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December 2, 2018

Vivo NEX to hit Europe for €849

The vivo NEX with a pop-up selfie camera arrived back in June, and slowly made its way outside China. You can buy the phone in plenty of countries, including India, Russia and Malaysia, but is yet to reach European soil. A rumor appeared today, suggesting vivo NEX is indeed coming to Europe and it’s going to cost €849.

When vivo introduced the NEX S, it was priced at CNY4,498, which is equal to €570. It also had a variant for CNY4,998, which translates to €630. Even if we add import fees and other taxes, the €849 tag is exceptionally high, given that the dual-screen vivo NEX 2 is just around the corner. Alternatively, that could be the price for the new phone and the source just mixed up the info.

[“source=pcworld”]

November 30, 2018

Volvo Switching to Android Operating System for Next-Gen Interface

Volvo used the 2018 Los Angeles auto show to announce its connectivity projects. The automaker is currently developing a new Android-based multimedia system in cooperation with Google, which will bring apps such as Google Maps and Spotify into the car. This new system will seamlessly integrate all operating systems and allow the automaker to expand its connected services beyond its current offerings.

At a roundtable discussion, Google and Volvo executives revealed that their intent is to allow an individual to bring their life into the car with a multitude of apps. Currently, Volvo and Amazon offer a delivery service that drops off packages to your vehicle. Volvo says it will offer seamless connectivity with all operating systems and bring third-party services into the vehicle but with a priority on safety. That means games are relegated to rear-seat passengers and ads won’t be shown to you. Volvo will also allow drivers to control their information and give them the ability to stay anonymous; however, staying incognito will prevent one from accessing the full capabilities of the built-in apps.

Autonomous driving will also play a key role because Volvo is learning how to restructure its software from Google. Henrik Green of Volvo’s R&D arm says the automaker is now relying less on third parties for software; instead, it is creating its own in order to allow for new functions like over-the-air updates sooner. Green and Google executive Mickey Kataria did concede that vehicle software updates won’t happen as quickly as they do on mobile devices.

Green also revealed that 5G connectivity will be integrated into upcoming vehicles. The existing CMA and SPA platforms will receive the upgrades starting with the Polestar 2. Polestar 3, which will debut the second-generation SPA platform, will come standard with 5G connectivity and the new Android-based multimedia system. The second-generation SPA platform will also feature an integrated computer that will run all infotainment and Level 5 autonomous driving functions.

Volvo says that it will roll out its new interface globally but will have a special version for the Chinese market due to government restrictions on Google. iFly will replace Google voice for voice commands, and Autonavi will be the navigation app; however, the interface will remain Android based. Expect to see the new system by 2020.

[“source=gsmarena”]

November 24, 2018

NFL odds, picks for Week 12: Proven computer model loving Browns, Seahawks

The Week 12 NFL schedule continues on Sunday and Monday with 12 more games after a jam-packed Thanksgiving. A critical NFC North clash goes down on Sunday Night Football when the Green Bay Packers visit the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers are three-point underdogs, down from an open of 4.5, as both teams chase the division-leading Bears. In Philadelphia, the Eagles are 5.5-point favorites over the division-rival Giants despite their top five corners all being sidelined at practice this week. And in LA, the Chargers are 13-point favorites over the Arizona Cardinals in the biggest line of Week 12 and one of the largest NFL spreads of the season. With Week 12 NFL odds on the move, check out the top NFL picks and predictions from SportsLine’s Projection Model before you lock in any plays of your own.

SportsLine’s proprietary computer model went 176-80 last season and beat over 95 percent of CBS Sports Office Pool players in 2016 and ’17. It also performed better than 98 percent of experts tracked by NFLPickWatch.com during that span. Additionally, it went 48-34 on A-rated picks against the spread last season, and $100 bettors who have followed it the past two seasons are up nearly $4,000.

The model has continued to nail its top-rated picks in 2018, entering Week 12 on a blistering 12-0 run. For the season, it is now 26-9 on all top-rated picks, extending its two-year run to a strong 74-43. And when it comes to all straight-up picks, the model is 105-53 this season, again ranking in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch.com. Anybody who has been following it is way, way up.

Now it has examined the latest NFL odds and spreads, simulated every snap 10,000 times, and its Week 12 NFL picks are in.

One of the top Week 12 NFL picks the model loves: the Seahawks cover (+3.5) on the road at Carolina.

The Rams have taken a commanding lead in the NFC West, but the Seahawks (5-5) stayed afloat in the NFC Wild Card race with their huge win over the Packers last week. Now they meet up with the Panthers as the teams compete for playoff position.

According to the model, Russell Wilson throws for almost 250 yards, while Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and the rest of Seattle’s backs pile up over 100 combined yards on the ground as the Seahawks cover in over 60 percent of simulations. You can confidently back the Over (47) as well because it hits in more than half of simulations.

Another one of the top Week 12 NFL predictions from the model: the Browns (+3) cover on the road against the Bengals.

The Bengals jumped out to a stunning 4-1 start to open the season, but have since lost four of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Browns are coming off an impressive 12-point victory over the Falcons before last week’s bye. Rookie running back Nick Chubb ran the ball 20 times against the Falcons, racking up 176 yards and a touchdown.

The model is calling for another big day for Chubb, saying he’ll go for almost 100 yards against a Cincinnati defense that allows an eye-popping 153 on the ground per game, which ranks dead-last in the NFL. Bengals receiver AJ Green (toe) was upgraded from doubtful to questionable, but could be limited even if he plays. Back the Browns with confidence since they are covering the spread in 55 percent of simulations. The model is also calling for 51 total points to be scored, shattering the Over (46.5).

[“source=cnbc”]

November 16, 2018

Mi A2 Launch Confirmed for July 24 by Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi A2 global variant has been anticipated and leaked on various occasions ever since the launch of the Xiaomi Mi 6X. The Mi A2 is the next-generation Android One handset from Xiaomi, and rumoured to be the global variant of the Mi 6X. The device has now been confirmed by Xiaomi, and it is largely expected to be unveiled in Spain at the company’s global launch event on July 24. The upcoming Xiaomi smartphone is rumoured to include a Snapdragon 660 SoC and run stock Android 8.1 Oreo out-of-the-box – and not the company’s MIUI custom Android ROM.

Xiaomi has taken to Twitter to announce the arrival of the Xiaomi Mi A2. The Android One device has been confirmed in the poster shared on the social media platform, with the tagline “Next Gen is Coming.” However, the company has not confirmed that the smartphone will be launched at the global event in Spain or not. However, if we look at last year, Xiaomi unveiled the Mi A1 at its global event held in Delhi at that time, and if it follows tradition, then the Mi A2 should also launch at the global event in Spain on July 24. The poster on Twitter also shows the Mi A2 smartphone, and the front display is seen sporting significant bezel on the top and bottom chin as well.

Mi A2 price, specifications

Previous leaks suggest that the company is expected to launch a Mi A2 Lite variant alongside as well. The Mi A2 is expected to sport a 5.99-inch full-HD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and no display notch. It will most likely be fuelled by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 32GB/ 64GB/ 128GB of internal storage.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is expected to sport a vertically stacked dual camera setup, with a 12-megapixel primary sensor, paired with an LED flash and an f/1.75 aperture. The secondary camera could sport a 20-megapixel sensor with the same f/1.75 aperture. For selfies, the Mi A2 is rumoured to have a 20-megapixel front camera sensor. Xiaomi may also use its artificial intelligence (AI) developments and offer an AI Portrait mode on the handset. There could be a 3010mAh battery along with Quick Charge 3.0 support. In terms of connectivity, the Mi A2 is expected to offer 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Previous leaks also suggest that the Mi A2 price has been set at CHF 289 (roughly Rs. 20,000) for the 32GB storage variant, while its 64GB model was spotted at CHF 329 (roughly Rs. Rs. 22,800) and the 128GB variant was listed at CHF 369 (roughly Rs. 25,600).

[“Source-gadgets.ndtv”]

November 16, 2018

Google will give you 50% off a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL for Black Friday, if you buy two

It looks like it isn’t fashionable anymore to have Black Friday deals on, well, Black Friday. Instead, companies like T-Mobile are starting deal season one week earlier, and Google is joining in the fun.

From this Friday, November 16, it will offer a Buy One, Get One 50% off on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. So you buy two units but only pay for 1.5. Then from November 22 until November 25, this will change into a $150 price cut for the Pixel 3 and $200 off the Pixel 3 XL. On Cyber Monday, if you buy a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL you’ll receive a free Google Home Hub worth $149, as well as a $50 coupon to spend in the Google Store at a later date.

If you’re not interested in its phones, here’s what Google’s cooked up in terms of deals for its other products. All of these are available from November 22 to November 26: Pixel Buds, Google Home Hub, Home, and Home Max all $50 off, Home Mini $24 off, Home Mini + Chromecast bundle $39 off, Home Mini + Smartlight bundle $24 off, Chromecast Audio and Chromecast Ultra $20 off, Chromecast $10 off, Titan Security Key kit 20% off.

From November 18 and up until November 28 you can save $300 on a Pixelbook, as well as 50% on the Clips camera. From November 21 to November 28, you can save $70 on the Nest thermostat, $30 on the Nest E, $50 on the Nest Hello and Nest Cam Outdoor, $70 on Nest Cam Indoor, and $20 on the Nest Protect.

On Cyber Monday the Daydream View will be $60 off, a My Case for your Pixel will be $20 cheaper, and if you buy two Google Home Max speakers you can save $150. Finally, a bundle consisting of the Home Hub, a Google Home, and a 3-pack of Google Wifi will be $129 less than usual.+

[“source=forbes]

November 16, 2018

The best tech gifts & gadgets for kids 2018

2018 has been a great year for kids’ gifts and gadgets, with robots, coding games and other high-tech toys topping Christmas gift lists from a huge variety of retailers. All are exciting and there are plenty of different options for every price range.

Here, we’ve picked out the best we’ve seen, to help you find the perfect gift for the children you need to buy for this year.

If you’re looking for gifts for other family members and friends, you’ll like our ultimate guide to Christmas gifts.

Anki Cozmo

RRP: $179.99

This is one of the smartest robots we’ve met. It’s tiny, but offers an impressive number of intelligent features including the ability to recognise faces, play games and learn. Cozmo comes with three LED cubes that he can interact with as you play, too.

The most endearing thing about Cozmo is that it really feels like he has a personality. Kids are going to love him – or his new older brother, Vector, which comes packed with extra smart features, like a cuter version of Siri or Alexa.

For more awesome robots for kids (and big kids too), visit our round-up of the best robots here.

Sphero Ultimate Lightning McQueen

RRP: $299

Sphero offers a range of amazing products for kids. Prices vary, but you can feel confident that you’re going to get fantastic quality from this robotics company.

Star Wars fans will love the app-controlled Sphero R2-D2 and Sphero BB-9E, while Disney fans will enjoy the Sphero Ultimate Lightning McQueen and the Sphero Spider-Man.

On the other hand, the Sphero Bolt and SPRK+ are both fun and educational, designed to inspire kids to learn to code, as is the pint-sized (and priced) Sphero Mini.

You can buy each of Sphero’s robots from the links below:

[“source=forbes]

November 16, 2018

Huawei launches AI “operating system” for cities

Huawei has unveiled a digital platform for smart cities at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona.

Based on new ICT including artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), big data and cloud, Huawei and its global partners have been demonstrating solutions on the platform.

These covered municipal management, public safety and environmental protection, as well as smart transportation, smart government, smart education, and smart agriculture.

According to Huawei, the platform represents a shift from traditional information systems and lays a solid foundation for smart city development.

[“source=forbes]

November 16, 2018

deepin 15.8 Linux distribution available for download — replace Windows 10 now!

As more and more people wake up to the fact that Windows 10 is a giant turd lately, computer users are exploring alternatives, such as Linux-based operating systems. First impressions can be everything, so when searching for a distribution, it is important that beginners aren’t scared off by bewildering installers or ugly and confusing interfaces.

Linux “n00bs” often opt for Ubuntu, and while that is a good choice, there are far more pretty and intuitive options these days. One such operating system that I recommend often is deepin. Why? It is drop-dead gorgeous and easy to use. It is guaranteed to delight the user, and its intuitive interface will certainly impress. Today, the newest version of the excellent Linux distro, deepin 15.8, becomes available for download.

ALSO READ: IBM gobbles up open source and Linux darling Red Hat in $34 billion deal

“Compared with deepin 15.7, the ISO size of deepin 15.8 has been reduced by 200MB. The new release is featured with newly designed control center, dock tray and boot theme, as well as improved deepin native applications, hoping to bring users a more beautiful and efficient experience,” says deepin developers.

ALSO READ: System76 Thelio computer is open source, Linux-powered, and made in the USA

The devs further say, “Prior to deepin official release, usually an internal test is implemented by a small number of community users, then we record their feedbacks and fix the bugs. Before this release, we test deepin 15.8 both from system upgrade and ISO installation. Thanks to the members of internal testing team. Their contributions are highly appreciated!”

As is typical with deepin, there are many eye candy changes to be found in the new release, including enhancements to the dock. The grub menu is now prettier, and the file manager has improved icons for the dark theme. It is not all about the superficial, however, as there is now an option for full disk encryption when installing the operating system — a very welcome addition.

[“source=forbes]

November 16, 2018

Microsoft ex-CEO Ballmer says if Windows changes were bad for profits, ‘I’d be selling’ shares

Anjali Sundaram | CNBC

Steve Ballmer

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft and one its top stockholders, said this week that he’d be unloading his shares if the company tried to move away from its Windows franchise.

Microsoft split up its Windows group earlier this year, putting some of the business into the unit that develops the Azure cloud and the rest into the group that works on Office and devices. It’s all part of Microsoft’s shift to focus on the cloud and artificial intelligence under Ballmer’s successor, Satya Nadella.

Still, Windows is producing more and more revenue and a big chunk of profit, even as Nadella changes direction.

“I mean, this less importance on Windows thing I find a humorous thing by the press,” Ballmer said in an interview on Monday at the WSJ Tech D.Live event in Laguna Beach, California.

Ballmer said he can’t imagine the company would do anything to unwind it.

“If they were, I’d be selling,” he said.

Windows revenue increased 5 percent to $19.5 billion in the latest fiscal year, which ended on June 30. That represents more than 17 percent of total revenue. Microsoft doesn’t disclose operating income for Windows, but Ballmer said at the conference that the business accounts for $13 or $14 billion of operating profit. If true, that would represent about 40 percent of the total.

While Ballmer said he doesn’t agree with how some of the changes at the company have been portratyed, he’s generally bullish on the direction. Microsoft has released several apps for Android and iOS, and has sought to bring more content from phones into Windows.

“The company has made a smart choice, in my opinion, to go more platform independent,” Ballmer said. In working across operating systems, “I think the company has done a good job,” he said.

Ballmer has certainly been rewarded for hanging onto his stock. Since Nadella took over the top job in 2014, the stock has tripled and the company is now worth over $800 billion. Ballmer’s net worth is estimated at over $40 billion, and almost all of that is from his current ownership in Microsoft.

“I’m glad we left the company with good profit streams and good technology,” Ballmer said. “I’m glad Satya’s taken that to whole new levels. I think that’s fantastic, and as a shareholder, I think it’s double and triple fantastic.”

[“source=forbes]