Friday, August 31, 2018

China targets video gaming to tackle myopia in children

BBC News - Technology
China targets video gaming to tackle myopia in children
China targets video gaming to tackle myopia in children
New restrictions will try to tackle rising levels of near-sightedness among children.
Astronauts tackle air leak on International Space Station
Astronauts tackle air leak on International Space Station
A "micro-fracture" from a possible collision with a rock fragment sets off alerts on the ISS.
Gear Latest
August's Best Gear: From Tiny Laptops to Big Phones
August's Best Gear: From Tiny Laptops to Big Phones
Our reviews of the Microsoft Surface Go, Samsung's Galaxy Note 9, DJI's Mavic Air drone, and more.
TechNewsWorld
Human Rights Groups Amplify Call for 'Killer Robot' Ban
Leaders from Human Rights Watch and Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic last week issued a dire warning that nations around the world haven't been doing enough to ban the development of autonomous weapons -- so-called "killer robots." The groups issued a joint report that calls for a complete ban on these systems before such weapons begin to make their way to military arsenals and it becomes too late to act. Other groups, including Amnesty International, joined in those urgent calls for a treaty to ban such weapons systems.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 Review: New Features, Lower Price

Gear Latest
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 Review: New Features, Lower Price
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 Review: New Features, Lower Price
Our favorite speakers get new designs and some new audio enhancements.
BBC News - Technology
Google says Trump's bias claims are 'not true'
Google says Trump's bias claims are 'not true'
Claims Google did not promote President Trump's State of the Union address are denied by the search giant.
TechNewsWorld
Google Gives Vets New Job Search, Business Promotion Tools
Google has announced several new online tools designed to help former members of the military find jobs or attract new customers to their businesses. One tool allows vets to type in the search term "jobs for veterans" followed by specific military job codes to see civilian jobs with skill requirements that match their service experience. The military job code feature also has been deployed to Google's Cloud Talent solution, which is used by FedEx Careers, Encompass Health Careers, Siemens Careers, CareerBuilder, Getting Hired and others.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Trio of New iPhones Expected in September

TechNewsWorld
Trio of New iPhones Expected in September
Apple will release three new iPhones in September, according to a Monday report citing unnamed knowledgeable sources about the company's plans. Although all the phones will have edge-to-edge displays, like the iPhone X, only two reportedly will have OLED screens. Some Apple insiders have been referring to 2018 as an "S" year -- a reference to a year when most of the significant changes affect the inside rather than the outside of the iPhone. Instead of seeking to add users, Apple apparently plans to slowly increase average prices.
At-Home Eldercare Goes High Tech
The call came in less than an hour before the 8 a.m. shift was scheduled to start: A family emergency meant the regular caregiver for an elderly client couldn't make her shift that day, so a replacement caregiver was needed ASAP. Homewatch CareGivers of San Juan Capistrano had to quickly send a substitute from its pool of licensed, trained and security-bonded caregivers. Once confirmed to cover the shift, the substitute caregiver tapped into the Homewatch CareGivers "Care+" mobile system to access the client's medical information.
BBC News - Technology
Riding the jet engine-powered FlyBoard Air
Riding the jet engine-powered FlyBoard Air
The FlyBoard Air has five jet engines and can travel at high speed over water.
Gear Latest
The Lego Minifig Turns 40
The Lego Minifig Turns 40
It's been four decades since Lego's little plastic people first walked off the assembly line.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

What If Electric Cars Fail Again?

TechNewsWorld
What If Electric Cars Fail Again?
If Tesla should go under, it would set back the electric car industry a decade or more. At the beginning of the last century, electric, steam and gas all competed for the automotive industry, resulting in far more advancements in gas cars than electric over the decades. Thankfully, no one has brought back steam. There are some recent breakthroughs with gas cars that actually could make them more efficient than many electrics, and they are already far more convenient to use. I have skin in this game because I have a Jaguar iPace on order.
Gear Latest
Inside the Workspace of Audiovisual Designer Love Hultén
Inside the Workspace of Audiovisual Designer Love Hultén
Enter the studio where Love Hultén synthesizes fine woodcraft and hand-wired electronics into musical works of art.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Even H3 Review: Wireless Headphones That Give You a Hearing Test

Gear Latest
Even H3 Review: Wireless Headphones That Give You a Hearing Test
Even H3 Review: Wireless Headphones That Give You a Hearing Test
Even’s H3 wireless headphones give you a hearing test to personalize your sound. We review the headphones and its EarPrint tech.
BBC News - Technology
Florida shooting: Video gamer kills two at tournament
Florida shooting: Video gamer kills two at tournament
The participant at a tournament in Jacksonville opens fire before shooting himself.
Uber 'to focus on bikes over cars'
Uber 'to focus on bikes over cars'
The ride-hailing firm says it will put more emphasis on bike hire, even though it could hurt profits.
Primitive tech
Primitive tech
Why are millions of people watching videos of men in woods demonstrating "primitive technology"?

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Stop Sending Money on Venmo. There Are Better Alternatives

Gear Latest
Stop Sending Money on Venmo. There Are Better Alternatives
We're increasingly wary of sharing too much on social media. So why are we still doing it on Venmo?
BBC News - Technology
KSI v Logan Paul: YouTube boxing fight ends in a draw
KSI v Logan Paul: YouTube boxing fight ends in a draw
KSI and Logan Paul took their online rivalry into the boxing ring in a much-hyped bout.

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Amazon's DVR Scheme May Be Taking Shape

TechNewsWorld
Amazon's DVR Scheme May Be Taking Shape
There's a rumor in circulation that Amazon has been working on a DVR that would allow users to record live TV, and then stream that content to a smartphone and other mobile devices. Amazon aims to mount a direct challenge to DVR pioneer TiVo -- a company that was at the forefront of digital video recording 20 years ago -- according to reports. The Amazon DVR, codenamed "Frank," will work with Fire TV devices. Amazon's Lab 126 research and development center has been working on the DVR.
Gear Latest
Gadget Lab Podcast: Quantum Computing Explained
Gadget Lab Podcast: Quantum Computing Explained
On this episode, WIRED writer Tom Simonite explains quantum computing to us. Kinda.
BBC News - Technology
Tech Tent: Are tech giants held to account?
Tech Tent: Are tech giants held to account?
Silicon Valley's big businesses should be subject to more scrutiny, argues author Lucie Greene.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Facebook Cracks Down on Iranian, Russian Influence Campaigns

TechNewsWorld
Facebook Cracks Down on Iranian, Russian Influence Campaigns
Facebook has removed more than 650 Facebook and Instagram pages, groups and accounts originating in Iran and Russia for "coordinated inauthentic behavior." The goal is to improve the trustworthiness of Facebook connections. Although it has been making progress in its efforts, the people responsible for the inauthentic activity are determined and well funded, Facebook said. "We identified an influence operation, not just on Facebook, but across several social media platforms," said Sandra Joyce, vice president for global intelligence at FireEye.
Android Pie Is Filled with AI
AI plays a big role in Android 9, the latest version of Google's mobile OS. Called "Android Pie," it is designed to learn from its users' behavior, and apply those lessons to simplify and customize their phone experiences. "From predicting your next task so you can jump right into the action you want to take, to prioritizing battery power for the apps you use most, to helping you disconnect from your phone at the end of the day, Android 9 adapts to your life and the ways you like to use your phone," noted Google VP Sameer Samat.
BBC News - Technology
End of the line?
End of the line?
Artificially intelligent software is quickly replacing humans in call centres around the world.
Gear Latest
Best Latte and Cappuccino Machines (2018): Keurig, Mr. Coffee, Nespresso, Breville
Best Latte and Cappuccino Machines (2018): Keurig, Mr. Coffee, Nespresso, Breville
We've tested a bunch of the best latte machines and best cappuccino makers. These are the absolute best devices to make awesome milk and espresso drinks at home.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Corbyn floats plan for windfall tax on tech firms to fund journalism

BBC News - Technology
Corbyn floats plan for windfall tax on tech firms to fund journalism
Corbyn floats plan for windfall tax on tech firms to fund journalism
Firms like Google may have to pay for public interest journalism coverage, Labour leader says.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Facebook and Twitter remove accounts linked to Russia and Iran campaigns

BBC News - Technology
Facebook and Twitter remove accounts linked to Russia and Iran campaigns
Facebook and Twitter remove accounts linked to Russia and Iran campaigns
The social media giants say they have shut down hundreds of accounts linked to Russia and Iran.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Nvidia's Convincing Unreality

TechNewsWorld
Nvidia's Convincing Unreality
When I read the book Ready Player One, I really got excited about the future of virtual reality, but the movie really didn't do the book justice. Some blockbusters have succeeded in interspersing computer graphics with real people and making it hard to tell the difference. Still, a totally rendered movie still looks like animation and you just don't get the film quality you get from, well, film. This was disappointing with Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, which was all done with actors in front of blue screens and rendered.
Microsoft Surface Go Earns Strong Marks
Early reviews of the Microsoft Surface Go two-in-one, now available in stores, mainly have been positive. "This Surface Go is far closer to what people seem to want in a small product that's more focused on productivity than the iPad has yet been able to deliver," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. Reviewers have compared it favorable to Apple's iPad and Google's Chromebook. Education "and perhaps millennials" will be the strongest markets for the Surface Go, suggested Enderle.
Gear Latest
Fitbit's Charge 3 Offers a New Take on an Old Tracker
Fitbit's Charge 3 Offers a New Take on an Old Tracker
The Charge 3's build, guts, and software features have changed enough to warrant serious consideration if you’ve been thinking about updating your Fitbit.
Zippin's Checkout-Free Retail Store Uses Cameras to Watch You Shop
Zippin's Checkout-Free Retail Store Uses Cameras to Watch You Shop
A new startup is offering a new kind of retail experience. Instead of humans handling cash, it's all apps, smartphones, sensors, and computer vision.
BBC News - Technology
'Gas leak' iPad prompts Apple shop evacuation
'Gas leak' iPad prompts Apple shop evacuation
The Dutch fire brigade is called to help deal with a "fuming" Apple device.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Whiteboards used as Gatwick flight information screens fail

BBC News - Technology
Whiteboards used as Gatwick flight information screens fail
Whiteboards used as Gatwick flight information screens fail
Airport staff are having to write flight information on whiteboards as screens go blank.
'Exploding' iPad prompts Apple shop evacuation
'Exploding' iPad prompts Apple shop evacuation
The Dutch fire brigade is called to help deal with a "fuming" Apple device.
Gear Latest
Tired of Twitter? Join Me on Mastodon
Tired of Twitter? Join Me on Mastodon
Forget Twitter's truncated timeline, terrible ad algorithm, spammy sponsored content, and overall bad vibes. Give Mastodon a shot.

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Harry Potter wand teaches children to code

BBC News - Technology
Harry Potter wand teaches children to code
Harry Potter wand teaches children to code
A magic wand designed to teach children how to code has been revealed.
Tesla investors spooked by revelations in emotional interview
Tesla investors spooked by revelations in emotional interview
In an "emotional" newspaper interview, Elon Musk also said he takes a sedative to help him sleep.
Body scanners to screen LA subway riders
Body scanners to screen LA subway riders
Passengers will be scanned for explosives and weapons as they enter subway stations.
Gear Latest
Best Weekend Tech Deals: Bose QuietComfort, Galaxy Note 9, iPad, Xbox One S
Best Weekend Tech Deals: Bose QuietComfort, Galaxy Note 9, iPad, Xbox One S
The best tech and gaming deals this weekend: Apple, Bose, Beats, Galaxy Note 9, Roku, and more.
PK360 Grill & Smoker Review: Well-Built Cooking Excellence
PK360 Grill & Smoker Review: Well-Built Cooking Excellence
PK's grill-and-smoker combo is solidly constructed and has excellent temperature control.

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Celebrating Cable TV and All the Wonders That Followed

TechNewsWorld
Celebrating Cable TV and All the Wonders That Followed
Among my reporting beats are advances in TV production and the technology that brings TV to our homes. In my lifetime I've seen some of the most significant advances in television, and unlike many who take it for granted, I have a very deep respect for TV. My actual birthday is in January, but Aug. 21 is a date that is much more momentous to me. Back in 1980, it was the date on which my family was first connected to cable TV. This might seem like a silly date to note in one's life, but how important TV has been to me can't be overstated.

Friday, August 17, 2018

The karaoke robot and other technology news

BBC News - Technology
The karaoke robot and other technology news
The karaoke robot and other technology news
BBC Click's Emily Bates looks at some of the week's best technology stories
Apple files stored by teen in 'hacky hack hack' folder
Apple files stored by teen in 'hacky hack hack' folder
An Australian 16-year-old is in court following a series of intrusions into Apple's internal network.
Gear Latest
Bugs Will Actually Make Your Next Phone Better
Bugs Will Actually Make Your Next Phone Better
In everything from cameras to batteries, researchers are pursuing biomimicry—basically, copping nature’s secrets.
TechNewsWorld
Alexa and Cortana: Two AI Heads May Be Better Than One
Microsoft and Amazon have announced the release of a public preview of the integration of their Cortana and Alexa voice assistants. Cortana will be available on amazon Echo devices, while Alexa will be available to U.S. customers on Windows 10 devices and on Harman Kardon Invoke speakers. "Our ongoing goal has been to make Cortana your intelligent assistant, wherever you need assistance, and across many devices and platforms, from Windows 10 PCs to iPhone and Android," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Back-to-School Sales on Laptops, Google Pixelbook, and other College Essentials

Gear Latest
Back-to-School Sales on Laptops, Google Pixelbook, and other College Essentials
Back-to-School Sales on Laptops, Google Pixelbook, and other College Essentials
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up and get your student discounts!
TechNewsWorld
Nvidia's Turing Chip Opens Door to New Virtual Reality Realm
Nvidia has announced a powerful new graphics architecture with the potential to blur the line between virtual and actual reality. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveiled the new chips at the company's SIGGRAPH 2018 event in Vancouver, Canada. The Turing architecture enables a new generation of hybrid rendering that can be used to create cinematic-quality interactive experiences, effects powered by neural networks, and fluid interactivity on highly complex models. A wide variety of lighting effects that mimic real life can be rendered with Turing.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Farsight Security COO Alexa Raad: 'Be Your Own Champion'

TechNewsWorld
Farsight Security COO Alexa Raad: 'Be Your Own Champion'
"If you think about Internet threats like phishing and botnets and malware -- all of those start with a DNS -- a domain name system. And so every kind of nefarious act leaves footprints and fingerprints in the DNS. That's something that cannot be faked," said Farsight Security COO Alexa Raad. For example, "a lot of the new domain names that are registered are typically registered with bad intent, meaning criminals are going to use them to commit some sort of act, like phishing attacks, etc."

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

The Weird Mistakes Killing Tesla

TechNewsWorld
The Weird Mistakes Killing Tesla
Tesla is trending to fail spectacularly. It has been burning cash at an unsustainable rate, and it keeps making avoidable mistakes that weaken it. Here's what is weird: You'd think the firm's biggest problem would be that every large car maker was working behind the scenes to kill it. However, with the exception of the dealerships, the car companies for the most part appear to have worked harder to emulate Tesla than to destroy it. I expect that if Tesla fails, all fingers will point to Musk and the executive team.
The Transportation Revolution: Much More Than Self-Driving Cars
The autonomous car has thrown the automotive industry -- an industry that is notoriously slow to change -- into the forefront of technology. The autonomous car has become a technology catalyst because it requires innovation in many areas, ranging from processor and sensor technology to AI. As with all new technologies, the industry rushes to focus on consumers because they represent the billion-dollar pot of gold, but as with many other new technologies, it is the industrial applications that are likely to take hold first.
BBC News - Technology
Fortnite: Ninja won't play with female gamers
Fortnite: Ninja won't play with female gamers
The gamer says he doesn't 'play with female gamers' out of respect for his wife.
Charging ahead
Charging ahead
From battery-powered trucks to Formula E racing cars, electric vehicles are going mainstream around the world.
Gear Latest
GE Smart Countertop Microwave Review: Future Food
GE Smart Countertop Microwave Review: Future Food
GE loaded this microwave with Alexa capabilities and scan-to-cook technology. But those high-tech features make microwaving more complicated than ever.