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BetaNews.Com (6 non lus)

Amazon unveils new hybrid drone prototype for 30-minute Prime Air deliveries

Publié: novembre 29, 2015, 11:14pm CET par Mark Wilson

When you make an impulse purchase -- or you're just an impatient type -- time is of the essence. Next day delivery is far too slow, and same-day delivery has gradually spread to certain places. Some cities have the option of delivery within the hour, but Amazon is working on cutting this down to as little as 30 minutes with Prime Air.

As you would probably expect, these super-speedy deliveries will be facilitated by drones, and Amazon has unveiled a new prototype drone that blends elements of a helicopter with those of an airplane. Unlike other drones we’ve seen the Prime Air model is quite large, and is capable of carrying up to 5 pounds.

This is not a service that's going to launch in the immediate future; there are still many obstacles to overcome. The final design of the drone is yet to be decided, and Amazon is testing out models in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. There is also the Federal Aviation Administration hurdle to jump. The FAA has said it is not keen for unmanned commercial drones to fly out of line of sight.

Amazon is keen to do everything it can to win over regulators, and boasts of the drone's "sense and avoid" technology which will be used to avoid accidents. From test flight footage, it appears that shoppers have to mark out a landing area in their garden which the drone will be able to detect and home in on, and it would seem that drone use would be best suited to more rural areas.

Amazon says:

Prime Air has great potential to enhance the services we already provide to millions of customers by providing rapid parcel delivery that will also increase the overall safety and efficiency of the transportation system. Putting Prime Air into service will take some time, but we will deploy when we have the regulatory support needed to realize our vision.

The company has also put together a video that shows off Prime Air, fronted by none other than former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Check it out below to see the hybrid drone in action:
How to: Find your misplaced phone with Amazon Echo and IFTTT

Publié: novembre 29, 2015, 10:58pm CET par Alan Buckingham

Amazon just recently introduced support for IFTTT (If This Then That) to its Echo product. The company is pushing fairly hard to add functionality to its device. On a regular basis you will find a new addition at the top of the app when you fire it up on your phone or tablet.

With the introduction of IFTTT Triggers Alexa can now do even more. There are a number of recipes to choose from, but setting them up, in most cases, is pretty similar. Many involve your phone so be prepared to turn your number over, though neither entities have given reason for mistrust.

I'm adding the "find my phone" recipe, but first you'll need to have an IFTTT account. It's free, just visit the website and set up a username and password.

With that out of the way you can browse for your recipe from the many available, or search for one you want. In this case we're using 30541306 which is titled "Trigger find my phone".

Now you'll need to set up your Amazon account with IFTTT, it's a simple process, a dialog box will pop up so you just enter your username and password. The box is handled by Amazon so there are no worries about giving your information away.

The next step is to enter your phone number, you'll quickly get a call from Amazon that gives you a four digit PIN that you need to enter. Pay close attention because my message wasn't terribly clear and this step had to be done twice.

Now you've completed the process and to verify it's working say "Alexa, trigger find my phone". Your phone should ring within seconds. Keep in mind that if your handset is muted then this won't work.

This is only one example, there are many to choose from and likely that number will grow quickly so keep checking back.
NSA stops bulk collection of phone metadata

Publié: novembre 29, 2015, 3:03pm CET par Mark Wilson

The NSA's bulk surveillance and collection of phone data has come to an end. President Obama announced that the current surveillance program would stop by 11:59 pm EST Saturday, but this does not mean that phone surveillance has completely disappeared.

Instead of wide scale dredging of data, the NSA will now engage in more targeted surveillance programs -- something that privacy advocates have been calling for for some time. The scaling back of surveillance has not come out of the blue; it's became of a legal requirement earlier in the year that has now been implemented two and half years after Edward Snowden blew the whistle on NSA spying.

Following the introduction of the USA Freedom Act, the NSA will no longer be able to indiscriminately collect metadata about phone calls in the hope of finding something suspicious, but will instead have to run targeted operations based on evidence. A court order is now required to force a telecom company to allow the monitoring of the call records of individuals or groups of people.

Initially set up in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the NSA's surveillance program was pitched as the tool needed to track down those responsible. But privacy groups and opponents of the surveillance said it was far too intrusive and infringed upon the rights of millions of innocent people. Critics also point to a review that found that not one anti-terrorism breakthrough could be directly attributed to the surveillance program.

The White House says that data that has already been collected will be retained until 29 February for "data integrity purposes". After this date, the data will be deleted.

Photo credit: 360b / Shutterstock
Google to work with Israel to censor Palestinian YouTube videos

Publié: novembre 29, 2015, 11:22am CET par Mark Wilson

Coverage of any conflict is rarely free from bias, with propaganda being a staple tool. This certainly rings true of the war between Israel and Palestine, and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister has engaged in talks with representatives of YouTube and Google with a view to censoring videos coming out of the region.

Tzipi Hotovely met with Google's Director of Public Policy, Jennifer Oztzistzki, and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki. On the agenda was discussion about how to censor Palestinian video footage deemed to be "inflammatory" or "inciting violence and terrorism" by Tel Aviv.

It's a move that will concern journalists, anti-censorship proponents, and freedom of the press advocates alike, but the Israeli government is keen to stem the flow of what it sees as uncensored propaganda coming out of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

At the moment any journalist or reporter working in the area needs to register with the Israeli military, and all stories pass through the Israeli Military Censor. But the likes of YouTube have led to a rise in citizen journalism, and this is what the Israeli government is looking to crack down upon.

According to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Hotovely will be working with Google to create body charged with "monitoring and preventing" the appearance of "inflammatory" videos. There has been an increase in the number of videos published that highlight the suffering of Palestinians, and this is something the Israeli government sees as bad PR.

Details of how the monitoring and censorship program will work have not been released, but Palestinians living in the territory illegally occupied by Israel are about to find it harder to get their side of the story out.

Photo credit: danielo / Shutterstock
Google to work with Israel to censor Palestinian YouTube videos [UPDATED]

Publié: novembre 29, 2015, 11:22am CET par Mark Wilson

Coverage of any conflict is rarely free from bias, with propaganda being a staple tool. This certainly rings true of the war between Israel and Palestine, and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister has engaged in talks with representatives of YouTube and Google with a view to censoring videos coming out of the region.

Tzipi Hotovely met with Google's Director of Public Policy, Jennifer Oztzistzki, and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki. On the agenda was discussion about how to censor Palestinian video footage deemed to be "inflammatory" or "inciting violence and terrorism" by Tel Aviv.

It's a move that will concern journalists, anti-censorship proponents, and freedom of the press advocates alike, but the Israeli government is keen to stem the flow of what it sees as uncensored propaganda coming out of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

At the moment any journalist or reporter working in the area needs to register with the Israeli military, and all stories pass through the Israeli Military Censor. But the likes of YouTube have led to a rise in citizen journalism, and this is what the Israeli government is looking to crack down upon.

According to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Hotovely will be working with Google to create body charged with "monitoring and preventing" the appearance of "inflammatory" videos. There has been an increase in the number of videos published that highlight the suffering of Palestinians, and this is something the Israeli government sees as bad PR.

Details of how the monitoring and censorship program will work have not been released, but Palestinians living in the territory illegally occupied by Israel are about to find it harder to get their side of the story out.

Update

Since the publication of this story, BetaNews has been contacted by a Google spokesperson who issued the following statement:

Following media reports about a meeting last week between Google / YouTube executives and the Israeli Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, we wanted to clarify that this meeting was one of many that we have with policymakers from different countries to explain our policies on controversial content, flagging and removals.

The Israeli Ministry for Foreign Affairs has corrected its original announcement which, in error, suggested there had been an agreement with Google to establish 'a mechanism to monitor online materials'.

We rely on the YouTube Community to flag videos that they think violate our Community Guidelines. Video flagged on YouTube is reviewed 24 hours a day and, if material violates our policies, it is removed quickly. The policies are explained here and here in more detail on the YouTube policy center.

Photo credit: danielo / Shutterstock
Holiday 2015 Gift Guide: Smartphones

Publié: novembre 29, 2015, 12:32am CET par Joe Wilcox
If you're smartphone shopping this holiday and wondering what to buy, my primer can assist—with caveats. I focus solely on Androids that are higher end but affordable, and I ignore iPhones. No slight against Apple devices is intended. I figure that people who want an iPhone won't likely consider an alternative. Also: The differences aren't as pronounced. For example, the major benefit choosing 6s or 6s Plus over the two previous models is slightly lower price (3D Touch is an unnecessary gimmick). The major benefit picking 5s over the 6 or 6 Plus is again price but also smaller size.

Among Androids, differences abound—and many, such as older OS versions or custom UI skins, are carrier or manufacturer imposed. That's without considering the bloatware that either or both parties might impose. I intentionally focus on devices that offer the most value for price paid, which includes upfront or payment-plan purchased unlocked.

No one should be compelled to take any kind of cellular contract. These obligations let you get a good phone cheap (during holiday deals often for under $100 if not free) but limit options later on—such as carrier choice or affordable service plans. So my buying guide also slants in favor of devices for which obligation is one: Price you pay to buy, whether upfront or installments.

Nexus 5X

My first of two top value-picks for Holiday 2015 is the LG-manufactured, Google-branded Nexus 5X—with 32GB storage. I wouldn't recommend that anyone buy a 16GB smartphone, particularly if storage is not expandable. Google directly sells the handset, which is discounted $80 through Cyber Monday. Buy now and pay $349 rather than $429.

Major benefits:
- Excellent display (5,2 inches; 1920 x 1080 resolution; 423 pixels per inch)
- Best-of-price digital cameras (12.3 megapixel f/2 back; 5MP front)
- Fingerprint reader (on back) for easy and secure unlocking
- All-carrier support, including Verizon
- Android 6 Marshmallow
- Snappy performance
- Shoots 4K video
- Slo-mo 120fps
- Battery life
- Unlocked
As I often say, the best devices aren't about features but how they balance to deliver meaningful benefits. By the specs, some other smartphones seem better for the price paid. I highly recommend this phone, which with Marshmallow meets or outclasses any iPhone in similar price category, and that would be the two-year-old 32GB 5s, which Apple sells for $499.

LG makes the Nexus 5X for Google

Simply stated: Nexus 5X does everything it needs to well. The fingerprint reader on the back is life-changing, as are some of Android 6 capabilities—Now on Tap tops the list. For more expansive view of specs and benefits, see my Nexus 5X review.

Nexus 6

Think of the 2014-released, Motorola-made, Google-branded phablet as last year's model for tomorrow's price. For what you get, compared to what you pay, this overstuffed smartphone (hey, it's a 6-inch display) offers exceptional value. Briefly on Black Friday, before stock sold out, Amazon offered the 32GB Midnight Blue variant for a sweet $199.99. What a steal!

You may not find anything close to that again, but even current prices are astounding. As I write, Amazon stocks the 32 gigger for $339.95 and the 64GB variant for $399.99. For the specs, and they're as big as the phone, Nexus 6 is the value-pick of the season. I would watch for even better prices as Christmas approaches.

But be warned: This beauty is huge! It measures 159.3 x 83 x 3.8-10.1mm (6.27 x 3.15 x .15-.39 inches) and weighs 184 grams (6.49 ounces). Length is slightly greater than iPhone 6 Plus, which measures 151.8 x 77.8 x 7.1mm (6.22 x 3.06 x .28 inches) and weighs 172 grams (6.07 ounces). My mom and one of my sisters both use Nexus 6, and neither is a geek.

Major benefits:
- Overly-large display (5,96 inches; 2560 x 1440 resolution; 493 pixels per inch)
- Category-leading digital cameras (13 megapixel f/2 back; 2MP front)
- Large enough to functionally replace a 7- or 8-inch tablet
- Android 6 Marshmallow upgradeable
- All-carrier support, including Verizon
- Turbo Charging tops off battery fast
- Front-facing speakers
- Snappy performance
- Bang for the buck
- Shoots 4K video
- Battery life
- Unlocked
For more expansive view of specs and benefits, see my Nexus 6 review.

Nexus 6 is last year's tech, current this year, but value-priced

Moto X Pure Edition

Lenovo's U.S. subsidiary makes the list twice, largely for value and customization. Motorola lets you design your own phone, with trim and enclosure accents that express your style. Pure Edition starts at $399.99 for 16GB (capacity not recommended) and moves up to $449.99 (32GB), then to $499.99 (64GB). Those prices fluctuate depending on how you personalize. For example, wood or leather backing adds $25.

Major benefits:
- Excellent display (5,7 inches; 2560 x 1440 resolution; 520 pixels per inch)
- Best-of-price digital cameras (21 megapixel f/2 back; 5MP front)
- Personalized design using Moto Maker
- All-carrier support, including Verizon
- Turbo Charging tops off battery fast
- microSD expandable up to 128GB
- Front-facing soeakers
- Snappy performance
- Shoots 4K video
- Unlocked
My gripe against Moto X PE is the operating system: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. I would expect Marshmallow in a smartphone sold unlocked like the Nexuses. That said, memory is expandable, a feature for which Marshmallow hugely improves (well, when available). For expansive view of specs and benefits, see Android Authority's review.

Nexus 6P

Huawei makes the phablet for Google, which, like newer iPhones, tops out at 128GB storage. But the cost is considerably less ($649 compared to $949). Among higher-spec smartphones, the 6P is exceptional value for the price. Google directly sells the large smartphone, starting at $499 for 32GB (the 64 gigger is $549). You won't find many high-end handsets in this class unlocked for such affordable price.

Nexus 6P 128GB sells for $300 less than iPhone 6s Plus

Major benefits:
- Superb screen (5,7 inches; 2560 x 1440 resolution; 518 pixels per inch)
- Excellent digital cameras (12.3 megapixel f/2 back; 8MP front)
- Fingerprint reader (on back) for easy and secure unlocking
- All-carrier support, including Verizon
- Android 6 Marshmallow
- Front-facing speakers
- Snappy performance
- Shoots 4K video
- Slo-mo 240 fps
- Battery life
- Unlocked
Like other Nexuses, the 6P balances benefits superbly. The finish is a bit too smooth for my taste, making it a greater drop risk than all other smartphones on this list, But gripability is better than 6 or 6s series iPhones, for which I highly recommend a back-fitting case at the least.

For more expansive view of specs and benefits, see my Nexus 6P review.

Addendum

To reiterate, my holiday primer deliberately focuses on higher-end smartphones that are unlocked and in one device available for all carriers. The iPhone 6 and 6s series easily qualify, and if the iOS ecosystem is your thing and you don't mind paying more, Apple gives good. See my iPhone 6 and 6 Plus reviews—and I have used the 6s Plus, too. Few people will be disappointed with the benefits.

But there are some other Androids that deserve mention, namely the LG G4 and V10, along with Samsung Galaxy Note 5. The smartphones' crime is confined carrier distribution in the United States.

G4 and V10. The two LG handsets offer the best camera experience on any handset at every price, including image quality and additional benefit of manual controls. As a measure of balanced benefits, the LG V10 is the best smartphone available anywhere this holiday season.

Want to selfie with friends? There are two front-facing cameras, one of which is for wide-angle shots. T-Mobile's V10 price is best among major carriers: $599.99, with 64GB storage. I hope to review this exceptional smartphone in the near future.

Galaxy Note 5. This exceptional phablet is best-of-class in every way imaginable except U.S. carrier distribution limitations. Screen, camera, build quality, and unquestionably the stylus make the handset among the finest sold anywhere. I'm not a big fan of Samsung's bloatware but on any Note the extras are big-bang benefits when using the S-Pen.

That's a wrap. Good Luck, Shoppers!

Photo Credits: Joe Wilcox