Christopher Lorentz

Project Brillo is Google’s New OS for Internet of Things

Just announced at Google’s I/O conference, Project Brillo is Google’s latest OS. Presenter and Senior VP, Sundar Picha was scant on specifics about the OS, but he imparted the basic concept of how it’ll work and why we should look forward to it. In short, Project Brillo is a sanded down, no-frills version of Android that’s designed to operate with efficiency and function ubiquitously as the primary language shared between all your Internet of Things appliances and devices. What this potentially means is that your microwave, TV, front door, and sound system may all some day be running a basic version of Android. Moreover, all […]

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HBO NOW Announced for Android

HBO has been good to us, you guys. Seemingly, HBO unofficially encourages HBO Go account login sharing which makes it possible for the economically disadvantaged to keep up with John Oliver and Arya Stark. But that may not be enough for some people. What if you have a spare $14.99/month and a dream to possess your very own HBO account in your name? Well, the Google I/O conference brings more good news for Android users: HBO has just done us another solid by announcing the streaming HBO Now app for Android devices due out this summer (in time for Season 2 of True Detective, June 21st). Originally exclusive to iOS

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Google Photos Brings Visual Search, Free Unlimited Storage

Skynet Google is pretty smart. They must recognize the compulsory human need to visually capture all major/minor kodak moments in life, and the resulting, incrementally ballooning data swell in the average person’s photo library. In response to this burgeoning data crisis, we now have Google Photos: a free app (Web, Android, iOS) which seems to address a couple of unavoidable issues with intriguing new features in tow. Here are a few: Free, unlimited storage for high quality photos and video, or up to 15GB of uncompressed files shared across your google account, also for free. Visual Search allows you to search your photo library based on people, places, and things

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Apple Patent Hints at New Hybrid Keyboard

A fork that’s also a spoon. A phone that’s also a computer. A man that’s also a bear, and also a pig. We have a fascination with hybrids and no degree of absurd portmanteau (save for the abominable Island of Dr. Moreau) will quench our thirst for more fusions. A patent application dating back to 2011 will now have us believe that Apple’s next move may be to combine a mechanical keyboard with the multi-gesture functionality of the Apple trackpad. This could mean any number of enticing new functionality for future Macbooks and desktop keyboards. For instance, it could potentially grant the user more flexibility with one handed typing or

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Windows XP Modded to Boot on Android Wear Watch

Yowzers. YouTuber Dave Bennett has modded Windows XP to boot up on his Android Wear watch (an LG G Watch, specifically). The full 1.5 gb version of the OS, as Bennett mentions in his video, would’ve taken over 12 hours to transfer, so instead he boots up a slimmed down (100 mb) version in the following video: Nicely done, good sir! For those on the fence about smartwatches, this proof of concept may just tip the odds in favor of Android Wear. What other mods and ports would you like to see on a smartwatch?

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Android Lollipop Comes to Sony Xperia Z Lineup

Owners of Sony Xperia Z phones can now upgrade to the latest OS, Android Lollipop 5.0.2. At the moment, the firmware update is available only over the air, so make sure you have at least 1.2GB worth of space available and as always: back that biddy up beforehand! From GSMArena, some of the updates are as follows: Google Material design across the UI and compatible apps Intelligent lock screen notifications and customizable settings Support for multi-user profiles and guest mode Move apps to SD card option The update should also be available for Sony’s desktop software (PC Companion and Sony Bridge for Mac)

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Apple iOS 9 New Feature Rumors

June 8th WWDC is just around the corner and with it comes our first in depth look at Apple’s iOS 9. Till then, some juicy new rumors have been popping up thanks to 9to5mac… Say goodbye to that basket of remote controls always eating up your batteries because Apple’s forthcoming ‘Home’ app is set to make your smart home aspirations a reality. By functioning as the command center for an emerging internet of things (IoT), users will conceivably be able to open garage doors, control their thermostat, or hydrate their pizza to level 4. Home is also expected to integrate with Siri. Human companionship be damned: who

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Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 10122 Updates Roundup

For those in Microsoft’s Fast Ring update track, a new build (numbered 10122) is available for its Windows 10 Insider Preview. With this latest build comes big improvements to it’s Start menu, Continuum, and Microsoft Edge to name a few. Gabriel Aul, who announced via Twitter and the Insider Preview blog had this to say about 10122: “…I think you’ll see that this build is a bit more stable and polished than the last one, which is to be expected as we begin to stabilize for the public release this summer.” Also, you gotta respect a dude who discloses known issues right from the start.

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Apple Releases First Watch OS Update 1.0.1

Children: they grow up so fast, don’t they? Apple has just released their first Watch OS update. Here are the details taken from the Apple Watch Software Update page: Improved performance for: Siri Measuring stand activity Calculating calories for indoor cycling and rowing workouts Distance and pace during outdoor walk and run workouts Accessibility Third party apps Display support for new Emoji characters Additional language support for: Brazilian Portuguese Danish Dutch Swedish Russian Thai Turkish Doesn’t seem as if new Watch Faces are included in this update (drat). If anyone has any experience using Watch OS 1.0.1., then feel free to share

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Stream Movies for Free with Popcorn Time in Your Browser

For the legal negligent among us who prefer their movies pirated, Popcorn Time is just the biz, ain’t it? As a standalone app, it serves as a free alternative to subscription based streaming services, such as Netflix. And heroically, as with so many other bittorrent clients, the team in charge of helming the brand has been subject to a madcap shuffling about of domains just to keep the ball in play. But now a new player has emerged: Popcorn in Your Browser. As the name would suggest, it’s Popcorn Time as an in-browser app. Definitely appealing for those commitment phobes not willing to download the desktop version. The in-browser

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Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Spec Rumors

If recent rumors and specs are to be believed, then Microsoft isn’t pulling any punches with the impending release of their new Surface Pro 4. Originally intended as a supplanter to Apple’s iPad, Microsoft has since shifted the trajectory of the Surface Pro series to be more laptop than tablet. Now with this impending iteration, it seems like Microsoft may have forged a silver bullet aimed to compete against the new Apple MacBook. At least two models have been announced, both featuring 2160 x 1440 resolution. The low end model sports a 12 inch screen and is equipped with an Intel Broadwell SoC chip. The higher end model sports a 14 inch screen

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Samsung Galaxy S6 Active: Not Just a Rumor Anymore

Adventurers and incurable butterfingers alike can now breath easy! Thanks to a quickly fixed leak via Samsung’s Plus Program webpage, we know now that the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active is coming soon. No official word yet from Samsung as to availability, exact specs, or cost; however, Samsung historically tends to drop the tank-like Active versions of their flagship phones three months after the initial release. This means that we can probably expect to see the Galaxy S6 Active sometime this July. Based on Samsung’s other Galaxy Active releases, the S6 Active will likely sport near identical specs to the standard S6 model except with the added protection of

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How to Change Your Apple Watch Clock Face

Although not the first horse out of the smartwatch starting gate, Apple insinuates (via ad space) that they’re beating the competition one minute ahead of par. Sadly though, Apple is behind its competitors in a few other areas. Namely, a varied collection of clock faces. (Sure, Mickey Mouse is cool and all… but what about a singing bird clock face?!) Nevertheless, Apple has given its pioneer Watch patrons a few options to get the ball rolling. Keep reading to find out how to select and customize from Apple’s available pool of clock faces to make your Apple Watch really pop. 1. Double tap the Digital Crown to

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How to Optimize Your Speakers on HTC One M9 w/ BoomSound

Bob Dylan called it, you guys: the times they are a-changin. Increasingly, more people are sharing and listening to music and video via their phones’ – often craptastic – built-in speakers. For this reason, the music industry is placing a higher emphasis on song mixes tailored specifically for smartphone playback. Yet even with Taylor Swift’s diminutive dynamic range, there still persists a series of reasonably understandable limitations inherent to a pocket sized speaker that will almost undoubtedly leave the listener wanting something more out of their TayTay listening experience. In response, HTC debuted BoomSound on the One M8. It’s purpose was to project as much volume from a tiny speaker as possible.

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How to Use Easy Mode on the Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge to Simplify Your Home Screen

Like so many Americans, Galaxy S6 users love their freedom. They take pride in their smart phone autonomy: the ability to govern how their phone looks and functions. These Android-given rights allow us to feel a degree of sovereignty when our lives feel stuck on a singular path toward an unavoidable end. They are a life vest that keeps us afloat in a sea of existential determinism. They are the animal style seasoning to our In’n’Out fries. But then again, “moderation in all things,” right? Perhaps having too many options can get in the way of productivity, which is why it may be worth investigating Easy Mode on Samsung’s new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.

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