AfterDawn: Tech news

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AfterDawn: News

Community is Google's newest attempt at making YouTube more social

Written by Matti Robinson @ 14 Sep 2016 5:30

Community is Google's newest attempt at making YouTube more social YouTube has announced a new feature which will allow content creators to interact better with their audience. This Facebook's Wall-like feature is called YouTube Community and can be found as a separate tab on every channel.

It is pretty much as simple as the Wall. You can publish text, videos, images, and of course GIF animations. YouTube says that it is lightweight and that the posts will appear to subscribers of the channel in the Subscriptions feed on their YouTube mobile app. Notifications for new posts is also available.

The brand new Community tab on your YouTube channel gives you a new, simple way to engage with your viewers and express yourself beyond video.


Even though this might not seem like a groundbreaking feature it will likely make the communication with fans of the channel easier. Often announcements and other info are spread via services like Facebook and Twitter, which is obviously no optimal for YouTube. Now you might not have to subscribe to the YouTuber in several different services.

The feature is currently in limited beta use before it goes fully public. You can check the channels here.

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AfterDawn: News

Music industry is once again worried about "ripping"

Written by Matti Robinson @ 14 Sep 2016 5:18

Music industry is once again worried about "ripping" Music industry, like many others, are slow to adapt and because of that slow adaption they've had to come up with all kinds of reasons to why sales of antiquated media is slowing down. Now they've come up with a new, and in a way old, problem.

Obviously technologies like streaming have allowed music business to flourish in a completely unprecedented way but this is not the way the industry giants, record companies, and industry lobbyists want it to be. As music is closer to the consumer often the middle man can be left with not much to brag about.

The new problem according to the industry is with streaming services, or services that abuse streaming services. With CDs the problem was ripping, and now with streams like YouTube the problem is again ripping.

According to WSJ the recording industry is blaming third party software that allows consumers to download (rip) the audio out of YouTube streams and store it locally. This problem has "serious impact" on subscription numbers, says the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) report. This, even though the global sales of music increased significantly first time in decades. The 3.2% growth comes overwhelmingly from streaming which increased 45%.

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AfterDawn: News

Apple launches iOS 10 as well as updates to Apple TV and Watch

Written by Matti Robinson @ 13 Sep 2016 2:28

Apple launches iOS 10 as well as updates to Apple TV and Watch Apple has launched today the new mobile operating system that comes with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The new iOS version is available for every iPhone user from up to iPhone 5.

The upgrade is also available to sixth generation iPod touch, iPad Mini 2, and fourth generation iPad and of course newer versions in the same product lines. It's available as an over-the-air update as well as downloadable from iTunes.

Some of the new features include a new and improved Control Center, updated lock screen, new widgets view, a redesigned Maps app, and a completely new Raise to Wake feature. Also the 3D Touch feature has been greatly improved and Apple Music brings on a new UI.

In addition Apple has released a new version of Apple TV's operating system tvOS as well as Apple Watch's operating system watchOS. The version 10 of tvOS brings a better control over iPhone remote app and watchOS improves both speed and battery life which are the two key aspects that desperately need improvement not only on Apple Watch but smartwatches in general.




AfterDawn: News

PlayStation 4 gets major update with HDR

Written by Matti Robinson @ 13 Sep 2016 1:15

PlayStation 4 gets major update with HDR Sony has revealed that PlayStation 4 has received its latest update. The patch version is a big 4.00 which means that there will be important new features to accompany the plethora of usual fixes and tweaks.

The patch codenamed Shingen is the patch that Sony promised while introducing its new Pro and Slim versions of PS4 last week. It will improve the user experience in many ways, one of them being an overhaul of the UI as well as Quick and Share Menus.

Even though all that is nice and everything the main feature everyone has been waiting for is HDR. A feature that was thought to be impossible for the older PS4 with the HDMI v1.4 is coming as promised. This will give all PS4 gamers more colorful and accurate depiction of the games on a HDR supporting TV set.

More information on 4.00 update can be found here.




AfterDawn: News

Photos from Titans-Vikings game show what to expect of iPhone 7 Plus camera

Written by Matti Robinson @ 12 Sep 2016 10:16

Photos from Titans-Vikings game show what to expect of iPhone 7 Plus camera Sports Illustrated has released photos taken with the new iPhone 7 Plus. Apple showed off a little bit of its newest camera's prowess at the release party but what it can do in real life scenarios without a rigged situation hasn't been revealed yet.

Sports Illustrated got a few iPhone 7 Plus phones ahead of launch and have showcased the camera on a series of photos from Sunday's NFL game between Tennesee Titans and Minnesota Vikings.

Photographer David E. Klutho's pictures show ceremonies, game action, and portraits with players, soldiers, and of course cheerleaders. The results are impressive with extremely good color and detail even in high speed shots. The sunny skies certainly helped to ramp up the shutter speed (and down the ISO).

Go check the photos from the SI article.

iPhone 7 Plus comes with a dual lens system 12 megapixel camera that provides a 2x optical zoom and f1.8 aperture. The smaller sized iPhone 7 comes with a traditional one set of lenses and no zoom feature but features the same 12 megapixel sensor.




AfterDawn: News

Galaxy Note explodes, injures a 6-year-old boy

Written by Matti Robinson @ 12 Sep 2016 9:44

Galaxy Note explodes, injures a 6-year-old boy Last week Samsung had to recall all 2.5 million sold Galaxy Note7 phones because it was discovered that the battery was volatile and could explode. After the recall even airlines have warned about the phone but it remains customers responsibility to return the phone.

Now after dozens of exploded batteries we have yet another one to report about. In New York City a 6-year-old boy was watching a video on a Note7 as it burst into flames. The grandmother of the child, Linda Lewis, told New York Post that the fire had triggered the home fire alarm.

His grandson was taken to Downstate Medical Center to treat the burns and was later released. Ms. Lewis said that the boy was crying and didn't want to come close to any phones. The family has been in contact with Samsung but there is no statement from the company.

As Samsung recalled all the Note7's it said that there had been around 35 cases of exploding battery worldwide. Even though millions of units have ben sold, and the probability of your device exploding are small, the problem with the specific model is evident.

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AfterDawn: News

FAA advises not to take Note7 on planes

Written by Matti Robinson @ 09 Sep 2016 1:53

FAA advises not to take Note7 on planes Samsung's newest addition to its Galaxy smartphones was received well until it was exposed that the phone can spontaneously combust because of its faulty battery. Now after Samsung's recall of more than 2 million units, customers are advised to not take the explosion sensitive phone on planes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned people not to use the phone while on plane but also not to pack it with their checked-in luggages, BBC reports. Airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia have told customers not to charge or use the phones while flying with them.

The reports from Samsung say that first Note7 replacements start shipping on September 21 in Australia. Samsung has not disclosed information on other regions.

For Samsung the faulty battery – or probaly the fail-safe circuitry – has obviously been hugely costly. A lot of early customers have switched to a different device and presumably to different manufacturers. In early September when the recall was made there were 35 reported cases of Note7 catching fire.




AfterDawn: News

Apple AirPods use Bluetooth after all

Written by Matti Robinson @ 08 Sep 2016 6:17

Apple AirPods use Bluetooth after all Apple unveiled yesterday new wireless AirPods for the new iPhone 7 which, as rumored, does not have a separate headphone jack. Separate of course meaning that the Lightning port doubles now as a headphone connector.

Apple made a big deal about the new wireless headphones, which are – at least by superficially – essentially wireless version of the EarPods. Apple's Phil Schiller said that the headphones get rid of the pairing problems of Bluetooth and include a new W1 chip which among other things will make the connection between devices (and the other headpiece) easier.

It has been since revealed that Apple does use a low powered Bluetooth connection but just makes the pairing easier with its own software and/or hardware. Recode reports that not only are the AirPods using Bluetooth but they are compatible with non-iPhones.

So it is nice to know that in addition to investing $159 you don't have to buy another set of in-ears for potential other devices. It does, however, remain to be seen what kind of audio quality the AirPods provide and whether they are worth the price tag even with this rather positive revelation.

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AfterDawn: News

Apple warns: Jet Black iPhone 7 scratches easier

Written by Matti Robinson @ 08 Sep 2016 5:44

Apple warns: Jet Black iPhone 7 scratches easier Apple announced yesterday the new iPhone duo which comes in new colors and finishes. The black version is back and even in two different shades and finishes. The matte black, called Black, is finished just like the other color versions but the Jet Black version has a glossy finish.

Even though in press photos the Jet Black version look stunning – as you can see – you have to remember that glossy surfaces gather fingerprints far easier. There is, however, another, more problematic difference.

The new Jet Black is said to scratch easier than the other versions. And no, this is not only speculation from random reporters' first hands-ons, this comes straight from Apple's official iPhone 7 site.

The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.


As you can read above, while Apple says that it is as hard as other anodized products, including iPhones, the shine may (and will) show scratches with use. This should not be a surprise to most of the people but it does potentially make you think another time about buying the Jet Black version. And instead of case, maybe you should just buy a different colored iPhone?

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AfterDawn: News

Sony announced PlayStation 4 Pro with 4K graphics

Written by Matti Robinson @ 07 Sep 2016 5:13

Sony announced PlayStation 4 Pro with 4K graphics Sony has officially announced the new PlayStation 4 models. As expected, Sony introduced the new slimmer PlayStation 4 as well as a new Pro model which will provide improved functionality.

The slimmer version has the same features as the current PlayStation 4 but the new PlayStation 4 Pro also includes 4K support among other changes. Pro model is said to improve the performance two fold which will allow it to process higher 4K resolutions in gaming.

The PS4 Pro's processing power comes from a new custom built AMD graphics card that is based on the Polaris architecture. The CPU cores are still Jaguar but have been clocked higher. There's 1 terabyte of HDD storage on the PS4 Pro.

Not all games will be 4K supported and you don't need a 4K TV to use PS4 Pro. PS4 Pro will come available on November 10 starting at $399. PS4 Slim will retail for $299.

Sony also announced that all PlayStation 4 models, new and old, will also get the HDR feature which will bring games more alive with more vivid colors.






AfterDawn: News

Apple Watch updated with the new Series 2

Written by Matti Robinson @ 07 Sep 2016 4:56

Apple Watch updated with the new Series 2 Apple introduces today of course the new iPhone 7 but also showed us the new generation of Apple Watches.

In addition to improving the old Apple Watch with a new processor – and renaming it as Series 1 &ndash (above); Apple introduces a new Apple Watch Series 2 (below). This new smartwatch includes a dual core S2 processor, twice brighter display, and finally also a GPS. It is also water resistant and is deisgned to work even with intense swimming.

The operating system is WatchOS 3 which was unveiled earlier this year.

Two major collaborators that took stage were Nike and Niantic. The first made a Nike+ version of the Apple watch especially for the runners and the latter promised the release of Pokemon Go for Apple Watch in the near future.

In addition Apple announced that it has a new ceramic Edition model of Apple Watch and has continued working with Hermès and will release special versions of Apple Watch with leather wristbands.

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AfterDawn: News

Apple releases iPhone 7 with no shocking revelations

Written by Matti Robinson @ 07 Sep 2016 4:37

Apple releases iPhone 7 with no shocking revelations Apple has today unveiled new hardware and software in California. The limelights were of course on the new iPhone which had been largely leaked. Apple was not able to introduce any shocking new features because the most important aspects had already been documented weeks or months earlier.

Like you would expect, the iPhone 7 comes in two sizes and three different storage options. Apple doubled the storages as was rumored, now at 32, 128, and 256 GB. The larger Plus model also got a new dual camera, which has two different optical setups allowing a better zoom and bokeh effect.

The camera has a 12 megapixel sensor, f1.8 aperture, 6 lens setup, and optical image stabilization. It is said to be 60 percent faster than the previous iPhone 6s camera.

As with every generation, the new iPhone is faster than ever. According to Apple's graphs the CPU's processing power is 120 times the original iPhone and GPU bests the first iPhone 240 times over. The new A10 chip features a big.LITTLE type of architecture which has two powerful and two power efficient cores.

One of the less rumored additions was the taptic engine in the home button.

By the looks of the new iPhone not much has changed – until you see the new black color variants. In addition to new colors, iPhone's curves have stayed largely the same but there are slight differences, such as the curvier antenna lines.

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AfterDawn: News

Mozilla's new technology boosts speed up to 700%

Written by Matti Robinson @ 06 Sep 2016 12:42

Mozilla's new technology boosts speed up to 700% Mozilla started testing its new Electrolysis architecture last month and the first results are in and appear very promising. Even though the sample size is rather small the Firefox 48 users that very in the trial have reported improvements in speed of several hundreds of percents.

Mozilla reports that improvement can be from 400 to even as high as 700 percents compared to previous versions. Thanks to Electrolysis architecture the browser rarely stops responding and thanks to divided attention to the interface and the actual content it performs faster.

At this point the architecture is being tested in only 1 percent of Firefox users but the testing will expand over coming updates and versions. Mozilla plans to divide the content process to multiple processes and run them in sandbox, which is allowed by many of its competitors.

This means that one tab or process crashing would also not bring down the entire browser. You can read more about multi-process Firefox here.




AfterDawn: News

Netflix brings Mythbusters trio back in a new series

Written by Matti Robinson @ 06 Sep 2016 12:33

Netflix brings Mythbusters trio back in a new series Netflix has confirmed its newest addition, White Rabbit Project, which will be premiering on December 9. The show is a Mythbusters spin-off and stars the three members of the infamous build team.

White Rabbit Project is produced by the same Beyond Productions that was behind the cult show Mythbusters. After 14 seasons Mythbusters' last episode was aired earlier this year.

We will not see the two biggest personalities of Mythbusters, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, in the new show but there build team's Kari Byron, Tory Belleci, and Grant Ihamara are all back.Deadline reports that the show tackles a wide variety of interesting topics in science, history, and pop culture with episodes focusing on prison escapes, war weaponry, and technology, among others.

There's no word yet how many episodes the first season will have but all will be available worldwide.




AfterDawn: News

Google puts 'Solitaire' and 'Tic Tac Toe' directly in search results

Written by James Delahunty @ 25 Aug 2016 10:17

Google puts 'Solitaire' and 'Tic Tac Toe' directly in search results Procrastinators of the world unite! Solitaire and Tic Tac Toe are now just a Google search away on mobile and desktop.

Don't have any game apps installed and need to kill a few minutes? Head over to Google.com and simply search solitaire and you will see an option to tap (or click) to play a game of solitaire, with both Easy and Hard difficult settings.

If you want to take on Google in a game of Tic Tac Toe, then just search Tic Tac Toe and you will be marking your X's or O's immediately.



Remember, Google will also flip a coin for you if you search flip a coin, and it will also play animal sounds if you ask it to. For example, search what sound does a cow make?

Why? Well, why not I guess.





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