Google adds an Incognito search mode on iOS
Sometimes you need to find something that you don’t want to see listed in your Google search history, even while you’re on the go. Chrome’s Incognito browser sessions can be good for that, but a new tweak for the Google Search app on iOS makes it easy to open up disposable sessions there too. Additionally, it’s set up so that if you leave the app and need to come back to the search, you can lock it using TouchID, so even on a shared device like an iPad, someone else can’t easily see what was in there.
Google says that other changes have made the app more stable with 50 percent fewer crashes, increased compatibility with iOS 10 and added the ability to watch YouTube videos within the app. If you find Incognito searching useful, then you can jump straight into it with 3D Touch by hard pressing the search icon.
Source: Google Search Blog, iTunes
ICYMI: Another thing likely to survive with the cockroaches
Today on In Case You Missed It: Scientists just mapped the DNA of a microscopic organism that can survive both oxygenless places and the Antarctic. Researchers believe they might help humans survive too much radiation, which is a thing we’ll probably need soon enough so get hyped, people.
Meanwhile a Danish car company is showing off its prototype of a tiny carpooling electric vehicle that will one day be modified for autonomous rides. In case you’re interested, you can see the Japanese Pokemon Go video here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
Apple’s iOS 10.1 Beta Includes Promised Portrait Mode for iPhone 7 Plus Users
Today’s new iOS 10.1 beta, available now to developers, includes a new “Portrait” camera mode for iPhone 7 Plus users, which was shown off at the iPhone’s debut event but wasn’t quite ready for release.
Portrait mode is designed to mimic the kind of shallow depth of field images that can be taken with a high-end DSLR, with a front subject that stands out over a blurred background.
To achieve this look, Apple’s built-in image signal processor scans a scene, using machine learning techniques to recognize the people in the image. From there, it creates a depth map of the image from both of the two cameras included in the device, keeping the people in focus while applying an artful blur or “bokeh” to the background.
According to TechCrunch, Apple’s Portrait option was built on technology acquired from camera company LinX. Portrait mode is using the 56mm lens to capture the image while the wide-angle lens gathers perspective data to build the depth map and divide the image into layers.
Once it has this 9-layer slice, it can then pick and choose which layers are sharp and which get a gaussian (randomish) blur effect applied to them.
Once the telephoto lens detects the subject, using autofocus and other stuff we’ll talk about in a second, the image processor inside the iPhone 7 will then apply blur in greater and greater amounts to the layers that are further away from that subject.
It’s in beta, so there are some quirks Apple will need to work out. Apple has said that Portrait won’t be used all the time, and it does appear to require good lightning and the right focusing distance between objects to function properly. It will take some experimentation to get good shots with Portrait.
Portrait mode is a new feature in the camera app that can be found alongside other video and photo taking options like “Video” and “Panorama.” It even includes a Live Preview effect that lets you see what the image will look like before you take it, something that’s unique to the iPhone.
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Transit’s app now tells you when to hurry for the bus
Sure, your existing phone apps can tell you when to catch the bus and when to hop off, but public transportation fans know that’s only half the story. What if the driver is quicker than you expected, or a delay ruins your subway connection? Transit might just save the day. It’s updating its Android and iOS apps with a Go routing feature that could take some of the uncertainty out of commuting. You’ll get on-screen and voice notifications when it’s time to head out or disembark, but it gets truly interesting when things go haywire. Transit will tell you to hurry up if your departure time suddenly skips ahead, create a new itinerary if you miss a ride and warn you if a bus takes a surprise detour.
The upgrade also answers a longstanding request for real-time position data while you’re planning a trip. You should know which routes will actually get you to your destination on time, not just the ones that work in theory. The updates are still too new to see how well they work in practice. However, this could be the ticket if you’re tired of double- or triple-checking your phone on a long journey across town.
Source: App Store, Google Play, Transit (Medium)
Leaked Google Pixel phones might look familiar
In just a couple of weeks, we could have our first official look at Google’s renamed flagship phones, so brace yourself for leaks and unofficial revelations. Take for instance, these images posted by Android Police. They apparently show the Pixel and the Pixel XL, and they do look like the computer render of the phone that leaked earlier, as well as the device Nest used in a new commercial.
If legit, then the big G’s latest devices resemble the phones its staunchest rival is known for. Before anyone starts hurling copycat accusations, though, take note that HTC developed the Pixels, and the Taiwanese manufacturer has been using a similar design for its previous models. When it comes to Apple and HTC, there’s been a lot of discussion about who copied whom over the years.
In the photo of the phones’ backside above, you can see a fingerprint sensor in the middle of the shinier, glass-like section. You can also see a snapshot of the phones’ screens with their thick bezels below. As always, take these leaked images with a grain of salt — you’ll only have to wait a bit more before the actual reveal anyway.
[Image credit: Anonymous Alligator/Android Police]
Via: Droid Life
Source: Android Police
Apple Now Accepting iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and 6s Plus Trade-Ups, Offers Up to $315
Following last week’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus launch, Apple has added the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus to its trade-up program in the United States, offering estimated trade-in values of $160, $275, and $315 respectively towards the purchase of a new iPhone.
Apple has also lowered its estimated trade-in values for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus by $25 each to $200 and $225 respectively, while the iPhone 5s now scores $90 instead of $125. iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c trade-in values are now $50 and $40 respectively, down from $75 each, and the iPhone 4s is no longer eligible for trade in.
The iPhone trade-up program, not to be confused with the iPhone Upgrade Program, allows customers to trade in their old iPhone to Apple in exchange for credit to lower the full cost of a new iPhone, or to reduce the monthly payments of a carrier financing plan. Trade-in values, managed by third-party vendor Brightstar Corporation, may vary based on the condition of the iPhone traded in. Select Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone devices are also eligible for trade in.
iPhone owners looking to get the best value for their old smartphone should consider selling the device for cash through classified ad websites like Craigslist, but Apple’s trade-up program does provide a convenient and safe resale option.
Related Roundups: iPhone 6s, iPhone SE
Tag: Apple trade-in
Buyer’s Guide: iPhone (Buy Now)
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Apple Joins Global Renewable Energy Initiative RE100
Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson today announced that Apple has joined global renewable energy initiative RE100, a campaign that’s dedicated to getting the world’s most influential companies committed to 100 percent renewable power.
Jackson shared the news at Climate Week in New York City, where she also shared some details on Apple’s recent environmental progress. In 2015, 93 percent of Apple’s worldwide operations were powered with renewable energy, and in the U.S., China, and 21 other countries, Apple uses renewable energy for 100 percent of its operations.
According to Jackson, Apple just completed work on its 50-megawatt solar farm in Arizona, which will power Apple’s global data command center in Mesa, Arizona, the former location of Apple sapphire partner GT Advanced.
Jackson also gave an update on Apple’s commitment to helping its suppliers use renewable energy, announcing that Apple supplier Solvay Specialty Polymers, which makes the antenna bands used in the iPhone, has pledged to use 100 percent renewable energy for all Apple production.
Catcher Technology, a supplier that provides aluminum enclosures for iOS and Mac devices, is also aiming to reach 100 percent renewable energy by the end of 2018.
“Apple is committed to running on 100 percent renewable energy, and we’re happy to stand beside other companies that are working toward the same effort,” said Jackson. “We’re excited to share the industry-leading work we’ve been doing to drive renewable energy into the manufacturing supply chain, and look forward to partnering with RE100 to advocate for clean-energy policies around the world.”
Other major companies who are members of RE100 include IKEA, Adobe, BMW, Coca Cola, GM, Google, HP, Microsoft, Nike, Philips, Starbucks, and Walmart.
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Photos, Videos, GIFs, and More No Longer Count Towards Twitter’s 140-Character Limit
Twitter today announced that its long-awaited changes to the Tweet character limit have been implemented, giving Twitter users more room for text when sharing media.
Photos, videos, GIFs, polls, and Quote Tweets no longer count towards the 140-character limit, freeing up character space. Previously, media content took up approximately 24 of the 140 available characters.
Twitter originally said that all @names, such as @MacRumors, would also no longer count towards the 140-character limit, but that change does not appear to have been implemented. There is no mention of it in Twitter’s announcement and @names are still counting in the character limit.
Say more about what’s happening! Rolling out now: photos, videos, GIFs, polls, and Quote Tweets no longer count toward your 140 characters. pic.twitter.com/I9pUC0NdZC
— Twitter (@twitter) September 19, 2016
It is not clear if Twitter plans to eliminate @names from character count in the future, but the company has said it is exploring additional ways to allow people to better express themselves, so more changes could be in the works.
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Review: NewerTech’s NuPower USB-C Power Adapter Charges MacBook and iPhone
Cables and adapters outfitted with USB-C have been becoming increasingly popular as smartphones and computers alike have adopted the standard, including Apple with its 12-inch Retina MacBook that launched in the spring of 2015. Accessories such as USB drives that make file transfers easier and larger docks have proven for users dealing with Apple’s decision to include just two ports on the MacBook: USB-C and a headphone jack.
NewerTech’s NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter is less flashy than some of the new feature-intensive products, but that’s largely a positive. The Power Adapter replaces Apple’s bundled 29W USB-C adapter to charge the MacBook, with the added bonus of a 12W USB-A port to simultaneously charge any traditional USB-powered device — like an iPhone or iPad — from the same adapter.
As a replacement to Apple’s power adapter, NewerTech’s accessory has a slight edge in providing simultaneous charge to a second device, making it a potentially compelling alternative for Retina MacBook owners. The added visual clutter of thicker cables, however, might not be worth the $59.99 price for some people.
Design
The NuPower adapter comes in three pieces: a main body containing the USB-C, USB-A, and power ports, as well as a power cable and a USB-C cable. The main device is 4.2 inches long, 2 inches wide, and about 0.8 inches thick, so it’s not that much of a cumbersome addition to a charging regimen, although obviously more so than Apple’s bundled-in cable. The material on the body of the power adapter has a soft-to-the-touch matte finish that shouldn’t hold fingerprint smudges, and has a nice weight to it (4.8 ounces, according to NewerTech).
Although I didn’t put it under too much of a strenuous test, it feels like it could survive the bumps and bruises of a backpack, bag, or anywhere charging cords usually end up thrown without thought. An understated NewerTech logo resides on the top of the adapter and is the only marking on the top of the device, while on the front the company has made it easy to find the USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports with accompanying text. The bottom of the adapter is a bit of a text dump, with all of the cautions, warnings, and specifications written in bright white text, buffeted in between soft silicone bumpers that help everything stay in place when on a solid surface.
On the cable side of things, NuPower’s power cable is about 8 inches short of Apple’s 6.5 foot USB-C charge cable, providing plenty of clearance room for plugging up your MacBook. More length is added thanks to the 18.5 inch USB-C cable, not to mention the 4.2 inch adapter itself, adding up to a charging solution that’s nearly 8 feet long.
The power cable is one of the more frustrating parts of the NuPower adapter, with its thick, corded material that never really lost the bundled-up curves from the initial packaging it was in. Visually and functionally, it’s just a noticeably non-Apple design, and that could bother people who are willing to spend the money on the Retina MacBook in the first place. The 18.5 inch USB-C cable is a better in this regard, but it is much thicker than Apple’s white USB-C cable.
Charging a MacBook and iPhone
NewerTech’s claim that its adapter can charge “your USB devices up to 2X faster than comparable chargers,” is evident only in computers that can accept the NuPower adapter’s high-powered charging speeds (with voltage up to 20V at 3A). The Retina MacBook isn’t one of those devices, so speedier charging shouldn’t be a purchasing factor for anyone looking at advantages of NewerTech’s adapter.
During my tests, the NuPower adapter fueled my MacBook up from 29 percent to 99 percent in 88 minutes, and my iPhone from 20 percent to 97 percent in just over 100 minutes. On the MacBook side of things, this makes the NuPower adapter essentially in line with the charge time of Apple’s 29W USB-C first-party adapter, and some other third-party options, like Griffin’s BreakSafe USB-C cable.
I only used the NuPower adapter within my house, but its bisected design could go against using it in a travel situation, where simpler options usually take precedent. Otherwise, daily use of the accessory is largely unobtrusive, as any decent cable should be.
One big leg up NuPower has over Apple’s adapter is consistency. As many reviews on Apple’s website confirm (myself included), its USB-C charge cable can have a mind of its own. In my own experience, the worst of this is hearing the cable lose and reconnect power to my MacBook, which subsequently dings in affirmation of a charge source. This is something that’s woken me up in the middle of the night a few times, with no power outage or funky wall adapter excusing the occurrences.
Apple’s charger (left) and NewerTech’s charger (right)
I’ve only had the NuPower adapter for a week, but in that time I haven’t had any similar experiences. Even with the middle brick hanging off of an ottoman or desk, the cables remained plugged and in place. It’s still recommended to have the power brick on a solid surface, however, so keep in mind the 18.5 inch USB-C cable and 4.2 inch long brick that will occupy space on your desk or whatever location you charge up the MacBook. Adding a second device will only add to the visible cable clutter near a MacBook, so anyone who likes to keep a clean desk might find qualms with the NuPower adapter, as well.
Bottom Line
For anyone happy with Apple’s charging system (or who finds it less of a deal-breaker and more of a slight annoyance, like I did), the NuPower USB-C Power Adapter is a bit of a tough sell. The charging is identical, if potentially more reliable, and the addition of USB-A charging might be negligible to anyone with a smartphone or mobile battery pack, or even another nearby wall outlet. In my personal experience, when I’m charging my MacBook, I divert to my iPhone, and vice-versa, so the requirement of charging both at once isn’t really a contingency I need to plan for.
But if you’re frustrated with Apple’s own inconsistent USB-C charging cable and power adapter, NewerTech’s $59.99 option is a valid substitute to charge up your Retina MacBook, especially if you find yourself charging an iPhone or iPad at the same time and have limited wall outlets available. The interconnected cable system may take some getting used to — and those who prefer Apple’s clean white cables will be disappointed by NuPower’s bulky and bendy cords — but otherwise NewerTech has made a device that’s functional and reliable.
Pros
– No cuts or disconnects while charging
– Can charge a second device through USB-A
– Durable power brick
Cons
– With three cables when in full use, it can lead to clutter
– Speedier charging feature is incompatible with Retina MacBook
– Doesn’t carry Apple’s minimalist design
How to Buy
The NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter will go on sale in early October on MacSales.com and Amazon for $59.99.
Note: NewerTech provided the NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter to MacRumors free of charge for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received.
Related Roundups: iPhone 6s, Retina MacBook
Tag: NuPower
Buyer’s Guide: iPhone (Buy Now), MacBook (Neutral)
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Some iPhone 7 owners report hissing sounds
Some early iPhone 7 adopters are getting considerably more than they bargained for. Reports are surfacing of both the regular iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus producing hissing sounds when they’re subjected to a heavy processor workload, such as a game. They continue to function, thankfully, but it’s a bit disconcerting when most phones are virtually silent. It’s not clear what the cause is — some suspect coil whine or similar electromagnetic effects, but there’s no guarantee that this is the case.
The issue doesn’t appear for everyone. I tested an iPhone 7 using 3DMark “Ice Storm Extreme,” a performance benchmark that puts the processor under serious strain, and heard no hissing at all. That suggests that the noise may stem from a manufacturing issue instead of an inherent design quirk. Not that this will make you feel any better if you’re affected, of course.
We’ve asked Apple for its take on the reports and will let you know if it has something to say. It won’t be pretty if you run into this issue and want a replacement iPhone, though. Supplies are already extremely tight, so you may end up waiting days to get a blissfully quiet device.
Via: 9to5Mac
Source: Stephen Hackett (Twitter), Darrell Etherington (Twitter)
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