ICYMI: Delivery drone inception and China’s ‘Spruce Goose’
Today on In Case You Missed It: Starship Technologies teams up with Mercedes-Benz to use the latter’s Sprinter vans as “motherships” for the former’s package delivery drones. China announced that it will buy the only existing Antonov An-225 airplane — the largest and heaviest aircraft to ever fly — and will finish construction on a second before using both to deliver construction equipment and aid in humanitarian relief efforts.
Plus, listen to a hot new EDM track from Korean band Dancing Noodle, performed on honking rubber chickens. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
Apple Will Resume ‘Reserve And Pick Up’ for iPhone 7 in U.S. and U.K. on September 17
While estimated shipping dates for most iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models have quickly slipped to 2-3 weeks or later, including November for most Jet Black models, customers who elected not to pre-order online or slept through their alarm may still have a chance to purchase the model they desire sooner than anticipated.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus reservations will reopen on September 17 at 8:00 a.m. local time in the United States, and on September 17 at 6:00 a.m. local time in the United Kingdom, enabling customers to reserve an iPhone and pick it up at a local Apple retail store within a set 30-minute window.
In Canada, the “Reserve and Pick Up” program remains live at the time this article was published, with many iPhone 7 models still available for pick up on launch day. iPhone 7 Plus reservations have sold out in all of Ontario, but some 5.5-inch models remain available at select stores in other provinces.
“Reserve and Pick Up” remains live in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Switzerland as well for select models, at the time this article was published. Reservations will reopen on September 17 at 6:00 a.m. local time in Italy. Apple is accepting September 17 reservations in the United Arab Emirates.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus launch at Apple retail stores on September 16. Apple traditionally accepts walk-in customers on a first come, first served basis, with a separate line for Reserve and Pick Up customers. However, Apple anticipates demand to outstrip supply as usual, so in-store stock could be especially limited.
Authorized resellers such as Best Buy and stores of carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile also generally begin to receive extremely limited iPhone stock on launch day, but availability is not guaranteed due to tight supply. Prospective buyers are best to call their local stores ahead of time.
Related Roundup: iPhone 7
Tags: Reserve and Pickup, Apple retail
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Google Nexus vs Google Pixel: What’s the difference?
Google set the cat amongst the pigeons when it announced the Pixel C tablet in 2015. Launched alongside the two new Nexus handsets (Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P), this new tablet came Pixel branded, rather than Nexus branded.
The previous Pixel product we saw was the Chromebook Pixel, Google’s high-resolution Chromebook, which has since been dropped, having reached the end of its life. So what was Google playing at, launching some devices as Pixel and some as Nexus?
This question that first arose in 2015 is all the more pertinent in 2016, with talk that the Nexus programme has run its course and that the next smartphones that Google launches will carry the Pixel brand.
What is Pixel?
The Pixel devices are those that are end-to-end designed by Google. In the Pixel C we got an Android platform device, so it’s important not to assume that Pixel is going to be a Chrome OS device, which the original Chromebook Pixel was.
The new Pixel C was described as a tablet that’s been entirely built by Google, rather than one that’s build by a partner. That was also the case with the Chromebook Pixel. So that’s what Pixel is – it’s a device that’s completely Google.
For 2016, the rumour is that Google is moving to the Pixel brand for its new smartphones, called Pixel and Pixel XL, reflecting the two different sizes. This is far from confirmed, but it looks as though HTC’s role in this new devices is simply as manufacturer.
- Google Pixel and Pixel XL: Release date, rumours and everything you need to know about the next Nexus
What is Nexus?
The Nexus programme is much more familiar as it has given rise to a number of smartphones and tablets over the past few years, the most recent being the 2015 launch of the Nexus 6P and the Nexus 5X.
These are device that are built in collaboration with partners. They have partner design and input, where Pixel is purely Google’s doing. We’ve previously seen Nexus devices from Samsung, Asus, HTC, LG and Huawei.
Why does Google make Pixel products?
With Google having complete control over the design process, Google is really setting the standard for Android devices. As it did with the Chromebook Pixel, it’s designed to show what can be done on these devices.
The Chromebook Pixel set a benchmark for Chromebooks, aiming to be the best it could be – and it was fantastic. It was a premium devices, then followed by Chromebooks from other manufacturers that were affordable.
The same applied to the Pixel C. This tablet was designed without compromise, and offered some wonderful experiences with the keyboard, even if there were some shortcomings.
Moving forward, we’d expect Pixel smartphones to set the standard for Android, similar to the approach that Nexus took, but with Google firmly at the helm. We suspect that might also see the price increasing.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): What’s the difference?
Apple announced a new smartwatch at the beginning of September in the form of the Apple Watch Series 2. This comes in a standard model, a Nike+ model, Hermès model and an Edition model.
The new device sits alongside the Apple Watch Series 1, which is essentially the same as the original device that hit shelves in April 2015, but with a new dual-core processor.
It’s all a bit confusing so to make matters a little more simple, we’ve compared the Apple Watch Series 2 to the Apple Watch Series 1 and the original Apple Watch (2015) so you can see exactly what the differences and similarities are.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): Design
The original Apple Watch features a rectangular solid body that sees the crown and separate button on the right, with a speaker and microphone on the left. The heart rate monitor sits on the underside of the body, along with the release buttons for switching out the straps and the OLED Retina display sits on top.
The Apple Watch Series 1, which replaces the original model, is exactly the same as the original in terms of design. Nothing has changed. It is still splash resistant, it still features Ion-X glass on top of the display and it still offers the same functionality.
The Apple Watch Series 2 also offers the same design, meaning all those straps you may or may not have bought, will still be compatible. There are a couple of differences compared to the Series 1 and original though. For starters, Apple has waterproofed all the entry ports meaning the Series 2 is not just splash proof, but swim-proof up to 50-meters.
The new device also has a second-generation OLED Retina display that is two times brighter than the Series 1 and original at 1000nits, compared to 450nits. The Series 2 uses Ion-X glass to protect the screen on the aluminium case models, like the Series 1, but sapphire glass is present for the stainless steel and ceramic models.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): Models
When the original Apple Watch launched, its case was available in aluminium, stainless steel and special materials including solid gold, all of which came in two size options of 38mm and 42mm.
As we mentioned, the original has now been discontinued with the Series 1 taking its place, but although the size options remain, this model only comes in the aluminium case option with a Sport Band. You can of course buy separate straps, but you won’t be able to get the Series 1 in stainless steel or any other special material.
The Series 2 comes in the same size options again, and in a standard model, the Nike+ model, the Hermès model and the Watch Edition model, as we mentioned at the start. The standard model comprises the aluminium case with a Sport Band or Nylon Woven band, or the stainless steel case with Sport Band, stainless steel band or leather band.
The Nike+ model is an aluminium case with Nike Sport Band, while the Hermès model is a stainless steel case with Hermès branding and it comes with a Hermès band and Sport Band included.
The Watch Edition model is a ceramic case with Sport Band. The solid gold Apple Watch is no more on any model.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): Hardware
The Apple Watch Series 1 and original Apple Watch are identical in terms of hardware, except the processor. The Series 1 has an upgraded dual-core processor called the S1P, while the original model has the S1 processor.
Both models feature Bluetooth 4.0, 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi 802.11/b/g/n, a heart rate sensor as we mentioned, accelerometer and a gyroscope. They also both have an ambient light sensor and they are splash resistant but not waterproof, as we mentioned. A built-in lithium-ion battery is under the hood of both with a life of up to 18 hours.
The Apple Watch Series 2 offers the same hardware as the Series 1 when it comes to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the various sensors and battery.
It adds a different dual-core processor called the S2 however. This chip allows for built-in GPS, which combined with the waterproofing and the brighter display make for some significant differences between Series 2 and Series 1.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): Software
The Apple Watch Series 2 will launch on WatchOS 3, which the Series 1 and the original device will get updated to from 13 September.
There have been several new features added to the new software including enhancements to messages, a new app called Breathe that wants to help you better manage everyday stress and a new Workout app.
The Series 2, Series 1 and original Apple Watch will all therefore offer almost identical user experience but thanks to the added hardware features of the Series 2, the newer device will have a few extras here and there.
The waterproofing means the Series 2 will be able to track swimming and Apple has added features like automatic stroke recognition for an accurate calories burned measurement, while built-in GPS means outdoor hikes, runs and bike rides can be mapped precisely without the need to bring your iPhone along.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): Price
The original Apple Watch is no longer available to buy, but the Apple Watch Series 1 starts at £269.
The Apple Watch Series 2 starts at £369, as does the Apple Watch Nike+ model. The Hermès model starts at £1149 and the ceramic Watch Edition model starts at £1249.
The Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 will be available to buy from 16 September.
Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch (2015): Conclusion
The difference between the original Apple Watch and Series 1 is literally just the processor, meaning upgrading from the original to the Series 1 would probably not be worth it.
If you didn’t invest in the original and you’ve decided the Apple Watch is now something you want, buying the Series 1 over the new model will save you £100, but you miss out on some key features.
The Apple Watch Series 2 not only adds a new processor, but it offers a much brighter display, built-in GPS and that all important waterproofing. All the other features might remain the same, including design, but for some, the built-in GPS and waterproofing will be the two features they needed to take the smartwatch plunge.
PS4 Pro ditches 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player for cost and one other reason…
There’s little doubt that the PS4 Pro, announced on Wednesday, is a spectacular 4K gaming powerhouse, but we were shocked to learn that it doesn’t feature a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player for disc playback.
Considering the Xbox One S, which hit stores in August, does have a 4K Blu-ray deck, it seemed odd that Sony, a company with a vested interest in the technology, decided against following suit.
Now we know why.
- PS4 Pro preview: Stunning 4K HDR gaming monster you can own this year
- Sony PS4 Pro: Release date, specs and everything you need to know
- PS4 Slim preview: Svelte, smaller but similar
- New PS4 (slim): Release date, specs and everything you need to know
Pocket-lint spoke to Masayasu Ito, executive vice president of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s hardware engineering department, who told us that cost was a major factor in skipping the disc drive for this mid-generation machine: “It’s a balancing act, you have to look at the cost and a 4K Blu-ray disc player would be costly,” he said.
It wasn’t the only reason though. Ito explained that PS4 users are also more likely to stream video than buy conventional discs: “We also considered user trends,” he added.
“A lot of people are now just streaming 4K content and there’s Netflix 4K HDR support from day one. So judging from what our users tend to do and looking at overall costs, this is why a UHD Blu-ray player is not included.”
Pocket-lint
Matching a sub-£350 price point also meant that hard drive capacity couldn’t be expanded for the Pro: “That was one of the main objectives. And, of course, a 2TB hard disk is still costly. This is why we decided on 1TB,” Ito said.
“Having said that, as with the previous PS4, users are free to interchange and upgrade the hard disk to what they want.”
The PS4 Pro will be available from 10 November, priced £349. It is capable of 4K HDR gaming and playback of streamed Ultra HD content from online services, initially Netflix and YouTube.
Virgin Galactic returns to the skies after two years
Virgin Galactic has announced that it has successfully test-flown its new (edge of) space plane. It’s the first time in two years that Galactic craft has taken to the skies as the program was put on hold after the fatal crash in 2014. This flight, which lasted nearly four hours over the Mojave desert, involved the SpaceShipTwo-class launch vehicle, VMS Eve, carry the passenger cruiser, VSS Unity, at heights of over 50,000 feet.
The company described the flight as a “captive carry” test, in which the launch vehicle and spacecraft are held together. As well as ensuring a safe flight, engineers used the event as a real-world wind tunnel, examining how well the Unity coped with the strains of near-stratospheric flight. The flight proved another milestone, since the Unity was the first craft to be built by Virgin Galactic’s in-house manufacturing division. Now that the flight has been completed, Virgin will study all of the flight data in order to ensure safe practices for the next one.
It’s right and proper that the firm would concentrate on safety since it will need to restore its reputation in the wake of the VSS Enterprise crash. That incident was blamed on a variety of structural issues that were exacerbated by an error made by the co-pilot. That error, however, would never have been made if better safety systems had been constructed, and the FAA had paid better attention before the flight proceeded.
Source: Virgin Galactic
iPhone 7 contracts on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three: which is best?
For many smartphone fans, today is Christmas morning. Apple unwrapped the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus earlier this week and now, they’re available to pre-order. Both smartphones are an upgrade over their 6s predecessors, boasting better cameras, processors and water-resistant shells. The lack of a headphone jack is…divisive to say the least, but hey, at least you get an adapter and some Lightning headphones in the box. If you’re ready to take the plunge with one of the new models, here are your best options.
Apple
First and foremost, there’s the Cupertino company itself. Apple is selling both models with three storage options: 32GB, 128GB and 256GB.
| Price | £599 | £699 | £799 | £719 | £819 | £919 |
If these prices seem a little steep, it’s worth considering Apple’s new iPhone upgrade programme. You’ll be signing up for a long-term plan with (sort of) low monthly payments — they start at £33.45 per month, with a £49 upfront fee, for the iPhone 7 with 32GB of storage. Just be aware that the phone doesn’t come with a SIM card or any kind of cellular plan, so you’ll need to pick one up elsewhere. The scheme does grant you instant upgrades to the latest model, however, so if you’re the type that buys a new iPhone every year, this is one way to fund an expensive habit.
Contracts
Prefer to deal with your carrier? It’s a minefield out there. Networks are always tweaking their plans and it’s notoriously hard to compare them. You have to consider the phone, the upfront cost and the monthly instalments, as well as the number of calls, texts and megabytes you’ll be getting each month. To help you out, we’ve broken down the plans that will put the smallest dent in your bank account each month. As a consequence, however, you will be forking out more up front.
| Vodafone | £28pm, £400 up front | £32pm, £400 up front | £37pm, £500 up front | £32pm, £400 up front | £37pm, £400 up front | £42pm, £500 up front |
| O2 | £38pm, £180 up front | £43pm, £180 up front | £48pm, £170 up front | £43pm, £190 up front | £48pm, £190 up front | £53pm, £180 up front |
| EE | £46pm, £100 up front | £51pm, £100 up front | £56pm, £100 up front | £51pm, £130 up front | £61om, £130 up front | £66pm, £130 up front |
| Three | £36pm, £149 up front | £43pm, £149 up front | £50pm, £149 up front | £44pm, £149 up front | £51pm, £149 up front | £58pm, £149 up front |
| BT | £44pm, £120 up front | £44pm, £240 up front | £44pm, £290 up front | £44pm, £240 up front | £44pm, £290 up front | £44pm, £380 up front |
| iD | £42.50pm, £340 up front | £42.50pm, £440 up front | £42.50pm, £540 up front | £42.50pm, £440 up front | £42.50pm, £540 up front | £42.50pm, £640 up front |
| Carphone Warehouse | £33.49pm, £230 up front | £33.49pm, £330 up front | £33.49pm, £430 up front | £33.50pm, £320 up front | £33.50pm, £420 up front | £33.50pm, £520 up front |
If you’re tight on cash right now and would prefer to spend a little more each month, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve listed some of the cheapest plans if you want to spend the absolute minimum up front.
| Vodafone | £53pm, £30 up front | £58pm, £50 up front | £68pm, £50 up front | £63pm, £50 up front | £68pm, £50 up front | £73pm, £90 up front |
| O2 | £43pm, £60 up front | £48pm, £60 up front | £53pm, £50 up front | £48pm, £70 up front | £53pm, £70 up front | £58pm, £60 up front |
| EE | £46pm, £100 up front | £51pm, £100 up front | £56pm, £100 up front | £51pm, £130 up front | £61pm, £130 up front | £66pm, £130 up front |
| Three | £72pm, no upfront cost | £79pm, no upfront cost | £86pm, no upfront cost | £72pm, no upfront cost | £79pm, No upfront cost | £86pm, no upfront cost |
| BT | £59om, £90 upfront cost | £59pm, £120 up front | £59pm, £170 up front | £59pm, £90 up front | £59pm, £120 up front | £59pm, £170 up front |
| iD | £49.50om, £120 up front | £49.50pm, £220 up front | £49.50pm, £320 up front | £49.50pm, £220 up front | £49.50pm, £320 up front | £49.50pm, £420 up front |
| Carphone Warehouse | £57pm, No upfront cost | £85pm, £10 up front | £90pm, £40 up front | £85pm, £10 up front | £90pm, £40 up front | £90pm, £140 up front |
HemaApp gives smartphones the power to detect anemia
A team of researchers from the University of Washington have developed an app that turns smartphones into anemia detectors. See, the condition often goes undiagnosed in developing parts of the world. And seeing as it’s the most common blood disorder out there, it likely affects more than 25 percent of the population that the World Health Organization believes it does. HemaApp gives medical professionals a way to see if patients have anemia simply by shining the phone’s flash against their skin.
The app estimates hemoglobin concentrations — anemia is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin or red blood cells — by analyzing the color of a person’s blood. UW’s researchers found that it was most accurate when used with a low-cost LED lighting attachment on top of the flash, allowing it to see more of what’s under the patient’s skin. In fact, it was as accurate as the Masimo Pronto, the expensive FDA-approved machine that can measure hemoglobin non-invasively using a device clipped to a person’s finger. A smartphone loaded with the HemaApp will be much cheaper and accessible for medical professionals in developing nations.
This team of researchers built on the work by another U of Washington group that developed an app that can detect jaundice in babies. They plan to improve their technology further to be able to screen for sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. Despite what it can do, HemaApp will mostly be used for initial screening, and people who exhibit low hemoglobin levels still have to get a blood test. It will at least allow doctors and nurses to pluck those who need further tests from a bigger number of people, though, so they won’t have to take blood samples for anemia if they don’t have to.
Via: Technology Review
Source: University of Washington
Apple Still Working to Perfect Wireless Charging Technology for ‘iPhone 8’
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple today that details how new brushing and polishing tools could be used to finish a wireless charging station.
While the application covers general polishing techniques for cylindrical and contoured surfaces, Patently Apple notes that the patent also details ways to create a space for an inductive charging coil, confirming that the tools are designed specifically for the creation of a wireless charging device.
In describing how the tools would work, the application includes multiple illustrations of a charging station used to provide electrical current to another device via inductive power transmission. An inductive transmitter coil wraps around a metal core and is designed to pair with a receiver coil and charge the battery in the electronic device.
Apple notes that the charging station could include an electromagnetically transparent support surface for the device to be charged, allowing it to sit on the station unencumbered and receive power wirelessly via the induction coupling technology. The charging station is also described as including a port for a USB-type connector cable to connect with an external power source, such as a laptop.
The patent application was filed in late 2015, and provides ample evidence that Apple’s engineering teams continue to investigate wireless charging solutions. Indeed, Apple has had an interest in the technology ever since the first iPhone, gaining patents for wireless charging stations and wireless charging via near field magnetic resonance, which wirelessly charges a device within a certain region.
Earlier this year, one rumor source suggested the iPhone 7 would feature wireless charging as well as better waterproofing and no headphone jack. However, that report warned that the charging feature could be pulled from the iPhone 7 for a future iteration of the device, since Apple was still working on the technology.
Indeed, only two of the aforementioned features were ultimately realized this week, indicating Apple may have purposely held back the charging technology in order for it to be included in its tenth anniversary “iPhone 8”, said to be debuting next year.
The suggestion will undoubtedly grate for some readers, given that this would have been the perfect solution for charging an iPhone and listening to music through wired headphones at the same time, rather than using the more cumbersome charging dock method suggested by Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller.
Back in September 2012, however, Schiller said that Apple wasn’t sure of how convenient the then-current state of wireless charging technology was, since most wireless charging systems had to be plugged into a wall. This may explain why Apple is still exploring the technology. Indeed, the company has shown an interest in WiTricity’s wireless charging tech, which uses a “hidden charging” method that allows magnetic fields to wrap around barriers, which would allow users to place their charging pads wherever they want.
Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
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Google Photos App Gains ‘Motion Stills’ Stabilization Feature for Enhancing Live Photos
Google has integrated the technology from its Motion Stills app into Google Photos for iOS, enabling users of the latter to benefit from the Live Photos stabilization feature without having to download another app.
Google’s Motion Stills feature uses advanced stabilization and rendering to further manipulate Apple’s Live Photos – pictures taken on supporting iPhones with a second and a half of video footage captured either side of the photo.
The added feature means Google Photos can now freeze the background in Live Photos or create sweeping cinematic pans, and save the resulting creation as a looping video.
In addition, the latest update to Google Photos includes the ability to sort photos in albums chronologically or by recently added. Google says it has also listened to feedback and users can now choose new thumbnails for faces in ‘People’ photo collections.
Users can learn more about the technology behind Motion Stills stabilization here.
Google Photos is a free download for iPhone and iPad from the App Store. [Direct Link]
Tag: Google Photos
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