Technology news

• Queensland Treasury uses CBA blockchain for 'cryptobond' prototype

  24-01-2017 23:57 via zdnet.com
  
  The state authority will begin using the bank's capital markets blockchain platform prototype for secure transactions via a virtual 'cryptobond'.
  
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• NASA setting up crazy VR Mars ride with a 90-foot drop - CNET

  24-01-2017 23:52 via cnet.com
  
  Visitors to the Super Bowl Live festival in Houston will get to travel to the Red Planet via virtual reality, complete with a big drop back to Earth.
  
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• Julian Assange is having trouble making good on his promise of extradition

  24-01-2017 23:47
  
  Julian Assange, cooped up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, seems to still be having trouble deciding whether or not he'll make good on his promise to be extradited to the U.S. because former president Barack Obama commuted the sentence of U.S. whistleblower Chelsea Manning. SEE ALSO: Chelsea Manning will go free. Now, about Julian Assange's extradition ... Appearing Tuesday night on Australian TV news show The Project , Assange was grilled by reporter Waleed Aly about his promise to accept e
  
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• The Badlands Twitter account is the ultimate climate rebel

  24-01-2017 23:36
  
  In this age of "alternative facts," a new guardian of truth has emerged: the people behind National Park Service Twitter accounts.  The Twitter account for Badlands National Park in South Dakota fired off tweets about climate change on Tuesday amid gag orders levied on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency that prevent scientists and employees there from using social media and discussing research.  SEE ALSO: Tillerson is dead wrong in what he told the S
  
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• Tumblr gets with the program, adds stickers and filters

  24-01-2017 23:32
  
  If stickers and filters on Snapchat, Instagram and Messenger weren’t enough, you can now add them to your Tumblr photos and GIFs, too.  Tumblr announced the update on the company's blog on Tuesday in a characteristically whimsical post. Users can use stickers on iOS and Android to post to the Tumblr app to make their photos pop. The update also works on Tumblr's iMessage app, so you can use the stickers in your texts.  SEE ALSO: 'Lemonade,' Lin-Manuel and other things Tumblr love
  
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• Space junk could take out a European satellite this week - CNET

  24-01-2017 23:26 via cnet.com
  
  With part of an old Russian satellite threatening to make a mess of a European Space Agency orbiter Wednesday, scientists are rushing out a rare collision avoidance scheme.
  
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• So the App Store is basically Yelp now

  24-01-2017 23:22
  
  Apple just made a major change to its App Store policies. The company will soon let developers respond directly to app reviews in the App Store, according to details released with latest iOS beta. SEE ALSO: Apps aren't dead — they're thriving to the tune of $89 billion The feature isn't yet live, but Apple notes in the developer preview of the iOS 10.3 beta, released Tuesday, that the final version of the update will allow developers to "respond to customer reviews on the App Store in a wa
  
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• CPSC urges better battery safety after Samsung's Note 7 fiasco - CNET

  24-01-2017 23:19 via cnet.com
  
  The US safety agency says there's no way it could match Samsung's efforts to figure out what went wrong with the Galaxy Note 7.
  
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• How one e-waste recycling company is creating second chances for trash – and for people

  24-01-2017 23:13
  
  What do you get when you transform trash into jobs? For one LA-based recycling company, it means a whole new way of doing business.    Isidore Electronics Recycling is a company that believes in second chances – for the discarded devices we toss in our landfills every day and for the people who emerge from the criminal justice system looking for work.    Part of the LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Isidore is a full-service electronics recycling company on a mission to sa
  
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• Nerf Nitro lets you shoot customizable cars from Nerf guns - Roadshow

  24-01-2017 23:11 via cnet.com
  
  Is there anything else your inner (or actual) child could possibly want?!
  
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• When a robot isn't just a robot

  24-01-2017 23:00
  
  Why do you feel comfortable or even empathetic to a robot? We explore how humans develop an emotional connection with machines, and how engineers are designing that connection.  Introducing 'The Possible,' a new virtual reality series that explores groundbreaking technology.  Watch now on the Within app.  
  
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• If you have a new MacBook Pro, you should update macOS right now

  24-01-2017 22:57
  
  When Apple unveiled the new MacBook Pro in October 2016, its erratic battery life cost the product a coveted Consumer Reports recommendation.  This led the company's senior vice president, Phil Schiller, to announce that Apple would work with the publication "to understand their battery test." It did, and now it's doing something about it. Apple released an update to macOS (version 10.12.3) that includes a fix to the battery issues. It had previously teased the fix via a beta release, regai
  
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• Google Home now controls Belkin's WeMo and Honeywell devices

  24-01-2017 22:55 via zdnet.com
  
  While Google is adding more integrations to Google Home, it has a long way to go to catch up to Amazon's Alexa-powered Echo.
  
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• Texas Instruments quarterly revenue beats on automotive demand

  24-01-2017 22:54
  (Reuters) - Chipmaker Texas Instruments Inc reported higher-than-expected quarterly revenue, helped by strong demand for its analog and embedded chip products from the automotive and industrial markets. Texas Instruments, which counts Apple Inc among its largest customers, also forecast current-quarter profit of 78-88 cents per share and revenue of $3.17 billion-$3.43 billion. Analysts on average were expecting a profit of 75 cents per share and revenue of $3.21 billion, according to Thomson Reu
  
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• Texas Instruments quarterly revenue rises 7.1 percent

  24-01-2017 22:37
  (Reuters) - Chipmaker Texas Instruments Inc reported a 7.1 percent rise in quarterly revenue, helped by strong demand for its analog and embedded chip products from the automotive and industrial markets. The company's net income rose to $1.05 billion, or $1.02 per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, from $836 million, or 80 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose to $3.41 billion from $3.19 billion. (Reporting by Narottam Medhora in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
  
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• HP's Envy 27 AIO is a sleek Windows system video - CNET

  24-01-2017 22:35 via cnet.com
  
  This all-in-one stands out for its lovely design.
  
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• ​Microsoft: Minecraft mentors help teachers grok the game - CNET

  24-01-2017 22:30 via cnet.com
  
  Educators who don't know a creeper from a piston can get online help from experts on using the megahit game in schools. Also new: polar bears.
  
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• Hard-drive maker Seagate's revenue, profit beat estimates

  24-01-2017 22:30
  (Reuters) - Hard-disk drive maker Seagate Technology Plc reported higher-than-expected profit and revenue, helped by strong demand for its cloud-based storage products. The hard-disk drive maker has been focusing on cloud-based products as businesses cut spending on traditional storage systems. Seagate also said earlier this month that it plans to shut its Suzhou factory in China.
  
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• 'Arrival', Amazon's 'Manchester by the Sea' tapped for Oscars - CNET

  24-01-2017 22:30 via cnet.com
  
  "Rogue One", "Doctor Strange", "Suicide Squad" and "Star Trek Beyond" are also among the geek-tastic movies vying for glory at the 2017 Academy Awards.
  
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• TV store pulls terrifying prank on customers to promote the new 'Rings' film

  24-01-2017 22:25
  
  By pranking unsuspecting customers, Paramount Pictures turned their new film 'Rings' into a nightmarish reality.
  
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• Mark Zuckerberg denies he's running for president - CNET

  24-01-2017 22:24 via cnet.com
  
  After a litany of speculation in the press, the Facebook founder tries to squash the rumor.
  
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• Four men developed a tool to keep track of Trump's every move

  24-01-2017 22:20
  
  As Donald Trump embarks on his journey to "Make America Great Again," the world is waiting to see if he follows through on the many promises he made during his presidential campaign. Track Trump, a tool created by Y Combinator President Sam Altman and his team, is here to keep you up to date on Trump's progress in the White House by highlighting the promises he's made for his first 100 days in office. SEE ALSO: How the internet is tracking Trump's every word After taking a look at Trump's Contra
  
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• Nissan, BMW, EVgo team up to add more DC Fast chargers across the US - Roadshow

  24-01-2017 22:17 via cnet.com
  
  The stations will pack both CHAdeMO and SAE Combo chargers, appealing to as many EVs as possible.
  
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• 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' director teases opening crawl - CNET

  24-01-2017 22:14 via cnet.com
  
  Peek inside the "Episode VIII" editing bay with a behind-the-scenes photo from director Rian Johnson.
  
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• The iPhone 8's Siri could get smarter with AI - CNET

  24-01-2017 21:48 via cnet.com
  
  Apple could outfit its Siri voice assistant with artificial intelligence, following a gathering trend of AI on phones.
  
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• LG's G6 phone reportedly has rounded edges and thin bezel - CNET

  24-01-2017 21:47 via cnet.com
  
  The phone, expected to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Spain next month, is LG's best shot at taking on Samsung.
  
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• The Latest: Sides face off at hearing on Pinelands pipeline

  24-01-2017 21:38
  
  The Latest on a hearing on a proposal to run a natural gas pipeline through the New Jersey Pinelands region (all times local): 3:40 p.m. Supporters and foes of a proposal to run a natural gas pipeline ...
  
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• These smart locks will let you ditch your keys - CNET

  24-01-2017 21:30 via cnet.com
  
  You don't need a key if you've got a connected deadbolt on your front door -- and your options are continuing to grow.
  
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• Smarten up your front door with a connected deadbolt - CNET

  24-01-2017 21:30 via cnet.com
  
  Smart locks like these make it easier to manage access to your home -- and, if you want, they'll let you kiss your keys goodbye.
  
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• Oracle Solaris limps on in continuous delivery mode

  24-01-2017 21:28 via zdnet.com
  
  Solaris Unix will not be seeing any significant upgrades, but Oracle will continue to support it for years to come.
  
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• Wrangler, beware: 2020 Ford Bronco should pack solid front, rear axles - Roadshow

  24-01-2017 21:27 via cnet.com
  
  That's the word on the street, according to Dana's recent investor presentation.
  
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• NBN launches 'Gen NBN' marketing campaign

  24-01-2017 21:25 via zdnet.com
  
  The new marketing campaign features a 60-second TV ad, outdoor advertising, and targeted digital and social media advertising encouraging customers to use the NBN for home, business, education, and healthcare.
  
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• Hidden History: Virtual Reality

  24-01-2017 21:25
  
  Virtual Reality might be the hottest new thing in tech, but surprisingly, VR has a long history before today. Mashable explores the various false-starts, influences, and oddities in the Hidden History of VR. 'The Possible,' is a new virtual reality series that explores groundbreaking technology. Watch now on the Within app.
  
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• AutoComplete: Faraday Future fights back against $1.8 million lawsuit video - Roadshow

  24-01-2017 21:25 via cnet.com
  
  Ford makes a big brand acquisition, and rumors swirl around the upcoming 2020 Bronco.
  
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• New patent hints at a customizable Apple Watch

  24-01-2017 21:10
  
  Your Apple Watch band options may soon extend far beyond leather, "Sport" or Hermès. Apple was granted a patent Tuesday describing "modular functional band links for wearable devices." The links are described to be "connected to one or more other of the band links and/or the wearable device and include one or more electronic components." The news was first reported by Apple Insider.  While the patent is broad, its potential uses include adding modules to the Apple Watch, thus expandi
  
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• Useless salad-tosser robot joyfully harasses your lettuce - CNET

  24-01-2017 21:09 via cnet.com
  
  See one of the world's least useful kitchen appliances in action as a robot attempts to mix up a fresh salad.
  
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• Make it so! Talk to Amazon Echo like the Star Trek computer video - CNET

  24-01-2017 21:06 via cnet.com
  
  Amazon boldly goes where no smart speaker has gone before - by letting you speak to it like the computer aboard the Starship Enterprise.
  
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• Tesla just ramped up its Autopilot system

  24-01-2017 21:03
  
  After a delay, Telsa's new Autopilot is finally ready for mass rollout.  Tesla mastermind Elon Musk first teased the new system, Enhanced Autopilot, for the automaker's HW2 hardware package (which has been included in all new models since October) back in December, but the software release was delayed by bugs. Then came a limited update to 1,000 cars and a passive download for the whole HW2 fleet.  SEE ALSO: Modified Tesla Model S goes from 0-62 mph in 2.1 seconds As usual, Musk took t
  
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• Has Sean Spicer's war with Dippin' Dots reached a sweet end? - CNET

  24-01-2017 20:54 via cnet.com
  
  President Donald Trump's White House press secretary has been attacking the tiny ice cream beads on Twitter since 2010. But a truce may be in sight.
  
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• Asus Tinker Board Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

  24-01-2017 20:43 via cnet.com
  
  For makers, educators and IoT designers, this little board promises a lot more performance than its competitor.
  
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• Apple's AirPods dancer shills, oh, for Lexus - CNET

  24-01-2017 20:31 via cnet.com
  
  Commentary: No sooner had Lil Buck tried to get you to buy AirPods than he started shilling for a car company in its Super Bowl ad.
  
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• Night Shift is headed to the Mac to help you sleep better

  24-01-2017 20:30
  
  Longtime Mac users know all about the wonders of f.lux, a third-party system preference that automatically adjusts your screen's color temperature, shifting it from blue to yellow throughout the day in order to combat the harmful effects of blue light. With iOS 9.3, Apple added a feature called "Night Shift" that's essentially f.lux, but for your iPhone or iPad. The useful feature is now headed to the Mac. SEE ALSO: Smart bulbs bring Night Shift-like light to your whole house The latest develope
  
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• Google rolls out final Android Wear 2.0 preview, iOS support included

  24-01-2017 20:17 via zdnet.com
  
  Android Wear 2.0 will officially launch in early February. You can download and test out the latest developer preview and connect it to your iPhone.
  
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• Fujifilm X-T20

  24-01-2017 20:07 via feedproxy.google.com
  
  The Fujifilm X-T10 was a spectacular mini-me version of Fujifilm X-T1, offering many of the same features in a smaller package and at a lower price point. Now we have the Fujifilm X-T20, which even more closely copies the X-T2, bringing 4K video plus its own added touchscreen to the mid-range shooter.All together the new Fujifilm X-T20 is a camera worthy of not only being called the X-T2’s little brother, but also one of the most value-packed cameras yet.Features
  24.3MP X-Trans III APS-C s
  
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• Google hints at Chrome OS coming to tablets - CNET

  24-01-2017 20:03 via cnet.com
  
  The software that powers Google's laptops will likely come to tablets, as Google makes a big push in schools.
  
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• Cybersecurity is an existential threat. Here is what we need to do

  24-01-2017 20:00
  
  By: Orion HindawiContinue reading...
  
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• Apple's iOS 10.3 beta hits with cricket scores, 'Find My AirPods' - CNET

  24-01-2017 20:00 via cnet.com
  
  And the MacOS Sierra 10.12.4 developer beta brings Night Shift to Macs to change the displays to a warmer color.
  
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• When gadget companies hit the growth wall

  24-01-2017 19:54 via zdnet.com
  
  GoPro, Sonos, and Fitbit all pioneered categories where smartphones didn't play. But all are now heading up against the breadth of their customer appeal.
  
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• BlackBerry 'Mercury' comeback phone confirmed for late February - CNET

  24-01-2017 19:54 via cnet.com
  
  The date is set. On February 25 we'll see what the newest keyboard-equipped BlackBerry brings to the table.
  
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• This guy rode a jet ski up his flooded California street - CNET

  24-01-2017 19:51 via cnet.com
  
  It rained so hard in a California neighborhood a professional water sports athlete was able to take his jet ski for a run along the gutter.
  
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