Microsoft rolls out security features, additional updates for Outlook users
Microsoft is now rolling out two new features to Outlook.com. The web-based client now supports end-to-end encryption, requiring recipients outside the Outlook fold to grab a one-time passcode to read your encrypted message. Microsoft has also unveiled a slew of new features geared toward business users.
Facebook’s downvote test has made its way to New Zealand and Australia
Facebook previously confirmed that it had begun testing a downvote button for comments on Pages posts for a small percentage of Android users in the U.S. Now Facebook is introducing the downvote button to some of its users in Australia and New Zealand, though there's no word yet on further expansion of the feature.
The Sirona M car seat keeps babies safe from forgetfulness and accidents
Far be it from us to ever encourage the use of a phone in a car, but there's a new smartphone-connected safety device for new parents that really does benefit from its mobile compatibility. Meet the Sirona M from Cybex, heralded as the world's first smartphone-synched convertible car seat.
The Sky from Ninety7 gives your Amazon Echo 2 a greater range of mobility
As smart as your home assistants are, they're not always particularly mobile. Alexa and Assistant, after all, are generally tethered to your smart speaker, which means that you have to bring yourself to them when you want to issue a command. But this is no longer the case with the Sky from Ninety7.
Nintendo Switch hack lets you run GameCube and Wii emulator Dolphin
If you have a Nintendo Switch gaming console, you're going to want to listen up. As initially reported by Ars Technica, it would appear that a new "exploit chain" for Nvidia Tegra X1-based systems outlines an unpatachable process to run random code on all -- that's right, all -- Nintendo Switches.
Nintendo sells a whopping 15 million Switch units, gets a new leader
In the first three months of 2018, Nintendo managed to sell a total of 15 million Switch gaming consoles, which is 50 percent greater than its initially expected sales volume of 10 million units. The handheld console contributed enormously to the company's $9.7 billion revenue figure, up 116 percent.
Twitter turns a profit in the first quarter, makes progress fighting spam
There was a time when it seemed Twitter was knocking at death's door, but that time is no more. On Wednesday, April 25, the social media giant shared its Q1 earnings report, and not only have user numbers seen an increase, but the company is profitable, and its fight against bots appears to be working.Â
DoorDash is helping Walmart to take on Amazon and Whole Foods
Walmart is getting some help in its ongoing battle against Amazon for grocery delivery dominance. On Tuesday, April 24, the retailer announced a new partnership with the delivery service DoorDash, who will serve as a "key delivery provider" for Walmart's Online Grocery program in Atlanta, Georgia.
Canary View camera offers home security, peace of mind for less than $100
Canary recently unveiled a $99 indoor HD security camera called the Canary View to help protect you and your loved ones. Now, it has improved upon some of its software (namely Person Detection) to help better detect human beings, and reduce false positive notifications about pets and the like.
Amazon will now deliver packages straight into your car’s trunk
Amazon has launched yet another service that makes it easier for you to receive your ecommerce orders. It doesn't depend upon smart locks or cameras (as Amazon Key does), but rather connected technology that is inherent in several 21st-century vehicles. It's called in-car delivery, and it begins today.
Uber will no longer store exact pickup and drop-off locations in drivers’ apps
In a soon-to-be-launched pilot program, the San Francisco-based Uber will begin hiding passengers' exact pickup and drop-off locations in the trip history available to drivers. Rather than pinpointing where you are and where you're going, the Uber app will instead show drivers a more general location.
Man turns wife’s criticism of his culinary skills into a robotic cooking machine
Never say that nagging never got anything done -- apparently, one enterprising wife managed to nag her husband into creating a smart robotic chef. At the sixth annual China International Technology Fair, the CEO of a Shanghai-based catering company unveiled his latest creation.
Take charge of your water bill with the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Rachio, the company behind a smart sprinkler controller that allows you to control your watering system (and by extension, your water bill) from your smartphone, has now introduced the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Flow Meter. Now, the system is $30 of as a result of high demand.
The world’s last Apple Watch pop-up will be closing in a few weeks
The world's last Apple Watch store will soon be no more. On May 13, the only remaining Apple store completely dedicated to the sale of Apple's wearable will be closing its doors, as per signage recently spotted at the Isetan department store in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The closing doesn't come as a surprise.
Apps featured by the Apple App Store saw a bump of up to 800% in downloads
As per a new report from Sensor Tower, apps that are featured in the App Store -- particularly as the "App of the Day" or "Game of the Day," can see their download numbers increase by as much as 800 percent. That makes good on Apple's claim that the App Store redesign boosted discoverability for developers.
Facebook fuels fake-news fight with fleet of fact checkers
As Facebook continues to face scrutiny at home in the United States over its handling of user data, it's looking to step up its efforts to combat fake news abroad. Facebook announced the launch of a dedicated fact-checking program in the India, and its pilot program will begin operations in Karnataka.Â
Lyft pledges to offset its carbon emissions, commits to carbon-neutral rides
While Lyft has figured out how to effectively transport its passengers in an efficient and rather cost-effective manner, it remains the case that this convenience comes at quite an ecological cost. But now, the ridesharing giant is putting its money on the line to do what it can to offset those costs.
An ‘NBA on TNT’ ad is triggering people’s HomePods and they are not pleased
You may not be the only one controlling your smart assistant -- savvy advertisers are in on the game, too. Per a new report from Apple Insider, there's an NBA on TNT ad that features the phrase, "Don't wanna miss out? Hey Siri show me the NBA schedule," which triggers the HomePod, much to many a user's chagrin.Â
As unlimited data plans grow more popular, Wi-Fi loses its dominance
As major cellphone service providers continue to re-introduce unlimited data to their customers, it looks like folks are spending more time surfing the web on their phones in Wi-Fi free zones, rather than looking for free Wi-Fi to connect to. OpenSignal's latest report sheds light on the trend.
SpaceX is planning to build its new ‘BFR’ space vehicles in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is already home to the stars, but soon, the city could be helping us reach new ones -- or really, new planets. In his annual State of the City address on Monday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that Elon Musk's SpaceX would be building its Big Falcon Rocket ships in the Port of LA.
The InstantCool vest uses NASA technology to cool you in the summer
Staying cool this summer may require putting on an extra layer – provided that it's the InstantCool vest. The latest product to come out of Shenzhen-based company Volcanoes-Electronics, the InstantCool leverages technology developed by NASA that involves a network of microtubes containing chilled water.
Puerto Rico is plunged into an island-wide blackout yet again
The devastation caused by Hurricane Maria has yet to be fully addressed in Puerto Rico, but now, the island is contending with yet another power-related problem. On Wednesday, an islandwide blackout plunged Puerto Rico into darkness, and was apparently caused by an excavator. Most of the island remains powerless.
Logistics firm XPO integrates with virtual assistants to help you track deliveries
Wondering where your delivery is? XPO Logistics, the largest provider of last-mile deliveries for large items in the U.S., introduced voice-enabled delivery tracking through both Amazon and Google's smart assistants. You can now reschedule deliveries with your voice.
Blue Origin is working on the BE-4, a rocket engine that can launch 100 missions
Look out, SpaceX. You may not be the belle of the ball in the industry forever. This week, Blue Origin, the rocket company founded by Jeff Bezos, announced that its new rocket engine would have the capacity to launch "100 full missions," as per CEO Bob Smith. The BE-4 could begin launching quite soon.
Notion partners with HomeAdvisor to connect you to a plumber, and fast
Best known for its smart home sensor system, Notion has introduced a new integration with HomeAdvisor that allows homeowners to immediately get in touch with an available local plumber anytime a water leak is detected. The new feature, called Plumber Matching, is Notion's first partnership with a service provider.
Nike’s 3D-printed uppers take weight off your feet
Nike is no stranger to innovation when it comes to crafting the perfect shoe. Now, it has taken its quest to a new level. This week, the athletic company introduced Flyprint, a 3D-printed textile upper for your sneaker. It's the first of its kind and may just bring about a new standard in performance shoes.
Wikipedia is making it easier to explore the internet with page previews
Far be it from us to tell you to read less Wikipedia, but now, the online encyclopedia is making it a bit easier to stay on track and not get too distracted by the plethora of knowledge available on the internet -- page previews. It's the biggest change Wikipedia has made to its platform since 2010.
Dine out and get paid in the process with the Seated restaurant app
Seated is more than a reservation app -- it's a restaurant discovery app that actively rewards you for choosing to dine at some of the finest establishments at your city. Currently active in 14 cities across the United States, Seated encourages local foodies to explore their neighborhood culinary gems with $10 to $50.
Boosted graces us with 4 skateboards, including its cheapest model yet
If you've been waiting to get an electric skateboard, wait no longer. Boosted, the company known for its brightly wheeled eboards recently expanded its product offerings in a serious way. There are four new boards in two different forms, including one that may make electric skateboards more accessible
The iPhone Do Not Disturb While Driving feature cut down on distracted driving
Despite the threat of fines, the emergence of ad campaigns, and even the introduction of new features, we are having quite a bit of trouble when it comes to cutting back on phone-related distracted driving. 37 percent of car trips include "at least some significant phone usage," as per a new study.
Amazon’s Internet is a new lightweight browser app for emerging markets
Mobile users in developing nations with slower internet connections don't need to download Chrome or go onto Safari -- instead, they can simply get on Internet. The aptly named app is the latest product to emerge from Amazon, and it's an Android web browser meant specifically for emerging markets.
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is on its way to the UAE
Just days after announcing that its Hyperloop test track is one step closer to completion in France, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is breaking ground again and moving forward with the first commercial Hyperloop system in the UAE. It'll be the first such development in the middle east, the two companies say.
