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Tokyo cafe to use robot waiters operated by people with physical disabilities https://ift.tt/2NCEJ0Y Japan is taking steps to fight social isolation by employing robots in as many aspects of life as possible. After introducing autonomous robots in various roles in a hospital and a number of nursing homes and schools, a cafe in Tokyo will soon open with robotic waiters controlled remotely by people with physical disabilities who wouldn't be able to work otherwise. The anthropomorphic, if a bit creepy, OriHime-D robots used at the Dawn ver. Beta cafe are 1.2 meters tall and weigh about 20 kilograms. They carry a camera and a speaker and stream the footage to the controller's PC or tablet over the internet. At a demonstration of how the system would work in August, a robot waiter was controlled by Nozomi Murata, who suffers from autophagic vacuolar myopathy that causes atrophy of skeletal muscles. The robots' control system also has an eye-tracking input capability, which makes it suitable to be used by people with late stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The pilot run of the cafe is scheduled for weekdays from November 26th to December 7th. The creator of the robots, Ory Laboratory, plans to open a permanent cafe with robot waiters closer to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. In addition to OriHime-D, Ory Laboratory produces a smaller robot that's mostly used in Japan for telecommuting. At 21.5 centimeters and 600 grams, they roam around the offices of some 70 companies, representing employees who couldn't be at work due to illness or other reasons. Another area where robots are increasingly involved in Japan is elderly care. A variety of caregiving institutions have been employing robots that help their patients move, but also keep them company when there are no humans around. According to the estimations of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the robotic service industry will reach $4 billion a year by 2035 — a 25 times increase compared to the current level. Gadget News via Engadget http://www.engadget.com September 24, 2018 at 06:30AM
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Save up to 35% on Anker's popular Bluetooth headphones and speakers today https://ift.tt/2O4eXSH As part of its daily deals, Amazon has some of Anker's popular Bluetooth headphones and speakers on sale for up to 35% off. Today's price drops bring them down to the lowest prices they've sold for. First up is Anker's Soundcore Spirit in-ear sports earbuds which are down to $29.99, which is a $10 savings. They are fully sweat-proof, have a cable slip to keep the extra wiring off your neck while using them, and offer 8 hours of battery life per charge. Next up is Anker's Soundcore Vortex wireless on-ear headphones with 40mm drivers, up to 20 hours of battery per charge, and more. They are down to $44.99 and have sold for as much as $70 in the past. They fold up and can be easily transported in the included carrying case to prevent damages while on-the-go. Finally, Anker's Soundcore Flare Bluetooth speaker is down to $44.98 from its everyday price of $70. It has 360-degree sound, bass up technology to bring out the lows in your music, a beat-driven LED on the bottom that has various themes, and much more. It is waterproof, and if you buy two of them you can connect them as a stereo pair. All of these prices are good for today only, so don't miss out. This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details. Gadget News via iMore - Learn more. Be more. https://www.imore.com/ September 24, 2018 at 06:21AM
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Report Claims Apple's Original Programming Efforts Will Avoid Mature Content https://ift.tt/2pzIS7j Apple is unlikely to produce original content that contains gratuitous sex, violence, profanity, or risqué storylines, according to a report published over the weekend by the Wall Street Journal. The article cites several sources familiar with Apple's original programming plans who say Apple wants to avoid putting its name to anything that could risk tainting its wider brand image. It also relates CEO Tim Cook's alleged reaction to watching Apple's first scripted drama, "Vital Signs," a semi-autobiographical tale of hip hop artist Dr Dre. According to the paper's sources, Cook previewed the show and was "troubled" by scenes depicting drawn guns, sex and drug use, and reportedly told Apple Music executive Jimmy Iovine that Apple couldn't show it. Across Hollywood and inside Apple, the show has become emblematic of the challenges faced by the technology giant as it pushes into entertainment. Apple earmarked $1 billion for Hollywood programming last year. But in the tone CEO Mr. Cook has set for it, whatever Apple produces mustn't taint a pristine brand image that has helped the company collect 80% of the profits in the global smartphone market.Apple's approach is in direct contrast to that of other streaming platforms, which have found great success in producing edgy content like HBO's "Game of Thrones" and Netflix's "House of Cards." However, Apple apparently feels it has more to lose if viewers are offended by its entertainment offering. "As a consumer-product company, Apple is especially exposed if content strikes a sour note," said Preston Beckman, a former NBC and Fox programming executive who spoke to WSJ. "For Netflix, the only risk is that people don't subscribe. With Apple, you can say, 'I'm going to punish them by not buying their phone or computer.'" Apple has hired former Sony Pictures TV executives Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg to head up the company's broader push into original video programming. Erlicht and Van Amburg have helped produce shows like "Better Call Saul," "The Crown," "Sneaky Pete," and more. According to the report, Van Amburg and Erlicht have successfully pushed some edgier shows, including a series made by M. Night Shyamalan about a couple who lose a young child. However, Apple executives reportedly pushed for changes in the show because they didn't want content to venture into religious subjects or politics. Similar concerns over keeping content "safe" have reportedly contributed to delays in Apple's original content streaming, which has been postponed twice and is now expected to launch in March 2019. However, one leading producer with projects at Apple expects the date to be pushed back yet further, according to the latest report. Apple is known to have invested in at least 12 television shows so far. They include a new animated TV series called "Central Park" and an untitled morning show drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. According to WSJ, however, the latter is delayed because of scheduling issues with Witherspoon. Apple's original TV shows are expected to be distributed through a new video streaming service, which could also be bundled with an Apple Music subscription and a digital magazine and news subscription.
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
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Invest in your iPhone XS with these amazing accessories https://ift.tt/2O8KaEg Good news: all of the accessories created for the iPhone X will be compatible with the iPhone XS as well. That doesn't mean you can't invest in some new ones though! Here are some of our favorite accessories to trick out your new iPhone. High-end headphonesBose QuietComfortIf you really want to treat yourself, pick up a pair of these Bose headphones. They're noise-canceling, Bluetooth-enabled, and offer 20 hours of wireless listening time off of a single charge. They're even Alexa-enabled if that's your thing. Read more about these headphones and how they stack up to Beats Solo3 here. The ultimate biking companionSmartHalo Bike SystemThe SmartHalo Bike System takes your bicycle to a whole new level. It gives you turn-by-turn navigation, notifications from your iPhone, theft protection, lighting, fitness tracking, and more. Take better photosolloclip Mobile Photography Lens Box SetThe iPhone XS houses the best camera Apple has developed yet. Enhance your photography even further with this kit that includes fisheye, macro 15x, and super-wide lenses as well as a portable stand. Elegant chargerLogitech Powered Wireless Charging StandThe U-shaped cradle makes it easy to charge your iPhone XS wirelessly. It works in both portrait and landscape mode, so you can talk on the phone or watch movies while you charge. Powerful, waterproof speakerWONDERBOOM Bluetooth SpeakerThis little speaker packs a punch. It's small and portable, so you can take it with you on the go. And it's waterproof, so go ahead and bring some tunes to the beach or pool party. Read more about how it stacks up with another favorite here. Power and lightAibocn Power BankWe'll forgive the ridiculous name, because this 10000 mAh external battery has two USB ports so you can charge two devices at once. Plus, it acts as a flashlight in case you need one. Check out more of our favorite battery packs here. Back upOmars iPhone Flash DriveIt never hurts to have extra backup for the important things on your iPhone, so here is a handy flash drive memory stick. It's got a lightning plug on one end and a USB on the other, so you can transfer photos and videos from your iPhone to your computer quickly. Here are some more of our favorite flash drives. A more secure gripPopSocketPersonally I don't get the appeal of these; but they are wildly popular. When I worked at the Apple Store, these were probably the most requested item we didn't carry. So get a better grip on your phone with this baby, and use it as a kickstand to watch videos too. I do like that they come in so many cool designs. A better gripSpigen Style Ring POPNow this is more I like it. This slim ring style offers a more secure grip than the popular PopSocket, and it rotates 360 degrees so it can be used as a kickstand. It's metal, so you can use it with a magnetic car mount. Hands-free in the carSpigen Car Phone MountThis doesn't have to be used with the Spigen Style Ring POP, but they do go together nicely. If you don't have a metal ring on the back of your phone, you can use one of the two metal plates that come with this car mount instead. Keep in mind, any metal or plastic item on the back of your iPhone will hinder wireless charging. Keep it cleanWhoosh! Screen ShineThis stuff is awesome. I use it myself on my iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, and even my glasses. It quickly gets rid of fingerprints and smudges of all kinds, not to mention that it gets rid of that nasty bacteria. Read more about Whoosh! here. Way more than a selfie stickDJI OSMO Mobile 2 Gimbal for iPhoneTake your iPhone action photography and videography to the next level. Stabilize your video, auto-track a subject in motion, take stunning time-lapse photos, and much more. I've used this myself and it is ah-mazing. See more of our favorite gimbals here. The iPhone XS may not represent a new form factor, but that doesn't mean that you don't need new accessories. You've invested in the best technology that Apple has to offer, so why not take full advantage and enhance your experience further? These accessories will help you do just that. Gadget News via iMore - Learn more. Be more. https://www.imore.com/ September 24, 2018 at 06:03AM
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If you're done with all this beta nonsense, opt out before Mojave launches! https://ift.tt/2Iur0SG Want to stop getting beta updates once the public version of Mojave is released? Here's how! Some of us may have been overly impatient for the release of macOS Mojave and instead opted into being part of the beta program to get a sneak peek at Apple's latest and greatest operating system. If you were one of these brave souls, when the Gold Master of macOS Mojave is released, you may want to stick with the stable version rather than keep on getting beta updates. Here's how to do just that. Backup your device!It's good practice to have an up-to-date backup of your computer devices. It will save you hours or even years of work for just a few minutes of your time. Please check out Rene's important article on how to backup your Mac. Unenroll from the beta
Once you opt out prior to the GM release you can update to the latest stable OS directly from the App Store. Need to opt out of the iOS beta program?You can check out Lory Gil's awesome article detailing just how to do that! She explains how to opt-out via an iPhone or iPad or even whilst your iOS device is connected via a Mac. Questions?Are you going to keep running the beta program on your Mac? Or will you opt out once Mojave is available in the Mac App Store? Let us know in the comments! Updated September 2018: Update for macOS Mojave. Gadget News via iMore - Learn more. Be more. https://www.imore.com/ September 24, 2018 at 06:03AM
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The Morning After: Android is ten years old https://ift.tt/2I8jSMZ Good morning there! Google's Android has reached ten years, setting up a few weeks of milestone anniversaries for the tech company. (Expect to hear more from Mountain View later this week...) We'll also have our final verdict on Apple's Watch Series 4, not to mention reports from camera show Photokina as well as Oculus's own event later in the week. It's going to get busy. The 'door-to-door' Direct service can bring an EV to your office.Tesla is hand-delivering the Model 3 to speed up sales Tesla is determined to move as many EVs as it can before its summer quarter is over, and that includes saving you from even a short trip to get your vehicle. Electrek has learned that the company just launched a door-to-door Tesla Direct service, bringing the Model 3 directly to customers, and not just those near the automaker's Fremont factory. Customers in Los Angeles (and possibly other areas) are receiving emails offering to deliver cars directly to their homes and offices for free.
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Just enter your email and we'll take care of the rest: From a novelty into a mainstay of the tech world. The mobile world is celebrating a momentous anniversary: Android is ten years old. The T-Mobile G1 (and Android 1.0) made its debut on September 23rd, 2008, launching both a new operating system and a new era. It didn't look like much in those early days, but it eventually became the dominant mobile platform. Android adoption exploded thanks to both rapid software upgrades as well as flagships like the Motorola Droid and Samsung Galaxy S. It was already the most popular mobile OS by the end of 2010, and competitors that once seemed unassailable quickly fell by the wayside. If the iPhone knocked BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile off their respective perches, it was Android that put them in the ground. The K600 can work with your PC or mobile devices, too. Logitech's K600 offers a compact keyboard-and-trackpad combo for your modern smart TV. You won't have to laboriously enter web addresses or search queries using just your remote, and while the K600 won't work with every model, it covers major TVs from LG, Samsung and Sony. You don't have to use the keyboard with a TV -- it's an otherwise standard Bluetooth peripheral, so you can connect it to Android, iOS, Mac and Windows devices -- a quick switch button can change the pairing on the spot. But wait, there's more...
The Morning After is a new daily newsletter from Engadget designed to help you fight off FOMO. Who knows what you'll miss if you don't Subscribe. Craving even more? Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter. Have a suggestion on how we can improve The Morning After? Send us a note. Gadget News via Engadget http://www.engadget.com September 24, 2018 at 05:54AM
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iPhone XS and XS Max Survive Liquid Dunk, but Shatter Immediately in Drop Test https://ift.tt/2OKb6r2 Following new iPhone releases, the devices are always subjected to a range of durability tests, and the iPhone XS and XS Max are no exception. Over the weekend, warranty company SquareTrade conducted several tests on the two new smartphones, checking Apple's claims of IP68 water resistance and more durable glass. According to Apple, the iPhone XS and XS Max are using "the most durable glass ever in a smartphone" and have improved IP68 water resistance, meaning they can withstand water up to two meters deep for approximately 30 minutes. In SquareTrade's tests, the two iPhones stood up well to liquids, but the more durable glass didn't prevent them from shattering when dropped. It only took a single back down drop test from a six foot range onto a hard surface for the iPhone XS to shatter entirely, resulting in broken, loose glass across the back of the device. Like the iPhone X, the iPhone XS and XS Max feature glass on the front and back to enable wireless charging. The result was the same for the iPhone XS Max, with back glass of the smartphone shattering after being dropped from a six-foot height. The stainless steel frames Apple uses for the iPhone XS and XS Max protected the two devices during a side drop test, but the face down drop test also resulted in breakage. When dropped face down, the iPhone XS suffered a shattered and malfunctioning display, while the iPhone XS Max was impacted with hairline cracks and loose glass but still had a usable display. After a 60 second tumble test, both the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max were covered in hairline cracks, scratches, and featured loose glass after the damage, and in a pressure-based bend test, the iPhone XS cracked at 250 pounds and the screen failed entirely. SquareTrade also tested the water resistance of the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max in a novel way, using a 5-foot 30 minute dunk test in a tank filled with 138 cans of beer. Beer was the liquid of choice for the test because Apple mentioned beer resistance during the keynote when the two devices were announced. Both the iPhone XS and XS Max survived the extended beer bath and were entirely operational afterwards, confirming Apple's water resistance claims. SquareTrade assigned each iPhone a "Breakability Score" taking into account performance on each of the tests, as broken down in the image below. iPhone XS earned a Breakability Score of 86, classified as "high risk," while iPhone XS Max earned a Breakability Score of 70, classified as "medium risk." All in all, SquareTrade believes the iPhone XS and XS Max are stronger than the iPhone X, but are still prone to breaking easily given that both devices shattered on the first drop during the drop test. "We were super impressed with the iPhone XS Max, which is much stronger than its discontinued predecessor, the iPhone X. However, as with the iPhone X, our tests show the all-glass design of the iPhone XS and XS Max make them highly susceptible to cracking, particularly from drops, the most common cause of damage, said Jason Siciliano, vice president global creative director at SquareTrade.As with the iPhone X, non-warranty repairs for Apple's all-glass devices are expensive. Without AppleCare+, getting the screen replaced on the iPhone XS costs $279, while a screen repair for the iPhone XS Max costs $329. Damage to the back of the device falls under the "Other repairs" category, which costs $549 for the iPhone XS and $599 for the iPhone XS Max, making AppleCare+ or a sturdy case a good idea.
Related Roundup: iPhone XS
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Belkinâs Boostup wireless dock can charge three Apple devices at once https://ift.tt/2QSwfAK Itâs not quite AirPower, but Belkinâs latest charging dock gives you a convenient way of charging up to three Apple devices simultaneously. The Boostup Wireless Charging Dock has a pair of elevated wireless charging pads to power your iPhone and Apple Watch, and a USB Type-A port for charging a third device, like an AirPods case. The charger offers 7.5W of Qi power for all iPhone models capable of wireless charging, including the bigger XS Max. Otherwise it delivers 5W/1A to both the Apple Watch and via the USB port. The dock as a whole is powered by an included 45W AC adapter. The announcement comes after Appleâs first-party AirPower charging pad failed to launch amid reports that the device continues to be plagued by issues such as overheating, despite being namechecked in the iPhone XS manual. Belkinâs dock doesnât offer the same level of convenience as Appleâs mat, but it should cut down on your bedside cable clutter if youâre charging two or three devices every night. Belkin also has an updated version of its PowerHouse charge dock with a more traditional Lightning jack. This model might be preferable if the thought of resting your new iPhone upright against a charging pad without having anything to secure it in place isnât to your liking. The Wireless Charging Dock will be available from December for $159.99, while the PowerHouse model will set you back $99.99 when it launches in November. Gadget News via The Verge https://ift.tt/1jLudMg September 24, 2018 at 04:17AM
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Skeletal stem cells could regrow damaged bones https://ift.tt/2Dnqzfm Believe it or not, scientists are still discovering new forms of stem cells -- and these latest examples could shake up how doctors treat a multitude of common injuries. A Stanford-led research team has identified the human skeletal stem cell, helping the group create a "family tree" of cells that can regenerate bones and cartilage. You can either isolate them from existing bones or generate them from specialized cells in fat, and they're predictable enough (that is, they'll always make bone tissue) that doctors wouldn't have to worry much about unintended results when using them in treatments. The breakthrough wasn't a simple affair. To pinpoint the human skeletal stem cell, the scientists couldn't just use the tricks they'd used to isolate the equivalent in mice. They had to compare the mouse's gene expression profiles with those of several human cell types you'd find on the growing ends of human bone. That let the group find cells with similar proteins as the mouse's skeletal stem cells, helping the team find relevant markers on human cells. The findings will should help understand the nature of human bone, but Stanford noted that it's ultimately interested in medical uses. You could heal broken bones at a faster pace, repair cartilage or even grow new bones for reconstructive surgery. Conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis might be much less serious, as you could generate unaffected bones and cartilage as necessary. This is only the beginning, so any solutions are likely years away. Still, there could be a day when you don't have to worry as much about serious fractures or the effects of aging. Gadget News via Engadget http://www.engadget.com September 24, 2018 at 03:00AM
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Casio's see-through G-Shock watches are an icy blast of nostalgia https://ift.tt/2I9MbL9 Casio's G-Shock watch line is enjoying a bit of a renaissance on its 35th anniversary (you can even get a full metal model if you like), and the company is making the most of it with some particularly eye-catching wristwear. It just introduced a Glacier Gold collection of G-Shocks that are virtually guaranteed to stand out while scratching that nostalgic itch. Each model has a semi-transparent resin casing and band, with a gold-colored watch sitting at their heart, recreating both the look of classic G-Shock models and the clear style of 1996's stand-out DW-6900K. As you might imagine, the designs will cost decidedly more than they did in G-Shock's early days. If you want to go for the purest retro look, the squarish DW-5035E (based on 1983's DW-5000) and slightly more circular DW-5735E (derived from 1985's DW-5400) will feature prominent all-digital faces when they go on sale in October for $220. If you're willing to go for a mix of digital and analog timekeeping in much more recent designs, the GA735E and GA835E will sell for $160. That's a lot to pay when you can get full-fledged smartwatches for less, but raw functionality really isn't the goal here. This is about a dash of style that just happens to have a digital flair -- it's for the watch connoisseur who remembers the days when a liquid crystal display was still a novelty. Gadget News via Engadget http://www.engadget.com September 24, 2018 at 12:30AM |
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