Vodafone calls truce with TRAI, tweaks priority plans - Gadgets Now https://ift.tt/333Y1lT Telecom regulator Traihas decided to drop proceedings against Vodafone Idea Ltd( VIL) in priority plan matter after the telco withdrew contentious claims on faster speed and modified its offering. The move brings down curtains on the controversial priority plan issue, which saw the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) initiating a probe into telco's claims of priority network and faster data speeds for premium customers. Last month, the regulator had slapped a show-cause notice on VIL over its priority mobile plan, saying the tariff offer lacked transparency and was "misleading" and not in compliance with regulatory framework. Faced with regulatory heat, VIL recently dropped the faster data speed claims which formed a prominent part of its pay-more-for-priority-treatment offering and filed a revised plan with Trai. The regulator has now informed VIL that "the authority has decided not to proceed with the investigation/ further inquiry". Trai letter, seen by , noted that the operator has informed that the earlier RedX planhas been discontinued and that a new tariff plan of RedX, without the claim of priority 4G network feature with faster speed, has been filed. "It has been further stated that VIL believes the same would address the concerns of the authority and based on the same, VIL requested the authority to grant closure to the pending enquiry," the regulator said. Gadget News via "gadgets" - Google News https://ift.tt/2HwaG9f September 26, 2020 at 08:52AM
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The cheapest gadgets to make your TV smart - MyBroadband https://ift.tt/33Z0kGd Many South Africans may have an older TV set which still offers a great viewing experience but lacks smart integration. Other might be stuck with a TV with an older smart operating system that has lost support for certain important applications. One example of this was Samsung last year announcing that its smart TVs manufactured in 2010 and 2011 would lose access to Netflix. Having to hook up a laptop or copy files to a USB to watch on your TV every time can be a tedious undertaking, but a smart TV box offers a hassle-free, plug-and-play solution to make a TV with an HDMI input smart. These devices are effectively compact computers with an operating system (usually Google’s Android TV) that allows for the playback of content via apps or through external media. Features to considerThere is a wide range of options for cheap smart TV boxes with Android TV available in South Africa. Aside from the required hardware for solid performance, there are several features to consider which could have a significant impact on your experience with a smart TV box or stick. Firstly, Google-certified devices offer support for all official apps as well as official versions of the Android TV OS. If a box is not Google-certified, then applications like DStv Now will not be available to download directly from the Google Play Store. In certain instances, it may be possible to side-load the app, although this does not guarantee it will work as intended. Another factor to weigh is what type of remote you’ll be getting with the device, as well as whether the box supports Bluetooth connectivity. The addition of full-size keyboard may make it easier for you to search for and find your content, improving your overall experience. Bluetooth support will also allow you to connect wireless peripherals like a mouse or keyboard to ease navigation and input. Smart boxes under R1,000We’ve put together a list of 10 of the cheapest TV boxes and sticks available in South Africa for those looking to add smart features to their TV. Most of these devices are not Google-certified, but still offer users access to a wide range of applications, including Netflix, YouTube, and Showmax. Tech Geeks 4K Android TV Box – R675
MXQ Pro 4K Smart Box – R725
X96 Mini Android TV Media Box – R797
Blaupunkt Android Media Box – R699
Ultra Link Android TV Box – R799
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick – R895
MyGica ATV495X – R892
MyGica ATV4595MAX – R889
TX 6 Android TV Box – R898
Sigmalink Amlogic – R909
Gadget News via "gadgets" - Google News https://ift.tt/2HwaG9f September 26, 2020 at 08:52AM Netflix Confronted by US Republican Senators Over Chinese Sci-Fi Show Three-Body Problem - Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3j6ddVt Five Republican US senators have confronted Netflix over the streaming giant's plan to adapt a Chinese sci-fi book trilogy, expressing concern over the original author's comments about claims of forced labor in Xinjiang. Liu Cixin's bestselling "The Three-Body Problem," which tells the story of humanity's first contact with aliens, is set to become a major Netflix series co-written by the creators of Game of Thrones. In a letter to content boss Ted Sarandos, the senators accused Liu of "parroting dangerous [Communist Party] propaganda" and suggested Netflix was "providing a platform to Mr Liu in producing this project." They highlighted a New Yorker article from last year in which Liu is quoted defending mass internment in China's northwestern Xinjiang region, where activists say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslim Turkic-speaking people have been incarcerated in camps. "Would you rather that they be hacking away at bodies at train stations and schools in terrorist attacks?" Liu told the magazine. "If anything, the government is helping their economy and trying to lift them out of poverty." According to the senators' letter, adapting Liu's work would represent "the normalisation of, or apologism for, these crimes." "We ask Netflix to seriously reconsider the implications of providing a platform to Mr Liu in producing this project," it concluded. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment. President Donald Trump's administration has ramped up pressure on China on a wide range of issues, imposing sanctions over policies in Xinjiang. With Trump's reelection bid looming closer, Republicans recently pulled Netflix into the US election fray with a separate row over French film "Cuties," accused of sexualizing little girls. Conservative activists say the drama is a by-product of an overly liberal culture often associated with Hollywood — and that it promotes pedophilia. Its director denied the charges and said the movie is a critique of the over-sexualisation of young girls. Republicans have also pointed out that Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings is a significant Democratic donor. Liu's father joined the Communists during China's civil war, but was later sent to work in coal mines in the country's north, while the author himself is described as "no dissident" in the New Yorker profile. The trilogy by Liu — whose famous fans include former president Barack Obama — imagines an alternate history in which a female Chinese astrophysicist makes contact with an alien civilisation, prompting global fears of an invasion. Netflix announced its adaptation earlier this month, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson serving as an executive producer, along with Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment company. Game of Thrones duo David Benioff and DB Weiss will co-write the series. In an official statement at the time, Liu said the apocalyptic series "transcends time and the confines of nations, cultures and races." Gadget News via "gadgets" - Google News https://ift.tt/2HwaG9f September 26, 2020 at 08:52AM
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Use Chopsticks to Aerate the Soil of Your Houseplants https://ift.tt/36fy45b Whether you’re more of a casual houseplant owner who’s happy if you remember to water it, or are so serious about your plants that it’s part of your personality, it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve. This one comes courtesy of Emma Loewe at MindBodyGreen, and involves something you probably already have in your kitchen drawers: chopsticks. Here’s what to do. Why aerate the soil?Over time, your plants’ soil can get heavy and compacted with regular watering. According to Loewe:
Outdoors, worms are able to work their magic and break up the dirt, adding air as they go. But inside, you probably don’t have worms. And that’s where chopsticks come in. G/O Media may get a commission How to use chopsticks to aerate soilFirst of all, figure out if your plant is one that thrives in hard soil, or prefer their dirt on the softer side. Succulents tend to do well in compacted soil, but leafy plants (like philodendrons, monsteras, pothos, etc.) like some air with their dirt. Darryl Cheng, plant pro and author of New Plant Parent, tells MindBodyGreen that he uses a chopstick to determine how compacted—and in some cases, dry—the soil has become. If a leafy plant’s dirt has gotten hard, Cheng will gently poke the soil with the chopstick until it reaches the bottom of the pot, and then swirl it around to add some air. Two or three chopstick prods around the perimeter of the plant is plenty. But if you find that the chopstick is getting caught on something, find a new spot, because you may have hit the roots. If that happens, don’t worry about it too much, because roots are pretty sturdy. After you’ve introduced some air, it’s time to water the plant. Gadget News via Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com September 26, 2020 at 08:36AM
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Windows XP had secret theme that looked like Apple's Aqua https://ift.tt/3j76TwK The source code for Windows XP was recently leaked online! What you need to know
Earlier this week it emerged that the source code from Windows XP had leaked online.
Digging through the code, The Verge has found that Microsoft actually had a secret, unreleased Microsoft XP theme that looked exactly like Apple's Aqua interface from 2000.
The theme was never released to the public and may have been used as a placeholder for the theme engine. The only description for the theme says "Whistler skin with eye candy". The theme was marked for internal use only. Gadget News via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/ September 26, 2020 at 08:31AM
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How to Apply for a Job That Pays You to Test Fall Scented Candles https://ift.tt/3kR51Ja Are you the type of person who can’t pass a candle display in a store without lifting the lid off at least one and sniffing it? Do you look forward to the sights—and more importantly, smells—of autumn all year? Do you actually keep the candles you were given as gifts instead of regifting them? If so, have we got a job for you. Well, it’s more of a contest than a job, but however you look at it, the three people selected will get paid to smell fall scented candles. Here’s some more information on the job, how to apply. What the job entailsLifestyle platform Wishlisted.com is behind the job/contest, and is looking for three people to smell and review fall scented candles. They’ll get to keep the candles they’re sent, get paid $250 for their time and feedback, and get a signing bonus of a $50 Starbucks gift card and a cozy blanket to enhance their candle-sniffing experience. Plus, as we’re all getting ready to hunker down for the fall and winter, and whatever else this pandemic and flu season brings, this is an ideal indoor activity. “A little extra cash is always nice, especially when times could be tough,” Dayne Ford, founder and CEO of Wishlisted.com tells Lifehacker. “We also felt people are enjoying the little things at home right now, more than ever.” And, in case you need more convincing, you can think of it as a service for your fellow candle enthusiasts. “Candle scents are so subjective that we felt what better way to review them than to get help from our audience,” Ford says. G/O Media may get a commission How to applyThe application process is pretty easy: fill out this form with your information, answer a few questions about your candle preferences, and what makes you perfect for the job. Just make sure you do so before October 14th, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. If you’ve been selected, Wishlisted.com will let you know within the next week. Applicants must be U.S. residents ages 18 and older. According to Ford, any personally identifiable information the company receives through their secure Google form will be used solely to select their winning applications, and the personal portion of that data will be discarded immediately afterwards. “We do give anyone completing the application the opportunity to subscribe to our email newsletters but that’s entirely optional,” he says, “and will have no impact on their odds of being selected.” Gadget News via Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com September 26, 2020 at 08:07AM
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Avoid Germs With These Handy Door-Opening Multi-Tools, 40% Off With Promo Code https://ift.tt/3kSE1bY Social Distancing Multi-Tool | $6 | Amazon | Promo code 40USDX3Q No-Touch Door Opener Tool 2-Pack | $9 | Amazon I don’t know about you, but I hate touching any public surfaces— for obvious reasons, I hope. Unfortunately, it can’t be completed avoided at the grocery store or at the ATM or while running other necessary errands. These multi-tools can help you go touch-free as much as possible, and we found a few good deals. They can pull many types of door handles open, and they also include a bottle opener, and a stylus so you don’t have to touch public keypads. This 2-pack of the tool is at its lowest price in 30 days for $9, normally $14. If you just want to give one a try, you can get $4 off of this highly-rated multi-tool in rose gold or in silver for only $6. To get the $4 discount, use promo code 40USDX3Q at checkout. G/O Media may get a commission Gadget News via Lifehacker https://lifehacker.com September 26, 2020 at 08:07AM
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Safari can translate web pages without an extension in iOS 14 https://ift.tt/2GRJFac Here's how you can translate web pages in Safari, both in iOS 14 and in earlier releases. If you're running iOS 14 or later, Safari now comes with a translation feature baked into the browser, making it easier than ever to translate a web page on iPhone. Once activated, text is translated in-line on the webpage that you're viewing. It's a handy tool if you want to read websites that are written in different languages, and it's available right in the address bar in Safari. If you're on iOS 13 and earlier, you can use Microsoft's Translator app and its extension to quickly translate web pages that you visit into your native language. Microsoft Translator is a universal app for iPhone and iPad, and can be downloaded from the App Store for free. Here's how you can translate web pages in Safari on iPhone and iPad. How to translate a web page on iPhone in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14In iOS 14, the ability to translate a web page's language to your native language is now a built-in part of Safari. As such, you no longer need a third-party app to translate. Here's how to use built-in language translation in Safari in iOS 14.
Your page will then be translated into the primary language that you've set on your device. If you want to revert back to the page's original language, take the following steps.
The page will revert to its original language. How to activate the Microsoft Translator extension in SafariIf you're running a version of iOS 13 or earlier on your device, then a third-party app with a translation extension is what you'll want to use. Microsoft's Translator extension is an excellent tool for the task, as it translates the web page in place when activated. Microsoft TranslatorMicrosoft Translator is a great third-party solution for translating web pages, and its translations take place in-line on the web, rather than taking you to another, translated version of the page like some other apps. Once you've got it downloaded, you can set up the action extension for translation web pages.
How to translate a web page on iPhone with Microsoft TranslatorNow that you have the app installed, you can use it in Safari from the share menu.
Questions?If you have any further questions how to translate a web page on iPhone and iPad, let us know in the comments. Updated September 2020: Added information instructions for the translation feature in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. Gadget News via iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog https://www.imore.com/ September 26, 2020 at 08:03AM
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Top Stories: iOS 14 Feature Tour, 'iPhone 12 mini' Rumors, Apple Watch Band Controversy https://ift.tt/2HAb5Y7 Things started to calm down a bit this week following last week's rush of media event, Apple Watch and iPad launches, and the release of iOS 14 and other operating updates. But that doesn't mean there wasn't still a lot of news, from digging deeper into iOS 14 to more iPhone 12 rumors to the uproar over trying to exchange band sizes on the new Apple Watch. On top of all of that, we heard some more about Apple's efforts to adopted advanced mini-LED display technology in future products, and we even saw new iOS 14.0.1 and macOS Catalina 10.15.7 releases to fix some rather annoying bugs. Read on below for details on these stories and more! iOS 14: A Quick Tour of All the New FeaturesiOS 14 has been out for a little over a week, and there's a lot to learn about the latest major update for Apple's mobile devices, so check out our quick tour of everything that's new. We've got some handy videos and a full list of all of our in-depth feature guides and useful how-tos. The iOS 14 feature that has generated the most interest by far is widgets, with some users using them to not only add useful information to their Home Screens but also undertake extreme customization. We came up with our own take on the fad, envisioning what an "Aqua" interface from the early days of Mac OS X might look like on an iPhone, so check out our video on that. iPhone 12 Lineup Rumored to Be Named 'iPhone 12 mini,' 'iPhone 12,' 'iPhone 12 Pro,' and 'iPhone 12 Pro Max'Apple is expected to launch four new phones in its upcoming iPhone 12 family, and while there's been some general consensus that the higher-end models will get the typical iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max names, there's been debate about how Apple will differentiate the two lower-end flagship devices. Some new rumors and alleged Apple case packaging stickers suggest that the smallest version may be called "iPhone 12 mini." Rumors from several carrier partners and others suggest that Apple could hold another virtual event on Tuesday, October 13 to introduce the new iPhones, but we'll have to see if that pans out. UK carrier EE recently told employees in an internal broadcast that the new iPhones will indeed support 5G and that their debut is just "days away," with Apple's services chief Eddy Cue also making a video appearance during the event. Hands-On With the New Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SEApple's two new Apple Watch models have started making their way into buyers' hands, so we took a quick look at the new models and shared some early impressions. We've also put together some in-depth comparisons of the various models to help you decide which one is right for you. The biggest topic of discussion about the new Apple Watch Series 6 has been the new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop band options, which come in numerous sizes for a perfect fit without the need for clasps or buckles. Unfortunately, many buyers have found that the bands they ordered don't quite fit right and have needed to exchange for different sizes. Incredibly, Apple was initially requiring that users return not just the band but also the associated watch for online orders if they wished to get a new band size, with replacements not expected to ship for up to two months in some cases. Fortunately, it looks like Apple has just updated its policies and is now making it much easier to return only the ill-fitting band and receive a new one in a different size. If you've yet to place an order, make sure to check out our detailed guide to accurately measuring your band size to hopefully avoid the hassle of a return entirely. Mini-LED Displays to Debut in Apple's Next iPad ProWe've been hearing for some time that Apple is looking to use mini-LED display technology in a number of its upcoming products, offering a number of advantages over traditional LED displays. According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's supply chain partners are gearing up to start producing mini-LED display chips in the fourth quarter of this year, with the initial batches going into a new iPad Pro. Kuo also says that Apple is accelerating its adoption of mini-LED technology, as a secondary supplier looks to be ahead of schedule in moving toward full-scale production. That will provide more capacity and lower prices for Apple as it looks to expand mini-LED across many of its iPad and Mac products. Apple Releases iOS 14.0.1 With Fix for Bug That Resets Default Apps After RebootingWhile one of the new features in iOS 14 is the ability to set select third-party apps as default apps for mail and browser functions, the initial release had a bug where the defaults would revert to Apple's stock Mail and Safari apps after every reboot. A new iOS 14.0.1 update released this week fixes that issue as well as a few others. On the Mac side, Apple has released macOS Catalina 10.15.7, which fixes a few annoying issues including one where Macs wouldn't automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks, and a graphics problem experienced by owners of the new 27-inch iMac with Radeon Pro 5700 XT. MacRumors NewsletterEach week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
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This article, "Top Stories: iOS 14 Feature Tour, 'iPhone 12 mini' Rumors, Apple Watch Band Controversy" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums Gadget News via MacRumors https://ift.tt/1ZNziIk September 26, 2020 at 08:02AM
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The Polestar Precept, an electric sedan powered by Android, is going into production https://ift.tt/3328oa3 In February, Chinese electric vehicle company Polestar revealed a gorgeous sedan concept called the Precept that featured a stunning design along with an interior chock-full of sustainable material. But as with most concepts, it wasn’t clear whether the Precept would ever be a real car. Today, Polestar sweeps away that uncertainty by announcing that the seductive sedan will indeed be going into production. Polestar started out as the performance sub-brand of Volvo and now has emerged as one of the more interesting Chinese EV companies on the market. The company, which is jointly owned by Volvo and Volvo’s parent company Geely, recently started delivering the Polestar 2, its electric sedan with native Android Automotive, to customers in Europe and North America. Its next car was supposed to be an SUV, the Polestar 3. But now it seems the automaker will be making another sedan first — which is totally fine. One of the best things about the Polestar 2 (which I got to drive last month and thoroughly enjoyed) is that it isn’t an SUV. It may be based on the Volvo XC40 platform, but unlike the Audi E-tron or the Mercedes EQC, the Polestar is essentially a hatchback disguised as a sedan. But the fact that Volvo went with a vehicle that wasn’t a pickup truck or SUV as its first battery-electric car is encouraging. Also encouraging is Polestar’s commitment to sustainability. When it was first released in concept form, the company laid out the Precept’s environmental bona fides: interior panels and seat backs are made out of “flax-based composites”; seats that have been “3D-knitted from recycled PET [or polyethylene terephthalate] bottles”; bolsters and headrests made from recycled cork vinyl; and carpets made out of reclaimed fishing nets. “Consumers want to see change from this industry – not just dreams,” Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said in a statement. “Now, Precept becomes an even stronger statement. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business. The aim has to be climate neutrality, even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.” Polestar also has teased a deeper integration of Android Automotive, Google’s native infotainment system, in the Precept. The sedan will recognize the driver as they approach the car and automatically ready their favorite applications and settings. Google Assistant would recognize more languages, including local accents, and be capable of more natural conversations. Polestar also imagines video streaming becoming a bigger component of the in-car experience — while parked or during charging, of course. No word yet on when the Precept will go into production. Polestar also declined to release relevant specs such as price, battery size, range, and motor configuration. Gadget News via The Verge https://ift.tt/1jLudMg September 26, 2020 at 07:29AM |
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