Home

Category: News

  • Microsoft Build 2019: Biggest Headlines

    Microsoft Build 2019: Biggest Headlines

    Microsoft’s Build summit is a yearly developer’s conference held to unveil new features in Microsoft’s various initiatives. This year’s headlights weren’t focused on Xbox or Windows, the way one might expect. Instead, Microsoft focused on their Azure platform, deep-learning algorithms, mixed reality and all things artificial intelligence.

    Here are the biggest headlines from Microsoft Build 2019.

    Microsoft Build 2019

    AI is Here to Stay

    Microsoft is driving full-speed ahead with artificial intelligence. While the company is best-known for its Windows operating system, they’ve been focusing ever more and more on their artificial intelligence projects. Namely, Azure, their deep-learning software, has been a huge focus at the last few Build events.

    Initiatives like Azure Cognitive are focused on understanding audio and visual data, while voice recognition is another huge push for the company. The keywords here were machine learning and data interpretation. For the most part, it appears that Microsoft is focused on offering services for businesses, using machine learning to parse huge amounts of data.

    Microsoft’s in with Blockchain

    Microsoft announced their recent involvement with cryptocurrency at Build 2019. They unveiled the JP Morgan Ethereum ledger platform, Quorum, which was built using Microsoft Azure. However, blockchain tech is about more than just crypto. Microsoft announced they’d be using blockchain technology to help businesses form trustworthy ledgers built on the infallible nature of the chains.

    Mixed Reality

    Mixed Reality, or augmented reality, is a type of VR that allows for virtual constructs to be displayed alongside real-world objects. The most obvious applications, of course, are for video games. However, other uses for mixed reality could include virtual presentations of 3D blueprints, making it an ideal tech jump for drafters and designers.

    Linux for Windows

    The only big Windows news at the Build conference this year will likely be completely overlooked by the average user. The Windows Subsystem for Linux functionality was recently added in a Windows 10 update, which is a big deal for developers, thanks to Linux’s dev-friendly architecture. However, it’s unlikely that the average Windows user will have any need to mess around with Linux.

  • Disney Now Owns all of Hulu: What This Means

    Disney Now Owns all of Hulu: What This Means

    On Tuesday, Disney purchased the rest of Comcast’s 33% share in the streaming service Hulu. When Disney acquired Fox, they received most of the rights to the streaming service, so Tuesday’s acquisition brings them into line as the only owners of Hulu. What will this mean down the road when Disney rolls out their own Disney Plus streaming service?

    Disney’s Hulu Ownership

    NBCUniversal

    While Comcast has sold their ownership stakes in the streaming service, their NBCUniversal content isn’t leaving the service any time soon. Disney and Comcast agreed that Hulu will continue to carry the NBCUniversal content from Comcast through until 2024, giving it another good five years on the service.

    It’s also worth noting that Comcast will continue offering Hulu through their own Xfinity X1 cable service. Hulu Live will continue carrying Comcast’s content through to 2024, as well. In short, little will be changing for the average Hulu owner due to this.

    Disney Plus

    Disney’s upcoming proprietary Disney Plus streaming service will be offered for $7 per month, a surprisingly low subscription. The Disney Plus service will carry all of Disney’s animated films and live-action movies, as well as all Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universe content.

    Hulu will likely be offered in bundles with Disney Plus, which will allow Disney to make their own streaming service more of an appealing purchase for those who are on the fence. Buying a subscription just for Disney movies might not be the most appealing idea, but what if it came with Hulu and all your favorite syndicated cable TV shows? That’s a very different deal.

    What This Means

    The average Hulu user will see no serious changes in their service right away. No content will be leaving the service immediately or coming to it as a result of this, though it will change things down the road. Namely, current Hulu subscribers can look forward to bundles with Disney Plus when that service launches later this year.

  • Apple Loses Supreme Court Case over App Store Policies

    Apple Loses Supreme Court Case over App Store Policies

    In a surprising 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has sided with four iPhone owners who sued Apple over alleged monopolistic App Store policies. According to the plaintiffs, Apple’s policies resulted in inflated prices for apps on the App Store, since iPhone users have no alternative for downloading new apps.

    Apple Loses Historic Supreme Court Case

    The Reason for the Suit

    The suit revolved around inflated prices on the App Store due to Apple’s policy demanding 30 percent of all revenue from third-party apps. Apple responded by stating that they don’t set the prices on the app store, and so any legal issues related to overpaying on apps should be directed as suits to the third-party sellers. Essentially, Apple washed their hands of the blame for consumers overpaying.

    Monopolistic Tendencies

    The opinion, written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, holds that Apple’s policies enabled them to hide behind third-party sellers to avoid allegations of monopoly. “Apple’s theory would provide a roadmap for monopolistic retailers to structure transactions with manufacturers or suppliers so as to evade antirust claims by consumers.”

    This opens the doors for consumers and third-party developers alike to sue Apple over their App Store policies. At present it’s unclear which, if any, parties will seek damages against Apple in relation to this Supreme Court decision.

    What This Means

    It’s unclear what this will mean for Apple going forward. The company has not commented on this ruling at the time of this writing, though it seems likely they will have a statement soon. The company could be facing some serious damages in court, as antitrust suits can see the plaintiffs recovering up to three times the amount of the damages.

    Whether this will mean that Apple will have to amend its App Store policies, or allow for other platforms of app sellers on their phones, is unclear.

  • Coolest Things Seen at Google I/O 2019

    Coolest Things Seen at Google I/O 2019

    Google I/O 2019 has come and gone, and we’ve learned a lot about Google’s upcoming slate of products. Today we’re taking a look at some of the coolest headlines from that massive event, from gaming infrastructure to new Android operating system updates!

    Google I/O 2019

    Android Q

    The newest version of Google’s own Android infrastructure, Android Q, is coming up later this year. Aside from questions regarding what desert name starts with Q, Google’s answering some interesting questions with their new OS. For instance, the OS will offer support for foldable smartphones, out-of-app functionality through “bubbles” and further system privacy settings.

    Google Stadia

    Google’s upcoming cloud gaming infrastructure, Stadia, got name-checked at the event, as well. The system will allow high-end gaming on any screen that you can stream an internet signal to. While Google didn’t get into specifics, like release date or pricing, they spoke at length about the technical details of the system.

    Without getting too in-depth, Stadia will use a “streamer,” a program that helps to keep even a higher latency signal from appearing too stuttering or choppy. This is good news for people who were concerned about poor performance of the service on lower-end internet connections.

    Pixel 3a Line

    As everyone anticipated, Google launched the Pixel 3a line of affordable Pixel smartphones the day I/O started. The phones are some of the best budget Android phones on the market, making them a wonderful addition to Google’s lineup.

    The 3a sports the awesome cameras found on the Pixel 3, along with a huge screen and a great intro price of $400. If you’re looking for a low-price, entry-level Android phone, you can’t go wrong with the Pixel 3a.

    Google Duplex Updates

    Google Duplex will be receiving new functionality that will allow it to interface with websites as well as its existing phone applications. If you want to shop for something online, you can instruct Google Duplex to do so for you via your voice and it’ll simply get what you want without you having to take the hassle of the extra clicks.

  • So Long, Beef: Meet the Impossible Burger

    So Long, Beef: Meet the Impossible Burger

    While everyone loves a hamburger, there are some issues with eating animal meat. For one thing, some say its unethical to take the life of a living animal for food. Even if you don’t agree with that point, the science is clear that red meat is hardly good for you.

    But burgers are so good! Why can’t we have a burger that isn’t bad for you and doesn’t require cows to be slaughtered? Good news, compassionate burger-lovers: the Impossible Burger provides just that. A delicious, beef-like patty made entirely from plant matter.

    Impossible Burger

    What It’s Made From

    The Impossible Burger isn’t a soy or lentil or bean patty that’s just shaped like a burger. No, instead, it’s made in a lab setting, from potato and soy proteins, and made to look and taste just like animal meat. Included in the patty are coconut and sunflower oils, which act as the burger’s fat and let it sizzle on the grill.

    Meanwhile, the whole thing is held together by methylcellulose, a binding agent that also acts as a source of fiber. The burger then uses a type of heme, the oxygen-carrying molecule found in all living things, as a source of flavor. The lab uses soy heme, injected into yeast cultures and then harvested en masse, to give the burger a meat-like flavor.

    What it Tastes Like

    It tastes like beef, full stop. If you’re a vegetarian who misses burgers, or a meat-eater who wants to cut back on eating animals, this burger hits the spot. That’s a hard trick to pull off! In fact, we’ve seen people who are vegetarians actually find the Impossible Burger “gross,” and “hard to eat” due to its greatly meat-like consistency and flavor.

    The Cost

    Generally speaking, the Impossible Burger is a bit more expensive than a normal meat patty. For instance, many restaurants sell the Impossible Burger for $13, where the normal burger tends to be around $9. However, we feel its worth it to be kinder to your body and the environment. After all, every little bit helps.

  • Newest Spider-Man Trailer Holds Major Endgame Spoilers

    Newest Spider-Man Trailer Holds Major Endgame Spoilers

    Warning: big old spoilers from Avengers: Endgame wait ahead. If you don’t want to have the film’s biggest twists spoiled for you, avoid this article and the Spidey trailer!

    The newest trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home has hit, and it’s a doozy. Peter Parker and Happy Hogan are dealing with the fallout of Endgame, including the fate of Tony Stark. Iron Man sacrificed himself to make the world safe, but now it’s up to Peter to take up the mantle and save the day.

    Far From Home

    Much-Needed Vacation

    Well, Peter’s going to be taking up the mantle just as soon as he gets back from vacation. In the meantime, he’s going on a school trip to Europe to spend time with his crush MJ! The trailer shows Peter blowing off calls from Nick Fury, choosing instead to enjoy some much-needed time off.

    Considering he just spent five years as a pile of dust, we can’t blame him.

    Duty Calls

    Of course, Fury finds Peter easily enough, even when he’s abroad in Europe. Spidey is quickly swept up in a SHIELD operation to protect the world from new elemental threats. Also on the team is new character Mysterio, who the trailer tells us is actually from an alternate reality.

    This seems… odd. Mysterio is one of Spidey’s most enduring villains in the comics, and it’s unlikely he’s here to help. Traditionally, Mysterio has no powers but a penchant for movie special effects and a desire to be perceived as a hero. Could Far From Home be setting up this comics-accurate plot point?

    End of an Era

    Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has confirmed that Far From Home will be the final MCU film in Phase 3. It will serve as an epilogue to Endgame and as a prologue for the next ten years of Marvel films. In the capable hands of Spider-Man, Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange, we’re sure these films will continue to bring pulse-pounding superhero action for years to come.

    Far From Home will swing into theaters on July 2nd. You know we’ll be the first in line to see it when it!

  • Alex Jones, Milo Yiannoupolis, Others, Banned from Facebook, Instagram

    Alex Jones, Milo Yiannoupolis, Others, Banned from Facebook, Instagram

    Controversial right-wing personalities like Alex Jones were banned from Facebook and Instagram on Friday. The figures also included Milo Yiannoupolis and Laura Loomer, avowed far-right commentators who are well-known for their combative and confrontational personalities. The bans also extend to Facebook-owned photo-sharing app, Instagram.

    Far-Right Bans Laid Down by Facebook, Instagram

    Facebook’s Reasoning

    The reasoning behind the banning, as stated by Facebook, was that the people in question violated their terms of service and community guidelines. As Facebook puts it, Alex Jones and the other figures represent dangerous ideologies and as such banned them. For comparison, the platform also banned Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, as well as numerous other figures from all sides of the political spectrum.

    “We’ve always banned individuals or organizations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology,” went a Facebook statement following the bans. “The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today.”

    Facebook noted that part of the reasoning behind the banning of Jones included his show hosting Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys and known “white nationalist”. This move highlights Facebook’s increasing attempts to take responsibility for the voices of hate on their platform.

    Outcry

    There was some outcry regarding the banning on Facebook and Twitter among various far-right groups. Many complained that the move violated the First Amendment rights of the banned individuals, including notable Twitter personalities. However, this is a misunderstanding of the First Amendment, which protects speech from censorship by the government.

    As neither Facebook nor Instagram are governmental agencies, their moves have no interaction with the Bill of Rights. Oddly, their moves to ban people from their platforms on the basis of violating terms of service line up neatly with normal Conservative values that include lack of government oversight into private industry.

  • Borderlands 3 Preview: A Billion Guns

    Borderlands 3 Preview: A Billion Guns

    Gearbox really needs a win after the fiasco that was Battleborn. That ill-fated first-person MOBA was unfairly stacked against Overwatch at a point in time when “hero shooters” were at their peak popularity. Thankfully, Borderlands 3 seems poised to put Gearbox back on the map as a developer. A game that promises a billion guns is exactly what they need right now.

    Borderlands 3: Step Back into the Borderlands

    The New Vault Hunters

    Four new Vault Hunters are taking up the mantle from the previous protagonists. This time around, we’ve got beastmaster FL4K, secret agent Zane, Siren Amara and heavy-gunner Moze. Each of these Hunters comes with unique skill trees and class abilities, not dissimilar from prior games’ protagonists. Each of them can be customized to granular details, meaning no two Vault Hunters will be the same.

    Unmitigated Mayhem

    This time around, the game promises even more massive boss battles, wacky enemies and exotic locales. While previous entries were land-locked to the planet of Pandora, that’s not the case this time around. In BL3, players will begin aboard their spaceship, the Sanctuary III, a starship capable of traveling to distant planets.

    In order to get a break from the drab, sandy locales of Pandora, the galaxy will be the player’s oyster. Traveling to new planets, seeking out countless recently opened Vaults and cracking bad-guy skulls will be the main attraction. Oh, and there will be “a billion guns,” according to Gearbox. Awesome.

    New Loot System

    Speaking of those guns, you’ll be happy to know that players get individualized, instanced loot now. That means your buddies can’t just swoop in and grab up the best guns before you get a chance to grab them. On that same token, players will also no longer be punished for playing with their higher-leveled friends.

    If you join a friend at a higher level, their enemies won’t just smash you to bits. Instead, you’ll each do normalized damage to the bad guys, and vice versa. Also, you’ll each see level-appropriate loot, which means that there are less barriers to playing with buddies now.

    Of course, if you preferred the old style, you can turn on “classic mode” to enjoy the old-school Borderlands loot system. In either case, Borderlands 3 will be landing on PS4, Xbox One and PC on September 13th, 2019. Are you excited?

  • Tesla Being Sued Over Fatal Autopilot Crash

    Tesla Being Sued Over Fatal Autopilot Crash

    Surprisingly, luxury automaker Tesla is being sued over a deadly crash that occurred in early 2018. The family of Walter Huang, who died in a tragic accident when his Model X hit a central concrete median, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The suit claims that Tesla’s autopilot feature was to blame for Huang’s death, not his own inattentiveness at the wheel.

    Tesla Being Sued over Autopilot

    The Crash

    Huang was 38 when he passed away on March 23, 2018. He was driving in Mountain View, California, deep in Silicone Valley, when his autopilot misread the lane and didn’t brake before striking the concrete median. According to the complaint, not only did Huang’s vehicle not brake, it accelerated into the barrier.

    Mark Fong, a partner at a firm that is representing Huang’s family, released a statement. He stated that Tesla is “beta testing its Autopilot software on live drivers,” and that “The Huang family wants to help prevent this tragedy from happening to other drivers using Tesla vehicles or any semi-autonomous vehicles”.

    The Suit

    The lawsuit alleges that Tesla holds liability for Huang’s death due to a defective product design. The suit also alleges that Tesla failed to warn drivers enough about the autopilot system’s limitations, and that they intentionally misrepresented the system and advertised it falsely.

    The complaint does not specify the amount of damages the plaintiffs are seeking. However, it does name the State of California as a defendant for not replacing the guardrail that should have surrounded the median that Huang hit. Presumably, that guardrail would have greatly reduced the impact of the crash.

    Tesla’s Response

    As of yet, Tesla has made no formal response to the complaint. Likewise, the State of California has made no statement regarding the suit. It is worth noting that when news of Huang’s death was made public, Tesla stated that “safety is at the core of everything we do and every decision we make, so the loss of a life in an accident involving a Tesla vehicle is difficult for all of us.”

    At the time of that news breaking, Tesla expressed deep sadness over the crash. However, official reports stated that, despite Tesla warning drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and remain attentive while using autopilot, “the vehicle did not detect the driver’s hands on the steering wheel in the six seconds before the crash.”

  • Amazon Alexa to Have Full Spanish-Language Integration in 2019

    Amazon Alexa to Have Full Spanish-Language Integration in 2019

    Spanish-speaking Amazon Echo users have reason to be excited: Amazon has announced that their Alexa voice assistant will support Spanish-language commands before the end of 2019. This news coincides with reports that app developers who have Alexa-enabled features on their apps can request developer kits to develop Spanish-language skills.

    Amazon to Speak Spanish Soon

    Amazon’s Statement

    This news comes courtesy of Amazon themselves. The company made the news public in a blog post relating to the future of Alexa and Alexa-enabled devices.

    “Along with the Echo family of devices, later this year Bose, Facebook, and Sony will bring Alexa Built-in devices and Philips, TP Link, and Honeywell Home will bring Works with Alexa devices that support Spanish in the US,” Stated Amazon in their post.

    Why Spanish?

    Spanish is one of the most-spoken languages on Earth, and the number of markets Amazon is opening itself up to is enormous with this move. More than just making it possible to sell Echo devices in Spanish-speaking countries, this also means that native Spanish-speakers in places like the US can feel more comfortable using the device.

    This could also prove a useful learning tool for people who want to learn Spanish. What better way to learn a language than to speak it daily?

    Smart Homes and Accessibility

    Amazon’s goal, of course, is to get Alexa into as many homes as possible. The smart-home speakers Echo and Show are two of Amazon’s best-selling products, so it makes sense the company would want them to be as accessible as possible.

    If you’re wondering what all the fuss over Alexa is about, consider trying an Amazon Echo Dot, the introductory level smart-home speaker. It starts you off with an Alexa-enabled device and shows the power and convenience of smart speakers. The Echo Dot is available from Amazon for $50 for the third-generation speaker.