In-car voice commands cost you 27 seconds of safety
We all know that taking your eyes off the road is a bad idea, but now researchers have added another paper to confirm that using voice commands is just as unwise. A team from the University of Utah, in partnership with the American Automobile Association, believes that the mental effort of driving and talking on your phone is still dangerous. According to the research, it takes a full 27 seconds after completing a distracting task — queuing up a song even with your voice alone — before your brain is fully able to concentrate on the art of driving.
The team investigated the in-car infotainment systems in 10 cars released this year, as well as the big three smartphone assistants: Siri, Google Now and Cortana. According to their stats, the Chevy Equinox and Buick Lacrosse had the least distracting systems, while Google Now came out top in the smartphone category. Cortana and the Mazda 6 found themselves stationed at the other end of the table as the most distracting.
Joel Cooper, assistant professor of psychology at Utah says that voice-command tech is “billed as a safe alternative to manual interactions,” but “voice systems simply don’t work well enough.” The study’s conclusions state that people should avoid using tech in the car, and that if they want to remain safe, should do nothing more mentally stressful than listening to the radio or an audiobook. Given that most people can’t put their smartphone Twitter device down for more than 5 seconds, the self-driving car can’t come soon enough.
[Image Credit: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety]
Source: University of Utah, AAA
Even Yahoo Googles stuff
Denys Prykhodov / Shutterstock.com
Everyone and their mother Googles stuff. Whether it’s really the best search engine or not depends on preference, but Google has managed to take over the internet with nearly 64% of all USA desktop searches (according to comScore). There’s no denying the Mountain View giant is doing something good, though, as even Yahoo has decided to use Google for some of its search queries.
During Yahoo’s 3rd quarter earnings report, the company mentioned they have reached a 3-year with the Search Giant. This will allow them to display Google’s search results for certain queries. Why Yahoo would do this instead of using its own search technology is anyone’s guess right now, but the company is no stranger to these practices. Yahoo also holds a deal with Microsoft to use Bing in a similar fashion.
Yahoo’s deal with Google is non-exclusive, so they will continue working with Microsoft as well. There will simply be a system which allows them to pick and choose when to use a search engine or the other. But again – why would Yahoo do something like this?
In October, the Company reached an agreement with Google that provides Yahoo with additional flexibility to choose among suppliers of search results and ads. Google’s offerings complement the search services provided by Microsoft, which remains a strong partner, as well as Yahoo’s own search technologies and ad products.
As the old saying states: if you can’t beat them, join them. This is exactly what Yahoo seems to be up to. Their search engine isn’t half bad. Regardless, it’s hard (and some would say impossible) to beat Google at this point in time, so they might as well reap from the benefits the Search Giant could bring to the table. Yahoo is not saying much about the reasons behind this choice, though, so don’t quote me on this.
The agreement also involves advertising, which Yahoo can manipulate in its own results, allowing them to maximize their profits. In my mind, it works similar to a deal between a wireless network and an MVNO carrier.
I was honestly more surprised to learn that almost 13% of US online searches are done through Yahoo. And guess what – over 1% of US searchers still use AOL! What is this, 2005? How many of you use something other than Google for your searches, and why?
Great Scott! Well-timed leak reveals Google’s Project Flux
Google has been receiving considerable attention for their work on self-driving automobiles and their Project Loon balloons designed to bring Internet service to the far corners of the globe. On October 21, 2015, a new “leak” reveals Google has been working on yet another mode of transportation codenamed “Project Flux.”
According to the leaked document, Project Flux uses a proprietary chronocompression device that allows users to be transported to a place and time of their own choosing. Google indicates development of Project Flux is part of their continuing efforts to make anything in the world discoverable by anyone, anywhere and anytime.
Google does reveal that they have identified some post-future disruption issues that can be induced by improper use of the Project Flux technology. Interestingly, they do not make reference to the European Union’s right to be forgotten and how that may impact erasure from existence.
Google has completed so much work on the project, logging over 3,306 years of test travel, that they are ready to move on to a new testing phase that will be opened to a limited number of members of the public. The prototype vehicles, dubbed DMC-12s, use an all metal – stainless steel in this case – construction. Google has implemented some unique backup power sources to protect against “time-stranding” and they have designed a push-button ignition to prevent faulty starting issues some of the earlier prototypes experienced.
You can read all of the details regarding Project Flux by following the source link below. The 14-page PDF may make you feel like you are traveling back to the future.
source: Google
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Best Nexus 5X cases
The original Nexus 5 is still looked upon by many as the best Nexus phone of all time, balancing specs with price to provide a memorable experience. This time around, Google has given the world two Nexus devices, the Huawei-made Nexus 6p and the LG-made Nexus 5x. It remains unseen whether or not the Nexus 5’s long-overdo successor will end up having the same long-term impact as the original, but there’s a lot to love about the Nexus 5x.
For those looking to keep their new purchase protected from scratches, dings, and other potential hazards, it is highly recommend you pick up a case. Of course, there’s a ton of cases out there, and so we’ve done our best to help highlight some of the best cases out there.
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Adopted Protective case
If you’re looking for a basic, no frills case than Adopted’s protected case could certainly fit the bill. This case is available in three colors: carbon, clear frost, or blue. There may not be any fancy features here, but you do get a solid case that helps protect your Nexus 5x from drops, scrapes, and scratches. Pricing isn’t on the lowest spectrum, but $20 isn’t a bad asking price by any means.
Speck CandyShell Grip case
Speck’s Candyshell grip case is a well-known case option that provides excellent grip, meets military drop test standards for shock absorption, and has a raised bezel around the front that helps protect the screen. All buttons and cut-outs are precise to the fit of the Nexus 5x, making this not only a great protective case but an attractive one as well. The Speck Candyshell is available in either black/Slate or White/Black and while $35 isn’t cheap per say, this is still a fairly affordable case.
Adopted Folio case
The Nexus 5X Folio case by Adopted is designed to protect both the front and back of your phone, with a front flap that covers your screen when it’s not in use but easily fold behind when you need access. The case has woven fabric material on top of its plastic coating and comes in either light or dark gray. At around $40, this is one of the more expensive options on this list, but also arguably one of the most attractive choices as well.
i-Blason Dual Layer
The i-Blason dual layer case for the Nexus 5x might be a bit bulkier than some of the others on this list, but that’s because it double-enforced to protect against shock, impacts, scratches, dents, and more. On the outside you’ll find a polycarbonate shell, with a secondary silicone sleeve on the inside. This case also has the added benefit of a kickstand, and is actually one of the most affordable options available at $13.
Spigen Thin Fit
The Spigen Thin Fit is a pretty simple looking case, though it is still a reasonably attractive one at that. Spigen is one of the best known case brands out there, and the Thin Fit upholds this well-earned rep by providing excellent protection against scratches, dents, and minor drops. This case is really light and doesn’t add much bulk. You can get the Thin Fit in your choice of black, white, or mint at a price of around $12.
Ringke Fusion
While many of the cases on this list hide the Nexus 5x’s aesthetics, or even enhances them by offering arguably better looks, the Fusion is for those who want to show off the 5x’s rear with a high-quality clear case. The transparent case adds very little weight and bulk, and for those who want a little bit of flash, there’s a smoke black version that adds a bit of tint to the sides – or there’s a model that’s completely clear. The Fusion is priced affordably at $12.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Air Cushion
Honestly, the Spigen Air Cushion is a lot like the Fusion, and so it largely comes down to which brand you prefer. Just like the fusion, this clear design is for those who want to show off the natural looks of the 5x, while providing extra protection from scratches, scuffs, and drops. Spigen’s clear case is slightly more expensive at $15.
Verus High Pro Shield
While the primary function of a case is to protect your phone from drops, dings, and scratches, many of us care just as much about style. The Verus High Pro is the perfect fit for these types of Nexus 5x owners, offering an attractive design that is comprised of a TPU layer and reinforced by a polycarbonate frame, all with a look that has a metal sheen to it. The High Pro comes in your choice of crimson red, electric blue, satin silver, shine gold, steel silver and at a reasonable price of around $17.
Ringke Slim
The Ringke slim is a fairly basic looking case that comes in your choice of black, crystal (clear), mint, royal gold. The design here might be basic, but it’s still fairly attractive and of course the main draw is the slim frame that adds almost no noticeable weight and bulk. The case is designed to protect all four corners and the side edges of the Nexus 5x. The Ringke Slim is priced at just $11 and has the added bonus of a free screen protector.
Cimo Premium Slim Fit TPU cover
For those that want to spend as little as possible, the Cimo case is easily the cheapest here starting at around $7 and going up to $10 depending on if you get the case in matte black, matte blue, matte purple, matte smoke, wave black, wave clear, wave purple, x black, and x clear. Made of shock absorbing TPU, the case offers excellent protect from drops, dings, and bruises. The Cimo case also offers anti-slip technology to help provide a solid grip.
What do you think of this best cases list? Any other great Nexus 5x cases you’d personally recommend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
YouTube Red is Google’s ad-free subscription video service
Google is finally taking the wraps off of its long-rumored subscription video service at an event in Los Angeles today. YouTube Red is a $9.99 monthly subscription that’ll offer everything on YouTube without ads as well as variety of other content. But most importantly, YouTube Red gives you ad-free playback and the ability to save anything you want to a device for offline playback. YouTube Red will also encompass what was formerly called YouTube Music Key — it’s now known as YouTube Music, will have it’s own dedicated app, and includes a full subscription to Google Play Music.
YouTube Music’s dedicated app is built off of all the learnings Google gained from YouTube Music Key. Its design is centered around playing music fast, easy discovery, the ability to both watch or just listen and giving viewers as much music as possible — not just official versions, but also live music, remixes, content created by the huge variety of YouTube creators out there and more. There’s a slider that you can adjust to filter exactly how big of a net YouTube Music should cast when looking for different content. There’s also the now-standard automatic music stations based on particular songs or things you’ve listened to in the past. If you’re already a Google Play Music subscribers, you’ll also get a subscription to YouTube Red.
Beyond music, YouTube Red also works with the recently-launched YouTube Gaming service as well as Google’s new YouTube Kids section — all of these different content areas will be part of YouTube Red. Naturally, your YouTube Red membership will work across whatever platform you use it on — iOS, Android, the web and “anywhere you sign into YouTube”. Presumably, that means you’ll get ad-free playback on devices like the Apple TV and Roku as well as consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
There’s also a whole set of YouTube Red original content. All told, Google is announcing 10 new original shows that’ll launch on YouTube Red, including video from the massively popular PewDiePie and an as-yet untitled project from the team at CollegeHumor. There’s a variety of content, from full-length films and documentaries to episodic TV-style content. PewDiePie’s show, called Scare PewDiePie, is described as a “reality adventure series” that’ll be made with the creators and executive producers of The Walking Dead (seriously). It’s hard to say if these shows are the kind that’ll drive subscriptions, but original content is table stakes for any subscription video service. And it’s hard to bet against anything PewDiePie is doing at this point.
Indeed, that $9.99 monthly price seems pretty reasonable when you add up everything it gets you — Google Play Music is a full-fledged subscription music service comparable to Spotify and its competitors that all cost $9.99 a month, but when you add in all the other features a YouTube Red subscription gets you, it’s a pretty strong value.
For starters, YouTube Red and YouTube Music will only be available in the US, and YouTube Red will be available on October 28th. YouTube Red Originals will start rolling out to the service early next year, and the YouTube Music app will be out “soon.” If you want to give this all a try before putting down your hard-earned cash, US viewers will get a free one month trial.
Source: YouTube (1), (2)
Google takes the wraps off brand new YouTube Red service
Following months of speculation, YouTube has today taken the wraps off its brand new YouTube Red membership package, which will cost $9.99 per month when it launches on Wednesday, October 28.
For those unaware, the service provides subscribers with an ad-free viewing experience, along with the ability to save clips for offline playback and background play audio on smartphones and tablets.
To see YouTube Red in action, be sure to check out the promotional video below:
Click here to view the embedded video.
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Grab these two Android Marshmallow wallpapers to celebrate its release
When new versions of software, or new devices are released, there are often new wallpapers that accompany the devices. Sometimes the OEM will explain where the inspiration for a specific wallpaper came from, but usually, it’s just there.
Yesterday, Google’s Design Team opened up about how some of the wallpapers that were released with Android 6.0 Marshmallow were made. They go in depth about Material Design and the idea of “paperscapes”, which are design made from multiple types of paper.
This year, we commissioned (Carl) Kleiner to create a new set for Android Marshmallow, which launched to the public on October 5th. The Marshmallow set plays up subtle shifts in tone and texture instead of relying primarily on bold color shifts. As Kleiner describes it, “We wanted to work with surfaces that have a subtle and sophisticated texture,” Kleiner says, “organic to the touch and graphic in composition…Painted surfaces, color pigment powders, floating ink and the like.”
In addition to showing off exactly how these amazing wallpapers were designed, the Google design team also gave everyone a little treat. Two more wallpapers designed by Carl Keliner to accompany your various Android Marshmallow devices. If you’d like to download them, we have them here for you today.
In the meantime, some of us are still waiting for the actual Nexus 6P wallpaper, after seeing that the Nexus 5X wallpaper was shared on Reddit yesterday.
Source: Google Design Team Blog
The post Grab these two Android Marshmallow wallpapers to celebrate its release appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google gives you more info on why it’s blocked a website
Every once in a while, when you click on a link from Google Search, you get a blood red screen that screams malware. Sometimes, it even happens to a website you frequent, and Google knows you might be wondering why that’s the case. That’s the reason Mountain View has tweaked its Transparency Report to include a Safe Browsing Site Status section. If you’re curious why a familiar URL suddenly takes you to a warning landing page, then all you have to do is check its status to get the details straight from Google itself. While some websites really do host malware that can harm your computer, the company says others suddenly get blocked due to infected content uploaded by users or due to a temporary infection. Whatever the reason is, Google promises to quickly notify site owners about the issue, so you can access blocked websites again as soon as possible.
[Image credit: Rafael Ben-Ari / Alamy]
Source: Google Online Security Blog
BlackBerry reveals the lengths it went to make Android ‘secure’
BlackBerry’s reputation for security is so strong that its devices are frequently used by world leaders as their go-to smartphone of choice. With the forthcoming Priv, the firm has had to try and bring its brand-name security to Android, an operating system with a less-than stellar history when it comes to security and privacy. In order to reassure customers that the Priv has all of the benefits you’ll find on its BB10 handsets, Alex Manea, BlackBerry’s director of security, has opened up on the measures it took to make Android secure.
Back in July, Google revealed that it was teaming up with BlackBerry to create a vision of Android that would bake in BES12, the Canadian firm’s enterprise security service. In addition, each Priv handset has its own cryptographic key that’s been added at the hardware level to prevent any tampering out in the field. This key can then verify the software that’s running on the phones at any given time, ensuring that apps with malicious intent won’t run. BlackBerry also “hardened” the Linux kernel with various top-secret patches, plus the Priv will use the firm’s secure network for pushing data between users. Finally, there’s DTEK, a new app that monitors what software accesses your private data and can advise if your passwords are too easy to guess. We won’t know for sure if any of this effort has been worthwhile until the phone gets out into the hands of the masses, but at least BlackBerry is sure that it’s brought its A game.
Source: BlackBerry
ICYMI: Insect robot for kids, paralysis fixed and more
Today on In Case You Missed It: We are covering the drone guideline news from the FAA the only way we know how: With some silly videos and real ones as well, like the Google X drone delivery test video — all to warn you all that UAV regulations are finally coming. A new Kickstarter for a toy insect robot comes with origami-like assembly, to teach kids about coding and engineering. And scientists at Ohio’s Case Western Reserve University have electronically bridged a gap between a paralyzed person’s spinal column and arms using brain wave sensors, in effect letting him use his arms once again.
In case you hadn’t heard, Giphy just launched a GIFmaker service that makes creating gifs from video clips easy to do.
If you come across any interesting videos, we’d love to see them. Just tweet us with the #ICYMI hashtag @engadget or @mskerryd.
AIVAnet 