Apple loses FaceTime patent retrial, ordered to pay $302.4 million
In the continuing saga of Apple vs. VirnetX, Reuters reports that a federal jury in the Eastern District of Texas has ruled in favor of VirnetX, ordering Apple to pay $302.4 million in damages. This particular case has been going on since 2010, and in the last verdict, a jury ruled Apple owed more than $600 million to the “non-practicing entity (read: patent troll) over technology used in FaceTime. However, in August the appeals court threw that ruling out, saying jurors may have been confused by references to the first iteration of this case.
According to Bloomberg, it’s still not over. Now the US Court of Appeals will have to make its own ruling, and VirnetX needs to win there in order to actually get paid for its patents. Even that probably won’t be the end, since Reuters says VirnetX is also suing Apple over newer security features and its iMessage system.
Source: Reuters, Bloomberg
Yahoo open-sources machine learning porn filter
Yahoo is the latest tech company to open source its computer vision code. The beleaguered outfit’s application for it? Filtering porn. Yahoo hopes that its convolutional neural net (CNN) will empower others to better guard innocent eyes, but admits that because of the tech’s very nature (and how the definition of “porn” can vary wildly), that the CNN isn’t perfect.
“This model is a general purpose reference model, which can be used for the preliminary filtering of pornographic images,” a post on the Yahoo Engineering Tumblr says. “We do not provide guarantees of accuracy of output, rather, we make this available for developers to explore and enhance as an open source project.” The code is available on Github at the moment, and if you need any testing material, well, there isn’t exactly a shortage of it on Tumblr. Just ask Indonesia.
Via: VentureBeat
Source: Github, Yahoo Engineering (Tumblr)
Google’s VR paint game ‘Tilt Brush’ will get multiplayer
Google’s Tilt Brush debuted in September 2014 as a virtual reality painting experience — immersion with the creative simplicity of MS Paint, as The Verge put it. They’ve added more in-game tools and hosted the odd art exhibit in the two-year interim. But as more VR headsets filter into players’ hands, the game will soon get a big feature: Multiplayer. There’s no release date yet, but here’s a few things to look forward to while we wait.
It seems obvious to stuff a bunch of gamers into a single (digital) room and let them collaborate. But there are some lovely little touches to emphasize the painting, not the people: Each player is represented by a simple neon outline of a headset, preserving the sort of bodiless anonymity that draws the focus back to creating. You can even decorate each other’s headsets, so expect the playful innocence of mustaches and fairy wings until less mature gamers inevitably invade Tilt Brush.
There are a few other features coming that aren’t tied to multiplayer, like a poseable mannequin and letting players make crude animations, zoetrope-style: Adding doodles frame-by-frame on the outside of a wheel and “spinning” it.
Another tool on the horizon is the portal brush, which uses the HTC Vive’s cameras to let you peer into the real world. Of course, these are all just experiments that may or may not make it into the game, but since the team keeps putting out niche features like the audio reactive brushes, we could see any of these come out in a future update.
Via: The Verge
Source: Google blog
Daily brief: Google Assistant is angry with you
It’s Friday, September 30, and this is the Android news you need right now.
OMG you guys are writing about Pokémon again. This site used to be so good. You used to write about exactly what I wanted to read every day, but now all I see are crappy posts about the best toenail clippers for Android users! Seriously, I’m never visiting this site again.
OK, that review Andrew wrote was actually pretty good. And I’ll admit that Jerry knows his stuff. And I shared on Facebook that piece Alex wrote because my friends were curious about that phone I’ve been talking about. And I loved that themes piece from Ara, and I actually ordered a PS4 Pro after reading Russell’s comparison, and that Jared guy sure spots good deals, and Flo’s choices were so on point.
This place was so much better when Phil was in charge.
Google keeping tight reigns on Google Home products
Variety reports that Google has told potential hardware partners for Google Home that they can’t use any of their own voice command or assistant software in the devices. An exclusive and unknown source says doing so will revoke license to use the Google Cast service — the tech used in devices like Chromecast and Android TV boxes to display content from the web through another connected device. We expect to learn more about Google Home during Google’s October 4 Pixelooza event.
OnePlus 3 now available on O2 UK
The exclusive carrier agreement sees the grey version of the phone stocked on the carrier’s website and in stores. Prices start at £28 per month. More
Note 7 returns hit 81% in Australia, but Samsung faces criticism from China
A little over a week into the Australian recall, Samsung seems to be making good progress. But confusion over whether Note 7s sold in China are safe has the company in hot water with state TV. More
Samsung Galaxy A8 lands in Korea
The new mid-ranger packs a 5.7-inch 1080p screen, Exynos 7420 processor (think GS6/Note 5) and a whopping 3,500mAh battery into a full metal enclosure. According to SamMobile it also features the updated “Grace” UX from the Galaxy Note 7. No word on any release outside of Korea for the moment.
Google Calendar comes to Google Maps, according to Google Blog
Google’s new blog tells the story of synergy, of bringing upcoming calendar entries into Maps. It’s easy to do, too: just open the sidebar and head to Your Places and scroll up Upcoming. Any addresses stored in upcoming calendar meetings will be waiting there. Happy travels!
Shazam is money
It took over 15 years, and eight since its app debuted, for “what song is that?” service Shazam to make a profit. The reason? Better advertising revenues. The app has been used over 30 billion times since its debut, according to Billboard.
Do more with your HTC Vive
HTC has debuted an app store for non-gaming material for its Vive VR platform. Dubbed Viveport, it’s been available since April in China, and has now expanded worldwide. Can’t wait to watch Friends in VR.
New budget Huawei phone headed to AT&T
The Huawei H1611 made an appearance at the FCC today. The phone looks to be destined for AT&T’s GoPhone brand but we’ve not yet heard any announcements. The H1611 will have a Snapdragon 615 processor and a “large screen” (no measurements are given) and should come with a budget-friendly price tag.
Allo’s principal engineer tweets a list of most requested features from users
Justin Uberti, a principal engineer at Google, tweeted late yesterday about the most requested features for the nascent messaging app, Allo.
(1/2) A busy week 1 for #GoogleAllo – thanks for all the suggestions! A brief summary of the most common requests I received below:
— Justin Uberti (@juberti) September 30, 2016
(2/2) Suggestions:- Assistant features- Desktop app- Duo integration- File sharing- Quick Reply- SMS- ThemesThat’s all I can say
— Justin Uberti (@juberti) September 30, 2016
That’s all he can say, folks. Does it get you excited to keep using Allo? Sound off in the comments.
Have a great weekend, everyone! And remember, it’s all going to be OK.
Android Central 308: The Andromeda Strain on Google
This week, Alex, Jerry, Daniel, and Flo talk about the Google event happening on October 4, and how Google’s Pixel phones need something truly special to make a mark on the industry in ways the Nexuses never could. Speaking of which, what exactly is that Andromeda thing that leaked?
And BlackBerry is no longer making its own phones. Is that a big deal when the company pledged years ago to be a software company first?
Finally, Android Wear 2.0 has been delayed. Boo! But its scope is much bigger than when it first debuted earlier this year, so when smartwatches finally are released with it, we’ll actually have some pretty cool new stuff to look forward to.
Thanks to this week’s sponsor:
- Harrys: Use promo code AC to save $5 off your first purchase — start shaving smarter.
Podcast MP3 URL: http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/androidcentral308.mp3
Facebook’s Messenger Day feature is a Snapchat Stories copycat
It seems like everyone is trying to copy Snapchat these days.
Shortly after Facebook-owned Instagram launched a Stories feature, which lets users broadcast a collection of photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, Facebook has begun testing a similar feature in its Messenger app. It’s called Messenger Day. This new feature and Instagram Stories directly rip off Snapchat’s Stories feature. Instagram’s CEO even gave credit to Snapchat when unveiling Instagram Stories.
- What’s the point of Snapchat and how does it work?
If you remember, Facebook reportedly tried to buy Snapchat for $3 billion in 2013, but when it was turned down, it launched a clone app called Slingshot (that never took off and was eventually shut down). Now, instead of making standalone apps to compete with Snapchat, it’s baking popular Snapchat functionality directly into its already popular Instagram and Messenger apps. Messenger Day is now live in Poland.
TechCrunch
TechCrunch said the feature allows Messenger users to share a collection of photos and videos with friends that will disappear in 24 hours. These photos and videos can be decked out with text, scribbles, stickers, filters, and much of the same stuff you find in Snapchat Stories. Facebook said Messenger Day is only in testing among a small group of users in Poland, and that it has nothing more to announce at this time.
Keep in mind companies commonly test new features on small groups before doing worldwide rollouts, so Messenger Day could arrive soon for all, though Facebook hasn’t confirmed that’s the case.
80s kids, rejoice! Teddy Ruxpin is back with LCD eyes and more
Breathing new life into old school toys seems to be a growing trend.
Earlier this year, Hasbro announced it was bringing back its weird, nostalgic fur beast (aka Furby) as a connected toy with LCD screens for eyes, and now anther iconic Hasbro toy is getting the same treatment but by a different company called Wicked Cool Toys. Teddy Ruxpin, the animatronic talking bear that was a best-selling toy in the late 80s, has been revived. It’s now a connected toy, too.
It’s softer than ever and comes with animated, anime-like LCD eyes. But unlike the original bear, which had a slot for cassettes loaded with over 60 now-classic stories, the new Teddy Ruxpin has a 4GB hard drive that stores 40 stories, including some of the original Teddy Ruxpin ones. The bear can can still speak and narrate stories, and it can even do sing-a-longs, but now children can also read along using a companion iPad app.
To skip stories, you press Teddy Ruxpin’s hand. To enter a sing-a-long mode, you press its foot. It is pretty simple update to a toy that was once considered a technological marvel, but Wicked Cool Toys is likely hoping the new Teddy Ruxpin is high-tech enough to attract today’s youngsters. There’s no word yet on pricing, and the company said it wont start selling the bear until 2017.
Watch the video below to see Teddy Ruxpin on display at the Dallas Toy Fair.
Amazon Prime adds Twitch Prime to offer game discounts, free loot
Amazon-owned Twitch now offers benefits just for Amazon Prime subscribers.
This new set of benefits is dubbed Twitch Prime. To get access to them, you must pay Amazon’s annual $99 Prime membership fee. An Amazon Prime membership gives you free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video, and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, and more. Now, it includes exclusive perks for Twitch users to.
You’ll get ad-free viewing and discounts on pre-order and new games, Amazon said, and “a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot, plus a premium experience on Twitch that includes a free monthly Twitch channel subscription”. Twitch users can try Twitch Prime by taking advantage of a free 30-day trial, while existing Prime members can enable these benefits by linking their Prime accounts to Twitch.
- Go to www.twitchprime.com to link your Prime account to Twitch
As part of Friday’s announcement, Amazon said Amazon Prime members using Twitch Prime will get to claim and keep the newest hero in Hearthstone, Tyrande Whisperwind, and an accompanying custom card back. This offer will be available until 6 November. Additionally, in October, members will get a free copy of Streamline, a new game built for Twitch by Proletariat Studios.
Twitch Prime launching for all Amazon Prime members in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Introducing Twitch Prime! Free game loot, free channel sub every 30 days, the best of Turbo and the best of Amazon Prime, and more! pic.twitter.com/Mequi11BZQ
— Twitch (@Twitch) September 30, 2016
Twitch announces ad-free streaming for Amazon Prime members
Today at Twitch Con 2016 in San Diego, Amazon and the world’s biggest livestreaming platform announced a new perk of their deepening relationship. It’s called Twitch Prime and starting today Amazon Prime members get ad-free viewing on Twitch, plus exclusive deals on new releases and “free loot” like skins, characters, boosts and even free games.
In addition to monthly perks, Twitch Prime members get one free subscription per month they can use on their favorite streamer. As Twitch CEO Emmet Shear said during today’s keynote, streamers still get paid for these subscriptions, so Twitch Prime is “literally giving your favorite streamer free money.”
Introducing Twitch Prime! Free game loot, free channel sub every 30 days, the best of Turbo and the best of Amazon Prime, and more! pic.twitter.com/Mequi11BZQ
— Twitch (@Twitch) September 30, 2016
From Amazon’s point of view, this is an easy way to grab up some new Prime members from the massive Twitch audience. On the Twitch side, users can still keep their current Turbo ad-free memberships at the $8.99 price point if they prefer, but they won’t get all the additional benefits or early bird access that come with the Prime membership. New users can snatch up a free 30-day trial now. After that, Amazon Prime costs $10.99 per month or $99 annually. If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, all you need to do is link your Twitch and Amazon accounts at twitchprime.com
To celebrate the launch, Twitch and Amazon will also be donating $100,000 to GameChanger charity for every 100,000 new subscriptions to any channel on Twitch — regardless of whether you’re using your free sub or a paid one.
Twitch Prime is live now in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
Source: Twitch Blog
GLM unveils its exotic electric G4 concept car
Green Lord Motors, better known as GLM, has been called the Tesla of Japan on more than one occasion. Founded in 2010, GLM has quietly been producing its own electric vehicle platform paired with a third-party body much in the same way Tesla launched its original Roadster. This week at the Paris Auto Show, GLM unveiled a concept for its own luxury sedan: the GLM G4 with 536 horsepower and a 0–60 mph time of 3.7 seconds that puts it in striking distance of the Model S.
GLM claims the G4 gets a solid 248 miles of range. While that figure is expected to be lower once it gets an official EPA rating, the G4 is comfortably in the same ballpark as the Chevy Bolt, but it won’t outlast Tesla’s top of the line P100D just yet. On the other hand, GLM’s concept car is shooting for more than just luxury. According to the company’s announcement from Paris, “GLM interprets [EV] as Exotic Vehicle” rather than “electric.” True to that idea, the body styling is provided by Dutch supercar designers Savage Rivale and was originally meant to be a V8 supercar, but has been slightly redone to match GLM’s futuristic vision with four swooping gullwing doors, racing seats in the back and no shortage of digital screens.
Of course, the G4 is just a concept for now. So, there’s currently no word on pricing, availability or whether this thing will ever see a real production line.
Engadget editor Steve Dent also contributed additional photos and reporting from Paris.
Source: PR News Wire, Motor Authority
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