A visual history of OS X

After a lengthy beta, OS X 10.10 Yosemite is finally ready for prime time. It’s the 11th version of Apple’s OS X, and represents the biggest overhaul of the operating system’s visuals since its introduction in 2001. While you’re waiting for the update to download , let’s take the opportunity to see exactly what’s changed over the past 13 years. Filed under: Desktops , Laptops , Software , Apple Comments

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A visual history of OS X

Latest Xbox One update adds MKV support, quicker voiceless commands

Quick-snap! Now, Kinect-less Xbox One owners can do a few more cool system functions on the fly. Microsoft’s near-monthly streak of Xbox One updates continued on Wednesday with a substantial October update . The console maker had already teased the update’s most intriguing feature in August when it announced a media-player app set to handle a staggering number of codecs—particularly the MKV container—and DLNA streaming from other devices on a home network. XB1’s new media player, like the system’s Blu-ray player, must be loaded as a separate app. We were able to test it during a beta period, and it worked as advertised, meaning it allowed us to watch all of our favorite, legitimately acquired TV shows and films in crisp MKV format. The update’s other major addition, a quick-snap menu, can be accessed with a double-tap of the controller’s home button. It focuses largely on functions that were formerly locked to voice control, including quick loads of previous games and apps and the ability to record your last 30 seconds of gameplay—which should make it easier for players who snapped up a cheaper, Kinect-less XB1 to multitask with the system. Read 1 remaining paragraphs | Comments

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Latest Xbox One update adds MKV support, quicker voiceless commands

How to make your own bootable OS X 10.10 Yosemite USB install drive

Even in the download-only era, it’s easy to make yourself offline OS X install media. Andrew Cunningham It was 2009 when Apple last released a new operating system on physical media . Things have proceeded remarkably smoothly since version 10.7 switched to download-only installers, but there are still good reasons to want an old, reliable USB stick. For instance, if you find yourself doing multiple installs, a USB drive may be faster than multiple downloads (especially if you use a USB 3.0 drive). Or maybe you need a recovery disk for older Macs that don’t support the Internet Recovery feature. Whatever the reason, you’re in luck, because it’s not hard to make one. As with last year , there are two ways to get it done. There’s the super easy way with the graphical user interface and the only slightly less easy way that requires some light Terminal use. Here’s what you need to get started. A Mac, duh. We’ve created Yosemite USB from both Mavericks and Yosemite, but your experience with other versions may vary. An 8GB or larger USB flash drive or an 8GB or larger partition on some other kind of external drive. For newer Macs, use a USB 3.0 drive—it makes things significantly faster. The OS X 10.10 Yosemite installer from the Mac App Store in your Applications folder. The installer will delete itself when you install the operating system, but it can be re-downloaded if necessary. If you want a GUI, you need the latest version of  Diskmaker X  app—we wrote this article based on version 4 beta 2, but if a “final” version is released alongside Yosemite we’ll update the article. This app is free to download, but  the creator accepts donations  if you want to support his efforts. An administrator account on the Mac you’re using to create the disk. The easy way Diskmaker X remains the easiest, most user-friendly way to get this done. Andrew Cunningham Once you’ve obtained all of the necessary materials, connect the USB drive to your Mac and run the Diskmaker X app. The app will offer to make installers for OS X 10.8, 10.9, and 10.10, but we’re only interested in Yosemite today. Read 6 remaining paragraphs | Comments

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How to make your own bootable OS X 10.10 Yosemite USB install drive

iPad Air 2 vs. the competition: Is it the tablet to beat?

There was a time when it was hard to find someone who would argue with Apple’s claim that the iPad was heavyweight tablet champ. But now Android slates like the Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 , the Xperia Tablet Z2 and the recently-announced Nexus 9 are making a run at the title. Sure, the iPad still has some great apps, but how does the latest iPad Air compare to the competition under the hood? Check out the tale of the tape below, and decide for yourself if the iPad Air 2 has what it takes to stay on top. iPad Air 2 Nexus 9 Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 Xperia Tablet Z2 Price $499 and up (WiFi), $629 and up (Cellular) $399 and up $499 $499 or $549 Thickness 6.1mm (0.24 inches) 7.95mm (0.31 inches) 7.37mm (0.29 inches) 6.4mm (0.25 inches) Weight 437g or 444g (0.96 or 0.98 pounds) 425g or 436g (0.93 or 0.96 pounds) 469g (1.03 pounds) 439g (0.96 pounds) OS iOS 8 Android 5.0 Android 4.4 Android 4.4 Display 9.7-inch IPS LCD Retina display 8.9-inch IPS LCD 10.1-inch WQXGA scLCD 10.1 inch TFT LCD Resolution 2, 048 x 1, 536 (264 ppi) 2, 048 x 1, 536 (288 ppi) 2, 560 x 1, 600 (299 ppi) 1, 920 x 1, 200 (224 ppi) Processor 64-bit Apple A8X 64-bit, 2.3 GHz NVIDIA Tegra K1 32-bit Exynos 5 Octa (1.9GHz + 1.3 GHz quad-core) 32-bit, 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AB quad-core) Memory NA 2GB 2GB 3GB Storage 16 / 64 / 128GB 16 / 32GB 16GB 16 / 32GB Ports Lightning micro USB 2.0 microSD, HDMI microSD, MHL 3.0 Front camera 1.2MP FaceTime, f/2.2 1.6MP, f/2.4 2MP 2.2MP, 1080p Rear camera 8MP iSight, f/2.4, 1.5µm pixel size, 1080p 8MP, f/2.4 8MP 8.1MP Cellular radio Optional GSM/EDGE CDMA UMTS/HSPA/ HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA LTE Optional GSM/CDMA/ HSPA/LTE Optional LTE Optional HSPA+/GPRS/ EDGE/LTE WiFi Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Dual band 802.11 a/c/g/n/ac Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth v4.0 v4.1 v4.0 LE v4.0 Accelerometer Yes Yes Yes Yes Gyroscope Yes Yes Yes Yes Battery 10 hours 6, 700mAh 8, 220mAh Li-ion 6, 000mAh Li-ion Filed under: Tablets , Apple Comments

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iPad Air 2 vs. the competition: Is it the tablet to beat?

CBS Thinks People Will Pay $6 a Month to Stream Just CBS Shows

Hot on the heels of HBO announcing a standalone streaming option , CBS just debuted its own subscription streaming service… and it is possibly the worst streaming TV deal out there. Read more…

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CBS Thinks People Will Pay $6 a Month to Stream Just CBS Shows

Samsung Achieves Outdoor 5G Mobile Broadband Speed of 7.5Gbps

Mark.JUK writes: Samsung has become the first to successfully demonstrate a future 5G mobile network running at speeds of 7.5Gbps in a stationary outdoor environment. They also managed 1.2Gbps while using the same technology and driving around a 4.3km-long race track at speeds of up to 110kph. Crucially, the test was run using the 28GHz radio spectrum band, which ordinarily wouldn’t be much good for mobile networks where wide coverage and wall penetration is an important requirement. But Samsung claims it can mitigate at least some of that by harnessing the latest Hybrid Adaptive Array Technology (HAAT), which uses millimeter wave frequency bands to enable the use of higher frequencies over greater distances. Several companies are competing to develop the first 5G technologies, although consumers aren’t expected to see related services until 2020 at the earliest. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Samsung Achieves Outdoor 5G Mobile Broadband Speed of 7.5Gbps

Facebook ‘Safety Check’ lets friends know you’re OK after a major disaster

Despite the frivolous nature of most social media interactions, Facebook’s latest new feature is intended for use only in serious situations. Unveiled today in Japan, Safety Check notifications are pushed to users when a natural disaster hits and area you have listed as your location, where you’ve checked in on Nearby Friends , or where you recently logged in from. Tech companies like Google and Facebook have worked to connect people after significant disasters in the past, and Facebook says the project is an extension of the Disaster Message Board its Japanese engineers rolled out after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami there. Safety Check is rolling out globally on Android, iOS, feature phones and the desktop — there’s a demo video (embedded after the break) to explain how it all works. A simple I’m safe / I’m not in the area toggle can push an update (and comments, if you enter them) that’s visible only to people on your friends list, intended to quickly give some piece of mind when they notice a USGS report for your zipcode — or worse. If you simply have friends who are in the area of a natural disaster, there’s a notification when they check-in as safe that can take you to a list of their updates. A useful tool, or just a cagey way to try to take some of the creepiness out of its apps’ location tracking features? We’re figuring the latter impression doesn’t hurt from Facebook’s perspective, but in this connected age it’s also a reflection of how people really use the net in trying times. Additionally, it can take some pressure off of overloaded infrastructure with everyone trying to call affected areas after disasters hit, and of course, save you from a post-tragedy chewing out for failure to let people know you’re fine. C’mon, just call your parents / friends / casual acquaintances once in a while, it’s not that hard. Filed under: Internet , Mobile , Facebook Comments Source: Facebook

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Facebook ‘Safety Check’ lets friends know you’re OK after a major disaster

No camouflage can hide this weird Mercedes prototype

Spy photos from our sister site Autoblog have revealed a concept car from Mercedes that looks like it was beamed back from 20 years in the future. The silver-colored vehicle sports a wedge shape, cycle fenders, an extreme cab-forward design and narrow tires — calling to mind Volkswagen’s 260MPG XL1 hyrid . Our guess? The tires and aerodynamics suggest an extreme-mileage vehicle, likely a full-on EV, hybrid or other green-tech vehicle. As for when we might see it, we’d place a bet on January at Las Vegas. That’s when Mercedes-Benz CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsch will deliver his CES 2015 keynote speech, and yes, unveil an all-new concept car. For a full gallery, check the source. [Image credit: Autoblog ] Filed under: Transportation Comments Source: Autoblog

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No camouflage can hide this weird Mercedes prototype