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Gadget News

Oculus launches live entertainment app Venues for Oculus Go and Gear VR headsets

5/30/2018

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Oculus launches live entertainment app Venues for Oculus Go and Gear VR headsets

https://ift.tt/2JjE29O


Oculus VR’s new platform for live entertainment experiences is launching today for the new, standalone Oculus Go headset and Samsung’s Gear VR. The platform, called Oculus Venues, was first announced at Facebook’s F8 developer conference at the beginning of May. It’s centered on delivering live events like sporting matches, concerts, and comedy shows in the style of a streaming TV service — but in VR. That means viewers effectively get front-row seats to live shows from the comfort of their home, so long as they’re content with wearing a VR headset for an extended period of time.

The first Venues event will be a live Vance Joy concert at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater, followed by a Gotham Comedy Live show streamed from New York City in partnership with live events platform NextVR. Oculus has also released an entire summer lineup through August 27th that includes a pretty diverse slate of sports matches, live shows, and movies.

Venues isn’t just about giving Oculus owners a way to watch a live event, but about trying to recreate the feeling of experiencing that event with other people. To that end, Venues populates the area immediately around you with other virtual avatars, to give you the sense of a collective viewing experience only live events can provide.

This is all part of Oculus’ broader entertainment push to make VR both a social experience and a medium that goes beyond just gaming. To do that, Oculus needs to give everyday consumers a reason to own a VR headset and use it regularly. Live events is a smart way to achieve both, especially given that the Oculus Go headset is the company’s first standalone device and costs just $199. That makes it potentially more palatable to more mainstream consumers who have no interest in gaming but who otherwise may be looking to try out VR for entertainment purposes.





Gadget News

via The Verge https://ift.tt/1jLudMg

May 30, 2018 at 11:04AM
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Google is expanding its Project Fi phone lineup with the LG G7 V35 and Moto G6

5/30/2018

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Google is expanding its Project Fi phone lineup with the LG G7, V35, and Moto G6

https://ift.tt/2soHCFp


Google announced today that Project Fi users will soon have a few more device choices. Three new phones will work with Google’s wireless service: the LG G7 ThinQ, the just-announced LG V35 ThinQ, and the Moto G6.

Up until now, customers could only choose between Pixel phones, Nexus phones, and the Moto X4. The Moto G6 costs $199 through Project Fi and is currently available to preorder through the Fi website, while the G7 ThinQ and the V35 ThinQ will come to Project Fi next month with a $50 Fi service credit for each preorder.

The V35 was initially rumored to be an AT&T-exclusive phone, but that clearly is no longer the case. The phone, which was announced in tandem with this Project Fi news, features a Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and runs Android Oreo 8.0. It also has a slightly larger battery than the G7 and an OLED screen. For those differences, you’ll have to pay $900.

The addition of these phones to the Fi lineup is definitely appreciated, as not everyone wants to buy a Pixel. Now, Fi subscribers get other flagship-level choices and the affordable Moto G6. Plus, now Project Fi users have a notch option so they can blend in with the crowd.





Gadget News

via The Verge https://ift.tt/1jLudMg

May 30, 2018 at 11:04AM
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How to use your AirPods (or any Bluetooth headphones) with Oculus Go

5/30/2018

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How to use your AirPods (or any Bluetooth headphones) with Oculus Go

https://ift.tt/2sl3Clb

Even though the Oculus Go doesn't support Bluetooth headphones natively, you can still make your AirPods work with it!

I've been having a blast playing with Oculus Go since it launched, but one thing I'm disappointed in is the lack of support for Bluetooth headphones. I mean, I've got these fantastic AirPods and really want to use them in VR.

There is a way to use AirPods, or any Bluetooth connected headphones, with Oculus Go, even though it doesn't support it natively. You'll need a Bluetooth Audio Transmitter with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

I don't like the idea of taping or otherwise mounting things to my expensive gadgets. After doing a bit of research, I found a number of adapters that don't have lengthy cables attached to them. I chose the Noland Tx 3.5mm Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter for its features. You can pick one up on Amazon for about $35.

See at Amazon

A note on audio quality when using AirPods with Oculus Go

It wouldn't be fair of me to tell you all about how to pair your AirPods with your Oculus Go without first mentioning that audio quality suffers significantly when using this method.

There is definite and noticeable static as soon as you connect AirPods to your Oculus Go, even before any audio playback starts.

That being said, I didn't notice any audio distortion when using my SteelSeries Artis 3 Bluetooth headphones.

Here's how I got my AirPods to work with Oculus Go.

  • Disconnect your AirPods from your iPhone before you begin
  • How to pair your AirPods with a wireless audio transmitter
  • How to pair standard Bluetooth headphones with a wireless audio transmitter
  • Troubleshooting AirPod pairing issues with Oculus Go

Disconnect your AirPods from your iPhone before you begin

Though it's not always necessary, it's a good idea to make sure your AirPods aren't going to automatically connect with any nearby devices, even after it goes into pairing mode.

I disconnected my AirPods from my iPhone, but didn't need to disconnect them from my Mac or iPad devices.

Disconnecting your AirPods from your iPhone just make it easier to troubleshoot any issues you'll probably come across when trying to pair them with your Oculus Go.

How to pair your AirPods with a wireless audio transmitter

The first thing you'll want to do is ensure that the wireless transmitter is on and ready to pair with your AirPods.

This is different with different models, but usually a device is in pairing mode when it's status light starts to blink. It might be green, blue, red, or orange, but it usually blinks in a specific pattern to let you know its ready to pair.

The next thing you'll do is press the pairing button on your AirPods' charging case until the status light turns white and starts pulsing. Of course, your AirPods should be in the charging case.

If they've paired correctly, your Bluetooth transmitter will probably stop blinking and either switch to a pulsing light, turn a solid color, or will stop glowing entirely.

Your AirPods status light will also go from blinking white to either orange for charging or green for fully charged.

If everything was done correctly, you can connect the Bluetooth wireless transmitter to your Oculus Go's 3.5mm headphone jack and then put your AirPods in. You'll hear the Oculus Go audio come through the in-ear speakers.

How to pair standard Bluetooth headphones with a wireless audio transmitter

It's actually quite a bit easier to pair a standard set of Bluetooth headphones than it is to pair AirPods with a wireless audio transmitter. You don't have to worry about disconnecting from your iPhone or any other issues that seems to come up when trying to pair AirPods with non-Apple gadgets.

The first thing you'll want to do is ensure that the wireless transmitter is on and ready to pair with your Bluetooth headphones.

This is different with different models, but usually a device is in pairing mode when it's status light starts to blink. It might be green, blue, red, or orange, but it usually blinks in a specific pattern to let you know its ready to pair.

The next thing you'll do is press and hold the pairing button on your Bluetooth headphones until they enter pairing mode, too. Similar to the transmitter, pairing mode is usually identified by a blinking status light in blue or some other color. Some headphones also send out an audio beep to help clarify that they are in pairing mode.

The lights on both the transmitter and headphones will switch to their designated status of connected, which could be a pulsing light, a solid glowing light, or will stop glowing entirely.

If everything was done correctly, you can connect the Bluetooth wireless transmitter to your Oculus Go's 3.5mm headphone jack and then put your Bluetooth headphones on. You'll hear the Oculus Go audio come through the headphone speakers.

Troubleshooting AirPod pairing issues with Oculus Go

Pairing your AirPods with an Apple device is a pleasant experience. Pairing your AirPods with anything else can be a real pain if something goes wrong.

The first time I paired my Airpods with my Oculus Go, it worked perfectly. The second and third times, I had a few pairing problems. Here's what I did.

  • Make sure your AirPods are disconnected from your iPhone - As I noted before, this step could make or break a solid pairing. It's not always necessary, but it helps clear the AirPods if there's any problems connecting.
  • Make sure the transmitter is fully charged - If the transmitter's power is low, it might have trouble pairing with your AirPods.
  • Turn the transmitter off and on again - I had to do this a number of times to reset its pairing mode. This actually seems to be the main action that fixed my pairing issues.
  • Reset the AirPods - If you still have issues pairing to the transmitter, you can reset your AirPods so they disconnect from all of your Apple devices by pressing and holding the pairing button for 15 seconds. The status light will turn orange and back to white.
  • Test the transmitter with a standard pair of Bluetooth headphones - Check that your transmitter isn't broken by following the pairing instructions for a standard pair of headphones. If there's a problem, you can send back the transmitter and try a different one.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about how to pair Bluetooth headphones to your Oculus Go or about my experience with an audio transmitter? Put them in the comments and I'll answer them for you.

Oculus Go

Oculus Go

  • A parent's guide to Oculus Go
  • Oculus Go vs. Lenovo Mirage Solo
  • Best Gamepad for Oculus Go
  • Best Battery Backup for Oculus Go

Oculus Go 32GB Oculus Go 64GB





Gadget News

via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/

May 30, 2018 at 11:01AM
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Google says its military AI work will be guided by ethical principles

5/30/2018

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Google says its military AI work will be guided by ethical principles

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Bloomberg via Getty Images

Google's Pentagon contract and its involvement with the military's Project Maven has stirred controversy both outside of and within the company. Its plan to provide AI technology that can help flag drone images for human review has led to an internal petition signed by thousands of employees who oppose the decision as well as a number of resignations. Now, the New York Times reports that Google is working on a set of guidelines aimed at steering the company's decisions regarding defense and intelligence contracts.

Last week, CEO Sundar Pichai told employees that the company wanted to develop principles that "stood the test of time," according to those present for his remarks, and Google told the New York Times that those guidelines would prohibit the use of AI in weaponry. How they will do that is currently unclear, but employees said they expected the principles to be announced internally within the next few weeks.

Whatever these guidelines turn out to be, it wouldn't be surprising to see a continued backlash to the company's contract with the Pentagon. Banning collaboration on weaponized AI may not be enough to quell concerns if there's a chance that the "non-offensive" involvement, as Google calls it, could lead to offensive actions, such as drone strikes. "Amid growing fears of biased and weaponized AI, Google is already struggling to keep the public's trust," the Google petition read. "The argument that other firms, like Microsoft and Amazon, are also participating doesn't make this any less risky for Google. Google's unique history, its motto Don't Be Evil, and its direct reach into the lives of billions of users set it apart."

Earlier this month an employee who left Google due to the contract told Gizmodo, "I wasn't happy just voicing my concerns internally. The strongest possible statement I could take against this was to leave."





Gadget News

via Engadget http://www.engadget.com

May 30, 2018 at 11:00AM
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Pokémon Go Events for May 2018

5/30/2018

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Pokémon Go Events for May 2018

https://ift.tt/2rau0hs

Adventure Week starts now, Alolan Forms coming soon, next Community Day is Larvitar, and Go Fest is a go for June!

Alolan forms of Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region coming to Pokémon Go over the next few weeks!

Pokémon Go is intended to get you out and about, both on your own and with family and friends. One of the ways Pokémon Go tries to bolster activity is with events. Some of the events get splashy announcements and coincide with big public holidays. Others are quieter and more regular. Here's what's happened already and what's coming up next.

Upcoming Pokémon Go Events: Safari Zone bringing Unown and Corsola to Dortmund, Germany

Looks like Corsola will be taking a vacation in Germany this summer.

From Pokémon Go:

Pokémon GO Summer Tour 2018 kicks off in lush Westfalenpark as we host a Safari Zone event supported by the City of Dortmund in Germany! Trainers of all ages will be able to explore natural features and catch a wide variety of Pokémon, including some that do not often appear in Europe. Travel through one of Europe's largest inner-city parks and experience the multifaceted history of the Ruhr region within the city of Dortmund from June 30 to July 1!

Westfalenpark is one of the largest inner-city parks in Europe, and it includes elaborate water features, a Japanese garden, and large playgrounds for kids and families. Lure Modules will be activated all day on the PokéStops throughout Westfalenpark, and special 2 km Eggs will be available when you spin their Photo Discs. As you walk through the area, Pokémon such as Unown and Corsola will appear in the wild, offering a chance to catch them.

Plus, activities will expand to Dortmund's entire city district, inviting players from all over Europe to explore the city's cultural history through Pokémon GO. There will be no raids or Gyms inside Westfalenpark, but nearby areas will hold even more adventure for those keen to battle powerful Raid Bosses.

In addition to increased Pokémon appearances and some special surprises along the way, this Safari Zone will include other activities Trainers can participate in. If you need a rest from adventuring, team-themed lounges will be available, where you'll find mobile phone charging stations and opportunities to refuel with snacks and drinks. Pokémon GO giveaways will be conducted throughout the event, and Trainers will be able to participate in a huge group photo on both days. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities to get snapshots with your favorite Pokémon, and Pikachu will be in the park for a special photo opportunity!

This is a free event to be enjoyed by all Trainers on a first-come, first-served basis, so make plans early to ensure you obtain transportation and accommodations for the event. More details are available on the events website. And don't forget to share your plans with us using #SafariZoneDortmund on all your social channels. We can't wait to see you there!

Current Pokémon Go Events: Adventure Week brings Rock-types out to the play until June 5

Pokémon Go's second annual Adventure Week has begun!

From Pokémon Go:

Adventurous new research is on tap during an exciting in-game celebration! Starting on May 24 at 1:00 P.M. PDT, unique Field Research will be available with some exciting rewards, including a Raid Battle appearance by Pokémon such as Aerodactyl.

Throughout the celebration, Rock-type Pokémon such as Geodude, Lileep, and Nosepass will appear more frequently in the wild. There are also incentives to trek around: your Buddy Pokémon will earn Candy 4× faster throughout the event! Plus, you'll receive extra XP for spinning the Photo Discs at PokéStops or Gyms—up to 10 times the usual amount if this is your first time encountering a unique PokéStop or Gym!

Fortune favors the bold, Trainers, so join this adventure before it ends on June 5. Get up and GO!

Upcoming Pokémon Go Event: Alolan Forms coming soon!

Whoa. Didn't see this coming.

From Pokémon Go:

Sunny days are ahead! Whether your forecast calls for rain or shine, we're celebrating all around the world by introducing some special Pokémon from the tropical Alola region to Pokémon GO. Get ready for some of the Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region to appear in their Alolan forms! These unique variants were first seen in the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon video games, and they will make their way to Pokémon GO in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for news related to this exciting change—and don't forget to tell your friends! Stay safe, and happy exploring!

So. Many. Questions. This is essentially jumping ahead a few generations. But is it in lieu of Gen 4 coming at roughly the same pace as Gen 2 and Gen 3 did? Or is it an acceleration of pace with some in-between cross-gen fun?

More here:

Pokémon Go Alolan Form Guide: What you need to know

Upcoming Pokémon Go Event: Community Day, June 16

Pokémon Go's next Community Day event will be held on June 16, 2018. No word yet on the Pokémon, the special move, or the extra bonuses, but we should find out soon!

Current Pokémon Go Event: Ho-Oh joins Latias and Latios in Legendary Raids until June 7!

If you missed out on catching the Leader of the Legendary Beasts, you've now got another chance to get your Ho-Oh on!

From Pokémon Go

Get ready for a surprise: The Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh will return to Raid Battles in Pokémon GO on May 19! A powerful Fire- and Flying-type Pokémon originally discovered in the Johto region, the Rainbow Pokémon Ho-Oh will appear in Gyms across the globe alongside Latias and Latios, which will remain in their designated regions. Plus, if you're fortunate, you might be able to encounter a Shiny Ho-Oh after you win the battle! You can challenge Ho-Oh until June 7 and seize the opportunity to add this Legendary Pokémon to your Pokédex. So, gather your strongest party to take on Ho-Oh before it returns to the skies!

That's right, Shiny Ho-Oh, and when it's Shiny, it's got a 100% catch-rate.

Of course, it adds the usual uncertainty over which Tier 5 Egg will hatch which Legendary, and that can make it harder to get organized and get people out for one or the other Raids. So, not everyone is going to be happy about it. We'll have to wait and see.

Upcoming Pokémon Go Events: Get Pumped Up for Pokémon GO Summer Tour 2018!

Update: Tickets for Pokémon Go Fest are on sale as of 9am PT / 12pm ET, May 11, 2018. (So, basically now):

  • Pokémon Go Fest Chicago 2018

New events have just been announced for North America, Europe, and Asia. From Pokémon Go:

Our biggest North American event is back with a brand-new look! Pokémon GO Fest returns to Chicago from July 14 to July 15. Pokémon GO Fest 2018: A Walk in the Park will offer a unique, immersive play experience unseen anywhere else that will create a daylong adventure for Trainers. The event will be held in the city's historic Lincoln Park, with a 1.8-mile walking course that, among the tree-lined greenery, will include exclusive activities for Trainers of all ages. Single-day passes go on sale on May 11 for $20 on our event website. Also, check the event website for details on hotel accommodations and stay tuned for more details.

For Europe:

Trainers across Europe: Get ready for a Safari Zone event in Dortmund, Germany. Together with the city of Dortmund, we will host an event from June 30 to July 1 in beautiful Westfalenpark. Westfalenpark is not only one of the largest inner-city parks in Europe but also includes elaborate water features, a Japanese garden, and large playgrounds for kids and families. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful view while catching many types of Pokémon! Activities will expand to Dortmund's entire city district, inviting players from all over Europe to explore the city's cultural history through Pokémon GO. This is an open event for all to enjoy, so book your travel and accommodations soon! For detailed information on the Dortmund Safari Zone Event, please visit the event website.

And for Asia:

We've been so inspired by the spirit and dedication of Trainers who have come to our events throughout Asia. From Tottori to Seoul to Chiayi, we've been lucky to see hundreds of thousands of Trainers coming together to view breathtaking scenery, catch many types of Pokémon, and enjoy a unique real-world experience. We'll have a Safari Zone event in Yokosuka, Japan, later this Summer, to be followed by an exciting schedule for our Trainers across Asia. Keep an eye out for more details on these events!

For those who can't make the events:

If you're unable to make it to one of our live events this summer, there are still plenty of amazing ways to participate in the action. Trainers across the globe will be able to engage in a variety of activities and challenges, so you'll be able to take part no matter where you are. Announcements on these features will be forthcoming, so watch out for more news! We invite you to join us on an adventure—even from your hometown.

Should be a fun summer!

Current Pokémon Go Events: Latias and Latios Legendary Raids until June 5! (And they've just switched places!)

May 8, 2018 Update: Latias is now live in North America, South America, and Africa, and Latios has moved on to Europe and Asia.

The Eon Duo is here! Generation 3's Psychic- Dragon-types, Latias and Latios have arrived in Raids.

From Pokémon Go:

The Legendary Pokémon Latias will appear in Raid Battles across Europe and Asia, while Latios will appear in North America, South America, and Africa. On May 8, the Eon Pokémon will switch locations and will be available until June 5, so all Trainers will have the opportunity to catch both powerful Pokémon.

Happy Raiding!

Upcoming Pokémon Go Event: Adventure Week returns this month!

Pokémon Go has sent out an email, "breaking" the news:

One of our most successful events last year, Adventure Week, returns again this month! Gear up for exciting new bonuses and special activities to get you in the adventuring spirit! Also, don't forget to check this monthly newsletter for the latest sneak peeks of what's coming up on our calendar! You never know what you'll find...

Last year, during the first Adventure Week, Rock-type Pokémon spawned at a higher rate, Buddy candy accrued at 4x the usual speed, Poké Balls were 50% off in the shop, and extra items were dropped at PokéStops.

Upcoming Pokémon Go Events: Community Day on May 17, 2018, will feature... Charmander!

Pokémon Go's next Community Day, according to information posted on the Japanese website, is scheduled for May 17, 2018. The featured Pokémon will be Gen 1's Fire-starter: Charmander! There'll be 3-hour Lures, as usual, and the bonus will be 3x stardust on catches. No word yet on special moves.

Charmander evolves into Charmeleon which evolves into Charizard. And, if Pokémon Go keeps up it's Shiny tradition for May, that means Black Charizard. Oh. My.

Times remain the same:

  • Asia-Pacific: 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. JST (GMT +9)
  • Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India: 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. UTC (GMT +0)
  • Americas and Greenland: 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. PST (GMT -8) / 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST (GMT -5)

Read the Pokémon Go Community Day Guide

Upcoming Pokémon Go Events: 2018 will be a Legendary Year

From The Pokémon Company:

The Pokémon Company International today announced plans to celebrate a legendary year in 2018, highlighting some of the most sought-after Pokémon yet to be discovered. From February to November, Legendary Pokémon will be featured across the franchise, including monthly video game character distributions, new Pokémon Trading Card Game products, mobile game retail and animation promotions.

Legendary Pokémon are extremely rare and powerful Pokémon, which exist across all regions of the Pokémon universe. Often elusive and incredibly hard to catch, Legendary Pokémon hold the answers to Pokémon lore and are deeply rooted to the regions from which they originate. Fans can learn more about these Pokémon at https://ift.tt/2mMyt6D

As to Pokémon Go specifically:

Pokémon GO players can also expect to see special promotions featuring Legendary Pokémon in 2018 as part of this legendary year celebration, with details being released soon.

Now we just have to wait and see when and how this Legendary Year manifests itself in Pokémon Go!

2018 Pokémon Go Events: The potentials!

Based on past events, there are a few guesses we can make about future events. First, regional holidays don't mean regional events. Halloween isn't an internationally observed occasion but the event was worldwide. U.S. Thanksgiving is only celebrated in the U.S., and while it was an event in 2016 it gave way to the Global Catch Challenge in 2017.

Also, Pokémon Go has multiple levers to pull. The game can increase rewards, like candy, XP, and stardust. It can decrease requirements, like walking distance. It can increase spawn rates for all or specific Pokémon, like pink colored Pokémon or water-types, and create limited edition Pokémon just for events, like Party Hat Pikachu. It can also give away items or increase their duration, like 1-use Incubators or 8-hour Lures.

Pokémon Go can have events to aid in charitable causes, like the highly localized tsunami-relief event in Japan that featured Lapras or Snorlax exclusively for a week. There was also an event simply to promote the new streaks and bonuses. So, if they want to maintain momentum and there's too long a gap between proper occasions, Pokémon Go can invent their own.

You know what they say, though: The best indicator of future (Pokémon Go) events is...

Past Pokémon Go Events

The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. So, to look forward to the next Pokémon Go events, it's helpful to look back at the events that have already run.

Special Battle Showdown 2018

Are you tough enough? Fighting-type Pokémon take the spotlight and step into the ring for a Battle Showdown! https://t.co/C1Bos4DfQn pic.twitter.com/T1lbMS2r8i

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) May 1, 2018

In addition to Fighting-type Pokémon taking over, battling got a big boost with 2x XP for Gym and Raid battles, 3,000 Stardust a 1 Rare Candy minimums, extra items from Gym spins.

Earth Day Event 2018

Trainers, because more than 4,000 of you attended and cleaned up trash on #EarthDay, you've unlocked 3× Stardust when catching Ground-, Water-, and Grass-type Pokémon. And because of the great impact you've all made, we've extended the rewards to last through April 30, 2018. pic.twitter.com/h4pO3IBdjA

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) April 23, 2018

Earth Day came again and this time, Ground-, Water-, and Grass-type Pokémon got a boost — and so did Stardust.

Kanto Event 2018

Trainers, the appearance of the Mythical Pokémon Mew has attracted Pokémon that were originally discovered in the Kanto region. See these Pokémon appear in the wild more frequently until April 17! https://t.co/SucQfPEP9K pic.twitter.com/5jAYnrwc8D

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) April 10, 2018

In honor of Mew finally making its appearance in-game, Pokémon Go hosted its first generation-themed event: A celebration of the Kanto Region, and all the Pokémon of Gen 1. In addition to increased Kanto spawns and Kanto-region Raid Bosses, double candy was awarded for every in-game action.

Eggstravaganza 2018

Trainers, which Pokémon will you be powering up this week with the double Stardust and bonus Candy from the Pokémon GO Eggstravaganza event? https://t.co/LleeLjqSRn pic.twitter.com/0OcYxBCA6n

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) March 28, 2018

The 2018 version of Pokémon Go's spring/Easter event, called Eggstravaganza, offered 2 KM eggs containing all the Pokémon typically found in 10 KM and 5 KM eggs, an increase in babies (and some new Shiny babies!), bonus Candy for egg hatches, and double Stardust for the duration.

Pokémon Go Community Days

Pokémon Go is holding off a series of monthly community events where trainers around the world are able to catch Pokémon with exclusive moves for extra XP or Stardust, and with Lures that last three hours.

Previous Community Days have featured:

  • May 19, 2018: 11am to 2pm PT: Charmander, evolve Charizard with Blast Burn, increased chance to catch (the newly added) Shiny Charmander, 3x catch Stardust.
  • April 15, 2018; 11am to 2pm PT: Mareep, evolve Ampharos with Dragon Pulse, increased chance to catch (the newly added) Shiny Mareep, 1/4 walking distance for Eggs.
  • March 25, 2018: 11am to 2pm PT: Bulbasaur, evolve Venusaur with Frenzy Plant, increased chance to catch (the newly added) Shiny Bulbasaur, 3x XP for catches.
  • February 24, 2018: 11am to 2pm PT: Dratini, evolve Dragonite with Draco Meteor, increased chance to catch (the newly added) Shiny Dratini, 3x Stardust on catches.
  • January 20, 2018, 11am to 2pm PT: Pikachu with Surf, increased chance to catch Shiny Pikachu, 2x XP.

Windy Weather Wins 2018

The Pokémon GO forecast calls for Pokémon that prefer windy weather to hatch more often from Eggs starting March 5! Plus, enjoy wind-themed Raid Battles and double XP until March 16. https://t.co/bBWcABncQl pic.twitter.com/bMFzNKOdUB

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) March 5, 2018

Windy Weather — which empowers Dragon-, Flying-, and Psychic-type Pokémon — got a boost for a week and a half in March of 2018. That included not only Pokémon Eggs but Raid Bosses. Oh, and double XP. Yeah.

Pokémon Go Lunar New Year Event 2018

Feeling lucky? Starting today until February 17, Trainers who catch a Poochyena, Growlithe, Snubbull, Eevee, or Electrike will receive bonus Stardust. Happy #LunarNewYear! pic.twitter.com/FqaVsO65b3

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) February 15, 2018

Shiny Poochyena as well! But, yhy was Houndour left out?

Pokémon Go Valentines Day Event 2018

Happy Valentines, Trainers! Until February 15, schools of Luvdisc will be out swimming and awarding 3x Stardust for each one caught. #PokemonGOValentines❤️ pic.twitter.com/awxBGLPxcd

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) February 13, 2018

Chansey as well. Not as big or long a deal as last year's Pink Pokémon event, but don't look a gift 3x heart 'mon in the mouth. Or something like that. Also: Shiny Luvdisc!

Hoenn Egg Event

Pokémon Go held a Hoenn Egg Event from January 24 to February 1, 2018.

Get hatching, Trainers. For a limited time, every Egg you hatch will feature a Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region. pic.twitter.com/WOWdLzyPpj

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) January 24, 2018

Pokémon Go Holiday & New Year 2018 Event

Celebrate the holiday season with festive Pikachu, Ice-types, Gen 3 Water- and Ice-types, free incubators, special boxes, Star Pieces, and AR+ for iPhone!

Pokémon Go Travel and the Global Catch Challenge 2017

Instead of a U.S. Thanksgiving event in 2017, Pokémon Go went international with a Global Catch Challenge. Pokémon Go trainers around the world caught over 3 billion Pokemon, unlocking Double XP, Double Stardust, Kangaskhan in Asia, and Farfetch'd in the rest of the world!

Pokémon Go Halloween Event 2017

Pokémon Go's second Halloween event included increased Ghost-type spawns, just like last year, and also some Dark-types from Gen 2. More exciting, the Gen 3 Ghosts debuted during the event. There was also double candy and a special witch-hat Pichu and Pikachu.

Pokémon Go Halloween 2017 Event Guide

Pokémon Go Safari Zones Europe 2017

The Pokémon Go Safari Zones gave people in several major European cities the chance to catch Kangaskhan and Unown spelling E U R O P E.

Pokémon Autumnal Equinox Event 2017

Running from September 22 to October 3, the Autumnal Equinox event offered double stardust and special 2KM eggs for your hatching delight. Super incubators, which hatched 1.5x faster were available in the Pokémon Go Store, and triple XP for any new Pokémon added to your Pokédex.

Pokémon World Championships 2017

As part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game World Championships on August 19 and 20 in Anaheim, California, Pokémon Go players in the vicinity had a chance to catch Kangaskhan — usually regional to Australia — and Unown spelling WORLDS.

European Sightings 2017

Safari Zones Europe might was drastically downscaled but Niantic made it up to players with European sightings instead. Similar to what happened with Pokémon Go Fest Chicago, an extra-continental legendary — in this case Kangaskhan — and Unown spelling out the location — in this case Europe — were being spotted.

Locations included:

  • Vienna, Austria
  • Prague, Czech Republic
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Dijon, France
  • Lille, France
  • Lyon, France
  • Marseille, France
  • Nice, France
  • Paris, France
  • Rennes, France
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Bochum, Germany
  • Gera, Germany
  • Leipzig, Germany
  • Mönchengladbach, Germany
  • Munich, Germany
  • Oberhausen, Germany
  • Recklinghausen, Germany
  • Milan, Italy
  • Naples, Italy
  • Rome, Italy
  • Oslo, Norway
  • Warsaw, Poland
  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Badajoz, Spain
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Cádiz, Spain
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Sevilla, Spain
  • San Sebastián, Spain
  • Valencia, Spain
  • Valladolid, Spain
  • Stockholm, Sweden
  • Zürich, Switzerland
  • Almere, The Netherlands
  • Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Leidschendam, The Netherlands
  • Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
  • Belfast, United Kingdom
  • Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • Cardiff, United Kingdom
  • Glasgow, United Kingdom
  • London, United Kingdom
  • Manchester, United Kingdom

Pikachu Outbreak Japan 2017

As part of Pokémon's Pikachu Outbreak celebration in Japan, Pokémon Go brought Mr. Mine over for a short amount of time, increased spawns for Unown letters spelling Yokohama, added rare spawns from 2K eggs, introduced Shiny Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu, and unleashed the very first Mewtwo Legendary Raids: with 9+ hour times, 50+ premiere balls, and... a guaranteed catch rate of 100% — at least for the event.

Pokémon Go Fest Chicago Bonus Event 2017

Following up on Pokémon Go Fest Chicago, a slew of bonuses were unlocked, including:

  • Double Stardust
  • Double Candy
  • Double XP
  • Increased Pokémon encounters
  • Reduced hatching distance
  • Reduced buddy distance

Hopefully, we won't have to wait another year for that many bonuses again.

More on Pokémon Go Fest Chicago.

Pokémon Go Fest Chicago

Pokémon Go Fest Chicago was the first major real-world event for Niantic's incredibly popular augmented reality, geo-hunting game. It took place Saturday, July 22, at Grant Park in Chicago, IL, and — the servers crashed and burned.

Still, Pokémon Go made good with refunds, $100 in Poké Coins, and a Lugia for every participant, as well as a 100% catch rate for Legendary Raids around the venue.

More on Pokémon Go Fest Chicago.

Pokémon Go Anniversary Event

Pokémon Go's Anniversary Event ran from July 6 to July 24 with a special Ash-hat Pikachu for players to catch in the wild and discounted Anniversary Boxes and Special Boxes to buy in the Poké Shop. The first Box was underwhelming but the second set delivered.

Pokémon Go Solstice fire- and ice-type event

From June 13 to 21, 2017 (extended a day due to Pokémon Trainer Club (PTC) login issues, Pokémon Go held and event of Ice- and Fire in honor of the summer soultice in the north and the winter solstice in the south. In addition to extra fire- and ice-type spawns, there was 5x XP on hatching eggs, 3x XP on catching Pokémon, and 50% off Lucky Eggs in the Poké Shop.

More on thePokémon Go solstice Ice- and Fire-type event

Pokémon Go Adventure Week rock-type event

Pokémon Go had a rock-type event, called Adventure Week, from May 18 to May 25, 2017. During the event, rock-type Pokémon spawned at a higher rate, Buddy candy accrued at 4x the usual speed, Poké Balls were 50% off in the shop, and extra items were dropped at PokéStops!

More on the Pokémon Go Adventure Week Rock-type Event

PokémonGo Worldwide Bloom Event 2017 (Grass-type)

Pokémon Go held a worldwide bloom event from May 5 to May 8, 2017. During the event, grass-type Pokémon spawns were increased and Lures lasted for six hours.

More on the Pokémon Go grass event

Pokémon Go "Golden Week" Lure Event at McDonald's Japan

Pokémon Go held a Lure Event for "Golden Week" in Japan, from April 29 to May 7, 2017.

4月29日(土)から5月7日(日)の期間、国内のマクドナルド約2,500店舗の「ポケストップ」に花びらが舞い、ポケモンをたくさんゲットできる「ルアーモジュールコラボイベント」が開催されます!GOルデンウィークはマクドナルドへGO! pic.twitter.com/IL7qv9Hjlz

— Pokémon GO Japan (@PokemonGOAppJP) April 28, 2017

Rough translation, cleaned up from Google:

During the period from Saturday, April 29 to Sunday, May 7, the petals will dance at PokéStops located at about 2,500 local MacDonald's. The "Lure module collaboration event" will be held so that you can get a lot of Pokemon! GO Golden Week goes to McDonald's GO!

Unlike the American Thanksgiving event, which was made international, this event was Japan-only, with McDonald's Japan footing the bill.

Pokémon Go and Knight Foundation on May 7, 2017

Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon Go and Ingress, and the Knight Foundation, and organization focused on community engagement, announced an ongoing partnership that hopes to use location and augmented-reality based gaming to help bring neighborhoods and neighbors together.

The first event was set for May 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the Open Streets 704 event in a 2.5-mile area. 16 PokéStops and two Gyms, selected by the City of Charlotte at significant sites along the route, were offer increased spawns to help make it exciting and engaging for everyone.

May 4, 2017 - Niantic, Inc., creators of hit augmented reality games Pokémon GO and Ingress, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation have formed a multi-year partnership to advance civic engagement in local communities around the United States through augmented reality experiences. The partnership will foster discovery, bring communities together, and promote engagement within public spaces by leveraging Niantic's mobile location-based technology and experiences at select community events supported by The Knight Foundation.

"We founded Niantic to give people the chance to connect with the world around them using technology and games in innovative ways," said John Hanke, CEO, Niantic, Inc. "The partnership with The Knight Foundation is a great forum to explore how technology can drive civic engagement."

The collaboration will play out at community events in several cities, including Knight-sponsored Open Streets events. These temporarily close off car traffic so people can use streets for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing and socializing. The initiative will also tap unique facets of a city's public spaces such as parks and libraries to bring together people of diverse backgrounds and build a sense of shared community. Over the next year, Niantic will collaborate with civic leaders in several cities where Knight Foundation supports community engagement. The initiative will work to enhance these events featuring special content within their augmented reality mobile games, Ingress and Pokémon GO.

"Pokemon Go has already showed us the impact technology can have on getting people out into public," said Sam Gill, Knight vice president for learning and impact. "We're excited to work with Niantic to explore new ways to help people engage with each other and their neighborhoods."

The first event in the collaboration between Niantic and the Knight Foundation will be hosted on May 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina as part of the Open Streets 704 event in a 2.5 mile area. Though this first event will be experimental, fans of Pokémon GO can look forward to interacting with 16 PokéStops and two Gyms selected by the City of Charlotte at significant sites along the route. These locations will be highlighted on the official Open Streets 704 route map displayed at the event. To further immerse fans in the real-world experience, the physical location of each PokéStop will be physically marked along the route.

There are some reports that the event wasn't well organized and that many weren't pleased the only thing they got for participating was a set of stickers. Others seem to have really liked it. Either way, I hope we see many more of these, and like these, going forward.

Pokémon Go 'Eggstravaganza' Spring Event 2017

The Pokémon Go Spring Even lasted from April 13 to April 20, 2017. During the event, you got double XP, extra candy from egg hatches, and many 5 KM and 10 KM Pokémon began hatching from 2 KM eggs, including Lapras and Aerodactyl. Lucky Eggs were also offered at 50% in the Pokémon Go Shop.

More on the Pokémon Go Spring / Easter Event

Pokémon Go Water Festival 2017

The Pokémon Go Water Festival was done to help raise awareness for various global water days and weeks. During the festival, water-type Pokémon spawned at a much-increased rate, often replacing the typical common and rare spawns almost completely. And yes, that included Lapras!

In addition, a Magikarp hat was made available for trainers to wear, and Shiny Pokémon were introduced into Pokémon Go for the first time in the form of gold Magikarp and red Gyarados.

More on the Pokémon Go Water Festival Event

More on Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go Snorlax in Japan Event 2017

Similar to last fall's Lapras event, Japan's Kumamoto region is getting a Snorlax event to help bolster tourism following the earthquake of 2016.

熊本県全域、及び大分県由布市、別府市で、カビゴンが現れやすくなるとの情報が届きました。ポケモンのふえに起こされたのでしょうか?この現象は3/4から3/13まで続くようです!現地は復興作業が続いている地域、場所がございます。危険な場所には立ち入らず、熊本、大分を楽しんでくださいね! pic.twitter.com/24SbqeLuOI

— Pokémon GO Japan (@PokemonGOAppJP) March 2, 2017

Here's an approximate translation:

We've received information that in the Kumamoto prefecture and in Oita prefecture, Yufu city and Beppu city, Snorlax has begun appearing more frequently. Was it roused by the Pokémon flute? The phenomenon is expected to continue from March 4 to March 13. There are areas and places where local reconstruction work is continuing. Do not enter a dangerous place. Otherwise, please enjoy Kumamoto and Oita!

If you're in Japan or have wanted to go to Japan, and Snorlax is still on your must-get list, now's the time to go!

Pokémon Day from February 26 to March 6, 2017

The Pokémon Day event saw Pokémon Go join the larger festivities by offering a special, limited edition Pikachu in a festive hat that could be caught from February 26 at 1:00 p.m. PST to March 6 at 1:00 p.m. PST.

More on the Pokémon Day event and Party Hat Pikachu

Pokémon Go Valentine's Day Event 2017

Pokémon Go ran a Valentine's Day event for a whole week! That's right, from February 8 to February 15, 2017.

During the Valentine's event there was double candy, half walking distances, increased spawning rates for pink Pokémon, and Lures that lasted six hours.

More about the Pokémon Go Valentine's event

Pokémon Go Holiday & New Year Events 2016/2017

The Pokémon Go Holiday & New Year Events overlapped, the holiday part running from December 25 through January 3, 2017 and the New Year part, December 30 through January 8.

During the holiday part, it offered and increased spawn rate for limited-time Santa Pikachu, an increased chances of hatching Gen 2 babies Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Smoochum, Elekid, or Magby, and a free 1-time Incubator from the first PokéStop spin of the day.

During the New Year part, it offered Increased spawn rate for Gen 1 Starter Pokémon and their evolutions, Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise, and Lures lasting twice as long.

More about the Pokémon Go Holiday and New Year Events

Pokémon Go Thanksgiving Event 2016

The Pokémon Go Thanksgiving Event ran from November 23rd through November 30th. It offered Double XP and Stardust for catching, hatching, and evolving Pokémon.

More about the Pokémon Go Thanksgiving Event

Pokémon Go Lapras in Japan Event 2016

From November 11 to November 23, 2016, Pokémon Go made Lapras easier to find in the Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures of Japan. It was an attempt to help bring tourism back to the region following the earthquake earlier in the year.

皆さんにお知らせです。岩手県、宮城県、福島県の沿岸部でラプラスが出現しやすくなっていることが確認されました。この現象は11/23まで続くようです。東北の今を感じる旅に是非おでかけください!きっとPokémon GO以外でも素敵な発見がたくさんあると思います。 pic.twitter.com/1VPBngRU6v

— Pokémon GO Japan (@PokemonGOAppJP) November 11, 2016

Rough translation:

Listen up everyone! It has been confirmed that Lapras is now easier to find in the coastal regions of Iwata, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures. The phenomenon will continue until November 23. Please go out and journey in Tohoku! There are many wonderful discoveries to be made beyond Pokémon Go.

Pokémon Go Halloween Event 2016

The Pokémon Go Halloween Event ran from October 26 through November 1. It offered double candy for catching, hatching, and transferring Pokémon, and cut the distance for walking Buddy Pokémon down to 1/4. Increased spawn rates were also offered for Zubat, Golbat, Drowzee, Hypno, Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Cubone, Marowak, Meowth, and Persian.

More about the Pokémon Go Halloween Event

What Pokémon Go events do you want to see?

If you were planning the next big Pokémon Go event, when would you have it and how would you handle it?

Pokemon Go

  • Pokémon Go Events
  • Pokémon Go Updates
  • Pokémon Go Gen 3 Guide
  • Pokémon Go Beat the Legendaries
  • Pokémon Go Beat the Raid Bosses
  • Pokémon Go New Gyms Guide
  • Pokémon Go tips and tricks
  • Pokémon Go cheats




Gadget News

via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/

May 30, 2018 at 10:54AM
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Netgears Arlo security cam app has been having problems for days

5/30/2018

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Netgear’s Arlo security cam app has been having problems for days

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Owners of the wireless home security camera Arlo have noticed issues with the app over the past few days. Problems range from not being able to log in to the app completely crashing.

Arlo’s message boards have been flooded since the issues started on May 27th, with users urging parent company Netgear to find solutions. Arlo owners report that the app is displaying error messages pointing the problem to “internet connectivity issues,” “internal error,” “currently unavailable,” “incorrect password,” and more.

On the forums, a Netgear community manager says that the issue is only affecting some customers on certain service providers, and it can be traced back to a DNS issue with some ISPs. Although a solution hasn’t been found, there is a temporary workaround that involves either updating DNS settings to a public DNS server or connecting to the Arlo app with Wi-Fi turned off.

This isn’t the first time Arlo customers have had problems with getting locked out of their accounts. And while it otherwise sports terrific features, service disruption is the one thing you don’t want in a home security system — especially one that lasts several days.





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May 30, 2018 at 10:49AM
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FBI links North Korea hackers to two more malware attacks

5/30/2018

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FBI links North Korea hackers to two more malware attacks

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NurPhoto via Getty Images

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have linked more malware with North Korean hackers. The agencies say state-backed hackers called Hidden Cobra have likely used remote access tool Joanap and server message block worm Brambul to infiltrate the global media, aerospace, financial and critical infrastructure sectors. The attacks are part of a North Korea cyberattack campaign that has persisted since at least 2009, the agencies wrote in a Technical Alert.

DHS and the FBI identified IP addresses and other indicators associated with the malware to help organizations protect themselves against the threats. Joanap lets hackers run commands remotely -- they can scrape data, install more malware and manage files and directories. Brambul, meanwhile, can send hackers system information like the IP address, host name, username and password via email, among other things.

Although the malware is largely targeting organizations, there are a few measures you can take to stay more secure at home, the agencies say. Those include running operating systems and software on their latest patches, updating antivirus software, enabling firewalls and more strictly managing how users can install and run unwanted software. Those concerned about the malware might wish to monitor IP addresses linked to the malware for suspicious activity too.

The hackers, who have also been called the Guardians of Peace and the Lazarus Group, have been accused of orchestrating several attacks, such as the 2014 Sony Pictures hack. The group may also have been behind the WannaCry ransomware, which impacted governments, national health services, companies and universities last year.





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via Engadget http://www.engadget.com

May 30, 2018 at 10:48AM
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Can Nintendo Labo Help Turn Kids Into Makers?

5/30/2018

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Can Nintendo Labo Help Turn Kids Into Makers?  

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Every parent has been there: It’s Saturday. It’s raining, snowing, or nuclear winter, and for whatever reason, your kid can’t play outside. Then junior hits you with that age-old kid lament: “I’m bored.”

I usually respond with something like, “If you think you’re bored now, just wait until you have a job. Go watch TV.” But with the Nintendo Labo for the Switch, I now have a better option.

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This video game/interactive toy/construction kit is a boredom killer. Like the best rainy day projects, it’s easy and fun to start, but gradually reveals surprising complexity. Your kid might even learn something about engineering and computers along the way.

A Seventy Dollar Cardboard Box?

When Nintendo revealed Labo a few months ago, I was skeptical. I’ve loved Nintendo since the NES days, but like a lot of video game fans, I thought, “I’m supposed to pay 70 bucks for a box of cardboard and rubber bands so I can build my own toys? What am I? A factory worker? A caveman?”

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I was so very wrong. Yeah, in the most literal sense, Labo is a box of cardboard that costs 70 dollars, but like the intricate toys you’ll construct with it, it’s more than the sum of its parts.

Although it uses and requires a Nintendo Switch, Labo is not a video game. It’s a product meant to blur the line between toys and games. You build cardboard structures called “Toy Cons,” like a cardboard house or fishing pole, then use them as controllers for specific mini-games. But cardboard assembly is only the beginning level of Labo. Its deeper stages provide limitless play and learning possibilities.

It’s educational, but unlike too many “good-for-you” products, Labo is actually fun. It’s the kind of toy that’s designed to be taken apart and examined. It rewards curiosity and exploration, and the deeper your kid goes, the more he or she will find. Pretty amazing for a box of cardboard.

Build: The Construction Level

So far, two full Labo kits have been released: Nintendo Labo Variety Kit and Nintendo Labo Robot Kit. The first is a collection of mini-games with accompanying mini projects. The second is more ambitious: A wearable cardboard robot controller—backpack, visor, and hand and feet controllers— you use in mech games. But you gotta build before you play.

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My wife, son, and I put together all of the projects over the course of a week or so, and while they seem fairly complicated at first glance, they’re actually a snap. The smaller gizmos took us an hour to build (give or take), where the robot took three or four hours of us working together. During that time, I’m happy to report, there was little frustrated screaming.

The cardboard pieces snap together with a satisfying click, and everything works as advertised. No tools are required, and even the most mechanically challenged should be able to follow the easy interactive instructions. You can rewind, repeat, and change camera angles to your heart’s content.

Dex even built a couple projects solo, and he’s only ten. With parental supervision, littler ones will have fun “helping” too, even if the help is just coloring the cardboard or adding some stickers.

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The resulting toys are surprisingly durable. I was ready with hot glue and tape to strengthen errant flaps or tears, but it wasn’t needed. So far, everything is holding together, even with fairly heavy use. They are made of paper, though, so you have to treat them fairly gingerly.

While building a Toy Con, a curious kid will have plenty of time to figure out the ingenious mechanisms that make them work. The projects make heavy use of the camera embedded in one of the Switch’s Joy Con controllers. The robot backpack, for instance, contains cardboard blocks tied to strings that attach to your hands and feet. Move your limbs and the blocks go up and down. The Joy Con camera reads the heights of the blocks and sends the info to your Switch, which determines when you’ve taken a step or thrown a punch. The blocks are even weighted to provide feedback for the mech pilot in your living room.

Play: The Games

It’s a little unfair to compare Labo’s tech-demos to complete games. They are all well-designed, but no one is going to spend as much time with Labo’s fishing game as they do playing Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Play is only one aspect of the Labo experience though.

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The robot kit is the closest to a full-fledged game for the Labo, and it’s undeniably fun. Every kid wants to destroy a virtual city, and it’s especially satisfying using real-life punches and stomps to level buildings. Dex loved it and wanted to show it off to his friends. His one sentence review: “This would be a great party game!”

The other games for the robot kit include timed challenge levels, customization options, and even a two-player robot game if you have a friend with the same kit.

The robot is cool, but we spent the most time with the Variety Kit. It contains five smaller projects ranging from a vibration-powered remote control car you can fold together in a few minutes to a working musical keyboard. Each of the mini-games here is fun in different ways, from the adorable virtual pet game in the cardboard house to the simple-but-fun fishing sim with working fishing pole. But the games themselves are not nearly as interesting as discovering how they work through building them and taking them apart again.

Discover: The Deeper Levels of Labo

Each Labo project begins simply, but you can always go deeper by checking out its “Discover” mode where you’ll learn exactly how it works, and how to access its hidden features.

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The keyboard, for instance, is the most time-consuming build in the Variety Kit, and the end result seemed disappointing at first: A one-octave keyboard with a piano sound, cat noises, and a few other voices. A fun novelty, but nothing that will change a kid’s life … Until you enter Discover mode, and unlock your creation’s true potential.

It turns out that the cardboard switch you built into the side changes the keyboard’s octave, giving you a five-octave range. If you shake the keyboard, you control vibrato. You can play the keyboard “acoustically,” using only the vibrations from the controllers and the resonance from the case, then experiment by laying the controller on larger or smaller boxes.

That weird rectangle piece you almost threw out is actually a drum machine controller you can “program” by punching holes into. Then you can hit the “record” button you folded together and lay down up to eight separate tracks over your cardboard beat.

Maybe most amazingly of all to a music nerd like me: You can cut a shape into a piece of cardboard or paper, insert it into the keyboard, and the Switch will translate the shape into a waveform, letting you change an instrument’s timbre by cutting different shapes.

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As more features and options become available, you realize that you didn’t just build a paper piano. You built a full-featured, working cardboard synthesizer with sequencer and drum machine. Just the thing for the budding Quincy Jones in your life.

Coding: Labo’s Final Boss

After you’ve built all the projects, played all the games, and marveled at how everything works, Labo hits you with its final level: The Toy-Con Garage.

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The Garage lets you program and create your own Toy-Cons. An easy-to-understand interface pairs input from the Switch or Joy-Con controller with onscreen events, so your kid can make their own games or interactive toys. You can use elements from the projects you’ve already created too, adding functionality or combining projects, like using the fishing pole to play music.

The Labo has only been available for a short time, but YouTube videos of kids sharing incredible creations are already showing up. People are building coin-sorting cardboard banks, target shooting games, and much more. Here are some examples.

If your kid is the creative or engineering type, they’ll love building new Toy Cons, but they’ll also be learning the basics of coding. The possibilities are limitless, and will keep your little ones busy long past a rainy day.





Gadget News

via Lifehacker http://lifehacker.com

May 30, 2018 at 10:42AM
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Want to tune into WWDC announcements? Here's how

5/30/2018

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Want to tune into WWDC announcements? Here's how

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In anticipation of the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple has updated its apps so you can catch all the announcements you care about.

Looking for a way to tune into the coming week's WWDC keynotes so you can get your Apple announcement fix? You're in luck! Today, the tech colossus has officially updated its Apple Events app for fourth- and fifth-generation Apple TV ahead of the approaching conference. Now, when you go to open the app, you'll see the telltale sleek, snow-white visual theme of this year's WWDC artwork, including an updated home screen icon. There hasn't been any change in the functionality of the app, however.

  • Apple Events - Free - Download now

For those of you not already in the know, the event will run Monday, June 4, 2018 through Friday, June 8, 2018 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. It will commence at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, so if you live outside of that area, you're going to need to calculate your local time so you don't miss anything.

In addition to the Apple TV app, Apple's dedicated events page has also been updated to reflect the impending conference. If you don't own an Apple TV (or just don't want to mess with the Apple Events app), you can also stream the event live by tapping that link day-of.

If you'd like to know more about how we're prepping for WWDC and our theories regarding the event, give the pieces below a glance and check back for further updates!

  • WWDC 2018 Preview: What to expect from Apple's biggest show of the year!
  • Apple rumors: What's coming next!
  • What's coming next for iCloud at WWDC 2018?
  • What's in Lory's WWDC 2018 gear bag?
  • Apple once again offering 60-minute studio reservations for podcasters at WWDC 2018

Thoughts?

Are you going to tune in for WWDC? Let us know in the comments!





Gadget News

via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/

May 30, 2018 at 10:35AM
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Get dad the perfect gift this Father's Day!

5/30/2018

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Get dad the perfect gift this Father's Day!

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Getting through school is hard, especially college. All that effort deserves some kind of reward. We know it can sometimes be difficult to navigate the world of online shopping. iMore is here to help. We're constantly scouring the internet, testing products, and figuring out our absolute favorite Apple and related products so you can find the perfect gift for the recent graduate in your life!

iPhone 8 Plus

Once school is over, your graduate might be headed off to travel the world. What better way to stay in touch than with an iPhone 8 Plus. It is the ultimate in mobile computer tech. Not only do you have your entire digital world at your fingertips, but you can also take some seriously amazing photos with it. It's available today and ships right after ordering, so the best gift you can get for the graduate in your life will be ready for gift wrapping on time. If your scholarly gift recipient doesn't want to carry around a 5.5-inch iPhone, check out iPhone SE instead.

from $799 Buy Now

10.5 inch iPad Pro

The 128GB Wi-Fi-only 10.5-inch iPad Pro is the best iPad for reading, drawing, surfing the web, and streaming movies and TV. It's big enough to act as a computer but small enough to not weigh down a bookbag too much. Your graduate can watch Netflix on the go, post to WhatsApp on a bigger screen, or write their first novel. The iPad Pro makes everything possible.

from $649 Buy Now

13-inch MacBook Air

It's not the lightest MacBook Apple sells anymore, but starting at $999, it's a solid option. It doesn't have a Retina display, but it does have USB ports. It's the least expensive in the Mac lineup (it's the same price as the iPhone X!) and the most versatile gift for any occasion.

from $999 Buy Now

Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular

The name says it all. The third (technically fourth) generation Apple Watch comes with optional LTE connectivity so you can leave your iPhone behind and still enjoy the things you love about Apple Watch. You can make calls, send texts, and even stream Apple Music right from your wrist.

from $399 Buy Now

Apple TV 4K

The 64GB Apple TV 4K is the latest and greatest in TV streaming from Apple. It has all the things you love about the third-generation Apple TV, like Siri support and downloadable apps and games, but with ultra-crisp 4K HDR support. Your recent graduate can recoup from all that studying by watching Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 4K or playing their favorite video games with Retina-quality for their TV.

$199 Buy Now

AirPods

Apple's AirPods are unique in that they instantly connect to your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more thanks to the W1 chip inside. You can also trigger Siri for a little help with your listening activities and use touch-based gestures to control playback. If the recent graduate in your life doesn't like in-ear headphones, try Beats Solo3 for on-ear style or Beats Studio3 for over-the-ear listening.

$159 Buy Now

HomePod

You can dance the night away, set a specific lighting mood in the room, and have Siri control playback on your Apple TV with Apple's dedicated speaker. It fills any room with amazing depth and sound without taking up too much space on your countertop. It's the perfect gift for anyone that has a subscription to Apple Music.

$349 Buy Now

Apple Music

An Apple Music subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. With a subscription, you have access to thousands of albums across all genres of music and can download and listen to tunes offline if you're saving your data. There's a free 3-month trial, and after that, it's just $9.99 a month per person or $15.99 for the whole family!

from $10/m Buy Now

olloclip

iPhones have terrific cameras, but ultra-thin lenses can only take you so far. olloclip lenses take you the rest of the way: fisheye, macro, and super-wide. It's perfect for taking great pictures while traveling around the world on a much-needed vacation.

$80 Buy Now

Philips Hue

The Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Bulb Starter Kit (3rd Generation) makes it possible to control lights with an iPhone, iPad ... or even your voice. Tired of snow or rain and want some sun? "Make the light white!" Ready to watch Game of Thrones? "Make the dorm room red!" Forget to turn off a light when already in bed ... or at the mall? "Turn off the lights." You can even set the perfect mood for post-school TV show binge watching.

$200 Buy Now

Apple Smart Battery Case

Make it through the night and into the next morning with Apple's Smart Battery Case. Thanks to its unique integration, it packs more charging power into less bulk than any other other case, and that's invaluable for a long plane ride or day's travel when you don't have your charger on hand.

$99 Buy Now

Fermata Headphone Charging Stand

Nothing says "classy" like a fancy stand for your headphones. The graduate in your life will be able to show off those awesome wireless headphones by charging them on this sleek stand, making music the centerpiece of their office.

$80 Buy Now

Twelve South Forté

Twelve South's Forté offers a sleek design and top-notch quality for displaying and charging your Apple Watch: The metal and leather coiled stand lets you display your watch and band while charging it, and even offers a pad for resting your iPhone upon.

$60 Buy Now

Sport Loop Apple Watch band

Apple's latest woven nylon bands come with a completely different setup. Instead of a buckle to connect to your wrist, you can quickly strap and unstrap it with a hook-and-loop fastener. They're light and breathable enough to be worn for workouts but also classy enough to go out on the town. And Apple's regularly adds new colors, so you can collect them all!

$49 Buy Now

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch is a gaming device a recent graduate could get sucked into to while away the post-study days. There are dozens of games designed specifically for multiplayer fun and hundreds more for single-player action. Grab a second pair of Joy-Con controllers if you don't want to start a fight with their roommates.

$299 Buy Now

Prynt Pocket

This pocket-sized photo printer is the perfect gift for a photography buff. Connect your iPhone and print 2" x 3" photos of any photos in your library, or snap your iPhone to the printer for real-time printing. You can even take video and produce a picture that can be viewed as a video when seen through augmented reality. It's pretty amazing. Don't forget to get some extra photo paper to go with it.

$150 Buy Now

Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II

Bose makes a darn fine set of headphones. It's not just about the audio, which is impeccable, I might say. It's also about the comfort and these noise-canceling puppies are the most comfortable on the market right now. The second-generation model lets you adjust the amount of noise you want to be canceled without needing to use the app. It's a fantastic gift for music-loving graduates that want to block out unwanted noise, but also want the option of letting some sound in.

$349 Buy Now

Kodak Photo Printer Dock

Kodak's smartphone photo printer pushes out high quality 4"x6" prints directly from your iPhone. It uses some fancy-pants printing technology to bring the most detailed image transfer from digital to physical. It prints your image in colored layers: reds, yellows, and blues, and then finishes the whole thing off with a top coat so your pictures won't bleed or fade.

$140 Buy Now





Gadget News

via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/

May 30, 2018 at 10:31AM
1 Comment
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