Google invites users to share their expertise over video Helpouts
Word broke in late July that Google might launch Helpouts -- a Hangout-based video platform where folks could charge for lending assistance over video -- in about a month's time. Like clockwork, Mountain View's officially announced the platform, but it isn't a free-for-all just yet. Page and Co. are inviting people with expertise in different topics to offer their services when the solution opens for business. The search giant has published a form allowing self-proclaimed experts to toss their hat in the ring for an invite, and lists categories including Arts and Music, Computers and Electronics, Cooking, Education, Fashion and Beauty, Fitness and Nutrition, Health and Counseling along with Home and Garden. Fittingly, Google's own help documents for Helpouts have gone live as well, and they give us a few more details.
First, users will have to submit a listing for their services, which Google will review just before hanging out with them over video to get acquainted and ensure their live feed is in tip-top shape. If you're a medical professional, you can offer your expert opinion to the masses as well, but Mountain View will confirm you've got the proper certificates and licenses in order. Once that's done, interested customers will be able to check a pro's availability and schedule appointments. Folks can offer their skills for free or charge for sessions, but both parties must use Google Wallet for the transaction and Google will apply a 20 percent fee (yes, even with credit card payments). A launch date for Helpouts is MIA, but you can sign up to be notified and provide a helping hand at the source link.
Filed under: Misc, Internet, Google
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Source: Google (1), (2)
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Formlabs debuts Mac software for Form 1 high-res 3D printer, adds mesh repair
Somewhere out there a handful of Form 1 high-res 3D printer
backers are jumping for joy now that Formlabs has launched a Mac
version of its PreForm software. You might remember Form 1 as that
project that made a killing on Kickstarter
in 2012, raking in over $2 million, or more than 20 times its goal. The
3D model creation program was initially available only for Windows, but
the firm will now simultaneously publish updates for both operating
systems, starting with this latest release. In addition to support for
Apple hardware, version 0.8.4 comes with the capability to automatically
patch up holes and irregularities on 3D models, so they can be printed
out quickly and smoothly. Both flavors of PreForm are up on Formlabs'
website, where the 3D printer itself is available for preorder with a $3,300 price tag and a November 2013 shipping date.
Filed under: MiscComments
Source: Formlabs (1), (2)
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AT&T to bring LTE to 50 more markets by the end of 2013, Fargo citizens rejoice
American LTE rollouts by themselves are nothing special now that 4G covers large parts of the country. AT&T just gave us reason to take notice, however, with promises that it will bring LTE to 50 more markets before the end of the year. The deployments cover a wide swath of the US, ranging from the northern climes of Fargo and Fairbanks to balmier locations like Amarillo and Kauai. You'll find the full list in AT&T's press release after the break, but it's safe to say that Frances McDormand would approve.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, AT&T
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Source: AT&T
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Zuckerberg's Internet.org plan includes more efficient apps, starting with Facebook
Facebook and several other companies announced the Internet.org initiative tonight to bring connectivity to 5 billion people, but how are Zuckerberg and friends going to do it? As laid out in the Facebook founder's "Is Connectivity A Human Right?" plan, part of the process includes making technological changes. A big part of that is delivering data more efficiently, and making sure apps use less of it. First on the chopping block is Facebook's own app, which used an average of 12MB of data earlier this year but the company thinks it can cut to 1MB per day "simply by improving data usage." Beyond that, more savings are possible if Facebook offers a variant with fewer photos in developing countries.
Other methods for using less data include caching and data compression, with the former already in use on its featurephone app, and the latter something partners like Opera have a lot of experience in. In the future, Zuckerberg speculates users could even download stories or photos from nearby friends using technology like WiFi Direct. All of this is done with the aim of reducing the bandwidth needed for basic internet services, thereby making access "affordable and available" to more people. Hit the source link for more details on the hows and whys, we'll be expecting our more efficient social network any day now.
Filed under: Internet, Mobile, Facebook
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Source: Is Connectivity A Human Right? (PDF), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook)
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Facebook and others form Internet.org to foster global internet adoption (video)
Google's strategy for bringing internet access to underserved areas involves giant balloons, but Facebook's leans more on collaboration. The social network has founded Internet.org along with Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Samsung and Qualcomm, and is setting the partnership's sights on making sure the two-thirds of the world that doesn't have internet access gets the proper hookup. Zuckerberg and friends aren't ready for a complete show-and-tell of their plans just yet, but they've outlined some of their goals: making access affordable, using data more efficiently and lending businesses a hand so they can increase access.
When it comes to cost cutting, the group aims to develop and use tech that allows for cheaper connectivity, such as affordable high-quality smartphones. As for data efficiency, the team may investigate compression tools and caching systems to help ease the load on fledgling networks. In fact, Facebook is already working on reducing its Android app's daily data usage from 12MB a day to just 1MB. Lastly, the organization intends to look into sustainable business models that sweeten the pot for everyone from developers to mobile operators to pitch in for the cause. Connecting roughly 5 billion people to the web is a tall order by any standard, but Facebook and Co. are drawing inspiration from their successful Open Compute Project to give themselves a fighting chance. Zuck's scheduled to talk up the alliance on CNN tomorrow morning, but you can head past the break for a video from Internet.org that tugs at the heart strings.
Filed under: Internet, Facebook
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Via: The New York Times
Source: Facebook (1), (2), (3), Internet.org
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Google, NFL meeting reportedly includes Sunday Ticket discussions
In the least surprising news of the week, as DirecTV's rights to the vaunted NFL Sunday Ticket package come close to their 2014 expiration date, rumors of who else may bid for them are starting and Google is right at the top. According to AllThingsD, league officials met with the internet giant today and among many topics, the package of rights to air all of the league's games to out of market viewers came up. As suggested, the folks in Mountain View (and several other companies we can all think of) can certainly afford the reported $1 billion DirecTV has been paying -- and YouTube has already shelled out to stream sports in the US and around the world -- but whether or not the NFL would actually sell to them is still in question.
As we mused on this week's Engadget HD Podcast, what's kept the NFL from selling the package in a different way -- explained by league officials as "really in the consumer's best interest" -- so far is a fear that other networks like CBS and Fox would want to pay less to broadcast those games. With billions at stake we'd be extremely surprised to see the status quo actually change, so while anything is possible your best bet without satellite is probably still a copy of Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google
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Source: AllThingsD
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LG Display claims a world's first with 2,560 x 1,440 LCD for smartphones
Full HD displays? Eat your heart out, handset manufacturers. LG Display has just laid claim to the world's first Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) smartphone display, which also boasts the highest pixel density of a mobile device, clocking in at 538ppi. The firm's panel measures up at 5.5-inches and is only 1.21mm thick, and just 1.2mm at its bezel. According to LG, that makes it the world's slimmest and narrowest panel, stealing the crown from hardware it showed off last month. Thanks to its use of AH-IPS tech and Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS) substrate, the screen features 430 nits of brightness. If the Quad HD math is throwing you off, that's four times as many pixels as a 1,280 x 720 display. This isn't 4K on a portable display, but we'll take it.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
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Netflix adds The Weinstein Company to its 2016 pay-TV exclusivity roster
2016 is shaping up to be huge for Netflix. That's when the streaming juggernaut's Disney deal starts bearing fruit and it also marks the start of a multi-year pay-TV exclusivity agreement with The Weinstein Company (TWC). This means the first stop for TWC's flicks after home video will no longer be Showtime, but (almost) everybody's favorite place to watch movies instantly instead. While the studio has a pretty impressive back catalog -- Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, The Road and ... Scary Movie 5 -- it isn't in the class of, say, Universal or Fox in terms of sheer blockbusters. With the rate 'flix is signing contracts though, who knows what could happen within the next three years.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
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WSJ reports NSA spying capabilities cover up to 75 percent of US internet traffic
The question of how much contact the NSA has with internet traffic throughout the US is being raised again, this time by the Wall Street Journal. Yesterday The Atlantic took issue with the security agency's mathematics and 1.6 percent claim, while the WSJ report looks more closely at its reach into telecommunications companies. The mishmash of codenamed programs are said to cover up to 75 percent of US internet traffic, although the amount actually stored and accessed is much smaller. The main difference between the calculations may be due to the difference between what ISPs -- handing over data under FISA orders -- carry, and what the NSA specifically requests. Its capabilities mean it can pull a lot more than just metadata, with access to the actual content of what's sent back and forth becoming even more troubling as privacy violations exposed by its own audits come to light.
There's an FAQ-style breakdown of what's new and notable from the usual "current and former" officials to get those interested up to speed quickly -- keep your tinfoil hats and end-to-end encrypted communications systems close by.
Filed under: Internet
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Source: Wall Street Journal (1), (2)
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Samsung unveils AirTrack soundbar for 60-inch and larger TVs
Many soundbars are designed for small or mid-sized TV sets, where price and space are top priorities. Samsung is bucking that trend with its newly unveiled AirTrack HW-F850: its follow-up to the vacuum tube-based F750 is built expressly for 60-inch and larger screens. As Samsung can afford a considerably larger bar, the F850 boosts the total power to 350W, up 40W from the F750. The company promises deeper bass from the subwoofer, too. As you'd expect, both Bluetooth audio and NFC pairing carry over from the F850's tinier counterparts. Samsung expects to ship the extra-large soundbar to Europe in September; the company hasn't mentioned pricing, although the F850 will likely command a premium over smaller AirTrack models.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung
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Source: Korea Newswire (translated)
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Galaxy S III mini expected at AT&T, for reasons unknown
We can't say we're in love with Samsung's Galaxy S III mini, especially with a next-gen model already official. But if today's @evleaks post
is to be believed, last year's not-so-brightest star in the Galaxy will
be coming to AT&T. The date on the render up above is fixed on
August 23rd, which is when we're expecting the Galaxy Mega to make its US debut, so there's a chance we might see the GS III mini then as well. Still unknown is why
AT&T would be bringing a humdrum 2012 handset to subscribers
this late in the game, but if it does hit retailers this summer, it
better come in with a MSRP far below handsets we'd actually recommend.
Like, say, the Galaxy S 4.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, AT&TComments
Source: @evleaks (Twitter)
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Instagram toughens brand guidelines to discourage lookalike services
Like many developers, Instagram defends itself against clone apps and other clear abuses of its image. However, the photo-focused social network is now cracking down on subtler variations of its branding. The company has updated its brand guidelines to forbid Instagram-compatible services from including "insta" or "gram" in their names; they also can't use modifications of Instagram's signature logo. These similar-looking offerings could be mistaken for officially endorsed products, according to Instagram. The firm isn't taking any offenses lightly, either. In a notice to Luxogram that was obtained by TechCrunch, Instagram asked for a response to its concerns within 48 hours, and required both logo and name changes within a "reasonable period." Given the abundance of third-party developers that lean on the Instagram name to lure customers, the tougher policy could spark some confusion as companies rebrand their services en masse.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Facebook
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Via: TechCrunch
Source: Instagram
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Motorola settles trademark dispute with Xoom Corp, will phase out tablet's name
Get a good lawyer and sometimes they'll tell you that your best hope is to settle a case, rather than participate in a courtroom brawl. That's exactly the route that Motorola Mobility is taking to resolve its trademark infringement spat with Xoom Corporation, an online payment provider that took issue with the Xoom tablet's name. Now, it's come to light that both parties have entered into a confidential agreement that'll require Google's subsidiary to phase out its use of the Xoom branding. A Motorola spokesperson confirmed the settlement, saying "The matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved," but due to the nature of the agreement, it's likely that other details may never see the light of day. Just don't act too surprised when future Motorola tablets take on a new naming scheme -- something under the Moto X umbrella, perhaps?
Filed under: Tablets, Google
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Via: @FOSSPatents (Twitter)
Source: The American Lawyer
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Vine more than triples user base to 40 million, shrugs off Instagram competition
When Facebook launched Video on Instagram, some were quick to dig an early grave for Vine -- Twitter's video-only app was surely doomed, right? Wrong. Twitter just revealed that Vine now has over 40 million registered users, or more than triple the 13 million users it claimed before its Android app launch in early June. Twitter hasn't said how many of the new members run Android, but it's clear that Google's platform contributed significantly to the increase. Whether or not Vine maintains its pace is another matter. While Instagram frequently reports active users, the Vine team isn't as specific; there's a chance that some of those 40 million account holders tried Vine and promptly abandoned it. Still, the much larger audience suggests that there's room for more than one short-form mobile video service.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Facebook
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Via: Marketing Land
Source: Vine (Twitter)
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Daily Roundup: TiVo Roamio review, PS4 release date, Kinect in-depth hands-on, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
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Plantronics' $130 Rig gaming headset hones in on the mobile gaming crowd
We've known Plantronics to craft solid PC gaming headsets and now, separate from the GameCom series, its new Rig package aims to appease gamers on every platform. The stereo headset itself features a slim profile with circumarual earcups that fold flat and it connects with two included cables: one features a boom mic, while the other packs an in-line remote and mic for smartphones. The heart of the setup lies within a wired mixer, which'll let you hook up your cellphone, gaming rig (computer or console via USB and Toslink) and the headset simultaneously.
Aside from a slider that lets you adjust the balance of game and chat volume (à la Astro's Mixamp), you can answer phone calls and re-route the mic as necessary at the press of a rocker switch. What's more, game audio (including chat) can be mixed into your headset during calls and visa versa via a second balance slider. Lastly, you'll have a choice of three EQ profiles, including a bass boost for extra wubs. Rig will hit retailers in the fall for $130, and we're told future products under the moniker will drop beyond that. Full press release after the break.
Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio/Video, Wearables
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Source: Plantronics
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Armadillo-T micro electric car folds to fit into compact parking spaces (video)
The Armadillo-T is pretty petite as it is, but when it comes time to fit into tight parking spaces, the all-electric car can do even better. The four-wheel-drive compact, which integrates a design similar to an armadillo's shell, includes seating for two, a 13.6 kWh battery pack and four in-wheel motors, allowing the rear half of the vehicle to fold upwards at the press of a button. Designed by a group of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the prototype packs plenty of other high-tech features, too, including cameras that sub in for side-view mirrors, smartphone control and a ten-minute fast charge mode that nets 100 kilometers of range. The transporter is still a long way from reaching a production line, but it could one day serve to help ease congestion in overcrowded cities, letting you park in slots far too small to accommodate four wheels today.
Filed under: Transportation
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Source: Phys.org
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Facebook updates Android SDK with native sharing and improved Open Graph support
You might remember that Facebook delivered a major update to its iOS SDK in April that packed a ton of new features, including much stronger Open Graph integration. Now Android is finally being blessed with the same capabilities. The brand new Facebook for Android SDK brings not only simplified Open Graph integration, but native sharing tools, streamlined native logins and improved in-app event tools. The latter even enables devs to collect data about when events are triggered and how often, then use that information to help them better understand how their apps are being used. Facebook is also promising that new features will be added to its abilities to provide insight and targeting data to developers. If you're not creating apps, but just using them, you won't notice much change initially, except, perhaps, for the shiny new "Log In with Facebook" button.
Filed under: Software, Facebook
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Source: Facebook
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Google Play Services 3.2 adds location-based features, easier G+ sharing
Android developers keen on integrating more core OS functionality into their apps will be glad to know that the latest update to Google Play Services has arrived. Version 3.2 of the software offers a number of location-based services that devs can incorporate into their apps, such as a low-power option when requesting updates, support for hardware-based GPS geofencing and a "Snapshot" feature that removes the need for a constantly interactive map. The update also makes it easier to incorporate content sharing with G+, adds a compass mode in the Photo Sphere viewer, promises a more efficient InstantBuy implementation and better performance in general. Those interested in tinkering with the new and improved Play Services can download an updated Google APIs emulator image through the Android SDK Manager right now.
Filed under: Google
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Source: Android Developers Blog
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Sony's DualShock 4 coming in 'Magma Red' and 'Wave Blue' at launch in Europe, North America to follow later
Colors! Who doesn't love colors, right? Well, if you were planning to snag a PlayStation 4, you'll be happy to hear that the console's DualShock 4 won't be available solely in black. As has been the case with previous generation PlayStations, Sony will be offering different color variations of its DualShock controller, this time in "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue." Both models will be available when the PS4 launches in Europe and in North and Latin America later in the year, where they'll cost £54 and $59, respectively. So, don't worry, it looks like you'll be able to add a bit of hue to your next-gen gaming sessions.
Filed under: Gaming, Sony
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Google+ Photos app now available for all Chromebooks, no longer limited to the Pixel
Aside from the super high-res display, the Pixel has also had something else other Chromebooks didn't: the Google+ Photos app. Starting today, however, Google's changing that and bringing the application to the rest of the Chromebook family, making it accessible outside of its sleek, pixel-packed laptop for the first time. The Google+ Photos app, which is available in 52 languages, remains unchanged otherwise, and users can download it now via the Chrome Web Store.
Filed under: Laptops, Internet, Google
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Source: Google+
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YouTube 2.0 for iOS brings multitasking and playlist searching
Remember that YouTube app revamp which launched hours ago for Android users? It just reached iOS. The YouTube 2.0 update gives Apple device owners the same picture-in-picture video multitasking and playlist search tools that Google offers on its own platform. There aren't any iOS-specific features in the new release, but there's certainly enough to justify a visit to the App Store for an upgrade.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google
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Via: YouTube Official Blog
Source: App Store
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iTunes Radio reportedly launching next month with audio ads every 15 minutes, video once an hour
This September, Apple's expected to flip the switch on iTunes Radio,
the music service announced at WWDC in June. But how exactly will
Cupertino fund its pricey new streaming venture? Ads, and lots of them
-- according to AdAge,
Apple will serve up an audio advertisement every 15 minutes, while
video ads will play every hour, and only at times that users are likely
to be looking at the display, such as right after hitting play or
jumping to a new song. McDonald's, Nissan, Pepsi and Procter &
Gamble are all on board as launch advertisers, with each deal bringing
many millions of dollars in revenue. Only free users will have to deal
with frequent disturbances, however. Users paying $25 per year for an
iTunes Match subscription will have ad-free access to Radio, letting
them stream tunes continuously without interruption.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, AppleComments
Source: AdAge
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Chrome 29 brings more intelligent omnibox suggestions, while Android users nab WebRTC support
Those with a hearty level of respect for beta builds have been enjoying these spoils for weeks now, but Google has today seen fit to push Chrome 29 and a refreshed Chrome for Android out to rest of us. Effective right now, Chrome 29 users on the desktop will see "improvements to omnibox suggestions based on the recency of websites visited, resulting in more timely and contextually relevant suggestions." Interestingly, Google has also added a "Reset browser settings" option for those who end up going a bit overboard with extensions; thankfully, waving the aforesaid white flag won't impact your themes, apps or bookmarks.
On the mobile front, Chrome on Android is being updated with improved scrolling and startup performance, as well as WebRTC support that will enable video conversation directly in the browser without a plugin. Yeah, we thought you'd dig that.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Google
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Source: Google Chrome Blog, Google Play Store
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Google to test Project Loon in California's Central Valley, begins taking participant applications
It's safe to say Google took the world by surprise when it introduced its Project Loon. But, some were disappointed that it was done so far away from home -- at least at first. Now, the company has announced that it's ready to more openly test out the high-flying internet service in California, with research flights due to take place around The Golden State's Central Valley. Google says it's seeking people in the area "who are willing to have a Loon internet antenna installed on their house or small business building to help test the strength of the Loon internet connection." For those interested in helping out the cause (and why not!), you'll need to fill out the survey located at the source below -- the Project Loon team notes that those selected to participate will be contacted directly.
Filed under: Misc, Internet, Google
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Source: Project Loon (Google+)
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