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  • Soon the OnePlus 6 Check Out What We Know Already

    Soon the OnePlus 6 Check Out What We Know Already

    We have a launch date for The OnePlus 6  and it is May 16, which is next week, and with a huge number of leaks – and official teasers from OnePlus itself – we have a pretty good idea of what you can expect. OnePlus will reveal its next all-powerful flagship at an event on 16 May. The Oppo-owned brand has even sold 1,000 tickets to fans ahead of the launch, just as it did for the OnePlus 5T, except on a larger scale. The London-based event will kick off at 5PM BST local time (6pm CET/12pm Eastern Time/9am Pacific Time).

     

    Dubbed “The Speed You need”, OnePlus’ big launch event will be livestreamed on YouTube. The OnePlus 6 will be replacing the OnePlus 5T (which is now off sale in the UK, Europe and US). The 5T was already one of the more impressive phones of 2017, finally bringing the taller display that’s fashionable among the big brands, as well as improvements to the camera. The OnePlus 6 promises to be even better.

    What We Know

    There have been a few details released so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.  First off it will The internals will be powerful, with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 platform as well as up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It’s going to feature a longer screen, complete with a notch, and that the back panel is going to be built from a custom designed glass consisting of five nano-coating layers. I’ll also be a waterproof device.

    As for the look of this thing we have gone from a thin, plastic OnePlus One to a OnePlus 5T built from a solid block of beautifully finished aluminium within four years. The Midnight Black and Sandstone White finishes are among the finest you’ll see on a solid metal device. Its a good looking device, no issues there.

    The Final Thought

    A big part of the appeal is that the phone rarely has any major compromises in a mobile that costs significantly less than the likes of the Samsung and Apple flagships. The OnePlus 6 will be a flagship killer and will defenitley be a phone to watch this year, ill have a full Smartphone spotlight on this mambojamba as soon as it is released.

     

     

  • Apple Watch 4?

    Apple Watch 4?

    IF the rumors I’m hearing are true, which they look to be, we could be seeing an apple watch 4 this September. Apple announced the watch 3 last year with the release of the new iterations of iPhone. My insiders are telling me that this is looking likely this year.

     

    In a brief release from an anonymous source…. A newly published Apple patent details a circular smartwatch screen. This probably won’t be used by the Apple Watch 4, but you never know. Plus, a new report suggests Apple may be willing to let third-party developers start work on watch faces for the Apple Watch. If this is the case, expect far more watch faces to debut in watchOS 5 and on the Apple Watch 4.

    While this hold no real substance, it is a good indication of what is coming. You are probably asking so what, let me fill in the gaps and lead your expecations.

    The Apple Watch 3 is the most excellent Apple has built. Its a tech masterpiece that I will surely be glowing over in 20 years as I write the tech throw back article for it. It most certainly  tops our best smartwatch list, it’s  the best smartwatch, and arguably watch from any manufacturer that you can buy right now. however, its a smart device, and as you know their is only one certainty in the tech world, stand still and you will die. Like playing Halo.  There is room for growth and improvements, the battery for instance, can I get a week?

    What Do You Need To Know

    Below I have  all of the leaks, rumors and speculation about the Apple Watch 4 I have gathered so far, plus a list of things I’d like to see Apple implement in its next generation wearable. A trusted analyst that has previous history of predicting Apple products suggests the Apple Watch 4 is set to undergo a big design overhaul. So far every generation of the Apple Watch has come in either 38mm or 42mm screen sizes, but KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says he believes the Apple Watch 4 will have a 15% larger display. I need a bigger face, number one request. The Watch 3 has a lot of bezel space around the outside of the display, so it may be the company has slimmed this down to fit in the extra screen real estate and not necessarly a bigger watch..

    Like I said before I want a weeks worth of battery. Also lets talk speed, I have the need for speed, its inherent, its important, there is nothing I can do about it. Make my watch respond faster. We also have a report  from 9To5Mac found a suggestion in some watchOS 4.3.1 beta code that the company may be ready to allow for third-party watch faces in the next version of the Watch software.

    Apple may also add additional sensors for health-tracking, complementing the optical heart rate sensor built into the watch since launch. Apple has applied for a patent on a smartwatch band with built-in sensors, specifically ones that can measure motion when the wearer is gripping a “sports instrument” such as a dumbbell or golf club. That would make the watch a better fitness tracker.

    Face ID

    According to Patently Apple, which obtained and published the patents, Apple is also considering adding Face ID to the Apple Watch. The device would first need a front-facing camera, which Apple may include in the Series 4. But just because Apple has patented a feature doesn’t mean it will actually come to fruition.

    Could It Be Round?

    We have seen patents from Apple for a while that says this next iteration could have a round face. This opens alot of doors, more battery space, bigger screen. However Apple seems happy with the design of the Watch and hasn’t substantially changed it in the various versions it’s launched so far, so we don’t expect a redesign any time soon, let alone a completely different screen shape and the only real reason to change it is to intice other watch users more accusomed to that round design… Not Apples style, don’t bet on this.

     

    The Final Thought

    What ever they do with the watch it will be scrutinized, hated, celebrated and purchased in the millions. It will work flawlessly and be a substantial upgrade over the the three. Will they keep the red dot? who knows its all just speculation at this point. All I know for sure is that I just bought the 3…

  • Nintendo Unveils Details of Switch Online Service

    Nintendo Unveils Details of Switch Online Service

    After multiple delays and rampant speculation, Nintendo has finally announced details of their paid online service for Switch. Originally slated for a Fall 2017 release, the service will finally launch this Fall. Priced at $20 per year, the service will allow users to browse and play a select library of NES games with new online functionality.

    The Games

    Nintendo is bringing classic NES titles the Legend of Zelda, Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3, Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis to the service, with more to follow. This is in contrast to Nintendo’s previous Virtual Console branding, which Nintendo says won’t be returning to Switch. This Netflix-like approach resembles game-streaming services and could represent a new, modern direction for Nintendo.

    Interestingly, Nintendo promises online play for many of these NES classics, but has given no further details. One could only hope for simultaneous co-op in Super Mario Bros 3, or epic matches of Tennis! This is clearly Nintendo playing to their deep well of classic games in order to set themselves apart from their competition.

    Cloud Saves

    This service will also (finally) allow users to make cloud back-ups of their game saves, a feature that has been standard for Nintendo’s competition for years. Many players have noted that the lack of cloud saves led to them losing all of their save data when their console was lost or damaged. The inclusion of cloud saves will certainly lead to sighs of relief from Switch fans.

    Online Play

    The online service is also necessary to play games online, of course, so fans of Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. will have to shell out if they want to play those games main modes. Thankfully the service is significantly less expensive than Sony and Microsoft’s offerings, positioning Nintendo as a more family-conscious company yet again.

    Speaking of families, the online service will also allow a $35 subscription that allows one account to share online features to the other accounts on the Switch. The $35 plan would be ideal for families who all play games from the same Switch.

    What Else?

    This is a somewhat bare-bones announcement, and leaves room for speculation. Certainly, Nintendo will have more to say about this service, which launches this fall, by E3 this summer. Many fans are hoping for news of digital versions of Game Boy and Super Nintendo games. many others are eager to see if Nintendo will incorporate voice chat in a form other than their much-maligned Nintendo Online App.

  • New iPhone Mode May Lock Out Law Enforcement

    New iPhone Mode May Lock Out Law Enforcement

    ZDNet has found a “USB Restricted Mode” in the files for iOS 11.4, a feature that could have potentially massive implications. This feature disallows USB devices from accessing the phone if it hasn’t been unlocked in the last seven days. This could potentially work to stop intrusion devices, such as the Gray Key device, from functioning with iPhones in this mode.

    Gray Key

    Gray Key devices attempt to break into iPhones by guessing every permutation of the possible password. However, these devices require a connection through the Lightning port, and as such could be disabled by USB Restricted Mode. This could serve as an excellent security feature for iPhone users, ensuring that only individuals with the correct password access their phone.

    Law Enforcement

    Apple has notoriously clashed with law enforcement agencies in the past over encryption. Agencies have repeatedly requested that Apple provide or create a skeleton key of sorts capable of opening any iPhone. The use of such a key would allow law enforcement to access suspected criminals’ phones in an attempt to obtain incriminating evidence. Apple has had (understandable) reservations about the ethics of such a key.

    Where USB Restricted Mode Fits In

    While it is possible that USB Restricted Mode is something more experimental and less directed specifically at law enforcement, it would make sense if it was specifically a response to this ongoing struggle. In any event, any features that protect user privacy are good features: there is no guarantee that Gray Key devices don’t fall into the wrong hands. Having features that protect users from such malicious access to their devices is clearly a high priority to Apple, and it will likely continue to pursue similar initiatives in the future.

  • Top Ten Things to Know About Google I/O 2018

    Top Ten Things to Know About Google I/O 2018

    Tuesday, May 8th marks the start of Google’s I/O press conference. What does Google I/O mean? What kind of things can you expect to see from Google during this event? Read on for our top ten things to know, including news, headlines, tech and more!

    Android P

    01g-androidp

    Photo Credit: Android Central

    Androids new operating system replaces all of the navigation buttons with one button, much like pre-X iPhones. Functions previously assigned to buttons will be moved to gesture controls, streamlining the user experience and modernizing the Android operating system. The new system has a focus on security and battery life. Additionally, Android P features a darker overall color palette than previous Android OS’s.

    Google Lens

    Photo Credit: Android Guys

    Google Lens technology allows users to search using their phone camera. I/O 2018 is sure to unveil new functionality and features for the software, including new functionality and integration into upcoming smart phones. The technology is likely to be a focus of Google’s, as it allows the Android platform to further distinguish itself from Apple’s iOS-powered iPhones.

    Google Chrome

    Google is sure to have a lot to say about their Chromebook line of laptops at the event. As a leader in educational fields, the Chromebook has proven very popular with teachers and students. Also expect news regarding tablets running on Chrome OS, following in the example of Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10. Focusing on educational possibilities and Google Smart Home integration seems like the most likely avenue for Google to present their Chromebook hardware.

    Google Home

    With the recent success of smart home devices like smart speakers, Google is sure to continue pressing their smart home line. Eager to dig in to Amazon’s successful Alexa-powered Echo series, Google has been emphasizing their smart home integration with products like Google Home Mini and Google Wi-Fi. Likely to be seen at I/O 2018 are Google-branded smart displays and further connectivity between Android phones, Chromebook computers and Google Home systems.

    Wear OS

    Photo Credit: Digital Trends

    The recently-renamed Wear OS, once called Android Wear, will likely be a strong focus of Google’s presentation. Capitalizing on the success and popularity of fitness trackers and smart watches, Wear OS seeks to be a strong contender in a field largely dominated by Apple and FitBit. Additionally, voice command features more in line with Google Home-style functions seem to be a new focus for Wear OS devices. A Google-made smart watch is also not out of the question!

    VR Headsets

    Photo Credit: Ars Technica

    Another trend Google seeks to weigh in on, standalone VR headsets have proven quite popular, with models like the Oculus Rift wowing gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Google’s own VR headset, the Lenovo Mirage Solo will certainly have a presence at I/O, and there is a possibility of a Google-developed, proprietary headset being unveiled at the press conference.

    Additionally, YouTube’s 180-degree VR app VR180 is likely to be a strong component of Google’s VR push. The app makes use of new camera technology, like the Lenovo Mirage, to film 180-degree, 3D video for an immersive VR experience.

    Google Duplex

    Google has unveiled this new feature for Google Assistant, an uncannily human-like AI voice pattern that can call businesses for you. The feature uses user data to make appointments and interact with humans who are none the wiser that they are speaking with an AI. This feature is certainly odd, and some have even commented that it has unsettling implications, but it is undeniably convenient. For those with phone anxiety, or busy schedules, this could be a potentially helpful feature. What is unknown is just how advanced and responsive the AI will be when interacting with a wide variety of scenarios and people.

    Google Assistant Updates

    Photo Credit: CNET

    Google Assistant is getting updated in many meaningful ways. For one, the Duplex technology will likely be implemented to allow it to have much more natural, human-like speech patterns. It will be receiving new functionality with children, attempting to teach them to be more polite. Additionally, the technology will soon be able to execute two actions on a single command and continue conversation while executing actions, making the user interface more natural and giving the AI more flow.

    Google Maps

    Google’s GPS app is set to receive augmented reality functionality. The new Google Maps will allow for superimposed directions in a manner that is similar to the Google Lens technology and allows for live tracking of crowds. The ability to navigate crowded city areas on foot by camera is certainly intriguing, making visiting new cities and exploring on foot more attractive and much safer!

    Google News

    Continuing the focus on AI technology, Google News is set to receive updates to increase personalization. As something of a response to growing anxiety over so-called “fake news,” the new Google News initiative uses technology to help users find and support news sources they trust, and to help users fully understand the news they consume. The technology will use your preferences and location to populate your news feed with stories relevant to you. Such a redesign is likely to be a big hit, helping users to trust their news sources and stay informed about events relevant to their lives.

  • 3 Big Takeaways from the Microsoft Build Confrence

    3 Big Takeaways from the Microsoft Build Confrence

    Microsoft has slowly become this generations IBM. What I mean by this is they are your Dads tech co, that is not a good thing. For the last 2 days Microsoft has been hosting the Build Keynote to show us all they are not dead yet. After sorting through the keynote here are the 3 big takeaways and what we can expect from Microsoft in the future.

     

    1. Cortana and Alexa Will Integrate

    Good news Everybody! Soon you’ll be able to speak with Cortana through an Amazon Echo or reach Alexa through your Windows 10 PC. Microsoft and Amazon will be making each of their smart assistants available on one another’s platform. This is not new news, as they did announce this last year but we are seeing progress toward the launch. This opens up the digital assistant game by drastically changing the device eco system for both products. Side-note, who will use Cortana when you have Alexa?

     

    2. iOs and Android Will Get Timeline.

    Just an app from Microsoft that lets you back up your phone to specific times. Wanna take your phone back to January before you got obsessed with the Love Balls app… done. With this upgrade that Microsoft has already had in Windows you will be able to  keeps track of all the apps you’re using and what you’re doing in them. You can open up the timeline to view your history and jump right back to where you were. A nice function of Timeline is  that it can sync across Windows 10 devices, So if you use the same apps on your phone and desktop, you’ll be able to pick something up on mobile that you started on a desktop.

     

    3.Your Phone

    Microsoft has another new app called Your Phone that will allow you to sync Android phones and iPhones with Windows 10. You’ll be able to use the app to send text messages, access your photos, and view mobile notifications from your computer. With a launch date this fall and it already going to beta I may be able to stop having 3 devices on my desk all day going off, mostly with the same notification.

     

     

     

    The Final Thought

    If you are not seeing a theme here, Microsoft is quietly expanding the comparability of the Microsoft device ecosystem. While there’s no doubt Windows 10 will continue to ship on laptops and desktops for years and years to come, Microsoft as a company is shifting its attention to a bigger picture. Its a pretty brilliant move

  • NVIDIA Shuts Down Unpopular GeForce Partner Program

    NVIDIA Shuts Down Unpopular GeForce Partner Program

    NVIDIA has canceled its extremely unpopular GeForce Partner Program after a mere two months. The program comprised a series of guidelines and regulations on various computer and laptop manufacturers that was intended to, in NVIDIA’s words, ensure that “gamers who want NVIDIA tech get NVIDIA tech,” by having manufacturers include NVIDIA graphics cards exclusively. This was met with harsh criticism from many sources and has been a PR nightmare for the already-maligned NVIDIA, who is largely seen as monopolizing GPU manufacturing.

    Why is this Happening?

    According to research done by Kyle Bennet of HardOCP, the GPP was much more insidious and bullying than it would appear on its face. The GPP heavily discouraged manufacturers from opting out, going so far as to hold back inventory from manufacturers who refused to participate in the terms of the program. This type of behavior has been called “anti-competition” and further emphasizes the growing tension of the ever-more monopolized world of GPU manufacturing.

    NVIDIA’s Response

    NVIDIA, of course, denied accusations of anti-competition behavior, claiming that reports of the GPP were grossly exaggerated, and that rather than fight a losing PR battle, they would sooner just cancel the program. This response is somewhat typical of the attitude that many describe as “condescending and anti-consumer” that NVIDIA is known to hold. Further, many have expressed concerns that shutting down the program, even as early as they have, changes little. According to Bennet’s report, the program was simply an evolution of practices NVIDIA was already engaging in.

    The Future

    NVIDIA’s GPP is likely still to have an effect on gaming PC’s and laptops that are still to be released, as any projects that were started or nearing completion during its short lifespan will already be compliant, meaning that the cancelation will likely have little short-term effect. Additionally, behavior like this is likely to draw attention from regulatory agencies such as the FTC in the United States, which may see programs like the GPP to be inherently anti-consumer and thus worthy of investigation into NVIDIAs other business practices. Consumers and manufacturers alike will likely feel the effects of the much-maligned GPP and NVIDIAs other initiatives for some time, whether or not NVIDIA official codifies them.

  • YouTube in Hot Water Following Controversy over Ads for Essay Writing Service

    YouTube in Hot Water Following Controversy over Ads for Essay Writing Service

    YouTube has taken down hundreds of videos from various content creators in response to a number of ads from “educational aid” service EduBirdie. EduBirdie offers essays on numerous topics, all unique and written with respect to various academic guidelines, such as MLA or Chicago style.

    The Ukranian company markets themselves as a scholastic aid, claiming that the essays they sell are for “research into the subject, generating initial input for further reasoning and citations…paraphrasing in accordance with major educational standards as well as tailored to your college / university guidelines for plagiarism.” While this sounds innocuous, it is clear that the essays this company sells are intended to be passed off as student work when they are, in fact, not.

    Integrity

    While EduBirdie claims that the essays they sell are simply to help students get a better grasp of the topic and have more to go on when writing their own essay, these claims do little to alter the perception of their service. Given that the essays sold are unique and not archived, it is hard to believe they are not intended for use as ghostwritten papers. If the site had archives with credited contributors and actual study aids, it might actually seem more plausible that their essays were not intended for duplication. However, no such archive exists, and even the most scrupulous students could even feel the incentive to simply try to pass the nigh-untraceable work off as their own.

    Legality

    While selling essays is not technically illegal in the US or the UK, it is still against YouTube’s guidelines for their content creators. While YouTube is generally very hands-off when it comes to ads and sponsors, they took direct action in this case and took down hundreds of videos that ran EduBirdie ads. By way of response, EduBirdie stated that they allow their endorsements to be integrated into content however the creator feels is most natural and relevant to the target audience.

    Impact

    According to the BBC report that broke this news, the videos that were removed had garnered a combined 700 million views. Students use YouTube commonly for both entertainment and research, and with the increasingly-competitive job market in the US, it can seem logical that stressed-out, overworked students would turn to these “academic aid” services in order to pass a particularly difficult class.

  • God of War is the Fastest Selling PS4 Game of All Time

    God of War is the Fastest Selling PS4 Game of All Time

    He’s Back, Baby

    It took Kratos five whole years to star in another video game, but it only took him three days to sell 3.1 million copies of his new game. Released on April 20th, God of War is the first game in the series set after the story of 2010’s God of War III. The game’s blistering sales pace outstrips other PlayStation mainstay Uncharted: the fourth Uncharted sold 2.7 million units in its first week, holding the previous record for fastest-selling PlayStation 4 game.

    Return to Form

    These sales numbers are in stark contrast to a decade or more of game publishers moving further and further from the massive, triple-A style single-player games in favor of multiplayer experiences and ill-conceived always-online features. Sales of this magnitude represent a bit of a paradigm shift for large game studios, showing an increase in focus on huge production values and immersive worlds being built for single-player adventures.

    New Land, Same God Slayer

    The newest God of War sees the series move on to a new setting, pitting Kratos against all manner of Norse mythological beasts, instead of the Greek gods and monsters he once fought. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, you should. The game is a return to form for single-player adventure, following on the heels of other PS4 heavy-hitters like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Nier: Automata. Featuring intense, edge-of-your seat combat, over-the-top action set pieces and a genuinely engrossing and affecting story, God of War has more than earned its spot at the top of the PS4 roost.

  • Twitter Urges All Users to Change Password

    Twitter Urges All Users to Change Password

    Thursday, Twitter began urging all 336 million of its users to change their passwords, following news that passwords had been erroneously stored in plaintext on an unencrypted log. Users logging in after Thursday are met with a pop-up urging them to change their passwords and explaining the situation. Jack Dorsey, Twitter CEO, expressed the need to be “open about this internal deficit.”

    How Long Have They Known?

    What is unknown, in spite of Twitter’s semi-transparency on the issue, is when this data mishandling was discovered, or for how long the data has been stored in this way. Typically, passwords are stored in logs using a technique called “hashing,” which is an encoding that replaces characters with other, random characters, thus rendering them as gibberish to someone without access to the encryption key. The log that Twitter disclosed the passwords were being stored on, however, were being stored in plain text.

    Not a Breach

    Twitter has been quick to point out that this was not a data breach, like the Target credit card debacle, nor did they have to inform anyone of this lapse in security. Twitters CTO, Parag Agrawal, tweeted: “We are sharing this information to help people make an informed decision about their account security. We didn’t have to, but believe it’s the right thing to do.”

    Best Way to Handle This?

    This news is unique, in that it was disclosed by Twitter, and as Agrawal so humbly observed, they didn’t have to inform the world of their mishandling of users’ passwords.  However, had the news broken without an official word from Twitter, the news would have gone from “unusual blip” to “full blown security scandal,” so the choice to inform the public was surely a wise one.