Amazon overhauls tablet range with three new Kindle Fire models

Amazon overhauls tablet range with three new Kindle Fire models

Amazon overhauls tablet range with three new Kindle Fire models

Three new Kindle Fires have risen from the ashes of Amazon's current tablet range, which the company has tossed into the flames in favour of more powerful specs, superior screens and better battery life.

At the top end of the new lineup are the Kindle Fire HDX tablets, which directly replace the current Kindle Fire devices. Two models will be available -- an 8.9-inch version with a 2560x1600-pixel display, which works out at 339 pixels per inch (ppi), and a 7-inch model with a 1920x1200-pixel screen at 323 ppi. Read more: http://bit.ly/16zbXMN

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Forget passwords and PINs: Nymi bracelet replaces logins, keys and even wallets with your own HEARTBEAT

Forget passwords and PINs: Nymi bracelet replaces logins, keys and even wallets with your own HEARTBEAT

Forget passwords and PINs: Nymi bracelet replaces logins, keys and even wallets with your own HEARTBEAT 

A Canadian firm wants to replace all our computer passwords, screen locks on phones and tablets, car and house keys and even wallets with a single authentication band worn on the wrist.

The Nymi bracelet reads and monitors the wearer's cardiac rhythm, which is as unique as a person's fingerprint, to authenticate who they are. 

A built-in proximity sensor can then detect where they are, and when the wearer is close to a paired computer, device or car, will automatically confirm their identity and unlock the required hardware or software. Read more:http://dailym.ai/18C71s0

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After Reader, Google to kill Latitude

After Reader, Google to kill Latitude

The Google Latitude service was originally created by Google to provide users access to selected friends location on Google Maps. Latitude is following Google Reader. The service will disappear on August 9th, Google announced today. The Google Latitude service was originally created to provide users access to selected friends' locations on Google Maps. The services that will retire include Google Latitude in Google Maps for Android, Latitude for iPhone, the Latitude API, the public badge, the iGoogle Gadget, and the Latitude website at maps.google.com/latitude. 

Google explains that they will delete your list of friends on Latitude and you will no longer be able to see or manage friends and existing friends will no longer see your location. 

Google announced a new version of Google Maps for iOS and Android (version 7.0) on Tuesday. Google hasn't technically declared it, but Latitude appears to be the latest service casualty to fall to the company's expanding focus on Google+. The latest version of Google+ for Android includes the ability to check in to locations using Yelp and Foursquare and share current locations in new posts.

Those who want more on-the-go minute location data from consenting friends and family appear to be left without an option starting August. 

The new Google Maps app has some changes that users may not appreciate so much. The 'My Maps' support for instance has gone though Google says it will return in a future version.

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Samsung Galaxy NX announced, becomes the world’s first interchangeable Android powered camera with LTE connectivity

Samsung Galaxy NX announced, becomes the world’s first interchangeable Android powered camera with LTE connectivity 

After some leaks, Samsung has announced the Galaxy NX, which becomes the world’s first Android powered interchangeable lens camera that also features LTE. It features an 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, and it is incredibly fast with a shutter speed of 1/6000. Samsung says that it will be compatible with all of its NX series interchangeable lenses but it has also added a new fish-eye lens.

Internally, it is powered by a quad-core processor clocked at 1.6GHz, which presumably is the Exynos 4412 which powers the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Camera. Additionally, it has a 4.8-inch 720p display. Samsung says that it has implemented a hybrid auto focus system on the camera, and it has a separate image processing engine in place separate from the quad-core application processor.

As far as the software is concerned, the camera is powered by the latest version of Android which is Jelly Bean 4.2.2. Samsung has also added the ‘Smart Camera’ mode from the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S4 zoom and the Galaxy Camera, but this time around it has more than 30 modes.

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Recharging your car in twenty minutes

Recharging your car in twenty minutes

The future is now, it seems. Later this year, you’ll be able to almost completely charge an electric car in 20 minutes. We’ve already reached the point where we can do it wirelessly, and now we’ll be able to do it in the time it takes to cook a frozen pizza.

It's as simple as using a single standardized connector that accepts DC fast charging, which was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It’ll be used first by BMW and GM, though Audi, Chrysler, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen are reported to be following suit. Specifically, the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Spark EV are the first two cars to employ the DC fast charge.

“The DC Combo quick charger changes the game,” said GM’s director of advanced vehicle commercialization policy Britta Gross. “Imagine stopping off for a cup of coffee, plugging in your vehicle at the fast charge station outside, run in for your cup of coffee, 10 minutes, 20 minutes later, you have a fully charged vehicle.”

The charger itself is strikingly simple. It uses a single car connector for AC and DC charging, which means it's compatible with the older, standard AC charging stations. But the DC charging is the fast one, bringing the BMW i3 to an 80 percent charge in 20 minutes.

That’s enough for about 80 miles of driving. Obviously, cars with larger batteries will take a longer time to charge, but the BMW i3 offers a pretty good average estimate. AMAZON GIFT CARD GENERATOR

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Sony develops Digital Paper device

Sony develops Digital Paper device 

Digital paper – does this particular term sound rather ironic to you? It does to us actually, although it is a kind of technology that we would more than welcome. Mention Sony and you would think of their Bravia TVs, the PlayStation consoles over the years, and of course, who can forget about the iconic portable music player line that kicked it all off – the Walkman? Having said that, Sony’s foray into the world of tablets has not exactly been an encouraging one to date where its track record is concerned, since their only major notable presence at this point in time would be the Sony Xperia Tablet Z. Well, perhaps they might be able to make larger strides than what they have already achieved with the aforementioned tablet if they were to incorporate some digital paper into future products. After all, Sony has successfully developed a 13.3” digital paper device, where the main aim would be to do away with paper educational materials and documents while helping improve learning effects and productivity among others.

Sony has every plan to propose new learning and working styles through the use of such a device, in addition to having it deliver, store, write and share electronic files over a network. As for the digital paper, Sony has made use of a 13.3” flexible electrophoretic display that relies on its own technology which will form TFTs on a plastic substrate with a high resolution (and that, our dear readers, would be the so-called electronic paper). This unique display can show up to 16 levels of grayscale and has a pixel count of 1,200 x 1,600.

Not only that, it is said that the thickness and mass of the digital paper are just 6.8mm if you do not take into consideration its pen holder and 358g, respectively. You can use it for up to three weeks on a single charge (and this is assuming that the Wi-Fi function is turned off, and PDF files are viewed for an hour each day), which will also include the use of the hand-writing function for five minutes per day. Anyone want to see Sony succeed?

This post was written by hostgatorcouponclub that gives great hostgator coupons

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Samsung launches biggest Galaxy phones in India First impression

Samsung launches biggest Galaxy phones in India  First impression

Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 are big devices. But what is likely to strike a user about them is that they are still quite compact and accessible. Galaxy Mega 5.8 is especially compact when compared to most of the large screen devices from local vendors like Spice and Micromax.

In terms of size, Samsung claims that both devices are pocketable. But after checking them out we are no so sure. Both devices are too big to be carried in jeans pockets. Mega 6.3 is especially big, though it should appeal to people who have to carry a 7-inch tablet and find it too big.

The design of both devices follow the pattern set by Galaxy S4. This means, both devices are a bit squarer than Galaxy Grand or Galaxy Note II. As it is usual for a Samsung smartphone, the devices are constructed using the glossy plastic. The back covers, which have a fine-diamond pattern first seen on Galaxy S4, can be removed. However, despite plastic, the devices have been built very well and finishing appears top notch.

Mega 5.8 uses a TFT screen. It shows good and punchy colours, however, the resolution looks a tad low, especially compared to smartphones with 720P screens.

Mega 6.8 uses a super LCD screen. In terms of showing colours, the screen is good but the text and images don't look as sharp as they do on a device like Galaxy Note II.

Both devices run Android 4.2 customized with Touchwiz interface. While using the device we found the devices to have smooth and lag-free navigations. However, pinch and zoom on heavy web pages or multitasking tend to feel a little slower compared to the performance on devices like Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note II.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini confirmed via Samsung Apps website!

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini confirmed via Samsung Apps website! 

Looks like someone in Samsung Apps team jumped the gun and listed the unannounced Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini on the website. This not only confirms the existence of the device but also suggests the impending arrival of the phone. The Samsung Apps listing does not reveal any device specific details but as per previous reports, the phone will come with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display (720p in LTE version) and 1.6GHz dual-core processor.

The phone will also come with 1GB of RAM (2GB in LTE version), Android 4.2, 8MP rear camera and 2100 mAh battery.

We have previously heard that Samsung is going to announced Galaxy S4 Mini along with S4 Active and Zoom by the end-of-May. So, it is possible that we will see the official announcement in the next couple of days.

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Gadget for Diabetics!

Gadget for Diabetics!

If this becomes reality, we’ll be having some much happier diabetics around. It’s like a colorful half rainbow that features several devices to maintain the health of people with diabetes, all while maintaining their optimism. Color coded for simple, fast and easy use, it makes for way better user experience. Not only this, but the software applications are capable of synchronizing your input with your personal hospital database. Each module can be charged individually, as required – it basically works just like an inkjet printer! Just remove the ‘cartridges’ that need to be charged and plug ‘em in. It’s portable, simple and fun.

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Microsoft unveils third-generation gaming console Xbox One with live TV and internet

Microsoft unveils third-generation gaming console Xbox One with live TV and internet 

Microsoft Corp unveiled the "Xbox One" on Tuesday, its first new gaming console in eight years, and its strongest push so far to dominate consumers' living rooms with an array of exclusive media content.

The Xbox One took four years to develop and will be the launchpad for a "Halo" live-action video series produced by Steven Spielberg.

It will be sold worldwide "later this year," games unit chief Don Mattrick told reporters at an event at the software company's campus near Seattle, without providing details on timing or pricing.

The device will also be the first platform to release the next installment in Activision Blizzard Inc's blockbuster shooter franchise, "Call of Duty".

Microsoft hopes its third-generation Xbox console will attract video game fans who are increasingly sampling games on mobile devices, while also becoming a hub for living room entertainment.

The new device interacts with a television, responds to voice and gesture commands, includes group video calling on Skype, 15 exclusive game titles and original programming content.

The Xbox One will chiefly compete with Nintendo Co's new Wii U and Sony Corp's forthcoming PlayStation 4 for a bigger slice of the $65 billion-a-year computer game market.

- See more at: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/microsoft-unveils-new-xbox-one-with-games-live-tv-and-internet/1118830/#sthash.c74bkHCa.dpuf

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Samsung Galaxy S4 launch

Samsung Galaxy S4 launch

Samsung Galaxy S4 launch

Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupathi were recently in the capital to launch the new Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung held events in Delhi and Bangalore, where celebrity couples handed over the devices to enthusiastic customers waiting in long queues to get their hands on the phone.

The device has the world's first Full HD Super AMOLED display to showcase images at their best. Its 5-inch large screen has 441ppi for stunning viewing quality. Equipped with a 13 megapixel rear camera, the phone enables users to take pictures in many different ways. Dual Shot allows simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras. Users can choose from a variety of frame effects, which blend the two pictures naturally. Drama Shot enables users to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse image. Sound & Shot stores sound and voice in unison as the picture is taken so those special moments are captured in the truest form imaginable. Animated Photo allows the user to take a series of shots and pick one part of the photo to move while the others stay still. 

Group Play enables users to enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. Users can connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly. With Share Music, they can have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere. 

Smart enough to detect your face, voice and motions to enable screen control with no need for finger touch activation, this device delivers effortless tasking, making life easier and hassle-free. Air Gesture allows users to change the music track they are listening to with a wave of their hand. Air View will preview photos and emails by hovering over the screen with your finger. Samsung Smart Pause enables you to control the screen by where you look. When you are watching a video, the video pauses when you look away then it starts again when you look back. 

Lara Dutta summed up the device at the launch by saying, "It's truly designed to be a Life Companion."

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Forget your Keys- Use Your Smartphone!

Forget your Keys- Use Your Smartphone! 

Sure, its happened to me more than once. I lost my house keys, left them in the wrong car, or forgot to give them to my mother who was stopping over to feed the dog. It’s a simple thing, and I should have just taken the time to have extra keys made, or hidden one under the doormat, but in this day and age I’m not sure anyone does that anymore.

Well, First Watch Security is bringing you a nifty home entry alternative, forget your keys and garage door openers, why not use your Smartphone? Working with a smartphone that employs Bluetooth 4.0 and utilizing a 128 bit encryption, The First Watch Security Smart Deadbolt or SecuRemote lets you access your doors or garage with your phone.

Any users you authorize can operate the Smart Deadbolts or garage doors via the SecuRemote app simply by tapping the unlock or lock icons on a Smartphone. Not only can you decide who gets access to your home, but when. This application works with your existing garage door opener and requires only the simple addition of an access control device. Whereas the Smart Deadbolt works with all standard door preparations, is installed with only a screwdriver, and it can run for up to two years on four AA batteries.

Okay, I guess I could like this. SecuRemote for your garage is available now, for only around 149 bucks, the Smart Deadbolt is making its way around the home show circuit and should be available soon. Check out firstwatchsecurity.com for updates, pricing, and more information. So now I suppose, I have to keep track of my phone and worry about someone hacking their way into my house? Does Bluetooth enabled home entry delight or terrify you? … Let us know.

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GOOGLE NOW MAY BE COMING TO GOOGLE’S HOMEPAGE

GOOGLE NOW MAY BE COMING TO GOOGLE’S HOMEPAGE

Google’s award-winning intelligent personal assistant Google Now may be heading to the company’s homepage. The unofficial Google Operating System blog recently discovered the new feature mentioned in a series of code. Google Now is currently only available on Android smartphones and tablets running version 4.1 or later, and is rumored to be heading to iOS and Chrome in the near future. Adding Google Now to the company’s homepage will allow the feature to be utilized by billions of people worldwide. The source code suggests that Google Now on the Web will share the same features as on Android, allowing individuals to set a home and work location to show relevant information like weather, traffic conditions and nearby locations. Google could debut the new version of Google Now at its annual I/O Developers Conference on May 15th.

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The REAL caller ID- App that can turn your iPhone into an identity scanner unveiled

The REAL caller ID- App that can turn your iPhone into an identity scanner unveiled

An iPhone case containing a host of biometric sensors capable of turning an iPhone into a hi-tech ID scanner has been revealed.

Stratus, made by US firm AOptix, can scan a person's iris, fingerprint, voice, and face.

The app, is expected to be used by law enforcement agencies and passport control staff around the world. It is hoped the system could soon replace current systems, which require a laptop and larger scanners.

In February, the Department of Defense paid AOptix $3 million to develop an enhanced solution using the tool that was revealed today.

The app will cost £130 ($199), with the case costing extra - although its price has not been confirmed yet.

'Until now, biometric identity verification has been delivered either by fixed location solutions or difficult to use mobile products with limited functionality,' said Alan Goode, Managing Director, Goode Intelligence,a firm which has been trialling the system. 

'By leveraging the capabilities of the iPhone, and its own deep experience in identity solutions, AOptix is providing an ideal mobile identity platform which will greatly expand the use of biometrics to many new applications and markets.'

The firm believes its system is the first to use an iPhone. 

To use it, users simply slip their handset into the special case and then launch the app. 'Our objective in developing AOptix Stratus was to create a product family that would deliver the benefits of biometric identification to a host of new users,' said Chuck Yort, Vice President and General Manager of Identity Solutions at AOptix. 

'We’ve received a great deal interest from law enforcement and border control, national and civil ID programs, and defense. 

'We anticipate AOptix Stratus will be embraced by healthcare, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and other areas where identity verification is essential but previous biometric techniques have been impossible or unacceptable. 'We’ve received strong encouragement from our partners and end users throughout our development and beta process and are delighted that the product is now available for purchase.'

Experts hailed the gadget as a major step forward for security.

'The launch of AOptix Stratus provides a capability for Smart Mobile Identity around iPhone that will open up a new range of applications for biometrics,' said Dr. Peter Waggett, Emerging Technology Program Leader at IBM. 

'The product provides the basis for an ecosystem of Smart Mobile Identity products and apps that we will use to develop and deliver solutions.' Watch the video: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2310041/Look-phone-ID-app-scan-face-eyes-fingerprints-voice--iPhone.html

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13-inch ASUS Taichi 31 with dual 1080p

13-inch ASUS Taichi 31 with dual 1080p

The 11.6-inch Taichi 21, you'll know that its unusual dual-screen design had a pretty bad impact on battery life. ASUS is taking another crack at the whip, however, this time with the 13.3-inch Taichi that is finally shipping after a major hold-up in the US and promises a big boost to stamina -- a max of seven hours of use rather than five. If this claim stands up to scrutiny, the Ultrabook's other advantages should come back into play: namely the presence of pen or multi-touch input on the outer screen, excellent viewing angles and speakers, and a range of configurations based on either a Core i5 or i7 with SSD storage. We have no idea how pricing will compare to the $1,300 base of the 11-incher and the Taichi 31 hasn't appeared at any major retailers yet -- i.e., it still isn't quite as "available" as ASUS claims

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Sundar Pichai, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus takes charge of Android at Google

Sundar Pichai, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus takes charge of Android at Google

He was one of the most brilliant students of the college during his time there. Sundar Pichai, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus has taken charge of Android at Google

Google Android head Andy Rubin steps down for an undisclosed reason. Google’s CEO Larry Page has announced the news on company’s corporate blog. Though leaving Android, Mr. Rubin will stick around the company and will join another project, which is not yet known. Replacing Mr. Rubin, Google Chrome and Apps Project head Sundar Pichai will handle the additional duty of Android. Larry Page hasn’t disclosed any particular reason for such a move.

The new Android head will now take care of a host of Google services including his former tasks like Chrome web browser, Chrome OS, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, etc. Sundar Pichai, an Indian American computer engineer, is one of promising executives of the web search engine. There is no info available about the new task of the Rubin, who is the co-founder of Android and became a part of Google when the company took it over in 2005.

“Sundar Pichai will lead Android, in addition to his existing work with Chrome and Apps. Sundar has a talent for creating products that are technically excellent yet easy to use – and he loves a big bet,” says Larry Page on the Google official blog. For Rubin, Google CEO says, he has something hard to do in the company. “So while Andy’s a really hard act to follow, I know Sundar will do a tremendous job doubling down on Android as we work to push the ecosystem forward,” he added.

Larry has started the write-up remembering the time Rubin turned up to Google’s headquarters back in 2004 with his Android project. Larry says that it was a time people considered Rubin as mad to emerge with such an idea. “Sergey and I first heard about Android back in 2004, when Andy Rubin came to visit us at Google. He believed that aligning standards around an open-source operating system would drive innovation across the mobile industry. Most people thought he was nuts,” the blog says.

But, after nine years, Android is now the world’s number one operating system for mobile phones and tablets. “The pace of innovation has never been greater, and Android is the most used mobile operating system in the world,” he adds. For Android, Google has now partnered with mover than 60 tech manufacturers. It currently features on over 750 million gadgets with 900,000 devices activated a day across the word. Customers have downloaded over 25 billion apps from Google Play.

On course of time, Android has surpassed the challenge from iOS, Apple’s operating system for mobile phones and tablets. In fact, Google, though taking over Android in 2005, barged to the mobile market only in 2008 after Apple’s successful launch of the original iPhone in 2007. But, within a few years, the company could ensure its dominance thanks to a huge variety of tech makers from mobile and tablet arenas. The label of being an open source OS has also helped Android become a key player.

Latest Android Versions

Over the last several years, Google has updated Android many a time. Let us make a look into the latest versions of the software. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean is the most advanced version that is available in market today. But, it is only running on Google’s Nexus gadgets, as of now. In near future, it will come to the regular devices, most likely debuting with Samsung’s next Galaxy S4 phone. The major attraction of the software is its ability to let users set multiple user profiles as in a Windows PC.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, predecessor to the 4.2 JB, is the version that many high-end, midrange and low-end Android products of the last year are expecting now. It is yet to come to lots of popular devices of Samsung, Sony, HTC and more. In the meantime, talks over the next major version the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie have just kicked in. The KLP is to turn up on Google’s projected next Nexus phone the X-Phone from Motorola.

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Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner goes on sale for $59

Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner goes on sale for $59

Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner goes on sale for $59

Lomography's Smartphone Film Scanner has reached that moment that every crowdfunding project strives for, but often seems elusive: everyday sales. The peripheral is now sitting in stock at an ordinary, post-Kickstarter $59 price. As you'd expect, the functionality remains what we were promised earlier in the year. Slot in an iPhone, or certain Android smartphones, and scanning 35mm film or a slide is just a matter of lining things up and snapping a photo with the phone's camera. Anyone who's sitting on a treasure trove of old photos -- or is just holding on to that film SLR for dear life -- can shop for the scanner at the source link.

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Samsung reveals Passbook rival called Wallet

Samsung reveals Passbook rival called Wallet

Samsung reveals Passbook rival called Wallet

Samsung is taking its cue from Apple for a new mobile app.

Dubbed Wallet, the app is basically Samsung's version of Apple's Passbook. As described on the app's API page for developers, the app "allows users to store and manage event tickets, boarding passes, membership cards, and coupons all in one place."

The app lets providers integrate their apps with Samsung Wallet so that mobile device users can add their electronic tickets and coupons. Those tickets display bar codes that can then be scanned at terminals. Demoing the app at Mobile World Congress today in Barcelona, Spain, Samsung showed how a person could add an electronic airplane ticket from a provider such as Lufthansa into the Wallet app.

Like Passbook, Wallet uses push notifications to alert people when they're in the right location to use one of their stored coupons or tickets. Wallet users can also receive updates to their boarding passes and membership card points.

So far, Samsung has signed up Walgreens, Major League Baseball, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Lufthansa as Wallet partners. The API (application programming interface) for developers is still in beta and available only to select partners. But Samsung will open up the playing field to everyone starting in May.

Samsung Wallet doesn't support near-field communications, so mobile tap-to-pay payments aren't part of the picture, at least not yet. The company told the Verge that it decided not to include an NFC option as retailers still prefer bar codes because no additional hardware is needed. But Samsung didn't rule out the feature for some future date.

Below is a video about Samsung Wallet: http://youtu.be/qXSQicmVOtg

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Journalism Students Are Learning To Operate Drones For…Journalism

Journalism Students Are Learning To Operate Drones For…Journalism

Journalism Students Are Learning To Operate Drones For…Journalism

In an attempt to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, the journalism schools at the University of Missouri and University of Nebraska both offer classes on drone reporting, in spite of the fact that this practice is currently illegal for professional journalists.

Domestic drone regulations are changing quickly. For example the Missouri state government is currently considering a bill that would prohibit the use of drones for agricultural monitoring. Such practices are being championed by companies like Monsanto, which claim that using drones to collect data about crops would reduce operating costs. While drones offer clear advantages for field checks and reporting, a slippery slope of privacy concerns have largely sidelined their use thus far.

In the Drone Journalism Lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln started in 2011, and the Missouri Drone Journalism Program at the University of Missouri started this year, students learn how to fly unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), collect video footage and photographs, interpret Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and grapple with ethical questions. Nebraska's program is a collaboration between the journalism school, Information Technology program, and radio station KBIA, the local NPR affiliate.

Both schools consider the classes to be experimental and are using the drones for things like water sampling, drought surveillance and controlled fire tracking. Get ready for a descending swarm of over-eager drones reporting from the skies above. [Fast Company]

Image credit: Shutterstock/Stephane Bidouze

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GOOGLE CFO ADMITS MOTOROLA’S PHONES HAVEN’T HAD A ‘WOW’ FACTOR

GOOGLE CFO ADMITS MOTOROLA’S PHONES HAVEN’T HAD A ‘WOW’ FACTOR

A Google (GOOG) executive revealed that Motorola’s current line of devices don’t include anything that would “wow” consumers. Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference on Thursday, Google’s chief financial officer Patrick Pichette said the company inherited a pipeline of unimpressive products, at least by Google’s standards.

“The case with Motorola is that we’ve inherited a pipeline,” he said, according to The Verge. “Motorola has a great set of products, but they’re not really like ‘wow’ by Google standards. Dennis Woodside and his team have inherited 18 months of pipeline that we have to drain right now.”

These products include recent releases such as the DROID RAZR MAXX HD and DROID RAZR M, both of which have received positive feedback from critics and consumers. Recent rumors have suggested that Google is working on a high-end flagship smartphone with Motorola codenamed X Phone that could debut at the company’s annual I/O Developers Conference in May.

Pichette also revealed that Google hopes Chrome OS will become the PC equivalent of what Android is on mobile. The executive praised the operating system’s security for enterprise users and its integrated Google Docs support. While the company previously offered low-end and affordable Chrome OS computers, the recently announced Chromebook Pixel highlights Google’s plans to attack the high-end market as well.

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