Google is making its Android Go — a lightweight alternative of its mobile platform design to run smoothly on low-end phones — even faster. In a new blog post, the company says apps on Android 10 Go will now launch about 10 percent faster than they did on the older version. This improvement in speed has also made it possible for Google to include a new form of encryption for Go users without compromising overall performance. How will blockchain impact finance and business?
Fitbit‘s latest fitness tracker/smartwatch, the Versa 2, was introduced a couple of weeks ago, but the company did not provide a firm release date at the time. Now we know: the Versa 2 will be available this Sunday, September 15. Pre-orders are already open. Compared to the already-good Versa and Versa Lite, the Versa 2 brings Alexa support, an always-on OLED display, and a slightly tweaked design. I’m not sure why people would want Alexa on their smartphone that already includes the Google Assistant or Siri, but it’s there if you want it. The always-on display, however, is greatly appreciated – it’s annoying to have to tap the screen or flick your wrist every time you want to check the time.
Gears 5 is almost here, it’s welcoming to queers, and the fact that it’s just one of many AAA gaming titles featuring in-game inclusivity for LGBTQPIA+ gamers means you’d better get used to it. The latest entry in the saga for humanity’s survival (read my colleague Rachel Kaser’s review here on TNW) doesn’t just feature a playable female protagonist (a first for the franchise), it also allows you to kit out your multiplayer persona with one of numerous Pride flags representing a spectrum of LGBTQPIA+ identities. 2019 has been a great year for inclusivity in gaming and it just keeps getting better.
It used to be that a job in finance would set you up for life. Steady, reliable, dependable, calculators and sweater vests. These things come to mind when you think of a career in finance. Just like in other industries, AI and machine learning are entering the scene and causing great disruption in what used to be one of the most stable career choices. In the US, one report found that 1.3 million bank workers will lose their jobs or be reassigned due to automation. Globally, finance leaders are predicting that 50% of jobs could be lost.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey‘s had his account hacked. Several tweets have been sent from his verified @Jack account, many of them containing racist epithets, threats, and extortion demands. We're aware that @jack was compromised and investigating what happened. — Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) August 30, 2019
In the past couple of years, every major Android phone has had a night mode feature. While we might see Apple bring a night mode to its iPhones this year, it might be dependant on hardware. But an app called NeuralCam is trying to bring this feature to owners of current-gen and older iPhones — with the help of AI. The app’s sole focus is to take night-time photos. The good thing is you can run it even if you have a model as old as an iPhone 6. It takes roughly 10 to 15 seconds to complete capturing and processing the image before you get the final output.
Researchers from antivirus developer ESET recently discovered a new form of spam-delivered malware that threatens to steal unsuspecting users’ passwords and financial information, and record their screens if they watch pornography. The virus is called Varenyky and it’s a doozy. It’s apparently been designed to target customers of French ISP Orange SA, but the researchers indicate there’s nothing stopping someone from using the same malware on other ISPs or in other areas. It’s delivered via a very official looking email that appears to be a phone bill.
Akaso’s V50 Pro Special Edition action camera is a wallet-friendly little action shooter that punches well above its weight class. If you’ve been searching for a decent-quality 4K cam you can use underwater, but you don’t want to spend GoPro money for it, keep reading. The V50 Pro takes aim at the GoPro Hero 7 Black, but costs half as much. The Special Edition brings 4K video at 60 frames per second and more batteries and accessories to the table. And it’s worth mentioning that a portion of every sale benefits The Center For Outdoor Ethics’ “Leave No Trace” campaign.
Are you worried about the carbon dioxide that’ll be released if you get cremated? Well, worry no more, because this ‘Frankensteined’ Tesla Model S hearse could be yours for $200,000. The eco-friendly car was created in 2016 after a funeral transport firm, Vander der Lans & Busscher BV based in the Netherlands, commissioned a Tesla Model S to be turned into a hearse so that it could offer zero emmision funeral transport, obviously. Well now, just three years later, it’s up for sale on Norwegian used car site Finn for Kr 1,999,000 ($207,000), Eletrek reports.
