Feb 28
Feb 28
Despite Snapchat facing a ton of backlash from its users over the new design, it seems that the criticisms we’re hearing online might only be a small portion of Snapchat’s users because according to data from Sensor Tower (via 9to5Mac), Snapchat is actually experiencing a huge spike in downloads in recent times.
According to the data, it shows that Snapchat is experiencing a 55% week-over-week increase in downloads over a seven-day period following the rollout of the new design. It also saw first-time downloads increase from 589,000 from January 30 to February 5, to 911,000 from February 6 to February 12.
Take note that this does not include users redownloading the app again (for example when getting a new phone and you’re reinstalling the app), which means in that week, Snapchat added close to a million new users. It is possible the following the backlash and the subsequent coverage of it led many to be curious about the new Snapchat design, which could explain the spike in downloads.
However exactly how many users stuck around after checking the app out remains to be seen, which is the important bit, although some don’t seem to be particularly optimistic about the app’s future. Only time will tell if Snapchat will be able to maintain this momentum.
Snapchat Experiencing Huge Spike In App Downloads , original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Feb 28
With Disney’s streaming service expected to kick off in 2019 and with huge brands like Marvel and Star Wars expected to be part of it, along with Disney’s acquisition of Fox, no doubt that this will be kind of worrying for existing streaming services such as Netflix. However it looks like the company is hoping to keep its subscribers around with more originals.
In a report from Variety, Netflix’s CFO David Wells has confirmed that the company will be investing upwards of $8 billion on original content this year, where we can expect to see about 700 original TV shows and movies, with 80 or so productions from outside of the US. Wells was quoted as saying, “Let’s continue to add content — it’s working, it’s driving growth.”
As to where it gets its content from, it seems that Netflix isn’t too fussed if it is a complete original, as long as they have the “best content”. He claims, “People don’t care where the stories come from. We’re about having the best content. We don’t necessarily have to do it ourselves.” Netflix’s spending of upwards of $8 billion is a huge contrast compared to YouTube.
It was recently reported that YouTube was only planning to spend a few hundred million this year on original content, which while is a lot of money, certain pales to what Netflix is prepared to spend. Whether or not Netflix’s strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but if you’re a subscriber then you should be able to expect an influx of original TV shows and movies this year.
Netflix Looking To Launch 700 Original Series & Movies In 2018 , original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Feb 28
As it stands the only device of Apple’s that supports wireless charging are its 2017 iPhones, but that is expected to change as Apple is working on a wireless charging case for the AirPods, but it also seems that there could be a similar case for the Apple Watch, at least according to a recently discovered patent.
The patent describes a case that is meant to hold the actual watch itself where it will help to wireless charge it while it is inside the case and placed on a wireless charging mat, presumably like that of the upcoming AirPower charging mat. It also mentions how the case could keep one or more bands in it, which could be a way of storing your Apple Watch when not in use.
As it stands the Apple Watch does somewhat charge wirelessly. There are no ports to plug the charging cable into, and instead it relies on a magnet to charge. Granted this isn’t the same as the wireless charging tech that we know, but we suppose it comes close. That being said, the AirPower is expected to play nicely with the Apple Watch Series 3, which means that if you’re not fussed about carrying cases, you can still wirelessly charge your device.
Of course given that this is just a patent, there’s no telling if and when Apple will make it a reality, but if they do, is this something you might be interested in?
Apple Patents Wireless Charging Case For The Apple Watch , original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Feb 28
Earlier it was announced that Amazon would be acquiring Ring, who for those unfamiliar is primarily known for their smart doorbell system. Now given that Apple and Amazon did not have that great of a relationship in the past, where we saw Amazon pull Apple TV from its listings (it was reinstated last year), what does this mean for HomeKit support?
The good news is that Ring still plans on rolling out HomeKit support when it is ready, according to a tweet by its official account. The company did not mention when it would be available, except that HomeKit support is still very much on their roadmap and that a release date will be shared once it has been made available.
HomeKit is definitely still on our roadmap, Drew. Once testing is completed, we’ll provide everyone with a release date.
— Ring (@ring) February 27, 2018
Amazon did not dive into specifics regarding their acquisition of Ring, although it has been largely speculated that it could have to do with the company making more inroads into the home of its customers. Amazon already has Amazon Key that makes deliveries directly into the homes of customers, plus with their Echo series of speakers and Alexa digital assistant, it makes sense that Ring could be somehow added to the mix and into the Amazon ecosystem.
However whether or not Amazon wanted to make Ring exclusive to its services was unclear, but for now it looks like HomeKit support is still on the cards, so Ring customers who are also Apple users won’t have to worry.
Ring Promises HomeKit Support Follow Amazon Acquisition , original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Feb 28
Intelligence officials say no ballots or information had been changed.
Feb 28
The Guy Bringing Mideast Peace Can’t Even Read Secret Reports About The Place
Posted in: Today's ChiliJared Kushner’s failure to get a top-level security clearance raises questions about how he can do his job.
Feb 28
And that’s just what it’ll do.
Feb 28
Officials reportedly worried ‘naive’ Kushner could be manipulated by foreigners.
Posted in: Today's ChiliThe story dropped the same day we learned Jared Kushner had lost his top-secret security clearance.
Feb 28
iiyama has unveiled another one of its upcoming 31.5-inch WQHD LCD monitor, the ProLite XB3270QS. Adopting iiyama’s own ‘X-Res Tech’ super-resolution technology, this new 31.5-inch IPS LED-backlight monitor supports a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and provides 1200:1 contrast ratio (ACR 80,000,000:1), 300 cd/m2 brightness, 4ms (GTG) response time and 178/178 degree viewing angles.
Utilizing the ‘Flicker-Free’ technology and ‘Blue Light Reduction’ function, the ProLite XB3270QS comes equipped with built-in stereo speakers (3Wx2) and provides 1x DVI-D, 1x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort input ports. The iiyama ProLite XB3270QS will start shipping from March 1st for unannounced price yet. [Product Page]
The post iiyama ProLite XB3270QS 31.5-Inch WQHD LCD Monitor appeared first on TechFresh, Consumer Electronics Guide.
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