Microsoft Selfie Battles Facefeed in the World of Selfie - http://clapway.com/2015/12/31/microsoft-selfie-is-another-facefeed-app-in-the-world-of-selfie-123/

Microsoft is joining the ranks of Facefeed and Selfie 365 by releasing its own iOS selfie app. This is the alternative of the Lumia selfie for users with iOS 8.0 or later. Microsoft Selfie, aptly named, is the work of Microsoft’s smart computer on display.

Microsoft Selfie Makes the Ideal Selfie

According to Microsoft, the app has all the editing tools that users could need to make themselves picture perfect. The app is officially live on the App Store.

The tool takes into consideration age, gender, skin tone, lighting and other factors into the equation to make the perfect selfie. It can enhance pictures in the matter of a few taps with pre-determined photo models. Microsoft Selfie can adjust color theme, exposure and can perform intelligent enhancements and reduce noise.

Microsoft Selfie vs Lumia Selfie

According to current users, the Microsoft Selfie app is a softcore version of the Lumia Selfie. Lumia Selfie was the very first selfie app introduced by Microsoft for Windows phones. It features 13 filters with names that even Instagram would approve of, like ‘1965’ and ‘BlueDawn’

The most unique feature in this app is that it has a ‘compare’ button. It displays the original, unedited version of your selfies to show the difference. This may help to be able to find the line of subtlety while editing their pictures.

Are Selfie Editing Apps Popular?

The rate at which the app is downloaded will tell if selfie enhancements are really as popular as thought. The app will even automatically optimize your pictures for editing. It is thought to be using the same or a similar technology to the company’s Project Oxford. This was the technology used in a platform that identified people’s ages through images in popular websites. The widget got quite a bit of recognition, giving people a few surprised gasps and some laughs.

Microsoft in 2016

The company has been tackling many different markets in 2015. It had great momentum in the video game industry, had a few breakthrough in artificial intelligence. It recently started to support India in their startup ecosystem. It’s fair to say that Microsoft will have a great next few years, though it could still lag behind Sony in terms of Xbox sales.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMATD2qk564

Microsoft Selfie Battles Facefeed in the World of Selfie

NASA and CNSA Unsure About Russian Roscosmos and Putin - http://clapway.com/2015/12/31/nasa-and-cnsa-unsure-about-russian-roscosmos-and-putin-123/

Since 2013, Russian Roscosmos has been in the works to become a corporation. Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Roscosmos has been officially dissolved to become the Roscosmos State Corporation. This move kicks off the Russian space program’s 2016.

Image: Clapway (c)

Russian Roscosmos Used to Be a Federal Agency

The Russian Federal Space Agency was first introduced in 1992 to promote and accelerate Russian space research and development. In 2014, the state created the United Rocket and Space Corporation, which renationalized the space race and boosted viable space faring programs. Now, the two bodies have unified to become the Roscosmos State Corporation. This means that all space related activity will be handled under a single state corporation.

Will Roscosmos See Many Changes in 2016?

It’s unlikely that this merge will bring any direct consequences on a short term bases. However, it will make things significantly easier for the Russian state and its efforts in the space industry. This merge means that any technical, financial and material issues that the corporation has will be reviewed by the government’s Cabinet of Ministers, who work in accordance to Vladimir Putin’s President’s decree.

Roscosmos Had to Change to Reduce Delays and Stop Corruption

Since Roscosmos has faced failures in recent years, Putin decided it was time to make a change. By making the space agency a corporation, there is now better control for mission delays and corruption issues. Just this December 5, the Kanopus-ST satellite was destroyed because it couldn’t separate from its launch rocket. On May 16, the agency’s Proton-M rocket booster exploded after take off. In terms of corruption, the agency has faced many investigations on staff. There have also been hunger strikes and dates where the agency was shut off completely. This caused many unnecessary delays.

It’s possible the new corporation will face great budget cuts. There are even unconfirmed reports saying that the agency’s LUNA-17 mission, which set to explore the dark side of the moon, has been completely shut down. Instead, focus is shifting to deep space exploration. A rocket’s first stage part has already been built for this means, and it will be ready for launch by 2025.

Image: Clapway (c)

Roscosmos Can Finally Compete with NASA, CNAS and SpaceX

Now that Russia is in the business of space faring, they go head to head with NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Currently, the Russian Soyuz rocket is not reusable, so that will probably be the corporation’s first task. Beyond that, it’s yet to be seen whether the move to make Roscosmos a corporation was a good one or not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B6oiLNyKKI

NASA and CNSA Unsure About Russian Roscosmos and Putin

Comcast Internet is Officially Faster Than Verizon Fios - http://clapway.com/2015/12/31/comcast-internet-is-officially-faster-than-verizon-fios-123/

Cable internet is changing. It looks like it’s adapting pretty wonderfully to the modern times. Comcast internet is bringing in gigabit Internet speeds to houses all over the country. They just rolled out a 3.1 gigabit modem for home use in Philadelphia.

Cable Internet and Comcast Are Finally Catching Up

Executive Vice President and CTO of Comcast Tony Werner wrote a blog post giving the announcement. He expressed that this was the company’s next step in bringing gigabit speed broadband to Comcast’s hybrid fiber coaxial network. The final step in the puzzle was to bring in a modem, a software upgrade and ‘a few good engineers’.

The new modem in the Philadelphia home is powered by DOCSIS 3.1. DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, and is a customer-facing network that uses Comcast’s existing networks to function. It’s also backwards compatible. This makes installment and use more widespread and easier.

Comcast Is Not the First to Bring in Gigabit Speeds

Google Fiber is actually the first platform to introduce gigabit speeds through hybrid fingers. Unlike Comcast, Google needs new cable connections in order for Google Fiber to work properly. Not only that, it also only works in certain areas.

What’s in Store for Comcast Internet?

Werner went on to declare that Comcast will continue to develop new cable connections through 2016, and will continue to test them. The company’s hope is that by the end of 2016, customers have access to a new kind of gigabit speed that works on existing connections. The next areas of testing will likely be in Pennsylvania, Northern California and Atlanta.

It’s yet to be seen where these amazing speeds will be rolling out first, but internet providers like Time Warner Cable and Verizon Fios should be looking out. Comcast is bringing in some serious guns to the party. They will continue to bring out huge announcements as 2016 progresses. If Verizon and TWC want any part in the market for the next two years, they will be adopting similar networks, so we will probably hear word from their R&D departments really soon. For now, the scales are pointing to Comcast.

Comcast Internet is Officially Faster Than Verizon Fios

This Genome Editing Tool Brings The Sims to Life - http://clapway.com/2015/12/31/this-genome-editing-tool-brings-the-sims-to-life-123/

Technology has finally brought genome editing to life. CRISPR-Cas9 is changing the way we see biology by allowing us to make changes to specific genes directly from our living cells. This has been possible through other techniques, but now it is easier, more efficient, and safer.

CRISPR-Cas9 Is the Scientific Breakthrough of the Year

Despite the ethical debates surrounding this topic, the point of this technology is to understand how the cells in human bodies work and understand how certain genes behave. This technology will be of great help to answer these questions.

This Genome Editing Technology Will Help Patients

What’s more, CRISPR-Cas9 will be of fantastic help in the medical field. It can help pinpoint what changes in genes cause certain diseases like cancer, and it can repair genomes to adjust and remove the risk of cancer. In labs, the technology will facilitate experiments that were too time-consuming or strenuous before. This technology could in be the answer to curing HIV. By deleting the HIV genome from cells, it can heal completely.

CRISPR-Cas9 Will Save the Planet

CRISPR-Cas9 also has applications in other ecosystems. It can help turn genes in plants on and off to also cure plant diseases. All in all, this new technology has the ability to help out nearly every scientific field in the book, and this is just three years after it was first unveiled.

The Debate Remains, CRISPR-Cas9 Technology Will Bring the Sims to Life

Regardless of the importance of the invention, the ethical debate still stands. This technology does have the ability to facilitate ‘made-to-order babies’ and could bring the word mutants to life. But the researchers in charge of the technology aren’t really interested in that.

For some people, this means that their dreams to bring The Sims to the real world. For others, it means that we can finally start finding ways to win fights against disease. It will also be a means to protect our plants, our trees and ultimately our planet. Of course people who love X-Men will see the this as the opportunity for mutants to be created, and video game fanatics will see this as the next great human tragedy. But for now, it’s intentions are only good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pp17E4E-O8

This Genome Editing Tool Brings The Sims to Life

Microsoft Wins India Over, Facebook Still Struggles - http://clapway.com/2015/12/31/microsoft-wins-india-over-facebook-still-struggles-123/

India is a tough market, but it has had special victories with Microsoft and very special struggles with Facebook. This week, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella declared the company will be lending a helping hand to Indian startups, which was very well received. Facebook, meanwhile, is still struggling to convince India of the benefits of Internet.org.

Microsoft Wins India Over Through Support

Though Microsoft’s T-Hub, Nadella hopes to spread awareness on startups and encourage them. Microsoft is also looking into launching white space technology in India, making use of the unused spaces in TV. This will be an experimental phase, where districts within certain states can invest in providing widespread internet with the help of white space technology.

Microsoft: Indian Startups Have Great Potential

Microsoft was briefed in regards to many IT efforts, including fibergrid and e-Progress, and is even considering opening a Microsoft campus in the region of Andhra Pradesh. The goal is to build a healthy startup environment that can use the help of Microsoft to make India more connected at a low cost. Not only that, it allows India to do all the work themselves.

Microsoft CEO: ‘Do Not Be Discouraged By Your Failures’

Microsoft was quoted as declaring that these companies have their full support so as to bring India to a higher grade of development. The successes in India are nearly always instant headlines, the world is looking out for them. So this partnership will only give them a helping hand and a rock base, and it’s a step in the right direction.

India has the largest startup ecosystem after the US and the UK, with 4,200 new companies registered in 2015. They’re also looking into digitizing classrooms to bring the rate of literacy up and promoting the use of cloud technology for enterprises.

Facebook Has Good Intentions, But Bad Rapport

Over the past week, Mark Zuckerberg has gone through some trouble to communicate the true message behind Free Basics. The platform brings very basic internet access free of charge, and helps people become more connected.

Since the service was first introduced, it received mixed reviews. On the one hand, it does allow for internet access, but it is extremely limited. Zuckerberg defended this by saying that Free Basics is better than having no internet at all, but there is certainly more to that. If Free Basics is selective about the access it gives, then it can choose what becomes available in India. Ultimately, it also chooses what is popular. This betrays the main concept of the project.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Main Problem with India

The reason why Internet.org will probably not succeed in India is because it’s trying to decide what’s best for the Indian people. As pointed out by chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, if Facebook or Mark Zuckerberg decide to dictate what the poor, disconnected and underdeveloped have access to, they would be taking away from the people’s right to choose what they want for themselves, and what they think is best for them. No one could have said it better.

Microsoft Wins India Over, Facebook Still Struggles

Microsoft and IBM Get Profit Out of Air Pollution in China - http://clapway.com/2015/12/31/microsoft-and-ibm-get-profit-out-of-air-pollution-in-china-123/

Microsoft and IBM are getting great benefits out of the crippling air pollution in China, as it is bringing in quite a bit of business. Both businesses, some of the largest in the world, are looking to tap the air quality forecasting business.

Air Pollution in China: Beijing Suffers Two Red Alerts in December 2015

When red alerts for air pollution are issued in Chinese cities, they’re expected to be shut down for more than three days. This limits the amount of people on the street and the amount of cars allowed to operate. In essence, the city is dead and citizens are confined to their homes.

These alerts rely entirely on pollution forecasting. This is becoming very important politically, and Communist Party leaders are looking for better ways to accurately predict pollution readings to better protect Chinese citizens.

How Will Beijing Host the Winter Olympics?

This is of particular concern since Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics in 2022. Microsoft has their eye on this business, already setting gears to design an air quality forecast service.

If predicting the weather has already been advanced to be handled from anywhere, predicting air pollution readings cannot be too difficult. It’s a matter of bringing in a few more variables and re-submitting all the information.

Cognitive Computing Will Design Air Pollution Index Predictions

Microsoft and IBM can help China through their advances in cognitive computing. These are composed of machines that are programmed to make advances to modeling on their own. It could even predict air quality indexes 10 days in advance, as regular weather forecasts do. This computer would use data from the weather, traffic and land use, real time pollution levels and wind readings. The data would rely on outlets from social media posts and government controlled monitoring stations.

This can be of wonderful help to the Chinese people. It can help local governments pinpoint which areas to close off and which schools and airports within them. It would also help restrict car movement in certain areas.

IBM and Microsoft Protect China

Microsoft and IBM are making wise moves in moving in on this business, but it will take some time to work out the exact measures that need to be taken to get there. Helping China get cleaner air is more important than ever, since the country still hasn’t peaked their emissions. Hopefully these two companies can give them a valuable helping hand.

 

Microsoft and IBM Get Profit Out of Air Pollution in China

Facebook Search is As Big as Google on Mobile Devices - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/facebook-search-is-as-big-as-google-on-mobile-devices-123/

The new era of internet browsing is all on mobile, and Google is quite nervous about platforms like Facebook search because of it. The most popular apps in the world have a serious advantage when it comes to accessing the web from smartphones, and Google and Facebook are head to head.

Google and Facebook Are Internet Monarchs

Google and Facebook own the eight most popular apps in the United States. In fact, 20% of time spent on Facebook is on mobile, and that’s a figure that Google cannot beat right now. Facebook is even ganging up on Google territory by introducing an improved search tool in the Facebook app. It’s also bringing updates to the Messenger search tool, which has gathered 700 million users worldwide.

Google is Fighting Back With New Messenger Platform

Google has been reported to fight back with a new messaging app, which features a search engine powered by the chats themselves. It is very clearly a direct response to Facebook’s efforts, but it won’t likely be able to surpass the social media giant.

Facebook Search Could Become the Most Popular Engine

Facebook search is a great threat to Google as a search engine, and Google is hoping to retaliate with its new messaging platform. However, Google has another remarkable disadvantage: despite having services like Google Plus, it is not a popular networking platform. Unlike messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, Line and KakaoTalk, Google has little to go on for this new messenger app. If Google doesn’t build solid ground, the new platform won’t be able to account for the losses that Facebook could bring.

Google Can Also Fight Back With New Google AI

Google can, however, step up their AI game. This is another field where Facebook has high stakes, but Google has the ability to overpower them. Or, on another note entirely, Google could join hands with Facebook and bring in a Google-made chatbot. It’s not like they haven’t joined hands with competition before, so why not?

The truth is that the internet is going mobile. While Google holds no solid network, it cannot spread. Although it is the most widespread search engine in the world, that’s only on web platforms. Does Google have the capacity to grow and appeal to the mobile crowd? Of course, but there are a lot of different ways to get there, and not all of them can be done through Google acting alone.

 

 

Facebook Search is As Big as Google on Mobile Devices

Samsung Smart TV Confirmed to Beat Roku and Apple TV - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/samsung-smart-tv-confirmed-to-beat-roku-and-apple-tv-123/

The Samsung Smart TV has won the Consumer Electronics Show 2016’s Best of Innovation Award, effectively beating out Roku and Apple TV. The product, which won the award as part of the Accessible Tech category, will be unveiled during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 5, 2016.

Samsung Does it Again

Every year, the CES Innovations Awards gives out awards to breakthrough engineering and design in consumer technology. The winning products are displayed live at the CES Innovation Awards Showcase and will be accessible to the public. The VP of Visual Display Business at Samsung Group, John Ryu, stated that the company is looking to design the best TV possible. The Samsung Smart TV is set to provide users with the best picture quality possible, while still being accessible to consumers.

The company expressed gratefulness at having been recognized. They added that they will continue to bring in new ways to enjoy the best TV viewing experiences available in the market.

New Samsung Smart TV Features Voice Guidance

Voice Guidance is a brand new feature that lets users browse the internet, their settings and other menus with their voice. They can interact with the TV to manage apps, record their favorite shows or ask for information on the titles they’re watching or looking to watch.

New Samsung Smart TV Helps The Hard of Hearing and Visually Impaired

The TV comes with the ability to enhance audio quality and improve high frequency sound quality, thanks to it’s Amplify feature. According to the feature description, it gives even those who are hard of hearing a better auditory experience.

Clear Voice is another fancy feature in the new device. It adjusts spoken dialogue to be easier to hear and understand, and users can manipulate it by adjusting ‘voice frequency’ from their Samsung Smart TV. The TV also includes a new interface with improved readability. These are all expected moves from Samsung, who always manages to be ahead of the game when it comes to new technology and cool gimmicks.

Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV Are No Match for Samsung Right Now

The CES showcase will not focus so much on the updated gimmicks. Instead, it’ll be all about content. Samsung is planning to bring in games for the Samsung Smart TV, something all other smart televisions lack. These games would include the Asphalt 8 racing game. They’re also in talks to join hands with Sony to stream games to the Samsung Smart TV through the Playstation. Now those are some pretty gnarly moves. If the Apple TV, the Roku series or the Amazon Fire TV want to stay in the game, they’d best measure up.

 

 

Samsung Smart TV Confirmed to Beat Roku and Apple TV

Psychedelic Themed Nintendo is The New Trend - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/psychedelic-themed-nintendo-is-the-new-trend-123/

Nintendo is bringing back the psychedelic feel of the 1990s and the Game Boy Color with the release of a revamped Pokemon themed 2DS gaming console. The video game giant is now accepting preorders for four new models in Japanese territory.

The New Psychedelic Gadgets Will Only Be Available in Japan

For now, these babies will only be on sale in Japan. Not only that, but they will also come with a version of Pokemon Red, Blue, Green or Yellow/Pikachu.

This new release comes in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the first release of a Pokemon game. The throwback console will be released on February 27, 2016, for $83. On the same day, Nintendo is planning to make a re-release of the original Game Boy Pokemon games, but for their new 3DS Virtual console.

This Marks the First Release of the 2DS in Japan

Usually, Japan gets first dibs for pretty much every new gadget and game that rolls out of Nintendo. With the 2DS, things were a little different. The game console hit the American market in October 2013. It’s pretty much the same thing as the 3DS, except it doesn’t display 3D images. It can play the entire library of 3DS games in 2D and most DS games as well.

New Psychedelic 2DS Comes With New Swag

The new psychedelic 2DS comes with Pokemon stickers, a special throwback theme for the main menu, and a poster that is reminiscent of the Kanto region map. Sources revealed that there is also a code to unlock Pokemon Mew, which can be used on the 2DS. The new console will also be able to play the 3DS’s Pokemon Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire as well as Pokemon X and Y.

Will this New Psychedelic 2DS Come to America?

There hasn’t been any word on whether or not this game console will head for the US. If it is any consolation, a red or blue version of the 2DS has been available in retailers in the US since last year, as well as Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The original Red, Blue and Yellow/Pikachu titles are also available to US gamers on the 3DS.

The return of the 2DS to popularity in America probably started from the price drop it has. Initially set at $129.99, Nintendo dropped the console’s price to $99 in August 2015.

Psychedelic Themed Nintendo is The New Trend

New Audi Q7 is Another Tesla, but in An SUV - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/new-audi-q7-is-another-tesla-but-in-an-suv-123/

The next Audi Q7 is set to combine the power of electric cars with a SUV model. The Q7, first introduced in 2005, was Audi’s first SUV. Today, the car class makes up 44% of all car sales in the United States.

Volkswagen Group Wants in on SUV Profit

The SUV family at Audi, composed of the Q7 and Q5, is seeing some changes. The car maker is investing $3 billion in 2016 to bring out a Q2 compact SUV and a revamped Q5.

The goal is to penetrate and dominate the crossover market in the future. According to analysts, the amount of car sales in the US are expected to surpass the 2000 record of 17.4 million. Most of this new record will be set by SUVs.

Audi Is Still Aiming for an All-Electric SUV with Audi Q7

Monday’s announcement came accompanied by Audi’s reconfirmation on production of a fully electric SUV. This means they are surely not kidding around. The new vehicle will be based on the Audi e-tron Quattro concept, probably fused with the Q7, which was introduced at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt this past September. This SUV will be setting the bar pretty high, as this car will feature a 311-mile range.

Audio Will Expand Car Roster to 60 in 2016

As May 2015, Audi has 52 cars on their roster. The company announced that they plan on expanding to 60 models. These new models will include seven new plug-in electric vehicles. The car maker’s Q2 crossover already has a confirmed launch date for 2016.

Will Audi be the First Subsidiary to Bounce Back from Volkswagen Scandal?

It looks like Audi will be the first company to recover from Volkswagen huge scandal this year. It’s no surprise that the car maker’s new models will be plug-in and electrics. US authorities found software in certain Volkswagen diesel models that cheated emissions tests. Since then, the company has gone through very drastic changes. After some heavy changes of staff and getting fined up to $18 billion, Volkswagen is giving first signs of change.

Can Audi Compete with Tesla?

Tesla’s Model X is another all-electric SUV that is well sought after. With a price tag of $80,000, it’s a pretty buy. There is a chance for Audi to compete. Audi is a well known brand, both for its luxury and efficiency. They might just be able to give Elon Musk a run for his money.

New Audi Q7 is Another Tesla, but in An SUV

HeLi-on Charger is More Practical than Apple Portable Charger - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/heli-on-charger-is-more-practical-than-apple-portable-charger-123/

A basic necessity for a road trip, or any kind of traveling, is a battery pack for your smartphone. We live in the kind of world where being disconnected is as good as being dead, and HeLi-On brings users a brand new way to keep your battery pack charged for all your needs through solar power.

Solar Power Goes Portable with HeLi-On

The project, based out of Copenhagen, integrates a solar panel printed from a traditional printer onto a smartphone battery pack. This makes it accessible for anyone to charge their phone. If your battery pack dies in the middle of the day, all users need to do is splay it out under the sun. Charging it for 2-3 hours will give users 2-3 hours of charging, guaranteed.

HeLi-On Charges Your Phone While Charging Itself

What’s more, users can charge the pack’s solar power reserve while still using its internal charge. HeLi-On is not only the lightest solar charger, weighing 105 grams, but it is also the smallest. The device is 11.3″ long, 3.6″ wide and 2.8″ thick.

Two Danish Startups Combine to Bring the Best Solar Charger Yet

The device’s solar panel is powered by InfinityPV. Contrary to what some would think, the panel is printed from a regular printer, and it is less than 2 micrometers thick. The solar panel is water and shatter protected with a protective foil on both sides, so users can feel comfortable charging their solar panel on any cool or warm and dry surfaces.

The solar panel in the device is shatterproof and is rolled right into the battery pack. This makes for a non-bulky, lightweight device. Its power weight is only 3 watts with a mAh. The campaign also features a postcard solar panel, which can be used to power smaller electronic devices.

Solar Power Will Be Everywhere Soon Enough

The HeLi-On is a small show of how widespread solar charging will become. It is now not only in our cities and towns, but it will also be at the tips of our fingers soon enough.

Apple Portable Chargers and Co. Should Measure Up

This kind of technology has a lot of potential and really great applications. It will kickstart new, greener and cleaner trends. All of these are necessary for society to move forward in favor of reducing every kind of pollution affecting our planet. This makes it way more practical than other devices on the market. Even Apple portable chargers don’t measure up to this kind of genius.

HeLi-on Charger is More Practical than Apple Portable Charger

Thimble Technology Lets You Design Your Own RoboCop - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/thimble-delivers-diy-robots-straight-to-your-door-123/

A new project out of New York delivers robotics kits straight to your doorstep to encourage learning about electronic coding, programming and robotics. The kits are geared toward people of all ages. Kids who are interested in learning about code and translating code into action will benefit from this system, but it can also be good from seasoned programmers, engineers, students in high school and college as well. With this tool, users will be able to build their own RoboCop!

With Thimble, Software and Hardware Come Together

The system would make deliveries every month, and it will include all tools needed to build a cool new gadget. The first kit available is for a Wi-Fi enabled robot, which can be controlled from your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The robot comes with an instruction booklet, uploaded to Thimble’s app. It gives users a step-by-step guide through the entire building process. It also connects subscribers to other creators. They can share their specific strategies and approaches on the platform.

Though it seems like a small project with little impact, being able to build the first kit will allow users to create an Android/iOS app that actually makes things move. Not only that, but it will also give users a better understanding of electricity, motoring, and micro-controlling works. Users can also bring innovation to the table, and design their own ways to go about the kit and upgrade their robots, and they can display their creativity to the rest of the world.

What Exactly Makes Thimble Special?

The key to this new system is that it promotes creativity but also develops technical skills. It is not an invasive approach, but a fun one. Thimble gives users the skeleton of something awesome, and leaves it up to them to decide what to do with it.

They don’t need to have absolute knowledge or dominance of the tools needed to build this Wi-Fi robot, because they can be guided through it. In the future, once they’re more comfortable with the system, they can develop their own guides.

Thimble Makes a DIY RoboCop, Iron Man or Wall-E Possible!

The goal is to give people incentive. It’s basically like going to a kind of self-teaching school that gives you all the tools you need before sending you off. A monthly kit brings a new adventure right into subscribers’ doorsteps twelve times in a year, and it puts people together to try and make something awesome. There will be natural progression from project to project. If users become even more interested in these technologies, they can pursue even bigger and more challenging projects. So if you’ve ever dreamt of building your own Robocop, you are one step closer now.

Thimble Technology Lets You Design Your Own RoboCop

Xbox One Sale: Fallout 4, Metal Gear Solid V and Assassin"s Creed - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/xbox-one-sale-fallout-4-metal-gear-solid-v-and-assassins-creed-123/

Microsoft is hosting a few amazing end of the year sale as part of Xbox One’s Countdown Sale. This sale includes Fallout 4, Metal Gear Solid V and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

This the Second Week of The Xbox Countdown Sale

This sale will lead up to the new year, running until January 7. However, Spotlight Sale discounts will only go on until January 4. There are special perks in store for Xbox Live Gold members, but regardless of gamer’s status, the sales are awesome.

Highlights Are the Discounts on the Best Games of the Year

The highlights include Fallout 4, which is sporting a fantastic 17% off. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has a 33% off sale, and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate has a 20% off discount.

The Xbox One Marketplace Will Host Daily Sales

The full list of sales can be sound on the Xbox One marketplace. The website will be featuring daily deals, so gamers should be checking back every day to get the best grabs before 2015 is over and done with.

The Xbox has had a pretty solid year in terms of sale, though not at the height of Sony’s PS4. The gaming console is making many attempts to surpass the PS4, but it’s been a long process. With the Xbox One now supporting backwards compatibility, they will hopefully gain some momentum.

A lot of gamers were reluctant to make the jump from Xbox 360 to Xbox One, and vice versa. Xbox One users now don’t have to worry, since they can now download Xbox 360 games onto their Xbox One consoles and play to their heart’s content.

How Will 2016 Go for Microsoft?

Microsoft is really stepping it up, and hopefully they will continue to do so as the new year sets in. The gaming industry is getting more competitive by the second. The main fight is between Sony and Microsoft right now. It’s always an exciting time for gamers, as this means that they’ll be getting the best games possible. What’s next for Microsoft? Hopefully some pretty great exclusives and even better sequels to its bestsellers.

 

Xbox One Sale: Fallout 4, Metal Gear Solid V and Assassin"s Creed

Kojima Productions Will Destroy Konami in 2016 - http://clapway.com/2015/12/30/kojima-productions-will-destroy-konami-in-2016-123/

Hideo Kojima, now head or Kojima Productions, and Konami were perhaps the two most popular names in gaming this year because of their recent separation. It looks like Metal Gear Solid V wasn’t the only thing to benefit from it.

Kojima Productions Working With Sony for A PS4 Exclusive

The most recent headline on Konami is that they are working alongside Sony for the next PS4 exclusive, which is rumored be pretty big. After the Konami-Kojima separation was confirmed, Kojima Productions was launched as an independent company.

Hideo Kojima is a gaming genius, and that’s no news to anyone. The Metal Gear Solid series has a lot of new bases to cover in any upcoming installments. Konami has even sent out announcements about hiring talent to work on the next chapter in the series.

What Caused the Kojima-Konami Split?

The issues between Hideo Kojima and the Japanese gaming giant started in the first part of 2015. The box art released for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain had Hideo Kojima’s name removed, despite the fact that Kojima put a lot of work into it.

The Scandal Got Worse at the 2015 Game Awards

On top of that, Kojima was not allowed to attend this years’ Game Awards to accept the award for Best Action Adventure and Best Soundtrack for Metal Gear Solid V. Things got even more tense when Game Awards host Geoff Keighley commented that Konami lawyers had prevented him from entering the event. On a totally different note, Konami claimed Kojima had gone on vacation.

True or Not, Hideo Kojima Has Officially Split from Konami

There are better things awaiting Kojima from now onward. There’s a rumor circulating about Kojima being banned from talking about the split because of his contract.

Thanks to this scandal, Metal Gear Solid V got quite a bit of attention, making it one of 2015’s biggest hits. And now that Kojima Productions is set out to make a PS4 exclusive it looks like they’ll have a pretty good run. We could even go as far to say that because of the nature of the split, Kojima Productions will do everything in their power to make Konami regret neglecting his talent. 2016 is going to be a very interesting year for gaming, that’s for sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9JV0EvCkMI

Kojima Productions Will Destroy Konami in 2016

Blackberry Priv is for the Rich, iPhone 7 is for Show-Offs - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/blackberry-priv-is-for-the-rich-iphone-7-is-for-show-offs-123/

Blackberry is giving the smartphone world one more try with the Blackberry Priv. According to analysts, they might just make it back in.

The Switch to Android OS Could Save Blackberry

The biggest drawback that faced Blackberry was probably their OS, which excluded Blackberry users from using applications that are universal to both iOS and Android.

With the Blackberry Priv, things could be seeing a change. The smartphone came out on top in rankings for Android phones, for its updated OS and the security that Blackberry is well known for. Security, especially of the cybernetic kind, has become a huge concern for many people and many businesses.

Security Saves the Blackberry Priv

Because of its great security features, it has become an attractive buy for many enterprises. The biggest obstacle the company is facing is the device’s price. With a design courtesy of Samsung and an operating system courtesy of Android, the Blackberry Priv’s price tag is much pricier than its predecessors. With the average price of $699, it’s lined up against the iPhone 6s and Samsung Galaxy S6, though arguably with less perks.

Blackberry Will Release A Cheaper Priv in the Future

Blackberry CEO John Chen has nevertheless declared that the company is working on a cheaper iteration of the phone. This would make it a lot more accessible and boost sales. Blackberry surely needs the numbers if they want to continue being a part of the smartphone industry.

Following up the Priv with another device is a great idea, but it’s too soon to tell if the current Priv will sell enough to merit a follow-up device. Either that, or Blackberry will once again team up with other tech giants like Samsung and Google to find the same kind of elegance at a better price.

Will Blackberry Stay on the Smartphone Market?

It’s still too soon to tell if they will continue to release smartphones in the future. While the hardware is improved, the price is a really big setback for the company, and it could be their downfall. Nevertheless, 2016 will be a very important year for Blackberry’s handset exploits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d0bqe2Z7pI

Blackberry Priv is for the Rich, iPhone 7 is for Show-Offs

NASA is Better at Twitter than Donald Trump is at Facebook - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/nasa-is-better-at-twitter-than-donald-trump-is-at-facebook-123/

NASA has an insane social media strategy, as was proven by the fantastic coverage of New Horizons’s flyby of Pluto on July 14. In fact, 2015 has been such a good year for NASA in terms of social media that not even Donald Trump’s poorly composed tweets measure up.

Social Media Has Become An Even More Powerful Tool This Year

2015 was the year of many social media uproars. Pop culture overcame the mystery of the color of that one dress, the Charlie Charlie challenge, the Jenners and the Paris Attacks of January 7th and November 13. There have been many ups and downs, and looking back on the year in Twitter hashtags reveals what were the most trendy events of 2015.

The Whole World Was With Paris

The top spot goes to #ParisAttacks. Paris was the victim of vicious attacks of terrorism ten months apart. The city held the spot of most influential hashtag of the year. Related tags included #porteouverte. This hashtag offered stranded civilians asylums in homes all over the city.

2015 Was a Highly Political Year on Twitter

In second place stood #BlackLivesMatter. Its mission was to bring awareness to the injustice in the American justice system. This followed the deaths of many young people, children and adults that were killed for their race. It also showcased police brutality in the United States. The hashtag was also a shield for the protests that came with these murders.

On the side of positivity, #LoveWins was another incredibly popular hashtag. It stemmed from a tweet from President Barack Obama. This hashtag celebrated the legalization of gay marriage in all 50 states of the US.

NASA #PlutoFlyBy Takes the Space Cake

Most notably, one of the most influential hashtags of 2015 was NASA’s #PlutoFlyBy. It’s a well-known fact that NASA has some great people in charge of their social media. It is borderline excessive. To be fair, though, NASA has had a pretty great 2015.

The New Horizons’s Pluto flyby was perhaps the highlight of the year for the astronomy community, and with good reason. NASA is now in full gear to get men and probes to Mars, so it’ll be an exciting time for the agency for the next ten years.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s Facebook and Twitter full of the same insulting comments based on only about 2% fact. Nothing new to see there.

NASA is Better at Twitter than Donald Trump is at Facebook

Samsung is a Better Brand than LG, It’s Official - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/samsung-is-a-better-brand-than-lg-its-official-123/

Samsung Electronics Co. has ranked ninth in the Internet of Things firm rankings, with LG Electronics Inc. at eleventh place. The number one spot was snagged by Intel Corp., according to the data.

Samsung Electronics Ranks Ninth in IoT Rankings with 20% On Average

This position was announced in the data compiled by IoT Analytics on December 25. It proclaims Samsung in ninth place and LG at eleventh for the third quarter of 2015. IoT Analytics took into account more than 2,000 IoT companies from around the world. They were evaluated by how many mentions the company has on websites, news and social media. The firm also searched related keywords, as well as how often the companies were tagged on LinkedIn.

The rating is based on a percent score, 100% being the obvious highest. The rest of the companies are ranked in linear relation to the company in the first position. The ranking was as follows: Intel Corp – 71%, IBM – 67%, Microsoft Corp – 56%, Cisco Systems Inc – 51%, Hewlett-Packard Co – 41%, Apple Inc – 29%, SAP SE – 28%, Samsung Electronics – 28% and Oracle Corp – 28%. Seeing as LG didn’t make it to the top ten, it’s natural to assume that Samsung has officially surpassed LG as a brand.

In the report, IoT declared that the four top companies were leaders in different sectors of Internet of Things competitiveness. Intel was outstanding in the semiconductor sector, while IBM and Microsoft had recognition for their work in the platform sector and Cisco is gaining power in the connectivity sector.

Samsung is the Only Non-American Company in the Top 10

Samsung, based in South Korea, is the only international company ranked in the top 10. LG, also based in Asia, was just behind it, and Japan’s NEC Corp ranked 18th. China’s Huawei Technologies, which has had a very active year, ranked 18th.

It can no longer be denied that Samsung is ahead of pretty much every other IoT company in all of Asia. It has brought many ground breaking innovations this year, and they have many exciting announcements for 2016. As they have so far, they will continue to bring new gimmicks to handsets and make being connected easier, sleeker and more fun.

Samsung is a Better Brand than LG, It’s Official

BMW AirTouch One Ups Volvo and Microsoft HoloLens - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/bmw-airtouch-one-ups-volvo-and-microsoft-hololens-123/

The new era of technology is taking serious strides in the automobile industry. Recently, Microsoft announced a partnership with Volvo to use the Microsoft HoloLens to introduce the car makers’ future models. BMW has one upped them by announcing the introduction of AirTouch, a gesture-operated infotainment system for their future cars. There will be no need for touchscreens anymore with this new technology.

BMW Announces AirTouch at Consumer Electronics Show 2015

Hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, the CES show was the first venue for the announcement. The new AirTouch system will use sensors in the car’s dashboard. The ultimate goal is to give users the ability to interact with their cars’ information screen through hand motions.

The BMW 7 series first hinted at a gesture based control system. However, it was on a much smaller scale. That feature was only capable of lowering or raising the sound system’s volume or declining or accepting a phone call. AirTouch will be using 3D control so that the touchscreen can be operated with gestures. This would take the need of touch away from a touchscreen, though it will still be touch-capable for added accessibility.

Touchless Control System Will Be a Game Changer

A touchless interface will allow for contact access and call list access straight from the car. Like something inspired by the Iron Man movies, this new system will let BMW drivers control entertainment and navigation with only the movement of their hands.

How exactly does it work? A driver or a passenger can set a certain movement or gesture, and a physical button will confirm the motion as being equal to the desired action via AirTouch. So just by pressing the button, doing the motion and confirming the motion with the button, drivers and passengers can have a different way to control the information screen of their car. There are two AirTouch buttons for easy accessibility from the drivers and the passengers as well.

The technology was first demoed in a Vision Car at CES 2016 with other new tech gimmicks.

Wouldn’t This Technology Be More Dangerous for Driving?

This new technology could have potential issues when it comes to safety. While it can be convenient at a standstill or for the person in the driver’s seat, it could be a nuisance for the driver. It could take away from their attention on the road, and also force them to lift their hands from the wheel. It’s yet to be seen how this feature will actually be incorporated onto the new BMW cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilzwF90vec

BMW AirTouch One Ups Volvo and Microsoft HoloLens

The Lumu Power Light Meter Will Make Your iPhone 7 Camera Better than Any Samsung Galaxy - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/the-lumu-power-light-meter-will-make-your-iphone-7-camera-better-than-galaxy-s7/

A new project out of Slovenia will change the way video is recorded from the iPhone. The Lumu Power device is the most accurate and most compact light meter on the market. It’s packed with all of the best features of a light meter, exposure, flash and color temperature control available for the iPhone, and it might be a great accessory to the upcoming iPhone 7.

The Apple iPhone is No Stranger to Film

Will small stunts like infamous vine videos to huge stunts like Beyonce’s 7/11 music video, shot entirely with an iPhone and a few GoPros. The Lumus Power is the logical next step. This tool is of great use for people who are active in social media platforms that use a lot of video, like Vine, Snapchat or Periscope.

Video on Mobile is Growing Quickly

Amateurs or not, video platforms have been rising in popularity since YouTube rose to take over new media in 2007. As such, people have had to make lighting kits, color temperature meters and cameras a lot more compact. The film set didn’t have to be in a sound stage or at a studio; now it could be in a living room. Lumu Power is the best example of new technology adapting to more places.

Lumu Power Makes Life A Lot Easier for Filmmakers Everywhere

Content creators come from all parts of the world, but there are a few universal things they need to succeed in platforms like YouTube and Vine. That’s a good camera and some good lighting. Lumu Power brings out an easier way to control how a shot looks before being shot. The device is tiny, and fits any model after the iPhone 5 and iPad mini series.

Since the first device shipped out of Lumu in 2013, the Slovenian company has joined hands with Apple to make the ultimate photography accessory. The newest Lumu Power is small, elegant and extremely functional.

Matching the Big Screen to the DSLR Screen

The new wave of content brought in by new media is always changing. People are choosing to watch TV on their laptop screens, and filmmakers are choosing to bypass agencies and film studios to shoot themselves. Lumu Power is only making it better, more efficient and more portable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfJrDA26uIo

The Lumu Power Light Meter Will Make Your iPhone 7 Camera Better than Any Samsung Galaxy

Electric Actuators Are the Greenest Trend - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/electric-actuators-are-the-greenest-trend-123/

A new trend is hitting the technology world to make all of your devices cleaner, quieter and greener: electric actuators. Actuators are devices that transform energy drawn from air, electricity or liquid to create motion in a straight line. This is the opposite of an electric motor, which moves in circles. An electric actuator specifically converts electrical energy into mechanical torque, and it is one of the cleanest forms of actuator since it does not require oil.

The Electric Actuator Will Make You A Little Greener

Using clean energy and going green is more important now than ever before. Linear actuators are perhaps the most overarching of electric actuators, because it has a very wide range of applications.

The principle of operation of electric actuators is an inclined plane. On it, threads of a lead screw make for a continuous ramp, which makes way for the use rotational force over long or short distances to move a heavy load short distances.

How Do Electric Linear Actuators Work?

There are a few different ways in which actuators can work. Most actuators are composed of a piston, which moves against fluid, air pressure or electricity. It’s made up of a short cylinder fitted to a vessel, where it moves back and forth.

The Uses for an Electric Actuator Are Endless

People can find electric actuators anywhere. Most commonly, they’ll be in industrial automation, machinery or machine tools. They can also be found in computer disk drives, printers, data storage. Not only that, but actuators can be found in the home as well, in garage doors, packaging and laser processing.

Actuators can also be found in motors, valves, pumps, switches, dampers and anywhere linear motion is necessary. They also have appearances in the medical field, for medical imaging and diagnostics. They form part of solar applications, farming, construction, automotive and robotics platforms as well. All in all, everyone can use at least one electric actuator.

There are A Few Drawbacks to Using Electric Actuators

Although there are a lot of perks to using electric actuators, which even have uses for micro-mechanical hardware. But there are a few drawbacks. Electric actuators are mostly manual devices, and cannot be automated. Some actuators aren’t as fast as those that use oil, and they can only cross small distances. They are also quite expensive and require really high voltage to work well. In addition, electric actuators need a secondary force to push their shaft back to position.

Still, it’s a small sacrifice to be made for a greener world. With this many applications, these small devices could change the way a lot of industries use power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwt2ZquaUxM

Electric Actuators Are the Greenest Trend

Google Eyes Has More Potential than Google Glass - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/google-eyes-has-more-potential-than-google-glass-123/

Google is tackling all of the world’s most important industries, now going into the medical field with Google Eyes. The company is looking to change the way experts draw blood in an effort to help diabetics measure glucose levels. According to a new application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Google is moving in to make diabetic patients a lot happier.

Google Eyes Brings Needle-Free Blood Drawing to Life

There are no need for needles if this invention comes to fruition. Google is designing an instrument tentatively called a ‘Needle-Free Blood Draw’, which sends a shot of pressurized glass into a barrel connected to the skin. A micro particle then makes its way into the body and draws out a small amount of blood. Finally, it gives patients a reading of their glucose levels.

There’s no confirmation on whether or not this will be a legitimate product, but the patent alone is very exciting. Google has been working to devise a different way to measure blood sugar levels for diabetics through contact lenses. It licensed the technology to Novartis last year, and the giant is planning to commercialize the product for patients with diabetes.

Google Eyes vs. Google Glass

The company also has efforts to build a cloud based platform to store information gathered, either from these contact lenses alone or from this new ‘needle-free blood draw’ device. It’s obvious the company is looking to get into the medical industry in small but very sure steps.

Google isn’t’ alone in these efforts. Apple has also made set a few patents, specifically one to built their own HealthKit platform to make new ways to monitor patient’s health. IBM has also dipped its feet on health-related technology. It’s Watson platform is looking to help the medical field as a whole to make more informed decisions. IBM’s hope is that the platform may even be able to find the cure for cancer in the future.

The Medical Community Will See a Few Technological Revolutions with Google Eyes

Medicine has always greatly benefited from new technology. They’ve received a tremendous amount of help specifically from robotics, helping to make new medical instruments that can make treatments less invasive and instruments that are smaller and more efficient. There’s no word on whether these devices take cost into consideration, but the world of medicine will be seeing some exciting changes in the near future.

What Ever Happened to Google Glass?

Hopefully, the latest Google initiative won’t end up like Google Glass. The device, after being on sale for just eight months, was pulled from the market. However, Google ensured consumers that they would not stop development of the product. The newest Google Glass model has actually just gone live on the FCC website with pictures. Hopefully, this one does better than its predecessor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EvNxWhskf8

Google Eyes Has More Potential than Google Glass

LeBron James Does Samsung Gear VR Better than Justin Bieber Does Calvin Klein - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/lebron-james-has-no-lip-sync-game-for-samsung-gear-vr-123/

LeBron James has endorsed Samsung products for some time. His latest endorsement deal is for the Samsung Gear VR, and to promote it, the sports superstar showcases his lip sync abilities. It’s definitely a lot funnier than even the best celebrity endorsements, even Snoop Dogg’s deal with Norton Antivirus or Justin Bieber promoting Calvin Klein underwear.

Maybe LeBron James Isn’t the Best At Lip-Syncing, But the Ad is Awesome

The latest advertisement features a great number of actors lip-syncing to the sound of Public Enemy’s ‘Let’s Go To Work’. The ad spot is just a minute and a half long, and its scope is impressive. Samsung has the entire experience, twelve minutes long, available on the Oculus store and Samsung’s VR app.

LeBron Makes the Samsung Gear VR Look Like A Walk in the Park

The ad spot makes the device look pretty accessible and easy to use. It has done a lot of honor Mark Zuckerberg’s prediction regarding virtual reality. Truly enough, it seems as if virtual reality will be slowly lurking onto every corner of our everyday lives.

The advertisement features LeBron training for his career and other people training for their respective careers. The Gear VR, designed with Facebook’s Oculus operation, has a stamp of approval from many.

Is James Ready to Go From the Court to Lip Sync Battle?

The lip syncing in the ad is great, though maybe not the best on James’ part. He certainly has room to grow and has some work to do before thinking about going on Lip Sync Battle. Nevertheless, this has proven to be a great step forward for Samsung, and a great marketing tool for those who want to also go to a virtual world to work.

Virtual Reality is Growing Fast

The speed at which virtual reality is growing is great, predictably so. In the near future, once Sony’s PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive are out on the market, it’ll be a constant battle for the title of the best. This will be a great time for consumers that are curious about the technology. Virtual reality will start to tackle all sides of daily life.

This and robotics will prove to be the technology of the future. Things are seriously looking up for Silicon Valley. As for other more boring endorsements, like Justin Bieber modeling for Calvin Klein, it’s still the same old ads with the same old concepts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Pfq8hvelAJw

 

 

LeBron James Does Samsung Gear VR Better than Justin Bieber Does Calvin Klein

Uncharted 4 for PS4 Will Lose Profit Because of Delay - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/uncharted-4-for-ps4-will-lose-profit-because-of-delay-123/

Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley have given Uncharted fans a bundle of really great news and really bad news. The release of Uncharted 4 has been delayed until April 26, 2016.

Uncharted 4 Delay Might Dissuade Fans

The game, exclusive to the PS4 console, has just now wrapped up production. According to Druckmann and Stanley, directors of the new Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Nathan Drake will do all of the fans proud. They have declared that the upcoming game is the send off that the developer promised all of its fans or Nathan Drake. In order to perfect it, though, they decided to delay the North American release to April, 2016.

Sales of the Game Might Drop

Will this affect their sales? Potentially. Uncharted is an incredibly popular game in the PS4, especially for new gamers that now own the PS4 with the Uncharted bundle. According to the directors, this installment of Uncharted is the most ambitious yet. The game just isn’t quite at the finish line, which prompted the delay.

How Will the Fans React to this Delay?

The fact that the team has decided to push back the game’s launch will annoy many fans. All things considered, true Uncharted fans will understand that this is a sacrifice made to get the best follow-up to the series possible. The team end the blog posts asking fans to understand, and to look forward to the best and most carefully crafted installment of the Uncharted series.

For Now, All Gamers Have Are Trailers

Three weeks ago, Playstation released a new trailer for the game. It surely brings a lot of excitement to old and new fans alike. Hopefully, it will be enough for gamers to hold on to until April of next year. The latest trailer teases at the relationship between Nathan and Sam, his long lost brother.

They will both fall into the world of treasure hunting, and Nathan’s love of treasure will be tested against his love for family. The game will be exclusive to the PS4 and as stated by the team, will hopefully be released on April 26, 2016. There’s no telling if more delays lie ahead for this game, but it will definitely be worth the wait. The new game features the best graphics yet, and Naughty Dog has never been a company to disappoint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOmPDvVz3MA

Uncharted 4 for PS4 Will Lose Profit Because of Delay

18 Tech Essentials For Your Next Road Trip - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/18-tech-essentials-next-road-trip/

The year is coming to an end and New Year’s Resolutions are coming quickly. Chances are one of your resolutions is going to be to travel more. It’s likely due to the fact that traveling brings something out of us and enriches our lives in ways most of us can’t truly explain until we’ve had our own adventures. If you pursue any of your resolutions in 2016, then traveling more should most definitely be one of them.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, then an all-American road trip should be one way to do it. One guy figured out how to have the best road trip ever that includes 20 destinations across the states from San Francisco to Newport and many in between. However, there are plenty of routes to take to make this dream a reality on the road.

One you’ve done your research, planned your track, and packed your bags, there are just a few tech gadgets you should include that could be game changers on your road trip. Some are just helpful add-ons, while others could make or break the endless days riding shotgun or in the driver’s seat. Take a peek at the 18 products or services you should have on hand before you get on the road:

A Portable Charger

You never know when you’re going to need your phone, and chances all it’ll die when you need it most. Have one of these just in case.

A Car Charger

Navigating the roads and using entertainment on your phone will run the battery, so make sure you’re always fully charged with one of these.

An Auxiliary Cord

Unless you have a Bluetooth car set up, you’ll want one of these so you don’t have to rely on inconsistent radio stations and the Top 40.

A Spotify Playlist

There are plenty of amazing playlists already created for this occasion. Save a few to have ready for when you just want to sit back and drive (or sing)!

Audible Books

Thousands of miles may call for more than music, conversation, and trivia. Have a few solid books already downloaded in your Audible app and catch up on your reading list.

Gas Buddy Mobile App

You’ll be shocked at how much money you could save on gas – and you’re going to be using a ton of it.

Google Maps

This is a no-brainer. Make sure you’ve downloaded this to your phone.

Roadtrippers Mobile App

A few people swear by this app, but I personally think it’s just an easy add-on to use occasionally if at all. Spontaneity is my personal tip.

A Gas Card

Spending an insane amount on gas can also lead to an insane amount in gas points. Trust me, it’ll definitely add up.

A Phone Stand For Your Dashboard

Go hands free with one of these babies.

A Breathalyzer

After a long day’s drive, you’ll likely want to relax with a local cold brew, but you should always be safe ad make sure you’re sober enough to continue the trek.

A Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

There will be minimal Wi-Fi once you’re out on the open road, but you can bring your own Wi-Fi with you when you need it.

A Steering Wheel Tray

This can come in handy when you’re eating, making notes, drawing on a map, or anything really. Not tech, but useful.

A Car Air Purifier

This might not be a game changer but it would surely be nice to have (especially towards the end of your trip).

A GoPro

While you’ll likely use this more when you’re not just driving down hundreds of bland miles, it’s good to have on hand in case something crazy happens on the road out of the blue.

Roadside Assistance

Make sure your car insurance is up to date, and especially one with roadside assistance. This way, with just one phone call (on your fully charged phone) you’d have help in no time.

A Radar Detector

Use this not to cheat the system, but to drive safely overall. The detector can help you manage your speed even without a cop nearby.

A Portable Espresso Machine

Now this baby is game changer. No need to get coffee at the questionable gas station anymore! Brew your own with this set.

And maybe one of these fantastic future gadgets will be available in time for you to add to the list (especially the digital Bat Man decal). For the meantime, having a few of those items will really make the trip less stressful when you’re out on the open road.

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”— Jack Kerouac, On the Road

18 Tech Essentials For Your Next Road Trip

Facebook Free Basics Works Against YouTube, Google and Twitter - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/facebook-free-basics-works-against-youtube-google-and-twitter-123/

The Facebook Free Basics initiative has received a lot of attention with it’s controversial intentions. Mark Zuckerberg has stepped up to the plate to give the public a new pitch concerning Facebook Free Basics, telling the whole world that net neutrality must be protected.

Facebook Free Basics Gives People Free Education, Health, and Employment Services

Thanks to this new platform, a lot of people will be getting many education services, health care and employment listings from a series of apps, free of charge. These applications are specifically designed for the Free Basics initiative and can work even on phones without data plans.

This Program Doesn’t Allow Access to YouTube, Gmail, Google or Twitter

One of the most important details about this system is that it excludes other platforms that have become the go-to for many. Gmail has over 900 million users all over the world. YouTube gets hundreds of millions of hits every day. Twitter, though smaller, still circulates the data of over 300 million users. Why doesn’t Facebook Free Basics support these platforms?

It’s likely because they don’t stand for the same kind of net neutrality that Zuckerberg is endorsing. The Facebook CEO appeared on a video this week to promote Free Basics in person, even going as far as writing an appeal on a major newspaper. Zuckerberg is specifically aiming for a free internet for India, the second most disconnected country in the world.

Facebook Endorses Internet Equality

Mark Zuckerberg went on to explain that Facebook is not looking for profit from this project. Critics have slammed Free Basics for accepting a few services for free but rejecting other. This has caused the program to be suspended in India.

Zuckerberg: Connectivity is A Human Right

So the CEO has taken to Indian newspapers to respond. His article, titled ‘Free Basics Protects Net Neutrality’ declares the service as a bridge to gap the internet with equality. This article isn’t alone, either. It is accompanied by advertisements and video. The reaction from India is yet to be seen. The same can also be said for Google, Twitter and YouTube, who have not stated a firm position in the debate of net neutrality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHQZTZv82hA

Facebook Free Basics Works Against YouTube, Google and Twitter