Vivo announces ‘Super HDR’ that uses AI for better smartphone pictures

The new tech has a dynamic range up to 14 EV.

Vivo’s been experimenting with a lot of cutting-edge technology this year with phones like the X20 Plus UD and Apex, and it’s shifting its focus on photography with the recent announcement of its new “Super HDR” platform.

Super HDR is supposed to be an upgrade over the current HDR shooting modes found in most smartphone cameras these days, and to do this, Vivo says it’s harnessing the power of AI. Super HDR works in a very similar fashion compared to regular HDR, but because of its ability to reach a 14 exposure value and capture up to 12 frames with just one press of a shutter button, Vivo has a lot more data to work with to create crisper, brighter images.

Vivo is touting five main advantages for Super HDR, and they include the following:

Capture more detail in adverse shooting environments, such as low-light and high-contrast situations
Images have a more natural-looking contrast by using the different data found in the 12 frames that are captured
AI can be used to detect what you’re taking a picture of and adjust shooting modes accordingly
Photos are more natural “by reorganizing and optimizing the highlights and shadow portions of the scene when merging the frames and ensures the photo naturally matches the original scene as seen by the human eye
Lighting is adjusted when people are detected to create the best portrait possible

Commenting on Super HDR, Vivo Senior Vice President, Alex Feng, said:

“Vivo continues to push the boundaries and provide the ultimate camera experience for consumers. This goes beyond just adding powerful functions, but to developing innovations that our users can immediately enjoy. Today’s showcase ofSuper HDR is an example of our continued commitment to mobile photography, to enable our consumers to shoot professional quality photos at the touch of a button. Using intelligent AI, Super HDR can capture more detail under any conditions, without additional demands on the user

There’s no word just yet as to when Super HDR will be available for consumers to use, but I’d anticipate it arrives with one of Vivo’s next flagship smartphones.

Vivo’s Apex concept phone has tiny bezels, pop-up camera and in-display fingerprint sensor

Add two AC outlets to your car with Aukey’s $13 inverter

Charge more gear on the go.

Car chargers are a great way to keep your phone or GPS powered up during road trips, but what about trying to get added power to your DSLR or computer? This Aukey 300W power inverter is a perfect way to do just that, and today you can pick one up for just $13.24 when you use coupon code Y6G4BUVX. It normally sells for $24.99 and has only dropped to $20 via a direct drop in the past.

This adds two AC outlets to your car, allowing you to power devices with regular wall plugs instead of just using a USB cable. It provides an output of 300W of continuous power, and it can even jumpstart your car should you find yourself in a situation where it simply won’t crank over.

See at Amazon

Best Wireless Charging Pads for Samsung Galaxy S9

Keep your Galaxy S9 charged without the charging cables.

If you’re upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S9 in 2018, you’re going to want to try out the wireless charging functionality. There’s a large number of options out there for wireless charging, but not all are made equal.

If you want a reliable wireless charging pad that won’t let you down, check out these great products!

• Samsung Fast Charge Convertible Wireless Charging Pad
• Samsung Wireless Charging Pad w/ 2A wall adapter
• iOttie iON Wireless Qi Wireless Charging Pad
• Aukey Wireless Charging Pad
• Spigen Qi Wireless Charging Stand
• Tronsmart Chocolate Qi Wireless Charging Pad

Samsung Fast Charge Convertible Wireless Charging Pad

Samsung’s wireless charging pad combines the best wireless charging technologies packed into a really sleek design. Launched alongside the Galaxy S8, it features a premium leather-like appearance and ingenious design which allows you to easily convert this pad into an angled charging stand.

The charger also comes with a spare Samsung Fast Charge wall charger which is another accessory that ensures your phone charges safely, and allows you to fast charge your Galaxy S9 wirelessly at your home or office. you can snag one of your own from Amazon now for just $43.

See at Amazon

Samsung Wireless Charging Pad w/ 2A wall adapter

If functionality and cost are your two biggest buying factors, you’ll want to consider Samsung’s old style of wireless charging pad.

These charging pads look like mini-UFOs and are Fast Charge-compatible for devices that support it such as the Galaxy S9. It also comes with a Samsung 2A wall charger — always great — and comes with a standard one-year warranty.

This is a great option if you’re looking to set up wireless charging at your home and at work because they’re so damn cheap right now. You can also get the older style as a charging stand ($50)if you prefer that look instead. You may also want to consider this bundle which includes Samsung’s car charger along with two cables (Micro-USB and USB-C) for just $39.99 ($40).

See at Amazon

iOttie iON Wireless Qi Charging Pad

This updated wireless charger from iOttie might seem like a slightly bulkier option compared to the sleek Samsung chargers, but it’s packed with smart features. It’s Qi-compatible with a triple-coil charging zone that’s capable of 5V/1A output with a non-slip ring to hold your phone in place on top while it charges.

It supports Wireless Fast Charging up to 10W for Samsung Galaxy S9, and with a 18W USB-C input you’ll be able to wirelessly charge one phone and then charge a second device with the included USB-A port.

It’s all packaged with a beautiful soft fabric that’s so trendy these days, and proper heat ventilation to maximize charging efficiency. These will start shipping on March 23, and you can get yours for just $50.

See at Amazon

Aukey Wireless Charging Pad

Aukey’s wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled devices is sleek and minimalist, which might jive well with your personal tastes. It’s an updated version of Aukey’s coaster-sized charger, and has a pretty stylish and minimalist look to it and won’t take up much space on your desk or nightstand.

This charger makes use of a USB-C cable to supply power which should make for more an efficient energy transfer. You can get one for your home or office for just $25.

See at Amazon

Spigen Qi Wireless Charging Stand

Spigen’s charging stand is angled, making this a great option for your office desk so you can easily see your display while your phone is charging. If you need a way to quickly top off your phone on your desk or a new place to keep it safe on your nightstand, this may be the choice for you. Pick yours up for $25 at Amazon.

See at Amazon

Tronsmart Chocolate Qi Wireless Charging Pad

Tronsmart is a trusted brand for charging accessories, and produces a unique looking charging pad that’s designed to look like a bar of chocolate — and who doesn’t love chocolate?

The top of this charging pad is made of a silica gel that’s designed to ensure your phone stays in place while also preventing the charger itself from slipping around on your desk.

You’ll need to supply your own Adaptive Fast Charger wall adapter to get the most out of this charging pad, but other than that this minimalist charging pad can be yours for just $13 — the best price on this list!

See at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Google Pixel 2: Which should you buy?
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

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Here’s what you’ll be able to do with Google Assistant’s six Routines

The Assistant’s about to get a lot more powerful.

Google’s been talking about its Routines feature for Google Assistant since October of last year, but it’s been pretty hush-hush in regards to how exactly users will interact with them and how much they can or can’t be customized. Thanks to a support page that Google recently published, we now have the full scoop on what Routines will be available and how they’ll work.

Originally spotted by our friends at Android Police, the support page reveals that users will have six Routines to choose from, including Good morning, Bedtime, Leaving home, I’m home, Commuting to work, and Commuting home.

Routines will allow you to say one command/hot word to trigger the Assistant to perform a variety of different actions, and without further ado, here’s a quick breakdown of what each one will do:

Good morning

After saying “Hey Google, good morning”, you can enable the Assistant to adjust any lights, plugs, or thermostats you have, check on your day’s weather, commute, calendar, and reminders, and adjust your media volume. After all this, you can then have the Assistant start playing music, news, radio, podcasts, audiobooks, or nothing at all.

The Good morning Routine will also take your phone off of silent mode when the command is initiated on an Android device, and this Routine is replacing the Assistant’s current My Day feature.

Bedtime

When winding down for the day, say “Hey Google, bedtime” to hear about tomorrow’s weather and first upcoming calendar event, set an alarm, adjust lights, plugs, thermostats, etc., and change your media volume. You’ll also be able to turn your phone on silent when initiated from an Android device, and after all this, you can play music or sleep sounds if you so choose.

Leaving home

Before you head out the door, you can say “Hey Google, I’m leaving” to adjust any lights, smart plugs, thermostats, and more.

I’m home

After a long day at the office, say “Hey Google, I’m home” to adjust lights, plugs, and thermostats, broadcast to any Google Homes in your home, get caught up on any location-based reminders, and adjust your media volume. After this, you can play music, news, radio, podcasts, or audiobooks.

Commuting to work (only available on your phone)

While on your way to work, saying “Hey Google, let’s go to work” will trigger the Assistant to tell you about today’s commute, weather, calendar, and reminders, adjust your smart lights, plugs, thermostats, etc., and change your media volume. Afterward, you can listen to music, news, radio, or podcasts.

Commuting home (only available on your phone)

Last but not least, you can say “Hey Google, let’s go home” to find out about your commute home, adjust any smart lights, plugs, or thermostats, send texts, read any unread texts, broadcast to your Google Homes at your home, and control your media volume. Then, you can play music, news, radio, or a podcast.

A couple things to take note of

I personally can’t wait to start messing around with Routines for Google Assistant, but there are a couple things to keep in mind. For starters, it doesn’t appear that Routines are actually available just yet for anyone to use. I’d expect functionality to roll out soon, but we’re still waiting for Google to open the flood-gates.

9to5Google managed to get the Good morning routine working on their end, and this reveals you can set up multiple commands for Routines so you don’t have to remember one specific phrase to trigger them.

Now that we have a better idea of what we’ll be able to do with Routines, are still looking forward to them? Let me know down in those comments.

How to set up and customize Google Assistant

This Bluetooth Breathalyzer will keep you out of trouble on St. Patrick’s Day

Don’t let this be a repeat of last time. Nobody wants to see that again.

St. Patrick’s Day, the holiday where everyone is Irish and has lots to say in what they swear is a flawless accent, is on a Friday this year. That means a ton of people are going to leave work on Friday with every intention of not being totally sure where they are when waking up the next afternoon.

There’s a good chance you’ll find no shortage of places around you serving up all manner of festive specials, but before you go out there’s an accessory you may find useful. Even better, it’s on sale and can be shipped overnight via Amazon Prime.

This is the BACtrac, a Bluetooth-enabled Breathalyzer that fits nicely in a pocket or on a keyring, and tracks your Blood-Alcohol Concentration as you enjoy the evening. Breathe into this every once in a while to see where you are and how much more you can handle, and when you’re done for the night the app will tell you when you’ll return to safe levels for things like driving.

It’s simple, for $42 it’s relatively cheap, and you could even make a game out of it with your other friends. Just, you know, be safe. We like having you here.

See on Amazon

AmazonBasics power banks recalled over fire hazard concerns

AmazonBasics is great choice for everything from HDMI cables to coathangers and a whole lot more. Apparently “whole lot more” also extends to unintentional fire sources. The shopping juggernaut has recalled a half-dozen power banks sold between December 2014 and July 2017, according to The Verge, over worry that the units would overheat, melt and set themselves ablaze.

Model numbers B00ZQ4JQAA, B00LRK8JDC, B00LRK8IV0, B00LRK8I7O, B00LRK8EVO and B00LRK8HJ8 — banks ranging from 16,100mAh to 2,000mAh with Micro USB cables — have all been removed for sale. As The Verge reports, affected customers have been alerted via email and have received instructions for how to exchange the devices and get a refund. One of the last times Amazon issued a recall was over power adapters for Kindle Fire chargers sold in the UK back in 2016.

We’ve reached out to Amazon for more information and will update this post should it arrive.

Source: The Verge

Amazon’s gold Kindle Oasis reminds everyone how rich you are

The Kindle Oasis is a conspicuous display of wealth by its very nature (you have money to burn if you can spend $250 on an e-reader in 2018), but apparently Amazon didn’t think it was ostentatious enough. The internet giant is taking US pre-orders for a Champagne Gold version of the Oasis that includes the same 7-inch screen, water resistance and Audible support of the regular black model, just in a slightly garish I-have-money color. Amazon pitches it as a stylish option ideal for “Mom or the fashionable traveler.” Let’s be real, though — you’re buying it because you want to be seen using it.

Here’s the kicker: it’s more expensive, too. Unlike Apple and many other companies fond of gold-hued devices, Amazon will charge a $30 premium ($280 total) for the gold Oasis when it ships to the US on March 22nd (it’s been available in China for a while). And that’s with ads reducing the price — Amazon is asking $300 if you want to go ad-free. You’re going to be paying a lot just to stand out while you read the latest suspense novel.

Source: Amazon

James Corden’s Snapchat show premieres today

Last year, CBS announced that James Corden would be getting a Snapchat reality show and today, the first episode arrives. The premise of James Corden’s Next James Corden is that the Late Late Show host is looking for his eventual successor, though he has no plans to leave his post just yet. The six-episode series also includes Haley Joel Osment and Sabrina Carpenter as guest judges as well as The Late Late Show’s bandleader Reggie Watts.

A number of networks have begun making content exclusively for Snapchat. ESPN, NBC and A+E have all announced shows, though some, like Comedy Central and CNN, have already scaled back on their Snapchat projects.

Episodes of James Corden’s Next James Corden will be released Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6AM Eastern on Snapchat’s Discover page. You can check out a trailer below.

Via: Deadline

Source: The Late Late Show

Amazon is reportedly bringing Alexa to businesses soon

We all know that Amazon is constantly looking for ways to grow and expand. That’s why it really doesn’t come as a surprise that Ina Fried at Axios is reporting that Amazon is getting into the business sector with Alexa. Alexa for Business will be aimed at a range of settings, from small businesses to large ones, including hotels and co-working spaces. We’ve reached out to Amazon for confirmation.

Amazon CTO Werner Vogels told Axios in an interview that Alexa “will greatly improve by being exposed to different kinds of statements or conversations.” This is because we have different kinds of conversations at work than we do at home. Exposing Alexa to this new type of environment will broaden the virtual assistant’s skills and responses.

The company has already gotten started on Alexa for Business. Challenges include finding a way for Alexa to integrate with enterprise software, as well as providing a framework for businesses to write custom skills for the voice assistant.

Right now, businesses can use Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana, and it’s unclear how this venture will affect Amazon’s partnership with Microsoft. The two had previously been working on a way for Alexa and Cortana to communicate with one another by the end of 2017. However, there have been no updates on that front for awhile, and this new development may signal the end of any partnership between the two.

Source: Axios

Rex Tillerson gets his bad news just like we do: on Twitter

Donald Trump tweeted today that Rex Tillerson will no longer be serving as Secretary of State and will be replaced by CIA Director Mike Pompeo. However, according to State Department Under Secretary Steve Goldstein, Tillerson didn’t find out about his removal from the president and it appears that he may have heard the news through Trump’s tweet. “The Secretary did not speak to the President and is unaware of the reason, but he is grateful for the opportunity to serve, and still believes strongly that public service is a noble calling,” Goldstein said in a statement. Tillerson just returned from a week-long trip in Africa and the New York Times reports that there had been no sign that Tillerson was set to be fired while he was on that trip. This isn’t the first time a Trump-appointed official has found out about their removal through an announcement rather than a conversation with the president. Ex-FBI Director James Comey reportedly thought he was being pranked when he learned about his firing through the news last year.

Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018

According to CNN, Tillerson was informed by Chief of Staff John Kelly last week that he would be replaced, though Tillerson wasn’t given a timeframe for that transition. Trump and Tillerson have continuously butted heads throughout Tillerson’s time as Secretary of State with their policy disagreements including how to respond to North Korea, the Paris climate accord, the Iran nuclear deal and Russian interference in the presidential election. Tillerson also came under fire for reports that he had called Trump a moron. Meanwhile, the president has been criticized for publicly undermining Secretary Tillerson.

In his tweet, Trump also said that Gina Haspel, the current deputy director of the CIA, will take over for Pompeo. Both will need to be confirmed by the Senate.

Trump’s use of Twitter is quite different from President Obama’s and while many have questioned the content of his tweets and how they impact national interests in the past, some are now calling out his use of the platform to fire high-level officials.

James Comey found out about his firing via cable news. Tillerson reportedly found out about his ouster via Twitter. Will the next one come about via Snapchat Stories? Instagram DM? Venmo payment message?? https://t.co/a3Ozksr3ap

— Rachel King (@rachelking) March 13, 2018

Via: Axios

Source: Donald Trump