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Month: May 2018

  • Facebook Closed in Papua New Guinea for a Month

    Facebook Closed in Papua New Guinea for a Month

    Papua New Guinea’s Communications Minister Sam Basil has stated that Facebook is to be shut down in the country for a month. This time, Basil said, will be used to investigate the propagation of fake news and pornography on the site.  

    Facebook In Hot Water… Again 

    This news comes on the heels of Zuckerburg’s European apology tour related to the numerous scandals the site has been involved in recently. Firstly, the company was the center of the Cambridge Analytica data breach. Secondly, the investigation of the Donald Trump campaign found that Russian organizations used the social media platform to influence the election.  While the news out of Papua New Guinea isn’t directly tied to these incidents, they help add some context for the decision.

    Recent advertisements by Facebook attempt to make light of this, promising to make the site “fun” again. Facebook’s content algorithm continues to generate countless debates. The amount of comments, reactions and buzz around controversial posts makes them rise in the news feed. This leads to a feedback loop and causes the platform to be rife with arguments and fake news.  

    Papua New Guinea 

    Basil’s statements echo these fears. The Communications Minister even went so far as to suggest the country should develop its own social media platform. While Facebook is down in the country, the government will investigate its use and userbase. Fake profiles used to disseminate fake news are of particular note to the investigation. 

    A Facebook representative has stated “We have reached out to the Papua New Guinea government to understand their concerns.” It seems as though this contact hasn’t stopped Papua New Guinea’s government from going ahead with the shutdown, though. In the meantime, Facebook’s has cemented its place in the ongoing debate over fake news. It will likely remain there for the foreseeable future, as well.  

  • Tech Live Look: Porsche’s Fascinating (And Awesome) Augmented Reality Glasses

    Tech Live Look: Porsche’s Fascinating (And Awesome) Augmented Reality Glasses

    While virtual reality headsets remain less than popular, augmented reality is booming. Snapchat filters and augmented reality games are popular with millions of users. On a more practical level, augmented reality may be used for car repairs in the future. Enter Porsche’s Tech Live Look.

    Porsche’s Tech Live Look 

    Porsche, known for their tech-mindedness and forward thinking, has developed a really interesting new augmented reality headset. It’s first application is as a quick-reference for Porsche mechanics. The headset allows them access to all the manuals and diagrams they could ever need. This type of cloud technology uplink is very sci-fi: imagine a mechanics who can see a swath of reference materials in his view as he repairs an engine. 

    Tech Live Look also allows Porsche technicians to assist mechanics in live time. Technicians will be able to see what mechanics see, walking them through repairs step-by-step. Drawing on the video feed, producing manuals in the peripheral and more will be possible with this technology. This, Porsche states, will lead to a 40 percent increase in productivity in their repair centers. 

    According to Porsche America CEO Klaus Zellmer, “It’s good for customers, because they get their car back sooner, and it’s good for dealers because they get that stall clear.” According the Zellmer, the cost of the headsets is offset a few days after they are implemented, thanks to the great turnaround they provide for repair centers. 

    When is this Coming? 

    Many Porsche dealerships have already signed up for this revolutionary tech. While Porsche has stated that only their mechanics and technicians will have use of it, this is great news for Porsche owners and augmented reality enthusiasts. The headset is reminiscent of Google Glass, but with some key differences.  

    Where Google Glass was more for notifications, sporting small displays in the peripheral, Porsche’s headset is a full display. Tech Live Look is a real-time connection with a technician, not an AI or automated program. While the tech is staying in Porsche dealerships for now, it suggests some interesting things to come. 

    The Future of Augmented Reality 

    Live linking to an experienced instructor has some obvious applications other than just car repair. The first thought one has when contemplating this technology is surgery. An expert in a certain surgical field may be unable to be physically present for a procedure but could use an AR headset to help direct a less experienced surgeon. 

    Similarly, a pilot experiencing unusual threats in the air might be aided by a more experienced expert who could use similar technology to direct them in real time. All these scenarios and more could be further aided when AI technology sees further advances. A live technician is great, but in situations where there is no Internet connection, an AI could suffice. In fact, AI may even be more well-equipped to respond rapidly and instruct a user calmly and with focus. 

  • Ready for Some Tunes? Find out Which High-Fidelity Headphones are Our Favorites

    Ready for Some Tunes? Find out Which High-Fidelity Headphones are Our Favorites

    Whether you’re rocking out on the go or jamming in your living room, there’s something really quite special about getting lost in your music. What headphones are the best for losing yourself to the beat? Read on to find out which high-fidelity headphones are our favorite! 

    Sony MDR Z7 

    Sony’s name usually indicates a degree of quality that most audio brands can’t match. The MDR Z7 is no exception: it’s a phenomenal piece of technology. In fact, these headphones are probably Sony’s best bet at squaring off with true “audiophile” headphones. The quality of these high-fidelity headphones is no joke, but neither is the price. These great-sounding headphones will set you back $700. 

    While Sony isn’t usually a company known for producing audiophile-quality headphones, the MDR Z7 breaks that trend with aplomb. While many headphones in this price range opt for an open-back design to open the sound, these instead go with a closed-back design to keep ambient sounds out. They still manage to have a great, open sound though. These are a great choice for anyone looking for a great audio experience on the go without sacrificing quality! 

    Beyerdymanic T90 

    While the MDR Z7 is great for on-the-go listening, the Beyerdymanic T90 headphones are much more well-suited for home listening. Their open-back design leaks sound, but also offers a fantastic, open sound profile. The Beyerdymanic T90’s make use of incredibly powerful Tesla magnets to produce their sound. And it shows: the sound profile is balanced, rich and incredibly high-fidelity. There are few compromises found in these headphones. 

    What’s more, they can usually be found for around $600 online! With these high-fidelity headphones, you get audiophile-quality without paying an audiophile price! 

    Our Favorite High-Fidelity Headphones: Sennheiser HD 800 

    These supremely comfortable headphones are our absolute favorite. They’re luxuriously well-built and gorgeous, and feature some of the most incredible sound quality you can get from headphones. Their most impressive feature isn’t just how loud they can be, how much bass they can produce, etc. No, their most impressive feature is how they cease to be when the music comes on. These headphones don’t feel like a medium for the sound, they’re a portal to the concert hall where the song is being played. 

    There are a few drawbacks to these headphones, though. For one, they’ll set you back quite a bit: they cost around $1,000 online. Secondly, there’s no converter for a 3.5mm jack, which makes them pretty much exclusively for home use. That said, these are still some of the best headphones you can find, and they make a great companion to any home entertainment system. 

  • HP Spectre x360 15 Impresses With 4K

    HP Spectre x360 15 Impresses With 4K

    The HP Spectre is a big, gorgeous convertible laptop that doesn’t fail to impress. While it isn’t the most portable device in the world, it more than makes up for that in power and flexibility. Today we’re breaking down our favorite new features of the HP Spectre x360 15 for 2018. 

    Design and Feel 

    This year’s Spectre is a fantastic machine and is built very well. The hinges feel smooth and steady when opening the laptop, and the finish feels sleek and high-quality. The display is certainly the star of the show: the Spectre comes stock with a 4K touchscreen. There is, interestingly, no option for a standard 1080p display, which certainly accounts for the computer’s price. Retailing for $1,220, this one is definitely aimed at professionals who want a big, bold display with a touch screen. 

    Performance 

    The base version of the laptop comes with a quad-core Intel processor and an MX150 graphics card, courtesy of Nvidia. These are both solid components and will serve all but the most demanding of users. Those who do demand more, though, will be happy to hear a version with a much beefier hexa-core Intel processor and a Radeon RX Vega M graphics card is also available. Both versions perform great, keeping up with common applications and never putting out too much heat or noise from the strain.  

    Keyboard and Pen 

    The computer comes included with an HP active pen, which is great for most common applications. Seriously creative-minded individuals can instead opt to buy the Tilt Pen, which is around $90. While the active pen is awesome for most uses, those who plan to be extensively drawing will appreciate the more flexible and responsive Tilt Pen. 

    The keyboard is also great, and thanks to the redesign from last year’s Spectre, is huge. It even sports a full number pad to the right of the normal keyboard! The keys have a good, non-slippery finish and their action is fine, if a little “sticky.” Those accustomed to mechanical keyboards might be a bit put off, but this laptop was definitely not made with serious gaming in mind. 

    Bottom Line: Spectre x360 15 is Great for Creative Pros 

    If you’re looking for a convertible that performs well and has a great display, this one is a fine pick. If you’re looking for a serious gaming laptop, of course, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Similarly, if you’re in the market for a budget laptop for doing homework and watching YouTube videos, this one isn’t the right choice. However, if you need a good computer for both work and drawing, look no further than the 2018 HP Spectre x360 15. 

  • 10 Science Questions Every American Should Know the Answers To. Do You?

    10 Science Questions Every American Should Know the Answers To. Do You?

    The National Science Foundation is an organization that keeps up with American’s scientific aptitude. To that end, every two years the NSF releases a series of ten basic science questions. These questions are meant to test the average American’s knowledge of science. Every American should know the answers to these questions, but do you? Let’s find out! 

    Are Electrons Smaller or Larger than Atoms? 

    Photo Credit: Inventions and Inventors 

    Yes! Electrons are one of the smaller parts of an atom. Electrons, together with protons and neutrons, make up each and every atom. Those atoms, in turn, make up all matter in the observable universe. Cool, huh? 

    Does the Earth Go Around the Sun, or Does the Sun Go Around the Earth? 

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    Much to the surprise of flat-Earth conspiracy theorists, the Earth actually orbits the sun. This was a major scientific breakthrough during the Enlightenment. Astronomer Galileo Galilee is largely credited with popularizing the “heliocentric,” or sun-centered, model of the cosmos. 

    Is All Radioactivity Man-Made? 

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    No, it isn’t! The vast majority of natural radioactivity is in the depths of outer space. However, everything from soil to flowers to certain minerals on Earth contains certain amounts of radioactivity.  

    True or False: The Continents Have Been Moving for Millions of Years, and Will Keep Moving 

    Photo Credit: Encyclopedia Britannica 

    This one’s true! Yeah, believe it or not, the continents are on the move. They’re just really slow about it! A few million years ago, a map of the Earth would have looked like some alien planet to us. In a few million years, the continents as we know them will be a thing of the past. Mind-blowing, right? 

    True or False: The Center of the Earth is Very Hot 

    Photo Credit: Wonderopolis 

    True! Earth’s core is comprised of molten metal. The immense pressure of the planet’s mass keeps the core as hot as the surface of the Sun! 

    True or False: Lasers Work by Focusing Soundwaves 

    Photo Credit:  Laser World 

    False! Lasers work, instead, by focusing light energy. That focussed light can then be applied in all kinds of neat ways, from cutting diamonds to detecting intruders and more! 

    True or False: Humans Developed from Earlier Animal Species 

    Photo Credit: How Stuff Works 

    This one is a bit controversial to some, but it’s true! Scientists agree that humans are evolved from earlier animals and share a common ancestor with the great ape family of animals.  

    Do Antibiotics Kill Viruses as well as Bacteria? 

    Photo Credit: News Medical 

    No, they don’t! The clue is in the name: antibiotics are only effective against living things. Oddly enough, viruses are technically not alive. They’re incredibly good at replicating themselves and taking over cells, but they don’t possess the right qualities to be considered living beings. 

    True or False: It’s the Father’s Genetics that Decide Whether a Child is Male or Female 

    Photo Credit: Quora 

    True! Weird, right? Since only a male can pass down their Y chromosome, it’s actually on the dad’s genetics to determine the sex of their child. This one trips a lot of folks up, but it’s easy to remember since women can only pass down their X chromosomes, and it takes an XY combination to create a biological male.  

    The Last of Our Science Questions: True or False: The Universe Began with a Big Explosion 

    Photo Credit: Sputnik International 

    True! Scientists largely agree that the universe (as we know it) began after a fantastic expansion we refer to as the Big Bang. Now, the term ‘explosion’ might be a bit inaccurate, as that would imply preexisting space into which things were being scattered. The Big Bang, instead, was more of a sudden expansion of an infinitely dense and infinitely small point in space. 

  • Sony 4K Projector Redefining 4K Displays

    Sony 4K Projector Redefining 4K Displays

    4K TVs are limited in what they can display, size-wise, by their very nature. If you’ve been shopping around for an affordable 4K TV, you’ve probably noticed this. Panels can only get so big. What if you want a 4K image on an 85-inch display? What if you want the 4K quality without the same energy draw? Surely a 4K projector would be the right way to go. Enter Sony’s Ultra Short Throw Projector LSPX-A1.  

    Is It a Coffee Table? 

    No, it’s not just a piece of furniture, though it may look like one. The coffee-table sized projector housing is very slick, fitting right in with modern décor. It sports an incredible array of speakers in its stylish housing: the legs conceal tweeters, the body houses a subwoofer and three mid-level speakers are hidden in the front panel. The Ultra Short Throw LSPX-A1 is a tremendously stylish piece of technology. 

    Is it a Good 4K Projector, Though? 

    Impressions from attendees at CES 2018 point to this being one of the most impressive projectors they had ever seen. When flush with a surface, the Ultra Short Throw produces an 85-inch image. If you pull it back a bit, it can scale all the way up to a 125-inch image, which is downright massive. This dwarfs any conventional panel TV and takes up far less space than said panels. While traditional TVs are often seen as a status symbol, there’s a lot to be said for the clean simplicity of a room without one.  

    The only downside to this incredibly impressive projector? It’s impressive price tag. If you want to outfit your living room with this gorgeous projector, you’ll have to shell out $30,000. No joke, it actually costs that much. Maybe that Samsung 4K TV doesn’t look so pricey after all… 

    Bottom Line 

    Jokes aside, this is a gorgeous centerpiece for a room. If you’re in the market for a luxury 4K display, this is the item for you. Maybe someday stylish furniture pieces like this will be the norm! In the meantime, if you have one of these, expect to be the envy of your social circle. 

  • Razer Blade 2018: Worth the Hype?

    Razer Blade 2018: Worth the Hype?

    Razer’s name is synonymous with computer gaming. Despite some diversions, like the Razer phone, the company is still dedicated to delivering top-notch gaming experiences. The new line of Razer Blade gaming laptops is no exception. What are some early impressions of the new line? Is it worth all the hype? And, more to the point, are these laptops worth all the money? 

    Speaking of Price… 

    How much value you get out of your computer really depends on how much you’re willing to spend. The Razer line certainly will have you spending: the cheapest of them, a 1080p-equipped rig, runs for $1,900. A 4K-enabled version is at market for even more, retailing for $2,900. These are some high numbers, so it’s a good thing Razer’s name is attached. How do they stack up, though? 

    How Does it Look? 

    It looks great. The screen is crisp and luminous, and a great companion for modern games. The laptop itself has an angular, industrial look akin to the Razer Phone line. The iconic Razer logo glows a neon green on the back of the laptop, glistening like the eyes of a hidden snake. In short, the machine looks mean. It looks like it means business, and the powerful processors within certainly deliver on that promise. 

    A Razer Blade for Any Problem 

    Performance-wise, this laptop is a beast. Silky smooth graphics and impressive heat management in this laptop rival modern-day home consoles. Performance rarely slows down or overheats the machine. Razer’s Synapse software lets you customize your cooling profile, helping ensure the best perfomance from your computer. 

    Even better, the keyboard is (of course) a Razer Chroma, which looks awesome in any light. The keys have great travel time, they’re super responsive and offer great feedback. If you’ve ever used a Chroma keyboard and loved it, you’re in for a treat with this laptop. 

    Bottom Line 

    If you’re looking for 4K gaming on the go and don’t mind spending a bit of money, this Razer Blade line is a fantastic choice. It’ll set you back nearly $3,000 to pick up the 4K-ready laptop, but it’s a fine investment. The Razer Blade models offer upgradeable RAM, ensuring they’ll stay relevant for a number of years. This is money well-spent, and a great consideration for any serious gamer. 

  • Must Have Apps for Apple Watch

    Must Have Apps for Apple Watch

    If you’re a wearables enthusiast, odds are good you have an Apple Watch. Apple’s entry into the wearable market has been around for some time, but many users still don’t have some of the most useful apps! To remedy that, we’ve rounded up our favorite Apple Watchs apps. Check it out! 

    News 360 

    While it may seem counterintuitive at first to read articles on the small watch face, it’s actually quite handy. You can check the news on your workplace commute or just by over your morning coffee. Having it right at your fingers on your watch it quite convenient. Also, going through your watch can help you resist the urge to goof off, in case you’re reading on your lunch break. 

    Merriam-Webster Dictionary 

    For all the big-word and grammar enthusiasts out there, this app is for you. If you like punctuating debates with definitions, or just like reading, this is a great app to have on hand. Checking your watch for a word you don’t recognize is very useful: Give it a shot and you’ll see what we mean! Similar to the News 360 app, the font is pretty small, but it’s still convenient to have on hand. 

    Gymaholic 

    This is the kind of app everyone should have on their Apple Watch if they’re interested in fitness. Gymaholic has a different exercise for you each day, helping you keep interested in your fitness. The app will even show you how to do exercises you’re unfamiliar with. It then uses the watch’s biometric scanners to count reps and monitor your heartrate. You can even look back at your history to see your progress. This app is a must-have for fitness-minded Apple Watch users! 

    Our Favorite Apple Watch App: Pandora Music 

    If you already listen to Pandora on your phone, this one is a no-brainer! You can create new stations from the app with voice commands, scroll through your stations and thumb things up and down. While you have to have your phone on hand as an intermediary, this app is great for athletes or for office use. For instance, if you’re out for a jog, it’s much easier to control your music from your watch than having to go digging for your phone.  

    Additionally, the Pandora app for the watch is great for when you’re at work. If you don’t want your boss thinking you’re just messing on your phone, you can control your music from your wrist. This looks more professional and keeps you off your boss’s radar! Win-win! 

  • Heads-Up, Android Users: Galaxy Note 9 Leaks Suggest New Features

    Heads-Up, Android Users: Galaxy Note 9 Leaks Suggest New Features

    Samsung is a huge name in the world of Android phones. And that’s no mistake: the Galaxy series of course phones has been, with some exceptions, phenomenal. Whats next for the storied brand? The Galaxy Note 9. So, let’s break it down: what’s in store for the next Samsung phablet? The rumor mill is here to help fill us in. 

    In Screen Fingerprint Scanner? 

    This rumor has gone back and forth a ton. Whether it’s true or not, it would make sense. Phone makers the world over are trying to maximize screen space without making the handset too massive. This is what led to the infamous iPhone X notch.
    That said, a purported in-screen fingerprint scanner would be an interesting solution. Just how such a thing might work is anyone’s guess. 

    Note 9: Better Speakers than the Note 8? 

    The Note 8 was a great phone… except it’s speakers. It would be fantastic if the rumors of the Note 9’s speakers came true. Huge, front-facing speakers would be great. Considering how massive the Note line is, it’s underwhelming to think of them as having small sound. 

    Battery Life 

    The rumors that the phone will have an in-screen fingerprint scanner also claimed the phone will have an enormous battery. The battery rumored would be a 3,850mAh battery. In plain terms, that’s freaking huge compared to the battery in the Note 8.
    With such a huge screen and the purported sound quality, a huge battery is a must. Why even have such a massive phone if it’s going to just die soon after it’s pulled from the charger? 

    Pricing 

    Samsung would be wise to keep the price around the same place that the Note 8 launched. Even though the Note 9 is likely to be one of the most high-tech phones of the year, it still has to compete with the iPhone X. A price point around $950 seems to be a sweet spot. 

  • Seismic Shifts: Netflix Now Worth More than Comcast

    Seismic Shifts: Netflix Now Worth More than Comcast

    Cord cutters: it’s working. Comcast, everyone’s least favorite telecom company, is now worth less than streaming giant Netflix. This is a monumental moment, signaling the pendulum shift from traditional cable to streaming services. For many users, this is hardly a bad thing.  

    Netflix Ruling the Roost? 

    Netflix is a giant in the streaming field. Between their streaming of syndicated shows and big-budget movies and their original programming, Netflix has established itself as a major force in entertainment. Comcast, on the other hand, is a very different beast. Comcast operates a broadband network and owns Dreamworks Studios. They even own NBC! But that hasn’t stopped Netflix from overtaking them in total worth.  

    What’s Changed? 

    How did a website that once mailed DVDs to people end up overtaking a telecom titan? Comcast has been losing subscribers pretty steadily for the last few years, as Netflix has offered an attractive alternative to traditional cable. Cable packages are comprised of a lot of filler channels (and still bombard the viewer with ads), are terribly expensive, and are typically tied to their provider’s broadband internet. Netflix, on the other hand, is significantly less expensive and doesn’t run ads in the middle of its shows.  

    It’s not hard to see why users grew fed up with Comcast, and similar telecom companies like Charter Spectrum and Comporium. Additionally, pressure from companies like AT&T and Verizon has whittled away at Comcast’s broadband subscriber base. 

    What’s Next? 

    What does this mean for the future? Nothing is set in stone, yet, of course. But it does seem like traditional cable is working on limited time now. Without major initiatives to win back wary consumers, it seems likely the precipitous drop in subscribers will continue its freefall. Inversely, Netflix just keeps adding more subscribers and producing ever more quality content.  

    While Comcast is in no danger of going out of business, their current business model is in mortal peril. They’ve begun investing in Netflix competitor Hulu, and this seems like a much more long-term investment than their cable service. In the meantime, it seems quite possible that today will be remembered as the beginning of the end for traditional cable services.