Dreamworks’ exclusive Netflix shows for 2018 include ‘She-Ra’

If you’ll be after some light-hearted TV viewing to banish the January blues (and let’s face it, who won’t be?) you’re in luck, as Netflix and DreamWorks are bringing six new original cartoon series to screens in the new year. Family-friendly Trolls: The Beat Goes On! — which picks up where the previous series left off and premieres on January 19 — has been positioned at the top of the companies’ announcement, but retro fans will likely be more excited by the news that girl power icon She-Ra is also getting her own rebooted air time (premiere date TBC). The rest of the line-up includes The Boss Baby: Back in Business, Harvey Street Kids, The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Trollhunters (part 3) and 3 Below (the second instalment of Tales of Arcadia Trilogy). Premiere dates for these are yet to be confirmed, but they’ll be available for Netflix members worldwide when they do land.

Via: Deadline

Nintendo Looking for Additional Mobile Software Developers After DeNA Partnership Falls Behind Schedule

Nintendo is looking to hire more software developers to help it create mobile video games in the vein of Super Mario Run and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. According to people familiar with the matter speaking with The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo has decided to expand its roster of smartphone game developers after its partnership with DeNA “fell behind schedule.”

Nintendo and DeNA first announced their partnership in March 2015, and then a few months later in May 2015 explained their schedule: the companies would release their first iOS game that year, and then five more before March 2017. By October 2015, the first Nintendo mobile app — Miitomo — was pushed back to 2016, marking the first delay of the company’s long term smartphone strategy release plan.

Eventually, Miitomo launched in March 2016, Super Mario Run launched in December 2016, Fire Emblem Heroes launched in February 2017, and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp just launched in November 2017. Besides Super Mario Run, every mobile game released by Nintendo and made by DeNA was delayed at some point.

Now, Nintendo is looking to introduce new collaborations with other software developers and “raise the pace of new titles” so that these games don’t face as heavy delays as they did previously. While Nintendo took a 10 percent ownership stake in DeNA when it partnered with the company, sources knowledgeable of the new plan stated that it “isn’t planning” to do that again with any new developer partners.

Nintendo reported less than ¥20 billion ($176 million) in revenue in the year ended in March 2017 from its smartphone games, including one featuring Mario. Some investors say the mobile revenue has fallen short of expectations, but Nintendo executives say that rather than try to squeeze out more mobile revenue—which could lead to a consumer backlash—they are focusing on converting those users to buy more expensive products.

Potential new developers include GungHo Online Entertainment Inc., which created the mobile game Puzzle & Dragons. For DeNA, company CEO Isao Moriyasu has previously said that the developer “has more smartphone games in the pipeline” in partnership with Nintendo, and both companies plan to “continue the relationship.”

Tags: Nintendo, DeNA
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iPhone 8 Was Nearly World’s Top Google Search This Year

Hurricane Irma, iPhone 8, and iPhone X were the world’s three most popular search terms on Google this year, according to the company.

While the results make it look like the iPhone 8 is more popular than the iPhone X, it’s important to consider that Apple’s flagship smartphone was more commonly referred to as the iPhone 8 in rumors until a leaked version of iOS 11 essentially confirmed its stealthier name back in August.

In the consumer tech category, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X were the most popular search terms in 2017, ahead of the Nintendo Switch, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Xbox One X in the top five globally. In the United States in particular, the iPhone 8 Plus was the sixth most popular search term.

Google Trends outlines other popular search terms in its Year in Search 2017 categories, including actors, athletes, car brands, exercises, movies, recipes, songs and lyrics, sports teams, TV shows, and world events.

The results are similar to last year, when the iPhone 7 was the most searched smartphone brand on Google, but the second most popular search term overall behind smash-hit game Pokémon GO.

Related Roundup: iPhone 8Tag: GoogleBuyer’s Guide: iPhone 8 (Buy Now)
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Amazon UK drops the Echo Show to its lowest price yet

If you’ve been holding out for an Echo Show deal then hold out no longer. Amazon UK has just slashed £70 from the regular price of its big-screened Alexa device.

It’s part of the Amazon Christmas deals, so it will only be around until December 22 as it stands. In any case, you can snag an Echo Show in white or black right now for just £129.99, down from £199.99.

The Echo Show has hit the headlines recently because Google said it’s going to start blocking YouTube access from it altogether, but even if/when that transpires, there’s a lot you can do with this guy. Not least use it to make video calls.

If you’re interested but want to know more then you’ll want to check out our full review. Otherwise hit the link below and get one while you can. If you prefer your Alexa without a display, the regular 2nd generation Echo is also reduced, now just £69.99 for the fabric covered version and the Echo Dot is back down to £34.99.

Fire tablets are also seeing fairly good price cuts, with the Fire HD 8 down to £49.99, while the Fire TV Stick is at a very affordable £29.99. The 4K capable Fire TV is also reduced, coming in at £54.99. So if you need a last minute gift idea, Amazon has you covered.

See at Amazon

Everyday Carry Essentials Gift Guide

They may not be glamorous gifts, but these everyday essentials are a good pick for most everybody. Go stylish with Timex’s Weekender watch or thoughtful with the Moleskin Cahier Journal; a simple gift can say a lot.

Timex Weekender watchYou always want a nice watch when you’re going out, but you don’t always want to risk your nicest watch. That’s why the Timex Weekender is so good. It tells accurate time, looks great, and it’s inexpensive enough you won’t regret getting it scratched.Amazon$29.99WishlistLeatherman Tread bracelet wearable multi-toolLeatherman multi-tools are a classic piece of gear to always have on you no matter what the occasion calls for. This bracelet just makes that a little easier to do, especially if you don’t have baggy pockets.Amazon$174.85WishlistMoleskin Cahier journal pocket notebook 3-packPocket notebooks don’t have to change your life with their design. All you need is something small and simple you can whip out to jot down notes or collect your thoughts.Amazon$9.50WishlistFisher Space Pen – ShuttleWhile this Fisher Space Pen model is a bit more expensive, it’s got the extra ridges for a better grip. Because pens float away in space.Amazon$35.20WishlistFisher Space Pen – BulletThe Fisher Space Pen is designed to work at any angle, even if you’re floating in zero gravity. So whether you need to sign documents at the bank or write your memoir on the International Space Station, you need this pen.Amazon$17.02WishlistKershaw Skyline Knife with 3-inch bladeVery few items scream “everyday carry” like a good, sharp knife. Useful for everything from opening packages to getting rid of a loose thread, the Kershaw Skyline is a long-time favorite for knife lovers.Amazon$68.85WishlistParacord Bracelet with Fire Starter and Eye Knife ScraperWhether your into paracord braceletes or starting fires, this piece of gear from The Friendly Swede has you covered.Amazon$9.99WishlistKeySmart Extended Compact Key Holder and Keychain OrganizerYou’ve got too many keys and they’re tearing a hole in your pocket. Keep your keychain from rattling with the KeySmart key holder. It’s the sort of essential tool you didn’t know you needed until you use it.Amazon$19.98WishlistPanasonic Ergofit in-ear headphonesGet an expendable pair of inexpensive, decent-sounding headphones perfect for when you have to ride public transportation or spend some time at the local coffee shop.Amazon$12.28WishlistDude Wipes Single PacksDudes are gross and messy. Dude wipes are clean. Get Dude Wipes to escape from the daily grossness of being a dude.Amazon$12.01WishlistColeman All Purpose 27 Piece First Aid KitGoing on a camping trip? Doing some potentially dangerous work in your garage? This first aid kit has all the common items you might need in an emergency, whether it’s a kitchen cutting accident, working on your car, or whatever else you’re doing.Amazon$7.00WishlistLeather Headphone Wrap KeychainTangled headphones usually end up in the garbage in my house. This leather wrap keychain lets you store the headphones neatly, and transport them with ease.Amazon$14.00WishlistNomad Charging WalletThis wallet has a 2400mAh battery and tiny Lightning cable built right into it. If you can’t be bothered with carrying some extra juice around any other way, you might as well carry it where you carry everything else important to you.Nomad$80.00WishlistZippo Hand WarmerOk, campers! Rise and shine! And don’t forget your Zippo Hand Warmer cause it’s cold out there today.Amazon$12.00WishlistDango Tactical WalletSometimes a wallet is just a wallet. And sometimes a wallet helps you fight crime and save damsels in distress. I’m not sure that’s what this one does, but it definitely looks the part.Amazon$89.00WishlistZojirushi 20-ounce Steel MugThe Zojirushi brand makes a lot of different types of mugs, and it doesn’t really matter which one you buy because as far as mugs go they’re all about as good as it gets.Amazon$26.00Wishlist

Deal: Get 4 lines of unlimited data from Cricket, Boost Mobile, or MetroPCS for just $100!

A great deal on some cheap unlimited data!

If you’re in the market for a new unlimited data plan, you’re in luck. Currently, any party of four (friends or family) can grab four lines of unlimited data for $100/month out the door from Cricket, Boost Mobile or MetroPCS. All the extra fees, taxes, and surcharges are included in the pricing.

Here are the carriers offering this buy-in-bulk deal.

Cricket Unlimited 2 Plan (AT&T network)

On this plan, you’ll get unlimited data on AT&T’s expansive network and coverage but note that the maximum data speed is 3Mbps which is fine for most basic internetting.

• Unlimited talk, text & data. After using 22GB of data, speeds may slow temporarily during times of high network congestion.
• Unlimited international text from U.S. to 180+ countries.
• Video streaming in Standard Definition, 480p+.
• 10GB of mobile hotspot (tethering) is available for an additional $10/mo.
• All in pricing. Taxes, surcharges, and fees are included.

See at Cricket

Boost Unlimited GIGS (Sprint network)

In addition to 4G LTE unlimited data, you’ll also get unlimited music streaming and 8GB of mobile hotspot. Want more? Add a 5th line, and the price won’t budge. Yep. 5 lines of unlimited data with Boost.

• Unlimited talk, text & data. After using 23GB of data, speeds may slow temporarily during times of high network congestion.
• Video streaming in Standard Definition, 480p+.
• 8GB of mobile hotspot (tethering) included.
• All in pricing. Taxes, surcharges, and fees are included.

See at Boost

Metro PCS (T-Mobile network)

This plan not only offers unlimited talk, text, data on T-Mobile’s coast-to-coast network but also a free subscription to Amazon Prime.

• Unlimited talk, text & data. After using 35GB of data, speeds may slow temporarily during times of high network congestion.
• Video streaming in Standard Definition, 480p.
• 10GB of mobile hotspot (tethering) is available for an additional $10/mo.
• All in pricing. Taxes, surcharges and fees are included.

See at MetroPCS

Uber is fighting to keep its licence in another UK city

Council members in York have voted not to renew Uber’s operating licence, condemning the ride-hailing company to its third UK city ban in as many months. At a meeting held by the York Council’s Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee on Tuesday, the committee deemed Uber to not be a fit and proper operator. It raised concerns about the massive data breach Uber suffered — and subsequently hid — in October 2016, and the number of complaints it had received about its service. The company’s current 12-month licence is currently due to expire on Christmas Eve.

In total, York council received 296 complaints relating to private hire and hackney carriage drivers. More than half of them were attributed to Uber. Saf Din, chairman of the York Hackney Carriage Drivers Association, told attendees that Uber was “systematically abusing” local laws and attempting to utilise loopholes by allowing drivers registered in other cities to operate within York. “The trade does not object to fair competition, but Uber are not a fair player in the public transport world in the UK,” he added.

Before this week, Uber had already fallen foul of Transport for London, which decided not to renew the company’s operating licence across the capital in September, and in Sheffield, where the council suspended the service in late November because it “failed to respond to requests, made by our licensing team, about the management of Uber.”

“This is a disappointing vote for the riders and drivers who use our app in the city. More choice and competition is a good thing for both consumers and licensed drivers in the area. Passengers tell us they love being able to track their car on a live map, pay without cash and get a receipt with their fare and the route taken, said Neil McGonigle, General Manager for Uber in York. “Licensed drivers partner with us because with Uber they can choose if, when and where they drive. We will review the details of the decision once we receive the formal notice from the council.”

In a statement today, Sheffield council confirmed that the ban has now been lifted after the company “provided satisfactory replies to the questions asked by Sheffield City Council about the management of Uber.” The council still has to approve Uber’s recent application to continue operating in the city, which will be made in “early 2018.”

Uber now has three weeks to decide whether it will appeal York council’s decision at a magistrates’ court. Should it do so, it will be allowed to operate in the city until a ruling is made, which is what it currently does in London.

Source: York.gov.uk (PDF)

The Morning After: Wednesday, December 13th 2017

Good morning! It’s the middle of the week and some of us are mortgaging our homes to get into Bitcoin. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s recycled spacecrafts get together, Apple’s new iMac is coming and we open nominations for the Best of CES 2018. Yep, the Consumer Electronics Show is just around the corner, and we’re looking for the best tech to be found in Vegas.

It’s just about that time of year.
Engadget is once again presenting the official Best of CES awards

CES is just around the corner, and we’re getting ready to try out all the latest gadgets. We’re also pumped to be hosting the official Best of CES awards for the fifth year in a row. Just as in years past, our team of intrepid editors will search out the cream of the crop, nominate a group of finalists and later select the winners. Oh, and you, too, will have your voice heard through the People’s Choice award. Want to know more? Head over to our awards hub. Oh and if you’re part of a company who wants to submit a product for consideration, you’ll find instructions for that, too.

There’s a reason it’s called the Bitcoin bubble, folks.
People are mortgaging their houses to buy Bitcoin

Bitcoin is sitting at $16,674 at the time of writing, after rocketing from $1,000 to more than $19,000 in the course of this year. Those types of eye-catching numbers (and the resulting media hype) are bound to draw the interest of casual folk. But, unless you’ve got money to burn, most analysts will tell you the same thing: steer clear of the hyper-volatile currency.

Still, it seems some people aren’t paying heed. A bunch of wannabe investors are even going so far as to take mortgages out to buy bitcoin.

One is a serious VR contender.
Samsung vs. Acer Mixed Reality headsets: Which handles VR best?

The big VR story this year isn’t another headset from Oculus or HTC — it’s Microsoft’s entry into the space with Windows 10 Mixed Reality devices. They promise to be cheaper and easier to use than the Rift or Vive, thanks to a bit of help from HoloLens’ 3D tracking technology. Acer’s was among the first we saw in action, and it was a promising example of what an inexpensive VR headset could look like. Samsung, meanwhile, was late to the party with HMD Odyssey, but it also gave us a glimpse at high-end Mixed Reality headsets. Now that we’ve spent some time with both (along with HP’s headset earlier this week), it’s time to decide which handles Mixed Reality best.

Its first pro desktop in years is almost here.
Apple iMac Pro goes on sale December 14th

If you like your Apple hardware incredibly powered, you’ve been waiting on this. Apple’s new iMac Pro will launch mid-December, with prices starting from $4,999. That ‘starter’ model ships with an 8-core Xeon processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of solid-state storage and a Radeon Vega Pro graphics chipset with 8GB of RAM. And it all scales up from there.

Almost ready for tourists
Blue Origin tests Crew Capsule 2.0

The latest rocket launch from Blue Origin featured a second generation of its capsule equipped with “the biggest windows in space.” The Jeff Bezos-backed company has said it could start space tourism trips as soon as next year, and giving passengers a good view for their money will be critical. This flight only had equipment and a test dummy onboard, but all went well — check out the video here.

The number-one-selling EV in the world gets a much-needed makeover.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf gets a semi-autonomous upgrade

The Nissan Leaf is the top-selling electric vehicle in the world. Sure, Tesla and Chevy get all the hype with the Bolt and Model 3, but with more than 290,000 cars sold, Nissan’s little electric car is the one people are buying. But after seven years without a design refresh, Nissan has finally gone back to upgrade the original for 2018. We took it for a spin.

Nearly 40 senators signed a letter asking Ajit Pai to abandon the proposal.
Senators make last-ditch effort to halt the FCC’s net neutrality vote

The FCC votes this Thursday on its proposal to remove net neutrality protections, and while it’s all but certain that the commission will vote in favor of the proposal, some still haven’t given up trying to convince the commissioners to change their minds — including 39 senators. They apparently signed a letter addressed to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai requesting that he reconsider: “We write to urge you to abandon your reckless plan to radically alter the free and open internet as we know it,” the Democrats wrote. “Your proposed action will amount to the largest abdication of the Federal Communications Commission’s statutory responsibilities in history.”

But wait, there’s more…

• Google finally integrates Duo on Android call screen
• Steve Bannon and Breitbart spent months trying to sabotage Twitter
• Amazon Prime Video will stream in HDR10+ on Samsung TVs
• Watch SpaceX launch a reused capsule on a recycled rocket

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Google opens AI center in China even though it’s still blocked there

Google has always had a rocky relationship with China. The search engine is banned in the country, along with its app store, email and cloud services, but that hasn’t stopped the company from maintaining some level of presence with its international workforce. And that presence is set to grow following the announcement that Google is setting up an AI research center in Beijing.

The facility will, according to Google, be the first of its kind in Asia, made up of a small team working on basic AI research from an existing office. The company seems keen to attract the best people to the department, noting that it’s already hired some “top experts” and will be working to build the team in the months ahead. There’s certainly no shortage of talent in the country, but Google will be competing with the likes of Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba for it, not to mention rapidly-expanding startups such as SenseTime and Face++, which also place a deep emphasis on AI work.

The announcement isn’t a sign that Google will be launching new services in China — or even rolling out its existing ones — any time soon (although earlier this year it was allowed to make its Google Translate app available in the country as well as hold a Go tournament in eastern China), but does demonstrate China’s appetite for research and development. As Google’s chief AI scientist Fei-Fei Li said in the announcement blog post, “the science of AI has no borders, neither do its benefits”.

Via: Reuters

Source: Google

Trump approves federal ban on Kaspersky

If Kaspersky tried to mend its relationship with the US government these past months, then its efforts likely failed. The president has just signed a defense policy spending bill into law, and it includes the government’s ban on using the Moscow-based company’s anti-virus product. While the US already prohibited its federal agencies from using Kaspersky back in September, this makes things official — feds will have to switch anti-virus programs if they haven’t yet.

The security firm has been under fire over the past year after it was accused of working with Russian intelligence. According to a New York Times report, Israel told the United States that its people witnessed Russian hackers break into NSA’s computers to steal secrets using the anti-virus software. It lost a lot of federal business as a result, and even UK’s cyber security authorities warned its country’s agencies against using Kaspersky.

The company can still sell to private entities, but it’s also having issues with that part of its businessq: Best Buy, for one, pulled the anti-virus from its shelves. It’s even reportedly shutting down its Washington DC office as a result of the crackdown. Kaspersky once offered to make its source code available for review in an effort to regain customers’ trust — unfortunately, the government found that offer lacking. It told Reuters in a statement that it has serious concerns about the law “due to its geographic-specific approach to cybersecurity” and is now assessing its options.

Source: Reuters