Already approved broad-spectrum antiviral drugs may offer a first-line treatment for the novel coronavirus which has so far killed over 2,700 people and infected around 80,000, according to a study unveiled on Thursday.
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) noted that there is no vaccine or cure for the virus insight. This means that doctors can do little more than offer supportive treatment to the very sick, and hope their bodies can survive the infection, they said.
Already approved broad-spectrum antiviral drugs may offer a first-line treatment for the novel coronavirus. Image credit: Reuters
According to the study, published as a pre-proof in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, already approved drugs might hold the key to treating the new virus.
“Drug repurposing is a strategy for generating additional value from an existing drug by targeting diseases other than that for which it was originally intended,” said Denis Kainov, an associate professor at NTNU.
“For example, teicoplanin, oritavancin, dalbavancin and monensin are approved antibiotics that have been shown to inhibit corona- and other viruses in the laboratory,” Kainov said.
The researchers said these and other already tested “safe-in-man” broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are good candidates for treating the disease to start with, given that there are currently no treatments for the new coronavirus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus called COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some persons and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties.
The researchers noted that the advantage of repurposing a drug is that all of the details surrounding the drug development are already known. These include the chemical synthesis steps, manufacturing processes, and information regarding the different phases of clinical testing.
“Repositioning of launched or even failed drugs to viral diseases provides unique translational opportunities, including a substantially higher probability of success to market as compared with developing new virus-specific drugs and vaccines,” the researchers said.
It also offers significantly reduced cost and timeline to clinical availability, they said.
The researchers reviewed information on the discovery and development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents (BSAAs), which are drugs that target viruses from two or more different viral families. They summarised what they found for 120 drugs that had already been shown to be safe for human use and created a database. Thirty-one of these were found by the researchers to be possible candidates for prophylaxis and treatment of the COVID-19 infections.
The researchers also found that clinical investigations have recently begun five possible drug candidates to treat the COVID-19 virus.
Google Earth can now be accessed outside Google Chrome, notably Edge, Opera and Firefox. The interactive mapping app will have support for Safari but will come at a later time.
Moving Google Earth to other browsers required the development of Wasm, or WebAssembly. Today, Wasm is arguably the best W3C open web standard for those who want to work with and port native code online.
According to the company’s blog post, bringing Google Earth to the Safari browser will take some ‘work’ before it’s made possible. Last year, Google mentioned that Earth could be ported if Apple adds better WebGL2 support, which is currently in development according to the Feature Status report by WebKit.
Google Earth was made available in 2017 but without advanced features on other browsers due to lack of open web standards. iPad and iPhone users who want to use it can download Google Earth app for the iOS.
The moon has been a muse for writers, singers, poets, historians and scientists alike. It now seems that it will have to, for a temporary period, share its attention with a newly discovered minimoon.
A minimoon, according to Live Science, is a temporarily captured object, like a space rock, that got caught in Earth’s orbit for several months or years before shooting off into the distant solar system again (or burning up in our planet’s atmosphere).
Researchers from the Catalina Sky Survey at the University of Arizona have found 2020 CD3, a small, rare celestial object that has gotten caught in earth’s orbit and is circling our planet. Making it the earth’s natural satellite and thus, our second moon. We can’t wait for some singer to make a rhyme for this little guy.
A asteroid has got caught in the Earth’s orbit making it a natural satellite of our planet, similar to our moon.
It is around 1.9-3.5 metres in diameter and has the surface brightness of a typical carbon-rich asteroid. Amateur astrophysicist Tony Dunn tweeted out that this minimoon has been orbiting earth from the past three years and it could be leaving the orbit anytime this year, somewhere around April. It will then continue along its way and go on to orbit the sun.
Astronomers believe that at any given point in time, there is at least one minimoon that is orbiting around the earth. So what’s the big deal about this one?
Well, barring one instance, we haven’t seen these other objects. In fact, this is only the second time we have been able to spot a minimoon. The first time astronomers saw a minimoon was in 2006 and that asteroid was called 2006 RH120. It was around 2–3 metres in diameter and orbited around the earth for 18 months. However, this asteroid orbits the sun and one every 20 years comes close enough to the earth to enter its orbit through what is called a temporary satellite capture.
A senior research specialist from NASA and the University of Arizona, Kacper Wierzchos was the first scientist to announce this discovery on 26 February.
BIG NEWS (thread 1/3). Earth has a new temporarily captured object/Possible mini-moon called 2020 CD3. On the night of Feb. 15, my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Teddy Pruyne and I found a 20th magnitude object. Here are the discovery images. pic.twitter.com/zLkXyGAkZl
“Orbit integrations indicate that this object is temporarily bound to the Earth. No evidence of perturbations due to solar radiation pressure is seen and no link to a known artificial object has been found. Further observations and dynamical studies are strongly encouraged.”
Since then, the existence of this object has been confirmed by other observatories. However, more analysis is needed to confirm that the minimoon is a rock from space and not some junk in space that is floating around the abyss.
Twitter users had something to say about this new addition:
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Constantly getting a ‘low storage space’ warning every time you install a new software, game or when downloading a video? That means it’s time to get a backup drive for your files. Today, the WD My Passport 5TB Hard Drive is just $99.99 on Amazon. You get a $50 discount for a storage solution that was originally $149.99.
WD 5TB Hard Drive
The 5TB My Password HD has a lot going for it. WD’s hard drive features automatic backup, which is super easy to set up and security options such as password protection and 256-bit hardware encryption. Anything you put in the drive will be protected and safe even if you accidentally delete them by mistake.
The Superspeed USB port allows for max transfer speeds and is backwards compatible to USB 2.0. It’s no bigger than a wallet and can fit into any pocket. What’s more, the My Passport drive comes in black, red or blue depending on your preference.
Apple reportedly dominated the smartphone market in terms of the top ten selling models of 2019. As per a report by Apple Insider, Counterpoint Research reveals that six iPhones, three Samsung models, and one Oppo phone are the top selling phones in the world.
The report reveals that the iPhone XR (Review) and iPhone 11 (Review) proved to the star performers for Apple with 3 percent and 2.1 percent market share. Apart from these two, the iPhone 11 Pro Max (Review) managed to grab the eighth position in the top 10 with a 1.1 percent share, however, iPhone 11 Pro did not make it to the list. iPhone 8 (Review) stands at sixth position with 1.2 percent, iPhone 7 with 1.1 percent secured ninth position. The iPhone XS Max (Review) has a one percent share in the market.
Further, the report revealed that Samsung Galaxy A50 secured the third position with a 1.8 percent share. Galaxy A10 and Galaxy A20 secured fourth and seventh positions with 1.7 percent 1.1 percent shares respectively. Oppo’s A5 made it to the list and secured fifth place with a 1.3 percent share in the market.
When looking at specific regions, the report suggests that Apple’s share differs from region to region. For example in North America, iPhones made up to the top five devices and altogether account for almost 30 percent of market share.
In Europe, the report reveals that iPhone XR and iPhone 11 stood at second and third place in the top ten list with a 4 percent and 3 percent share respectively. Samsung Galaxy A50 stood at the first position with a 5 percent share.
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US cable company Altice has announced the launch of Altice One on Apple TV. This recent addition will enable Apple TV users to access Altice One and its features, including cloud DVR, on-demand video and streaming TV.
Altice One
Other notable features to the Altice One experience include Siri-supported search, live show program restarts and an interactive program guide. Existing Altice subscribers can add the Apple TV 4K device for $10 per month or a $180 flat fee. As a bonus they get free Apple TV+ for a whole year.
Altice is an American-based cable provider. The company offers both internet and cable in the US via its Suddenlink and Optimum brands in twenty one states. Currently, Altice has about five million subscribers in total for both services.
Interested users can now see the new content by opening their Apple TV app. Make sure you’re updated to the latest version to see the changes.
Realme will launch its Realme 6 series along with a Realme fitness band on 5 March in India. The smartphone series will include Realme 6 and Realme 6 Pro. The company has given out some details about the phone via its microsite.
As per the official microsite, both the smartphones will have a quad-camera setup at the back that will include a 64 MP primary camera, ultra-wide camera, telephoto camera and an ultra macro camera. In addition to this, it also suggests that one phone will have a single punch hole camera at the front whereas one will have a dual punch hole camera placed at the top right corner.
Realme 6 teaser
In terms of battery, both the smartphones will support 30 W flash charging that will charge from 0 to 40 percent in 15 minutes. The teaser also confirmed that the smartphones will support a 90-Hz refresh rate.
Realme 6 Pro was also spotted on the benchmarking site, Geekbench, where it scored 512 in a single-core test and 1,676 in the multi-core test. The smartphone appeared with model number RMX2061 and the listing suggests that it might offer 8 GB RAM and is likely to run on Android 10. It is expected that the smartphone might be powered by Snapdragon 730G chipset.
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The recently released iOS 13.4 beta holds yet another pleasant surprise- an over the air recovery feature for the iPad and iPhone.
Within the iOS code there were several references to ‘OS recovery’, which seemed to allow restoration on Apple Watch, iPad, iPhone or HomePod without a computer.
Connecting your Apple device to a computer to have its firmware restored is considered an inconvenience. The move aligns with Apple’s goal to not have its iOS devices depend on a computer for restoration purposes.
This feature also solves the HomePod and Apple Watch’s lack of connectors to facilitate the recovery process. It’s quite similar to an already-existing app that can restore Macs with downloaded software.
The code also reveals that restoration may be done by having an iPad or iPhone connect to the device via USB connection. If this is the case, then Apple users may be able to reset their devices anywhere and without having to depend on another device.
The 2018 movie A.I. Rising explores how machines could fulfil desires and support humans during space travel. Lo and behold, it might contain the solution to problems related to space exploration. Astronauts, despite their rigorous training, remain humans with needs. For space exploration and colonization to succeed, we need to overcome taboos, consider human needs and desires and provide concrete, realistic solutions based on science rather than conventional morality.
Can humans thrive for prolonged periods of time in small groups and in closed, isolated environments? Can humans contend with limited possibilities of relationships, intimacy and sexuality?
Sex tech might have the answer.
As plans for space exploration expand, how will sex and desire be addressed in these larger, longer missions? Image credit: Shutterstock
As researchers exploring human-machine erotic interactions, we are interested in their implications and potential applications for human well-being — even beyond our home planet.
Sex in space
Space exploration and colonization is one of humanity’s greatest endeavours, but it comes with challenges. One of them is to make the space journey human compatible, that is, physically and psychologically viable. Given that intimacy and sexuality are basic needs, they become central issues for human-space compatibility.
How will humans have sex in space? Can we propagate the species beyond Earth? What will intimate relationships look like aboard spaceships and settlements?
As researchers exploring human-machine erotic interactions, we are interested in their implications and potential applications for human well-being — even beyond our home planet.
Sex in space
Space exploration and colonization is one of humanity’s greatest endeavours, but it comes with challenges. One of them is to make the space journey human compatible, that is, physically and psychologically viable. Given that intimacy and sexuality are basic needs, they become central issues for human-space compatibility.
How will humans have sex in space? Can we propagate the species beyond Earth? What will intimate relationships look like aboard spaceships and settlements?
One important concern is that space exploration and colonization will limit people’s opportunities for relationships, intimacy and sexuality for long periods of time. In the very near future, human missions will only include small crews and settlements. Fewer people mean fewer opportunities for intimacy — making it difficult to find partners to connect with and potentially increasing tension between crew members.
For instance, it might be difficult to find partners that fit our personality, preferences and sexual orientation. And when a relationship ends, people are stuck on a ship with an ex-partner — possibly impairing a crew’s mood and the teamwork necessary to survive in dangerous environments.
Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest spaceflight. Polyakov spent 438 days in space, returning to Earth on March 22, 1995. Image credit: NASA
Given what we know about human sexuality, this position seems irresponsible. It prevents research from examining basic questions about sexual health and well-being in space. For instance, how do we deal with hygiene and the messiness of human sex in zero-gravity? How will we maintain a crew’s psychological well-being if people must endure long periods lacking in erotic stimulation and affection? Is imposed abstinence a reasonable solution, based on empirical evidence?
Sex tech and ‘erobots’
One solution could be to make erotic technologies available to crews and settlers in space.
This could include sex toys — any object used for sexual enhancement or stimulation — which could be used for sexual pleasure and gratification. But sex toys do not address the social dimensions of human erotic needs. This is where erobots come in.
The term erobots characterizes all virtual, embodied and augmented artificial erotic agents and the technologies that produce them. Examples include sex robots, erotic chatbots and virtual or augmented partners. Erobotics is the emerging transdisciplinary research studying human-erobots interactions and related phenomena.
Unlike previous technologies, erobots offer the opportunity of intimate relations with artificial agents tailored to the needs of their users. Erobotic technologies polarize public and academic discourses: some denounce them as promoting harmful norms, while others defend their potential benefits and health, education and research applications.
Erobots represent a practical solution to tackle the inhuman conditions of space exploration and colonization. Moreover, erobotics could enable us to approach questions of intimacy and sexuality in space from scientific, relational and technological perspectives.
Erobots could provide companionship and sexual pleasure to crew members and settlers. Beyond the capabilities of sex toys, erobots can incorporate social dimensions into erotic experiences. They could help with loneliness and the inevitable anxieties borne out of solitude. They could act as surrogate romantic partners, provide sexual outlets and reduce risks associated with human sex.
Addressing human desire, intimacy and reproduction will increase in importance as we move towards space colonization. Image credit: Shutterstock
Erobots could also provide intimacy and emotional support. And finally, erobots’ sensors and interactive capabilities could help monitor astronauts’ physiological and psychological health — acting as a complement to daily medical exams.
Erobots can take many forms and be made of light material. They can manifest through virtual or augmented reality and be combined with sex toys to provide interactive and immersive erotic experiences. The same technology could also be employed to enact erotic experiences with loved ones back on Earth.
Moving into space
To harness erotic technology’s potential for human space missions, we must build collaborations between academia, governmental space programs and the private sector.
Erobotics can contribute to space research programs. As a field grounded in sexuality and technology positive frameworks, it recognizes the importance of intimacy and sexuality in human life and promotes the development of technology geared towards health and well-being.
And ultimately, we must shed our taboos regarding technology and sexuality as we journey to the final frontier.
Simon Dubé, PhD candidate, Psychology, Concordia University and Dave Anctil, Chercheur affilié à l’Observatoire international sur les impacts sociétaux de l’intelligence artificielle et du numérique (OBVIA), Université Laval
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‘Knives Out’ director Rian Johnson has shared interesting details on how the iPhone may be shown in movies but not being used by the ‘bad guys’.
In a Vanity Fair interview, Johnson says that Apple product placement in mystery movies is such that villains may not show that they’re using iPhones on camera. In a way, if a person onscreen is shown to have an iPhone then it would mean that they’re not guilty.
Setting strict rules and policies on how its device is portrayed, photographed and used is a known Apple practice. As part of the Apple copyrights and trademark, the Cupertino-based company has written that Apple products may only be shown in the ‘best light’, or in context and manner that is favorable for Apple.
Looking back, there have been shows and movies where the ‘good guys’ only use Apple products, including a fan theory on the hit series ’24’.
The U.S. has been the most productive country for science and technology for decades. Many of the basic policy tenets that supported American prowess date back 75 years, to a document called “Science: The Endless Frontier.” Released by the first U.S. presidential science adviser, engineer Vannevar Bush, just two weeks before the Hiroshima bombing in 1945, it would become the blueprint for postwar science.
The report advocated that governmental, industrial and academic research can accomplish far more in partnership than in isolation. It led to the development of the modern American research university, the National Science Foundation and increased government funding for science research, which rose by more than a factor of 10 from the 1940s to 1960s.
The science landscape has changed radically since Vannevar Bush was in the lab in the mid-20th century.AP Photo
But many facets of the plan aren’t working anymore, and the structural framework laid out in “The Endless Frontier” needs refreshing for 2020. Research funding, especially the government share for basic research, is being reduced, there is a narrower focus on short-term outcomes and U.S. federal agencies are cutting scientific advisory panels. How the country, the research community and the public respond to these changes will determine the United States’ geopolitical standing.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the report, the National Academy of Sciences, The Kavli Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation hosted a symposium to reflect upon the past, present and future of the United States’ scientific research enterprise. It brought together leaders from science, government, academia, business and philanthropy.
Symposium attendees agreed: The U.S. needs a long-term federal science plan, one that spans many future administrations – a road map for science that is both protective and aspirational.
The consensus was that today’s level of federal funding and emphasis on market-driven research are imperfect. The path from lab bench to application has a significant gap – it takes time to convert research findings into a company, and venture capitalists are impatient. Many good ideas, such as large-scale affordable desalination, are dropped because the technology is complex and will take many years to commerialize.
Additionally, democracy is messy and slow. To stay competitive, it needs a long-term plan as was laid out back in 1945. As Rafael Reif, president of MIT, said, “Vannevar Bush envisioned a wild garden of scientific possibility…. At the current moment, [the scientific enterprise]… requires deliberate concentrated action to harvest the results. In effect, we need to farm for innovation.”
In large part thanks to strategies laid out in the 1945 Bush report, the U.S. has led the world in scientific innovation and research for over 70 years. But the ecosystem of the research world is changing.
According to Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., “the United States’ share of global R&D spending fell from almost 40% in the year 2000 to 20% in 2017. During that same period of time, China’s share rose from less than 5% to over 25%.”
China is a formidable scientific and technological competitor, particularly in its capacity to use science effectively and build partnerships with industry. Numerous speakers suggested that a lack of an American long-range coordinated plan that links academia, industry and federal research is letting the Chinese ascend.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., told the audience, “The situation we are in is very much like being a very good football team, playing in a league that suddenly has gotten a lot better. There are a lot better teams in our league for the next 75 years than there have been in the last 75 years when it comes to science, technology and research.”
Presenters were torn about limiting American collaborations with China. Should the U.S. limit knowledge transfer or continue collaborations – the most effective way to advance scientific knowledge? Not surprisingly, most academics present favored more collaboration with researchers from China and other countries.
“Are we going to have the courage of our convictions to fund the science we need, at the level we need, to ensure our competitiveness? This is more important than knowledge seepage,” observed Ronald Daniels, president of Johns Hopkins University.
Gabriela González, professor of physics and astronomy at Louisiana State University, suggested that multinational partnerships are so important to modern science that graduate schools should teach students how to conduct collaborative science.
The United States and the world as a whole have not been doing a good job at taking full advantage of the diverse pool of potential scientists. The STEM fields may have found and nurtured many of the future Einsteins, but we have fallen behind in cultivating new Marie Curies and George Washington Carvers – let alone the C.V. Ramans.
A 2017 National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics report shows that although white men make up only one-third of the U.S. population, they constitute at least half of the country’s scientists. Countries, companies and academic institutions are handicapping themselves if they don’t make use of all scientific talents available across a vast array of gender identities, races and ethnicities.
Thirty-seven of the 89 U.S. citizens awarded a Nobel Prize since 2000 were foreign-born. Most notably, all six American winners of the 2016 Nobel Prize in economics and STEM fields were immigrants to the United States. As Rafael Reif, himself an immigrant from Venezuela, put it, “immigrants are the oxygen” that let research survive and thrive.
Truth and facts are central to the workings of science. However, the increasing speed of scientific breakthroughs makes it harder to understand and communicate science and its complexities.
Actor Alan Alda, who founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, connected public misconceptions about scientific topics with the lack of good science communication. The public has to trust the research enterprise in order to support and learn from it. He said, “We don’t always have to agree, but we have to learn to hear each other,” and that requires good communication.
Maintaining and bolstering trust in science has never been more critical, as science has an ever greater potential to change or lives, for better or worse.
Editor’s note: The Conversation receives grant funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Huawei is expected to unveil its premium tablet in India in the first week of March. It is speculated that it will be priced between Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. We have learned that the rumoured tablet will feature Harman Kardon quad speakers that will support Omnidirectional sound technology similar to what Apple has been including in iPad Pros for at least three years now.
In addition to this, there is a possibility that both stylus and the tablet might have a metallic body. This tablet is likely to sport a large display and powerful RAM.
Huawei recently launched its second foldable; screen smartphone — Huawei Mate XS — at a price of € 2,499. Image: Reuters
As per a report by BGR, it is also expected that this Huawei’s premium tablet might go up against Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad. The report further suggests that it will be launched as Huawei M series tablet that already includes MediaPad T5 and MediaPad M5 Lite.
To recall, Huawei recently launched its second foldable; screen smartphone — Huawei Mate XS — at a price of € 2,499 and will go on sale in March. It features an 8-inch screen when in tablet mode just like its predecessor. It is powered by Kirin 990 5G chipset and runs on EMUI10.0.1, an Android Open Source Project-based operating system. Since Huawei no longer has the access to Google Play Store, Huawei Mate XS comes with Huawei AppGallery.
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Have a GoPro Hero5, Hero6 or the Hero7 and want to take your video capture to the next level?
GoPro Karma Grip
The GoPro Karma Grip will be exactly what you need. It’s an official accessory for the Hero7 to Hero5 Black. Today, the stabilizer is currently $100 off, down to just $199.99 from its original price of $299 on Amazon.
The GoPro Karma Grip offers smooth, shake-free video even when you’re in constant motion. If having a body-mounted or handheld perspective is important for you, then you won’t be disappointed. The stick includes built-in camera controls for stopping and starting recording, changing modes, adding HiLight tags and switching your GoPro on or off. What’s more, its built-in battery make it last for about two hours of pure, uninterrupted cinema-quality recording.
It’s surprising to see the Karma Grip go on sale with $100 off. Still, it’s a good deal especially for those who love to go on outdoor adventures. Buy it today!
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite (Review) made its India debut earlier this month at a starting price of Rs 39,999. It was earlier launched in an 8 GB RAM + 128 GB config. The company has now launched a 512 GB storage variant of the same at a price of Rs 44,999.
This variant will go on sale on 1 March on Samsung’s website, online portals and offline retail stores.
Samsung S10 Lite
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite specifications
The Galaxy S10 Lite features a 6.7-inch full-HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) Infinity-O Super AMOLED display in a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone sports an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S10 Lite runs on Android 10 with One UI 2.0 on top.
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, the Galaxy S10 Lite offers 8 GB RAM along with up to 512 GB internal storage that can further be expanded via a microSD card (up to 1 TB).
The Galaxy S10 Lite features a triple rear camera setup that includes a 48 MP primary camera with Super Steady OIS. The secondary cameras include a 5 MP macro and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. Both smartphones — Galaxy Note10 Lite and Galaxy S10 Lite — have a rectangular camera bump at the back. The S10 Lite’s bump is a bit longer. On the front, you will get a 32 MP selfie camera.
The Galaxy S10 Lite is available in Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Blue variants. Fuelling the device is a 4,500 mAh battery with fast charging support. For connectivity, the smartphone comes with 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a USB Type-C port.
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We at iLounge have a special deal on the Extreme Boost 20,000mAh Back-Up Battery, which allows you to squeeze more out of your devices.
Extreme Boost 20,000mAh Back-Up Battery
Back up batteries are your best friend when you don’t ever want to run out of juice. The Extreme Boost boasts a huge 20,000mAh capacity to charge up your iPhone or iPad to a hundred percent many times over.
Nowadays, it’s not acceptable for power banks do not have the utmost charging capacity and safety, and the Backup Battery from Extreme Boost has that in spades. The technology behind the device auto-detects optimal current so you won’t have to suffer from slow charging. What’s more, it has a short circuit, overcurrent, and overcharges safety features for peace of mind.
Oh, and did we mention that it has four USB output and can charge 4 devices simultaneously? The Extreme Boost Backup Battery normally sells for $89.99, while we at iLounge are giving it away for just $32.99. You get 63% off with our deal!
The Oppo Reno3 Pro has already debuted in China and is all set to make its debut on 2 March in India. The company has announced that the smartphone is now available for pre-booking on Flipkart, Amazon and offline retail stores.
Oppo has confirmed that the phone will come with a 44 MP +2 MP dual punch-hole selfie camera.
Oppo Reno 3 Pro. Image: Twitter/Oppo
The official Oppo Reno3 Pro microsite also reveals that the smartphone will feature a quad-camera setup at the back that will include a 13 MP telephoto camera, 64 MP primary sensor, 2 MP mono lens and an 8 MP ultra-wide camera. Oppo Reno3 Pro will come in Sky White, Midnight Black and Auroral Blue colour options.
Oppo Reno3 Pro China specifications
Oppo Reno3 Pro features Full HD+ 6.5-inch OLED 90 Hz display with a 92.1 percent screen-to-body ratio. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset and offers 12 GB and 8 GB RAM variants along with 128 GB and 256 GB internal storage options.
At the rear, the Reno 3 Pro sports a quad rear-camera setup that includes a 48 MP Sony IMX586 primary sensor, 13 MP telephoto camera, 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2 MP mono camera.
The smartphone runs on Android 10-based ColorOS 7 operating system. It houses a 4,025 mAh battery.
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For many people this type of software is absolutely priceless! Here we will explain why cloud storage software is so popular, and also give some top recommendations!
Essentially, finding the best cloud storage software can be a complete game changer. It takes away A LOT of stress when it comes to storing and accessing your data.
But what actually is cloud storage software? Ok, so ‘cloud storage’ is where data can be stored on remote servers and accessed from the internet, or ‘the cloud’ if you will.
Your cloud storage service provider will then maintain and manage your files, thanks to servers built on virtualisation methods.
The best examples of this type of software will keep your data secure and enable the mass sharing of files.
We’re going to talk you through four of our favourites – DropBox, Degoo, SugarSync and Yandex Disc – in this post. But before we do that, it’s important to fully understand how cloud storage can provide you with great results.
How does cloud storage software work?
To be fair, a lot of us just sign up to these types of software and don’t question the science behind them. But, how does cloud storage software actually work?
You probably know the basics. It allows your device to send or retrieve files online, from a remote data server. This same data is usually found on more than one server, so that if one server is down you can still retrieve your files.
According to Techopedia, cloud storage works through data center virtualisation. Virtual storage architecture, which is scalable and easy to navigate, is then created.
More often than not a web-based API, that is remotely implemented through its interaction with the client application’s in house storage infrastructure, is how cloud storage data operates.
Cloud Storage Software can be a handy tool to acquire.
It’s also known as utility storage when delivered through a public service provider. Meanwhile private cloud storage can often provide enhanced flexibility and scalability, with restricted access.
How can cloud storage software work for you?
With anything there is, of course, positives and negatives. Cloud Storage Software, perhaps, has a equal number on both sides of the argument.
Firstly, let’s look on the bright side! With cloud storage software you will notice the value of offsite management. With someone else physically maintaining your documents your team can turn their attention to other priorities.
Connectivity and backup speed are also major advantages, and in many cases scalability and rapid deployment are also like gold dust.
Overall you should also enjoy a lower upfront cost, though lifetime costs could rack up. Security is something to be wary of. Download and data transfer speeds can be hampered from time to time too, especially if there is a lot of call for the servers.
Enterprise Storage has also taken a look at the debate. The team say: “Like actual clouds, the answer is seldom black and white.”
So, what are my options?
If you are considering using cloud storage software, you’ve come to the right place! There are of course some very big names in the world of cloud storage, like Dropbox, or Google Backup and Sync.
Speaking of top cloud storage, we’re now going to talk you through four of our favourites!
DropBox
Key features include:
Cross-platform compatible.
Easy file sharing.
Secure encryption.
Automatic sync.
Seamless app integration.
Security features.
Business and individual accounts.
Advanced features.
Let’s get the obvious one out there! When a lot of people hear ‘cloud storage’ they automatically think of DropBox.
This incredibly useful cloud-based file storage and sharing program lets you access your files from practically any device with an internet connection.
With Dropbox, you can store all your files and access them from anywhere. Your changes will automatically sync across all your devices, so you’ll always have access to the latest versions and can pick up exactly where you left off.
Whether you’re working alone or as part of a team, you’ll be able to store, share and collaborate on your files as and when you want to. Dropbox has a range of individual and business plans to choose from if you’re looking for more than the standard free document storage solution.
Overall, Dropbox is one of the most popular and recognisable cloud storage services available. It integrates seamlessly with a range of everyday tools to improve your workflow, and paid plans unlock a great range of advanced features for businesses and individuals.
Degoo
Key features include:
Store up to 2TB of data.
Top secret cloud drive.
Degoo media feed on Android and iOS.
Auto upload.
Scheduled upload.
Compatible across-devices.
If you’re looking for security, you’ve come to the right place. Degoo uses end-to-end, military-grade encryption and gives you access to your files anytime, anywhere.
With Degoo, you’ll never need to think about file back ups again, just choose your important files and Degoo takes care of the rest. If you power off your device, Degoo will resume your backup once it’s back on, and it automatically detects any changes you make to your files to make sure your backup is always up to date. You can also save mobile data and battery by controlling when Degoo uploads your files and choosing to only use Wi-Fi.
You’ll never lose a file with Degoo, as it stores multiple copies of each file to ensure it’s always there when you need it. It uses Google and Amazon’s ultra-secure data centers to store your files, and even encrypts and password-protects them, so you’ll know your files are always safe and secure.
Degoo also includes a Degoo feed for your Android and iOS devices. Remember your precious memories and see when you uploaded photos of loved ones, family, friends, and the times you want to cherish.
Overall, Degoo is a reliable cross-platform, cloud-based storage drive. It stores multiple back-ups of your files and automatically updates them, so you can access them anytime, anywhere. It’s easy to use and comes with various customization options to make it work for you.
SugarSync
Key Features Include:
Online collaboration via folder sharing.
File security provided by ‘read-only’ access.
Public links: provide one-time download access to your files (No SugarSync account required).
Remote editing and wiping capability.
Automatic sync and back up.
Mobile device support.
Microsoft Outlook compatibility: SugarSync links files and tracks downloads via Exchange Server.
Admin dashboard: Access control, storage space limits and activity log configuration.
Business and individual plans.
SugarSync provides a cloud storage service, which is both versatile and offers affordable plans. The SugarSync app has features and functions that are similar to apps like Dropbox. It allows you to access, share, sync and back up your files across computers and devices.
The app provides all of the options and features you are going to need to backup all your files and restore them. You can upload numerous file types including music, video and .exe files for storage and sharing. Because it stores your files in the cloud, you can access them from anywhere, and SugarSync offers dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
With SugarSync’s protected folders, you’ll be able to protect your files from ransomware and data loss, and back up versions of your files. The only downside is the initial backup may take a long time, depending on the combined size of your files. After this, SugarSync automatically backs up any files that you work on, so you can access them from anywhere, at any time. It also makes it incredibly easy to restore previous versions of your files so you’ll never need to worry about losing important data.
SugarSync keeps all of your uploaded files secure, across all of your devices, suitable for individual and business use. It provides industry-standard secure (SSL 3.3) transport layer security data encryption and handshake protocols during both uploads and downloads over the internet for your security.
Yandex Disk
Key Features include:
Ensure you never lose an important document ever again.
Work with files in the office and continue where you left off later on.
Share files from your computer even if you only have your smartphone.
Wirelessly transfer files from your device to your computer.
Swap large files without having to worry about USB drives.
Create shared folders to collaborate with colleagues.
Yandex.Disk also lets you keep your important files secure and able to effortlessly share them with your friends and colleagues.
Users can configure Yandex.Disk to upload your photos automatically from your mobile device whenever you have an Internet connection and also from your digital camera every time you connect it to your computer.
You can also edit your Yandex.Disk photos and then collate them into albums, with names and cover images. You can then choose to share them in your social networks.
Feel free to open, edit, and even create documents on Yandex.Disk directly in your browser. The service supports text documents, spreadsheets, photos and presentations.
Overall, Yandex Disk provides yet another straightforward solution but is also a no charge service. So, ideal if you’re looking for an affordable option!
Final thoughts
So, there you have it. Hopefully this article has been helpful, and that you now have a decent understanding about cloud storage software.
Of course, as we said before, it has its naysayers and superfans alike – for a variety of cons and pros respectively.
But it undeniably fulfils an important task, especially these days where storage is king.
The four examples we’ve given are just some of our favourites that came to mind, there’s a whole world of other solutions out there!
Apple released the iPhone XR in 2018 alongside the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XR served as the cheaper budget model as it was priced at $749 – $250 lower than the price tag of the iPhone XS’ $999. In 2019, Apple released the iPhone 11 at $699 and lowered the price of the iPhone XR to $599.
$599 for a phone with the speedy A12 Bionic chip, FaceID, excellent battery backup, and more is a good deal. However, the camera is not as good as the one on the iPhone 11 but it’s not completely bad either. The camera on the iPhone XR can produce decent shots but the sensor on the iPhone 11 is able to capture more light.
A fresh leak of information obtained from a beta version of iOS 13 suggests that Apple will move to “internet based” recovery – a process which at present requires connecting to a Windows or a macOS machine. Tech analysts have long reported that the company will ditch the lightning port in the future for a completely wireless future and by reducing the dependency on a desktop computer, it appears that the future is not far off.
The iPhone XR is a great device for the price and it will very likely run decently for a few more years to come. However, if the rumours swirling on the internet are any hint, this year we could see Apple move to using USB-C on its iPhones. The authenticity of the reports and rumours is very difficult to establish but its a sensible move as the iPad and the Mac have already moved on to using the industry standard port.
If you really need to buy an iPhone right now, sure go ahead.But if you can wait, it would be worthwhile to see what Apple has in store for 2020.
The BSVI compliant Ford Endeavour has been launched in India priced at Rs 29.55 lakh, ex-showroom. The SUV now comes with a BSVI compliant 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, the SUV also gets Ford’s latest 10-speed automatic transmission as standard, and it happens to be the only automatic gearbox with 10 gears in the country. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2020 Ford Endeavour is cheaper by up to Rs 1.45 lakh. However, the company has said that these are introductory prices which will be valid on bookings made until 30 April. Ford India will increase prices of the Endeavour range by up to Rs 70,000 from 1 May 2020.
Ford Endeavour SUV
Visually, the SUV looks similar to the outgoing model, with a slight change in the headlamps which provide up to 20 percent greater lighting penetration for enhanced night time visibility. The SUV comes with the company’s mobility and connectivity app — FordPass. The system offers functions like starting, stopping, locking or unlocking the vehicle, information regarding remaining fuel levels and distance to empty & locating their vehicle remotely. The SUV will continue to offer features like Terrain Management System (TMS), SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, A panoramic sun-roof, covering up to 50 percent of the roof, Semi-Auto Parallel Park Assist, push start button, hand-free power lift rear gate, and 8-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seat. The SUV also gets Hill launch assist and hill descent control.
The EcoBlue diesel engine churns out 172.3PS and 420Nm, which is a decrease in power in comparison to the outgoing Duratorq diesel engine which produced 202PS and 470Nm but does outpower the 2.2 litre, four cylinder diesel engine that produces 162PS and 387Nm. The company says that the ARAI claimed mileage for the 2.0 EcoBlue in 4X2 form is 13.9 kmpl, which is higher than the older 2.2-litre AT’s 12.62 kmpl figure. The new Endeavour 2.0 is rated at 12.4 kmpl, which is again an increase than the outgoing 3.2-litre 4×4 version’s 10.6 kmpl ARAI figure.
The 2020 Ford Endeavour is available in three trims 2.0L Titanium 4X2 AT, 2.0L Titanium+ 4X2 Automatic and 2.0L Titanium+ 4X4 Automatic and will be available in three colours — diffused silver, sunset red, and diamond white.
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The number of devices people carry with themselves is increasing and it looks like the number will increase even further. Apple wants to speed up the process of accessing all devices by removing the process of authenticating (logging in) every single device separately.
Apple is planning to add a feature to its upcoming AR glasses which will use proximity sensors to keep the nearby devices unlocked automatically. The company has long been rumoured to be working on building a pair of AR glasses and the current reports suggest a 2021 release at the earliest.
A seamless process of unlocking
The Cupertino company has previously released TouchID and FaceID – both of which were game changers in the industry and they have certainly helped improve the process of unlocking devices. The time required to unlock electronic devices has gone down significantly and the process is so seamless sometimes that it is barely noticeable.
Apple has now filed a patent which is titled “Authenticated Device Assisted User Authentication” and it was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on 27th of February, 2020. The patent showcases a scenario where a user is wearing a headset (a 360 band around the head – eye level) which appears to be actively looking for devices in a nearby proximity.
The technology does raise some questions like what if someone elses iPhone or iPad is brought close and it gets unlocked automatically. That situation may never arise actually as the “unlocking devices based on proximity” technology may only unlock devices that are using the same Apple accounts.
The AR glasses or the headset which may also be called “a head mounted device” will probably require the user to authenticate themselves or could use iris recognition technology. After which, every device that comes to a close proximity could very well be unlocked automically.
“Climate change is a hoax,” my cousin said during a family birthday party. “I saw on Twitter it’s just a way to get people to buy expensive electric cars.” I sighed while thinking, “How can he be so misinformed?” Indeed, what I wanted to say was, “Good grief, social media lies are all you read.”
No doubt my cousin thought the same of me, when I said Republican senators are too afraid of the president to do what’s right. Not wanting to create a scene, we let each other’s statements slide by in icy silence.
As a psychology professor and clinical psychologist in private practice, I know my relationship with my cousin would have improved if we could have discussed those issues in a nonthreatening way. If only.
I’m not alone in my frustration – and my desire for change. A December 2019 poll conducted by Public Agenda/USA TODAY/Ipsos showed more than nine out of 10 Americans said it’s time to reduce divisiveness, which they believe is exacerbated by government leaders and social media. People want to stop the animosity and relate to one another again. But how?
Based on my knowledge of psychological research, here are four approaches you can use to overcome divisiveness.
Avoiding interactions with people who have different opinions perpetuates divisiveness. Risk connecting with these people. Relate through activities you enjoy such as volunteering, joining a “Meetup” group or starting a book club. You could even invite people from various backgrounds to a potluck dinner at your home.
What activities like these share is a common goal, which creates a cooperative atmosphere instead of a competitive one. Research demonstrates that contact alone does not ensure cooperative interaction. To truly connect, you both have to demonstrate respect while working on a common goal.
2. Find common ground
It’s important to remember the basic need to feel secure is shared by all people. Focusing on commonalities can lead to a deeper understanding of another person, while focusing on differences will lead to arguments.
An argument involves two people asserting one is right while the other is wrong. But what gets lost in this scenario is the common ground of the problem they both are trying to wrestle with.
Restate the problem. Together, brainstorm all the different ways it might be solved.
For example, a person might say the only way to protect America from terrorism is to sharply limit immigration. Instead of challenging that immigration must be limited, you can restate the problem – then ask if there might be ways to deal with terrorism besides limiting immigration. You might find some solutions you agree upon.
3. Communicate
Listen more and talk less. Show the other person you have understood what they said before jumping in with your thoughts.
Everyone wants to be acknowledged as heard. If they are not, they will continue to press their point. So, to stop an argument in its tracks, start listening and reflect back what you’ve heard.
You’ve probably experienced listening for only what you want to hear – and possibly found yourself not listening at all. You may just be waiting to give a knee-jerk reaction to what the other person is saying.
To listen well, you need to first open your ears, eyes and heart. Examine your biases so you can hear without judgment. Suspend your self-interest and stay with what the other person is saying. Then tell that person what you heard.
Showing empathy does not mean you necessarily agree with what the other person is saying. It just means you’re reassuring the other person you have listened before making your own statement.
Now, it’s time for you to share where you’re coming from. Take a deep breath. Cool down and reassess your thoughts so you can give a considered response, instead of a quick reaction. You can disagree without being disrespectful.
Communication using the above process leads to a conversation instead of an argument and builds a more trusting relationship. It takes only one of you to create an empathetic conversation, as empathy begets empathy. The more compassionate understanding you give, the more you get.
Don’t passively accept all that you see and hear. There are too many sources of distorted facts, unsupported opinions and outright lies available today. Critically evaluate what is being presented by considering the source and fact-checking the content.
Above all, if the message seems fake, don’t share it. Google has a fact-checking tool, and First Draft News has tools to evaluate false content and the way it is disseminated. You can also consult Full Fact and CUNY’s fact-checking guide. So, when you hear or see someone sharing fake information, don’t challenge it. Instead, show how to fact check the information.
Avoid anger and hate in the content you consume. Evaluate whether it is seeking to pit you against another person or group. Follow media that supports empathy, compassion and understanding. But don’t get lulled into a bubble by reading only content you agree with. Help children and teens, not only to critically evaluate media, but also to become kind and caring toward people who are different from them. Teach tolerance by showing tolerance. Yes, you are only one person trying to create change, but your influence does matter.
As for me, the next time I see my cousin, I plan to listen with empathy; let him know I understand his point of view; and try to identify a common goal around which we can share our perspectives.
Jaguar Land Rover India has started accepting bookings for the new generation Land Rover Defender SUV. Customers will receive deliveries from August 2020 onwards, with prices starting from Rs 69.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The iconic off-roader was given a ground-up refresh when it debuted globally at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The Indian-spec Defender will come with a single-engine option. This will be the 2.0-litre engine turbo-petrol in its P300 guise, with outpots of 300PS and 400 Nm. This will come paired with JLR’s version of the ZF eight-speed automatic.
Land Rover Defender SUV.
Both the three-door SWB 90 and the five-door LWB 110 version will be offered here, each with five trim levels. These will be the Base, S, SE, HSE and First Edition. The Defender is being brought in as a CBU and will get notable features like the 360-degree Surround Camera, Wade Sensing, Electronic Air Suspension (Standard on 110), Smartphone Pack, Connected Navigation Pro, Off-Road tyres, Centre Console with refrigerated compartment (optional), among other things. Like the international version, the Indian-spec car will be highly customisable with a range of seating combinations and accessory packs to choose from.
The new Defender sits on the all-new D7X platform, not shared with any other Land Rover. This is aluminium monocoque structure three times stiffer than body-on-frame cars. The live-axle suspension has also been replaced by independent ones with air suspension available on higher trims. Adding off-roading capability to this is the permanent all-wheel drive, a twin-speed automatic gearbox, centre differential and an optional active locking rear differential. Notable new off-roading tech is the debut of the fully configurable Terrain Response system. Land rover’s ground-view camera is also available, which show the area usually hidden by the bonnet. This new architecture gives the Defender a ground clearance of 291mm and approach, departure and break-over angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively for the 110 version. There’s also 900mm of wading depth on offer through the new wade program in the Terrain Response 2 system. The Land Rover Defender will compete with the Jeep Wrangler in India.
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Reportedly 29 of 42 Apple Stores in China are to reopen Monday, basing it on a review of the firm’s retail websites. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, most stores have been shut down several weeks ago.
The locations that will have resumed operation are open for shorter periods of time. More are expected to re-open but there’s no official word from Apple as of the moment.
Apple stated that their revenue for March will not meet expectations largely due to lower customer demand and constrained iPhone supply. Limited hours and store closures have affected customer traffic, and while Apple has resumed production within the country the progress has been generally slow. Bloomberg has reported that iPhone sales in January have declined due to the coronavirus outbreak. It’s expected that February won’t be promising either due to problems with supply and demand. The Cupertino-based company states that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on its next quarterly call in April of 2020.
WhatsApp is expected to soon roll out the dark theme for its desktop app and web. The dark theme is now available in beta versions of iOS and Android apps. As per a report byWABetaInfo, the dark theme is not yet available on the desktop app and web but the good news is it is under development.
A few screenshots are also shared in the report to give a glimpse as to how this theme might look. In the screenshots, we can see that this theme might bring shades of dark green and black. The report suggests that it is unfinished as of now and apparently there is no toggle to turn on or turn off this theme, just like we saw in the beta version of Android and iOS apps.
It is not yet known as to when can we expect it to officially roll out so in the meantime if you want to use WhatsApp in dark theme on your desktop, there is a way around it.
Dark theme. Image: WABetaInfo
To recall, another report by WABetaInfo revealed that in the Android beta update v2.20.8, WhatsApp has rolled out a new ‘event colour’ for the dark mode. That is being referred to the notification you get on top of a new chat which reads that ‘messages and calls are now secured with end-to-end encryption’. The report calls it the ‘System Event Bubble’.
In the update, the bubble’s layout has been improved. For the dark mode, it apparently also uses a yellow colour for the text.
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