Japan’s disaster alerts will work with all Android 8.1 phones

Japan gets a lot of natural disasters. Combine the threat of earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons (however mild), and it’s easy to see why the Japanese government offers alerts across TV, radio and your mobile phone. Those smartphone alerts were usually baked in by carriers, which means if you had an unlocked phone, or a phone that’s running on one of several MVNO phone carriers, you would miss out on the potentially lifesaving heads-up.

The country’s Telecommunications Carriers Association has now announced that, starting on Android 8.1, any phone running Google’s latest OS will also be able pick up these alerts. It’ll also pick up other area-specific disaster information, including terrorist activities. Emergency notifications can be switched on iOS devices in the settings menu, although according to Apple’s support page, it appears to still be tied to Japan’s three major carriers.

The TCA doesn’t offer a specific date, as the onus will be on phone makers (and Google) to get the latest version of Android onto smartphones in order to benefit from the feature. Until then, third-party apps will remain the best bet for disaster warnings in Japan.

Via: Android Police

Source: TCA (Japanese)

Kodi comes full circle with a return to the Xbox

Media streaming software Kodi used to be known as XBMC (Xbox Media Center), but ironically, one of the few devices it hasn’t worked on is the Xbox One — until now. Kodi has unveiled version “18.0-Alpha1” for the Xbox One, giving owners of the console a (rough) streaming option. While it looks just like the Windows 10 and other versions of the app, the current version may be unstable and can’t access your Blu-ray drive or attached storage (via USB 3.0), unfortunately.

In addition, it can only access your video and music folders in a limited way, and network support is limited to NFS:// shares. “Due to the nature of how UWP (Universal Windows Platform) works, our hands are tied in some areas,” Kodi noted. “Some parts are not even finished yet and our developers are still working on getting it up to the regular standard.”

Kodi’s road to an Xbox One app is kind of interesting, if you’re an Xbox history buff. XBMC was originally developed for the Xbox because it was one of the few affordable devices with a TV out, Kodi notes. As smartphones, tablets, the Raspberry Pi, and numerous dedicated boxes came on the market, however, the developers stopped working on the Xbox itself, while porting it to many other platforms.

“It was thought by the team that getting Kodi (XBMC) running on newer Xbox versions would be wishful thinking and we would never see that happen anymore,” Kodi wrote. However, once the team managed to get Kodi repackaged first as a 32-bit UWP app, then in a 64-bit version, the Xbox One port became feasible.

If you’re willing to try out the early alpha app, it’s now available on the Xbox One store. If not, you can always use Xbox One’s built in Media Player or use the popular Plex app (the free version lets you play your own files). You can also stream on Xbox One with the VLC app.

Source: Kodi

Facebook and Twitter could face UK ‘sanctions’ over fake news

The chair of a UK committee investigating fake news has threatened Facebook and Twitter with “sanctions” if they allow the issue to fester on their respective platforms. In an interview with the Guardian, Damian Collins, chair of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said a political “mechanism” was needed to ensure companies monitor and swiftly take down deceptive posts. “There has to be a way of scrutinising the procedures that companies like Facebook put in place to help them identify known sources of disinformation, particularly when it’s politically motivated and coming from another country,” he said.

The comments arrive in the middle of an inquiry into the impact of fake news in the UK. As part of that investigation, Collins asked Facebook and Twitter for information about bots and Russian-linked accounts that might have swayed the EU referendum. Both companies wrote back, however Collins found their responses to be “completely inadequate.” Twitter, for instance, pointed to six referendum-related ads purchased by state-sponsored news outlet Russia Today for $1,031.99 last year. Collins, however, had been interested in a study by London’s City University which discovered a network of 13,493 suspected bot accounts in October.

According to the Guardian, Collins has given Twitter and Facebook until January 18th to provide new responses. It’s not clear what, if any penalty will be levied if they fail to supply adequate information. Sanctions could form part of the Committee’s final report, but that won’t be ready for some time. The cross-party group, after all, has scheduled further evidence-gathering sessions in Washington with Google, YouTube and CNN next February. (Representatives from Facebook and Twitter have also been asked to attend.) The UK government can then accept or reject the recommendations in the report, including any hypothetical fines.

Collins’ feelings are pretty clear. “What we need to be able to do is say to the companies: we recognise that you are best placed to monitor what is going on your own site and to get the balance right in taking action against it but also safeguarding the privacy of users,” he told The Guardian. “But what there has to be then is some mechanism of saying: if you fail to do that, if you ignore requests to act, if you fail to police the site effectively and deal with highly problematic content, then there has to be some sort of sanction against you.”

The likelihood the UK government will follow through with sanctions, as Collins’ threatens, is unlikely. A proposed fee system for companies that leave hate speech online, for instance, has been quickly watered down into contributions “on a voluntary basis.” Fines for fake news aren’t unthinkable, though. Back in October, Germany introduced the Network Enforcement Act — known as NetzDG — which can fine social media companies up to 50 million euros. It’s primarily aimed at curbing hate speech but could be used to fine companies that ignore fake news too. Germany and the UK are, of course, quite different, but their goals are the same: to stop malicious actors from deceiving their citizens over the web.

Source: The Guardian

iFixit Reduces Price of All DIY iPhone Battery Replacement Kits to $29 or Less

Yesterday, Apple responded to customer complaints about how the company handles power management features in older iPhone models and decided to reduce the price for out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacements from $79 to $29, beginning in late January and lasting through December 2018. In response, iFixit has decided to match that price point and lower the cost of every DIY iPhone battery fix kit to $29 or less.

iFixit’s kits include every tool that you need to open up an iPhone and swap out an old battery for a new one, and includes coverage for the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, SE, 5, 5c, 5, and 4s. Apple’s lowered price covers “anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced,” so iFixit’s fix kits also include coverage for older iPhone models excluded from Apple’s new program.

The difference with iFixit is that you’ll have to upgrade and swap out the battery on your own — unlike paying Apple to do it for you — but iFixit explained a few benefits that its DIY fix kits offer.

When we ask our customers why they do the repair themselves rather than take it to Apple, they give us a few reasons:

– Convenience. No need to drive anywhere or wait in line; replace your battery from your kitchen.
– Availability. Many people don’t live near an Apple Store, and don’t have another option for same-day repair.
– Privacy. Some people aren’t comfortable giving their device to someone else.
– Fun. It’s interesting to open up your stuff, find out how it works, and make it function better.

iFixit mentioned that over the last week it has noticed a 3x increase in customers using the site to replace their batteries, and in the last month just over 170,000 people specifically used the iFixit iPhone 6 battery install guide. For all iPhone models, nearly 510,000 people learned how to replace their device’s battery in the last month.

Tag: iFixit
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Not us! Android makers say they never slow phones because of battery problems

Android phone makers are responding to Apple’s recent public relations nightmare, after it was revealed the company slowed older iPhone models down to compensate for aging batteries, and avoid any problems that may occur due to them. Samsung, LG, HTC, and Motorola have all made statements saying they do not use similar tactics.

Motorola does not throttle processors inside its phones when the battery gets old, the company told The Verge, while HTC said something very similar. LG was more forthright, saying it never has, and never will slow down processors inside its devices, because it, “cares what our customers think.”

Samsung issued a longer statement, saying that in addition to not slowing processors over time, it uses software and built-in safety features to, “govern the battery charging current and charging duration.” This suggests Samsung prefers to manage the battery as it starts to age, rather than temper the processor to reduce strain. Digital Trends has contacted Huawei and OnePlus for comment, and will update when both respond.

While many will be pleased their Android phones won’t hit an artificial speed limit in the future, it doesn’t mean Android phones are immune to problems. The iPhone uses the same battery technology as every Android phone — therefore it degrades in the same way — and replacing the battery inside almost all flagship Android phones today is an equally awkward process too.

Reports of long-term system slowdown for Android phones aren’t rare either, and usually caused by lack of storage space, memory fragmentation, or other system issues. Huawei is one company that has acknowledged this, and made it very clear how it addresses the problem. Introduced in EMUI 5.0, it used machine learning to understand how you use your phone, then allocated resources intelligently to speed things up, along with new processes to manage memory. It promises EMUI 5 and above-equipped phones will remain fast even after 18 months of use.

Apple has responded to criticism by lowering the price of a replacement battery for the iPhone, which fixes any device throttling, and gone into detail about why it implemented these measures in the first place.

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• Huawei Mate 9 review
• Huawei Mate 10 Pro review
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• LG V30 review
• Huawei Honor 9 review

Deal: Early Pixelbook owners can get a $100 credit from certain retailers

If you were one of the first customers to buy a Google Pixelbook, you can get $100 back and a free Google Home.

The suggested retail price for Google’s base model Pixelbook is $999, but after a little more than a month on the shelves the convertible saw a holiday discount to $899 and a free Google Home from certain retailers. Early adopters who bought the device in the first few weeks may be in luck, depending on where they purchased it.

Some retailers have been issuing refunds for the $100 (plus sales tax) difference between the MSRP and holiday pricing. I spoke with the customer support team at my local Best Buy, and they refunded the $107 difference back to my debit card and let me grab a free Google Home off the shelf. Some users had to escalate the situation to Best Buy’s phone support but were able to get the credit and Google Home in the end.

Those that bought the Pixelbook from other retailers have not been so lucky. Reddit user fizzysota purchased their Pixelbook from the Google Store, and was told they would have to return the device for the original $999 price and re-order it at the $899 price. Other users that bought the device from Amazon had similar results.

Were you able to get a partial refund on your Pixelbook? Let us know down below!

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‘Black Mirror’ season four is here to ruin your holiday spirit

At some point during Christmas and New Year, the days just sort of blend together. Sat silently in your parents’ living room, you’re already bored of your gifts, permanently spaced from ’round-the-clock imbibing, and you can’t possibly eat any more cheese. But snap out of it, because it’s finally time to sink your teeth into season four of Black Mirror. All six episodes of everyone’s favorite dystopian reality check are available to binge on Netflix right this second — and let’s be honest, you are going to binge it, because spoilers will be lighting up the group chat by dinner time. To celebrate the new series (and the end of 2017), Netflix has also released a lovely New Year’s message. Not the trailer you may’ve already seen teasing the latest episodes, but a mosaic of footage taken from previous seasons and the real world, which suggests the line between show and the other side of the glass is growing ever thinner.

The Morning After: Friday, December 29th 2017

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.

Apple’s apologizing to its customers, and we’re running down the best games from last year. Plus, the new season of Black Mirror is here.

Out-of-warranty battery replacements will now cost only $29.Apple apologizes for confusion over slowdowns with older iPhones

Apple has been in hot water for the last few weeks after the company admitted that it sometimes reduced processor speeds on iPhones with aging batteries as a way to balance performance and battery life. Today, the company is apologizing for not being more transparent with its customers and released more details on how exactly iOS manages battery and performance. That, however, hasn’t stopped several lawsuits, from the US to France.

And what we’re most excited about in 2018.The best games of 2017

Early 2017 brought us legitimate contenders for game of the year in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn and Persona 5 — and that’s not to mention Resident Evil’s return to form. Now the year is almost over, and we’ve had a stunning Mario game, another great Wolfenstein title and even an Assassin’s Creed game that exceeded all expectations. We pick out the best of this year, and also take a look at what’s just on the horizon.

Microsoft still has a lot of catching up to do.Xbox’s lack of compelling games won’t be fixed next year

There’s a real lack of Xbox exclusive titles in our key picks from the last twelve months of games — and it’s not a problem that’s going to be fixed any time soon.

Could happen to anyone.Russia lost a satellite because of one small mistake

According to Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin, the Roscosmos agency lost a $45 million satellite last month because of an unfortunate error. On Russian TV, he said the Meteor M was set to launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome instead of where it actually launched, from Vostochny. Roscosmos has more generally blamed the loss on problems with an algorithms, but it’s still a reminder to always double check your settings.

But wait, there’s more…

• Fire TV users lose access to the YouTube app earlier than expected
• South Korea enacts new cryptocurrency regulations
• Chrome OS will finally run Android apps in the background
• Snapchat wants to help you relive your best 2017 memories
• ‘Half-Life 3’ fan venture ‘Project Borealis’ is taking shape

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.

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Porsche’s electric Mission E will pack up to 670 horsepower

We’ve already noted that Porsche is gunning for Tesla with its Mission E sports car, and has even been spotted testing it against the Model X and Model S. Now we know more about what you’ll be able to buy when it goes on the market, reportedly in 2019. Automobile reports that it will likely release three all-wheel drive versions with 300 kW, 400 kW and 500 kW (402, 536 and 670 horsepower). It’ll have a two-speed transmission and, as we’ve noted earlier, will hit 0 to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph, and go around 300 miles on a charge.

Spies have previously caught Porsche testing a Mission E mule that vaguely resembles the auto show model (below). However, it had regular doors (rather than a suicide rear door), less bulgy fenders and a front end that’s not quite so dramatic.

However, Automobile tested a version that retains all of those features and looks exactly like the show car that first appeared in Frankfurt. Based on that, it’s hard to say exactly which Mission E we’ll get when it starts production, reportedly in 2020.

Comparisons against Tesla are tempting, but the Mission E will address a slightly different market. Thanks to the electric drivetrain, it’s bigger inside than it looks, but is still seats four and not five+2 folks like the Model S. “The production version is in essence a C-segment sedan with an almost D-size interior,” Mission E lead Stefan Weckbach told Automobile.

The concept also has a much more aggressive, nearly supercar-like profile, as well. Even if it’s relatively roomy inside, it’s more likely to attract buyers who want a roomy sports car. Tesla buyers, on the other hand, probably want things the other way around — a sedan that can go like hell if need be. Either way, you can no longer dismiss the Mission E as vaporware, as Porsche now seems to be on a mission (sorry) to get it into production.

Via: Autoblog

Source: Automobile

Apple Patent Filing Describes Wireless Power Transfer System That Can Prioritize Devices

Two days ago, we reported that Energous had received FCC certification for the company’s first-generation WattUp Mid Field transmitter, which powers up devices at a distance of up to three feet away. As noted by VentureBeat, this week also saw two new Apple wireless power patent applications published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

While the patents don’t confirm anything on their own, rumors have floated since 2015 that Energous has been working with Apple on a truly wireless charging solution for future mobile devices, so they may offer an idea of what users can expect, should the rumors prove accurate.

The first patent, covered by Patently Apple, describes a way of creating custom schedules for a charger capable of sending power to multiple devices such as phones, laptops, tablets, and watches over a “wireless power transfer link”. The power profiler works so as to remember the order of priority for charging the devices – if the user wants their Apple Watch to be fully charged before their iPad, for instance.

In another example, the user can set more nuanced preferences for charging priority, by requesting, say, that their watch is charged first but only if their iPad has at least 25 percent battery power; or requesting that their iPhone takes charging priority over all else during the evening, but only if their calendar indicates that they will be out of the office the next morning.

The second patent is less detailed, but describes a wireless power transmitting device that can function as a standalone adaptor, or send power a wireless charging mat, and in some embodiments, can be hidden in furniture or incorporated into a vehicle interior, in order to charge a “wireless power receiving device”. The receiving device is described as being capable of pausing wireless power transmission and sending information back to the power source if necessary.

Both patents were filed in June of this year, have not yet been granted, and as with all Apple patents, may never appear as consumer devices, but the power scheduling systems described above may yet prove to be the link to Energous’ wire-free solutions. Whether Apple decides 2018 is the year to build upon the contact-based wireless charging capability it introduced with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X remains to be seen.

Related Roundups: iPhone 8, iPhone XTags: wireless charging, patentBuyer’s Guide: iPhone 8 (Buy Now), iPhone X (Buy Now)
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