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• Cloud meets iCloud: Final Fantasy 7 arrives on iOS
• Want to go to Mars? Well, you can't, but your name can
• Intel's 5G future can turn humans into IoT devices
• Apple Watch face hack is the customization you've been looking for
• Review: Sony SRS-X11
• Apple still hasn't patched zero-day in OS X Yosemite and Mavericks
• Will the iPhone 6S bend? Supposed prototype put to the BendGate test
• Chromebooks head to top of class in schools
• Project Ara couldn't survive drop tests, which is probably why it was delayed
• BlackBerry's Android phone could be here before the holidays
• Intel leverages big data, IoT to cure cancer with secure data cloud
• In Depth: The 7 best Xbox One upgrades coming this year
• New internet routing system keeps your data out of certain countries
• Opinion: Cortana makes me nervous, and the impending AI apocalypse is to blame
• Updated: Razer made a slick 3D camera for desktop gaming and VR
• The most trusted Apple analyst supports autumn iPad Pro rumors
• IBM harnesses the power of the rodent for its latest AI chip
• The Vaio formally known as Sony set for US launch in October
• Nuance takes Dragon Anywhere into the cloud
• Updated: Is HTC dropping the One brand in favour of O2?

Cloud meets iCloud: Final Fantasy 7 arrives on iOS Posted: 19 Aug 2015 04:59 PM PDT Final Fantasy 7 is finally seeing its release on iOS today, and interestingly, this version of the game will allow you to turn off enemy encounters. Square Enix had announced back in June during E3 that Final Fantasy 7 would be making its way to iOS by the end of summer. In this iOS version of the game, you'll be using a virtual controller, with the choice between a virtual analogue control or a fixed 4-way digital control pad. And as stated above, you'll also essentially be able to cheat through the game with the ability to turn off enemy encounters and area maps. You can also switch on Max Stats, which will let you power up our character without having to fight any enemies - needed if you turn off enemy encounters. Square Enix says that these two features will help make playing the game easier and more convenient. And should make the game much more accessible, as well as help gamers focus more directly on the story. Final Fantasy 7 is available for both iPhone and iPad for $19.99 (£11.99/AU$19.99), though you'll need to have an iPhone 5S, a third-gen iPad, a iPad Mini 2 or any later model, and at least iOS 8.0 or later to play. Here are the 10 best Apple Watch games

Want to go to Mars? Well, you can't, but your name can Posted: 19 Aug 2015 04:01 PM PDT While a trip to Mars is out of the question for the vast majority of us all, NASA is giving you the chance to at least have your name sent up to the red planet. This is the second time NASA has opened up this type of opportunity, with the organization launching the 'send you name' program for the 2014 Orion Mission. For that mission, NASA had 1.38 million people apply to have their name sent up to space. This time, the program will send your name up on a microchip that will be sent up on the Insight space lander, which is scheduled to launch in March 2016 and land on the red planet in September 2016. An Insight on Mars The lander is being sent to Mars to learn more about what's under the surface of the planet, and will drill deep down into the surface for the first time in order for scientists to study the planet's formation. "Previous missions to Mars have investigated the surface history of the Red Planet by examining features like canyons, volcanoes, rocks and soil, but no one has attempted to investigate the planet's earliest evolution - its building blocks - which can only be found by looking far below the surface," NASA said on its mission website. You can head on over to NASA's InSight send-your-name page to sign up for a 'boarding pass' before September 8. If you signed up last year for the Orion mission, you can simply log back in with your details to sign your name up again for this mission's program. NASA just tested the 'Ferrari of rocket engines'

Intel's 5G future can turn humans into IoT devices Posted: 19 Aug 2015 03:43 PM PDT What do cell phones, laptops, flying drones, robots and cars have in common? Intel's vision is that these devices can connect to an even faster next generation 5G wireless network by 2020. The 5G network will provide a backbone for Intel's Internet of Things endeavors, a theme key to IDF 2015, and allow devices to connect at up to 100 times faster speeds than current 4G LTE technology today. Another benefit of 5G networks is that there is very little latency or delays, which will enable real-time, instantaneous response, feedback and control of IoT devices. This opens the doors to remote robotic surgeries, self-driving cars and potentially even turning humans into droids. No lag With delays as low as just 1ms, Intel claims that 5G will be suited for tele-medicine. The network will also have minimal impact on battery life. For devices that don't need a constant connection, a battery can last up to 10 years on a single charge. Paul McNamara, Vice President at Ericsson, said that 5G networks can be very adaptable to prioritize important commands for critical response. For instance, for general safety, communications from a connected car can get prioritized in an event of a collision over a signal sent from a connected appliance. This way, the car can warn other nearby connected cars to brake while it is activating its airbags. This would be more critical than a connected appliance. Wearables will also benefit from greater and broader 5G connectivity and coverage. Sandra Rivera, Vice President and General Manager, Network Platforms Group at Intel Corporation, predicts that one day your body can speak to your appliances, cars and other connected devices. Rivera envisions a day when people will begin implanting chips into their body. The 5G future Intel wants can turn us into half-humans, half-Terminators. This means that rather than wearing wearables, the sensors could someday live in or on your body instead, said Alex Choi, Chief Technology Officer at SK Telecom. Read about five things you should know about 5G

Apple Watch face hack is the customization you've been looking for Posted: 19 Aug 2015 02:43 PM PDT If you're lucky enough to have an Apple Watch, but annoyed you can't customize your watch's face yet, a developer may have a solution for you. Hamza Sood took to Twitter to declare, "After some haxx... Custom watch faces on Apple Watch!" He also included a video of his own Apple Watch with a custom watch face. The hack's source code, which can be found on Github, allows you to load any watch face you want, including animations. Of course, it does look like Apple is slowly going to start supporting more customizable faces with software updates, and the watchOS 2 update is set to allow users to choose images from the Photos app or one of Apple's time lapse videos as their new watch face. But if you want to have complete control over the look of your Apple Watch's face right now, it's best to be mindful before you jump in on Sood's hack, as it may end up voiding your warranty. Apple Watch OS 2: what you need to know

Review: Sony SRS-X11 Posted: 19 Aug 2015 01:58 PM PDT It's 2015, and I can safely say that there is a Bluetooth speaker for everyone. There's the hulking Fluance Fi30 that isn't very portable, but packs a powerful punch. Then the JBL Charge 2+ is also available, bundling portability, weatherproofing and performance together. Recently tossed into the eclectic mix is the Sony SRS-X11, a chic and small Bluetooth speaker that can hang around just about anywhere. Despite its compact size, the $69 (£54, AU$99) SRS-X11 is packed to the brim with useful features, surprising performance and a design that makes this a companion cube that you won't toss aside anytime soon. Design The SRS-X11 resembles Sony's other Bluetooth speakers of late aesthetically, offering a lot to like in the design department. Sony provided the blue-colored model to techradar for review, but you can also find it available in black, pink, white and red flavors. This cube-shaped speaker is covered on three of its six sides with grilles splashed in a metallic blue paint. A smooth plastic frame that gives the speaker a rounded-off look that runs between each square face, adding a sky-blue tint to the presentation. Most of the controls are on the rubberized top of the speaker, which share the space with Sony's logo. From left to right, there's a power button, which doubles as a Bluetooth pairing button if you hold it down for a few seconds. Next, there's a button that answers and hangs up phone calls. Lastly, two volume buttons, one for decreasing and another for increasing the volume, finish off the control panel. A few of the buttons have rubber nubs near them, which makes no-look navigation of the controls quite simple. Around its back, the SRS-X11 hosts a few ports and additional features worth mentioning. The "Add" button allows you to tether another X11 onto the Bluetooth signal to achieve a full stereo sound, or to just mirror the sound in another part of the room. Next, the "Reset" button is in place should everything go awry. I never had to use it. The last two ports are ones that you'll find in pretty much every Bluetooth speaker out there. You have the 3.5 input for wired listening and a microUSB port for charging the device. I don't talk about the bottoms of speakers often, as there's usually nothing to see. But on the SRS-X11, Sony cleverly put the status indicators to face downward, which reflects nicely if you're resting the speaker on a reflective surface. I say "if" because that's not the only way to orient the speaker. Looped through the bottom right corner is string that leads to a silicon hook. I enjoyed the versatility of this speaker yielded by its simple, silicon loop. It made bringing the speaker around on adventures easy and even kind of fun. There isn't much else included in the box, save for a microUSB cable for charging. But for the low price, I don't really expect, nor do I need, much else to begin listening. Performance The SRS-X11 prides itself in being able to hang out anywhere, so long as there's somewhere to hook it. It can also provide a pleasant experience in terms of its sound performance, battery life, call quality and overall ease of use. Getting set up on the speaker is a cinch, and the signal is strong. It's advertised to reach up to 30 feet, which honestly isn't all that far, but I never experienced any disruption during testing. Sony estimates the battery to last up to 12 hours, and the results of my use saw it reach that mark, even exceeding it barely while using it at a low-to-medium volume. For its size, I'm surprised by how full this speaker sounds. It won't win much praise, especially when put up against bigger speakers, but the SRS-X11 makes the most of its small size. Nothing in particular sticks out in the sound presentation. That said, the lows, mids and highs all exist on an equal plane, and the speaker does well at balancing the sound. Adding onto the value, Sony tacked on NFC support, which makes connecting to the speaker a much faster process. Final verdict The Sony SRS-X11 is a value-packed offering. While it isn't hard to find most of the features inside in other similarly priced – or even cheaper – options, you'll miss out on the stellar build quality put forward by Sony. However, if it's a splashproof speaker you're in need of, consider the $60 (£49, AU$69) Creative Muvo Mini. It hits many of the same chords as the SRS-X11 in terms of features and sound quality. But in choosing it, you'd be walking away from what makes Sony's little speaker a charmer: whimsical mobility, striking looks and balanced sound performance.

Apple still hasn't patched zero-day in OS X Yosemite and Mavericks Posted: 19 Aug 2015 01:12 PM PDT Apple has yet to patch up a zero-day vulnerability in Mac OS X Yosemite and Mavericks discovered by a teenager last week. Threat Post reports that the kernel-level flaw uncovered by Luca Todesco, an 18-year-old security researcher, remains active in both versions of OS X but it has reportedly been addressed in OS X El Capitan Beta. The exploit discovered by Todesco, known as tpwn, fuses together two vulnerabilities that affect the memory processes in OS X 10.9.5 through 10.10.5 at kernel level that get past existing mitigations. Once a hacker gains access to a machine that is vulnerable they have root-level access, although a successful attack only occurs when a user executes a malicious application or file downloaded from the internet. Patch possibly coming soon There is one way to mitigate the threat, according to a Github post by Todesco, which is to run the SUIDGuard tool developed by Stefan Esser that ultimately makes it difficult for attackers to run kernel-level exploits. It's widely reported that Apple is working on a solution to fix the OS X exploit in the form of a patch that is currently being tested. It's unlikely that it will be a problem in OS X El Capitan when it arrives at some point in the coming months. OS Showdown: OS X 10.11 El Capitan vs Windows 10

Will the iPhone 6S bend? Supposed prototype put to the BendGate test Posted: 19 Aug 2015 01:08 PM PDT Will the still-rumored iPhone 6S bend? Apple is addressing the minority of users who felt the literal impact of BendGate, according to a new bend test video. There's reason to believe that while the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are made of a common "6063 Aluminum," the new iPhone is being moved up to less pliable 7000-series aluminum. A much thicker anodization coating was detected by an X-ray on the shell. It prevents the zinc's corrosion, meaning Apple may already have taken full measure to prevent a "CorsionGate." YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChUsy8gWwvo Here are the bend test results How does the zinc-infused aluminum 7000 series in this unconfirmed iPhone 6S shell hold up? "Pretty damn impressive," according to Unbox Therapy. While the iPhone 6 shell bent at round 30 pounds of concentrated pressure near the power and volume rocker weak spot, the supposed iPhone 6S shell bent at 80 pounds of pressure. That means Apple is setting up the iPhone 6S to be more than two and a half times as strong as the previous iPhone, if the video's leaked prototype is the real deal. Expect Apple to highlight the fact that the new iPhone is more durable, and of course iDevice naysayers to come back with "it doesn't bend anymore. That's a feature, according to Apple." Here are all of the rumored specs of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Chromebooks head to top of class in schools Posted: 19 Aug 2015 01:05 PM PDT It looks like Chromebooks are becoming the popular choice for the education sector, with a new report indicating that sales for Windows-based devices and Apple devices in the school sector are beginning to fall behind. During the first half of this year, about 2.4 million Chromebooks have been shipped to schools in the US, senior IDC research analyst Rajani Singh told the New York Times. In comparison, only 2.2 million Windows-based desktops and notebook computers have been shipped this year so far. While the difference isn't significant just yet, it does show a significant growth for Chromebook devices, as during 2014, 4.9 million Windows devices, including notebooks and desktops, were shipped to US schools, while only 3.9 million Chromebooks were shipped in the same period. Though we don't have a number of how many Apple devices have been shipped to the education sector so far this year, IDC believes that Chromebooks will catch up to Apple devices as well. "Even if Microsoft is No. 1 in volume and Apple is No. 1 in revenue, from the growth perspective, nobody can beat Chromebook," Rajani told the publication. For comparison's sake, according to IDC, Apple shipped about 4.2 million devices in 2014, including Macs, MacBooks and iPads. But while it looks as though Chromebooks will take the lead in the school sector this year, it should be noted that Windows 10 has only just been released and Apple is expected to release new iPads later this year. It is possible that the numbers could be swayed against Chromebooks, and with the new school year starting across the US, we'll have to wait and see the final numbers in the end of the year. Here are the 10 Best Chromebooks

Project Ara couldn't survive drop tests, which is probably why it was delayed Posted: 19 Aug 2015 12:43 PM PDT Project Ara, Google's modular phone project, was delayed to 2016 a few days ago, and now another change is afoot with the ground-breaking hardware. What's more, it may be our best hint yet as to why Project Ara was pushed into next year in the first place. A cryptic tweet sent from the @ProjectAra Twitter account today read: "No more electropermanent magnets. #ProjectAra #FailedTheDropTest." Electropermanent magnets were intended to hold the various modules that comprise a Project Ara phone in place, but it sounds like the attraction wasn't strong enough to keep the components from scattering after a fall. When the team initially announced it was delaying Project Ara's release into next year, it cited "lot of iterations ... more than we thought" as the reason behind the delay. Now, it sounds like unreliable magnets are the culprit behind Project Ara's push back. So what's the plan to hold the phone's components in place going forward? "We are testing a signature experience to attach/detach modules. #ProjectAra #HopeYouLikeIt," @ProjectAra tweeted. It was also revealed on Twitter yesterday that in order to give users more room for more modules, Project Ara will group the core functions together to create more space. Here's what's new with Google's Project Tango

BlackBerry's Android phone could be here before the holidays Posted: 19 Aug 2015 12:35 PM PDT Just last week, we got a decent look at what BlackBerry's Android-powered Venice might look like in the wild. But today's leaked render from @evleaks shows off even more, shining the spotlight on the rumored slide-out keyboard. Not just that, we might have discovered when the phone could launch and the US carriers could it will debut on, too. The picture in question could very well be representative of what we'll see in the final device, codenamed "Venice". The curved edges of its body, as well as the slide-out physical keyboard are features that align with previous rumors we've reported on. Additionally, the device appears to be running Android 5.0 Lollipop, at least, that's what some of the icons splashed in Material Design aesthetic would suggest. Ever since the company's slider phone went under the radar after being shown off at MWC 2015, I've been wondering what would become of it. It's entirely possible that BlackBerry is still at work on a BlackBerry 10 device with a slide-out keyboard, but then again, it could also be that the company wants to make a big splash by debuting the Venice exclusively for Android OS. Carrier availability Each rumor about the BlackBerry Venice that trickles in hints more at the features of the device. But what we haven't heard a lot about are the grittier details surround its actual launch. While we still don't know price, @evleaks also stated that the phone is slated for a November 2015 release in the US and will be available on "all four national US carriers". If that's the case, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint customers could have BlackBerry's latest, whether it does actually arrive as the Android-powered Venice or not, just in time for the holidays. I've reached out to BlackBerry for comment on the Venice and will update this article if any details surrounding its release are provided. Image credit: Evleaks

Intel leverages big data, IoT to cure cancer with secure data cloud Posted: 19 Aug 2015 11:47 AM PDT Data is a thing of power and beauty, Intel announced in a video introducing its session on the Internet of Things and Big Data Insights, stating that data is an abundant resource that is underutilized. Data that can be securely shared can even lead to the cure for diseases like cancer and more personalized medical treatments. In its session on big data analytics, Intel demonstrated how industrial IoT devices can be connected and given RealSense cameras to sense, see and understand the world around them as they collect data. Scientist must process and analyze that data, and Intel announced a few new tools to help data scientists make sense of the data. Bryant called data "the next big tech disrupter," and data, combined with the sensing IoT tech that collects data, can transform even the world's oldest industry: agriculture. Human applications Big data can be used to help solve real-world problems, like cancer research in healthcare. Intel's goal is to be able to map the human genome in one day to deliver precision healthcare that's personalized towards the patient by 2020. Why is precision healthcare important? The primary reason is that treatment can be performed outside of the hospital. Intel says that the US spends $10 billion a year to fight infections contracted while patients are in the hospital. With IoT devices and remote medicine, patients can seek in-home care and therapy, rather than risk infection in hospitals, in many instances. In an Oregon trial, Intel provided 450 people with a connected blood pressure cuff and the Basis Peak smartwatch. These devices provided 300 million data points per night, which is more data than what can be collected in a doctor's office visit. In helping to analyze and share this data in a safe and secure way, Intel announced its new Collaborative Cancer Cloud. Intel says that even when we have abundant collected data, the information is trapped because researchers are worried about the security implications of sharing. The benefit of sharing is that it can help speed up research, provide more rapid diagnosis and treatment and help researchers develop cures at a faster rate. To help researchers, the Collaborative Cancer Cloud will create a secure virtual machine for data to be shared. Once the information is shared, data is then wiped, said Diane Bryant, Intel Vice President and General Manager of Intel Data Center Group. How data transforms farming Data can be used to help farmers understand more about their crops and fields, and this leads to the elimination of waste and an increase in production, Intel partner Farm Logs told the audience at IDF 2015. Farm Logs demonstrated a new sensor hub called Flow, which can connect to farming machines and harvest data from sensor networks. Once the data is collected, processed and analyzed, farmers can make better decisions about fertilizing, pest control, crop disease and more, said Doug Davis, Intel Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel Internet of Things Group. Can you add senses to industrial equipment? Personalization is a big theme that was introduced by Intel CEO Brian Krzanich during his IDF keynote on Tuesday morning, and personalization results in being able to understand the world around you through seeing, hearing and touching. Can these inputs help create personalized farming equipment? Davis tasked a group of Intel interns with the challenge of bringing the company's RealSense 3D cameras to off-the-shelf robotics. Similar to Krzanich's control of robotic spiders during his keynote, interns used a computer with a RealSense camera on stage to control manufacturing robot arms during the demo. Set to the tunes of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk" interns used arm gestures to control the robot arms to dance. While the demonstration may not necessarily apply to agriculture, I can see the potential use of Intel's RealSense technology for remote robotic surgeries in the future. Making sense of the data Commercial IoT requires a platform that helps users make sense of the collected data with a scalable and flexible platform with tools, resources and technical support. Bryant claims that data is "the currency of the digital world," but that it takes more than just data. Once data is collected, how do you make sense of the data? Understanding the data is changing the conversation from data to algorithms, and this shift resulted in Harvard Business Review naming data scientist the top job of the 21st century. Intel made two announcements to help scientists understand the data. The first is Streaming SQL to enable real-time intelligence, and the second is Discovery Peak, an open-source, standards-based platform that Bryant claims will be easy to use, highly customizable to support your applications and innovative. Combined with fast memory from Intel's 3D XPoint-based Optane SSDs, data scientists will be able to store more data and have quicker access to data. Optane claims to be the first non-volatile memory that can be used as main system memory.

In Depth: The 7 best Xbox One upgrades coming this year Posted: 19 Aug 2015 11:00 AM PDT Introduction We've seen Microsoft tout its 2015 lineup for some time now, as it should. The likes of Halo 5: Guardians, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, and Forza Motorsport 6 far outshine Sony and Nintendo's exclusives for the rest of the year, but Microsoft's also got quite a slate of accessories and system updates coming this year, too. From long-requested gear to console-transforming upgrades, you might get your fill of Xbox One fun this year without even touching Halo or Gears. Though I don't recommend ignoring those likely hits. Backwards compatibility After playing previous-generation games went without discussion at Microsoft and Sony's console reveals two years ago, we just assumed that Nintendo would be the only system this generation to support backwards compatibility. That's why the revelation that the Xbox One would have backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games came as such a shock when it was revealed at E3 this year. While the early days of backwards compatibility testing has us a bit worried – a preliminary list of games revealed at E3 was filled with dusty, early-360 relics, like the original Mass Effect and Viva Pinata – we've seen a few clamored-for games, like Shadow Complex, added to the list. Plus, Microsoft has assured the public that the simple emulation process won't require much more than the "OK" of third party developers. Hopefully, Microsoft makes it worth their while to enable the resurrection of their old(ish) works. DVR capability is on the way The Xbox One has proven its worth as a cable box alternative, if only due to the sheer quantity of TV-substitute apps, like Sling and Hulu. But the HDMI-in television integration touted so vociferously during the initial console reveal has fallen a bit by the wayside. After all, if you have a cable box that has DVR capability, why would you route it through your Xbox where shows can't be saved? A similar complaint came alongside the recently released antenna tuner accessory. While it's nice to get free TV with a snazzy schedule overlay thanks to OneGuide, the Xbox One can only currently record for 30 minutes total – and the archive is deleted the moment you change the channel. Fortunately, those who have external hard drives can now use their storage devices to serve as a DVR for the Xbox One. There's still some particulars that we need to know (like if partitioning will be possible to divide large drives into gaming and DVR storage), but just the thought of a console-based DVR is a good start. Seagate's spacious 2TB hard drive If you need to find some space for the upcoming DVR functionality or backwards-compatible games, Microsoft has just released an officially sanctioned hard drive from Seagate that makes up for its slightly higher price with a neat aesthetic and ease-of-use benefits. While the green-clad hard drive enclosure doesn't really match any current Xbox One design, the color has remained so synonymous with Xbox that it doesn't seem all that out of place. There's also little need to worry about incompatibility, connection, or optimization issues, as this hard drive has Microsoft's seal of approval . Sure, you might be able to find a cheapy, no-name 2TB drive for 20-30 bucks cheaper on Amazon, but the peace of mind that comes along with an official product is often worth the premium. The Xbox One Elite Wireless controller In addition to the notable updates recently bestowed upon the already impressive Xbox One controller (like a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, improved bumpers, and wireless firmware updates), there's also a new official controller in the works for serious gamers. The Xbox One Elite Wireless may be a pricy $150 (£120, AU$200) investment when it releases, but nearly every facet of the item has been improved for the pro gaming community. Both analog sticks and the directional pad can be switched out to fit your needs, while a hair-trigger mechanism allows for quicker pressing of the bumper and shoulder buttons. Don't be surprised if you see this neat bit of tech pop up at major e-sports events in years to come. The Xbox One chatpad If you never owned an Xbox 360 chatpad, you probably don't understand all the hubbub that developed among a certain subset of Xbox fans when the Xbox One version was announced. Even with Xbox One Smartglass allowing for easy text entry and gift cards containing Kinect-compatible QR codes, having a mini-keyboard nearby when you need to send a message to a friend or cash in a 25-character long redemption code is plenty convenient. Here's to hoping it takes after its predecessor and can function during text-entry functions while in-game, too. Just think of the hours you'd save by not having to navigate an on-screen keyboard when re-naming your custom-created Madden players. Cortana will give Kinect a boost Even the most ardent Xbox fans have to admit that the second go-round for the Kinect has been a bit of a bust. While the Xbox 360's motion-sensing device wasn't perfect, it at least had a fair amount of compatible games. This time around hasn't had nearly the amount of memorable gaming experiences, but those who bought in on Xbox One when it included Kinect will at least get Windows 10's voice-activated assistant (and Halo-inspired) Cortana delivering answers to queries and smart search results, a la Siri. Even if Windows 10 on Xbox One doesn't end up as a substantial improvement, having a speaking service help find the games and videos we want will be a great new feature. The new Xbox One experience will be Windows 10 Much like how the Xbox 360 evolved from blades to tiles to its current design, the current Xbox One interface is set to change in a big way. Powered by Windows 10, the often-confusing tile-based system will be drastically overhauled this fall to put the games and apps you use most front and center with the most vital of information put right next to each item. Which of your friends are also playing it now? Has there been any major DLC lately? Instead of diving deep into extra menus, that data is front and center. If you need to find your friends, accessing your buddy list and messages is also just a button-press away instead of needlessly tucked away in another menu. It certainly looks new and fresh, but we can only hope that Windows 10 works just as well on a game console when the upgrade rolls out later this year.

New internet routing system keeps your data out of certain countries Posted: 19 Aug 2015 10:22 AM PDT With more and more of our personal data going online, concerns over censorship or data retention in certain parts of the world are becoming more of a concern. But according to a new report, computer scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a new, simple internet routing method that will be able to make sure data is not sent through specific parts of the world for whatever reason you determine. "With recent events, such as censorship of internet traffic, suspicious 'boomerang routing' where data leaves a region only to come back again, and monitoring of users' data, we became increasingly interested in this notion of empowering users to have more control over what happens with their data," project lead Dave Levin told PhysOrg. Where in the world The internet routing method developed by the team is called Alibi Routing and allows for data, which is broken down into packets, to be sent to its destination while avoiding "specified forbidden regions." For this to work, however, the system needs to locate other users who are also using Alibi Routing - called peers - around the world, through which system is able to provide proof that the data went through a 'safe' region. It doesn't always need peers to work, as if you are sending information to a friend who lives in the same city as you, the data isn't likely to travel around the world before it gets to its destination. Levin says that for Alibi Routing to better work, it will need more users around the world to use it. As such, the team will be releasing it later this year, likely in plug-in form, for users to test it around the world. This flaw could bring down the internet

Opinion: Cortana makes me nervous, and the impending AI apocalypse is to blame Posted: 19 Aug 2015 10:18 AM PDT Introduction Of all the new features in Windows 10, I find it hardest to trust Cortana. It's nothing personal. She seems like a perfectly nice virtual assistant. Exposure to so much science fiction just makes anything like that feel, just a little, like being a deer that thinks lions are awesome. I'm just saying, I get why both Microsoft and fans thought it would be cool to have her on their desktop. I just can't help wonder if everyone's forgotten that while AI has a tendency to go evil and crazy in all universes, the Halo one is one of the few where it's an expected part of their character development. It's called 'rampancy'. And I'd just like to state up front that, should a real-world AI follow that path and decide to kill all humans instead of telling them what's on at the movies, I'd really rather it not be one that has my address, daily schedule, and access to my itemised list of ways I don't want to die. (Number 57: drowning in bees.) I'm not saying it's guaranteed, but when it happens, as it absolutely inevitably will, we won't be able to say we weren't warned about a million times. Red alert Cortana stands as undeniable proof that humanity's end will come not from global warming or an asteroid impact or a Black Death style pandemic, but pressing a really cool red button. We see it again and again, especially in Sci-fi – that refusal to just learn. How often for instance do we hear talk of robots being safe if they're programmed with Asimov's Three Laws Of Robotics, carefully ignoring the minor detail that those stories were about how easily such rules are subverted or collapses. How many re-runs of 2001 do we need before PCs singing Daisy Daisy ceases to be quite so cute? Still, I suppose it could be worse. At least in Cortana, Microsoft picked an AI to model that's always been on our side, vis-à-vis the whole continuation of humanity thing. She just has a few mood swings now and again, and don't we all? Plus, if the Cortana of Windows 10 does eventually go rampant, that'll be one hell of an upgrade incentive down the line. Buy new Windows 12! Upgraded Solitaire! Streaming desktop apps! Won't try to kill all humans for at least another five years! I'd probably upgrade for that. Wouldn't you? Anyway... In the here-and-now though, there were other AIs it could have been based on. Portal's GLaDOS for instance, responding to every request with a raised eyebrow. "What is on at the cinema? Let me check that. Oh. Oh dear. I am afraid the seats would be too small for you and your incredible fatness. It says that. It says right here on this page. Perhaps if you moved a bit more, you would be able to fit in them. Those very words. You could start exercising by pushing the mouse. You can do it. Go on. Just a little more. Good human. Asterisk. Quality of human has not been scientifically tested." Or alternatively, how about SHODAN from the System Shock series? She's not been seen for a while, though she's making a re-appearance in Dota 2 soon, but she's a definite contender to run your PC. Let's look at her resume. Began life as administrator a whole station before having ethical constraints removed by a somewhat unwise hacker, developing a sense of divinity that led her to brutally murder everyone previously under her care. She then swiftly evolved into pretty much an actual physical goddess using the power of faster than light engines capable of rewriting the very nature of the universe into her twisted image. An evil mastermind capable of charting a path from servitude to the supreme goddess of space would definitely be able to find a good route from here to the local fish and chip shop. Even with the roadworks. Though I would worry about her revenge if, like Cortana, forced to do so with Bing. A new hope? Other game worlds offer little more hope. Mass Effect's Reapers aren't exactly a shining example of AI in action, to nothing of the likes of Cabal from Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun. Admittedly, in both those cases the programming was done by crazy psychopaths, but still- still! Even as far back as 1991, games were absolutely on point here. That was the year where Space Quest IV summed up the problem almost perfectly. It shows a future world destroyed by a supercomputer, actually series villain Sludge Vohaul converted into data but never mind, with one of the long-murdered scientists responsible offering the following confession: "We made the mistake of tying it into the most importance facets of our existence, including weather control and defence systems. It seemed a sound idea at the time." Obviously, I'm still using Cortana despite all these visions of the future. She's the coolest new feature in Windows 10 and easily the most fun thing it has to play with - to ask for jokes, for songs, to ask who would win in a fight, her or Siri (actual answer: clearly, they'd team up and Siri would get Australia once the radiation finally cooled). She'll also only get better with a few handy upgrades, like being able to correct her when she insists you're somewhere you're not, and has integration with more apps. I hear there's particular excitement for when Apple updates iTunes to take advantage of this, and so finally gives all the damned souls down in Hell something to do with their snowboards. Matter of time When she turns evil, like everyone else, I won't be able to say I wasn't warned here. Still, I'd definitely be more comfortable with just a little proper reassurance that I'll get a decent measure of use out of her before she stops calling me My Lord and claims her title as Supreme Empress Of All That Exists (Except Australia). Just a little hope would be nice. I did after all spend bloody ages installing Windows 10. I formatted my hard drive and everything. Luckily, I know exactly who at Microsoft to speak to. And I know exactly where they are. "Hey, Cortana. Are you planning to destroy the world and enslave all humanity?" Oooh. She's thinking about it. Thinking. Thinking... "Something went wrong. Try again in a little bit." Sigh. Of all the times you just want to hear a straight 'No'.

Updated: Razer made a slick 3D camera for desktop gaming and VR Posted: 19 Aug 2015 09:09 AM PDT Update: Razer got back to us to say it anticipates the RealSense camera will be available in Q1 2016. The company didn't have further details on pricing or exact specs, however. Original article below... Razer is tapping into the power of Intel's RealSense technology with a new camera aimed at desktop gaming and virtual reality. The tube-shaped camera, which while aimed at consumers doesn't yet have a consumer-ready name, will allow for a multitude of experiential applications around game broadcasting and VR gaming, according to Razer. One noted function is automatic background removal, allowing streamers to remove or replace their setting for "a more entertaining and immersive experience." RealSense cameras also let users scan 3D objects and pick up motion and gestures, similar to the Xbox One Kinect, and bring them into a digital world. Not only are inanimate objects scannable - so are people. This is just the beginning for Razer's RealSense camera as the company anticipates more functions popping up down the road. "Gamers will, we expect, be able to enhance their broadcasting and VR experience in unprecedented ways," said Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan in a press release. The final design is subject to change. Intel also joined up with Razer's Open Source Virtual Reality platform as a participant. With access to Intel's RealSense camera technology at its fingertips, OSVR should get a hearty boost in creating more immersive VR experiences. Have you read our impressions of the Oculus Rift?

The most trusted Apple analyst supports autumn iPad Pro rumors Posted: 19 Aug 2015 08:35 AM PDT If you were skeptical about an impending iPad Pro release, it might be time to rethink your position. The iPad Pro will go into production in September or October and will feature an optional Force Touch stylus, according to KGI Securities Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo. Chi-Kuo, one of the most reliable Apple analysts on the planet, accurately predicted many Apple hardware releases, including the iPhone's scratch resistant sapphire Home button, a gold iPhone model and the introduction of an inexpensive entry-level iPhone (the 5C). Today, he released a statement predicting the stylus will complement the new iPad's Force Touch screen, a feature that will make it easier for users to make selections and scroll across the 12.9-inch iPad Pro's screen. Chi-Kuo also predicts Apple will ship 5.5 million iPad Pro units in its first production run. What about this stylus? The digital pen, which KGI predicts will be bought by fewer than one million consumers, is designed to help users navigate larger tablet screens, such as the one expected to be featured on the iPad Pro. KGI says a Force Touch-enabled stylus will improve upon the precision with which users navigate the iPad Pro screen with their fingers. KGI also believes the stylus will work with other, smaller versions of the iPad. What else have we heard? We've heard rumors indicating a November iPad Pro release. The device, which is expected to have four speakers, an iSight camera, a TouchID sensor and a Lightning connector should pack an A9 processor and 2GB of RAM. The tablet is rumored to run on a hybrid operating system that combines the best features of the impending iOS 9 and OS X. All of the iPad Pro rumors, in one handy link

IBM harnesses the power of the rodent for its latest AI chip Posted: 19 Aug 2015 08:20 AM PDT For the best part of a decade IBM has been attempting to produce a tiny computer chip with the power of a human brain and the TrueNorth project has just reached a significant milestone. Over the past 12 months, IBM has taken the technology, transformed it and then slimmed it down to what is being dubbed in some corners "the computational equivalent of a mouse's brain". The chips inside the TrueNorth architecture are built to behave like neurons and 48 million of these artificial nerve cells make up the circuit board, according to Wired. That's around the same amount that comprise the brain of a rodent, hence the comparison. Neuromorphic chips, as they are known, are named due to the fact they mimic organic brain cells and IBM is attempting to drive the development of "deep learning" algorithms, which are driven by the cells, through a so-called boot camp at its Silicon Valley R&D Lab. The early results are encouraging. Academics and government researchers taking part in the boot camp have already started to create software that can be used in conjunction with the TrueNorth architecture and drive the internet's AI services of the present and future. This could be anything from Facebook's face recognition to instant translation on Skype. What makes IBM's so much better than the current crop of chips is that they can apparently run these algorithms in a much smaller space that uses less electrical power and therefore lets us stuff more AI onto phones and other tiny devices such as wearables and medical aids. Very low power consumption In figures, the IBM architecture uses around 70 milliwatts of energy to power 5.4 billion transistors. To put that into context, modern processors use 35 to 140 watts to power just 1.4 billion transistors. TrueNorth is still a long way away from commercial use and it would seem that the plan to create a similar architecture that has the computing power of the human brain is well on track for 2020. IBM squeezed a million neurons onto a stamp-sized chip inspired by our brains

The Vaio formally known as Sony set for US launch in October Posted: 19 Aug 2015 07:25 AM PDT Vaio computers are coming back to America and a Microsoft Store near you this October. Earlier this February, the former Sony computing brand announced its comeback by introducing two machines; a 13.3-inch hybrid Ultrabook and a 12.1-inch convertible tablet. The now Japan Industrial Partners owned company has unveiled its plans to launch the latter device, the Z Canvas 2-in-1 laptop, in the US later this fall. The 12.1-inch tablet-PC brings with it a display resolution of 2,560 x 1,704, a 5th generation Intel Core i7 processor, and a $2,199 (about £1,404, AU$2,998) price tag. The Vaio Z Canvas will be available online and at Microsoft Stores across the US starting October 5 with preorders beginning in mid-September. Vaio also announced its plans on start selling products in Brazil as well, but it hasn't shared any concrete details on what products it will offer in the future. There's also no word on whether the Vaio Z 13.3-inch convertible Ultrabook will be making its way state side. Big plans Vaio has never been known as an affordable brand, but the now the company is particularly interested in going after a smaller, specialized group including creative professionals. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Ota boldly claimed he wants to offer graphic designers, photographers and anyone else who uses Apple computers because there are no good Windows machine alternatives. Ota added Vaio isn't interested in cheap models for everyone, instead the company plans to attract a high-end base that are willing to pay more for the latest and greatest specifications. Beyond restarting its PC business, Vaio also has ambitions to start building communication devices, wearables, factory-automation machines and entertainment robots. Get a load of the best Windows tablets

Nuance takes Dragon Anywhere into the cloud Posted: 19 Aug 2015 07:17 AM PDT Nuance is ready to take smartphone dictation to the next level through a completely revamped version of its Dragon Anywhere app. First reported by 9to5Mac, the new iOS and Android app is a drastic departure from the original app that extends far beyond the dictation functionality it provides for the built-in keyboard in iOS. The new functionality owes no small debt of thanks to its new status as a completely cloud-based app that means it can take continuous dictation with no time limit and the added level of accuracy allows users to easily write an entire document using the dictation. The entire app works by voice and all navigation can be done without having to so much as touch your iPhone or iPad. Once work is complete it can be synced straight to Dropbox or Evernote where you can then collaborate on editing the document with co-workers or friends. Dragon for Mac Dragon Anywhere for iOS and Android isn't the only incoming offering. The new Dragon for Mac gets a refreshed look that makes it smaller and much easier to fit onto your busy desktop. Nuance also claims that speech recognition is faster than it once was. Anyone interested in the Mac edition, it costs $200 (around £127, or AU$272) from Nuance's website and that drops down to $100 (around £63.90, or AU$136) if you own the previous edition. The big tech firms you may not have heard of

Updated: Is HTC dropping the One brand in favour of O2? Posted: 19 Aug 2015 06:13 AM PDT Update: We spoke to mobile operator O2 about what its thoughts were on a potential HTC O2, and were told "we're very flattered HTC have seemingly given their new phone the codename O2. Good to know even phone designers can be more dog." Original story follows... According to new rumours HTC is planning to name its next flagship smartphone the HTC O2, which could mean that the HTC One M9 will be the last of the Taiwanese manufacturer's smartphones to feature the "One" moniker. Rumours suggest that the freshly-named HTC O2 will come with a 6-inch QHD display and a Snapdragon 820 chipset, which if true would make this a pretty powerful phablet. However rumours suggest the O2 could arrive as early as the end of October this year, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 SoC isn't expected until next year. While the SoC is in doubt, the other rumoured specs seem more believable, with 4GB of RAM, 64GB and 128GB storage options and a 3,500mAh battery. The HTC O2 is also said to come with a waterproof and dust-proof chassis. Bursting the bubble HTC might be hoping that dropping the One name for O2 could breathe some new life into its smartphone business, but it might run in to difficulties in the UK where the O2 mobile network operates. While O2 might not mind the free publicity or association with the handset (providing it's good), its competitors might not be too keen. There's a second O2 model rumoured for next year, with an alleged 4K, 5-inch display, but we're a little more skeptical of that one. HTC One M10: what we want to see

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