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mardi 29 novembre 2016

Google Earth can now show more of our planet’s changes over time

tibet_china

tibet_china

Google Earth is a great online resource to see how our planet looks from above, and now it's even more useful to see how parts of the Earth have changed over time. The company has now expanded its Timelapse feature, which it introduced in 2013, with even more images that span several years in certain locations.

See also:

Google Maps and Google Earth now have insanely high res satellite imagery

June 27, 2016

Google said it went through over 5 million satellite images to add the ones in this new Timelapse update for Google Earth. The best from all those three quadrillion pixels were used to create 33 images of the entire planet, one for each year. From those photos, the company made 25 million overlapping multi-resolution video tiles from a number of locations on the planet. Using technology from Carnegie Mellon CREATE Lab's Time Machine, those tiles were converted into images that not only offer time-lapse movement over the years, but can also be panned and zoomed into by the user.

This means that Google Earth users can see how glaciers move over a period of several years in Antarctica or the growth of urbanization around Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport, or many more such locations on the planet. It really is fascinating to just look at how mankind has made its mark, for good and bad, on Earth through these time-lapse satellite images. You can check out all these updated views of our planet at the Google Earth Engine site.



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Facebook Messenger update lets users play Pac-Man and other classic games

facebook-messenger-games

facebook-messenger-games

Facebook Messenger can already be a huge time sink just by simply chatting with friends. Now the app is rolling out an update for Android and iOS that will allow users to play a number of classic and current games directly in Messenger, which could cause even more productivity losses.

See also:

The best texting apps for Android

April 13, 2016

The update is a bit different than the hidden basketball and football Easter egg games that have been previously released for Messenger.  The new version of the app adds a game controller icon below where users normally type messages. Tapping on it will bring up a list of the free games that are available to play within the app. There are current 17 games to choose from, ranging from classic arcade titles like Pac-Man, Galaga and Space Invaders to more recent releases such as Words with Friends: Frenzy.

The Messenger update also allows friends to challenge others online in games to see if they can beat each other's scores on a leaderboard. In addition, games on Messenger will allow for in-context chat and group thread conversations.

Facebook Messenger will be adding more and more free games in the following weeks and months. The games update is now live in 30 countries, with more markets to be added in the future. Will you be challenging your friends to a quick Pac-Man game in Messenger soon?

Get it at Google Play


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Hill Climb Racing 2 coming to Android on November 28 (Update: out now!)

hill-climb-racing-2

hill-climb-racing-2
Update (11/29): If you've been waiting to give Hill Climb Racing 2 a shot, now's your chance. Developer Fingersoft has just released the game to the Google Play Store for free. Head to the Play Store link below for the download!
Get it now from Google Play

Original post (11/17): I won't introduce Hill Climb Racing because with over half a billion installs across both major mobile platforms and countless variations on the theme, you undoubtedly know the concept. This time Bill is back in Hill Climb Racing 2, which will arrive on Android on November 28 after a long four-year wait.

See also:

15 best free Android games of 2016!

3 weeks ago

Far from a reboot, Hill Climb Racing 2 delivers greatly improved graphics, more customization options for drivers and vehicles and also adds asynchronous online multiplayer mode. There's over 30 stages in multiplayer mode and an endless single player mode as well.

The game will be free to install but will contain in-app purchases. There's no word yet on the pricing structure for IAPs, but if you were a fan of the first game you're probably not going to care.

Simple games like this tend to do extremely well on mobile but it's not thanks to IAPs. For more on why this is, don't miss our interview with Noodlecake Studios discussing what made Alto's Adventure so popular.

What's your favorite mobile game? Do you prefer pick-up-and-play titles or complex games?



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4G smartphone shipments expected to reach 1.17 billion for 2016

4G LTE icon 1

4G LTE icon 1

The International Data Corporation predicts that worldwide smartphone shipments will reach 1.45 billion this year, 1.17 billion of which will be 4G enabled devices. That's a significant increase from last year's figure, with 967 million 4G devices shipped.

See also:

Samsung will only launch 4G phones in India from now on

October 21, 2016

According to IDC's report published today, we are likely to see a significant year-to-year growth rate in 4G smartphone shipments for this year. 21.3 percent, to be exact. Whereas last year, we saw 967 million 4G smartphone units shipped, the figure for this year is expected to surpass the one billion mark.

In terms of overall smartphone shipments, the year-to-year growth isn't all that substantial: at 0.6 percent, the total number is expected to be around 1.45 billion units for 2016. This means that the ratio of 4G smartphones in the overall number of units has increased dramatically over the year.

4G technology is very mature in markets like the US and Canada, Western Europe, and certain Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. In fact, Korea was not only the first to launch LTE-Advanced, but is eyeing to be the first to launch 5G to coincide with the Winter 2018 Olympics. Well, combine all that with developing countries and their fast growing 4G markets, it makes sense that 4G enabled smartphones are becoming more and more prevalent and feature phones alike are disappearing into the background.

With developing countries and their fast growing 4G markets, it makes sense that 4G enabled smartphones are becoming more and more prevalent.

According to the IDC, that trend is going to continue as the prohibitively expensive 4G data tariffs are no more in emerging markets: many manufacturers are already offering affordable 4G smartphones in these markets, and local carriers are taking advantage of the occasion by providing attractive data pricing.

The report also offers some insight into the impact of Google's Pixel phones on the Android ecosystem: although the search giant has been aggressively marketing the Pixel duo, it is unlikely that the current hierarchy – where Samsung and Apple are at the top – will change anytime soon.

Do you own a 4G enabled smartphone? Do you think feature phones or 3G phones are a thing of the past? Let us know by leaving a comment below!



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Microsoft’s latest Android exclusive lets you clip and save from any app

microsoft-clip-layer

microsoft-clip-layer

Microsoft continues to stick with its recent business model of offering apps for all popular platforms, including Android. Its latest such exclusive for Google's mobile OS is called Clip Layer, and it's designed to help people clip and save content from any app.

See also:

Microsoft Garage releases Parchi, a simple and light notes app that uses hashtags

October 22, 2015

The app comes from Microsoft's experimental Garage division, which has previously released Android apps like Parchi, Sprightly and Kaizala. In the case of Clip Layer, Microsoft says the idea came from Steve Won, a senior designer with its Office team. Won, who previously released the Android-based Hub Keyboard for Android and iOS via the Garage division, said he was getting annoyed by the fact that some Android apps would not allow him to copy and paste their content. Also, he found that even if some apps did allow that to happen, the process of copying was simply too hard.

microsoft-clip-layer

microsoft-clip-layerHis solution turned into Clip Layer. When activated, the app puts a universal overlay over any Android screen. That overlay allows content on any Android app to be quickly selected and copied with just a tap to the clipboard. From there, it should be easy to share that content via email or other methods.

If you're interested in trying it out, Clip Layer is now available to download for free from the Google Play Store.

Get it at Google Play


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LeEco ditches flash sales, will sell its phones at Amazon, Best Buy and Target

leeco-le-pro3-review-aa-20-of-23-featured

leeco-le-pro3-review-aa-20-of-23-featured

When China-based LeEco announced it was going to start selling its smartphones in the US earlier this fall, it made the decision to go with the "flash sale" business plan. It only let people purchase its products in the space of a few hours. Apparently that plan didn't work well so LeEco is now ditching the flash sale for a more traditional online US retail business model.

See also:

LeEco Le Pro3 review

5 days ago

Starting today, the company's LeMall.com web store is now open permanently in the US. Furthermore, it will sell the LeEco Le S3 and Le Pro3 smartphones and smart TVs at Amazon, Target and Best Buy starting on Thursday, December 1. This is definitely a switch for the business and it may show that it realizes that sales tactics that may work in China don't necessarily work the same in the US.

This news comes as the company is also dealing with reports that its financial status is not quite on solid ground, although it did report recently that it raised $600 million in new financing. The company is one of several China-based smartphone makers that are trying to break through into the US market in 2017. Having its products sold 24 hours a day at big retail chains certainly won't hurt, but it still remains to be seen if LeEco will stand out from this already crowded field.



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Best phone holders for your car

galaxy s4 mini accessories iclever car mount

galaxy s4 mini accessories iclever car mount

Staying connected with your smartphone is key nowadays. Even while you're driving it's a good idea to have your phone for GPS, emergency calls, and so forth. Despite this, it isn't worth having your phone in hand when driving; it puts you and everyone else in the car at high risk.

Thankfully there is a solution to increase your safety on the road while still being able to use your phone- getting a smartphone car mount. They allow you to position your device on the dashboard for easy access where your eyes aren't far from the road. Then you can safely navigate through your GPS or contact numbers.

See also:

Picking a car mount is the hard part though. With so many to choose from, it becomes difficult to determine which one benefits you the most. So here is a list of six different car mounts that are worth your money.


LifeActiv Lifeproof Suction Mount with Quick-Mount

maxresdefault

maxresdefault

LifeActiv is no stranger to building devices that allow you to mount your phone. Their products are always well constructed and reliable. Their suction mount is no exception. Where many car mounts struggle with staying attached to your windshield, the LifeActiv has an industrial strength suction cup to ensure stability during use. It also boasts the Quick Mount adapter which attaches your phone with a simple click and detaches with a light twist. It comes it at $34.99, which is more than many would want to pay, but the quality is worth the price.

Get it on Amazon

Aukey Vent Clip Mount

aukey-universal-smart-phone-magnetic-air-vent-car-mount-holder

aukey-universal-smart-phone-magnetic-air-vent-car-mount-holder

Some people don't appreciate mounts that sit on the windshield for fear of it blocking your view. If that's the case for you, then the Aukey Vent Clip has you covered. This mount clamps onto your air vent instead, where you won't have to worry about losing suction. Instead of manually attaching your phone to it as well, the Aukey boasts a non-interfering magnetic design. It comes with two metal plates that fit in your phone case or stick to the back of it. The build also allows you to use it in more places than your car. The best part about the Aukey is it comes in at a very attractive price of just $8.99.

Get it on Amazon

Bracketron TekGrip Power Dock

prod_1375211012

prod_1375211012

If convenience is your fancy, then the Bracketron TekGrip is what you want. This mount uniquely plugs into your car's charging port, where a sturdy yet flexible neck extends so you can access your device with ease in portrait or landscape mode. The best feature of the Bracketron is that it comes with two USB ports, where you can charge two devices simultaneously, even while it's mounted. It's the ultimate mount for people that love road trips with friends. You can purchase the mount from Bracketron's website for $34.99, or you can also get it off of Amazon for $24.17.

Get it on Amazon

USA Gear Car Vent Phone Holder

large_airvent-mount-android-900x900

large_airvent-mount-android-900x900

USA Gear knows the sheer range of smartphones on the market, and that's why their phone holder is as versatile as it is. It is a vent-based mount, but uses brackets instead of magnets. However, the brackets are outfitted with padding that ensures that you will never harm your phone while mounting it. The brackets are also adjustable to fit phones of all sizes (up to 3.5 inches in width). Top it off with 360 degree rotation, and you've got a solid car mount on your hands. Did I mention it's only $12.99?

Get it on Amazon

Spigen Car Mount Stealth

150711stelth1

150711stelth1

Spigen's car mount is sleek, simplistic, well-crafted, and reasonably priced at $20.99. At first glance it doesn't look like much, but the Stealth car mount is a viable and easy-to-use option. It adheres to the top of your dashboard via a reusable gel pad that sits at its base. It can only hold your phone in landscape mode, but you won't be frequently navigating your home screen while driving. The holder on the Spigen is constructed with TPU, so it won't scratch your phone, and its designed so well that you can remove and attach your device using only one hand.

Get it on Amazon

Macally mGRIP Automobile Suction Cup Holder Mount

mGrip_07

mGrip_07Macally wants to ensure your comfort with a car mount without forsaking tradition, and that's where the mGRIP comes in. It has a classic suction cup design, but its long, flexible neck will sit at your phone at whatever angle or distance you want. The holder itself also swivels to hold your device in portrait and landscape. Three adjustable settings allow for a wide array of devices to be used. The rubber grip will prevent any scratches during operation, and a small release button will let you remove your device with no trouble. Not bad for $14.99.
Get it on Amazon

iOttie Universal car mount

iottie

iottie

The iOttie Universal car holder features a one touch mount system that lets you lock the device in place and release with just a press of a single button. Sticky gel pads allows for the holder to be stuck to most surfaces, and comes with a telescopic arm to allow for closer viewing of the screen. The holder can accommodate almost every smartphone, with the allowed width going up to 3.5-inches. The iOttie car holder is priced at $24.95.

Get it on Amazon

These are our top recommendations. Know any other good options? Let us know in the comments!



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