function – Page 33

Yup, there’s a Sodastream for cocktails

Our modern consumer age hasn’t been kind to SodaStream, since bottles of soda are cheap enough that you don’t need to make your own at home. Thankfully, the company has finally worked out that cola-addicted teens aren’t its future customers, but drunk adults who want something fancy for cocktail parties . That’s why the firm has teamed up with name-brand designer Yves Behar (he’s previously designed the SodaStream Source ) to develop the SodaStream Mix, which is one part CO2 injector and one part internet of things device. You see, Mix can’t be a buzzy new gadget unless it’s connected to the cloud (it is), and the company has also baked in Bluetooth and app compatibility as well. Touch the screen and cycle through to the alcohol section and you’ll be presented with a variety of recipes for you to follow. When done, insert the mix into the SodaStream and hey, the hardware will carbonate it. The company promises that the device can compensate for the differing fluid density levels of each drink, so it’ll ramp up (or down) the fizz for a drink with pulped fruit compared to a whiskey sour. There’s no word yet on how much this costs, or even if you’ll be able to buy it, but there’s one idea we want to leave you with: Fizzy Cocktails. Filed under: Misc Comments Via: Cool Hunting Source: SodaStream

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Yup, there’s a Sodastream for cocktails

Data breaches exposed 29 million US health records in 4 years

If there are any doubts left that health care data breaches are a major problem , the medical industry just put them to rest. Researchers have published a study showing that a whopping 29.1 million American health records were compromised between 2010 and 2013. Most of them (58 percent) were exposed through theft, but the rest were revealed through a mix of hacks and carelessness, including workers who gave unauthorized access or didn’t properly get rid of info they no longer needed. As you might imagine, providers aren’t happy. An opinion piece accompanying the study argues that your personal health data is “not safe” despite the existence of rules meant to protect it, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. If both the government and companies don’t put “much more focused attention” on keeping data secure, they argue, these incidents are only going to continue. [Image credit: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez] Filed under: Internet Comments Via: The Verge Source: JAMA (1) , (2)

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Data breaches exposed 29 million US health records in 4 years

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge is ridiculously expensive to make

It’s no secret that Samsung’s curvy Galaxy S6 Edge costs a pretty penny, but there’s now a good explanation as to why. IHS estimates that the raw price of assembly for a 64GB Verizon model is $290. That’s more expensive to make than not just the Galaxy S5 ($256 when new), but also the 128GB iPhone 6 Plus ($263) — if true, Samsung is giving up a lot of profit to make this exotic hardware affordable. The bendy AMOLED screen is unsurprisingly the costliest element here with an estimated $85 price, although the Exynos 7 processor ($30), 3GB of DDR4 memory ($27) and flash storage ($25) certainly aren’t cheap. It’s hard to know just how accurate this manufacturing bill is. Samsung makes its own parts, after all, and it could have scored a deal to get components at a lower rate. And as always, the cost of assembly doesn’t tell you the full story. That $290 doesn’t include patent licensing, development or other expenses needed to put the S6 Edge in your pocket. Even so, it’s apparent that Samsung is still willing to sacrifice its bottom line to one-up the competition. Filed under: Cellphones , Mobile , Samsung Comments Source: Recode

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Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge is ridiculously expensive to make

Kaspersky releases decryption tool that unlocks ransomware

You never should have clicked on the email attachment from that Nairobian prince. Now ransomware’s got you locked out of your own computer and is demanding money before you can use it again. But before you reach for you wallet, take a look at this decryption key generator that Kaspersky has built. The Netherland’s National High Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) recently got its hands on a CoinVault command-and-control server (a type of ransomware that has been infecting Windows systems since last November) and, upon examining it, discovered a large database of decryption keys. The NHTCU shared this information with Kaspersky which used it to build the Noransomware decryption tool . Granted, the program isn’t 100 percent effective yet — it’s not like the NHTCU got all of the potential keys off of that one server or anything — but as police forces around the world continue to investigate the CoinVault ransom campaign, Kaspersky expects to grow the key database and further improve the tool’s functionality. Plus, it’s still better than paying some schmuck hacker to give you back your digital dominion. Filed under: Internet Comments Via: PC World Source: National High Crime Detection Unit , No Ransomware

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Kaspersky releases decryption tool that unlocks ransomware

DARPA creating software that won’t need upgrades for a century

Software upgrades and outdated applications that don’t work on new platforms are just a fact of life for people who use computers and other devices. DARPA, however, wants to change that by making software systems that can run for over a century without getting updates from their developers and despite upgrades in hardware. Pentagon’s mad science department has recently announced that it has begun a four-year research to figure out what algorithms are necessary to create software that “can dynamically adapt to changes.” The agency calls the project “Building Resource Adaptive Software Systems or BRASS, ” and it knows it won’t be easy. In fact, DARPA’s expecting to build everything from the ground up. In return, though, we could see a whole new list of programs with longer lifespans that are easier to maintain. “The goal of the Building Resource Adaptive Software Systems program (BRASS) is to realize foundational advances in the design and implementation of long-lived, survivable and complex software systems that are robust to changes in the physical and logical resources provided by their ecosystem, ” part of its official description says. The agency has started accepting research proposals for every aspect of the project, from which it’ll find the most promising to fund. DARPA is hoping that BRASS will ultimately lead to military computers and machines that don’t need to stop running for upgrades, as the process can be costly. Sounds a bit terrifying, considering the project aims to build software that can evolve on its own, much like those villainous programs in movies that gained sentience as time went on. Filed under: Science Comments Source: DARPA (1) , (2) , FedBizOpps

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DARPA creating software that won’t need upgrades for a century

Apple’s iOS 8.4 beta includes a brand-new music player

Think that iOS’ music player is overdue for a remake? You’re going to get your wish. Apple has released the first iOS 8.4 beta to developers, and its centerpiece is a shiny, new Music app. The refresh includes at least a few long-sought changes, including some borrowed from iTunes: There’s a mini player that sticks around while you’re browsing, global search and an “Up Next” song queue. You’ll also see a sleeker iTunes Radio interface that helps you discover new tracks. There’s no sign of the Beats-based music service rumored to come alongside 8.4, but that’s not supposed to show up until Apple’s developer conference at the earliest — if it exists, it’s probably going to stay under wraps for a little while. [Image credit: 9to5Mac ] Filed under: Cellphones , Tablets , Mobile , Apple Comments Source: 9to5Mac

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Apple’s iOS 8.4 beta includes a brand-new music player

DirecTV’s app is ready to stream 90 channels anywhere you go

We haven’t seen many updates for DirecTV’s streaming services in a while, but this week it added a slew of new channels for customers to watch live even when they’re away from home. The 22 additions include MTV, TNT, Nickelodeon, BET, Cartoon Network and more ready for viewing on computers, tablets or phones. DirecTV also has the Genie DVRs that can shift recordings to your mobile device, but as the competition with internet TV services heats up the satellite company is finally ready to push a few more updates. All of those features work through the DirecTV apps, but it’s worth noting that recently DirecTV has cut deals so its subscribers can use their logins to stream channels (on their own apps) that its app doesn’t support yet, like Disney and ABC. Filed under: Home Entertainment , HD Comments Source: DirecTV , FAQ

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DirecTV’s app is ready to stream 90 channels anywhere you go

Vertical videos are here to stay thanks to apps like Snapchat

If you despise vertical or portrait video as much as some of us do, bad news: according to recent comments from ad agencies and media executives, you’ll be seeing a lot more of them. The awkward format has been in our crosshairs since the iPhone 4 came out in 2010 and we felt the need to explain how to fix it . It’s used by cellphone-wielders who are either too lazy to turn their phone 90 degrees or are just unaware that they should . The result is video that’s okay on smartphones but horrible on computer screens or TVs due to unsightly vertical bars. In addition, Snapchat and new livestreaming apps like Periscope and Meerkat will soon make the format seem normal for many users. For instance, Daily Mail North America ‘s CEO Jon Steinberg recently said that “we need to move even more aggressively to develop vertical content, (because) vertical video ads have up to 9x more completed views than horizontal video ads.” As to why that might be, he added that “the whole notion of turning your phone on its side to watch a video is awkward and a bit of a hassle.” As a result, the Daily Mail will create free vertical ads for companies with a “reasonable media buy” on its Snapchat Discover channel. Another kick to the head of horizontal video is from Periscope and Meerkat . The popular new livestream video feeds from the apps are only available in vertical mode to make them more convenient for one-handed viewing. Neither app supports horizontal (landscape) video at all, but Periscope’s CEO thinks most users would stick with portrait video even if it added the capability. Critics say the vertical format limits the artistic possibilities of video and doesn’t match how our vision works. However, ad agency creative director Tom Westerlin told Digiday that those people might as well get over it now. “Haters are gonna hate. People love to talk shit. That’s great, good for them. It basically just fuels the buzz around the future of (new video formats).” Filed under: Cellphones , HD Comments Source: Digiday , Medium

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Vertical videos are here to stay thanks to apps like Snapchat

Apple’s iOS 8.3 update brings wireless CarPlay to your iPhone

Apple’s busy today — on top of finally releasing Photos , it’s rolling out the long-expected iOS 8.3 update. It’s not as huge as 8.2 was , but you’ll likely appreciate it if you’re a tech-savvy driver. The upgrade brings wireless CarPlay in supporting vehicles, so you don’t have to plug in your iPhone just to get directions or music on your car’s center display. You’ll also find more diverse emoji (as in OS X), the option to download free apps without a password and a much easier way of signing into Google accounts when you use two-factor authentication. There’s a whole bunch of app performance and interface fixes on top of this, so you’ll definitely want to grab the 8.3 patch when you get the chance. Filed under: Cellphones , Mobile , Apple Comments Source: 9to5Mac

Tesla’s entry-level Model S delivers a lot more bang for a little extra buck

Electric cars are an important step on the road to saving the planet, but they’re sufficiently expensive that they’re still the province of ” yuppies .” The problem with Tesla’s entry-level Model S 60 is that its shorter range was sure to deter some who could just about make the switch, but couldn’t afford an 85D . The company clearly realized that it wasn’t doing enough to coax prospective customers, which is why it’s now revealed a new entry level Model S in the form of the 70D. If there’s a catch, it’s that the 70D is $5, 000 more expensive than the S 60 it was designed to replace, but that extra cash buys you a lot more car than it could a few days ago. The headline feature here, of course, is that the 70D comes with a range of around 240 miles, thanks to that 70kWh battery that’s replaced the 60kWh unit on its predecessor. Speed-wise, the dual motor all-wheel drive whip will go from 0-60 in just over five seconds and the car has a top speed of 140mph. If you’re considering colors other than black or hot-rod red, you can also pick up the 70D in Warm Silver or Ocean Blue. Previously, Model S customers would have been tempted to peruse the options menu looking at cheap-ish upgrades for their new ride. With the 70D, a lot of that technology has been absorbed into the price, specifically to banish customer worries about performance and range. Those looking to boast that their ride can drive itself can also let slip that the 70D comes with Autopilot , Tesla’s assisted steering hardware, pre-installed. A series of cameras and sensors around the car will keep you in a lane on the highway, maintaining a safe speed and distance from other cars. It may not be the tech that Google is promising, but it’s as close to a self-driving car you’re likely to find in 2015. Of course, someone should have really named it ” Cruise Control , ” but that name had already been taken. As previously mentioned, US customers will be asked to pay $75, 000 for the new Model S, although that’s before various state and federal EV incentives kick in. Meanwhile, drivers in the UK who are eligible for the £5, 000 plug-in grant will be asked to kick in £54, 500 of their own money when it launches there in the near future. Filed under: Transportation Comments

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Tesla’s entry-level Model S delivers a lot more bang for a little extra buck

Ken May

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