MAY 23-24:
It might be a long weekend, but today’s tech trend post is not short on interesting topics. Take a look below to see what happened in this week’s Monday review.
1 – GOOGLE MAKES “FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S” A REALITY
Let’s face it Google is pretty omniscient. They know where you live, what you like, when you’re awake or asleep, and when you’ve been bad or good – online. They’re practically the modern day Santa. Which is why their latest IoT (Internet of Things) patent is rather questionable. Especially considering how much of an Internet meme creepy animatronics have become, thanks to the truly terrifying indie game “Five Nights At Freddy’s”.
What’s even more questionable is why Google not only decided to patent animatronic IoT toys for kids, but both a bear and a bunny – animals that represent the two main characters from the FNAF horror game: Freddy and Bonny. Creepier still is Google’s own description of how these new “toys” will “turn their heads towards users and listen to what they were saying, before sending commands to remote computer servers”.
Your best hope is to employ a decent night shift security guard, stock-up on AA batteries for your flashlight, and don’t forget about Foxy.
Source – BBC
2 – IS TOUCH ID COMING TO ANDROID?
We recently reported in a digital trend article that fingerprint identification was becoming a lot more mainstream. And now it turns out that Google will finally be adding it to their operating system. Samsung might have had it on their flagship devices for a while, but it has not been officially supported by the search giant as yet. Which also means big implications for Google Wallet and Mobile Payments.
Expect to see more unveiled across the upcoming Android M platform (set to replace Lollipop) at the Google I/O event in California.
Source: STGIST
3 – APPLE PAY NOW ON YOUR WRIST
You may have seen our post on using Passbook and digital passes (like coupons) on Apple Watch. It’s very easy and comes as a native feature. But now you can finally use Apple Pay with your registered card as well, on your wrist. It even works for older iPhones, because you can use the NFC chip built into Apple Watch rather than needing it in your phone. If you want to find out exactly how to set it up for iPhone 6 or earlier, check out this in-depth MacRumors article.
4 – WILL APPLE PAY EXPAND OUTSIDE THE U.S. SOON?
Apple Pay is coming to Europe as soon as this summer, according to a Belgian Bank: KBC. Despite being out for over 7 months, the service is predicted to expand after this year’s WWDC. It’s a big step, but a long overdue one as Apple Pay has been exclusive in the U.S. for some time. Which hasn’t stopped over 300 banks signing up, as more large retailers like Express offer the service.
Source: BetaNews
5 – FOR FONT’S SAKE: APPLE CHANGING ENTIRE iOS AGAIN
When it comes to touch screens, the Apple Watch is small. So small in fact Apple not only designed a new scroll wheel to prevent your finger from blocking the screen, but they also implemented a new typeface. San Francisco replaced Helvetica Neue due to its enhanced legibility. And apparently, it’s soon coming to iOS 9 and OS X 10.11. We’ll see more at the June WWDC.
Source: 9to5mac
6 – SPOTIFY WANTS TO OWN YOUR DAY WITH MORE THAN SONGS
Streaming music is a simple pleasure. But with the market now awash with services like Google, Apple, Rdio and even Jay Z getting in on the action (TIDAL), how can the current King compete? Hoping to keep hold of their crown, Spotify has recently launched an updated service. Users will be able to stream not only music, but also podcasts and even video content all tailored to their day.
Source: The Verge
