Technology
Follow Collections
Post has attachment
Google Maps will soon tell you when it’s time to get off your train or bus
Google is about to launch a small but useful update to Google Maps that will give you live guidance and interactive real-time notifications during your journey. The idea here is to give you real-time updates while you are on your transit journey. These updates will appear in the Google Maps app and, maybe most importantly, on your Android lock screen. To get started, you search for your transit directions in Google Maps as usual. So far, so good. What’s new here is that you’ll soon be able to tap a “start” button at the bottom the screen with the details about your transit journey and then get live updates as you walk or ride on your local buses and trains. Our understanding is that Google Maps will even remind you to get off your bus or train when you get close to your stop. That’s definitely useful when you’re traveling somewhere new (or sleepy).
Google is about to launch a small but useful update to Google Maps that will give you live guidance and interactive real-time notifications during your journey. The idea here is to give you real-time updates while you are on your transit journey. These updates will appear in the Google Maps app and, maybe most importantly, on your Android lock screen. To get started, you search for your transit directions in Google Maps as usual. So far, so good. What’s new here is that you’ll soon be able to tap a “start” button at the bottom the screen with the details about your transit journey and then get live updates as you walk or ride on your local buses and trains. Our understanding is that Google Maps will even remind you to get off your bus or train when you get close to your stop. That’s definitely useful when you’re traveling somewhere new (or sleepy).
Post has attachment
Smartphone Portrait Mode Explanation
Marques goes in-depth to explain exactly what Portrait Mode is on a smartphone, and tips when using it. I learned that it struggles with outlines of non-human objects such as headphones -- blurring part of the headphone that is further away than the ear piece closer to you. The Note 8 and iPhone will tell you when it can't take a Portrait photo because of shooting conditions, while the Pixel won't. The Pixel 2 really killed the competition, turning out the best looking most true to life photos.
Marques goes in-depth to explain exactly what Portrait Mode is on a smartphone, and tips when using it. I learned that it struggles with outlines of non-human objects such as headphones -- blurring part of the headphone that is further away than the ear piece closer to you. The Note 8 and iPhone will tell you when it can't take a Portrait photo because of shooting conditions, while the Pixel won't. The Pixel 2 really killed the competition, turning out the best looking most true to life photos.
Post has attachment
Wandelbots wants to reinvent the way we program robots
Wandelbots has accomplished a lot for a startup that was founded officially only two weeks ago – the German company focuses on solving a key problem in robotics, using wearable technology and over two years of experience researching and designing adaptive software systems. So what does Wandelbots actually do? Its first product is a sensor-laden suit that a person can wear to demonstrate actions so that a robot can then replicate what they do. Basically, it’s a system through which robots can “learn” what they need to without requiring that the person “teaching” them be an experienced robotics programmer. Other projects have also employed vision-based systems to capture movement and teach it to other robots. But Wandelbots makes use of information related by embedded 9-axis sensors within the suits, which transmit magnometer, orientation and plenty of other data to the computer system to model the operator’s behavior.
Wandelbots has accomplished a lot for a startup that was founded officially only two weeks ago – the German company focuses on solving a key problem in robotics, using wearable technology and over two years of experience researching and designing adaptive software systems. So what does Wandelbots actually do? Its first product is a sensor-laden suit that a person can wear to demonstrate actions so that a robot can then replicate what they do. Basically, it’s a system through which robots can “learn” what they need to without requiring that the person “teaching” them be an experienced robotics programmer. Other projects have also employed vision-based systems to capture movement and teach it to other robots. But Wandelbots makes use of information related by embedded 9-axis sensors within the suits, which transmit magnometer, orientation and plenty of other data to the computer system to model the operator’s behavior.
Post has attachment
Vidme Announced Yesterday That It Is Shutting Down
Vidme has been operating since January of 2014. So it had a solid almost four years of existence, and was deemed one of the only YouTube competitors. As Vidme attempted to expand and offer similar features for creators as YouTube has done, they started to face problems. Apparently the troubles became too serious. I honestly think YouTube has a monopoly on their operation model and existence as the main source of video sharing on the internet. I don't think any other competitor can ever catch up or make a dent in the market using the same exact principles. Facebook has tried it too, and it is pretty hard. I think a new operation model may be required, some serious branding, and several years of community fostering would be required to create a serious YouTube competitor.
Vidme has been operating since January of 2014. So it had a solid almost four years of existence, and was deemed one of the only YouTube competitors. As Vidme attempted to expand and offer similar features for creators as YouTube has done, they started to face problems. Apparently the troubles became too serious. I honestly think YouTube has a monopoly on their operation model and existence as the main source of video sharing on the internet. I don't think any other competitor can ever catch up or make a dent in the market using the same exact principles. Facebook has tried it too, and it is pretty hard. I think a new operation model may be required, some serious branding, and several years of community fostering would be required to create a serious YouTube competitor.
Post has attachment
Android 8.0 Features You Might Not Know About
The first one is that you can now access widgets related to the app you have long-pressed on. So basically, long-press an app and you will have a widget shortcut prompt available. You can enforce background activity limits on apps -- which will save battery and stop their ongoing processes that happen when you aren't using the app. However, notifications might not work and you may encounter various bugs by not allowing the app to run in the background. Snooze notifications? I have this in Android 7.0 -- so not a new feature. Side-loading managed on an app per app basis -- this is pretty cool, because it used to be all or nothing. Now you can say only allow sideloaded apps from sources you trust like Google, Tesla Coil, or another source you personally trust. It might be a pain to manage though. And lastly, there is notification customization. I think we have a bit of this in 7.0 already, but maybe it is more in depth on 8.0. You can essentially block or disable notifications that are repetitive or distracting meanwhile allowing more important notifications like texts, emails, and maybe social media if it's work related.
The first one is that you can now access widgets related to the app you have long-pressed on. So basically, long-press an app and you will have a widget shortcut prompt available. You can enforce background activity limits on apps -- which will save battery and stop their ongoing processes that happen when you aren't using the app. However, notifications might not work and you may encounter various bugs by not allowing the app to run in the background. Snooze notifications? I have this in Android 7.0 -- so not a new feature. Side-loading managed on an app per app basis -- this is pretty cool, because it used to be all or nothing. Now you can say only allow sideloaded apps from sources you trust like Google, Tesla Coil, or another source you personally trust. It might be a pain to manage though. And lastly, there is notification customization. I think we have a bit of this in 7.0 already, but maybe it is more in depth on 8.0. You can essentially block or disable notifications that are repetitive or distracting meanwhile allowing more important notifications like texts, emails, and maybe social media if it's work related.
Post has attachment
Android 8.1 Is Official, It's Rolling Out To Everyone Now
I might have posted about Android 8.1 earlier, I believe I did -- but that at that point in time it was a still a developer preview in the beta stage. It's now ready for the public. And as such, the software update is rolling out to Pixel, Nexus, and Android Go devices starting today. The system images are also being posted in the Android Development Archive so you can download the system images if you want to wipe your whole phone in the process. The normal way to get the update would be to go into settings and check the update panel -- and the update will be waiting for you there when it is available. The main feature coming with this is activation of the special machine learning imaging chip that has remained dormant since release.
I might have posted about Android 8.1 earlier, I believe I did -- but that at that point in time it was a still a developer preview in the beta stage. It's now ready for the public. And as such, the software update is rolling out to Pixel, Nexus, and Android Go devices starting today. The system images are also being posted in the Android Development Archive so you can download the system images if you want to wipe your whole phone in the process. The normal way to get the update would be to go into settings and check the update panel -- and the update will be waiting for you there when it is available. The main feature coming with this is activation of the special machine learning imaging chip that has remained dormant since release.
Post has attachment
Mi A1 Owners Can Apply For Xiaomi's Oreo Beta
Xiaomi phones usually aren't on the forefront of software, even though their hardware is decent. Looks like this particular devices is getting access to an android 8.1 beta experience now. This is probably because it is an Android One device. Android One devices are branded and marketed as entry level devices that receive all their software and updates from Google -- in hopes of staying at the forefront of the Android experience consistently. This is an effort to build Android brand awareness in emerging markets where the next 3.5 billion people are just getting online for the first time.
Xiaomi phones usually aren't on the forefront of software, even though their hardware is decent. Looks like this particular devices is getting access to an android 8.1 beta experience now. This is probably because it is an Android One device. Android One devices are branded and marketed as entry level devices that receive all their software and updates from Google -- in hopes of staying at the forefront of the Android experience consistently. This is an effort to build Android brand awareness in emerging markets where the next 3.5 billion people are just getting online for the first time.
Post has attachment
A CNET Journalist Visited A T-Mobile Store To Be Told What Kind Of Phone To Buy
So this tech journalist visited a T-Mobile store to see what kind of phone to buy. He looked primarily at iPhones, and hoped that the salesman would sell him on the idea of buying an iPhone X with solid reasoning to back it up. the salesman didn't, he recommended the iPhone 8 as a better choice than the X, and admitted that he was a loyal Galaxy Note 8 user. Proof once again that Android is becoming the better choice for consumers.
So this tech journalist visited a T-Mobile store to see what kind of phone to buy. He looked primarily at iPhones, and hoped that the salesman would sell him on the idea of buying an iPhone X with solid reasoning to back it up. the salesman didn't, he recommended the iPhone 8 as a better choice than the X, and admitted that he was a loyal Galaxy Note 8 user. Proof once again that Android is becoming the better choice for consumers.
Post has attachment
Moto x4 Becomes The First Non-Google Device To Join Project Fi
The Moto x4 is now the first non-google device to join the Project Fi device family. It's a $399 device...which is certainly in the low to mid price range. Accordingly, the device performance will live up to those standards. So it's not really a good comparison to complain about things it cannot do that are associated with flagships like the Galaxy, Note, iPhone, Pixel, LG G, LG V, and so forth series of high-end devices. You will also get a $100 credit when you enroll in Fi and have an active Moto x4 device for 30 days. It's a pay as you go cellular service, made by google. Give it a go if you're interested.
The Moto x4 is now the first non-google device to join the Project Fi device family. It's a $399 device...which is certainly in the low to mid price range. Accordingly, the device performance will live up to those standards. So it's not really a good comparison to complain about things it cannot do that are associated with flagships like the Galaxy, Note, iPhone, Pixel, LG G, LG V, and so forth series of high-end devices. You will also get a $100 credit when you enroll in Fi and have an active Moto x4 device for 30 days. It's a pay as you go cellular service, made by google. Give it a go if you're interested.
Post has attachment
Uber orders 24,000 SUVs from Volvo to build a fleet of self-driving taxis
Volvo Cars Corp., the Swedish auto giant, today revealed that Uber Technologies Inc. has placed a landmark order for up to 24,000 SUVs in a bid to build a fleet of self-driving taxis. The deal is reportedly valued at approximately $1.4 billion and will see the vehicles delivered over a period of three years starting from 2019. They’re set to be based on Volvo’s XC90 series, a midsize SUV that sells at a starting price of around $50,000 in dealerships. It’s the same model that Uber has been using to pilot its autonomous driving technology in Pittsburgh. Under the deal, Volvo will tailor the XC90s for the ride-hailing giant. Specifically, the SUVs are set to ship with automated braking and steering mechanisms designed to remove the need for a safety driver. This customization should reduce the amount of time that Uber needs to install its autonomous navigation system, which could help speed up the rollout.
Volvo Cars Corp., the Swedish auto giant, today revealed that Uber Technologies Inc. has placed a landmark order for up to 24,000 SUVs in a bid to build a fleet of self-driving taxis. The deal is reportedly valued at approximately $1.4 billion and will see the vehicles delivered over a period of three years starting from 2019. They’re set to be based on Volvo’s XC90 series, a midsize SUV that sells at a starting price of around $50,000 in dealerships. It’s the same model that Uber has been using to pilot its autonomous driving technology in Pittsburgh. Under the deal, Volvo will tailor the XC90s for the ride-hailing giant. Specifically, the SUVs are set to ship with automated braking and steering mechanisms designed to remove the need for a safety driver. This customization should reduce the amount of time that Uber needs to install its autonomous navigation system, which could help speed up the rollout.
Wait while more posts are being loaded