Wednesday, 27 June 2018

The Morning After: Testing iOS 12

Engadget Email Newsletter

It's Wednesday, June 27, 2018.

Hey, good morning!

Happy hump day! Increasingly funny AI assistants get critiqued, a new version of macOS previewed and so many questions on the notion of dual-screen laptops.

Just because you're smart doesn't mean you're funny.

How AI assistants found their funny bone

AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google and Cortana all bring canned humor to go along with their helping virtual hands. We talked to one of the writers behind the jokes, and then had several comics evaluate each assistant’s material to see which one came out on top.

Minor but welcome additions.

macOS Mojave preview

Has Apple been listening to its critics? Maybe, based on Dana Wollman’s first impressions of macOS Mojave. While it might not be bloated with show-stopping new features, this release with Dark Mode, Continuity Camera, group FaceTime calls and Stacks shows how Apple is paying attention to the way people use its devices, instead of forcing users into new habits.

Back like it never left (because it didn’t.)

Mitsubishi’s Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is an understated surprise

The Outlander PHEV is a solid hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive and impressive pure-electric range that’s also a bit dated on the inside and has an infotainment system that’s better left alone.

The $35,000 version isn’t ready yet.

Tesla opens Model 3 orders to more people and trims prices

Now that Tesla has worked out some of the kinks in its Model 3 production, the prices are coming down and getting more flexible. If you’re in the US or Canada and have reserved a spot in line, your pre-order should open up shortly. The cheapest model currently available will still cost at least $49,000, but now it’s $1,000 cheaper to add AWD and a second motor. Also, the starting price for a faster Performance trim sedan has dropped to $64,000, now items like an upgraded 155 MPH top speed, carbon-fiber spoiler and 20-inch rims are optional.

AI is no match for style.

Amazon Echo Look review

Those who enjoy chronicling their daily outfits or want a bit of fashion advice and don’t mind an algorithm or complete stranger telling them what to wear will find the Echo Look useful. It can double as an Alexa speaker, too, but the audio quality isn’t good enough for music streaming.

It highlights ongoing volatility in EV batteries for Tesla and others.

NTSB says Model S battery caught fire twice after Florida crash

Meanwhile, as part of a preliminary report on a Model S crash in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NTSB investigators revealed that a piece of the EV's lithium-ion pack reignited twice despite firefighters dousing it with water and foam. It first reignited when crews were removing the car from the crash scene, and again when it arrived at a storage yard.

Get your Yubikey ready.

Twitter fights spambots and account hackers

Twitter has begun to acknowledge that it has persistent problems with spam accounts and it has been working on ways to fix these issues. Now it says machine learning has helped it identify potentially spammy or automated accounts and said that soon, new users will have to verify either a phone number or email address when they’re created. To help keep those accounts in the right hands, it’s also rolling out support for the use of hardware USB keys for login verification.

Don’t expect to see it next year.

Anti-VidCon event 'TanaCon' was an absolute disaster

Tana Mongeau, a YouTube star, was angry that popular YouTube convention VidCon has refused to grant her a Featured Creator badge and decided to take matters into her own hands. She attempted to set up her own rival convention called TanaCon, held across the street from VidCon, on the same days. But planning is hard. The venue could handle about 3,000 guests. Mongeau had stated that she'd sold around 5,000 tickets. A lack of any line organization meant the venue filled to capacity quickly, and, once fans got inside, there was nothing to actually do. The programming was sparse, and the venue was just one hallway and a ballroom. Attendees were understandably furious; Mongeau claimed that as many as 15,000 people were waiting in line to get in the con. Early in the afternoon, the fire marshal showed up and shut down the con because the number of people in attendance was a fire hazard. Needless to say, the second day of the con didn't happen. MatCon plans have also been put on hold.

But wait, there's more...

1. Google Maps' new Yelp-like features are now live

2. We have some questions about dual-screen laptops

3. Facebook pulls the plug on its Aquila internet drone

4. 'Overwatch' update rewards you for commending fellow players (plus DPS Symmetra!)

5. Choosing the best MVNO: What you need to know before going with a smaller wireless carrier

6. Pride and prejudice: Tech's relationship with the LGBTQ community

7. FDA approves its first marijuana-derived drug

8. LG may squeeze five cameras into its next flagship phone

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Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Editor's Pick: 7 Keys to Global E-Commerce Success

7 Keys to Global E-Commerce Success

Vivian Wagner Jun 26, 2018 7:00 AM PT
	If you operate an e-commerce company, the world is at your fingertips, and global markets offer the enticing promise of increased visibility and sales. "International expansion is a great way to mitigate risk and reliance on a single market for all your sales," noted Chris Vincent, global CEO of Practicology. How to get started may seem murky, though. [More...]

More Picks:

Suse Linux Enterprise 15 Bridges Traditional, Software-Defined Systems
Suse has launched Suse Linux Enterprise 15, its latest flagship operating platform. SLE 15 bridges traditional infrastructure technologies with next-generation software-defined infrastructure, the company said. Suse Manager helps users meet management challenges created by technology advancements such as software-defined infrastructure, cloud computing and containers. [More...]

Apple May Go All-In With Audio
Apple plans to expand its audio product line next year with new AirPods, HomePods and possibly studio-quality over-the-ear headphones. The new generation of AirPods will feature noise cancellation, be water resistant, and have greater range, according to a report citing people familiar with the developments. Apple's plans reflect an expanded role for audio in the company's future. [More...]

Oracle's Creative Destruction
Although Oracle was one of the last major enterprise software vendors to move to the cloud, it has embraced the idea of creative destruction in breathtaking ways. With BYOL -- Bring Your Own License -- the company has inspired a movement of its traditional software customers to its infrastructure cloud. It continued the translation exercise with Oracle LaunchPad, a new online learning platform. [More...]

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Tech News Flash

Tech News Flash: Tuesday -- June 26, 2018

TechNewsWorld -- All Tech - All The Time
http://www.TechNewsWorld.com
Part of the ECT News Network

Headline Scan
Apple May Go All-In With Audio
The Best Defense Against Fake News in Social Media
Facebook Shores Up Its Position on Fake News Front

Message From Our Sponsor
Study: Online Retail Sites "Embarrassingly Slow"
A new report titled, "2018 eCommerce Performance: The Stakes Are
Increasing, But Are Retailers Falling Behind?" evaluates 80 major retail
websites on page speed performance as well as shopper experience.
Learn more: https://www.ectnews.com/adsys/link/?crid=10133/report

Today's Story Highlights

Apple May Go All-In With Audio

Apple plans to expand its audio product line next year with new AirPods,
HomePods and possibly studio-quality over-the-ear headphones. The new
generation of AirPods will feature noise cancellation, be water
resistant, and have greater range, according to a report citing people
familiar with the developments. Apple's plans reflect an expanded role
for audio in the company's future.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/85415.html

The Best Defense Against Fake News in Social Media

IBM just showcased Project Debater, and it just won against a top human
debater using actual facts. We need the production version of this tool
yesterday. The problem with fake news is that it is getting worse over
time. We have always had issues with politicians and con artists trying
to convince us down is up and to get us to do things that, were we
informed, we'd never do.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/85405.html

Facebook Shores Up Its Position on Fake News Front

Facebook has announced new tactics to reduce the spread of fake news.
Its efforts will include combining technology with human reviewers to
identify and remove fake accounts; partnering with fact-checkers; and
promoting news literacy. Facebook will expand its fact-checking programs
to new countries, scrutinize photos and videos more closely, and
increase the impact of fact-checking.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/85410.html

News Alerts From ECT News Network
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E-Commerce Minute

E-Commerce Minute: Tuesday -- June 26, 2018

The E-Commerce Times -- E-Business Means Business
http://www.ecommercetimes.com
Part of the ECT News Network

Headline Scan
7 Keys to Global E-Commerce Success
The Dismal State of Healthcare IoT Security
Amazon Flings Opens Prime Wardrobe Doors

Message From Our Sponsor
Study: Online Retail Sites "Embarrassingly Slow"
A new report titled, "2018 eCommerce Performance: The Stakes Are
Increasing, But Are Retailers Falling Behind?" evaluates 80 major retail
websites on page speed performance as well as shopper experience.
Learn more: https://www.ectnews.com/adsys/link/?crid=10133/report

Today's Story Highlights

7 Keys to Global E-Commerce Success

If you operate an e-commerce company, the world is at your fingertips,
and global markets offer the enticing promise of increased visibility
and sales. "International expansion is a great way to mitigate risk and
reliance on a single market for all your sales," noted Chris Vincent,
global CEO of Practicology. How to get started may seem murky, though.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/85414.html

The Dismal State of Healthcare IoT Security

The healthcare industry has been moving toward medical equipment
connectivity to speed up data entry and recording, as well as improve
data accuracy. At the same time, there has been a shift toward
incorporating consumer mobile devices, including wearables. "The demand
for connected devices has increased rapidly in recent years," noted Leon
Lerman, CEO of Cynerio.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/85413.html

Amazon Flings Opens Prime Wardrobe Doors

Amazon has opened Prime Wardrobe to all Prime members, after beta-
testing the service on an invitation-only basis for a year. Prime
Wardrobe is included in Amazon Prime memberships at no additional
charge. "This is going to be an immensely valuable service for Amazon
which will increase consumers' confidence in buying apparel from the
company," said Nikki Baird, VP for retail innovation at Aptos.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/85412.html

News Alerts From ECT News Network
Get the day's top business and technology news delivered
to your inbox as stories break. Sign up today -- it's free!
http://www.ectnews.com/adsys/link/?crid=2202/News_Alerts

INSTA-LEADS From ECT News Network
Access 30 million B2B purchasing decision makers. Learn more:
http://www.ectnews.com/adsys/link/?crid=8734/INSTA-LEADS

How to Advertise in This Newsletter
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please call our sales department toll-free at (877) 328-5500, or view
our online media kit at
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Subscribing and Unsubscribing
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