Congratulations, internet: you collapsed part of the FCC website with comments
Apparently Last Week Tonight host John Oliver’s call to arms was answered, as the United States government’s website for Federal Communications Commission complaints is experiencing some issues. Specifically, the page where you can submit comments regarding proposed internet provider regulation is having issues. The FCC’s Twitter account says the issues are due to, “heavy traffic.” And why might that page be experiencing especially high traffic volume? It could be that, after reading our net neutrality explainer, the entire internet decided to rise up and push back on the handful of major corporations which control the pipes we all use.
But, more likely, it’s a reaction to comedian-turned-host John Oliver’s hilarious and smart piece this past weekend on the subject. See it yourself after the break — and then tell the FCC what you think about keeping the internet open…if you can get to the site, that is. Keep trying!
Google’s new Chrome add-on secures your email every step of the way
Privacy advocates (including Edward Snowden) will tell you that one of the better ways to evade internet snooping is to encrypt data end-to-end, so that people can’t casually peek at what you’re doing. Well, it’s now considerably easier to do just that — if you’re using Chrome, anyway. Google has released an early version of an appropriately named Chrome add-on, End-to-End, that secures your web-based email beyond what providers usually offer. Instead of setting up complicated encryption tools, you just use the extension; after that, messages you send or receive can’t (easily) be read unless the recipient has the necessary key.
Think twice about jumping in with both feet. This is an alpha release that’s bound to have some bugs, and Google only plans an official launch in the Chrome Web Store once everything is “ready for primetime.” However, you may be willing to try it early after you see the new email section Google added to its Transparency Report. It reveals that a third of outbound Gmail isn’t encrypted at all stages of transit, and that half of incoming messages are similarly vulnerable. If you’re worried that this could leave your private conversations in the clear, you’ll want to check out End-to-End right away.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Via: Google Online Security Blog, Google+
Source: Google Code, Google Transparency Report
Various Moto X, Moto G and Moto E Devices to See Android 4.4.3 Updates This Week
Motorola has announced via their official blog that they will begin rolling out Android 4.4.3 to the Moto X, Moto G and Moto E this week. The breakdown is a bit more interesting though, here is what Motorola had to say in regards to which version of the devices will be getting it.
- Moto X T-Mobile users
- Moto G users who bought online in the U.S. (includes Moto G 4G LTE) and at retail in Brazil
- Moto E users who bought online in the U.S. For Moto E users, you are still up for the next major Android update as well. Consider this the cherry on top.
Not as cut and dry as you would think. The update will include the fancy new dialer that has been talked about to death already in the last 24 hours. Not to mention several stability, framework, security fixes and enhancements to the power profile capabilities. All that means is it should be faster with less issues and stay charged longer.
In addition to the boost to 4.4.3, there are a number of little changes that will be made to each device during the update process as well. The Moto X will see better image quality, more realistic flash coloring and improved photos in low light conditions with the front camera. Both the Moto X and Moto G will gain a “pause/resume” button while taking videos and motorola Alert.
Source: Motorola Blog via Phandroid
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Touch-enabled Office could be headed to Android ahead of Windows 8
Microsoft has been quite overt with its mobile-minded strategy, and now it seems a touch-friendly version of Office is headed to Android next — before it arrives on Windows 8. ZDNet reports the productivity suite will outfit Google’s OS ahead of Microsoft’s own devices, the latter of which is now said to be pushed to early 2015. When speaking at the Code Conference last week, CEO Satya Nadella disclosed that touch-enabled Office apps hit the iPad first due to its massive lead in market share. That being said, with the bulk of mobile users on iOS and Android, it seems Microsoft is truly taking aim at bringing its popular software to as many users as possible, even if they aren’t using its OSes on the daily.
Filed under: Tablets, Software, Microsoft
Via: Android Central
Crunchyroll Anime and Drama Now Supports Chromecast
At the very bottom of Googles announcement about WatchESPN, MLS Matchday and G+ photo/video gaining Chromecast support they mentioned one other. One that seemed like it might deserve a post all its own. Now you can get your fix of Anime on your Chromecast device thanks to Crunchyroll and Google.
Chrunchyroll brings in a rather impressive collection of Japanese Anime with 25,000 videos and 15,000 hours of Anime, Korean Drama and Live-Action titles. All of this is free. If you are into Anime, then you might want to spring for the Premium membership. If you do, you will be able to ditch the ads and will have access to episodes of your favorite show 1-hour after it airs in Japan. You can even have a FREE 14 day trial to try out the Premium benefits to see if you like it. It sure would be nice if we could get that same kind of service out of Netflix or the likes.
Anywho, pick up the app and give it a whirl and let us know what you think.
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Chrome goes 64-bit on Windows with promises of faster, safer web browsing
While many apps and operating systems made the jump to 64-bit code a while ago, Google’s Chrome browser is still stuck in a 32-bit world and misses out on much of what newer computers can offer. Today, though, it’s moving into the modern era: Google has released test versions of 64-bit Chrome for Windows 7 and 8 users. The upgrade lets the app take full advantage of newer processors and their instruction sets, delivering about a 25 percent speed boost for media-intensive pages. It also lets the software use newer security safeguards to minimize exploits, and there should be fewer crashes. There’s no word on corresponding Linux or Mac updates, but Windows fans willing to live dangerously can grab a 64-bit Canary or developer build through the source link.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Chromium Blog
Instagram adds nine new editing tools, makes filters adjustable
The problem with trying to be unique on Instagram, is that there are millions of other users spoiling that, using the same darn filters. How dare they. Starting today, things should get a little more varied, as the food photo sharing network has just introduced a host of new features, but most importantly those popular filters are adjustable, too. The new controls include: filter strength, brightness, contrast, warmth, saturation, highlights, shadows, vignette and sharpen. Instagram’s no doubt hoping these new options put it’s free app on a par with some big name paid apps when it comes to editing power. But, unless you like your images square, it might not be a full editing replacement just yet. It’s available for iPhone and Android right now. Fill yer boots.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Source: Instagram, App Store, Google Play
Google brings WatchESPN, MLS and more to Chromecast
The response Google’s received since opening up its Chromecast SDK has been phenomenal, as more and more services continue to bring support for the tiny streaming device. As of today, we can add some extra entertainment options to the list. WatchESPN, Major League Soccer, Crunchyroll and the search giant’s own Google+ are all welcoming Chromecast compatibility, thanks to updates to their respective apps on iOS and Android. WatchESPN and MLS Matchday join MLB.tv in letting you Cast live sports right from your smartphone or tablet — that’s assuming you have the right subscription, of course. Additionally, the Google+ iOS and Android applications now let you use the $35 dongle to display photos and videos on a TV near you; Crunchyroll, meanwhile, does the same, but with popular anime shows instead of your own media.
“We’re excited to bring more content to Chromecast and we’ll continue to work with major local content partners,” a Google representative said to Engadget. In other words, you can expect that more of your favorite services and apps will be friendly with Chromecast soon, making its small price tag seem that much better over time. (For example, we’re told Watch ABC and Watch Disney are up next.) The new versions of Crunchyroll, Google+, MLS Matchday and WatchESPN are rolling out as we speak, so be sure to keep an eye on the App Store and Google Play.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, Software, HD, Mobile, Google
Source: Google Chrome Blog
The next Batman game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 just got delayed to 2015
Remember when we told you that the next big Batman game was arriving on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC in 2014? That was apparently a stone cold lie. Well, at the time it wasn’t, but as of today, we’re in the wrong — Batman: Arkham Knight is now heading to the aforementioned game playing devices in 2015. When in 2015? That remains shrouded in darkness, like so much of The Dark Knight’s life. But when it does arrive, it’ll come with a tank-like virtual Batmobile (pictured above). And apparently the game has a tank mode? Find out whatever that means in the trailer below.
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Sony, Microsoft
Source: Joystiq
[Download] Android 4.4.3 for the 2013 Nexus 7 captured in OTA Form
Earlier today, we heard about the availability of Android 4.4.3 through factory images for all the Nexus devices which is great if your bootloader is unlocked, however if you just wanted the OTA update, you have so far been out of luck. Luckily, XDA member, EthanFirst, was able to capture Android 4.4.3 for the 2013 Nexus 7 captured in OTA form (i.e. build KTU84L), which can be downloaded from the forum page here. The update comes in at about 74MB so it’s much more manageable and perfect for those with locked bootloaders.
Note that the captured OTA update is only for the 2013 Nexus 7 Wi-Fi; the update for the 4G version isn’t yet available. Likewise, OTA’s for the other Nexus devices have not yet been found, so if you spot them somewhere, or you start getting the update, we’d love to hear about it in the comments. Updates for all Nexus devices should be slowly rolling out as we speak, but will vary region to region, so don’t freak out too much if you haven’t gotten it yet.
Are you hoping that Android 4.4.3 fixes up issues that you have been experiencing? Let us know your inconveniences in the comments.
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