The Morning After: Wednesday, November 16, 2016
A smart oven that does the thinking for you, a new product from Apple that costs $300 and doesn’t even have a touchscreen, and DJI’s duo of upgraded drones that are tailored for filmographers. We’re halfway through, folks, you’ve got this.
It comes in standard and Plus sizesApple wants to sell you a $300 design book
Apple has announced a new photo book that “chronicles 20 years of Apple design.” Yes, the clue is in the title. Dedicated to the memory of co-founder Steve Jobs, it features 450 photos of gadgets past and present, shot by famed photographer Andrew Zuckerman. Both a small (10.2 x 12.75 inches) and a larger (13 x 16.25 inches) volume will go on sale online and in select Apple stores starting today, for $199 and $299 respectively.
Store old photos with your smartphoneGoogle’s PhotoScan app digitizes your physical prints
Google says it wants the service to be a home for all of your photos, and today that mission expanded to encompass the old photos housed in shoeboxes and albums around the world. Its new app, PhotoScan, is part of that, and it’s just landed on both iOS and Android devices. If you want to try PhotoScan but are worried about your privacy, you don’t even need to upload your pictures to Google. (All those facial recognition skills will require Google’s online AI skills, however.)
Tastes like the futureJune the smart oven makes a mean steak
Smart cooking gadgets are relatively de rigueur these days: connected sous vide machines, smart kitchen scales and even a WiFi slow cooker have already made an appearance. The June smart oven, however, is a lot more than an oven with a connected app. It’s outfitted with a quad-core NVIDIA CPU and a slew of sensors, all for the purpose of taking the guesswork out of cooking. And after three years of development, June is ready to cook. The downside? She charges $1,495 for her services.
From the developer of “Thomas Was Alone” and “Volume”Mike Bithell’s “point-and-bounce” VR game has a strange inspiration
EarthShape launched last week on Google’s Daydream VR platform, and its indie developer explains where the unusual gameplay model came from: drawing lines in a car window’s condensation, attempting to “catch” raindrops as they rolled down. In the game, players draw lines on a grid to control a bouncing ball, thereby cultivating life across 25-plus alien planets. All this, of course, occurs as Sue Perkins of “The Great British Bake Off” narrates the action.
Not the Eero we wanted, but the one we deserved?Google WiFi routers are available for pre-order
The folks in Mountain View are giving WiFi routing another shot, with these units capable of creating a mesh network covering up to 4,500 square feet. The Google WiFi box is $129 for one, or $300 for a three-pack, and they should start shipping in December.
Pro dronesDJI’s newest drones are built for filmmakers
DJI’s new Phantom 4 Pro can capture 20-megapixel stills and 4K video at 60 frames per second, thanks to its new 1-inch CMOS, while its Inspire drone sequel is just downright speedy. The filmography drone can accelerate to 50MPH in a mere four seconds and hit a top speed of 67MPH. It’s still capable of moving that fast despite packing an on-board SSD instead of an SD card storage option. Coolest part: The new Inspire 2 now offers a dedicated first-person-view camera for the pilot. I’m flying!
Hacking is the new name of the game“Overwatch” hacker Sombra is now available to everyone
After her Blizzcon debut and a short test period, Sombra is ready for play on all platforms. The latest “Overwatch” character’s abilities include hacking, teleportation, invisibility and an EMP blast. It’s also added an Arcade that rotates maps and rules as well as a new Antarctica map, and Season 3 of Competitive Play is scheduled to begin November 30th.
But wait, there’s more…
- Snapchat’s secret IPO filing
- NVIDIA helped to build an AI for cancer research
- Governments routinely blocked messaging apps in 2016
- Engadget giveaway: Win an Overdrive smart racing set courtesy of Anki!
Twitch chases YouTube with improved upload options
Content creators who have been testing the waters of Twitch’s new Uploads Open Beta can now wade in just a little deeper — the gameplay streaming site has announced a slew of improvements to the manual upload feature, including increased tag character limits, new language settings and, most importantly, much wider support for common video file formats.
In addition to the existing .MP4 support, Twitch users can now upload H.264-encoded videos in MOV, AVI and FLV formats. That’s still half as many as YouTube supports, but it’s a big step forward that should accommodate the needs of most users. Twitch’s upload tools have also been updated to include a default language setting and longer tags — up to 100 characters per individual tags and 500 for all tags total. Finally, Twitch has fixed a ton of small glitches, including a issues that kept users from uploading custom thumbnails and an experience-ruining bug that caused videos to restart near the end of their runtime.
While this update is relatively small, it shows how serious Twitch is about competing with YouTube’s vast library of non-live gaming videos. Twitch also says the improvements are the result of community feedback, and says more user requested features (like bold and italic text formatting in video descriptions) are on the way.
Source: Twitch
Sony suspends player who found a sex organ in ‘Watch Dogs 2’
Ubisoft might pride itself on Watch Dogs 2’s plausible game world, but it looks like the open world title might be a little too realistic… and one player is paying the price for it. Sony suspended NeoGAF forum member Goron2000 from the Sony Entertainment Network (including PSN) after he discovered that at least one of the female character models in the game has a fully rendered vagina. It’s not exactly necessary in a hacking-themed action title where intentional nudity is very rare, is it?
Unlike the “Hot Coffee” scandal that surrounded Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas years ago, this gaffe isn’t inaccessible bits of code buried deep within the title’s back-end, it’s art assets within the final game that seemingly any player could happen upon. According to Sony, the player’s decision to share his discovery online (using the PS4’s built-in sharing and streaming features, no less) violated SEN guidelines forbidding players from sharing “adult or sexual” content.
Ubisoft has promised to patch the sex organ out of the game, and it’s important to note that the temporary ban will last until December 15th. However, the very fact that either happened has left Goron2000 and others scratching their heads. How did this make it past Ubisoft’s certification team? And is Sony right to boot a player who was sharing material the publisher/developer inadvertently approved, leaving a black mark on his account?
Sony hasn’t responded to our request for comment, but the player at the center of the ordeal tweeted that his PSN privileges have been reinstated as of 7:33pm Eastern.
Sony have undone the suspension. We won! I think? They never admitted fault of course. I want to thank everyone for their support today.
— Swizzasaur (@Swizzasaur) November 16, 2016
However, the incident highlights the problems with bending over backwards to include sharing features on consoles. If you’re going to make it easy to livestream or share photos on Twitter, you shouldn’t be surprised if users draw attention to the naughtier material.
Via: The Next Web, Polygon
Source: NeoGAF, Swizzasaur (Twitter)
Elusive ‘Overwatch’ hero Sombra is now available to everyone
Blizzard has been teasing the second post-launch Overwatch character, Sombra, for months — cryptic clues and leaks have been floating around since the first extra character showed up. At last, though, she’s here. After about a week of public testing, Blizzard has released a finished update that brings Sombra’s stealthy hacking to PC, PS4 and Xbox One players. To recap, she’s an “infiltrator” who can temporarily become invisible, teleport to a beacon, disable enemy shields with EMP blasts and hack both health kits as well as Torbjörn’s turrets. She’s who you send in to undermine a stubborn defense before your main assault.
The patch isn’t just about Sombra, as fans will be quick to tell you. Overwatch now has an Arcade that rotates maps, modes and rules that wouldn’t be at home in the more conventional Quick Play or competitive modes, such as a ban on switching heroes. There’s also a new Arena map, Ecopoint, that ties into Mei’s backstory. All told, there’s a lot more to do even if you ran dry months ago. Sombra will force at least some teams to rethink their strategies, and the Arcade should shake things up when the familiar six-versus-six mechanic feels stale.
Via: Polygon
Source: Battle.net
‘Minecraft’ game-making tutorial teaches kids how to code
Microsoft knows that Minecraft can get kids into programming, and it’s banking on that strategy again this year. It just teamed up with Code.org to introduce the Minecraft Hour of Code Designer, a tutorial that teaches young newcomers (6 years old and up) how to create a simple game. The Designer uses a drag-and-drop interface to illustrate familiar code concepts, such as object-oriented programming and loops, while letting imaginations run wild in Minecraft’s blocky universe. You can make chickens that drop gold, and otherwise set rules that are as logical or ludicrous as you’d like.
The tutorial is available right now in 10 languages, and it’ll be available in 50 languages by the time Computer Science Education Week kicks off on December 5th. This won’t be the same as picking up a programming language, of course. However, Microsoft and Code.org are betting that this will reveal the importance of code to kids, and start some of them on a path to computer science careers.
Source: Microsoft, Code.org
English rain inspired the Google Daydream game, ‘EarthShape’
When Mike Bithell was a kid, sitting in the backseat of his parents’ car as the cloudy English sky soaked the roads, he would draw lines in the window’s condensation, attempting to “catch” raindrops as they slid down the pane outside.
“I honestly don’t know what the point was, but that little activity would keep kid-Mike occupied for hours,” Bithell remembers. “When I was trying to think of accessible family game mechanics, I remembered that and imagined how much more fun my little game would be if the raindrops reacted to the lines.”
Fast-forward a few decades and Bithell is a successful independent developer building a launch game for Google’s new mobile VR headset, Daydream. His past games include the award-winning platformer Thomas was Alone and Volume, a futuristic Robin Hood-inspired stealth title starring Andy Serkis, the actor who brought Smeagol to life in the Lord of the Rings movies. Volume: Coda just debuted on PlayStation VR — stealth, Serkis and all.
These successes give Bithell the time and means to try something completely new. His Daydream title, EarthShape, is a friendly sci-fi game that takes full advantage of kid-Mike’s fascination with raindrops on window panes. He calls it a point-and-bounce game: Using Daydream’s motion controller, players draw lines to control a ball as it bounces around a dotted grid, dodging obstacles and performing tricky maneuvers to grow plants on more than 30 alien planets.
EarthShape follows the Starseeker, an intrepid astronaut tasked with cultivating life on worlds across the galaxy, and a trusty spaceship that behaves more like an excitable puppy than a giant hunk of metal.
“We have a lot of dog lovers on the team,” Bithell says.
The game is charming, and it also packs some serious star power. Sue Perkins, former host of The Great British Bake Off and regular participant on Stephen Fry’s QI, narrates EarthShape with phrases like, “Keep it stellar, Starseekers” and, “What a fantastic color combination.”
“Fortunately, I’d worked with Sue’s agent before and Sue was specifically into the game,” Bithell says. “She’s a gamer so it was super fun to record.”
I love this game https://t.co/ioymH7lel2
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) October 4, 2016
There’s also some big names working on EarthShape behind the scenes. Kellee Santiago, co-founder of Journey studio thatgamecompany, produced the title in her new job at Google Play Games.
“Having Kellee Santiago as a producer has been a specific honor for me,” Bithell says.
Daydream is an $80 mobile VR headset that’s poised to work with a variety of Android phones coming out over the next year or so, starting with the Pixel and Pixel XL. In our Daydream review, we noted that the headset itself was a solid step forward for Google, but the platform was in need of more apps.
As one of Daydream’s launch titles, Bithell has high hopes for EarthShape. In his latest blog post, he lays out his wishes for the game with suitably plant-based terminology: “I hope that optimistic little game continues to find an audience and grows alongside the platform.”
Engadget giveaway: Win an Overdrive smart racing set courtesy of Anki!
Toys are all grown up now and video game-like features have crossed over into the physical realm. So, it’s not surprising that when Anki isn’t working on more traditional robot pals, it’s developing its AI-powered Overdrive racers. Last month the company added the Freewheel and X52 Supertrucks as expansions to its racer lineup. To get a jump start on all the holiday fun, we’re giving away two Overdrive Speed Bundles this week, along with the new X52 for a pair of lucky readers. It’s easy to build out track set ups beginning with a Starter Kit and moving on to expansion packs to enhance the action. The vehicles can learn the track configurations using infrared sensors, helping you race against friends (using your mobile device) or artificially intelligent opponents. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of these AI-powered racing bundles from Anki.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. Two (2) winners will each receive one (1) Anki Speed Bundle racing kit, along with one (1) Thermo expansion car and one (1) X52 Supertruck.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Engadget and AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until Nov. 16th at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
‘Super Mario Run’ arrives on iPhone and iPad December 15th
At the iPhone 7 event, Apple and Nintendo revealed that Mario would make his way to iOS devices this December. Well, today Nintendo revealed the exact date: December 15th. That’s the day Super Mario Run will be available to play on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The app can be downloaded for free, but you’ll only be able to play parts of the game’s three modes without handing over additional funds. To unlock the full game, you’ll have to pay $10.
When the time comes, Super Mario Run will be available in 151 countries (full list here) and 10 languages including English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Russian and traditional Chinese. If you happen to live in one of those locales, you’ll just need to make sure you have a device that runs iOS 8.0 or later in order to leap over obstacles, take on enemies and collect coins in a few weeks.
Don’t worry, Android faithful: Nintendo says you’ll get a chance to play the mobile game as well. Unfortunately, the company hasn’t announced when, just the vague “at some point in the future.”
Source: Nintendo (Business Wire)
The Morning After: Tuesday, November 15, 2016
A new MacBook Pro hits the review table, and Samsung splashes around some cash. While Facebook tries to figure out its fake news problem, we’re expecting more real announcements from the LA Auto Show today.
No half measuresReview: MacBook Pro (2016)
It’s been four years since we reviewed a fully redesigned MacBook Pro, so how does the latest model measure up? It’s thinner and lighter, with faster graphics chips and storage units than ever before. Unfortunately, it also ditches all the old USB and power connectors for new USB-C ports — say hello to dongles and goodbye to MagSafe. Unlocking your laptop with TouchID works well, but the new OLED Touch Bar isn’t always better than a physical key. Add in slightly shorter battery life than its predecessor and it’s getting a little harder to recommend this as the (pricey) pro laptop for you.
Feel like Marty McFlySelf-lacing Nike HyperAdapt shoes have a price tag and release details
Shocked that it’s 2016 and we’re still tying our own shoes like animals? You can fix that with Nike’s self-tightening HyperAdapt 1.0. The only problem? It will cost you. Each pair goes for $720, and they will be available only via select outlets online or in person, but we have all the release details available so far.
Virtual freedomMIT’s MoVR cuts the cord on virtual reality headsets
VR headsets are everywhere, but the need for low-latency connections means most users remain physically tethered to a powerful PC. MIT’s CSAIL has a solution that uses millimeter waves capable of 6 Gbps bandwidth, and an intermediate “mirror” device to make sure the signal doesn’t get blocked.
The I-Pace promises electricity without compromiseJaguar’s first electric concept vehicle makes its LA Auto Show debut
This SUV is built from the ground up to take advantage of electrification, with a custom 90kWh battery and cab-forward design (since there’s no gas engine). Jaguar engineers wanted to build a car that’s without compromise but also close to a production vehicle. Dual electric motors are capable of 400hp, and the company says the I-Pace has a range of 200 miles.
All cashSamsung’s largest acquisition ever makes it a big player in car audio
While Google plays with self-driving cars and Apple does … whatever it’s doing, Samsung is trying to go around Android Auto and CarPlay with its latest acquisition. The electronics giant made an all-cash $8 billion deal to buy Harman International Industries, an auto parts supplier known for its audio division. Harman also owns and licenses other brands, including JBL, Mark Levinson and Bang & Olufsen, so your car could have Samsung inside very soon — hopefully it doesn’t go all Galaxy Note 7 on anyone.
Plus: It has a headphone jack!Review: Moto Z Play
The Z Play isn’t bringing the latest and greatest tech to your pocket, but 50 hours of battery life and a $450 price tag make it hard to skip. Also, Motorola’s mid-range device brings back the headphone jack, if that’s important to you, while retaining support for Moto Mod hardware add-ons. Being this middle-of-the-road means there’s plenty of competition, but Chris Velazco can explain why this one is more than the sum of its parts
The fight against fake newsFacebook and Google cut off the money fueling fake news sites
Last week’s election results put Facebook front and center for its part in the spread of false and misleading information. On Monday, Google announced it would cut AdSense accounts on websites that “misrepresent, misstate or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher’s content, or the primary purpose,” and Facebook followed with similar steps. Is that enough to satisfy voices calling for it to take responsibility as a media outlet? We’ll have to wait and see.
But wait, there’s more…
- What’s on TV this week: Amazon’s “The Grand Tour,” “The Force Awakens” Blu-ray 3D Special Edition and “Watch_Dogs 2”
- Microsoft is making “Visual Studio for Mac” based on the Xamarin Studio software it acquired
- Marshall’s $200 Mid Bluetooth headphones let you jam for 30 hours
- The PowerWatch is the first wearable charged by your body heat
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‘The Martian’ VR experience comes home
It’s been a long time coming, but The Martian VR Experience is finally ready. Fox has released its virtual reality take on the stranded-on-Mars movie (plus Andy Weir novel) for the HTC Vive and PlayStation VR, with Oculus Rift support coming soon. Spend $20 and you can fill the boots of astronaut Mark Watney as he struggles to survive and make it back to Earth, both in 3D sequences and 360-degree videos. As Fox explains to Variety, this isn’t just a polished version of the demo we saw at CES in January — there are many “technical and narrative improvements” that could make it feel fresh.
Like many current VR experiences, this isn’t likely to be particularly deep or long-lasting. However, it’s certainly more ambitious than the many Hollywood VR tie-ins that limit themselves to canned video. More importantly, it’s just the start of Fox’s VR plans. The studio tells Variety that it sees VR as a “new media opportunity,” not just a way to sell you on whatever movie or TV show is premiering that week. You can expect to see more projects that take advantage of VR’s immersion, and that’s good news if you’re looking for more reasons to justify that expensive headset.
Via: Variety
Source: Fox Innovation Lab
AIVAnet 