Technology news

• Infamous 'Star Wars Holiday Special' gets 'Force Awakens' parody - CNET

  15-12-2015 23:57 via cnet.com
  
  Funny or Die envisions a new "Hypothetical Star Wars Holiday Special" with the help of Jason Alexander, Lydia Hearst, DJ Qualls and the band Train. Plus, meet BB-8's family.
  
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• Rumor: Samsung's Galaxy S7 will have its own version of Apple's 3D Touch video - CNET

  15-12-2015 23:36 via cnet.com
  
  The next Galaxy S7 smartphone is already being talked about; Instagram for Android has 3D Touch-like functionality; and a killer Chromecast deal for the holidays.
  
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• NASA spies 'cosmic bull's-eye' as two moons line up perfectly - CNET

  15-12-2015 23:14 via cnet.com
  
  Two of Saturn's many moons line up for a special Cassini spacecraft photo op as they strike a pose with rings against a backdrop of the blackness of space.
  
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• A bulletproof Tesla Model S? Thank Borat for that - CNET

  15-12-2015 23:13 via cnet.com
  
  007, eat your heart out.
  
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• NASA shoots for Saturn's moons with dazzling Cassini views (pictures) - CNET

  15-12-2015 23:08 via cnet.com
  
  Saturn has over 50 named moons and NASA's Cassini spacecraft is busy frolicking among them, sending back eye-catching images of these far-off celestial bodies.
  
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• Try this 'holographic magazine' for a 3D read - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:45 via cnet.com
  
  With a wave of your smartphone or tablet, the pages of Funn Magazine reveal a new dimension of imagery. The futuristic publication is now raising funds on Kickstarter.
  
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• Sentri's confusing security system doesn't quite translate video - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:43 via cnet.com
  
  The $299 Sentri security system may offer innovative design, but its touchscreen interface doesn't actually add much value.
  
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• Presidential hopefuls battle for your vote on 'Force Awakens' poster - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:40 via cnet.com
  
  You've probably never seen Hillary Clinton and Marco Rubio wielding lightsabers before. These spoofs of the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" poster involve some unlikely heroes and villains.
  
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• How well do you know your Star Wars weapons? Take our quiz - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:30 via cnet.com
  
  Han Solo said, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side," but what kind of blaster are we talking about? Take our quiz on futuristic Star Wars weaponry.
  
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• Misfit's smart bulb is a color changer, not a game changer video - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:11 via cnet.com
  
  Though it costs less than Philips Hue or Lifx, we're not sure that the Misfit Bolt is your best bet for color-changing smart lighting.
  
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• How well do you you know your Star Wars weapons? Take our quiz - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:05 via cnet.com
  
  Han Solo said, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side," but what kind of blaster are we talking about? Take our quiz on futuristic Star Wars weaponry.
  
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• Facebook is relaxing its real-name policy - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:05 via cnet.com
  
  The social-networking giant said it will loosen rules for how people identify themselves on its service, and protect them from being harassed by others.
  
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• Slap a lightsaber on your Facebook profile to celebrate Star Wars - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:02 via cnet.com
  
  Choose Kylo Ren's fierce lightsaber or Finn's cool-blue Jedi weapon for a customized Star Wars Facebook profile picture.
  
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• Misfit Bolt review - CNET

  15-12-2015 21:00 via cnet.com
  
  The Misfit Bolt promises to add some color to your living space and help you rise and shine in the morning.
  
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• Philips Hue, Lifx and Misfit Bolt: A color comparison (pictures) - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:59 via cnet.com
  
  How do these three color-changing smart bulbs compare across the spectrum? We put them to the test.
  
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• A colorful Misfit in the smart bulb category (pictures) - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:59 via cnet.com
  
  The Misfit Bolt is a Bluetooth smart bulb that offers a full array of colorful lighting possibilities.
  
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• The 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off Road makes us want to "Git in the truck!" - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:44 via cnet.com
  
  While the platform remains the same, much of the sheetmetal of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off Road has been tweaked into something a bit more burly.
  
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• 2016 Toyota Tacome TRD 4x4 Off Road review - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:44 via cnet.com
  
  While the asphalt is not the preferred environment for the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off Road, you can still get to the fun in comfort.
  
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• British police arrest 21-year-old man in VTech hacking

  15-12-2015 20:41
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Police in the UK say they've made an arrest in the hacking of kids' technology maker VTech, which compromised the personal information of more than 6 million children around the world.
  
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• In Depth: Sony PlayStation 5...what can we expect from PS5 and the next generation?

  15-12-2015 20:35
  
  PS5: what does the future hold for PlayStation 5?It's hard to say anything with absolute certainty these days, but if there's any sure bet you can make it's that there will be a Sony PlayStation 5.Sony is nothing if not predictable in its console naming conventions...The PlayStation 4 has now sold 30 million units worldwide and has shown no sign of slowing down. There are plenty of excellent games still to come on this generation of hardware, but the next iteration is right around the bend.Here
  
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• Google Now on Tap adds new features, learns new languages - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:31 via cnet.com
  
  Tap and hold the phone's home button to see and do more with the Android 6.0 feature, which also adds support for six languages.
  
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• iPad Feel My Face - The Music Video video - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:26 via cnet.com
  
  iPad feel my face when I'm with you. But I love it. But I love it. Prooooo!
  
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• Paying via Apple, Samsung phones? More banks are ready to serve you - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:17 via cnet.com
  
  Both Apple Pay and Samsung Pay have added more credit card issuers to their repertoire as they battle for your business.
  
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• Germany is putting an end to hate speech on the Internet - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:16 via cnet.com
  
  The German government makes a deal with Facebook, Twitter and Google to remove hate speech within 24 hours of it being reported. Could this change the Internet as we know it?
  
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• Add 'Star Wars' lightsaber effects to your videos for free - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:07 via cnet.com
  
  For a limited time, free video editor HitFilm 3 Express includes lightsaber and lightning effects. May the force of filmmaking be with you.
  
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• Techradar deals: The best Microsoft Lumia 950 deals for December 2015

  15-12-2015 20:00
  Best Lumia 950 dealsThe Microsoft Lumia 950 is the smaller version of the all-powerful Lumia 950 XL, but despite a slightly slower processor it still packs in loads of the same great specs.That means the Lumia 950 is a phone with a more palm-friendly 5.2-inch QHD screen, a powerful Snapdragon 808 chipset inside (combined with a decent 3GB of RAM) and if you're someone that likes to tinker with their phone, the back comes off (and can be changed for other designs) and you can remove the battery a
  
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• Google adds new designer watch faces to Android Wear - CNET

  15-12-2015 20:00 via cnet.com
  
  Watch faces from the likes of Ted Baker, Melissa Joy Manning, and Mango are available now.
  
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• In Tech: AI research center, Android Pay, OneDrive storage

  15-12-2015 19:59
  
  Three billionaires who launched PayPal and then went on to even greater success in their next ventures are now trying to make sure that artificial intelligence does more good than harm to humans.
  
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• Facebook is making major changes to its real name policy

  15-12-2015 19:58
  
  Facebook announced today that it will be enacting two new policies in regards to the names users go by. The changes aim to provide context when verifying assumed names, in order to balance accountability with safety across the site.The first policy change detailed in Facebook's announcement is an improved reporting process for fake names. Should a user encounter such a name, they can provide context when reporting it by adding details, such as if the person is acting anonymously or impersonating
  
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• Google's Android Pay now works in your apps - CNET

  15-12-2015 19:57 via cnet.com
  
  Android Pay users can now buy products and services like clothing, rides, and restaurant checks right from participating apps.
  
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• This free Chrome extension will help you avoid Star Wars spoilers

  15-12-2015 19:30
  
  Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiered last night, which means that the secrets of its juicy, much-anticipated plot are officially out of the Disney vault. Fortunately, there's a Chrome extension could very well be your best friend up until the film launches later this week. Force Block is a must-download if you're a self-respecting Star Wars fan who doesn't want even the smallest detail spoiled.Fortunately, many of those who saw the film are respecting the #nospoilers code, but there are people
  
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• To solve the butterfly crisis Mexico built a highway

  15-12-2015 18:55
  
      The number of overwintering butterflies in Mexico has plummeted, so a highway has been built for them.By: Kathryn Nave, Continue reading...
  
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• TechRadar Deals: The best iPhone 6S deal for Christmas: save £150 on the iPhone 6S 128GB

  15-12-2015 18:40
  
  If you're looking for a great deal on an iPhone 6S before Christmas, this is a bit of a cracker. Mobiles.co.uk (owned by Carphone Warehouse) and O2 are currently running a great promotion on the best-of-the-best iPhone 6S 128GB which allows you to save £150 on the up front cost of the phone and then get yourself on a good value contract with O2.It looks to be by far the cheapest and best-value way of getting hold of the iPhone 6S 128GB and even beats most (if not all) of the deals out ther
  
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• How to add Apple Music to your Sonos system - CNET

  15-12-2015 18:39 via cnet.com
  
  The wait is over for those willing to deal with a few bugs during the beta.
  
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• Qualcomm decides against breakup, says current structure best

  15-12-2015 18:38
  
  Qualcomm Inc has decided not to split into separate chipmaking and technology licensing businesses, concluding a six-month strategic review instigated by hedge fund Jana Partners. San Diego-based Qualcomm, the biggest maker of chips used in mobile phones, said on Tuesday its current structure offered unique strategic benefits that cannot be replicated. Qualcomm, whose earnings have slumped by more than 40 percent in each of the last three quarters, said it had "a focused plan" in place that it b
  
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• How to control your GoPro with your Apple Watch - CNET

  15-12-2015 18:30 via cnet.com
  
  A newly updated app lets you preview shots, start and stop recording and more. Here's how to turn your wrist into a GoPro remote.
  
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• Man arrested in VTech children's data hack - CNET

  15-12-2015 18:26 via cnet.com
  
  A 21-year-old British man is accused in the cyberattack, which stole data of more than 6 million children.
  
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• How to toggle Google Now on Tap off and on - CNET

  15-12-2015 18:25 via cnet.com
  
  Whether you accidentally opted out of the feature and want to enable it, or you want to revert to the old method for taking screenshots, here's how to toggle the Google Now on Tap setting.
  
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• First 'Fantastic Beasts' trailer transports us back to the wizarding world of Harry Potter - CNET

  15-12-2015 18:14 via cnet.com
  
  Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first trailer for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," the Harry Potter prequel that whisks viewers away to a supernatural 1920s-era New York.
  
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• Facebook debuts Yelp-like feature to find local businesses

  15-12-2015 18:10
  
  (Reuters) - Facebook Inc has quietly debuted a feature on its social networking site that helps users find local businesses based on customer reviews, bringing it in direct competition with similar services from Yelp Inc and Angie's List Inc. The feature was first spotted by a tech blog. Facebook has not made a public announcement of the feature. The webpage for the new feature, which reads "Find local businesses with the best Facebook reviews and ratings", can be accessed through the URL, www.f
  
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• These are the 17 best pre-Christmas tech deals still available - CNET

  15-12-2015 18:06 via cnet.com
  
  Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Green Monday are behind us. Christmas is less than two weeks away. But there are still some great tech deals out there. (Updated December 15, 9:02 a.m. PT.)
  
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• Police arrest suspect in connection with VTech hack

  15-12-2015 18:01
  
  A man has been arrested in connection with the recent VTech hack, which witnessed a massive theft of data relating to some 6.4 million children (VTech is a Hong Kong-based toy making company).The man in question is 21-years-old, and was arrested in Bracknell under suspicion of offences violating the Computer Misuse Act, according to a statement from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).SEROCU also said that as well as the arrest being made, a number of electronic devices were al
  
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• Facebook, Google, Twitter agree to delete hate speech in 24 hours: Germany

  15-12-2015 17:49
  
  Germany said on Tuesday that Facebook, Google and Twitter have agreed to delete hate speech from their websites within 24 hours, a new step in the fight against rising online racism following the refugee crisis. The new agreement makes it easier for users and anti-racism groups to report hate speech to specialist teams at the three companies, German Justice Minister Heiko Maas said. "When the limits of free speech are trespassed, when it is about criminal expressions, sedition, incitement to car
  
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• Updated: LG G5 release date, news and rumors

  15-12-2015 17:45
  
  LG G5 release date, news and rumorsUpdate: The LG G5 could be here in February, with a 5.6-inch screen and an iris scanner.The LG G4 got a lot right, but with a couple of significant missteps and a few other minor niggles it didn't quite reach the heights of greatness we'd hoped for. But 2016 is another year, and the LG G5 is another chance for LG to deliver the handset we all know it's capable of.As we saw with the G4, LG won't be drawn into following the norm of metal and glass bodies, happily
  
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• Get an LG Urbane smartwatch for $199.99 - CNET

  15-12-2015 17:37 via cnet.com
  
  From the Cheapskate: Originally $349, this drool-worthy watch ranks as "the best of Android Wear." And now it's a deal, too. Plus: an entire free season of a popular TV show!
  
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• Microsoft has pulled the latest Windows 10 Mobile build

  15-12-2015 17:32
  
  Microsoft has pulled Windows 10 Mobile Build 10586.29 due to start-up and notification issues. If you've successfully updated your Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL to Build 10586.29 you don't need to worry about the build being pulled. However, if you haven't already updated, you won't be able to do so until Microsoft republishes the build. The issues plaguing Build 10586.29 include users with applicable handsets not being offered the update, the update getting stuck at 0%, and incessant false-alarm lo
  
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• Updated: Best free Android apps of 2015: 100 you must download

  15-12-2015 17:17
  
  Best free Android appsIf you have an Android device you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to apps, with the Google Play store being home to thousands of them.What's the best phone of 2015?The huge quantity of apps doesn't mean they're all quality - far from it in fact. To make sure you never install a duff app here's our selection of the best you should install right now. Each one has been carefully chosen to ensure that you have the best apps on your device.1. PeriscopePeriscope, Twit
  
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• Kia hits the road in Nevada, with no one at the wheel - CNET

  15-12-2015 17:09 via cnet.com
  
  The Korean automaker has received a permit for autonomous driving in the Silver State, and it hopes to have partially autonomous vehicles on roads by 2020.
  
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• Is Amazon yanking hoverboards over safety concerns? - CNET

  15-12-2015 17:00 via cnet.com
  
  Several brands of the self-balancing scooters have vanished from the Internet retailer following reports of fires.
  
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• Siri vs. Cortana vs. 'OK Google': Who's better, who's best

  15-12-2015 16:55
  
  Cortana's learning the neighborhood. Google's digital assistant can't tell a joke. And Siri apparently has a thing for the metric system. Those are just a few of the things I learned after staging a face-off ...
  
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