Facebook brings VR Reactions to 360-degree videos

Picture Source: Facebook

By now most of us know that Facebook has added the ability to upload and view 360 degree videos on the social media site. Many of us also know the best way to appreciate these full 360 degree photos is by using Samsung's Gear VR headset. But what's new is the ability to react to, and view others reactions of these 360 degree videos. If you stare at the like button long enough you will be able to choose from 6 different reactions. This feature will also be added to 360 degree photos in the coming weeks.

Source: Facebook and Engadget

Motorola Z and Motorola Z Force Announced

Last month Motorola teased us with a video that eluded to a possible Moto Razr resurrection. We now find out that this is only partially true and Ashton Kutcher was at the keynote to once again do his best Steve Jobs impression.

Motorola’s new line of phones won’t be called the Moto Razr, instead it will be called the Moto Z. And these phones won’t be flip phones they have instead been dubbed “snap phones”. Simply because you can snap different accessories, called motomods, to the backs of the phones.

Motorola already has motomaker, which allows customers to choose the accent, trim and backing of the phones, but this adds an extra layer of customization and usability that users who want to even further stand out will love.

The motomods actually seem like a pretty cool idea. They have one that snaps to your phone to give it the capability to project its screen and produce a 70” picture onto any wall or surface.

Another motomod provides your phone with up to 20 hours of battery. A 3^rd Motorola snap-in attachment gives you surprisingly loud speakers. They also have one that serves as a custom back cover. Which is a good idea, because in the past when you chose a custom back using motomaker you couldn’t change it….Now you can.

To compete with the newly announced rugged Samsung Active, Motorola has announced the Moto Z Force. Which will be using the same shatter proof technology the Moto X forced used. It also totes a 3500mah battery that can give you 15 hours of usage with only a 15 minute charge.

And that’s not all, the Z Force will have a 5MP front camera with a flash and a 21 MP rear camera. While the Z will have a 13 MP rear camera. Both phones will come with USB-C ports, but no 3.5mm headphone jacks, only USB-C to 3.5mm adapters.

They’ll be exclusive to Verizon this summer, but you can buy the unlocked version from Motorola in the fall.

Passenger drone gets permission for US flight tests

photo credit: engadget

The drone manufacturing company EHang has been given permission to test their 184 drone in Nevada by the Institute for Autonomous Systems. This drone will essentially work as a quad copter taxi. It is autonomous and will seat a single passenger. Many foresee amazing potential for EHang's 184, especially if the company teams up with a ride sharing organizations like Blade or Uber. Image tapping a button on your smartphone and summoning a drone that will fly you to your destination while avoiding rush hour traffic in the streets.

There is no set day as to when the 184 will start it's tests, or where in Nevada it will be flying. But the flights are scheduled for later this year. To find out more check the source link.

Source: Engadget

A closer look at that $14,000 Android phone

Image Credit: Engadget

Meet the Solarin, the first smartphone from Israeli company Sirin Labs. Instead of being tapered with aluminium like other luxury smartphones, it's instead trimmed with the much tougher titanium. This phone has the ability to switch from a standard Android interface to a more secure interface that disables all non-essential functions, but leaves you with the ability to send and receive both encrypted texts and calls. Of course the devices futuristic design, scalability and security have to come at a premium price and that price happens to be $14,000.

Aside from the promise of privacy, Sirin Labs will ensure this phone is loaded with the latest hardware as well.

The Solarin will have the following specs:

Chipset: Spapdragon 810
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 120GB
Camera: 23.8-megapixel with a quad-LED flash
Display: 5.5-inch QHD IPS LCD display

To find out more about this device check out the source link below or visit the gallery for more photos.

Gallery: Sirin Labs' Solarin | 10 Photos

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Image Credit: Engadget

Source: Engadget