Monday, February 29, 2016

Lights, camera, truck: Will Harper ’06 is the cofounder of a rapidly expanding mobile photography business

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Will Harper '06 and his Headshot Truck Lights, camera, truck Alumni News

Will Harper '06 cofounded The Headshot Truck, a mobile photography studio that began as a convenient way for Los Angeles-based actors to get the glossy 8x10 photos they need to land roles.

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The 2016 Winthrop Scholars and KB 13 seniors named Winthrop Scholars Academic News

Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1928, Connecticut College has honored 13 seniors as Winthrop Scholars.

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Justin Koufopoulos '10 with other Presidential Innovation Fellows Justin Koufopoulos '10 named federal government entrepreneur-in-residence Alumni News

Koufopoulos was selected from among the country's best and brightest for the Presidential Innovation Fellows program, a partnership between the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the General Services Administration. 

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Source: Lights, camera, truck: Will Harper '06 is the cofounder of a rapidly expanding mobile photography business

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Huawei partners with Leica to reinvent mobile photography

The Mobile World Congress may be over soon but expect more companies to showcase new products and services. Even if some of them didn't make it to the floor show in Barcelona, brands can still launch and make important announcements like these two big names in their respective industries: Huawei and Leica. We're curious to know what the first project of the two companies will be especially since we're talking about mobile photography.

Huawei and Leica just announced their strategic partnership with the goal of bringing together their principles in engineering and craftsmanship to deliver a product that will hopefully reinvent the current state of smartphone photography. These brands are very popular today and their coming together is a big deal.

Huawei is currently the top Chinese phone maker while Leica is known for its high-end and excellent cameras. Leica cameras are known to be expensive but that's because of their premium quality. Professional photographers trust Leica to show off the best of German engineering.

Huawei Consumer BG's CEO Richard Yu describes Leica as "a class of its own in its sector". Yu said, "Leica is a legend in the world of photography; we believe no other manufacturer has revolutionised the industry as much as them. We, Huawei, take the utmost pride in exceptional quality and Leica is in a class of its own in its sector."

No specific product has been announced yet but this partnership is expected to result to services and products with "uncompromising quality". As Leica Camera's CEO Oliver Kaltner said, "The technology partnership with Huawei offers Leica Camera an excellent opportunity to introduce its proven optical expertise into a new product segment and to unlock exciting business areas in the field of mobile devices".

So a Leica camera on a Huawei smartphone? Too cool. Now, when will ever see its light of day?

SOURCE: Huawei and Leica

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  • Tags: Android, camera, Huawei, Leica, smartphone


    Source: Huawei partners with Leica to reinvent mobile photography

    Huawei announces partnership with photography experts Leica

    A new partnership between Leica and Huawei aims to take mobile photography to the next level.

    Engadget noted that it is not known if the camera maker will supply lenses for the Chinese cellphone manufacturer, or help them design their phone cameras.

    After carefully reporting on all the various device announcements and demos at MWC 2016, like the Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5 and Xiaomi Mi 5, to name a few, we can safely say that mobile photography is a big buzzword this year.

    At the CP+ camera event in Japan this week, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei and German camera company Leica announced that they were forming a long-term partnership to work on mobile photography together.

    "We, Huawei, take the utmost pride in exceptional quality and Leica is in a class of its own in its sector".

    Leica, on the other hand, has a venerable lineage on its side - founded in 1846, the German company has always been the standard in the photography field, and has been the camera of choice for "prominent photographers and emerging new talent around the world".

    A Huawei spokesman said the company started collaborating with Leica Camera more than a year ago to address the premium segment of the smartphone industry.

    No word yet on what types of products we might see created from this alliance, but from Kaltner's words, it appears that Leica will be providing its optical technologies for use in future Huawei phones. Leica's primary tech collaborator has always been Panasonic where Panasonic's cameras have been marked with a red dot (representing Leica) and are sold for higher prices.

    The press release, according to Android Authority, has revealed that Leica and Huawei will cooperate with each other on "research and development, co-engineering, design, user experience, marketing and retail distribution". And today, in combination with innovative technologies, Leica products continue to guarantee better pictures in all situations in the worlds of visualisation and perception. However, neither company has disclosed any specifics about the new agreement.


    Source: Huawei announces partnership with photography experts Leica

    Friday, February 26, 2016

    MWC 2016: Every Big-Name Smartphone Announced at the Show, in Pictures

    Samsung fans who will be among the first to preorder the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 edge will also receive a Gear VR headset bundled with six games, for no additional charge. It can also be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. Both the phones support expandable storage via microSD card (up to 200GB). The processor also enables superior graphics, 3D gaming and VR experiences. The Xperia X features a rounded frame, an edge free display and is set to please mobile photography enthusiasts with its 23 megapixel main camera.

    Analysts believe the rise of Chinese mobile device makers may herald a new era, where more brands emerge from developing markets.

    Thanks to its modular design, you can easily replace batteries in the G5 and can also add a separate camera module which comes with physical buttons for tweaking camera settings and taking pictures as well as its own 1,200 mAh battery.

    In contrast, every aspect of the G5 echoes innovation. Just head to the camera app settings and in there you will find a feature known as Motion Photo.

    Meanwhile, as tech observers and analysts poured over their thoughts on Apple-Samsung rivalry in the smartphone war, most pundits would agree that there's not much discernible difference between the two. It is compatible with 360-degree videos as well as Google Cardboard content.

    The world's technology elite descended on Barcelona, Spain this week as the Mobile World Congress (MWC) opened its doors on Monday for the four day annual event. Interestingly, the company has incorporated a small, 0.5-inch display in the Gear 360. Both phones feature 4GB of RAM and come equipped with QHD Super AMOLED display.

    Vodafone, meanwhile, is introducing a new plan built for the S7, advising that for a limited time its new $70 plan includes unlimited standard national calls and unlimited standard national and global texts, 6 GB of data to use in Australia and $5 Roaming.

    Tour of Britain returning to GwentFinally, Cheshire East gets its first taste of the Tour, with a course from Congleton to Tatton Park. A festival of cycling was staged at Glasgow Green each time to wave off the riders.


    Source: MWC 2016: Every Big-Name Smartphone Announced at the Show, in Pictures

    Huawei and Leica tie up, promise to improve smartphone photography

    It depicts high quality German engineering and is a masterpiece of designing. So together with the Chinese phone giant, they are teaming up for a long term tech partnership with the goal to reinvent how smartphone photography is right now.

    It's now uncertain what Huawei device will see the launch of the first Leica camera technology. If you want to see a review of their Leica Q, along with a bunch of attractive photography, check out this review.

    Given Huawei's growing popularity and Leica's legendary status as a luxury brand, this partnership presents an excellent opportunity for both companies to strengthen brand awareness and benefit from each other's areas of expertise.

    The partnership will span "research and development, design, co-engineering, user experience, marketing and retail distribution", but more granular details will be made known at a later date. Yu said that "Huawei take the utmost pride in exceptional quality and Leica is in a class of its own s ector". On Thursday, the Chinese cellphone manufacturer and the German camera brand announced a groundbreaking collaboration that features "shared premium ambitions and spirit" that the two hope will "create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography". For more than 100 years, the premium iconic camera maker has been making lightweight cameras favored by street photographer pioneers and world-class optical lenses, satisfying the interests of its community.

    Your smartphone is already giving your DSLR a run for its money (just ask the folks behind March's issue of Bon Appetit magazine), and now, a new partnership between Huawei and Leica may be taking mobile photography to the next level. In addition to innovative strength and premium standards, our two companies are united by the commitment to uncompromising quality. The company operates branch offices in China, England, France, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, Italy, Australia and the USA.

    The c ompanies aren't actually introducing any new products right now.

    Manchester United vs MidtjyllandUnited were awarded another penalty in the 87th minute when Memphis went for a shot that hit defender Kian Hansen on the arm. But Rashford was on hand to slot in a close-range finish from Guillermo Varela's cross and complete a remarkable debut.


    Source: Huawei and Leica tie up, promise to improve smartphone photography

    Thursday, February 25, 2016

    Huawei Taps Leica In New Strategic Agreement To Reinvent Smartphone Photography

    Leica Camera

    Huawei and Leica recently signed an agreement for long term cooperation. The boastful press release hints that Huawei smartphone users might get revolutionary top notch optics in their devices.(Photo : Leica | Facebook)

    Huawei wants to strengthen its smartphones' photographic capabilities, and it recently announced a partnership with Leica to secure top quality cameras for its devices.

    The OEM plans to increase its already surging market share by implementing the premium quality Leica technologies on its future handset models.

    "A co-operation with shared premium ambitions and spirit," the companies say about the partnership.

    According to the announcement, the two corporations will merge their efforts in a "long-term commitment." This means that the passion for crafting high-quality devices and precise engineering skills will join forces to create the best outcome for both parties.

    "[Huawei and Leica aim] to create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography," they added.

    Neither Leica nor Huawei released any specific information about the new agreement.

    Initially, Leica worked with Panasonic and the two enterprises went as far as repackaging Panasonic items in order to increase their value. Last year, the Lumix CM1 Android handset from Panasonic rolled out with Leica-branded lens.

    One potential reason Huawei courted Leica is that the optics company comes with the prestige of a luxury brand. Seeing how the Chinese market is sensible to such leverage, the cooperation between Huawei and a premium-class optics manufacturer was the sensible thing to do.

    Richard Yu, CEO of the Huawei Consumer BG, underlined that Leica is nothing short of a legend in the photo world and commended the optics company for its revolutionizing contribution to image capturing technology.

    Leica can gain lift from setting a stronger foothold in the mobile photography market. While Huawei is already on the rise, its pedigree could use some boosting. Signing with Leica has the potential to lead to better global brand recognition of Huawei.

    In the fall of 2015, Huawei topped national main competitor, Xiaomi, in terms of smartphone sales. Even if the difference between the two Chinese manufacturers is not that great, it stands proof that Huawei has all engines at full speed.

    Even if the information was not specified, it is likely that future flagship models from Huawei will contain Leica's famous red dot.

    "Smartphones make a very important contribution to the world of photography and open an important door for Leica to new target groups and fields of application," says Oliver Kaltner, CEO of Leica Camera AG.

    © 2016 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.


    Source: Huawei Taps Leica In New Strategic Agreement To Reinvent Smartphone Photography

    Huawei and Leica strike phone camera partnership

    View photo

    .

    It's day one of CP+, Japan's biggest camera show, but there's some unusual photography news from two companies outside the country: Chinese telecoms titan Huawei has announced a partnership with Leica, the legendary German camera manufacturer, in an effort to boost its mobile photography credentials.

    According to a grandiose press release, the deal will be a "co-operation with shared premium ambitions and spirit, which will see both technology and photography brands combining their shared ethos in a long-term commitment to the art of craftsmanship, meticulous engineering and the spirit of winning collaboration, to create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography."

    It's not clear what form the partnership will take

    It's not clear exactly what form the partnership will take. Leica's primary tech collaborator in the past has been Panasonic; the two companies have often repackaged Panasonic products with a red Leica dot and sold them for a higher price, and more recently the CM1 cameraphone carried a Leica-branded lens. Leica's status as a luxury brand could have particular appeal for Huawei in its home market.

    If the partnership is more than skin-deep, it might make a lot of sense for both companies. Leica is smart to recognize the importance of mobile photography, and Huawei is a huge, growing force that could nevertheless use some stronger global brand recognition as well as the optical expertise that Leica can provide. More details will be shared "as the partnership continues," according to the companies; don't be surprised to see Huawei phones carry the famous red dot.

    More from theverge.com:

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  • Source: Huawei and Leica strike phone camera partnership

    Wednesday, February 24, 2016

    How mobile ads risk your personal data

    Washington D.C, Feb 24: Initially, ads that show up within apps were little more than an annoyance, but now, they have become a possible danger as they can leak your personal data.  The personal information of millions of smartphone users is at risk due to in-app advertising that can leak potentially sensitive user information between ad networks and mobile app developers, according to a new study by the School of Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  The study examined more than 200 participants who used a custom-built app for Android-based smartphones, which account for 52 percent of the U.S. smartphone market according to comScore's April 2015 report.

    Georgia Tech researchers reviewed the accuracy of personalized ads that were served to test subjects from the Google AdNetwork based upon their personal interests and demographic profiles; and secondly examined how much a mobile app creator could uncover about users because of the personalized ads served to them.  Researchers found that 73 percent of ad impressions for 92 percent of users are correctly aligned with their demographic profiles. Researchers also found that, based on ads shown, a mobile app developer could learn a user's gender with 75 percent accuracy; parental status with 66 percent accuracy; age group with 54 percent accuracy and could also predict income, political affiliation, marital status, with higher accuracy than random guesses.(Also Read:OPPO shifting focus to mobile photography)

    Some personal information is deemed so sensitive that Google explicitly states those factors are not used for personalization, yet the study found that app developers still can discover this information due to leakage between ad networks and app developers.  Lead researcher Wei Meng said that free smart phone apps are not really free. Apps, especially malicious apps, can be used to collect potentially sensitive information about someone simply by hosting ads in the app and observing what is received by a user. Mobile, personalized in-app ads absolutely present a new privacy threat.  Unlike advertising on a website page, where personalized ad content is protected from publishers and other third parties by the Same Origin Policy, there is no isolation of personalized ad content from the mobile app developer.

    People use their smartphones now for online dating, banking, and social media every day, said Wenke Lee, adding that mobile devices are intimate to users, so safeguarding personal information from malicious parties is more important than ever.  The study acknowledges that the online advertising industry is taking steps to protect users' information by improving the HTTPS protocol, but researchers believe the threat to user privacy is greater than HTTPS protection can provide under a mobile scenario.  Results have been presented at the 2016 Network and Distributed System Security Symposium (NDSS '16) in San Diego.


    Source: How mobile ads risk your personal data

    Tuesday, February 23, 2016

    Adobe Lightroom mobile brings more desktop tools to Android

    Adobe today launched Lightroom on Android 2.0, the world's first end-to-end RAW mobile photography solution. Google's Snapseed added support for developing Raw images a year ago, but many have been waiting for a solution that would integrate with their Adobe-centric workflow.

    RAW files allow photographers to do a lot more with their photos after they've been shot. It has used its Nexus 6P into a complete test on its website. Among other things, the update brought about the ability to edit images in RAW. Now Adobe has full support for them doing it with their smartphones.

    Last but not least, enhanced sharing with one-tap access to Adobe Premiere Clip for crafting video stories has been implemented too.

    If you already have Lightroom, just update it and you'll be able to enjoy all these. These special presets are non-destructive, in keeping with Lightroom's editing mantra, so you can change or remove there effects later.

    Adobe has released a big update for Lightroom for Android, the update brings this app at par with its iOS counterpart, with new features being added that include haze removal and split toning. That functionality remains and, naturally, has seen a number of enhancements in this 2.0 update. You can now also specify specific points when you apply a Tone Curve, as well as set curves separately for each color channel. If it is, then users can easily edit photos once snapped inside of the app, as well as choose from existing presets created by the Lightroom team.

    Adobe opted to make Lightroom free a while back, and now it's adding a few new features that might make you more likely to take advantage of the app. Lightroom v2.


    Source: Adobe Lightroom mobile brings more desktop tools to Android

    Here's how Samsung's dual pixel image sensor raises the bar for mobile photography

    Samsung introduced the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge yesterday at Mobile World Congress with a tremendous amount of fanfare. While notable improvements such as the ability to withstand water, expandable storage, and a bigger battery are sure to excite, the camera is where the real innovation lies.

    After showing its camera prowess on last year's Galaxy S6, Samsung doubled down with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge by improving it even more than we had imagined.

    Related: Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge hands-on impressions

    Both phones feature a dual pixel image sensor, and while we have already seen this technology in DSLRs, we have never seen it in a smartphone.

    In a nutshell, dual pixel technology speeds up the autofocus by using 100 percent of the pixels, whereas traditional smartphone cameras use less than 5 percent. It almost seems absurd to have that kind of an improvement, but Samsung's dual pixel sensor splits every single pixel into two photodiodes for phase and contrast.

    So when capturing a photo on the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, the light from the lens is sent to two image sensors independently to adjust the focus, which is very similar to how the human eye works.

    Samsung_Galaxy_S7_Dual_Pixel_Explained

    No pun intended here, but the dual pixel image sensor really outshines in low light situations. The Galaxy S6 already had fantastic low light performance, but the Galaxy S7 kicks it up more than a few notches. It captures 95 percent more light than the Galaxy S6 thanks to a 56 percent upgrade in the size of the pixels (1.44 microns) and an aperture of f/1.7.

    Combine the dual pixel image sensor with the additional light, and the result is a smartphone camera that can autofocus super fast in any lighting environment.

    Take a look at the two videos below to get a good idea of how much more improved the Galaxy S7 is over the Galaxy S6.

    Related: Galaxy S7 and LG G5 war to win the weekend in our MWC Day 0 Recap

    We're looking forward to getting more hands on time with both phones to find out if they live up to the hype. Stay tuned.


    Source: Here's how Samsung's dual pixel image sensor raises the bar for mobile photography

    Monday, February 22, 2016

    Adobe Lightroom mobile brings more desktop tools to Android

    LRM_White Balance- Edited

    Lightroom on Android 2.0 is the World's First End-to-End Mobile RAW Photo App

    Google allowed Android devices to shoot images in RAW format with Lollipop whereas iOS doesn't allow third-party camera apps to shoot in this format, meaning that even if Adobe wanted to it can't add this feature to iOS just yet.

    The advantage Lightroom on Android has over the iOS version is its ability to shoot (using compatible devices) and edit RAW files (in Adobe's DNG format).

    Today, Adobe updated its Lightroom for Android application to version 2.0, and it now includes full support for Raw images through its in-app Camera - assuming your phone can shoot Raw to begin with.

    While the mobile photo world has always been focused on firing off quick shots and slapping a filter on them, largely to help to mask the questionable image quality often associated with smartphones, the reality is that in the last couple years, smartphone camera quality has improved exponentially.

    You can see how much difference Raw post-processing can make in the featured split image for this article (above). Otherwise, Lightroom is open to anyone to use. These special presets are non-destructive, in keeping with Lightroom's editing mantra, so you can change or remove there effects later. Lightroom for Android will work flawlessly with most recent Android devices.

    Additionally, new tools have been added, such as a Dehaze tool that adjusts the level of haze and fog in images, plus an enhancement to Split Toning. You can use the split toning tool to add a color cast to highlights and shadows of an image. A new feature is the creation of photo-based video clips, synced to music, by sending them to the Adobe Premiere Clip app. In his early preview of Lightroom for Android 2.0, photographer Colby Brown says, "I feel it is only a matter of time before the mobile version of LR is close to as powerful as its desktop counterpart".


    Source: Adobe Lightroom mobile brings more desktop tools to Android

    Pre-school fights Ofsted downgrade on mobile phone use

    Managers of a pre-school stripped of its Outstanding status after reported failings with mobile phone safeguarding claim that they had a formal policy with which parents were happy.

    Cindy and Steve Fox, a married couple who together run Cherubs Pre-School from a village hall in Kent, are challenging Ofsted's Inadequate rating, which seemingly resulted from the nursery sending photos of children to parents with their signed consent.

    Cherubs has now referred the complaint to the Ofsted ombudsman after the decision was upheld at stage three of a four-stage complaints procedure.

    The couple described suffering stress and ill-health as a result of the inspection, and said they are worried about how their business will survive the funding hit. The setting may not be able to open this September because the rating means they cannot apply for the free entitlement for children registering after December last year. They are due to lose 27 children to school in the summer, and said they cannot register replacements unless Ofsted re-inspects before Easter.

    The case has been reported in newspapers and on television news, with much of the coverage focusing on the apparent unfairness of the downgrading when in many other areas the setting received praise. Cherubs was previously rated Outstanding following its 2009 inspection.

    Mr and Mrs Fox claimed that contrary to Ofsted's statement that the nursery allowed staff to take photos on personal mobiles, the photos were taken by a manager using the setting's handset.

    The contention centres around a photo of a child sent to a mother's mobile by Mrs Fox, which the nursery claimed was part of the setting's practice of reassuring parents of their children's well-being.

    There is no regulation which bans use of mobiles, but having a policy on their use – which Cherubs insisted it had in writing, with consent signed by all parents – has been a requirement since 2014, following the serious case review of Plymouth nursery worker Vanessa George. Ms George was jailed for a minimum of five years for sexually abusing youngsters in her care at Little Ted's nursery in Devon and making and distributing indecent images of children.

    The EYFS spells out the need for a policy under the heading Child Protection. It states, 'The safeguarding policy and procedures must include an explanation of the action to be taken in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff, and cover the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting.' The common inspection framework also requires professionals to demonstrate an understanding of the risks.

    While the Cherubs case highlights the careful balance to be struck between technology use and safeguarding, the facts behind Ofsted's decision have not been made public, either in the inspection report or subsequently.

    Mr Fox, Cherubs' admin manager, said that on the day of the visit to the pre-school in Linton in October last year, the inspector invited parents to discuss their experience of the nursery with her.

    'One of the parents said one of the best aspects was that when she brought her child in, she had anxiety, and within ten minutes she saw a picture of her looking settled doing a puzzle or a painting,' said Mr Fox.

    He claimed the parent told the inspector, 'They send photos via phone.' The mother had meant 'Cherubs as an organisation', he said, but the assessor took this to mean 'all members of staff'.

    'This is what we feel may have led to a misunderstanding,' added Mr Fox. 'We are unaware if any other parents mentioned this, only one made us aware and the inspector did not tell us how many parents mentioned it.'

    Mr Fox said the inspector asked his wife if she was aware of the Vanessa George case, a question that made her feel 'uneasy' and like she was being compared to a paedophile.

    The inspector went on to report that the children were 'not safeguarded effectively' at the setting. This was said to be because, 'Staff use personal mobile phones to photograph children at the setting, such as for observations and sending messages to parents.'

    In addition, the report stated that Mrs Fox lacked 'understanding of the risks to children' and it judged that the nursery does not 'monitor the use of mobile phones effectively to ensure children's safety'.

    The couple described the report as 'incorrect' and claimed personal mobile phones are not allowed in the setting 'at all'. In addition, they insist that the inspector 'did not see anyone using a mobile phone'. Mr Fox said the assessor did not ask his wife or the supervisor if other staff send photos to parents, to which the answer would have been 'no'.

    Regarding the nursery's written policies, he said the inspector asked for them but only 'flicked through', and 'did not mention any issues with any of the policies'.

    An Ofsted spokesman told Nursery World, 'The key word [in the report] is "monitor".' When asked to clarify this, the spokesman directed the magazine to the same words of the report. Asked about the evidence against Cherubs, the spokesman said, 'The inspection report is based on what the inspector knew and saw when she was in the setting.'

    The spokesman added, 'It is vital that young children are safe in pre-schools. Early years settings determine their own policies about mobile phone use, but inspectors will want to be assured they are being used properly. As the EYFS states, early years providers must ensure they take all reasonable steps to ensure children in their care are not exposed to risks and must be able to demonstrate how they are managing risks. An early years provider's safeguarding policy and procedures must cover use of mobile phones and cameras.'

    Cherubs' policy

    Mr Fox said, 'The report states that staff used personal mobile phones to take pictures of children and send them to parents, and that mobile phones had not been identified as a safeguarding issue.

    'That is untrue. We don't take pictures on personal mobile phones and we did have a policy and procedure in place. Staff have to put their mobile phones in a box in a kitchen away from the main setting.

    'There is only one mobile phone in the setting. We have to use a mobile because there is no landline, because we're in a village hall.

    'For the 12 years we have been open, our policy states that if a child is unsettled, we take a photograph of just that child and send it to the parent's mobile phone. The photo is then deleted so it's not stored anywhere.

    'The policy is shown to parents and they are asked to consent to that. If they don't consent, we don't take a photo. All the parents here have signed up to this.'

    After the downgrade, Mr Fox said Cherubs sent parents a questionnaire asking them if they were aware of the mobile phone policy and if they agreed to it. He added that the setting had been inundated with responses supporting its procedures, with one mother stating, 'I back this policy 100 per cent'.

    chantelleAnother mother, Chantelle Bourne, who previously received a mobile photo of her child from Cherubs (right), has launched an online petition calling for the Ofsted decision to be overturned. It has gained almost 2,500 supporters. Mr Fox said, 'Not one parent has taken their child out of the setting as a result of this report.'

    He added that despite the support, since the downgrade the pre-school has changed its mobile policy so that photos are no longer sent to parents.

    Ofsted is required to return to the setting to re-inspect within six months of the downgrade, in this case before the end of April.

    At the time of going to press the inspector was unavailable for comment.

    • View the Ofsted report here: http://bit.ly/1Vjr0Wl

    PROFESSIONALS DEBATE THE ISSUE

    Nursery World has been inundated with comments in response to our online article. To see them, join the LinkedIn group at http://bit.ly/1KpjKYB.

    Debbie Alcock, managing director of training company Influential Childcare and a former Ofsted inspector, says that having read the Ofsted report, she understands the Inadequate rating was down to the 'provider's lack of knowledge of the risk', rather than mobile phone use.

    She adds, 'The last inspection was carried out in 2009 – that is a gap of nearly seven years, and with providers who are graded as Outstanding they get little help or updates. For me the problem still is lack of training in the regulations and what they really mean. Since this provider got their Outstanding there has been a new publication of the Statutory Framework. I would like to know if she had help to interpret this or was left alone.

    'For me the bottom line is that children were not safeguarded due to poor knowledge.'

    A LAWYER'S VIEW ON CHALLENGING OFSTED'S JUDGEMENTS

    Andrew Manners, director of Morgan LaRoche Solicitors, says, 'A provider faced with an inspection judgement of an early years setting which it wants to challenge is in an invidious position.

    'The only formal legal challenge is Judicial Review, which is a very high bar to cross evidentially. That leaves Ofsted's complaints process, which in my experience lacks transparency and basic fairness. Disclosing evidence would allow a complainant to make informed representations in support of its complaint and would allow the complainant to understand whether Ofsted had fairly reached the conclusion that there was nothing in a complaint.

    'This should be seen in the context of the impact of Ofsted's judgements, especially Inadequate judgements, with providers losing their local authority funding. This commercial impact is manifestly relevant to what amounts to a fair procedure.'


    Source: Pre-school fights Ofsted downgrade on mobile phone use

    Sunday, February 21, 2016

    Mobile World Congress: Internet of Things for business is humming

    Mobile World Congress hits this weekend as 95,000 visitors descent upon the Fira Gran Via conference facility in Barcelona, Spain for what has become the mobile industry's signature global confab. USA TODAY

    USA TODAY 1:06 a.m. EST February 21, 2016

    A worker speaks on the phone during the preparations for the Mobile World Congress 2016, in Barcelona.(Photo: EPA/ALBERTO ESTEVEZ)

    I've had a longstanding debate with a former IT executive about what drives innovation in technology: the consumer or commercial and government markets. The exec argued that it was consumers, and pointed to companies like Sony and Nintendo. I took the other side, and countered with examples like IBM and DARPA.

    My friend won the argument – for a time, anyway. Over the years, we'd come to discover that both of us were right. Sometimes.

    I've got the upper hand right now, at least when it comes to the Internet of Things, the wide-sweeping blueprint for the business of connecting billions of pieces of hardware to each other. The home market continues to struggle to forge a path to a connected future, wading through pervasive privacy concerns and a limited selection of high-priced thermostats, light bulbs and refrigerators.

    The business of IoT for business, meanwhile, is already good business. Cities like Los Angeles and San Antonio are deploying connected street lighting to cut down on waste and make streets safer for drivers. And companies like GE and Harley-Davidson are connecting factory equipment to decrease downtime by predicting equipment failure, and to anticipate heating and cooling needs to cut costs and improve comfort.

    A member of the Catalan police, mossos d'esquadra, patrols outside the Mobile World Congress building in Barcelona on February 19, 2016, before the start of the world's biggest mobile fair, held from February 22 to February 25. (Photo: AFP / LLUIS GENELLUIS GENE)

    IoT to dominate deal-making

    This week, you'll see lots of shiny new smartphones, smartwatches and VR headsets from consumer electronics heavyweights like Samsung, LG and Sony at Mobile World Congress, the wireless industry's annual marquis event in Barcelona. But it will be IoT for business that dominates deal-making activity behind closed doors and on the show floor.

    It's not hard to see why. Gartner forecasts that the market for IoT services will top $101 billion this year, nearly 30% more than the $78 billion that businesses spent last year. By 2020, spending for services like network deployment, operations management and data analytics is forecasted to balloon to $257 billion. In comparison, expenditures for services in the consumer IoT market are insignificant, Gartner says.

    The installed base of connected-home devices is actually higher than business IoT devices in use – 2.9 billion units versus 1.6 billion – though most are entertainment devices like smart TVs, home-theater receivers and set-top boxes, and not connected-home automation, energy and security devices.

    AT&T, Verizon

    Watch for cellular carriers like AT&T and Verizon to double down on their IoT businesses at Mobile World. With the wireless business coming under increasing pressure, the IoT is becoming more strategic for both companies. Verizon's IoT business, for example, grew 18% last year, to $690 million. Wireless revenue grew just 4.6%, to $91.7 billion.

    AT&T does not break out IoT revenues. But the company did just disclose a host of new IoT initiatives for healthcare and smart cities, as well as software and services for overall IoT deployment. The company will be showcasing those capabilities at Mobile World.

    Networking services giants like Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent will call attention to their IoT networking capabilities in part by positioning themselves as leaders in 5G, whatever that turns out to be.

    Companies like Aeris and Sigfox won't be going toe-to-toe with the giants on 5G. They offer wireless networks for the IoT that are architected specifically for machine-to-machine communications. They'll be on hand to offer connectivity for everything from smart cities and micro grids to factory automation and inventory management.

    With vanishing growth for PCs, tablets and smartphones, chipmakers like Intel and Qualcomm are placing growing importance on the IoT. Like Verizon, revenue for Intel's core business ($32.2 billion) dwarfs its IoT business ($2.3 billion), though IoT grew 7% in 2015, compared to an 8% decline for the PC client business. Qualcomm does not break out IoT business results.

    Both companies plan to spotlight their 5G capabilities at Mobile World as well as chipset offerings for IoT devices and networking equipment.

    Companies like Telit and Sierra Wireless, which sell modules, gateways, management software and analytics options, have for years offered IoT packages built around hardware from Intel, Qualcomm, TI and many others. You can find their modules inside many of the connected equipment inside factories and warehouses – and out on the street. When I met with Telit execs for lunch in Barcelona last year, a street-sweeping machine rolled by with Telit modules inside that helped track levels of cleaning fluid and gasoline.

    To be sure, there will be plenty of technology on display at Mobile World where consumers are driving innovation. There is work underway with VR headsets in the enterprise, for example. But what's really driving development today are decidedly consumer-centric applications, like immersive gaming.

    So you see? Sometimes my friend and I are both right. And sometimes, we're even both right at the same time.

    Mike Feibus is principal analyst at Feibustech, a Scottsdale, Ariz., market strategy and analysis firm focusing on mobile ecosystems and client technologies. You can reach him at mikef@feibustech.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikeFeibus.

    Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1TxwkHT


    Source: Mobile World Congress: Internet of Things for business is humming

    Saturday, February 20, 2016

    Instagram Adds Two-Factor Authentication to Secure Your Selfies

    It just got a lot harder to blame that embarrassing photo in your Instagram feed on a hacked account. Starting today, the mobile photo-sharing service confirmed that it will start introducing a two-factor authentication system to its app. That means even if someone knows your username and password, it'll be nearly impossible for them to post pics or scan private accounts without flat-out stealing your phone.

    When you opt in to the two-factor system, first you'll need to give Instagram your phone number. Then whenever you enter your username and password, you'll get texted a string of additional digits. Pop that single-use code into Instagram, and you're in. So if a hacker has your password and username, but not your phone, they can't crack into your account. According to Tech Crunch, Instagram will generate your two-factor code through its own system—as opposed to using a service like Google Authenticator, which does the same thing.

    An Instagram spokesperson confirmed to WIRED that the photo-sharing service is releasing the new feature in a slow, staged rollout, so you may not see the option for your account just yet. Details about the timing of the full release and whether the feature will first be available for iOS or Android aren't available at this time.

    As helpful as two-factor authentication is, it won't prevent anyone from creating a "fake you" account or simply forgetting about an Instagram account created long ago. You're still on your own with that stuff.

    Go Back to Top. Skip To: Start of Article.
    Source: Instagram Adds Two-Factor Authentication to Secure Your Selfies

    Friday, February 19, 2016

    Samsung phone, China, Facebook are big deals at Mobile World Congress

    Samsung phone, China, Facebook are big deals at Mobile World Congress

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    Samsung phone, China, Facebook are big deals at Mobile World Congress

    Mobile World Congress may not carry the name recognition of CES or other trade shows that are better known to tech-minded American consumers. But it's a big deal for mobile.

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    Mobile World Congress hits this weekend as 95,000 visitors descent upon the Fira Gran Via conference facility in Barcelona, Spain for what has become the mobile industry's signature global confab. USA TODAY

    Facebook CEO and cofounder Mark Zuckerberg.(Photo: Martin E. Klimek, USA TODAY)

    NEW YORK—Mobile World Congress hits this weekend, just as one of the pioneers of mobile computing — Apple — enters a dog fight with the U.S. government over iPhone privacy.

    That topic, plus Facebook's thwarted attempts at offering free Internet in India, and yes, new products from Samsung and Chinese manufacturers Huawei and others, are likely to keep hallway chatter humming as 95,000 visitors descent upon the Fira Gran Via conference facility in Barcelona, Spain for what has become the mobile industry's signature global confab.

    From the 2,000 companies exhibiting, the most high-profile reveal is expected to come from Samsung, rumored to unveil the Galaxy S7 smartphone and possibly S7 edge. If such new phones come to be, how these latest flagships are received will say a lot about how Samsung plans to solidify its standing as Apple's chief smartphone rival, while also combatting fierce global Android competitors, almost all of whom will have their own presence in Barcelona.

    LG, Sony, Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola (Lenovo), and Alcatel One Touch are all expected to showcase new phones.

    The Chinese companies in particular bear watching, to see if any will make major inroads into the U.S. market.

    The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas "tends to be a show where you see the cool gadgets and all of that kind of stuff. We see Mobile World Congress very much as a place where people come to do business," says Michael O'Hara, chief marketing officer for GSMA, the organization that puts on the event.

    Meantime Apple, the very company in the mobile space that looms above all others with the iPhone, will not be attending MWC, at least not in any public sense. It's embroiled in a dispute with the U.S. government, which wants it to create a new operating system that would allow the FBI to unlock and access an iPhone 5C used by one of the assailants in the mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. in December.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook has said Apple plans to refuse, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai supported his comments.

    I also expect to hear more about virtual reality and augmented reality, themes that got a lot of love at CES and will continue on in Barcelona. HTC and Facebook-owned Oculus will be among the companies attending MWC. There's speculation that Samsung will also introduce a new 360-degree camera at the show, possibly called Gear 360.

    MWC certainly boasts a lengthy list of recognizable speakers, from a diverse lineup of companies: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, Ford CEO Mark Fields, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman, Royal Caribbean Cruises CEO Richard Fain, BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti, WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell, and UNICEF executive director Anthony Lake, among others. And of course a number of telecom leaders will also take the stage.

    Zuckerberg's remarks in particular will be watched closely, and likely to center around his goal to bring Internet service to poor people around the world. Facebook's plan to do that through a free but limited service called Free Basics, has been blocked in India by regulators claiming that it violates net neutrality.

    What else? "There are two key hot topics (that will be discussed) at MWC, Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G," says Ericsson senior vice president Arun Bansal. "They sound different but are very related," he says.

    The former, of course, refers to all things connected: TVs, wearables, appliances, cars.

    And 5G is shorthand for speedy new "fifth generation" of wireless networks, which promise to help propel IoT. Another driving force for 5G comes from major upcoming global sporting events: the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan, though the technology isn't likely to become commercially viable in the U.S. until around 2020.

    Still, the U.S. appears poised to take the leadership position in 5G, with AT&T and Verizon having already announced 5G field tests this year.

    And I'll be on the lookout for innovation in the handsets themselves.

    There's at least one more topic getting some deserved recognition in Barcelona--MWC programs built around "Connected Women" are designed to address gender gaps in mobile, and to "promote great inclusion of women as employees and leaders in the industry."

    Email: ebaig@usatoday.com; Follow USA TODAY Personal Tech Columnist @edbaig on Twitter

    Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1TumKWe

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    Source: Samsung phone, China, Facebook are big deals at Mobile World Congress

    Montreal adding 12 photo radar traffic cameras

    MONTREAL, QUE: February 26, 2011. -- Photo radar box, eastbound highway 20, 250 meters west of blvd. de l'ile Pincourt, Quebec, Saturday, February 26, 2011. (Peter McCabe / THE GAZETTE ) Photograph by: Peter Mccabe , Montreal Gazette

    Montreal is installing 12 more photo radar traffic cameras to nab speeders and those who run red lights on streets with a high number of accidents, bringing the total number to 17 on the city's territory.

    The cameras automatically take pictures of license plates and send tickets to the car owners. It's the second phase of an operation that began in 2009 in conjunction with the provincial transport ministry, when three red-light cameras were installed at the intersections of Décarie Blvd. and Paré St., Iberville and Ste-Catherine Sts., and Henri-Bourassa Blvd. and Berri St., as well as a minivan affixed with a radar camera on Notre-Dame St. E. and a radar camera on McDougall Rd.

    Montreal and Quebec politicians have said repeatedly the goal is to increase safety, as opposed to creating speed traps to generate revenue for both governments.

    Aref Salem, the city's executive committee member responsible for transport, said the cameras have reduced infractions, cutting the number of accidents by 20 to 30 per cent. 

    The new cameras will be placed in school zones near the following schools: Mackay Centre, Saint-Laurent, Lucien-Pagé, Marc-Laflamme and Christ-Roi.

    A red-light surveillance camera will be installed at the corner of Henri-Bourassa Blvd. and Papineau Ave. Mobile photo radar systems to catch speeders will be placed on René-Lévesque Blvd., Henri-Bourassa Blvd., Pie-IX Blvd., Saint-Michel Blvd., Christophe-Colomb and Sherbrooke St.


    Source: Montreal adding 12 photo radar traffic cameras

    Thursday, February 18, 2016

    New Leaked Photo of LG G5 Shows the Rumored "Magic Slot"

    The slot is supposed to plug the two modules - LG Cam Plus and the DAC (digital to analogue converter).

    Sources tell Venture Beat that these accessories are created to extend the functionality of LG's upcoming device, and will be controlled through an app known as "LG Friends Manager". What's more, it includes its own supplementary 1100mAh battery, which serves to complement the phone's native, replaceable pack. Under the hood, it will be like most of its flagship brethren, but features like the LG G5 Magic Slot are certainly going to set it apart.

    But perhaps the most intriguing addition is that of a so-called accessory slot on the bottom of the device, which we've also seen referred to as a 'modular design'. It'll also enhance audio coming from other connected Android devices or PCs. Nevertheless, readers are advised to take the reported LG G5 specifications with the proverbial pinch of salt as the tech giant has not confirmed any information so far. As its name suggests, the module will be made in partnership between LG and Bang and Olufsen, and it's expected to offer improved sound for the G5.

    The battery back, shown above thanks to Android Authority, known as the LG Cam Plus, includes an additional 1,100 mAh battery, as well as providing an easier grip to make mobile photography a bit easier. This VR headset is said to have a dedicated LCD display, nine-axis sensor setup and other highlighted features. Supposedly, the LG Rolling Bot will be able to roll around your house, turn smart appliances on and/or off, and even allow you to interact with your pets, if you're that lazy.

    These products will all be revealed at a press conference on February 21, though they may not be available for purchase until as late as April.


    Source: New Leaked Photo of LG G5 Shows the Rumored "Magic Slot"

    Kendall and Kylie Jenner Introduce Their Own Mobile Game, “Kendall & Kylie”

    Kim Kardashian better watch her back!

    It looks like Kendall and Kylie Jenner have followed in their big sister's footsteps — as the two recently introduced their own mobile game, appropriately titled "Kendall & Kylie."

    RELATED: Kylie Jenner Debuts New Pink Hair — See the Pics!

    The game seems shockingly similar to the 35-year-old's super-successful game, "Kim Kardashian Hollywood" (which is also produced by Glu Mobile).

    Kendall and Kylie Jenner Splash

    (Photo Credit: Splash)

    The gameplay is also comparable to their big sister's as well.

    RELATED: Enter to Win $300 Worth of Clothes and Accessories From the Kardashian Kids Line!

    In the "choose your own adventure"-style game, you create your own personalized character and start a life in "fashion, media and more" as you grow (with the help of Kendall and Kylie, of course) your personal brand and your social media following.

    Check out the official trailer:


    Source: Kendall and Kylie Jenner Introduce Their Own Mobile Game, "Kendall & Kylie"

    Wednesday, February 17, 2016

    Deal: DxO ONE 20MP DSLR-Quality Camera For iPhone Down To $379 From $600 For [Today Only]

    By Paul Morris | February 18th, 2016

    Enthusiastic photography fans out there will more than likely be familiar with the majority of the available options in terms of equipment. Such is the passion around photography that anyone with a more than a keen interest in the hobby will spend a great deal of time researching and purchasing the perfect camera, tripod, and even accessories and carry cases to make the process as enjoyable as possible. With that said, anyone with an interest in mobile photography will likely be familiar with the excellent DxO ONE Digital Connected Camera for iPhone and iPad, which for limited time is now available for just $379.99 down from its original price of $600.

    The DxO ONE is essentially a really excellent little piece of kit which exists to extend the camera capabilities that Apple has bundled into the iPhone and iPad. Apple's smartphone and tablet devices are actually already perfectly capable photography devices, but the DxO ONE looks to improve that by bringing DSLR quality into the mix. Of course, having the DxO Labs name assigned to a product generally means that it will not only be a quality device, but that it will likely come with a premium price-tag. That however, stands changed for now with the unit's price being slashed by a massive 37%.

    Screen Shot 2015-06-19 at 12.20.15 AM

    After initially being listed for a whopping $599.99, it is now being offered at a reduced sale price of just $379.99. That represents a total monetary saving of $219. For that financial outlay you will get a single DxO ONE accessory that connects to a compatible iPhone or iPad via Apple's proprietary Lightning port on the bottom of the device. There's also an accompanying mobile app that enhances the overall experience. When connected, the ONE utilizes iPhone's display of the connected iOS device as a view finder, and uses its 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with backside illumination lens to capture those stunning images.

    Screen Shot 2015-06-19 at 12.20.23 AM

    The DxO ONE also sports a premium feel thanks to the aluminum manufacturing. It also carries a 60-degree swivel capability in order to offer the best possible flexibility and product longevity. Let's face it, for those who were willing to part with $599.99 (or the discounted $379.99) for what is essentially an iPhone accessory – albeit a very, very capable one – you'd expect it to be of the highest quality.

    As always, it's worth acting quickly if you're interested in the saving as the deal won't last for long.

    DxO-ONE-amazon

    Buy: DxO ONE from Amazon: $379.99 | original price: $599


    Source: Deal: DxO ONE 20MP DSLR-Quality Camera For iPhone Down To $379 From $600 For [Today Only]

    ICICI Bank launches mobile app development challenge, winners to get over Rs 20 lakh

    ICICI Bank

    ICICI Bank on Tuesday announced the launch of mobile app development challenge -'ICICI Appathon'. The programme calls on developers, technology companies, startups, technopreneurs and students to create the next generation of banking applications on mobile.

    Hosted on the IBM Bluemix cloud based platform, 'ICICI Appathon' will offer a diverse set of over 50 APIs (Application Programme Interface) from ICICI Bank and its group companies namely ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and ICICI Securities. As a first, payment APIs from 'Visa' and the 'Unified Payment Interface' API from NPCI will also be available for the app development challenge. Visa and NPCI are the partners of 'ICICI Appathon.'

    Top three winners of the ICICI Appathon challenge will get over Rs 20 lakh of prize money. They will also be given a chance to be mentored by the event partners.

    Three 'ICICI Appathon' champions will be selected by a jury of eminent leaders from the BFSI segment and startups. All participants will be judged on five criteria that include uniqueness, functionality, business potential, user experience and scalability.

    The registeration for the programme began on Feb 16 and will end on March 1, 2016. The shortlisted candidates will given access to the APIs hosted on the IBM Bluemix platform on March 5, 2016. The finalists will be announced on April 7, 2016.

    "Through the 'ICICI Appathon', we want to broad base and leverage on the innovative ideas and the exceptional talent in our developers, technopreneurs and technology startups. We believe that programmes like these will encourage young developers to create world class banking applications on mobile and will strengthen the Government's 'Digital India' mission. We hope to get ideas for some exceptional apps at the end of this development challenge, " Chanda Kochhar, MD & CEO, ICICI Bank said.

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    Source: ICICI Bank launches mobile app development challenge, winners to get over Rs 20 lakh

    Tuesday, February 16, 2016

    New Sony smartphone camera sensor packs in OIS and hybrid AF

    Sony's new smartphone camera sensor could seriously change the game by offering up a smaller, faster, brighter, and cheaper package.

    We all know by now that Sony rules the smartphone camera component roost. Its image sensors are in everything from the latest iPhone to the latest flagship Samsung phone.

    That's why it's of particular interest when the Japanese tech giant announces a new smartphone camera sensor, which it just what it's done today.

    The Sony IMX318 packs a number of intriguing features that should mean very good things for your next phone. It's a 1/2.6-inch stacked CMOS image sensor, but even though it's smaller than usual - pixels are just 1.0μm - it won't sacrifice image quality.

    Sony says it's managed this by employing "manufacturing technology that improves light utilisation efficiency, as well as circuit design technology that eliminates noise, a root cause of deterioration in image quality."

    It's good for image resolutions of up to 22.5-megapixels, and it packs the industry's first built-in hybrid autofocus system. This will make for lock-on speeds of up to 0.03 seconds (as illustrated in the video below).

    The IMX318 also features built-in 3-axis electronic image stabilisation technology, which Sony mentions it in relation to improved video performance. It could potentially be used to improve low-light stills, too.

    If you're still wondering how this sensor will perform, take a look at last year's Sony Xperia Z5 for a clue. At the time we commented that the IMX300 image sensor was exclusive to the Z5, but that the technology would more than likely crop up in other phones in 2016. Well, here we are.

    Related: Best cameras 2016

    We found the Xperia Z5 camera to be excellent, particular in terms of its ability to handle a variety of lighting conditions - not typically a strength we'd associate with smartphone cameras.

    Sony reckons it'll be shipping the IMX318 in May, so the MWC 2016 crowd of early-2016 flagships won't benefit. If you're really into your mobile photography, then, you might want to wait until later in the year to buy a new phone.


    Source: New Sony smartphone camera sensor packs in OIS and hybrid AF

    Monday, February 15, 2016

    Five to Try: Nike shows off its SNKRS, and Alto's Adventure is winter wonder-fun

    If you can't wait to trade your winter boots for some spring-ready kicks, maybe Nike's SNKRS app will be of interest—it's one of the biggest new Android apps of the week, and it leads our latest Five to Try column. Also out this week is OKDOTHIS, another all-caps app that provides fresh photo prompts and a community to share your snapshots with.

    And if you're OK with savoring the winter a little bit longer, then Alto's Adventure is worth a look: the side-scrolling snowboarder is a pleasant and charming free offering. The week's other big game releases are old favorites, with role-playing classic Final Fantasy IX and open-world action romp Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories hitting Android for the first time. Grab some new apps and games for the weekend and enjoy!

    fivetotry feb12 nikesnkrs

    If you're into nice kicks, you'll want Nike's SNKRS.

    Sneakerheads, rejoice! Nike's SNKRS app is finally available on Android, plugging you into the shoe giant's constant rotation of new and revived kicks. It's the easiest way to stay on top of Nike's top releases across all of its sneaker styles and brands, whether you're into Air Jordans, Foamposites, Flyknits, or any of the other bold and bright offerings they roll out. In fact, you can customize your feed so you see more of what you like and less of the rest. 

    SNKRS' year-late arrival on the Play Store is surprising since it's such a crucial way to try and buy Nike's rarest releases. You can enter The Draw for certain shoes—like this weekend's Air Jordan X OVO collaboration with Drake—or hold your spot in the online queue for other releases as the waitlist thins out. But even if you just want to browse the company's latest and greatest, it's a slick app with eye-catching photography.

    fivetotry feb12 altosadventure

    Alto's Adventure looks even better in motion than in stills.

    Playing a snow-clad game might not seem too appealing right now, depending on where you live, but Alto's Adventure is one cool, cool way to ease your winter worries. It's a downhill, side-scrolling snowboarder akin to Ski Safari in basic premise, but it has a very different tone and look. Where Ski Safari is cartoonish and wacky, Alto lets you savor the slopes as you take in the beautiful scenery and evade collisions.

    Alto's Adventure is a bit simplistic, but it's also entrancing, thanks to the dazzling, dynamic day-night cycle and catchy, piano-driven soundtrack. And it's free on Android, with no energy meter or limits on play. You can watch a video ad to continue when you fall (or use earned currency), but unlike on iOS, the core experience is totally free.

    fivetotry feb12 finalfantasy9

    Not every part of this cinematic quest is remastered, but overall, the visual tweaks are for the better.

    Android has the original Final Fantasy all the way through the beloved Final Fantasy VI, but we're still waiting for Final Fantasy VII, which hit iOS last year. For some reason, Square Enix decided to skip the list and release Final Fantasy IX this week, as the 2000 favorite gets a nicely upgraded and remastered port—but also a premium price ($17). 

    Final Fantasy IX is known for recapturing the classic, whimsical spirit of the series after a turn towards modern and futuristic scenarios, and the lengthy adventure features a wide cast of characters with more traditional styles (like mages and knights). The player models have all been redone, although the backdrops are still blurry, but there are other visual flourishes that make this a better port than FFVII on mobile. If you didn't already jump on last week's Adventures of Mana, invest in this role-playing classic first. 

    fivetotry feb12 okdothis

    OKDOTHIS can provide creative inspiration for your photos.

    Love taking snapshots, but crave a bit more direction in your mobile photography? Grab OKDOTHIS, which delivers daily and community-made photo challenges that generate on-the-fly pools of themed photos. When you fire it up, you'll be hit with a quick task: snap a photo of your sneakers, or one that captures why snow reminds you of being a kid. Grab your photo, tweak as necessary, and then send it off into the community pool and your feed. 

    It's a fun way to encourage you to consider other shooting subjects, plus it provides some perspective on what other members see around them, or consider to be a worthy photo response to each prompt. And if you put a little effort into it, you'll surely have an impressive, diverse photo feed of your own before long. 

    fivetotry feb12 gta lcs

    Anything goes in 'ol Liberty City.

    Here is another beloved franchise dropping a new Android entry this week. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is an enhanced port of the decade-old PSP spinoff of Grand Theft Auto III, letting you run rampant around the titular city as you serve crime bosses, joyride in stolen rides, and generally cause all kinds of chaos.

    It's not much of a departure from the big trio of the era—III, Vice City, and San Andreas—but it's another huge, open-world action game that you can easily pour dozens of hours into. And Liberty City Stories is a mostly comfortable fit on Android thanks to multiple control scheme options, although I noticed some random audio drops on a Galaxy S6 Edge+. The aforementioned trilogy and Chinatown Wars are the more essential GTA experiences, but for fans, there's a whole lot of fun to dig into here.


    Source: Five to Try: Nike shows off its SNKRS, and Alto's Adventure is winter wonder-fun

    Sunday, February 14, 2016

    Say Cheese! This Volkswagen Van Is Also a Photo Booth

    volkswagen-van-photo-booth-1e

    If ever there were an automotive blank canvas, the classic Volkswagen van would be it. Over the years, Volkswagen's lovable van has been all things camper, bus, pickup, ambulance, and even an all-wheel drive off-roader. But a mobile photo booth? This might be one of a select few. 

    Hailing from South Carolina, this 1978 Volkswagen van recently turned up on eBay, and it's a bit of a camera hog. The van has been outfitted with all the fixings of a modern photo booth, allowing this studio on wheels to get out-and-about. That convenience and party flair will cost you however, about $35,000.

    RELATED: Check Out This Volkswagen Van That's Actually a Travel Trailer

    volkswagen-van-photo-booth-2e

    At first glance, the snap-happy van looks like your typical vintage VeeDub—classic looks and great pastels—that is, until it pops its top and slides open its side door, revealing a standing and sitting area facing a Nikon digital camera. Those hopping onboard can grab sunglasses, boas, masks and other props before clowning it up in front of the lens. And when done, a digital printer located in the trunk spits out copies of the best pictures, and a monitor mounted in the passenger's side door scrolls through recent shots. Say cheese.

    The seller notes that the sky-scraping roof is operated using a custom hydraulic system, and there's definitely a few additional custom touches on the outside as well, including the van's new low-slung stance and the Fuchs style wheels. It ought to be a popular spot at weddings.

    RELATED: A Travel Channel Host Just Bought a Very Creepy Volkswagen Van

    volkswagen-van-photo-booth-3e

    Housed in the boot is a familiar Volkswagen flat four-cylinder engine, which in 1978 would have generated about 67 horsepower maximum. Not much by today's standards, but then again, the only passengers in this van aren't going along for the ride.

    RELATED: Check Out the All-New 2016 Volkswagen Van

    Follow @thetirekicker

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    Source: Say Cheese! This Volkswagen Van Is Also a Photo Booth

    Saturday, February 13, 2016

    Leaked Images Of Galaxy S7 And S7 Edge Emerge

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    Breaking News 17 mins ago Michael Lewitt's Third Friday Total Return Fund, One Of The Best Performing Hedge Funds 39 mins ago Managed Futures & Macro Hedge Funds Find Conditions Favorable To Begin 2016 1 hour ago Why It's A Mistake To Be Raising Cash In This Market 1 hour ago CapEx Cuts Continue In The Energy Sector
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