea, Norway, and Hungary once again top the list with speeds of over 42 Mbps, while the Netherlands comes close with an average speed of 38.91 Mbps.

it is worth noting that the global average did see a slight bump from 16.2 Mbps to 16.6 Mbps. this is because the speeds in the countries with the slowest average speeds are getting faster even if the top performers are getting slower. These countries in North America made the list:

• Canada: 29.79 Mbps (14th place)
• The Dominican Republic 24.67 Mbps (31st place)
• Mexico: 22.03 Mbps (37th place)
• The United States: 13.98 Mbps (61st place)

The United Kingdom had an average speed of 22.01 Mbps which places it in the 38th position, and India sits at the bottom of the countries reported with an average speed of 6.13 Mbps.

Availability has skyrocketed

OpenSignal determines how often each person using the app can connect to an LTE network. HSPA or other technology using the “4G” handle are not considered. As you can imagine the gap between the countries with the most LTE availability and those with the least is fairly wide. South Korea leads where an LTE network is available to 96.4% of users and Algeria is at the bottom of the list with 41.5% of users finding an LTE network.

Most every country in OpenSignal’s report showed an increase in availability of LTE networks. In June 33 countries were able to support an LTE signal more than 70% of the time and in November the number has grown to 50. November’s report shows 20 countries able to provide LTE more than 80% of the time while June saw only 16 countries on that list. South Korea and Singapore have breached the 90% mark, and OpenSignal says the in South Korea LTE is “now as ubiquitous as 3G.”

The countries in North America that made the list:

• The United States: 86.94% (5th place)
• Canada: 79.55% (23rd place)
• Mexico: 73.50% (38th place)
• The Dominican Republic: 58.50% (70th place)

The United Kingdom was in 43rd place with an average of 71.34% and India provides LTE 84.03% of the time and is in 11th place.

The takeaway

This isn’t a contest, and from what we see, everyone would be winning if it were.

India’s LTE Network speeds and footprint are particularly important as it is one of the biggest markets for cellular in the world.

LTE speeds may have stopped climbing — OpenSignal attributes this to a plateau in the current LTE technology — but of the 77 countries reporting enough data to be tested, India’s 6.13 Mbps as the slowest is a positive sign. That’s a far cry from the 3G speeds of a few years ago, and seeing those kinds of network speeds means developers have more to offer and users have more to consume. Meanwhile, Singapore’s 46.6 Mbps may have dropped slightly, but that’s still an impressive average speed from the third most densely populated country in the world (7,987.52 people per square kilometer).

Across developing countries availability is more important than speeds and OpenSignal’s report shows that. In June 75 countries were able to provide enough data to be listed and six months later in November, the number has risen to 77. Countries with established LTE network infrastructure are still increasing the reach of their networks and emerging markets are quickly rolling out their network, and we see countries like Pakistan and Tunisia able to provide LTE more than 50% of the time.

We’re slowly but surely moving to a world where everyone is connected, and that’s great news.

Download OpenSignal (free)

Brazil softens ride-hailing bill after talks with Uber

It sounds like Dara Khosrowshahi’s willingness to compromise with local authorities worked for Uber in Brazil. The ride-hailing firm’s new chief has successfully convinced Brazilian officials to get rid of the strictest rules in the country’s proposed legislation for ride-hailing services. Brazil originally wanted to require Uber drivers to apply for licenses with local municipalities to be able to use red number plates meant for public transport vehicles in country. In addition, authorities wanted to require Uber drivers to own the car they’re driving. The drivers are still subject to local authorities’ licensing and tax rules, but lawmakers ended up approving a more lenient version of the bill without the stipulations mentioned above.

Khosrowshahi flew to Brazil to negotiate with authorities amidst demonstrations for (by taxi drivers) and against (by Uber drivers) the proposed legislation. While the amended bill still needs final approval from the lower house, the new CEO was able to convince lawmakers that as it was, the legislation would make it hard for Uber’s 500,000 drivers in the country to earn a living. He told local publication O Estado de S. Paulo: “In the past we were a bit aggressive, but we have to understand that it’s not just about what we want and reach compromises. We are not against regulation. Regulating services like Uber is totally appropriate.”

Brazil is far from the only region where Uber is having problems, though, and Khosrowshahi has to work his magic in other parts of the globe, like London. In September, the company lost its license to operate in the city. Uber already filed an appeal, and London’s courts will have to decide whether to reinstate its license in the coming months.

Source: Reuters

Former Windows, Office exec Julie Larson-Green leaves Microsoft

Veteran Microsoft exec Julie Larson-Green is leaving the tech giant to explore new opportunities. During her almost 25 year stint at the company, Larson-Green really did see it all, making her way from Windows software to Xbox and Surface hardware. After returning to work on Office in recent years, the senior software engineer took leave to recover from spinal cord surgery six months ago. While out, she spent time advising other firms. “It made me realize I was ready to take what I learned at Microsoft and apply it in other places,” she said in a statement.

Many influenced by @Julie_LGreen’s collaborative leadership/product vision. Windows & Office immensely better because of her work. Me too. 🙌 https://t.co/bQjUleoXXa

— 🍪 Steven Sinofsky ॐ (@stevesi) October 31, 2017

Larson-Green left her imprint on Microsoft’s software by leading the redesign of Windows 8, which didn’t go down well with some users. The long-serving exec is also responsible for bringing the ribbon to Office. Upon Steven Sinofsky’s departure in 2012, she was charged with overseeing all Windows software and hardware.

Microsoft said that Office SharePoint and OneDrive lead Jeff Teper has been handling Larson-Green’s duties since she went on leave.