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AfterDawn: News

Netflix appears to down in parts of UK, Europe

Written by James Delahunty @ 10 Sep 2018 5:52

Netflix appears to down in parts of UK, Europe Netflix users are complaining about problems with streaming media from the service today.

Some users have taken to social media to ask if others are having issues with the service when trying to stream certain films. For example, one Twitter user posted a screenshot of their Netflix app informing them that The Purge: Election Year is currently not available to stream.

Netflix' own 'Is Netflix Down?' site doesn't appear to be showing any problems. Oddly, the Downdetector service is showing the United Kingdom mainland, and parts of Europe, as experience outage issues.

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AfterDawn: News

WATCH: Giant Boring Company machine controlled with Xbox One gamepad

Written by James Delahunty @ 10 Sep 2018 3:02

WATCH: Giant Boring Company machine controlled with Xbox One gamepad Elon Musk's Boring Company has shown how it controls a massive boring machine with an Xbox One controller.

The Boring Company is digging tunnels underneath Los Angeles as Mr. Musk looks for ways to ease traffic congestion in LA. What started off as a kind of joke became an actual company that made headlines by selling a 'not a flamethrower' product to thousands of consumers some months ago.

Boring's latest giant machine can apparently be controlled by a standard Xbox One controller, which is kind of interesting. It also makes sense as the Xbox One controller can easily map controls to the gamepad, so there's no need to design a new gamepad.

Here's a video posted by The Boring Company showing how it looks.

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AfterDawn: News

Apple kicks Infowars app from App Store

Written by James Delahunty @ 10 Sep 2018 2:59

Apple kicks Infowars app from App Store Apple has confirmed that it has also removed Alex Jones' InfoWars app from its app store, citing community guidelines.

Last month, several outlets including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube, removed Alex Jones' podcast content and associated accounts. The actions were clearly coordinated and the firms cited community guidelines and violations of rules as reasons for the actions.

At the time, InfoWars fans could still access the content by downloading the Infowars app from the App Store. Apple has now confirmed that it also removed the Infowars app permanently, citing community guidelines violations related to the content accessible in the app.

The Infowars Official app is still available to download from the Play Store for Android for the time being.

Last week, Twitter had also banned Infowars and Alex Jones from its platform. Initially, Twitter had not taken part in the coordinated actions, with CEO Jack Dorsey explaining that the accounts had not violated Twitter's rules. Some more recent tweets were seen to fall foul of the rules and Twitter reacted.

Source: Buzzfeed News

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AfterDawn: News

In-screen fingerprint sensor is coming to the US in upcoming OnePlus flagship

Written by Matti Robinson @ 10 Sep 2018 12:03

In-screen fingerprint sensor is coming to the US in upcoming OnePlus flagship Biometric sensors have been one of the more innovated areas of smartphones in the past few years. Ever since we got fingerprint sensors, we have been looking at ways to unlock the phone with less effort, more precision and security.

Face unlock is one of the newer iterations of that development and can be either fast and not-so-secure or secure and no-so-fast. Also the latter configuration at this point requires quite a bit of notch space.

Fingerprint sensor would be nice, but you either have to place it in the back, or reserve space from the "chin" which isn't really up to par these days. Fortunately there's a new way to make a fingerprint sensor, and that is to embed it under the thin layer of display.

This application has been demonstrated by a few Chinese smartphone manufacturers, and even produced now in fairly high quantity for mostly their local market. However, it has not yet made its way to the West, and we aren't really expecting Google or Apple to change that with the new generation of smartphones.

Thankfully a Chinese manufacturer by the name of OnePlus, a lesser known entity here in the US but a growing force in the EU market, is bringing its upcoming OnePlus 6T to the US with a carrier partner, T-Mobile.

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AfterDawn: News

Study: Finnish people use most mobile data in the world, in the U.S. the top users are with U.S.Cellular

Written by Petteri Pyyny @ 10 Sep 2018 8:37

Study: Finnish people use most mobile data in the world, in the U.S. the top users are with U.S.Cellular Mobile analytics firm tefficient has once again released its mobile data usage stats from all around the world. Monthly data usage continues to skyrocket, across the world. But there are massive differences between countries and operators.

The most mobile bandwidth hungry users can found from Finland, where all three major operators were ranked among the top 10 in terms of mobile data consumed per user. The #1 spot in the world goes to Finnish operator DNA. DNA's users used a whopping 19.8GB of data per user, per month, during the first half of 2018.

To put this into comparison, the top operator in the United States (in terms of mobile data used per month) was U.S. Cellular, whose users used, on average 2.1GB of mobile data each month.

After Finland's DNA, the number two operator in the world was Zain Kuwait. Zain's users in Kuwait used 15.7GB data each month, but that figure is based on 2017 data. The third place in the ranking chart goes to 3 Austria. 3's users in Austria used 18.4GB of data in H1 of 2018 (up from 15.4GB in 2017).

DNA, just like all other major Finnish operators, offers unlimited, unmetered mobile deals with fixed monthly fee. Typically only the bandwidth tier effects the price, with typical bandwidth tiers starsting from 100Mbps. As the monthly cost of mobile data connection is typically significantly lower than that of fixed DSL line, many people get mobile connections also as their primary home internet connections in Finland. Same is true also for most other countries making it to the top: fixed, relatively cheap prices and (virtually) no bandwidth or data caps whatsoever.

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AfterDawn: News

Roomba e5 - First look at the iRobot's latest robot vacuum

Written by Petteri Pyyny @ 10 Sep 2018 5:12

Roomba e5 - First look at the iRobot's latest robot vacuum Roomba e5 is the latest robot vacuum cleaner from American iRobot. New line of Roomba robots promises better cleaning than its predecessors - and the problems with bristles getting stuck with rugs and carpets, shouldn't be a problem anymore.

iRobot launched the e5 and its more expensive sibling, Roomba i7+ just couple of days ago and shipments are starting on 12th of September, 2018. iRobot's Nordic partner sent us a test unit, which we will test in depth in next couple of weeks.

Roomba e5 is the cheaper one of the two new models, MSRP set to $449 in the U.S. Obviously, even at that price range, the e5 is much more expensive than some lesser known competitors. But as the term "roomba" is virtually a synonymous to the robot vacuum cleaners, it is also the device that all other robot vacuums should be tested against.

Despite the full in-depth review still in the horizon, we thought it might be a worth to take a quick look at Roomba e5 now that get our hands on it.

Roomba e5 retail sale box
Roomba retail sale box

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AfterDawn: News

Microsoft reveals Surface event date, but why would you care?

Written by Matti Robinson @ 09 Sep 2018 11:56

Microsoft reveals Surface event date, but why would you care? In technology industry, especially the smartphone part of it, the upcoming month will be perhaps the most important 30 days of the year.

Both Apple and Google are going to be introducing the newest generation of smartphones and probably some accompanying equipment like smartwatches and accessories.

While Microsoft is no longer really an entity in the smartphone race, and nowadays it just tries to spread its software wisdom as wide as possible, meaning both Android and iOS are getting more and more Microsoft-branded applications, it has squeezes itself in the 30 days period with its own hardware launch.

Redmond has sent out an invite proposing journalists and influencers give the company aptly a "moment of your time." They seem to realize that the press is going crazy after iPhones, iPads and Pixels over the next month, and they modestly just want a little bit of your precious time.

Microsoft's October event is held on October 2nd in New York City, just couple weeks after the iPhone launch and a week before Google's Pixel event. And it's not even that clear what Microsoft will unveil, although one could guess a new Surface Book 2 and a refreshed version of Surface Laptop.

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AfterDawn: News

WATCH: Elon Musk smokes weed, talks AI, love and chimpanzees with Joe Rogan

Written by James Delahunty @ 07 Sep 2018 4:19

WATCH: Elon Musk smokes weed, talks AI, love and chimpanzees with Joe Rogan Elon Musk sits down for a two and a half hour discussion with Joe Rogan, and it doesn't disappoint in the slightest.

It has been a strange few weeks for Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. He has come under scrutiny for disparaging remarks about a British cave diver, has been the subject of an SEC investigation over a tweet and is targeted in multiple lawsuits from short sellers who blame him for the loss of millions of dollars.

That made it all the more surprising when Elon announced earlier that he would join Joe Rogan on his podcast this week. The Joe Rogan Experience is a long-form podcast that routinely hits the three-hour mark with guests from all backgrounds and disciplines. Marijuana has certainly helped the cause for the host over the years.

It was no surprise when Joe Rogan sparked up a fat blunt during the podcast, but it was a surprise when he passed it to Elon.

"You probably can't because of stockholders, right?" Joe asked, to which Elon responded, "I mean, it's legal right?" and then proceeded to take a hit. It is legal of course, in California. Later on, Musk starts receiving messages from friends on his phone asking him why he is smoking weed on Joe Rogan's show live on the Internet.

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AfterDawn: News

YouTube's Dark Theme is on Android - How to Enable

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Sep 2018 11:32

YouTube's Dark Theme is on Android - How to Enable The latest official YouTube app for Android has gotten a new Dark Theme and you can easily switch to it.

Google previously revealed that it will release versions of its popular mobile apps with a dark theme. This follows a trend of mobile apps turning "dark", but of course it won't happen by default when the app updates are pushed out. Instead, you may be prompted to try out the dark side when you get an update.

If you were prompted to try out Dark Mode but declined for some reason, you can very easily enable Dark Theme in the latest official YouTube app in just a few steps.

How to manually enable Dark Theme in YouTube for Android:

  1. Step 1: Open the YouTube app and tap your account/profile icon in the top right-hand corner as shown.
  2. Step 2: From your account/profile options, tap the Settings option as shown.
  3. Step 3: Tap on General Settings.
  4. STEP 4: Toggle On "Enable Dark Theme" as shown and the app will instantly turn Dark.

What if I have no option for Dark Theme?
If the option to toggle Dark Theme on/off is not present in the Settings, then you are likely running an out of date version of the app. You need to have YouTube v13.35.51 for the Dark Theme. You can manually update directly from Google Play if an auto-update hasn't occurred yet.




AfterDawn: News

Twitter bans Alex Jones, Infowars over 'abusive behavior'

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Sep 2018 9:52

Twitter bans Alex Jones, Infowars over 'abusive behavior' Twitter announced today that it too has permanently banned Alex Jones from its platform, along with his Infowars media outlet.

Last month, Twitter came under fire for not joining a coordinated take-down of content and accounts related to Alex Jones and Infowars. Facebook, Spotify, and Apple all removed podcasts and accounts alleging terms of use violations and other things. At the time, Twitter was questioned for its decision to leave accounts belonging to Jones and Infowars on its platform.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey explained simply that the accounts had not violated Twitter's guidelines and terms and service and so there were no grounds for their removal.

Citing recent tweets and content that violate Twitter's abusive behavior policy, both Alex Jones and his Infowars media outlet have been booted from the service permanently. The platform announced the action in a tweet from its Twitter Safety account.


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AfterDawn: News

Amazon Fire HD 8 introduced with always-on Alexa

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Sep 2018 4:00

Amazon Fire HD 8 introduced with always-on Alexa Amazon has announced the new Amazon Fire HD 8 low-cost tablet with an 8-inch display and quad-core processor for $79.99.

The new Amazon Fire HD 8 packs an 8-inch widescreen 1280 x 800 high definition display and a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor under the hood. It also packs 1.5 GB of RAM and either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Through the use of microSD, storage can be expanded to up to 400GB.

This tablet introduces always-ready, hands-free access with Alexa. When connected to Wi-Fi, ask Alexa to play a song, read aloud an Audible book, launch an app, or control video playback.

Amazon markets the new tablet as providing up to 10 hours of reading, listening to music, watching TV shows or movies, browsing the web, and more. You can ask Alexa to video call a friend or family member, adjust the room temperature on your compatible smart home thermostat, or show your compatible smart home camera.


   

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AfterDawn: News

Oculus Rift users can now shop at Vive store

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Sep 2018 2:38

Oculus Rift users can now shop at Vive store HTC has opened up its Viveport store to its biggest competitor in the VR field, the Oculus Rift.

Users of the Facebook-owned VR headset can now go to HTC's Viveport store and purchase apps and games that are compatible with their hardware. For now, that is not too many with only two hundred or so of the available apps and games in the Viveport digital store being compatible with the Oculus Rift.

Having another venue to purchase from is good for comparison shopping and for device compatibility with online digital retailers going forward.

It also means that Oculus Rift owners should be able to take part in the Viveport subscription model which allows access to unlimited games and apps in exchange for a monthly fee, with a 12-month plan setting you back $80.

Via: The Verge




AfterDawn: News

Xbox One can be controlled by Cortana, Alexa devices

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Sep 2018 2:24

Xbox One can be controlled by Cortana, Alexa devices Microsoft is making it possible to control your Xbox One console using Cortana and Alexa voice commands.

For Kinect users and those with compatible headsets, controlling an Xbox console with voice commands is nothing all that new. However, for those who never had Kinect and work with Alexa or Cortana-enabled devices, the new Xbox Skill will be welcomed.

It allows users to interact with Xbox One using voice commands through your Cortana and Alexa-enabled devices. Compatible devices include a Windows 10 PC, Amazon Echo, Harman Kardon Invoke, Sonos One, or Cortana and Alexa apps on iOS and Android.

For the time being, the Xbox Skill feature is only available to those who are part of the Insider preview. Once working, you could just say "Alexa, start Rocket League." and this command will automatically turn on your console, sign you in, and launch your game.

If the Digital Assistant setting is visible on your console in Settings -> Devices, then you are currently eligible to test the Xbox Skill.

To take part with Cortana, use this link from your Windows PC. For Alexa, use this link instead.




AfterDawn: News

U.S. charges North Korean over Sony hack, WannaCry malware

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Sep 2018 2:09

U.S. charges North Korean over Sony hack, WannaCry malware The U.S. Department of Justice is to charge a North Korean hacker with involvement in the 2014 Sony breach, and the WannaCry malware that spread last year.

The Justice Department also claims that the hacker is responsible for a 2016 breach of the central bank of Bangladesh.

In late 2014, a massive data breach at Sony Pictures resulted in the leaking of sensitive information and the destruction of some data. The U.S. alleged that the hack was in retaliation for the pending release of The Interview, which was about a U.S. plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Last year, a separate malware attack affected business and government systems around the world. The WannaCry attack has long been linked to North Korea. In the UK, thousands of appointments under the British National Health Service were canceled because WannaCry made computers nonfunctional.

Source: Reuters News Agency




AfterDawn: News

Guide: How to take a screenshot with OnePlus 6

Written by Petteri Pyyny @ 06 Sep 2018 9:15

Guide: How to take a screenshot with OnePlus 6 Taking a screenshot is a good way to share stuff you encounter when browsing the net or social media. But every phone tends have different method for taking screenshots. In this guide, we'll explain how to take a screenshot with OnePlus 6 phone.

OnePlus 6 has two build-in methods for taking screenshots. We'll go through both of those methods here:

Screenshot using OnePlus 6's buttons


Probably the most common way to take a screenshot is to use phone's physical buttons. Here's how it works:

  1. Ensure that all the content you want to capture, is visible in the phone's screen
  2. Now, press both, the power button and the volume down button pressed for couple of seconds. The power button is located at the right side of the phone and the volume buttons are located on the device's left side.
  3. Your phone's screen will now flash and the screenshot you took appears for short period in middle of the screen.
  4. When the screenshot is visible on the screen, below it, there's the sharing symbol visible. By clicking that, you can directly share the taken screenshot to your contacts.
  5. Taken screenshot will also be available in your phone's Photo Gallery, even if you didnät manage to share it at the time of taking the screenshot.

Three-finger gesture


OnePlus's latest models also include a support for so-called three-finger gesture for taking screenshots. Using this method should be available (however, if not, you can check the gesture's status in phone's settings).

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