Netgear turns its security cameras into a separate business

Netgear’s Arlo security cameras are apparently a hit — so much so that the company is turning them into a separate business. The router maker has revealed that it’s spinning out Arlo as a separate company, with the regulatory paperwork completed in the first half of 2018 and a public stock offering in the second. Senior strategy VP Matthew McRae (who used to be Vizio’s chief technical officer) is expected to helm Arlo when all is said and done.

Why this, and why now? Netgear didn’t break down the specifics, but its latest financials tell the story. Where it saw just a $30 million boost in year-over-year revenue last fall and posted a $31 million loss, Arlo was surging — its revenue was up a whopping 67 percent (to $128.5 million) even as Netgar’s mainstay networking businesses struggled. Simply put, Netgear wants to capitalize on that success while it can.

It’s a hot market, too. There’s fierce competition between Amazon, Nest, Ring and other big names, some of which are taking advantage of AI to tell the difference between a burglar and the family pet. The spin-out could help the Arlo team thrive in a space where it would be all too easy to fall behind.

Via: Multichannel News

Source: Netgear

SpaceX confirms it lost the center core of the Falcon Heavy

SpaceX pulled off quite the feat today when it launched the Falcon Heavy rocket. What’s more, it landed the two flanking boosters in perfect synchronized formation. But the fate of the core booster was unclear; now it appears that the center booster, which was supposed to land on a drone ship, was lost.

Elon Musk said on a conference call with reporters that the launch “seems to have gone as well as one could have hoped with the exception of center core. The center core obviously didn’t land on the drone ship” and he said that “we’re looking at the issue.” Musk says that the core ran out of propellant, which kept the core from being able to slow down as much as it needed for landing. Because of that, the core apparently hit the water at 300MPH, and it was about 100 meters from the ship. “It was enough to take out two thrusters and shower the deck with shrapnel,” Musk said. That should be worth seeing on video: “We have the video,” Musk confirmed, “it sounds like some pretty fun footage… if the cameras didn’t get blown up as well.”

It’s been suspected that the core was lost since just after the other two rockets landed successfully. The video feed from the center core cut out, and we didn’t hear anything official in the intervening three-plus hours. Audio from an unpublished YouTube video also seemed to confirm the loss of the center core; “we lost the center core” can be clearly heard on the recording. Without any context, though, it was hard to know for certain if they were talking about communications or the rocket itself.

This shouldn’t take away from SpaceX’s spectacular achievement today. The goal of this demo launch was to prove that the Falcon Heavy was ready for flight, and it more than accomplished that. Landing the first stages is always a secondary objective, and no one should overlook the fact that the company was able to land two of the three boosters at once. SpaceX will likely learn quite a bit from this failure, and be better prepared to land all three boosters next time, which will probably be in three to four months.

Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.

Amazon’s Prime Exclusive Phones will no longer come with lockscreen ads

Amazon’s Prime Exclusive Phones program allows customers with a Prime subscription to buy certain phones at a cheaper price — with the catch that it comes with offers and ads that pop up on the phone’s lockscreen. Well, starting February 7, there will no longer be any lockscreen ads and suggested offers on these Prime-exclusive phones.

Amazon said it’s making the change to accommodate advances in smartphone technology that can cause its lockscreen ads to interfere with overall functionality.

“As smartphone technology has evolved, we also want to evolve the Prime Exclusive Phone experience to ensure customers can easily use features such as the phone’s mobile unlock technologies like facial recognition and fingerprint sensors, as well as be able to personalize device lockscreens with photos or wallpapers,” the company said in a statement.

The decision makes buying a Prime Exclusive Phone much more attractive, as Prime members are now effectively getting a discount without having to deal with ads. You won’t be seeing the same discount though, meaning these devices will now cost a little bit more money.

“While we will still offer a discount off of the list price, we will increase the price of every current Prime Exclusive Phone in the portfolio by $20,” an Amazon spokesperson told Digital Trends.

The other caveat, is that Prime Exclusive Phones will continue to have a collection of Amazon apps pre-loaded on the phone. While the apps allow you to access all the benefits exclusively available to Prime members, such as access to movies and TV with Prime Video or music with Prime Music, they also can account for a decent amount of internal storage. If you do not use these Amazon services, you may not be able to remove the apps from the phone (but you can disable them). We’ve reached out to Amazon for confirmation.

Amazon currently offers several budget, mid-range, and even flagship phones in its Prime Exclusive Phones collection, including the Nokia 6, LG G6 Plus, and Moto X4. The phones, available exclusively to Amazon Prime members, are sold unlocked and most are compatible with every U.S. network.

This change will affect not just new Prime Exclusive Phones, but old ones as well. If you have a Prime Exclusive Phone, an over-the-air update starting this week will remove the lockscreen offers and ads from your phone.

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Dip your toe into virtual reality with the best VR headset for the iPhone

If you want to try out virtual reality without spending a lot of money these days, then you need to find a VR headset that works with your smartphone. They’re affordable, equipped with a slot to fit your phone, and support a bunch of VR apps and games. This is pretty easy for people who own, say, a Samsung phone, since Samsung makes its own Gear VR headset. However, it’s a little harder for iPhone owners to find VR headsets that work with their smartphones. That’s why we’ve found the best VR headset for the iPhone and several runners-up for you to consider.

Note: Always pay attention to compatibility. Some models may be compatible with certain iPhone sizes, but not others, depending on the way that the phone is locked in.

Top Pick: Merge VR ($48)

Merge VR is our top choice for iPhone VR experiences because it’s incredibly easy to use and has clever features that can support a number of different VR experiences, especially for families and kids. Let’s start with the materials, which are actually made from a flexible-but-durable foam substance that is both lightweight and resistant to bumps and drops. There are a number of bright colors that you or your kids can pick from, too. This friendly design approach also influences the Merge’s compatibility, with a generous phone slot that can hold pretty much any iOS or Android smartphone that you may have (when in doubt try out VR Test Ninja).

When it comes to operation, you can adjust the lens-eye distance to make sure it’s comfortable for anyone using Merge. Instead of relying on hand controls, Merge uses two spring-based input buttons on the top of the goggles: This allows you to hold the goggles like binoculars and gives you an easy way to use the dual controllers that so many phone apps require.

Curious about compatible apps? There is a whole website for that called the Merge Miniverse, and we suggest you take a look. Most apps are free or only a couple of bucks, so taking a risk on a new app is fairly low cost, and you can see the ratings that others have given older apps to decide if they’re worth it or not. It’s a strong system that gets even more involved when you sign up for the Miniverse email newsletter to keep up with newer apps.

On the downside, this model isn’t really meant for young children, and is suggested for kids 10 and up, so some parents may want to consider a cheaper option for their youngsters.

Download now from:

Amazon

View-Master Deluxe VR ($12)

The View-Master Deluxe is a cheaper option if you don’t feel like investing $50-plus into your VR headset. It includes a few useful features that make it particularly adaptable for a wide range of users, such as a large family or a small schoolroom. There is a wheel that allows you to switch between different levels of focus. The design also includes wider lens options and an adapter for older iPhone 5 models. The headset works with Google Cardboard and also has its own set of free View-Master apps to try out. However, the side button controls are a little awkward to use and may take some getting used to.

Download now from:

Amazon

I Am Cardboard VR V2 ($8)

There are several Google Cardboard creations running around the VR market, but we’re partial to V2 of I Am Cardboard. It’s a bit sturdier than other cardboard headset creations out there, and it won’t set you back much at all, which is deal if you don’t want to spend much on a headset — or want to give your kids a trial headset to see how it goes before investing in something better. The headset features an upgrade button that used to be a magnetic switch, but is now a softer foam button, as well as Velcro strips to help hold the headset together and … that’s about it. It’s a simple concept for newbies that does exactly what it sets out to. However, keep in mind it was only designed to work with the Google Cardboard SDK, so your app choice will be limited.

Download now from:

Amazon

BlitzWolf VR Headset ($24)

The BlitzWolf headset has two things going for it: First, it’s a particularly sturdy, fitted headset for the price, which is nice if you’ve had trouble with VR headsets staying on in the past. Second, it’s designed to accommodate particularly large phones, with displays up to 6 inches, which means you should be able to use a wider range of iPhones, including the Plus models. It also comes with both adjustable pupil and focus features. For apps, you can use any source of compatible VR apps from iTunes. There is one potential issue: The durable design can make this headset too heavy for younger kids.

Download now from:

Amazon

Zeiss VR One Plus ($52)

The Zeiss is more of a niche product that is particularly notable for its “eye box.” This space essentially allows people to see the smartphone screen without adjusting for pupil distance, etc. It also allows anyone with glasses to easily use the headset, making it one of the most accessible models on our list. Ventilation ports on the side are supposed to keep both screens and glasses from fogging up. Google Cardboard apps work here, so finding compatible experiences shouldn’t be a problem — just make sure they work for iOS. On the negative side, the Zeiss can only fit smartphones with display sizes between 4.7 and 5.5 inches, so anything larger, like the iPhone X, won’t work here.

Download now from:

Amazon

Homido V2 VR ($60)

The Homido is an all-purpose VR headset that does everything pretty well, albeit without much flare. This model comes with adjustable pupil and object distance to help everyone focus on the screen, and spongy eye rests for extra comfort, which you can take out and wash as needed. There’s also a T-shaped strap for your head, making it a bit more durable than some of the other headsets on our list. If you can’t decide what to get and like the look of this Homido headset, it’s worth considering, as is the Homido mini-glasses model. On the downside, you have to get your apps through the Homido Center store, which could limit your choices.

Download now from:

Amazon

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The PicsArt app now lets you paint with stickers and patterns

Photo-editing app PicsArt is giving users a new tool to edit images from a mobile platform: Brushes. On Tuesday, February 6, PicsArt announced the rollout of a new brush tool that allows users to paint with a specific pattern or even a sticker from an iPhone or Android phone.

As the name suggests, PicsArt brushes have a few features in common with the traditional virtual brushes that have been around since Microsoft Paint, allowing users to paint onto the image. But PicsArt brushes are divided into five different styles and not all of them are just stroke styles — users can also paint with a preset pattern or turn any of the free stickers on the platform into a brush, swiping to continuously brush the graphic over the screen. Sticker brushes can use the free stickers on the platform, which opens up more than 4 million stickers to a new format.

The option to turn a sticker into a brush pattern or use a preset pattern joins brushes for solid, dotted, and neon lines, along with, of course, an eraser.

The new brush option has its own spot inside the PicsArt editing toolbar. The tool is divided at the bottom into the different brush categories, with the option to brush on those patterns located next to the erase tool. Inside the pattern option, a search tool allows users to find the sticker they want to turn into a pattern. Or, mobile photo editors can choose from PicsArts’ presets, which include options from adding sparkle and fake bokeh circles to putting butterflies or flowers into the shot.

Painting with the new brush tool is as easy as selecting the option and moving a finger over the brush screen. A slider at the side allows users to adjust the brush size while the usual PicsArt user interface means there is undo and redo options at the top of the screen.

The update mixes the traditional brush tool with a more recent trend of adding sticker-based images to the image. Rather than adding the same sticker over and over again to add a flock of butterflies to that selfie, the tool simplifies the task and in many of the presets, randomizes the placement of the graphics slightly.

PicsArt says the update is rolling out to all users Wednesday, February 7.

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A number of older speakers have lost built-in Spotify streaming

Affected speakers include ones from Pioneer, Yamaha, and others.

One of the reasons so many people flock to Spotify is because of its wide availability on a number of different platforms. Even if you own an iPhone, have a Google Home Speaker, and prefer to use Amazon Fire TV while browsing the web on your Chromebook, there’s a Spotify app to use to ensure you’re never without your music.

In addition to the above gadgets, a number of connected speakers have allowed you to stream Spotify tunes throughout your house without the need for a smartphone. This is something that’s been around for quite some time, but it’s now being axed.

Spotify announced a few months back that it’d be doing this, but it just recently started to impact users. Essentially, if you own speakers from Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon, Marantz, or Bang & Olufsen that have previously allowed you to stream Spotify directly from them, this functionality is being removed.

Why is this happening? In an email that Spotify sent to The Verge, the streaming service says:

We updated our backend platform, so that means Spotify Connect is no longer integrated into some older generation speakers and TVs. In some cases, manufacturers can update their firmware to be compatible with the new platform.

Users can keep listening to Spotify on older speakers by plugging in their phones, connecting over Bluetooth, or buying a Chromecast Audio, so while this isn’t the end of the world, it’s still not a joyous occasion for folks that are now having their speakers neutered of preexisting functionality.

Stations by Spotify beats Pandora at its own game

The Best Free Games for PlayStation 4

Free is always the better deal!

Sometimes we get bored of the games in our current library and need to spice things up a bit. So what happens if you’re on a tight budget or waiting for pay day? You check out the free section of the PlayStation Store of course!

For the sake of giving you something new and interesting, I won’t be adding games like Warframe or War Thunder to the line-up. Those games are wildly popular and chances are you’ve already been playing them.

Skyforge

If there is anything most gamers are a sucker for, its a good massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). While other MMOs for the PlayStation exist, including DC Online, I feel that Skyforge has hit the nail on the head. While DC Online was fun to play I found as the quests continued on it required a lot more reading than my “I’m trying to relax” brain appreciated. Sometimes you just want to power through and grind levels doing all the quests you can, and Skyforge does just this. The scenery was beautiful, there was nothing complicated about the gameplay, leveling up was fun and the community was wonderful!

See on PlayStation the Store

Kitten Squad

Did you ever play Goof Troops on the Super Nintendo growing up? Playing this game reminded me so much of the old adventure that just the game-play alone had me smiling. You progress quickly, as the game is not difficult to play, which makes it very easy to lose track of time in. This is surely not a game that requires a whole lot of thought, making it perfect for the lazy day or “I just got home from work” wind-down.

See on PlayStation the Store

SMITE

Become the God you know you are. Battle friends, enemies, strangers or even bots to take down the enemy fort and claim victory. SMITE is basically DOTA or League of Legends, except from a third person view. Well, that and it doesn’t take months to master the gameplay of. I found after a few hours I was comfortable enough to play online with strangers without the fear of being cussed out for being terrible (as opposed to DOTA, which took me months). All-in-all, if you’re looking for a new strategy game to play with your friends, this game is a great place to start.

See on PlayStation the Store

Dungeon Defenders II

Here you have a fun adventure where you’ll battle small orcs to protect what is yours and find more loot. The graphics for Dungeon Defenders II is colorful, vibrant and fun to watch. Even the gameplay was simple and easy to get the hang of! So, grab your choice weapon and make your way through the obstacles!

See on PlayStation the Store

Fortnite Battle Royale

Sometimes you just want to find a good shooting game to lose yourself into. This title will bring you just that with this fun third person shooter. Run through a series of different maps collecting power ups and gunning down your enemies. Not a gun person? That’s fine! Pick up a two handed weapon and show the people the true lumberjack you are by axing down your enemies and building a safe haven for yourself. Regardless of your play style, Fortnight Battle Royale brings a source of entertainment you’re bound to enjoy.

See on PlayStation the Store

Thoughts?

What do you think of the free-to-play games listed above? Which one is your favorite? If I didn’t list one that you know you love tell me about it in the comments below!

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Amazon

Google Search on mobile is now the ultimate hotel booking tool

New features include price filtering, a better UI, and the ability to book hotels right from Google Search.

Finding the perfect hotel can often be a hassle, and to help you, there’s no shortage of travel booking/planning apps to choose from on the Play Store. However, if you like to keep things as simple as possible and would rather get all travel accommodations booked right through Google Search on your phone, your day has come.

Next time you go to search for a hotel on your phone, you’ll see that the interface has been updated to fit more data on the screen at once and present everything in a fashion that’s easier to read. Google’s also added the ability to filter hotels by their price, and when you find the perfect match, you can book it without ever leaving Google Search.

Additionally, when you search for flights on Google, a new tab will begin to appear near the top of your screen titled “Hotels.” Similarly, if you begin searching for a hotel, a “Flights” tab will pop up. With this, you can easily go about finding a hotel and flight without having to jump back and forth between different apps.

As if that wasn’t enough, Google is also rolling out two features called More Destinations and My Trips. The former allows you to browse other locations and weekend getaways Google thinks you’d be interested in, and the latter makes it easy to see all upcoming and past reservations that have been sent to your Gmail account.

All of this is rolling out to Google Search now, so be sure to keep an eye out for it when planning your next trip.

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Eufy’s compact smart plugs are down to $14 for the first time

No more excuses. Start your smart home now!

The Eufy smart plug down to $13.99 is its first drop below $23 ever. It’s cheap enough you can afford to buy a couple to really get your smart home moving along. Just look at how that price compares to other popular smart plugs. The Wemo Mini is $30 right now, and the TP-Link smart plug is $25.

These plugs require no hub and work with both Amazon and Google voice control. Just add an Echo Dot or the Google Home Mini to turn your appliances on and off with your voice.

Even without those devices, you can use the EufyHome app to control whatever is plugged in, track the energy usage, set schedules, and more. The design is perfectly sized so you won’t lose access to your second outlet. These come with an 18-month warranty.

See on Amazon

Apple may offer rebates on full-price battery replacements

In early January, Senator John Thune’s office sent Apple a letter regarding the company’s practice of slowing down iPhones when batteries start showing their age. The letter asked if Apple had thought about replacing batteries for free (instead of the company’s plan to offer reduceprice $29 replacements). The senator also asked if Apple had notified customers of the slowdown “feature,” and if older iPhones had seen similar strategies. Apple has responded to Thune with its own letter, thanking him for his inquiry.

The five-page letter, dated February 2nd and sent to Engadget this morning, pretty much rehashes the same information that Apple’s been talking about since this whole thing went down, including Apple’s timeline for dealing with the problem and the way lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. What’s new, however, is the company’s response to Thune’s final question about whether customers who’ve paid full price for battery replacements will recieve a rebate to cover the cost above and beyond the new $29 replacement fee. “Yes, we are exploring this and will update you accordingly,” wrote Apple VP for public policy Cynthia Hogan.

“For advanced technologies like an iPhone, consumers rely on clear and transparent disclosures from manufacturers to understand why their device may experience performance changes,” Thune wrote in a statement to Engadget. “I appreciate Apple’s response to my inquiry and the company’s ongoing discussions with the committee. In those conversations, Apple has acknowledged that its initial disclosures came up short. Apple has also promised the committee some follow-up information, including an answer about additional steps it may take to address customers who purchased a new battery at full price.”