Technology news

• A monster idea: Esurance produces a don't-Pokemon-and-drive ad - CNET

  02-09-2016 23:21 via cnet.com
  
  Technically Incorrect: Online insurance company decides to point out the pointlessness of chasing monsters at the wheel.
  
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• Facebook is testing a new feature to encourage conversations

  02-09-2016 23:13
  
  Facebook really, really wants you to talk to your friends. The company is testing a new feature — "What friends are talking about" — in some News Feeds. Mashable spotted it Friday in the Android version of Facebook's mobile app, though it's possible other users on different platforms may have seen it earlier. The feature collects posts from your friends in a special section of your News Feed, just a little bit down from the top, and highlights how many comments the content received f
  
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• Amazon's Alexa might become your personal Einstein - CNET

  02-09-2016 23:11 via cnet.com
  
  Amazon nabbed eBay's head of artificial intelligence, upping the voice assistant stakes against Siri, Cortana and Google Now.
  
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• Hands-on review: IFA 2016: Fossil Q Marshal

  02-09-2016 22:59 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  The Fossil Q Marshal, one of two new Android Wear smartwatches launched by the firm at IFA 2016, sports a rugged, yet stylish design making it one of the best looking wearables currently around.Prices start at $275 (around £200, AU$390) and increase if you fancy spending a little extra on a leather or stainless steel strap versus the entry level silicone band.While its sister product, the Q Wander, is aimed mainly at females although Fossil does stress it's still a unisex product, the more
  
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• Apple Watch 2: The final rumors video - CNET

  02-09-2016 22:49 via cnet.com
  
  Sorting through every Apple Watch rumor we've heard ahead of Apple's official announcement.
  
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• Four new Fossil fitness trackers with analog faces - CNET

  02-09-2016 22:31 via cnet.com
  
  The Q Nate, Q Crewmaster, Q Gazer and Q Tailor hybrid smartwatches feature fitness tracking (steps, distance, calories and sleep) and silent alarms and can alert you to smartphone notifications through vibration.
  
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• Samsung recalls Galaxy Note 7 phones video - CNET

  02-09-2016 22:14 via cnet.com
  
  Here's what to do if you have a Note 7 phone.
  
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• Juno captures eerie 'voice' of Jupiter's auroras - CNET

  02-09-2016 22:00 via cnet.com
  
  Having made its first laps around the gas giant with instruments on, NASA's spacecraft sends back one of the planet's creepy soundtracks.
  
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• How to make your vacuum cleaner suck again - CNET

  02-09-2016 22:00 via cnet.com
  
  If your vacuum doesn't clean like it used to, it may just need a thorough cleaning.
  
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• Why you shouldn't use a vacuum cleaner to make a ponytail - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:55 via cnet.com
  
  Technically Incorrect: An Australian morning show sees a production assistant in agony as a so-called expert uses a vacuum cleaner hose to fashion her ponytail.
  
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• Six dimmable daylight LEDs for your consideration - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:52 via cnet.com
  
  If you're a fan of hot white neutral tones from your light bulbs, then these six daylight LEDs belong on your short list.
  
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• Razer upgrades its MacBook slayer with faster chips and longer battery

  02-09-2016 21:52
  
  Razer's 12.5-inch Blade Stealth set out to reimagine thin and light Ultrabooks earlier this year, and it did.  The company's now refreshing the Windows 10 machine with a seventh-generation Intel Core i7 processor and longer battery life. SEE ALSO: Razer Blade Stealth is a kick-ass alternative to Apple's MacBook Pro The Blade Stealth still starts at $999 in the U.S. and is available immediately from Razer's online store, and on Amazon and Microsoft stores from later this month.  Image:
  
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• China's government flexes muscles with Uber, DreamWorks probes

  02-09-2016 21:50
  By Adam Jourdan and Michelle Price SHANGHAI/HONG KONG (Reuters) - The Chinese government said on Friday it was investigating two high-profile takeover proposals involving U.S. companies, the latest sign of its growing influence on whether deals are approved - even those appearing to have little impact in China. The Ministry of Commerce said at a briefing on Friday it was probing ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing's planned acquisition of U.S. rival Uber Technologies Inc's China unit and Comcast Cor
  
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• Watch this prankster sever selfie sticks in NYC - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:38 via cnet.com
  
  A vigilante expresses his disdain of selfie sticks in an obnoxious, but effective way.
  
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• FBI puts Clinton investigation memos online - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:37 via cnet.com
  
  The documents summarize what Clinton told the FBI about her private email server.
  
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• Lambos, Audis, Porsches and a Hellcat: Our week on Instagram - Roadshow

  02-09-2016 21:36 via cnet.com
  
  And it appears Carfection has died once again.
  
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• Apple set to focus on iPhone at September 7 event video - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:35 via cnet.com
  
  CNET's Shara Tibken gives us the inside scoop of what to expect from Apple's September 7 event, including a new iPhone and Apple Watch.
  
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• Spider-Man looks 'badass' in shadow-filled photo shared by 'Homecoming' star - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:26 via cnet.com
  
  "Spider-Man: Homecoming" star Tom Holland teases how his character could look before taking the drop on criminals.
  
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• 'Rogue One' toys star in stop-motion video to kick off Star Wars contest - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:07 via cnet.com
  
  New action figures grab the spotlight in an impressive fan video that uses elaborate sets to promote the "Go Rogue" fan film campaign sponsored by Lucasfilm and Disney.
  
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• Pokemon Go will now let you walk the world with Pikachu - CNET

  02-09-2016 21:06 via cnet.com
  
  The new Buddy feature lets you take any of your favorite Pokemon out of their Pokeball and walk around in-game with your trainer avatar.
  
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• Everything you need to know about Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare's multiplayer

  02-09-2016 21:00
  
  By: Matt KamenContinue reading...
  
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• The 404 Show 1674: Iceland, skinny dudes, Gene Wilder (podcast) - CNET

  02-09-2016 20:52 via cnet.com
  
  2014's Podcaster of the Year Justin Yu is back with us to welcome home Russ Frushtick, who recently returned from a honeymoon in Iceland. We'll discuss his adventures there, what it's like to be a skinny dude, the Note 7 recall, and the death of Gene Wilder.
  
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• Oh, you wanted to buy a Tesla in Missouri? Hahaha, no - Roadshow

  02-09-2016 20:44 via cnet.com
  
  Tesla just lost the ability to sell its cars out of brick-and-mortar stores in the state, according to a new court ruling.
  
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• The Shelby GTE is a decent way to spend $18,000 on your Mustang - Roadshow

  02-09-2016 20:42 via cnet.com
  
  If you want a little extra power and a whole bunch of flashy kit, the Shelby GTE package could be the Mustang upgrade for you.
  
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• Shelby GTE grants your Mustang a bit more hustle, way more panache - Roadshow

  02-09-2016 20:42 via cnet.com
  
  Available for both I4 and V8 models, you get a fair number of upgrades for the $18,000 it'll cost you.
  
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• Halt and catch fire: Battery woes go well beyond Samsung

  02-09-2016 20:38
  
  Samsung's Note 7 isn't the only gadget to catch fire thanks to lithium-battery problems, which have afflicted everything from iPhones to Tesla cars to Boeing jetliners. Blame chemistry and the fact that ...
  
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• Updated: The best VPN services in September 2016

  02-09-2016 20:35
  
  Best VPN services: The top providersChoose the best VPN serviceVPN (Virtual Private Network) works by creating an encrypted connection between your computer and a VPN server from a service provider (there are dozens of them to choose, from all over the world).Anything you do online - sites you're visiting, emails you send or receive, files you download, web forms you complete - passes through that secure tunnel and can't be intercepted by anyone else (unless one of these servers - or your own co
  
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• Nintendo NX console is again rumored to return to cartridges - CNET

  02-09-2016 20:23 via cnet.com
  
  This time "people familiar with the matter" have told The Wall Street Journal about the format swap, which correlates to an earlier report by Eurogamer.
  
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• Hands-on review: IFA 2016: Fossil Q Wander

  02-09-2016 20:20
  
  The Fossil Q Wander, one of two new Android Wear smartwatches from the time piece manufacturer, is a smartwatch for ladies and those with slimmer wrists.Q Wander prices start at $295 (around £200, AU$390), depending on the type of strap you fancy with silicone, leather and stainless steel all possible options.The metal design is sleek and elegant, rather than the more rugged Q Marshal, which gives it a more subtle appearance on the wrist. It also won't drown smaller wrists in a sea of casi
  
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• Updated: Top 10 best cloud storage services of 2016

  02-09-2016 20:00
  
  IntroductionIn the recent history of file transfers, floppy disks begat USB sticks begat the vast nebulous world of the cloud. In this always-online time, we've all trained ourselves to keep everything that's truly important on ever-accessible cloud drives. That way our files are always there when we need them. The thing is, lower storage costs, burgeoning data centres and a high demand means there are hordes of options to choose from. So which is the best?It turns out there isn't a best of the
  
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• Samsung missed the memo: Gear-type smartwatches aren't the future of wearables - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:50 via cnet.com
  
  Analogue smartwatches like Fossil's newly unveiled Q range and the Withings Steel HR will be responsible for growth in the wearables space, say analysts.
  
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• IFA 2016: 10 best gadgets of IFA 2016

  02-09-2016 19:40
  
  10 best gadgets of IFA 2016IFA 2016 has wrapped up in Berlin, but we're still reeling from some of the stuff we've seen. From new phones to hybrid laptop-tablets and everything in between, here's our list of the top tech we laid eyes on at Germany's biggest tech convention.1. Sony Xperia XZLo and behold, Sony unveiled its actual flagship X-series device at IFA 2016, the Xperia XZ. Compared to the Sony Xperia X, the XZ has a refined design, and puts a serious focus on photography.Here's a snippet
  
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• UPDATED: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs iPhone 6S Plus

  02-09-2016 19:37
  
  Design, display, specs and storageUpdate: Our Samsung Galaxy Note 7 review tells you more about the new Android phone and how it performs right before its official release date.Well folks, it's here. After months of speculation, Samsung has finally taken the wraps off of the long-awaited Galaxy Note 7, the company's flagship phablet offering. The device acts as a successor to the highly successful Galaxy Note 5 and Note 4. Yes, Samsung skipped the Note 6 -- supposedly to bring the Note series in
  
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• Hands-on review: IFA 2016: Sony MDR-1000X Wireless Headphones

  02-09-2016 19:37
  
  Sony has launched a new pair of premium noise-cancelling headphones at IFA 2016 in the form of the MDR-1000X – and spoiler alert, it's impressive.The headphones cost $400, £330 or AU$700 and will be in stores in October this year, but a couple of new features make them better than anything we've seen from Sony's headphone line before.During our short time with the headset it felt comfortable with a well padded headband, and the same for the ears. You can fold it away into a smaller p
  
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• Samsung recalls Galaxy Note 7 due to battery fires video - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:34 via cnet.com
  
  After two weeks on sale, the Note 7 smartphone is being recalled because of a faulty battery. Customers are promised replacement phones in the coming weeks.
  
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• UPDATED: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs S7 Edge

  02-09-2016 19:33
  
  Design, display and specsThe Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is going to be oversimplified by many as the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge with a slightly bigger screen size and a S-Pen stylus, but it's a bit more than that.There are a lot of subtle design changes that make it a business-friendly alternative to the South Korean company's flagship handset at a slightly more expensive price.Both are likely to remain the best phones in their class for the rest of 2016, with great cameras, processors and designs, but w
  
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• UPDATED: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Note 5

  02-09-2016 19:32
  
  Design, display and specsThe Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is unquestionably a step up from the Galaxy Note 5, though its name suggests it's actually two steps up from its Android phone predecessor.We've tested the new phablet and brought along the old one to see where it makes its biggest moves. Its specs are more in line with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and its design reflects the stylish S7 Edge.It's old against new in our Galaxy Note 7 vs Note 5 comparison, so let's give Samsung's two S-Pen-focused smartp
  
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• Lego 'Rogue One' sets give hints for the upcoming Star Wars film - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:31 via cnet.com
  
  The new sets include characters like K-2SO driod and Jyn Erso, as well as an Imperial Assault Hovertank, AT-ST Walker and more.
  
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• Samsung's Galaxy Note7 debacle is a gift to Apple

  02-09-2016 19:29
  
  Samsung’s glorious Galaxy Note7 mission has just imploded, almost as spectacularly as SpaceX’s Facebook satellite-carrying rocket did on the launch pad just hours before. SpaceX will mop up and launch again. Samsung's Galaxy Note7 might not be so lucky. The 5.7-inch Galaxy Note7 is one of the best-reviewed products and, perhaps, one of the top smartphones of the past year, but all that may be for naught. After dozens of reports of Galaxy Note7’s exploding while charging, Samsun
  
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• First look at 'Rogue One' Lego sets - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:28 via cnet.com
  
  The first wave of Lego toys based on the new Star Wars movie are set to hit store shelves this month.
  
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• Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 recall: The last thing the brand needed - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:26 via cnet.com
  
  Technically Incorrect: The timing is terrible. Just how much damage might Samsung's recall do to its brand image?
  
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• IFA 2016: Audio at IFA 2016: the coolest cans, speakers and soundbars from this year's show

  02-09-2016 19:24
  
  Audio announcements at IFA 2016IFA has traditionally been a show that's all about televisions, but IFA 2016 saw a number of interesting audio announcements. From the world's first in-ear planar magnetic headphones, to two of the most distinctive high-end speakers we've ever seen, IFA 2016 has been a great year for audio. We also saw what felt like every headphone company under the sun release a pair of wireless cans. It's almost as though a certain phone company is rumored to be dropping the hea
  
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• I kicked the crap out of Dyson’s new vacuums and they wouldn’t fall over

  02-09-2016 19:22
  
  BERLIN — Mom always taught me never to kick any appliances, but Dyson actually encouraged me to kick the crap out of its new vacuums at IFA 2016 and try to make them fall over. I tried and failed.  SEE ALSO: This Poké Ball phone battery is perfect for hardcore 'Pokémon Go' players Dyson’s new Cinetic Big Ball (Animalpro and Musclehead) canister vacuums aren't like others.  They can bounce right back up when they fall over from being tugged (or kicked). Dyson a
  
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• Weird and wonderful gadgets crank up Europe's craziest tech show - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:21 via cnet.com
  
  Here are some of the most interesting, unusual and outlandish gadgets from this week's IFA 2016 in Berlin.
  
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• So, it seems you can now 3D print your very own shirtless Poldark

  02-09-2016 19:20
  
  But be prepared to be terrified with the results.
  
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• Didi Chuxing's Uber acquisition raises Chinese antitrust concerns - Roadshow

  02-09-2016 19:02 via cnet.com
  
  When you already control most of the ridesharing in a country, buying up your biggest competitor might be an issue.
  
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• Superman's disguise might not be so ridiculous - CNET

  02-09-2016 19:00 via cnet.com
  
  Can dressing as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent really fool humans in search of Superman? Prosopagnosia may be the answer.
  
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• Hands-on review: Dell Inspiron 17 7000

  02-09-2016 19:00
  
  Convertible notebooks that can be used as tablets or laptops bring obvious benefits, with the main upshot being that you only need to buy one device rather than two. The first type uses a rotating hinge design to flip the display around 360 degrees, while the second makes the display detachable - like Microsoft's Surface Book. Dell has opted for the first former approach with its giant Inspiron 17 7000 convertible laptop, and we can't help but thing it might have been better off going for the la
  
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• Samsung's Galaxy Note recall: The last thing the brand needed - CNET

  02-09-2016 18:59 via cnet.com
  
  Technically Incorrect: The timing is terrible. Just how much damage might Samsung's recall do to its brand image?
  
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• Jon Favreau takes on virtual reality with 'Gnomes & Goblins'

  02-09-2016 18:59
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jon Favreau has brought talking animals and smart-alecky superheroes to the big screen. For his next project, he's luring miniature goblins into virtual reality to become one of the first major filmmakers to create an original work using VR.
  
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