Facebook kills its ‘M’ AI assistant on January 19th

Facebook M is, or was, an artificially-intelligent AI that used human operatives to ensure that its recommendations were on point. “Was,” at least, because the social network has revealed that its shutting down the platform on January 19th after two-and-a-half-years of operation. The news was confirmed to the Verge today, with Facebook saying that the project was an experiment that it learned a lot from. These insights will be used on other internal AI projects, while the human operatives will be found jobs elsewhere in the company.

M launched with some fanfare as a limited trial, only open to a handful of people in San Francisco’s Bay Area initially. The idea was that the system would learn to respond to various queries and requests for assistance through messenger. And, over time, it would become sophisticated enough to become a more sophisticated assistant in the vein of Siri, Alexa or Assistant. Unfortunately, the concierge service that powered it was little more than a way of getting other people to make calls for you, and its utility was perpetually limited.

The fact that Facebook couldn’t, or wouldn’t, find reasons for folks to use its platform seemed likely to kill it stone dead. In addition, there are plenty of other human-run concierge services that charge a pretty penny to to a similar job. Running the service at, what we assume was a steep loss, was probably only worthwhile as a way of testing the waters and hoping that the AI would eventually take over. But since folks seemingly never embraced it, it had to die, so those beta testers in San Francisco have a few days left to get their fill.

A Facebook spokesperson sent us the following comment:

“Today we shared with the people who have access to our M closed beta project, first announced in August 2015, that January 19th is the last day the service will be available. We launched this project to learn what people needed and expected of an assistant, and we learned a lot. We’re taking these useful insights to power other AI projects at Facebook. We continue to be very pleased with the performance of M suggestions in Messenger, powered by our learnings from this experiment.”

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.

Source: The Verge

GE made a giant Echo Show rival that lives above your stove

Making your refrigerator the hub of your home is so last CES. This year, it’s all about that range. Your cooking range, that is. On Monday, GE Appliances debuted its latest smart home solution, a voice and motion controlled screen that sits at eye level as you’re using the stove.

The company claims that the kitech range is “the one appliance family and friends gather around while making dinner and conversation at the end of the day” so of course that’s the perfect place to put a 27-inch TV everybody can look at instead of their phones. Phillips just revealed a similar, Google Assistant-powered concept earlier today.

On that screen, you’ll be able to make live video calls, check connected smart home cameras, access online recipes and instructions, and see what’s on your calendar. There is, of course, a stovetop-facing camera as well so that you can share photos of what you’re cooking with the infinite abyss that is social media. Though, given the home kitchen disasters that one can find on YouTube, you’d better hope the screen is fire-resistant as well.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.

CES 2018: Nanoleaf Debuts New $49 HomeKit-Enabled Remote for Controlling Nanoleaf Light Panels

Nanoleaf, the company behind the popular HomeKit-enabled Nanoleaf Light Panels (formerly called the Aurora), today announced the upcoming launch of the Nanoleaf Remote.

The Nanoleaf Remote, priced at $49.99, is a neat-looking dodecahedron-shaped device that’s designed to let you change your HomeKit scenes and dim the lights just by manipulating the remote.

There are 12 sides to the Nanoleaf Remote, each of which can be set to a different HomeKit scene. You can choose lighting scenes that are for the Nanoleaf Light Panels, or more complex scenes that incorporate multiple HomeKit products.

While designed to work with the Nanoleaf Light Panels, the Bluetooth-enabled Remote is a standalone device that works with any HomeKit setup so long as you have a Home Hub, aka a Nanoleaf Rhythm module, an Apple TV, or an iPad. Android users will need the Rhythm module for the Remote to work.

Nanoleaf plans to launch the Remote in the spring of 2018, but it will be shown off at CES. Nanoleaf will also be demonstrating Light Panels in new shapes at CES, prior to a launch later in 2018.

Nanoleaf’s existing Light Panels with Rhythm module can be purchased from the Nanoleaf website for $230.

Tags: HomeKit, Nanoleaf, CES 2018
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CES 2018: Hyper Launches 8-in-1 USB-C Hub With Built-In 7.5W Wireless Charger

Hyper, a brand owned by Sanyo, today announced the upcoming launch of a new HyperDrive USB-C Hub, which is available for pre-order on Kickstarter starting today.

The HyperDrive USB-C Hub, which is compatible with all USB-C equipped MacBook and MacBook Pro models, features a total of 8 ports, including a 4K HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a microSD slot, an SD card slot, three USB-A 3.1 ports and one USB-C power delivery port.

In addition, the USB-C Hub has a built-in 7.5W wireless charger and convertible stand that’s designed to charge the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.

Using the included stand, which has a hinge that can be set to multiple viewing angles, the iPhone can be charged flat or while standing up in landscape or portrait mode thanks to three included wireless charging coils.

The HyperDrive USB-C Hub has an included retractable USB-C charging cable to allow it to be connected to a MacBook, but it can also be plugged into the wall with a USB-C power source to provide power to the MacBook and to serve as a standalone wireless charging device when not connected to a MacBook.

HyperDrive claims that the USB-C Hub is able to charge an iPhone X faster than 7.5W wireless chargers available from Belkin and Mophie, and it says that the hub operates at a lower temperature than standard wireless charging accessories. The USB-C Hub is designed to operate at 77ºF, with generated heat isolated from the iPhone via an airgap and dissipated through the accessory’s aluminum sides.

There is an LCD display built into the hub to provide details on voltage and current, and it’s designed to be similar in size to other Qi wireless chargers on the market.

Hyper has an early bird special that will allow Kickstarter backers to get one of the new HyperDrive USB-C Hubs for $69, which it says is over 50 percent off the retail price of $149. Once early bird models have been exhausted, the HyperDrive USB-C Hub will be available for $89.

The Kickstarter project from Hyper has an estimated delivery of March 2018 for the first orders and April 2018 for later orders.

Tags: USB-C, Hyper, CES 2018
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CES 2018: Ring Announces New Line of Home Security Devices

Ring, the company behind the well-known Ring video doorbell, today announced the launch of a full home security ecosystem that includes a range of new products like indoor/outdoor security cameras and connected outdoor lights.

The new battery-powered Stick Up Cam, which is compatible with the Ring Solar Panel Charger, is a weatherproof security camera that’s designed to work both indoors and outdoors. It supports 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and a built-in passive infrared motion sensors with zone detection.

The WiFi-enabled Stick Up Cam Elite also works indoors and outdoors, but rather than a battery, it’s powered via standard wall outlet or Ethernet connection. It features the same 1080p video and two-way audio, along with advanced motion sensors with zone detection.

Ring Beams are new smart lights that came from a recent Ring acquisition of Mr Beams, an LED lighting company. Ring Beams, which are lights that are designed to be used outdoors, include a nightlight, a motion sensor, a light designed for a pathway, a and spotlight. Ring Beams integrate with the Ring app and all of Ring’s security cameras and doorbells.

Ring also announced that its professionally monitored customizable home security system, will start shipping out to customers in the spring of 2018. The Ring security system, priced at $199, includes accessories like a Base Station, Keypad, Contact Sensor, Passive Infrared Sensor, and Z-Wave Extender. It also includes 24/7 professional monitoring and cloud video storage for a $10 per month fee.

Additional information about all of Ring’s new products debuting at the Consumer Electronics Show can be found on the Ring website. Ring’s new accessories will be launching later in 2018.

Tags: Ring, CES 2018
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Android Pay and Google Wallet Have Merged to Become ‘Google Pay’

Google today announced it has merged Android Pay and Google Wallet into one consolidated payments service called Google Pay.

Over the coming weeks, Google said users will be able to use Google Pay online, in stores, and across Google products, and Google Wallet’s existing peer-to-peer payment functionality will continue to be supported.

Google Pay is already available in select first-party apps such as YouTube and Chrome, and in Airbnb, Dice, Fandango, HungryHouse, Instacart, and select other third-party apps and websites on Android and in Chrome.

Google Pay branding will be rolled out in apps, websites, and next to payment terminals in stores as Android Pay branding and decals are retired.

Google Pay along with Samsung Pay are Apple Pay’s biggest rivals among mobile payment services. Google Pay also competes with Apple’s recently launched peer-to-peer payment service Apple Pay Cash in the United States.

Tags: Google, Google Wallet, Android Pay, Google Pay
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iMac Pro Gets First Discount With Price Drop of $250 on $5K Configuration

It’s been just under one month since the iMac Pro launched, and Best Buy today has already discounted one configuration of Apple’s high-end desktop computer.

The configuration on sale is the 27-inch 5K iMac Pro with a 3.2GHz 8-core Xeon W processor, 32GB of memory, and 1TB SSD, priced at $4,749.99, down from $4,999.99. The iMac Pro comes with a six month subscription of Webroot Secure Anywhere software to defend against various online threats such as phishing attacks and malware.

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This is the base model of the iMac Pro, and 14-core and 18-core processors are available in customizable configurations that increase the price of the computer to as much as $13,199. If you’re looking for more information regarding the configuration options of Apple’s latest desktop computer, head over to our iMac Pro Roundup.

Other Mac-related sales remain ongoing at B&H Photo this week, including a notable deal on the late 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro, with one configuration priced at $1,999, down from $2,799. As a comparison, the same configuration is priced at $2,399 on Adorama and MacMall. We’ve listed this sale below, along with a few other discounts:

• 13-inch MacBook Air, Mid 2017, 1.8GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD – $879.00, down from $999.00
• 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mid 2017, 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD – $1,199.00, down from $1,299.00
• 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, Late 2016, 2.6GHz, 16GB RAM, 256 SSD – $1,799.00, down from $2,399.00
• 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, Late 2016, 2.7GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD – $1,999.00, down from $2,799.00
• 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, Late 2016, 2.9GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD – $2,499.00, down from $3,499.00

For more of the latest sales, be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup.

Related Roundups: Apple Deals, iMac ProBuyer’s Guide: iMac Pro (Buy Now)
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Abode Announces ‘Iota’ HomeKit-Compatible Home Security Gateway and Camera

Abode Systems today announced the iota, an all-in-one security camera that’s designed to offer security and integration with other smart home products.

The iota features a 1080p camera that can be used for home monitoring purposes, along with a built-in gateway that supports Z-Wave, ZigBee, and abode RF for connecting to hundreds of other devices. Native app support is included for many major smart home brands like Nest, ecobee, Philips Hue, and LIFX.

Included HomeKit compatibility also allows the iota to interface with HomeKit devices, and it’s also been designed to work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Through the accompanying Abode app, users can get detailed alerts and notifications when notable events are recorded by the camera.

Live video streaming is available through the Abode app or through the Home app, and while saving recorded footage beyond three days requires an Abode subscription, in the event of an alarm, clips are automatically uploaded to the Abode timeline regardless of plan. Plans are offered on an on-demand basis and can be purchased in three or seven day increments, with longer monthly and annual plans also available.

Design wise, the iota is cylindrical in shape and features a black and white fabric-covered design that allows it to blend with most decor. It connects to a home using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and a built-in battery keeps it powered on for 10 hours even when the power goes out. There’s also an option for backup LTE connectivity to make sure that the iota is always connected.

Abode plans to begin selling the iota during the first quarter of 2018 for $329. Existing Abode customers will be able to upgrade to the new iota gateway, with Abode to provide instructions and pricing for doing so at a later date.

Tags: HomeKit, CES 2018
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Apple Releases iOS 11.2.2 With Security Fixes to Address Spectre Vulnerability

Apple today released iOS 11.2.2, the ninth official update to the iOS 11 operating system. iOS 11.2.2 comes almost one month after the release of iOS 11.2.1, another minor update, and a month after iOS 11.2, which brought brought Apple Pay Cash, faster 7.5W wireless charging, and a long list of bug fixes.

The iOS 11.2.2 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings –> General –> Software Update.

The iOS 11.2.2 includes further fixes for the “Meltdown” and “Spectre” vulnerabilities that came to light last week. Meltdown and Spectre are serious hardware-based vulnerabilities that take advantage of the speculative execution mechanism of a CPU, allowing hackers to gain access to sensitive information.

While Meltdown was addressed in the iOS 11.2 update, Apple said it would introduce a mitigation for Spectre early this week. There is no hardware fix for Spectre, so Apple is addressing the vulnerability using Safari-based software workarounds. From Apple’s security support document:

Available for: iPhone 5s and later, iPad Air and later, and iPod touch 6th generation
Description: iOS 11.2.2 includes security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of Spectre (CVE-2017-5753 and CVE-2017-5715).

For more on iOS 11 and its updates, make sure to check out our iOS 11 roundup.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
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Apple Releases macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 Supplemental Update With Spectre Fix

Apple today released a macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 supplemental update, which comes a little more than a month after the initial release of macOS High Sierra 10.13.2.

macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 is a free update for all customers who have a compatible machine. The update can be downloaded using the Software Update function in the Mac App Store.

macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 addresses the “Spectre” vulnerability that was publicized last week. Spectre, along with its sister vulnerability “Meltdown” are serious hardware-based exploits that take advantage of the speculative execution mechanism of a CPU, allowing hackers to gain access to sensitive information.

While Meltdown was addressed in the initial macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 update, Apple said it would introduce a mitigation for Spectre in macOS and iOS early this week. There is no hardware fix for Spectre, so Apple is addressing the vulnerability using Safari-based software workarounds.

There’s also a Safari 11.0.2 update available for macOS Sierra 10.12.6 and OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 that is designed to mitigate the effects of the Spectre vulnerability. Customers running macOS Sierra and OS X El Capitan should download the new version of Safari to make sure their machines are protected.

Related Roundup: macOS High Sierra
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