How to recover trashed files on a Mac
Have you dumped an important file you meant to keep? Did you change a file and then save it when you didn't intend to? Don't worry: there are techniques and software tools that are able to recover trashed or altered files if this occurs.
If you've trashed a file and then realized you need it, you can recover it if you haven't emptied the Trash. Just open the Trash folder and drag it out. If you've emptied the Trash and are using Time Machine to make regular backups, switch to the Finder, then open Time Machine, and use the arrows at the bottom-right of the screen to "go back" to a point when you know you had the file.
Locate the file, click on it, and hit Restore. For other backup software, refer to its manual to find out how to recover a file. Not running regular backups? Set up a regular schedule now. At least two: both on and off-site.
It isn't time to panic yet. Trashed files aren't deleted from your drive, but their entry in the directory is removed and the space made available to be overwritten. As soon as you realize you need the trashed file, stop using your Mac for anything that's not necessary to recover the file.
Help is at hand
There are a number of software tools that can help recover trashed files. ProSoft's Data Rescue is one; Clever Files' Disk Drill is another. Both apps have free demo versions that allow you to scan a drive for trashed files. If neither tool can find your file, the next step is to take your Mac to a specialized data recovery firm. (Warning: this may be expensive.)If the document hasn't been trashed but has been changed and you need an earlier version, OS X's Versions feature may be able to help. The app you use to work on the document must support it, though.
With the current version open, click on the File menu, then go to "Revert to" and select "Browse all versions." Use the checkmarks on the right to navigate to the version you want, and click "Restore." Or, hold down the Option key and hit "Restore a Copy" to open the old version in a new document.
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PayPal is about to help Apple Pay take over
PayPal is a handy tool for buyers and sellers, but it could also now help bring Apple Pay support to more businesses.
Its PayPal Here card reader is designed as a cheap way for small or seasonal businesses to take payments on the go, as there are no monthly fees attached to it. The only other hardware that's needed is a smartphone or tablet with the PayPal Here app.
Version one of the card reader has been around for a while, supporting swipe and chip-and-PIN payments, but version two has arrived adding NFC support for contactless payments, including Apple Pay.
Apple Pay for everyone
You can already use Apple Pay in thousands of stores (anywhere with a contactless reader in fact) but with an affordable option like PayPal Here that number could grow substantially and move beyond major chains, allowing potentially any business to accept Apple Pay.Of course, being contactless, it doesn't just accept Apple Pay. You can also use it with Visa, Maestro and MasterCard credit and debit cards and there's every chance that it will support Android Pay once that launches.
With big names like Apple supporting contactless at one end and the likes of PayPal helping sellers get contactless readers in their hands at the other, we could be on the cusp of NFC payments really taking off.
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Huawei Watch finally looks ready to launch
Huawei entered the smartwatch game back at Mobile World Congress in March - or at least it announced its intention to.
One of the main highlights of the Chinese manufacturer's press conference was the announcement of the Huawei Watch, but the caveat was that it wouldn't be coming soon.
However, one of Huawei's US sites now states, "It's right around the corner" with a picture of the Huawei Watch right next to it.
Are we there yet?
You can throw your email address into the box on the site to get updates on when it'll be coming. The wearable has already passed FCC certification so it's likely the watch is launching very soon.As for the rest of the world, we don't know exactly when it'll be launching. We've put our feelers out to try and find out when the watch is landing.
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Updated: OnePlus 2 release date, news and features
OnePlus 2 release date, news and features
OnePlus 2 launched today, so if you're still carrying that 15-month-old OnePlus One phone around and haven't sought a new invite, you're officially violating the company's "Never Settle" motto.- See the OnePlus 2 hands on review
It features a better everything, from the display on the front, to the camera in the back and to the internal chips in between. OnePlus has what it boldly calls a "2016 flagship killer."
Even the OnePlus 2 invite system has been improved, with the company promising to fulfill demand even more quickly than before. It's just a matter of time before you're able to upgrade.
Although the company has already tipped a OnePlus 3, or some iterative update, by Christmas, it's safe to say that this is the Chinese manufacturer's next big smartphone, in more ways than one.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The Chinese firm's next cut-price flagship smartphone
- When is it out? August 11 is the official release date, except in North America
- What will it cost? $329 (£239) 16GB, $389 (£289) for 64GB
OnePlus 2 release date
The 5.5-inch OnePlus 2 with 64GB begins rolling out to phablet-sized hands on August 11 in the UK, Europe and India. It's delayed in the US until late August and comes to Malaysia Indonesia and Singapore later this year.The entry-level 16GB model model is also slated to ship later this year, too, and while it's cheaper, it comes with less internal storage and 3GB of RAM instead of 4GB of RAM. It's not the Android that early adopters have been looking for anyway.
Of course, even if you're in the UK, Europe or India, whether or not you get one on day one depends on your place in a virtual line. This phone is going to be in high demand, just like the original OnePlus One.
The Chinese manufacturer is using an invite system and friend-referral approach like it did before, but says it's more confident about getting more phones to more people this time around.
OnePlus 2 price
OnePlus One was novel because it offered high-end specs on a budget, and while the OnePlus 2 price is higher than its predecessor, it's still relatively cheap.
It starts at $329 (£239) for the 16GB version, while the more desirable 64GB option costs $389 (£289). The latter is really the one you want to go for.
That contrasts with last year's phone that now costs $250 (£180) for the 16GB, and $300 (about £219) for the 64GB configurations. It's still far cheaper than a similarly sized 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus at $750 (£619) and 5.1-inch Samsung Galaxy S6 at $600 (£560).
OnePlus 2 specs
There's certainly more here for the extra money. While the OnePlus 2 sticks with a 5.5-inch LCD display at 1080p, it's brighter than before, and that matters.
Seeing a phone's screen sunlit conditions outweighs the need for a 4K resolution, any sunny day. And, really, 401 pixels per inch is enough for most smartphone buyers on a budget.
OnePlus is a little bit thicker than before, but reduces the bezel just a tad, too, for a shorter length and width. Its dimensions are 74.9 x 151.8 x 9.85mm and it now weighs a heavier 175g instead of 162g.
That's okay, because what's sandwiched in the middle of this meaty smartphone is a faster processor, two slots for nano SIM cards, a bigger battery and a better camera.
OnePlus 2 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor that's been tweaked in order to overcome the overheating issues we experienced in the LG G Flex 2. The results await our final review.
The octa-core CPU runs at 1.8GHz and has a high memory ceiling with 4GB of RAM if you opt for the phone with 64GB of internal storage. The 16GB version has just 3GB of RAM. Both versions have a Adreno 430 GPU running graphics duty.
There's no microSD card slot here again and the phone new lacks an NFC chip. NFC is just "not as widespread as originally thought," said to a OnePlus spokesperson to TechRadar.
However, the OnePlus 2 does feature dual nano SIM support, which is handy for frequent travelers or anyone who has two numbers (business people, drug dealers, etc).
The most interesting addition is the new USB Type C port and charger that gives the OnePlus 2 a reversible USB input and included cable.
Warning, it's going to make all of your existing micro USB chargers incompatible. The phone does come with an adapter, but you'll likely lose it in a jiffy. New MacBook owners can attest to this.
OnePlus 2 design and software
You can get the OnePlus 2 in any color as long as it's Sandstone Black. That shouldn't stop you from adding one of the stylish new covers after the fact, however.Swappable OnePlus one backs include Bamboo, Black Apricot, Rosewood and Kevlar. They'll cost an affordable $26.99 (about £17, AU$37) through the official OnePlus website.
While the new OnePlus is thicker in 2015, it does sport a more premium design by the way of an aluminum-magnesium alloy frame. You'll also find polished stainless steel accents line the LCD screen.
All of a sudden, the new Moto X Style and Motorola's Moto Maker website has a metal-framed smartphone with customizable backs to defend against.
OnePlus 2 also has the benefit of launching with the Android 5.1-based OxygenOS operating system, which the company touts as a "refreshing" take on the pure Android experience.
Expect subtle customizations, the return of screen gestures and apps you can configure to your liking. It's supposed to be lighter and more refined this time around.
There's a lot going on with the upgrade to OnePlus 2. Improved internal specs, a sturdier design and an easier-to-see display are key features that await the first users on August 11. That is, if they are lucky enough to snag a coveted OnePlus 2 invite.
OnePlus One impressed us by seemingly coming out of nowhere, so it'll be interesting to see if the Chinese phone maker has a sophomore hit on its hands, at least until we try the mysterious OnePlus 3.
- Just how different is it? OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus One
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Samsung just confirmed the Galaxy S6 Edge+, and this is what it looks like
Oops. Samsung has just slipped up with its French division posting pre-registration details online for the much rumoured Galaxy S6 Edge+. Or perhaps it's a cleverly orchestrated leak to whip up interest.
Either way, the cat appears to be out of the bag now, with the site clearly stating the Galaxy S6 Edge+ name with a shot of the handset alongside a pair of Samsung Level headphones.
The site also gives up a possible release date for the handset, citing pre-orders will open on August 21 with a probable Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ release date pegged for September 3 (that's when pre-orders close).
Change up the Edge
A separate leak has shed more light on new possible edge features for the handset too, after a series of images were picked up by Phone-probe.According to the press shots it appears users of the Galaxy S6 Edge+ will be able to get a column of apps as well as top contacts on their edge screen.
It's hardly game changing news, and we hope Samsung will have a few more tricks up its sleeve during its August 13 event.
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Going beyond data scientists: What is machine teaching?
Introduction and artificial intelligence
Machines that can learn and adapt marks a massive step forward for computing, but who's teaching them? Computer systems only get smarter when they get data – from where and from whom they get that data is critical. Machine learning researchers have so far focused on how they can build better, faster and more precise algorithms, but what do data scientists and computer programmers know about the world? What machines really need is to be trained by experts in every field of human endeavour.What is machine learning?
Machine learning is essentially all about getting computers to take the initiative without input from humans. They do this by statistical learning after identifying patterns in data.
While the basic idea of machine learning is very simple, its execution is complicated. "Thanks to machine learning, your email inbox is mostly free of spam and other unwanted email, and your smartphone can constantly improve its understanding of what your personal needs are based on what you say and do," writes Microsoft, also citing the real-time voice translation found in the upcoming Skype Translator and Cortana, and even Bing.
"In essence, machine learning runs through various possible actions and predicts which action will be most successful based on the collected information," says Dr Kevin Curran, IEEE Technical Expert. "Of course, the computer can only solve problems it is programmed to solve as it does not have any generalised analytical ability."
Artificial intelligence
Everyday examples of machine learning include search engines ranking web pages, your smartphone producing a map of where you've been using geo-tag data from the photos you've taken, automated spam filters, spell correction in word processing software, face recognition in cameras, speech recognition by all virtual personal assistants, and all kinds of recommendations while shopping, browsing the web or streaming music or movies. Its next destination is the connected car."Machine learning has become a hot area within computer science in recent years," says Curran, who name-checks autopilot and the magnificent gyroscope ability of Segways as places where machine learning algorithms are running. "In fact, many large computing giants are spending on big salaries to attract those with machine learning experience."
When ML goes wrong
But machine learning – a form of artificial intelligence – does not always work. Take Uber, which has an algorithm that responds to high demand by raising the price. That makes perfect business sense under normal conditions, but is quadrupling the price of a taxi during a siege really the kind of thing a human-run business – aware of the public relations implications – would ever do?Uber's algorithm, and hundreds like it, needs some human-like morality in the form of a specific model that relates to real-world scenarios, not just the basic number-crunching of a data scientist. Ditto Siri's habit of relying only on keywords, thus replying to calls for help with alcohol and gambling with details of nearby off-licences and casinos. A business knowingly doing that would be called psychotic.
Machine teaching
The next phase
In a video posted in July, Microsoft Research described its efforts to help people without a machine learning background to teach their systems to learn from experience. "No one has really built a machine learning tool for the layman," said Patrice Simard, Distinguished Engineer and a Deputy Managing Director at Microsoft Research, who is leading a new machine teaching research project. His aim is to make the process of training a machine 'easy, fast and universally accessible'."Surprisingly, machine teaching is neglected by ML practitioners both in the academic and the industrial communities," says Simard, who calls machine teaching a 'paradigm shift'.
What is machine teaching?
Machine learning's in-tray is bulging. So good is machine learning, goes the argument, that there are not enough people with machine learning expertise to work on such projects. Machine teaching is a specialised subset of machine learning that attempts to find an optimal training set given a machine learning algorithm and a target model. Say what? "Machine learning is where software algorithms 'learn' to typically 'classify' data in an 'intelligent' form," says Curran.What is Azure Machine Learning?
Stuffed with tried-and-tested algorithms, Microsoft's Azure ML is designed exclusively for data scientists to use, largely to save time on repetitive tasks. The goal is to produce a machine learning model quickly, and to host it in the cloud for easy accessibility. Niche industry will benefit. For example, with over 400 possible errors, ThyssenKrupp's 1.1 million lifts/elevators are tricky to diagnose and fix, so they feed data into an intelligent information loop created using Azure ML that displays real-time performance on an online dashboard, and tells its technicians how to fix them. At its best, it's predictive, and even pre-emptive.
Machine learning for the masses?
It's time for data scientists and machine learning experts to get out of the way. Microsoft Research wants to widen the field of people who can create, teach and maintain computer models. "Normal non-techies could potentially be 'teaching' machines in the near future, but the reality is more likely that they will be using bespoke highly tailored niche computer applications which are tailored to certain vertical markets that help these people 'teach' machines," says Curran. That still means capturing the as yet untapped 'analogue' expertise of millions of high-levels experts, academics, and others.How important is Microsoft's involvement?
At present, machine learning is in the hands of Google. That's hardly surprising since language, speech, translation, and visual processing – an evolving search engine's bread and butter – all rely on it. Many of the leading AI and machine learning researchers work for Google. "This effort by Microsoft is to be welcomed," says Curran. "Entry into the field of machine learning is not trivial, and tools to make it easier for non-experts to adopt machine learning should be welcomed – but the research is only in its infancy."
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The first digital map of the ocean floor has been created
We know less about the bottom of our oceans, the saying goes, than we know about the surface of the Moon. But the first map of the Earth's seafloor in 40 years, and the first one to be digitised, reveals unprecedented new levels of detail.
A team from the University of Sydney used 15,000 samples taken by cruise ships over the last half century to construct a clear picture of the geology of the sea floor around the globe. A sophisticated algorithm was used to turn those point observations into a continuous digital map.
Much Richer
"In order to understand environmental change in the oceans we need to better understand what is preserved in the geological record in the seabed," said lead researcher Adriana Dutkiewicz. "Our research opens the door to future marine research voyages aimed at better understanding the workings and history of the marine carbon cycle."One of biggest changes since the last map was in the oceans around Australia. "The old map suggests much of the Southern Ocean around Australia is mainly covered by clay blown off the continent, whereas our map shows this area is actually a complex patchwork of microfossil remains," said Dutkiewicz. "Life in the Southern Ocean is much richer than previously thought."
If you'd like to explore the seabed yourself, you can take a poke around an interactive version of the map right here. Alternatively, you can read the paper describing how the map was put together, which was published in the journal Geology, right here.
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iPhone 6C will launch with iPhone 6S this September, says source
A wise person once said, as long as the world is turning there will always be a new iPhone release. This year, it looks like we'll be treated to three.
Famed Twitter leaked Evan Blass has spilled on the iPhone 6C release. He wrote on Twitter, "Sounds like iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and 6c will all arrive concurrently."
The rumour right now is that the big event will be held on September 9, where we'll see the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus.
Let's hope it's actually cheap this time
Obviously this isn't definite - Blass has been wrong before – but he's usually pretty spot on with his leaking so we don't really have much reason to doubt him.Rumours for the new cheaper phone are thin on the ground so we don't exactly know what to expect. We're hoping for Touch ID, more storage and improved battery life.
We weren't the biggest fans of the iPhone 5C though, mostly down to the quite high price tag for a cheap phone. Let's hope that changes this time.
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W is for WTF: Bing is trolling Google's Alphabet
By now, you've probably heard the news that Google has a new parent company called Alphabet. And like some of us, your initial reaction was probably "is this a joke?".
Google's big restructuring left some people scratching their heads, while others have been poking fun - including Microsoft, it appears.
When you type in abc.wtf (rather than the correct Alphabet URL abc.xyz) you'll be redirected to Redmond's search engine, Bing. As some people on Twitter have pointed out, it also works with abc.fail.
Shots fired. We've contacted Microsoft to confirm this is a deliberate joke and not just a bizarre coincidence.
What is Alphabet? Google's new parent company explained
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UPDATED: Apple Watch price range breakdown: How much does it cost?
Apple Watch price range
Our Apple Watch review tells you everything about this iPhone-tailored smartwatch, but with 38 different Apple Watch bands, it's hard to remember which watch costs how much.
Its price was first announced last year to be "starting at $349," and we had a feeling that it wasn't going to be cheap when fully unveiled six months later. Sure enough, the sticker shock peaked at $17,000.
Even at its base level, this iPhone-tailored smartwatch is pricier than Google's most expensive watch, the LG Watch Urbane, according to our Apple Watch vs Android Wear comparison.
Already knowing that, you're probably now focused on: "How much does the Watch I really want cost?" That's why we broke down the Apple Watch price, from the $349 (£299, AU$499) Sport Edition to the $17,000 (£13,500, AU$24,000) gold Apple Watch Edition, in this handy guide.
Apple Watch Sport price with Sport Band
The entry-level Apple Watch is the Sport model with a aluminum case, Ion-X glass over the display and and rubber-like fluoroelastomer band.
It costs $349 (£299, AU$499) for the 38mm size (measured by height), and a little more at $399 (£339, AU$579) for the 42mm size. There are five colors and, with the two sizes, ten models to chose from.
Due to its attractive price, it fetched the most Apple Watch sales, according to the early estimates.
Buying the Sport Band alone costs $49 (£39, AU$79), according to the Apple Store, just in case you want to switch colors, or had opted for a leather strap and wanted to retreat to this waterproof band sometimes, like at a sweat-filled gym.
Colors include white, blue, green and pink for the bands with a silver casing. There's also one almost-all-black version; it's black band and a unique space gray casing.
Apple Watch price with Sport Band
The stainless steel Apple Watch, in its "cheapest" form, also comes with a gym-friendly fluoroelastomer Sport Band. Its price is bumped up considerably, though.
It costs $549 (£479, AU$799) for the 38mm size and $599 (£519, AU$879) for the 42mm size, a higher price because it replaces aluminum with stainless steel case and adds sapphire glass.
Since the Sport Band itself is no different, other colors can be had for the same $49 (£39, AU$79) price as the previous Sport Band.
Colors with this Apple Watch out-of-the-box, however, are limited to white and black bands, and both models feature a silver stainless steel case.
Apple Watch price with Classic Buckle
The Apple Watch with a no-frills Classic Buckle doesn't come cheap, even though it has a stainless steel closure that's as simple as can be.
It costs $649 (£559, AU$949) for the 38mm size and $699 (£599, AU$1029) for the 42mm size on account of its leather build. Apple proclaims it has been milled in a famous tannery in the Netherlands.
Apart from the watch, the Classic Buckle is going to be sold through the Apple Store for $149 (£129, AU$229).
In the words of Henry Ford, you can have any color you want, as long as it's black. Again, a no-frills option from end to end.
Apple Watch price with Milanese Loop
The Milanese Loop really classes up the Apple Watch with a woven smooth stainless steel mesh and a magnetic, infinitely adjustable clasp.
It costs $649 (£559, AU$949) for the 38mm size and $699 (£599, AU$1,029) for the 42mm, matching the price of the classic buckle, but beating it on style.
Separately, the Milanese Loop costs $149 (£129, AU$229). It may be a good down-the-road purchase for date nights if you initially end up with the Sport Band out-of-the-box.
It comes in one color too, silver stainless steel, which matches the glossy silver Apple Watch case.
Apple Watch with Leather Loop
The Leather Loop for where the Apple Watch gets bolder with new colors, but also gets even pricier. Its leather is milled in Italy, and its magnets are hidden in the leather loop ends.
Apple is asking for $700 (£559, AU$1,029) for the watch case and Leather Loop that is only available with the 42mm watch size. That's okay with us, as the Apple Watch battery life lasts longer in the bigger size.
Its Apple Watch band comes in medium and large lengths and is sold separately for $149 (£129, AU$229), so it should fit the wrist of anyone who is willing to don the larger Apple Watch.
Colors consist of stone, light brown, bright blue and black.
Apple Watch price with Modern Buckle
Being modern is what Apple Watch is all about, so this top-grain leather band comes together with a two-piece magnetic closure that looks like one solid buckle.
At $749 (£649, AU$1,099), you may be modern, but this watch and band may cost you your paycheck and future paychecks. It only comes with the smaller 38mm stainless steel case.
It's also expensive apart from the watch, with a band-only price of $249 (£209, AU$379), making it the most expensive leather band available separately.
Colors are soft pink, brown, midnight blue and black, each with a stainless steel clasp that matches the Apple Watch casing.
Apple Watch price with Link Bracelet
How much for that all-metal Link Bracelet, you ask? A lot because it has more than 100 components in the band alone.
It's $949 (£819, AU$1,399) for the 38mm size and $999 (£859, AU$1,479) for the 42mm size. Apple says that it takes nearly nine hours to cut the links for a single strap. Maybe Foxconn isn't making this one.
The Link Bracelet in space gray black stainless steel brings the price to $1,049 (£899, AU$1,549) and $1,099 (£949, AU$1,629) for the two sizes.
The Link Bracelet alone in silver stainless steel costs $449 (£379, AU$679), which is more money than the entry-level Apple Watch Sport with the rubber Sport Band.
It comes in two colors with the Apple Watch, stainless steel and space black stainless steel, though only the normal stainless steel version is available as a separate band so far.
Apple Watch Edition price (low-end)
Is money no object? Then you may be one of the few VIPs willing to flaunt the limited-edition Apple Watch Edition that is made of 18-karat gold. It comes in eight extravagantly priced models.
The "cheapest" are the 38mm Apple Watch Editions with an rose gold case and White Sport Band, and the yellow gold case with a Black Sport Band at $10,000 (£8,000, AU$14,000).
The 42mm equivalents of these two color configurations are $12,000 (£9,500 AU$17,000). Yes, adding just four extra millimeters increases the price by that much.
A new rose gold color for iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus is rumored for September, just in case you want to match. Though, the actual metal may still be aluminum instead of real gold for the new phone.
Even Apple employees have to fork over a lot of money for the gold Apple Watch Edition. While they get half off on the Sport and stainless steel Watch, their discount is just $550 (about £370, AU$715) here.
Apple Watch Edition price (high-end)
Apple Watch Edition doesn't stop there, however. At $15,000 (£12,000, AU$21,000) is the 42mm yellow gold case with a Black Classic Buckle and 42mm yellow gold case with a Midnight Blue Classic Buckle.
There's no 38mm. It's go big or go home (to your mansion). Instead, if you want something smaller, you'll have to opt for the more expensive Modern Buckle at that size, and it breaks the bank even more.
At an unbelievable $17,000 (£13,500, AU$24,000) is the 18-karat rose gold case and rose gray modern buckle, and the same case with a bright red modern buckle. Its Apple extravagance at its peak.
For good reason, none of the Apple Watch Edition bands are available separately in the Apple Store and, word is, they may be locked up in a safe every night.
Apple Watch accessory: Magnetic Charger price
A magnetic charger come with every order, but if you want an extra one, the online Apple Store is selling it separately along with Apple Watch bands in its store.
The accessory comes in two sizes, much like the many watch configurations. There's a 1m cable for $29 (£25, AU$45) and a longer 2m cable for $39 (£29, AU$59).
Having an extra one around (or two) isn't a bad idea for a backpack, the office, your car or a loved one's residence. After all, that 18 hours means Apple Watch needs to charge nightly, no matter where you end up up at night.
Apple Watch requirement: Newer iPhone
Apple Watch won't work without a newer iPhone, and Apple states this on its website on just about every page. Some people, regardless, are still going to complain that they didn't know.
This may add to your end price, as the smartwatch requires the iPhone 5 or later, meaning the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are all good to go.
This makes a lot of sense. These are the same strict requirements of the company's ongoing Apple CarPlay project, even though iOS 9 still works with devices as far back as the iPhone 4S.
Needless to say, the next iPhone 7, expected in September, will work with the Apple Watch and may even support new features.
Apple Watch requirement: iOS 8.2
Also an Apple Watch requirement is iOS 8.2 or later. Conveniently, this update launched at the same time Tim Cook announced the smartwatch price, and we're already up to iOS 8.4 and iOS 9 beta.
You can't get away without it because Apple's smartwatch uses a container app to function and manage settings and watch apps. This is the same setup used by Android Wear watches and the forthcoming Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel.
- Apple's 1 vs Google's 8: Apple Watch vs Android Wear comparison
Apple Watch price wrap-up
Apple Watch, depending on the configuration, is the company's most pricey gadget. That's why I am opting for the cheapest variant.
My choice, the Apple Watch Sport, has a duller aluminum finish and a rubber-like band, but it starts at $349 (£299, AU$499). And, I can add to the bands from there, say, if I one day buy the slick-looking Milanese Loop.
More than anything, though, I know that the Apple Watch that I received on the April 24 release date is going to be dated soon.
Apple may not introduce the Apple Watch 2 for several months (it's not Samsung, after all) or even a full year, but eventually it'll upgrade its smartwatch and I'll be glad I bought the cheapest one.
More Apple Watch coverage
There's a lot more to explore as now that we're in the Apple Watch launch window. We have already fully tested it for our final review.
We also dove deeper into the design choices with our look at all of the Apple Watch bands, spotlighting each collection, the build quality and the watch faces.
On the same day that Apple Watch began taking pre-orders, the company started selling its new MacBook 2015 with an even thinner and lighter design, a 12-inch display and similarly expensive price.
You're going to pay a premium for the Apple Watch at any level, but if you're on the fence, know that it will close the gap between essential and extravagant this fall when its Watch OS 2 arrives this fall.
The new software update was previewed alongside iOS 9 at WWDC 2015, and opens up the door to better apps on the wrist. If that's not enough for you, start saving up for Apple Watch 2 instead.
- Next breakdown: Apple Watch battery life: how many hours does it really last?
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IN DEPTH: What is Alphabet? Google's new parent company explained
Meet Alphabet, Google's new parent company that is boldly restructuring the ABCs of the search engine giant and its subsidiaries.
Alphabet is meant to be a cleaner, more accountable holding company, says Google Co-founder Larry Page. He'll act as the Alphabet CEO, while Sergey Brin acts as the president.
On the same move are formerly Google-owned companies and projects. This includes the more exciting or experimental divisions like Nest, Fiber, Calico and the always mysterious Google X.
Google isn't going away, of course. It'll be slimmed down, with new directors at the top. This will allow Page and Brin to focus on the collective's bigger picture, or more appropriately, mosaic.
Why change to Alphabet?
Google is now an Alphabet company, the biggest of the new brand, but still one of many. That's an abrupt change and a bit confusing for many people, including brainiacs in the tech industry.Why did the Google cofounders make this change?
"Sergey and I are seriously in the business of starting new things," explained Alphabet CEO Larry Page. They viewed streamlining as the best way to do just that.
"We've long believed that over time companies tend to get comfortable doing the same thing, just making incremental changes." Nothing says that more in Google's world than Android M, which features minor tweaks.
"But in the technology industry, where revolutionary ideas drive the next big growth areas, you need to be a bit uncomfortable to stay relevant."
The Alphabet plan is to have more management scale by appointing strong CEOs for each business. They'll be run as various operations independently, without the need to have them ever be related.
Here's where Alphabet gets exciting
Sound a bit boring? Restructuring is dry, until you realize what this really opens up the Alphabet cofounders to do.Page and Sergey can take on more world-changing moonshots, and mature them to the level of Google and Android, now that the search engine and operating system are ready for other people to run.
Calico is Alphabet's most life-altering project with the mission of tackling age and extended human lifespan. No big deal. If there's one company that can find the fountain of youth, it's one that owns Google Search.
Fiber is also going to be managed separately, piping in super-fast 1Gb internet and cable television into homes at an affordable price. Hopefully this means deployment picks up.
Nest Labs, with CEO Tony Fadell at the helm, has changed the way we run our thermostats, smoke alarm and security cameras. A more cohesive smart home may be in the works.
Google X, where the company's most secret projects are developed, is being spun-off into Alphabet, too. This may mean Google's self-driving car, drone delivery project Wing and Google contact lenses are now closer to reality.
Google Ventures and Google Capital, the early- and late-stage investment arms of the search engine giant, are also on their way to Alphabet. This move actually helps the new company invest in a more diversified portfolio. Remember, Google had to awkwardly stress how its Nest Labs acquisition in 2014 was outside the scope of its all-consuming search engine's data mining needs, and not scary at all.
How does Google change with Alphabet?
Alphabet doesn't spell "goodbye" for Google, even though many of the more exciting projects are no longer under its robotic umbrella.Search, Android, Chrome, YouTube, and Google Maps remain at the subsidiary. The same applies to new machine learning processes like Google Photos and Google Now.
What it does change is who is in charge. Sundar Pichai is the new CEO of Google, after serving as Google's Senior Vice President of Products and helming Google IO 2015. No surprise.
"Google itself is also making all sorts of new products, and I know Sundar will always be focused on innovation - continuing to stretch boundaries," said Page.
"I know he deeply cares that we can continue to make big strides on our core mission to organize the world's information."
Now that it's slimmed down, Google should be easier to run and expand, especially when you consider some of its services have their own CEOs, like YouTube.
Learn your Alphabet
Do you think the new name "Alphabet" is a bit jarring, considering you're so used to talking and typing out "Google" every single day? You're not alone."Don't worry, we're still getting used to the name too!" said Page in the conclusion of his letter.
Whether the name sticks might not matter. Google is going to remain the focus of the tech world for the time being, with Search, Android and YouTube under its belt. We'll still be calling it the new Google Nexus 5 and Google Nexus 6 later this year, not the Alphabet Nexus phones.
Alphabet's priorities are on the future, so there's certainly time to get used to the new naming convention and the wider scope of what it does.
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Analysis: Why Google becoming Alphabet is a really big deal
There's much more to Google's new parent company, Alphabet, than the name.
However confusing the umbrella firm was when first announced (why change what has worked so well for so long?), if you look at it the ins and outs of Google's reorganization, Alphabet makes as much sense as ABC.
As Alphabet, which Google Co-founder Larry Page described as "mostly a collection of companies," the new-look Google can focus on what it wants to do best (search, ads, apps, YouTube and Android, specifically) and every other company not a part of this (Calico, Google Fiber, Google X, Google Ventures, Google Capital, and Nest) can thrive as its own entity with generally its own distinct leadership.
These newly formed subsidiaries, Google included, can focus and iterate faster. As a cluster of smaller firms, most with their own CEO, the things that keep a company relevant and successful - clear purpose, speed of development and deployment, response time, etc. - will be relatively that much easier to execute.
As some have postulated, the old Google was probably too big for its own good. It had fingers in too many pots, stretching itself thin. Perhaps the cracks weren't showing yet, but with what may turn out to be incredible foresight, Google's chiefs decided changing now was better than trying to after it was too late.
The Google we knew up until Monday was still able to do most things remarkably well, but in order to get to the next level - to do things exceptionally well, and maybe change the world in the process - the company's powers at be decided Alphabet needed to happen.
From where I sit, Page and Brin made the right call.
It's elementary
As its own company, free from divisions that didn't really have anything to do with search, ads or Android, Google the subsidiary can hone in on making money and providing customers (you and I) with an optimal experience.Why? Because Google is no longer a search engine/operating system developer/smart thermostat maker/internet provider/moonshot taker. Now, Google has core areas on which to focus, with each arm intimately linked to one another.
These happen to be the products and services that most directly impact consumers. Sundar Pichai, Google's new CEO, has demonstrated the capability to lead in these areas as well as shown vision for how Google needs to operate - and what it needs to be - moving forward.
Alphabet sets up its other subsidiaries for success, too. Google X, for example, can now grow as it needs to grow, with its own management and mission. Ditto for Calico, Nest, Fiber, Ventures and Capital. No longer are they parts of Google, the everything company: they are independent firms within a larger parent company, each responsible and accountable for their own successes and failures.
As a business decision, Alphabet affords its leaders and investors the ideal opportunity to make money while still taking risks.
Imagine this: Google remains as it is, and 2-3 years from now Google X is working on even more experimental projects. Google takes a hit on these developments, but the lab shows no sign of slowing down.
Would Google's shareholders be supportive then? Or would they feel funds could be better spent on developing ad platforms and other stuff that brings in money and perhaps make the company more stable? Of course, I can't say for sure, but now Google doesn't have to worry about that scenario happening. It can answer for Google and it can answer for Google X without the two intersecting.
That's just the tip of the benefits iceberg when it comes to Alphabet. It may be Google's savviest move ever, and this is only Day 1.
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Lenovo ThinkPad workstations get significant Intel Xeon overhaul
Lenovo gave its mobile workstations major performance boosts today, unveiling a pair of models at the SIGGRAPH 2015 show. Even though the new laptops carry the same design aesthetics as Lenovo's ThinkPad W541, these mobile powerhouses are the first to feature Intel's Xeon processors.
The two models include a 17.3-inch ThinkPad P70 and a 15.6-inch ThinkPad P50. Both models usher in the end of Lenovo's ThinkPad W series as Lenovo begins standardizing on the P Series brand, for power, performance and ports. Popular models in the W Series in the past include the ThinkPad W540, ThinkPad W541 and ThinkPad W550s.
The W Series hasn't seen a major power upgrade for some time, forcing users to choose between models with an older and more powerful quad-core Haswell processor or the newer and more energy efficient dual-core Broadwell chip from Intel. Under the P Series, with a brand new Intel Sixth Generation Skylake processor mobile Xeon chip, users no longer have to make the compromise between power and performance.
Flagship P70
The ThinkPad P70 is the flagship model in Lenovo's new P Series and brings a number of firsts to the ThinkPad line. It's the first mobile workstation to feature a 17.3-inch screen, as prior models have maxed out at a 15-inch display. It's also the first to feature a high resolution 4K UHD display, besting the 3K screens on older models.Power users will also appreciate that the P70 can be maxed out with a 2TB hard disk drive and 1TB SSD for a total of 3TB storage, 64GB DDR4 RAM, swappable optical drive bay and Nvidia Quadro graphics. The ThinkPad P70 and the smaller P50 both come with Intel Sixth Generation Skylake or Xeon family processors.
In an interview with TechRadar, Brooks Flynn, Worldwide Segment Marketing Manager at Lenovo, would not give specifics about the Quadro graphics. Instead, Flynn told us to confirm the information with Nvidia, leading us to speculate that this may be a new and unannounced GPU.
One of the highlights of the P70 is that it comes with plenty of ports. The laptop accommodates HDMI 1.4, Mini DisplayPort 1.2, Ethernet, docking connector, headphone and microphone combo jack, Smart Card reader, ExpressCard 34 and SDXC memory card slot in addition to the four USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Hopefully,
with the power of Intel's Xeon family of processors on a laptop for the
first time and the assortment of ports on the ThinkPad P70, you can
leave behind your desktop workstation without compromising on productivity when you travel or work remotely.
Gone
from the prior ThinkPad W Series is the swappable Power Bridge
Technology battery. This means you can't replace a depleted battery for a
fresh one while you're working in the field, but fortunately the new
Intel processor promises better battery life. Lenovo rates the 8-cell
battery for between five and six hours of use. Likely, you'll still want
to be within range of a power outlet as this won't get you through a
full work day. The cost to having this much power is size and weight. The ThinkPad P70 comes in a 7.6 pounds (3.4kg) and measures 16.4 x 10.8 x 1.2 inches (416 x 275.5 x 31.5mm).
ThinkPad P50
Equipped with a 15.6-inch display and 4K UHD resolution, the P50 shares many of the features that make the P70 a great desktop replacement, including a Xeon processor, dedicated Nvidia Quadro graphics, 64GB DDR4 RAM and maximum 3TB storage.The ThinkPad P50 has all the connectivity of the larger P70 except the two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
You can configure the ThinkPad P50 with either a 4-cell or 6-cell battery. Lenovo rates battery life at 3.6 hours with the smaller battery and six hours with the larger capacity battery. Like the P70, the battery cannot be replaced.
Lacking the swappable optical drive, the P50 is slightly slimmer than the larger P70. It measures 14.86 x 9.93 x 1.02 inches (377.4 x 252.3 x 24.5 - 25.9mm) and weighs 5.6 pounds (2.5kg).
Designed for designers
For users requiring production-quality displays, both ThinkPad P Series models feature an integrated X-Rite Pantone color calibration reader built into the keyboard deck adjacent to the touchpad. The screen can achieve 100% color gamut, according to Lenovo, and you can calibrate the display to achieve more accurate colors by running the pre-installed utility, shutting the lid down and letting the software read and adjust your screen's settings.
For users working in environments requiring added security, Lenovo also has a new fingerprint reader. Whereas the older ThinkPad W550s and ThinkPad W541 feature a swipe to scan reader, the new biometric scanner on the P Series requires you to touch your finger to the reader to scan.
The new reader takes up more surface area, but is far easier to use, said Flynn, because it doesn't require you to hold your finger at a specific angle or swipe your finger at a specific speed.
If you've used a ThinkPad notebook before, you'll be delighted to know that Lenovo's excellent keyboard makes a return on the P Series, featuring full-sized island-style keys with curved key caps and comfortable key travel. The P Series make use of dual mouse input with a red TrackPoint nub and also a trackpad. Unlike the recent ThinkPad W541 and ThinkPad W550s, the trackpad features three buttons, rather than just a large clickable surface.
Pricing and availability
The ThinkPad P70 starts at $1,999 (£1,281, AU$2,696) and the ThinkPad P50 starts at $1,599 (£1,025, AU$2,156). Both laptops will be available in the final quarter of this year.- Read our picks for the top mobile workstations and check out our hands-on review of the ThinkPad P70
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Hands-on review: Lenovo ThinkPad P70
Introduction, design, power
It definitely isn't the lightest or slimmest notebook on the market, but if you're looking for blistering performance, Lenovo's new ThinkPad P70 should be at the top of your list. The new ThinkPad P70 ($1,999, £1,290, AU$2,702) is Lenovo's flagship mobile workstation and the successor to the ThinkPad W541 ($1,322, £853, AU$1,788).The ThinkPad P70 is one of the first notebooks featuring Intel's Sixth Generation Skylake processor, which should give it a boost in performance compared to Broadwell or Haswell chips. Equipped with ample storage and plenty of RAM, an excellent keyboard and wide selection of ports for connectivity, Lenovo is positioning the ThinkPad P70 as the ultimate workstation that you can take on the go without missing your desktop.
This means that this year's Lenovo ThinkPad P Series mobile workstations will replace the ThinkPad W Series, said Brooks Flynn, Worldwide Segment Manager at Lenovo. There are two models in the P Series – a smaller 15.6-inch ThinkPad P50 and a 17.3-inch ThinkPad P70, and both models will be available in the last quarter of this year.
Design
Even though Lenovo is giving its mobile workstation a new badge, the overall design has not changed. The ThinkPad P70 comes in a matte black box, similar to the ThinkPad W541 and the ThinkPad W550s.While the black carbon fiber-reinforced design appears understated on the slimmer ThinkPad T450s, it takes on a more brick-like appearance on the thicker chassis of the ThinkPad P70. With a touchscreen display, the P70 measures 16.4 x 10.8 x 1.2 inches (416 x 275.5 x 31.5mm) and weighs 7.6 pounds (3.4kg).
Coupled with the P70's straight edges and angular design, these measurements make the P70 look substantial, especially when compared against Intel's 0.83-inch (21.1mm) minimum thickness requirement for Ultrabooks with 14-inch or larger displays. It's not a light laptop for travel, and you'll definitely feel the weight of the P70 in a shoulder bag or briefcase. However, if you demand raw performance, few can match the power promised by the P70.
The P70 is cloaked in a black soft touch material, but the material feels smooth and less prone to attracting grease, fingerprints or dirt than the soft touch coating on the ThinkPad W550s. The material falls between the matte black plastic coating on the ThinkPad T450s and the soft touch of the W550s.
Despite retaining the classic ThinkPad design, the ThinkPad P70 still brings a few firsts to Lenovo's mobile workstation lineup. The P70 is the first Lenovo mobile workstation to come with a 17.3-inch display, and it's the first Lenovo laptop to come with a 4K resolution, besting the 3K screens on the ThinkPad W541 and W550s.
A plus for what could be conceived as a boring design choice is that the black construction helps you focus on the content. Since the P70 is targeted at graphics and video professionals, designers, engineers and architects, the black frame draws you into the content displayed on the large 4K display.
Like previous ThinkPads before it, the ThinkPad P70 comes equipped with a comfortable backlit and spill-resistant keyboard, dedicated number pad, and dual mouse input with the signature red TrackPoint nub and a trackpad located just below the keyboard.
The keyboard has keys with an island-style arrangement. The keycaps have a slight curve for a very comfortable typing experience, and I found the deep key travel to be extremely pleasant. The keyboard feels clicky and responsive without being loud.
The trackpad on the P70 has three physical buttons for left click, right click and a center button that's user-configurable, unlike the clickable touchpad found on the older ThinkPad W541.
The colorimeter also makes a return to the ThinkPad P70; a missing feature on the slimmer ThinkPad W550s that was found on the ThinkPad W540 and ThinkPad W541.
The X-Rite Pantone calibration tool, located on the keyboard deck ne'xt to the trackpad, is used to calibrate the display's colors, for those who need a color accurate screen for production work. Lenovo says that screen calibration is as easy as launching the application on the ThinkPad P70, closing the lid and letting the software complete the calibration. We'll have to wait and see how accurate the integrated X-Rite colorimeter compares to standalone tools like Datacolor's Spyder5 Elite.
Because of its robust size, the ThinkPad P70 accommodates plenty of ports, making it a very versatile machine for those who need portability but don't want to sacrifice performance or productivity. Most of the ports on the P70 are located on the rear and right side of the notebook. The left side houses an optical DVD drive, which can be swapped out for an additional hard drive, as well as a single USB 3.0 ports.
The ThinkPad P70 has three more USB 3.0 ports, for a total of four, an HDMI 1.4 port, Mini DisplayPort 1.2, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, Ethernet jack, microphone and headphone combo jack, Smart Card reader, ExpressCard 34 and SDXC memory card slot. Additionally, the laptop also has a docking port on the bottom.
The keyboard isn't the only ruggedized part of the ThinkPad P70. Lenovo advertises the laptop as MIL-SPEC tested for durability when used in extreme hot, cold, humid, or dusty conditions.
Power
Because of Intel's delays with Broadwell, we still haven't seen a ThinkPad W Series mobile workstation with a Fifth Generation quad-core CPU. Users have to choose between an older Fourth Generation quad-core Haswell processor for performance or go with a dual-core Fifth Generation processor for better battery efficiency. Fortunately, mobile workstation users won't have to make the choice between power efficiency and performance with the P70 with Skylake.The ThinkPad P70 comes with Intel's latest Skylake or, for the first time on a laptop, mobile Xeon processors and dedicated Nvidia Quadro GPU for graphics.
"These machines are the first equipped with the new Intel Xeon Processor E3-1500M v5 product family, for lightning-fast performance and enhanced reliability for critical workstation applications," Lenovo said in a statement.
Flynn would not disclose specifics about the graphics, telling us to confirm with Nvidia with that announcement, leaving us to speculate that this may be a new, unannounced Quadro chip.
With powerful processors and graphics under the hood, Lenovo created a new dual-fan Flex Performance Cooling system to reduce heat to the processor and graphics. "This revolutionary design allows for both optimal uptime, as dictated by the needs of the application, giving the user the ability to push the system harder and for longer periods of time," the company said.
The ThinkPad P70 can be configured with 3TB total storage, making it ideal for those working with large graphics or video files. This amount is split between a hard disk and solid state drives, with 1TB on a PCIe SSD, and the optical drive can be swapped for a 2TB 2.5-inch HDD. Memory starts at 4GB DDR4 RAM, with a 64GB option at the the highest configuration.
The ThinkPad P70 can be configured with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Home or Pro, Windows 7 Professional, Ubuntu Linux or RHEL.
Security, battery life, verdict
Touch, don't swipe
In addition to the Smart Card reader slot, the ThinkPad P70 can also be configured with a fingerprint scanner for security-conscious organizations. Like the trend set by Apple and Samsung in the smartphone market, authentication on the P70 requires a touch, not a swipe, of a finger. If you're using Windows 10, the fingerprint scanner will work with Windows Hello and Microsoft Passport, allowing you to ditch the password for Windows logins.
Lenovo switched to the touch method for scanning fingerprints because it is easier for users, according to Flynn. Whereas the swipe to scan method required users to position their fingers at the proper angle and to swipe at a consistent speed, the touch method just asks users to tap and hold their finger to the scanner embedded on the right-hand side of the keyboard deck.
Battery life
Unlike the ThinkPad W Series, the battery in the ThinkPad P70 is integrated, meaning that it cannot be replaced. The eight-cell battery in the P70 is rated for between five and six hours of use, according to Flynn.The integrated battery means that Lenovo's Power Bridge Technology won't make an appearance on this year's P Series. On the ThinkPad W550s, there is an internal battery as well as a user-replaceable battery. Power Bridge Technology allows owners of the W550s to swap out the depleted replaceable battery for a fresh one without having to shut down their system. This saves time as you won't need to reopen tabs or relaunch apps because you didn't have to shut down.
We'll have to get the ThinkPad P70 in to evaluate Lenovo's battery life claims. For comparison, the older quad-core Haswell-based ThinkPad W540 lasted just over three hours when benchmarked using PCMark8.
The Intel Skylake CPU should provide for more performance and improved power efficiency than previous generation Haswell and Broadwell processors, so we're optimistic about battery life. However, you'll still want to be within range of a power outlet as Lenovo's battery life numbers still fall short of a full work day.
Early verdict
As one of the first notebooks to come with Intel's powerful Xeon processor family, the Lenovo ThinkPad P70 promises to deliver plenty of performance, to the delight of engineers, graphics and design professionals, video editors and those who require raw computational power while mobile. And even though Lenovo is keeping the tested and trusted ThinkPad design the same, the P70 is a major upgrade from the quad-core Haswell-based architecture of the ThinkPad W541 it replaces.Lenovo only told us that pricing starts at $1,999 (about £1,290, AU$2,702), but with options for up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, 3TB storage and 4K UHD touchscreen display, we expect the cost to quickly climb for a fully configured system. For comparison, with a 3K display, the highest configuration for the Lenovo W541 comes in at $2,982 (about £1,912, AU$4,022).
If you can afford the price and don't mind losing Lenovo's Power Bridge hot swappable battery technology, the ThinkPad P70 is one of the most powerful mobile systems on the that aims to bring desktop-like productivity in a 7.6-pound package.
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Details of iPhone 6S Force Touch leak
So far, it seems inevitable that Apple's Force Touch tech will end up in the iPhone 6S with the amount of rumors and leaks we've seen these past few months.
Of course, while we know how Force Touch works with the Apple Watch and the new Macbook, we might finally have some more details on how it will run on the iPhone.
A report from 9to5Mac claims that sources who have used the iPhone 6S say that Force Touch will provide shortcuts to actions depending on which app you are using.
For example, similar to the Apple Watch, using Force Touch will bring up a menu in some instances, but it won't take up the entire screen, acting more like a pop-up menu.
Using the Force
The sources also broke down some examples of Force Touch on the iPhone 6S, including when using Maps, where you'll be able to use Force Touch to skip directly to turn-by-turn navigation.In the Music app, on the other hand, using Force Touch will bring up a small menu through which you'll be able to add the song to a playlist or save it for offline music.
The report also claims that Force Touch will also let you skip or forward through music and videos depending on how hard you press the screen as well, making it clear that the tech will likely be used as a means to get rid of the need to press through a number of steps or buttons for certain actions.
Of course, all of this is as yet unconfirmed, and we'll really need to wait until Apple finally reveals its latest handsets, which might be happening in a month's time on September 9.
- Here's what else we're expecting to see on the iPhone 6S
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Updated: Apple Watch OS 2: what you need to know
watchOS 2 release date and more
Announced during WWDC 2015, more details have emerged about the imminent Apple Watch OS 2 update.Thanks to the new beta release for developers, we now know that a new Time Lapse face has been added, Music on the Watch will look different along with other goodies.
We last heard that devs now have access to the smartwatch's sensors and controls like the Taptic Engine, Digital Crown and more, meaning we will get native apps opposed to ones that are simply ported over. Native apps allow faster run time and greater app capabilities.
The wrist gadget will also see a ton of refreshed features to enrich your experience - Siri is smarter, public transit will show up in Maps and new watch faces are just a few of the enhancements Apple VP Kevin Lynch discussed.
Here's the rest of what to expect when watchOS 2 launches.
Apple Watch OS 2 release date
The update is heading to wrists in the fall. An official date hasn't been specified but it seems to fall in line with the launch of iOS 9.Just like past major Apple OS updates, the Apple Watch's software upgrade will be free.
Sensors and controls
The Digital Crown will provide functionality beyond zooming in and out. Rotating the crown will let you 'Time Travel' showing various events up to 72 hours into the future or past events, right on the watch face. Weather and news headlines are also other complications that Time Travel will work with. Insteon is another example of controlling house lights with a simple turn of the crown.
The microphone will be accessible which should makes the Voice Memo app pretty useful on the wrist. This should mean developers will also be able to use the microphone in their builds.
Developers will now have access to the accelerometer so you can expect future apps to utilise this feature. Apple demoed golf app Ping that measured a person's swing.
Different vibrational feedback and sounds for various apps should arrive with the Taptic Engine being open to devs.
Watch display settings
Previously capped at 15 seconds, the Apple Watch will be able to stay on for a whopping 70 seconds after the update hits.
Tetherless Wi-Fi
Yes, this sounds exactly like what you think. The Apple Watch will be able to connect to open Wi-Fi networks without needing to connect to your iPhone first. You'll be able to leave your phone in another room and your wrist will be a perfectly suitable alternative. Android Wear's latest update already supports this feature, so it's nice to see the iOS device receiving it as well.
Watch faces
There are already 10 customizable Apple Watch faces and as we expected, there are more on the way.
Recently, we discovered Modular will look nicer with new customizations available for the information labels.
Time Lapse - Hong Kong, London, Mack Lake, New York and Shanghai are the five cities Apple shot time-lapse videos over 24 hours to create the new faces. Paris was just recently added to the mix. Will we see other metropolitans on our wrist?
Photo - Just like iPhone backgrounds, your collection of pictures are now fodder for your smartwatch faces.
Photo Album - This option will show a rotating gallery of images from any photo album every time you raise your wrist, just like the Motion watch face.
Apple Watch Music
The interface for the Music app should look a bit different after the update as it will be redesigned with new features included. Quick Play has been added to let you shuffle music easier while there will be a volume level indicator displayed. The source of the audio file will also show up.
Complications
New 'complications' or information in the various watch faces will be able to display third party apps. Flight times, home controlled systems with Homekit devices can be accessed from your wrist, your electric car charge information and more should show up as options when OS 2 is released. The complications can be changed on the Modular face along with the majority of the other faces.
Nightstand
Nightstand mode will flip your Apple Watch face to show horizontally while it's charging. The Digital Crown becomes a snooze button and the side button turns off alarms. If you're not a fan of lights, the display screen won't show unless you touch it or one of the buttons.
Email replies
One option that has been sorely missing will finally make it onto the Apple Watch: email replies. Just like text messages, you'll be able to reply directly from your wrist with voice dictation, emojis and smart responses. However there's no details on whether editing messages will be allowed, or how long your replies can be.
watchOS 2 videos, Siri and more
Videos
Tiny videos and itty bitty FaceTime will also make it onto watchOS 2 but only short form videos like Vines can be watched. Apple promises the quality of the videos will look great despite the small size because of the watch's OLED that sits behind the Ion-X and sapphire glass screens. It should be interesting what other kinds of videos make it onto the smartwatch since Vines generally aren't the best quality to begin with.
Fitness, Siri and Maps
Workouts will be more useful with the OS 2 update. HealthKit will be available with more metrics shown on the watch and a real-time heart rate monitor that will be able to stream from your wrist.
Saying the "Hey Siri" prompts a workout, and can be as specific as "Hey Siri, start a 30 minute run" or "Hey Siri start a 300 calorie walk" all without needing to open the app.
Speaking of Siri, the little AI assistant will be able to provide Glances by saying "Hey Siri, show me the Instagram glance." Siri will also be able to control HomeKit devices and give you transit directions.
Apple Maps' new transit directions will show up on your wrist with train, bus and subway schedules. However like Google Maps' updated service, only select cities around the world will provide the information. Though previously available with Apple Maps, walking directions to and from transit stops will be part of watchOS 2.
Wallet and Apple Pay
Wallet, or the freshly re-dubbed Passbook, will also be updated in the fall. All the new options you can use in iOS 9 with Wallet will be available on the wrist as well.
For those who enjoy the convenience of using Apple Pay on the smartwatch, OS 2 will allow more credit cards and reward cards stored on the device for better access.
Friends and Digital Touch
For the popular folks who have more than 12 friends, you'll be able to add more people to your Apple inner circle right from the watch instead of adding from the app. They can even be categorized into different sets that show up on different screens for better organization.
Your tiny sketching experience will also be improved. Digital Touch will let you use more than one colour so people can be more creative.
Activation Lock
One thing Apple didn't discuss during WWDC is the Apple Watch's new security feature, Activation Lock. It's found on iPhones and turning it on will require iCloud Apple ID and password.
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OnePlus 2 just ran into a delay in North America
Though you'll be able to put in an order for the OnePlus 2 starting tomorrow, if you're in North America, you won't be getting the handset until 2-3 weeks after Europe gets it.
OnePlus announced today that "due to production schedules, shippingto the States and Canada will commence 2-3 weeks after shipments to Europe."
Though OnePlus doesn't go into further details about the delay, the company was quick to point out that ordering the OnePlus 2 won't be effected - the delay only concerns the shipment of the handset.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Although some fans may be disappointed to hear this news, we would rather be transparent about the situation."
Put your orders in
So if you don't mind the delay, and you are lucky enough to have an invite code, you can still order the phone starting tomorrow.The OnePlus 2 is set to be powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB RAM, up to 64GB of storage, and with an aluminum-magnesium alloy frame, there's also a variety of covers to choose from.
It will also feature the new USB Type-C connector, a super-fast fingerprint sensor, as well as the new Oxygen OS and a HD 5.5-inch IPS LCD In-Cell display.
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Witness the impossible: Dark Souls beaten with voice commands
It's official: Reddit user GMABT is too good at Dark Souls.
After beating the game with a Rock Band controller, a drumset and the bongo that came with Donkey Konga on GameCube, he's managed to beat the game using only his voice and straight willpower.
Taking about 30 hours from start to finish, GMABT used a voice recognition software called VoiceAttack to transform words like "heavy," "item" and "left strafe" into button combinations.
"This run was suggested to me many times and I never knew if it would be possible, but after someone showed me a program that did the hard work of voice recognition for me I had to give it a shot ... For the most part the detection was good, but the latency was around 1.5 seconds, and commands couldn't be chained together quickly," GMABT, who also goes by the name bearzly on Twitch, said in a post on Reddit.
To paint a picture of how intense it got, here's a video of GMABT fighting two of the game's toughest enemies, Dragon Slayer Ornstein & Executioner Smough:
- Dig insanely difficult games? Check out Dark Souls 3.
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Apple Watch fall update to bring these new features
Apple Watch has been a decent companion for iPhone users but its real potential will be unveiled when watchOS 2 arrives in the fall though in the meantime, several new details have popped up.
The latest watchOS 2 beta 5 is being tested with developers right now and 9to5Mac has compiled screen shots that show a redesigned version of Music on the Apple Watch. Specifically, the Now Playing screen will show volume level indicator and the source of the audio file you're listening to. Quick Play is also an added option to the main Music menu that can shuffle your music.
The Modular watch face will employ more color customizations that display information and Paris has been added to the list of five cities used for Time Lapse.
There will also be a new setting that allows the screen to stay on for 70 seconds opposed to just 15 seconds.
On the fitness side, Outside Online interviewed Apple's fitness expert Jay Blahni, who revealed that third-party exercise apps like Strava will be able to connect with the Apple Watch's sensors. This should improve the fitness experience with the Watch since Activity and Workout only track so much.
Most apps will be better thanks to third-party developers receiving access to the wearable's sensors, meaning there will be new ways to customize and utilize the watch after the update hits.
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