Amazon Working on Standalone ‘Anytime’ Messaging App with Plethora of Features

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Amazon is reportedly working on its own messaging app dubbed Anytime. The messaging app will have a strong focus on group messaging and will come with usual features like encryption, video and audio calling support, and stickers.

Users will also be able to "encrypt important messages like bank account details" with a higher than usual level of security in Anytime.

The report from AFTVNews is based on a customer survey information. IT states that Anytime will not be linked to one's mobile number. Instead, everyone has a username and will feature support for a Twitter-like reply. So, in a group message, you can refer to a person by @mentioning their username.

Other features of the app include location sharing, food ordering and bill split options, business chat, and ability to simultaneously listen to music. And it goes without saying, Anytime will also allow one to buy stuff from Amazon.

The app will let one reach all their friends by "just using their name" without knowing their phone number. It is unclear how this feature of the app will work but should help users get their friends and family onboard the app when it is first launched.

Amazon recently debuted Amazon Echo Show now offers basic video and audio calling capabilities, so it is not surprising to see the company jump on the messaging bandwagon. In fact, the Anytime messaging app from the company will allow it to integrate with its virtual assistant, Alexa, and its Echo series of devices. Anytime could be based on the same backend technology used by Chime, the business oriented messaging service unveiled by Amazon earlier this year.

Read Also:  Microsoft finally starts selling unlocked Lumia 535 stateside

With iMessage, Hangouts, Allo, WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, Messenger, and plenty of other messaging apps already available out there, the world certainly does not need another one. However, if Amazon is able to bring some new features to the table, it might just be able to gain enough traction to survive in the competitive world of messaging apps.

#AMAZON #AMAZON WORKING ON STANDALONE 'ANYTIME' MESSAGING APP WITH PLETHORA OF FEATURES

 
Source: Amazon Working on Standalone 'Anytime' Messaging App with Plethora of Features

Windows Phone 8 fades out as Microsoft mulls mobile strategy

SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft has ended support for its Windows 8 smartphones, as the US tech giant focuses on other segments, amid ongoing speculation about its strategy for mobile. Users of Windows-powered phones — which have failed badly against rivals from Apple and Google Android — were invited to upgrade to its latest Windows 10 version after Microsoft officially stopped supporting the earlier version on Wednesday.

But Microsoft, which is now concentrating on business services, cloud computing, augmented reality, remains a part of the mobile landscape with applications, digital assistants and other offerings. "I think it's the death of Windows 8 phones; not the death of Microsoft's offerings in mobility," said Moor Insights and Strategy principal analyst Patrick Moorhead.

"Microsoft is very active in mobility, just not active in phone devices." Microsoft in May unveiled a forthcoming Windows update aimed at keeping its desktop and laptop computers at the heart of lifestyles increasing reliant on smartphones.

Enhancements to the widely used operating system to roll out later this year are designed to make applications built on Microsoft technology work more harmoniously across an array of Internet-linked devices, according to demonstrations given at the company's Build developers conference in Seattle.

One key addition of the Windows 10 Fall update will allow people to leave what they are doing on one device and pick up where they left off on another — be it a Windows, Apple, or Android driven machine. Windows personal computers "will love all your devices," said Microsoft operating systems group corporate vice president Joe Belfiore.

Windows 10 will be able to integrate with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and virtual or augmented reality gear, executives said. Microsoft has held firm that it has not given up on the mobile market, but in the interim is updating Windows to remain relevant in a smartphone-centric world.

Better tuning Windows-powered computers to mobile devices could also serve as a "bridge" to what is being heralded as the next big computing platform — mixed reality infused with artificial intelligence, according to analysts. Microsoft is aggressively creating a mixed reality technology platform and HoloLens augmented reality gear, which Windows 10 is crafted to support.

"Microsoft has the lead on augmented reality hardware, which might take 10 years to take hold but is the point where the phone gets less important," Moorhead said. "They will be patient."

Some reports say Microsoft could launch a Surface phone, spinning off the success of tablet computers by that same name. While Microsoft's main business remains software and services, having its own handset would enable it to optimize and own the entire experience, much the way Apple has control over all aspects of its iPhones.

"I think that s why Microsoft would consider a Surface device," Moorhead said. "I do think with the success they have had with Surface gives them some permission to try it again, but it would be super risky."

Meanwhile, Windows phone sales continue to fall due to a lack of new hardware partners or enthusiasm for a platform showing little life, according to industry tracker IDC, which estimated its market share at 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2017. — AFP

Source: Windows Phone 8 fades out as Microsoft mulls mobile strategy

Most Buzzed Designs of June 2017

Below you'll find the most popular designs we've tracked over the last 30 days – an overview of designs you shouldn't have missed in June 2017.

This footwear design comes as separate modules that can not just be interchanged for style, but even worn separately for functionality. Rugged when you want it, bare-basic when you need it, and comfortable when you demand it.

The entire concept of the Revolights sounds fascinating. A headlamp, and a tail-lamp, within the wheel of your bicycle itself! How it works is even more fascinating.

The wallets above aren't just your run-of-the-mill moneybags. They have good design and innovation written all over them. Check out these inventive cash-stashers!

The Nokia Vision 2018 concept phone brings Nokia's Lumia aesthetic to modern times, with bezel-less screens, chrome accents, a dual back-facing camera, and Android-powered brain (85% of the world's favorite mobile OS).

Designed for the explicit purpose of giving you precise control over your sleep, the Neuroon Open is an open-source headband that can be used for effective sleeping, smart waking, deep meditation, polyphasic sleep, and lucid dreaming!

When we imagine synthesizers, we often picture big, bulky equipment like the massive Moog. The Piino explores a more compact form that allows musicians to capture inspiration on the go!

Made for the rebel, maverick biker, the Pangolin backpack is great for wearing while riding. Not only does store all your gadgets and essentials, it can even hold your bike-helmet, given its unique hemispherical shape.

OMNI smartwatch is focused on individuality, ease of use and expandability. The modular design takes inspiration from analog watches so you no longer have to commit to only one design.

This little stainless soap shaped bar can wash off any stench or odor from your hands that you may have accumulated in the kitchen, or anywhere else.

This minimalist lighting and air purifying pod is capable of being carrying and placed almost anywhere but is specifically designed for use in the kitchen.

No! This isn't one of those "If VW made a…" concepts! The VW Fridge (an actual fridge!) comes as a collaboration between European appliance giant Gorenje and none other than Volkswagen whom we know too well.

Michelin is currently exploring this opportunity with this incredible 3D printed airless tire system they're calling the "Visionary Concept."

If you want to keep your fingers busy and yourself entertained, ditch that fidget spinner for a TinyArcade that actually puts a miniature playable arcade game in the palm of your hand!

Source: Most Buzzed Designs of June 2017

Microsoft Launched a New Windows 10 Mobile Build But You Probably Missed It

It's mourning week in the Windows Phone community, after Microsoft killed off version 8.1 of the operating system, and as it this wasn't disappointing enough, the company decided to publish a new Windows 10 Mobile build for Fast ring insiders that brings basically nothing new.

In fact, this should come as little surprise to insiders participating in the testing program of Windows 10 Mobile, as all builds shipped as part of the Redstone 3 branch have been entirely about bug fixing, with no new features whatsoever.

And this is also the case of Windows 10 Mobile build 15230, which comes with only 3 minor improvements that made us yawn twice when reading them the first time.

But because some people might actually be excited about this, it's worth mentioning them all, though this shouldn't take too long.

First of all, the new Mobile build come with a fix for a VPN profile that was always displayed as connected, for a notification issue between the Bluetooth Support Service and device background services for fitness bands, and for a bug impacting Caller ID matching in Japan and Denmark.

The highly-anticipated mobile overhaul

And that's all. Unfortunately, after seeing Windows Phone 8.1 going dark earlier this week, Microsoft killing the LinkedIn app for Windows phones, and this build bringing absolutely nothing new to the table, it's more than obvious that Redmond's no longer interested in mobile, at least not for the time being.

There are reports that Microsoft is working on a mobile overhaul, with a device already being tested within the Redmond campus, but until then, pretty much everyone will have left for Android and iOS if the same release approach is maintained.

For what it's worth, today's new build is only aimed at the Fast ring, though we're pretty sure there's no reason to be upset if you're part of the Slow ring and you didn't get it.

Source: Microsoft Launched a New Windows 10 Mobile Build But You Probably Missed It

Nokia 3 Review

Nokia. It is not a name which needs any introduction. It is embedded in the memories of everyone who went through the evolution of mobile phones from simple machines used to text and call to these intricate and complex smartphones of today. Unfortunately, with the rise of smartphones, Nokia lost a lot of its ground and was forced to relinquish the control on our digital lives. Going from its aging Symbian OS to a brand new Windows Phone OS, Nokia lost both its market share and its hardware division to Microsoft. Now, after about 5 years, Nokia has a new owner, HMD Global, and it hopes to make a comeback into the smartphone market by piggybacking on the most popular kid in the playground — Android.

Nokia 3 is one of the first of a range of new devices being introduced by Nokia powered by Android. Let's see if Nokia has learned some lessons from its ghost in the past or if this device is doomed to make the same mistakes as the failed Nokia devices in the past.

Specifications

1.4 GHz Quad-Core Cortex-A53 processor with MediaTek MT6737 chipset

Mali-T720MP1 GPU

2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage.

Android 7.0 Nougat

5.0 inches HD (1280 x 720 pixels) IPS LCD

8MP front and back camera with f/2.0 focal length

2630 mAh battery

Pros and Cons

Before going through with the in-depth review, here are some things which make this phone stand out from the crowd:

Good battery life

Decent front and back cameras (excluding occasional erratic behavior, more on that later)

Sleek design and good built quality

Here is a couple of things which you should keep in mind before purchasing this phone:

Occasional auto-focus issues, especially in darker environments

Slightly sluggish performance during resource intensive tasks

What do you get in the box?

Starting with the content of the box that Nokia 3 comes in, here's what you will find when you get rid of all the packaging.

5V/1A wall adapter with standard USB-A port (no fast charging)

Standard length USB-A to micro-USB cable

3.5 mm hands-free

SIM Card slot ejector tool

Warranty information and product guide

Design and build quality

Although Nokia phones are now being made and distributed by HDM global, there is still some sense of familiarity when you pick up the Nokia 3. Similar to Nokia phones of the past, the dev ice supports rounded edges and is very comfortable to hold in hand. The device uses an Aluminum strip which runs across the edges of the device and houses four antenna bands on the top and bottom of the device. The back and front are of the same shade of color and the sleek unibody design with a clean back-cover reminds me of Lumia phones of the past. Although there is nothing extraordinary about the device, it still exudes a sense of thoughtful and premium design, something which isn't present in abundance in phones of this price category.The right side of the device houses the volume rockers and the power button, both of which are very tactile and easy to press. Left side is home to the microSD card slot and the SIM card slot. The top side has the 3.5 mm headphone jack and noise cancellation mic, while the micro USB port and the downward firing speakers reside at the bottom of the device.

Display

Nokia has used a 5-inch 720p display in Nokia 3. While some may frown over the exclusion of a FullHD display, you can't really complain about it at this screen size and price range. The display is plenty sharp and there are no issues regarding grainy texts or pixelation at closer angles. Being an IPS LCD panel, it has good color reproduction and very decent viewing angles. The color temperature is a bit on the cooler side and there doesn't seem to be any built in method to adjust that. Apart from that minuscule issue, the display does what it's supposed to do and there shouldn't be a lot of complaints in this department.

Software experience

Surprisingly, Nokia 3 runs a near stock version of Android Nougat. The only noticeable additions that I could find in the software were an inclusion of FM Radio app, tweaks to camera application and the option to enroll in Nokia's software experience program in the settings. Rest is stock and vanilla Android experience. It's not a bad thing by any measure, I enjoy using stock Android and prefer it over most custom skins and ROMs available today.All the usual goodies that come with Android Nougat like Google Assistant, Multi-window mode, quick replies in notifications and pixel launcher are all present with the software onboard the Nokia 3. The exact version is Android 7.0 and it is currently not confirmed if it will be upgraded to Android 7.1 in the near future or not.

Performance and battery life

Nokia 3 is powered by a 1.4 GHz Quad-Core Cortex-A53 processor running on a MediaTek MT6737 chipset. There's also 2 GB of RAM to make sure that multitasking 5-6 apps in the background aren't too much of a strain on the phone. It's not a powerhouse by any definition of the word, and this shows up in both the benchmarks results and the real world performance. There won't be any issues in completing day to day tasks like messaging, using social media or playing some light games, but as soon as you throw something a little heavy on resources, there is a big chance that you might experience some lag. It's not that bad but you can definitely feel some sluggishness while doing heavier tasks. These are the results from Geekbench and AnTuTu benchmarking applications:Coming towards its battery life, there is a 2,630 mAh Li-Ion battery powering all the internals in Nokia 3. It's not an insane amount of juice for a 720p screen and a low to the mid-range chipset, but it gets the jo b done pretty well. If you charge the phone at night and put it through a day of moderate to heavy usage, it will definitely last 11-12 hours and might still have about 15-20 percent power left at the end of the day. The screen on time lies within the range of 4-6 hours, depending on what kind of applications and tasks are running on it.

Camera

Finally, coming towards an exciting aspect of this device, let's talk about the camera used in this device. The camera has always been a strong suite of Nokia devices in the past. With 8 MP cameras with f/2.0 aperture and autofocus on both the back and front of the device, it seems on paper that Nokia 3 would follow in the footsteps of Nokia phones of past — and it nearly does that. Why nearly? Although the camera used on Nokia 3 is pretty adequate for its price, it does have some issues with over-smoothing the picture after it has been taken and with autofocus in some areas. It seems to lose the focus a lot when used in poorly lit areas. However, if you have the appropriate amount of light, you can expect some pretty good looking shots from this phone. The front camera is very similar to a back camera, with the same focus issue. However, considering that there are very few phones out there in the market which provide auto-focus in front cameras, I can overlook that issue and say that it is a very capable camera for taking selfies or group photos.The camera app used in Nokia 3 is not the stock Android one. It's fast to launch and takes pictures very quickly, something which the stock Android camera app sometimes fails to do. There are also some basic setting like HDR and timer which will help a little in taking photos. However, unlike the Nokia camera apps of past, there are not a lot of manual controls like exposure and manual focus.

Conclusion

Review of any phone is not complete without mentioning its price. If we are to measure a 15K phone and a 60K phone with the same yard stick, the budget phones will always be at disadvantage. Before making any conclusion, the launch price of Nokia 3 must be kept in mind. Coming at a price of 16,900 Pakistani Rupees, Nokia 3 provides a lot of value for its money. With a good screen, sleek design, decent camera and battery life, it is definitely worth the money. Although there are a couple of minor issues with auto-focus of the camera and slightly below par performance at times, it is a good purchase for anyone looking for a decently built smartphone with good picture taking capabilities at under 20,000 PKR.

Related

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Source: Nokia 3 Review

Farewell, Windows Phone: What's Microsoft's next mobile strategy?

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft has ended support for its Windows 8 smartphones, as the US tech giant focuses on other segments, amid ongoing speculation about its strategy for mobile.

Users of Windows-powered phones -- which have failed badly against rivals from Apple and Google Android -- were invited to upgrade to its latest Windows 10 version after Microsoft officially stopped supporting the earlier version on Wednesday.

But Microsoft, which is now concentrating on business services, cloud computing, augmented reality, remains a part of the mobile landscape with applications, digital assistants and other offerings.

"I think it's the death of Windows 8 phones; not the death of Microsoft's offerings in mobili ty," said Moor Insights and Strategy principal analyst Patrick Moorhead.

"Microsoft is very active in mobility, just not active in phone devices."

Microsoft in May unveiled a forthcoming Windows update aimed at keeping its desktop and laptop computers at the heart of lifestyles increasing reliant on smartphones.

Enhancements to the widely used operating system to roll out later this year are designed to make applications built on Microsoft technology work more harmoniously across an array of internet-linked devices, according to demonstrations given at the company's Build developers conference in Seattle.

- All your devices -

One key addition of the Windows 10 Fall update will allow people to leave what they are doing on one device and pick up where they left off on another -- be it a Windows, Apple, or Android driven machine.

Windows personal computers "will love all your devices," said Microsoft operating systems group corporate vice president J oe Belfiore.

Windows 10 will be able to integrate with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and virtual or augmented reality gear, executives said.

Microsoft has held firm that it has not given up on the mobile market, but in the interim is updating Windows to remain relevant in a smartphone-centric world.

Better tuning Windows-powered computers to mobile devices could also serve as a "bridge" to what is being heralded as the next big computing platform -- mixed reality infused with artificial intelligence, according to analysts.

Microsoft is aggressively creating a mixed reality technology platform and HoloLens augmented reality gear, which Windows 10 is crafted to support.

"Microsoft has the lead on augmented reality hardware, which might take 10 years to take hold but is the point where the phone gets less important," Moorhead said.

"They will be patient."

Some reports say Microsoft could launch a Surface phone, spinnin g off the success of tablet computers by that same name.

While Microsoft's main business remains software and services, having its own handset would enable it to optimize and own the entire experience, much the way Apple has control over all aspects of its iPhones.

"I think that s why Microsoft would consider a Surface device," Moorhead said.

"I do think with the success they have had with Surface gives them some permission to try it again, but it would be super risky."

Meanwhile, Windows phone sales continue to fall due to a lack of new hardware partners or enthusiasm for a platform showing little life, according to industry tracker IDC, which estimated its market share at 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2017

Source: Farewell, Windows Phone: What's Microsoft's next mobile strategy?

‘Quora for cancer’ startup theMednet raises $1.3 million in seed funding

TheMednet launched out of Y Combinator earlier this year to bring physicians a sophisticated platform for finding the best in treatment research, starting with cancer. It has now raised $1.3 million in seed funding to help it reach even more of those physicians.

The funding comes from Endure Capital, Lumia Capital, The Hope Foundation, The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and a bunch of angel investors, including Quora's Charlie Cheever, Scribd's Jared Friedman, YC partner Paul Buchheit, Peter He and Science's Peter Pham.

Co-founders Nadine Housri, a radiation oncologist, and her brother, CEO Samir Housri, told TechCrunch previously theMednet had raised some grant funding and equity funding from YC and The Hope Foundation.

Why does this startup matter so much? Doctors generally practice in small groups and depend on their networks for advice. However, doctors are limited by their own, closed network. Opening up that network to a strong group of thousands of physicians helps them connect dots and gain expert information they may not have had access to before.

"People are focused on pure data to answer questions on how to treat cancer. But data isn't the same as knowledge. It has to be filtered by clinical experience and expertise to be applied to patients," Samir says. "We are exposing doctors to the strongest networks, so experts are right down the hall, just like in academic centers."

TheMednet is similar to apps like Figure1 and Uptodate in that it brings up expert commentary on various cases. At current count, there are more than 4,000 oncologists on the platform, including 500 experts, and theMednet says 25 percent of oncologists in the United States have used the platform so far. Faculty from academic cancer centers also moderate the content sort of like Redditors, but with a background in cancer treatment.

TheMednet now plans to use the money to grow that community, reach at least 50 percent of oncologists throughout the country, expand the product past Q&A and to use technology to curate the right information doctors need to stay on top.

Source: 'Quora for cancer' startup theMednet raises $1.3 million in seed funding