5 SECONDS OF SUMMER

Michael Clifford Fires Back at Abigail Breslin's Diss Track

Stars Most Stylish Selfie of the Week

Stars Most Stylish Selfie of the Week

GMAIL BLOCKED IN CHINA

5-Minute Outfit Idea

5-Minute Outfit Idea: An Effortless, Polished Look to Try This Weekend.

Facebook suffers outage

Facebook suffers outage affecting users worldwide!! .

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Google is bringing fullscreen ads to an app near you

Google is bringing fullscreen ads to an app near you

Terrence O'Brien
Engadget


Advertisers aren't always a fan of investing in mobile. Part of that reason is that the ads you see on phones and tablets don't command the same amount of attention that ads do on desktops.

 Google is working on new ad units though that could lure in the big brands, though users might find them somewhat infuriating. Of the four new designs, three are fullscreen ads and some are interstitial ads that would take over the screen at a "logical break point" while you're using an app.

 These ads could even include video or interactive elements, which pretty much turns them into in-app commercials. So, between levels three and four of the next Angry Birds licensing debacle title you could be watching a 20 second ad for Perdue chicken breasts. Or, you could just be blindly skipping by the ads that hijack your screen to sell paper towels, skin cream, or anything else. S

BlackBerry looking to release more 'unconventional' devices

BlackBerry looking to release more 'unconventional' devices

Edgar Alvarez
Engadget


For better or worse, much has been made about the distinct shape of BlackBerry's new smartphone, the Passport. And, according to Ron Louks, president of the company's Devices division, we can expect BlackBerry to start pushing more out-of-the-ordinary hardware, like its latest, in the years to come. During an interview with Reuters, Louks said BlackBerry can afford to take risks after sorting out its financial situation, adding that the goal is to introduce "at least one unconventional device" every year. "When it comes to design and being a little bit disruptive, we want that 'wow' factor," he said. Louks also stated that BlackBerry is already working on yet another unusual device, and while there were no details revealed on what it is exactly, he did say carriers have had some positive feedback toward it. Whatever it may be, you can definitely color us intrigued.

HP's $199 Windows laptop arrives alongside a pair of tablets

HP's $199 Windows laptop arrives alongside a pair of tablets

Edgar Alvarez
Engadget


Contrary to earlier rumors, HP's Chromebook-like Stream 14 turned out to be more expensive than people had hoped for when it was announced a few weeks ago. Having said that, today HP is finally introducing its $199 laptop with Windows, staying in line with what a company representative had told us before in regards to the Stream line expanding beyond the 14-inch machine. But there's more, since HP's new, budget-friendly, 11.6-inch laptop isn't the only fresh announcement.

 There's a 13.3-inch model as well, priced at $230, which, along with the $199 Stream, features an Intel Celeron processor and 32GB of flash storage. In addition to this pair of notebooks, HP is also introducing two Windows 8.1 tablets: the HP Stream 7 and HP Stream 8. If the moniker for each didn't give it away, they are 7- and 8-inch slates, respectively, with the former costing a mere $99 and the latter going for $149.%Slideshow-227521%

Unfortunately, HP isn't sharing many more details (like other specs) at the moment. We do know, however, that the company hopes to lure in customers by including a bit of free mobile data every month and access to Microsoft's Office 365 Personal productivity suite, which is definitely a nice bonus. All devices announced are expected to be available in the US by the beginning of November. In the meantime, stay tuned -- we'll be adding hands-on photos and additional info shortly.


Xbox One launches in China

Xbox One launches in China

Jon Fingas
Engadget

Chinese gamers have just witnessed their first major console launch since authorities lifted their 13-year ban on most video game systems. Following a last-minute delay,
Microsoft has released the Xbox One in mainland China; people in 37 cities across the country can now pick up a shiny new machine without having to resort to unofficial channels.
There are only 10 government-approved games on offer from day one, including Dance Central: Spotlight and Forza Motorsport 5, but over 70 China-friendly titles are supposed to be in the works.
As for Sony? It has yet to confirm just when the PlayStation 4 reaches China, but it's doubtful that the company will be far behind -- it won't want to give Microsoft too much of a head start.

Netflix is getting the sequel to 'Crouching Tiger' the same day it hits theaters

Netflix is getting the sequel to 'Crouching Tiger' the same day it hits theaters

Richard Lawler
Engadget


Netflix's tight relationship with The Weinstein Company has scored another win. The two revealed tonight that next year when the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon arrives in theaters, it will also be available streaming on Netflix at the same time. Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos tells the New York Times he hopes that the unique setup -- available to Netflix's 50 million+ worldwide subscribers and in select IMAX theaters on August 28th, 2015 -- will inspire other studios to look outside the traditional windowed release schedule. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend also shares a writer, John Fusco, with another Weinstein/Netflix team-up, the Marco Polo series that's arriving next year.

Test code hints at future iPads with Touch ID and Apple Pay

Test code hints at future iPads with Touch ID and Apple Pay

Jon Fingas
Engadget


There have been photos and vague rumors hinting that Apple's next iPads will involve more than just a speed bump, but there hasn't been much in the way of hard evidence... until today, that is. Hamza Sood has uncovered code in the iOS 8.1 developer beta that alludes to unannounced iPads with Touch ID fingerprint readers and, appropriately, Apple Pay support. Don't think that you'll be tapping your iPad to pay for goods at the local shop, however. From all indications, this is just for in-app transactions; there's no mention of NFC. It's also unclear when this new iOS version will arrive, although historysuggests that the new iPads (and thus the finished 8.1 update) could surface in October.



Apple's iPhone 6 and 6 Plus coming to China on October 17th

Apple's iPhone 6 and 6 Plus coming to China on October 17th

Steve Dent
Engadget


Apple has finally revealed the date that its new iPhones will be available to eager users in mainland China: Friday, October 17th. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will go on pre-order there starting October 10th, with units available a week later at Apple Stores and all three major carriers. The devices will support TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, meaning 4G speeds will be available to users at China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom. So far, the lack of availability has meant extortionate prices for smuggled models, though there's been an alarming lack of demand in the gray market. But at least Chinese Apple fans will largely avoid the parade of early iOS 8 bugs.

Trend-Spotting: Zendaya, Liam Payne & More of Your Fave Stars Are Loving Oversized Hats

Trend-Spotting:Zendaya, Liam Payne & More of Your Fave Stars Are Loving Oversized Hats

Zendaya , Liam Payne
Credit:  Wire Image, Instagram

We officially declare the past few days the weekend of fashionable headgear! Wide-brimmed hats and statement fedoras are a huge trend, and celebs are wearing their styles in larger-than-life ways. Tons of cool guys like Liam PayneAustin Mahone, and Cody Simpson all showed off their caps in fun new Instagram pics this weekend while stylish girls like Zendaya even brought the oversized hat trend to the red carpet in a totally dressy way!

Austin Mahone
Credit:  Instagram

Cody Simpson
Credit:  Instagram



Alli Simpson
Credit:  Instagram

Does Taylor Swift Have a Secret Twin?

Does Taylor Swift Have a Secret Twin?



Serious Swifties know that 
Taylor Swift has only one brother, Austin Swift. But is there any chance she has another secret sibling? The "Shake It Off" singer posted a picture of her face side-by-side next to Swedish EDM DJ Avicii's, and the resemblance is uncanny.

"Just saw this, then immediately called my parents and asked them point blank if they kidnapped me from Avicii's family in Sweden when I was a baby. Of course they denied it. They would," she joked.


We can't deny these two artists look like each other — their faces morph into each other perfectly. While we know Taylor's parents didn't actually kidnap her from Scandinavia as a baby, it's pretty funny to think about!

Find Out Why Taylor Swift Is Being Sued!

Find Out Why Taylor Swift Is Being Sued!

From surprising a fan at her bridal shower to personally inviting creative fans to her concertTaylor Swift constantly shows her Swifties that she's a total sweetheart. But now, the singer is being sued by a chauffeur company for allegedly making some crazy diva demands!
According to TMZ, Taylor's people made a deal with a car service to help transport her around NYC. The company alleges they bought two additional vehicles specifically for the singer, and had to follow a bunch of strict rules, including guidelines on when the driver could talk to her.
The chauffeurs are now suing her company for losses because they ended their business agreement a few weeks later.
While we understand there might be some legitimate reasons the company is mad about the cars, we don't believe she would command her driver not to speak to her. That doesn't sound like Taylor!

The US is ready to redefine “television” to include the internet

The US is ready to redefine “television” to include the internet

Brendan Sasso
Quartz

The US Federal Communications Commission is considering whether to treat certain online video services like cable and satellite TV providers.

The move would help the online services get cheaper access to major network programming and could allow them to become stronger competitors to the dominant pay-TV providers like Comcast.
“This is a very big deal,” said Richard Greenfield, an industry analyst for BTIG. “It could pose very significant challenges to the traditional [cable TV] bundle.”

The FCC’s Media Bureau is working on the proposal, which could be shared more broadly within the commission as early as this week, according to an FCC official.
Kim Hart, an FCC spokesman, declined to comment.

The proposal would only apply to online services that offer pre-scheduled programming. So the rules wouldn’t cover Netflix, which allows subscribers to watch videos whenever they want.

But it could revive the controversial online video service Aereo, which allowed subscribers to watch broadcast TV channels on their computers and Internet connected-TVs. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Aereo was stealing the broadcasters’ copyrighted content.

In response, Aereo asked to be reclassified as a cable provider. The move wouldn’t give it free access to broadcast programming, but it would force the broadcasters to negotiate following certain rules and would likely mean cheaper access to their channels.
“Aereo is back,” Greenfield said.

Classifying the online services as cable providers would bring a variety of regulatory perks but it would also carry some burdens—such as requirements to offer certain stations.

The proposal is only an initial step. So even if the commission approves it, the agency will then have to seek public comment before making any final decisions.

Multichannel News first reported on the proposal Monday.

Monday, 29 September 2014

Microsoft to offer early look at next Windows

Microsoft to offer early look at next Windows

BRANDON BAILEY 
Associated Press 



SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft plans to offer a glimpse of its vision for Windows this week, as its new CEO seeks to redefine the company and recover from missteps with its flagship operating system.

Although the new software won't be formally released until next year, analysts already consider its success crucial for Microsoft and Satya Nadella, who has made mobile devices and Internet-based services priorities since becoming CEO in February.

With its tablet-like touch controls, Windows 8 had been Microsoft's answer to slumping sales in personal computers amid a rising demand for mobile devices. But the company alienated many users by forcing radical behavioral changes. Research firm IDC even blamed Windows 8 for accelerating a decline in PC sales in the first full quarter following the system's release in October 2012.

Microsoft has released updates that address some of the complaints, yet analytics firm Net Applications estimates that five out of six Windows users are still using something other than Windows 8.

The next major release will be the company's chance to regain its footing and show that Microsoft can embrace mobile devices without sacrificing the traditional computing experience.
"It's one of the most important launches that they will ever have," said Patrick Moorhead at the research firm Moor Insights and Strategy. "It's very important they get it right."

Microsoft is expected to give an early look at some new features Tuesday during an event the company has billed as a discussion about "what's next for Windows." The company hasn't said what it plans to call the new Windows version.

The San Francisco event is geared toward the business market. Separate sessions focused on home computer users and others will be held in the coming months. Analysts say the sessions are part of an effort by Microsoft to gather feedback and avoid the stumbles it made with Windows 8.
Even after two years of declining sales of personal computers, software licenses for Windows are a key element of a business segment that contributes roughly 21 percent of Microsoft's annual revenue — second only to sales of the company's commercial software.

Windows 8 introduced a host of new features for personal computers, including touch-screen functions that are now common with tablets. Many PC users, however, found the redesigned interface difficult to navigate, particularly with keyboards and mice on devices without touch screens. They also missed familiar controls, such as the "start" button that was a longtime component of previous Windows systems.

"It was a miscalculation on the part of Microsoft," said analyst Steve Kleynhans at the Gartner research firm. "You can't force people into a situation where everything they know changes."

Still, experts say Microsoft has good reason to design software that attempts to broaden its appeal to smartphone and tablet users. Although the company still dominates the PC industry, that market is barely growing. Meanwhile, Microsoft has gained little traction in a booming smartphone market dominated by Apple's iPhones and devices running Google's Android software.
Nadella has said he wants the next version of Windows to be a "single, converged operating system for screens of all sizes."

Microsoft currently has three main systems — Windows 8 for traditional computers and tablets, Windows Phone 8 for cellphones and Xbox for its gaming console. That makes more work for developers, who must create three versions of apps if they want to reach people on multiple devices. By unifying the underlying systems, software developers will be able to create apps for the various devices more easily. Consumers will also be able to switch devices more easily and avoid having to buy the same apps multiple times.

The new Windows is also expected to emphasize more software apps and services that are hosted on the Internet, or "in the cloud." Nadella has made the transition to cloud computing a priority.
But Microsoft will need to make the transition to a new Windows less jarring for the average user Moorhead said. That might include a return to a more traditional "start" menu for desktops, for example. Microsoft restored a limited version of the "start" button when it released a Windows 8.1 update last year.

The company also has hinted that it may restore a key component of Windows: the ability to run apps in windows that can overlap and be adjusted to any size. For newer apps in Windows 8, resizing was limited to how much horizontal space each app takes on the screen.
Windows 8 offered some improvements in security and efficiency, but corporations balked at using the software because they didn't want to spend time and money teaching employees how to use it, Moorhead said.

Now, as Google and Apple are starting to pitch their own operating systems to business users, he added, Microsoft needs to convince business customers that the next version of Windows is worth using.