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Google's Nest doorbell knows when your packages arrive
It can be nerve-wracking if you're waiting for a package to reach home -- just because you received a "delivered" alert doesn't mean it'll be where you wanted it, or that it'll still be there when you get to your door. Google may ease your worries after today. It's rolling out package detection to all Nest Hello doorbell owners in the US with Nest Aware subscriptions. You'll get an alert when a box reaches your doorstep, and another when someone (hopefully a person in your household) picks it up. You can specify activity zones if you know there's a preferred drop-off spot, such as one side of your front porch.
Microsoft's first webcams in years might include Xbox One support
Microsoft hasn't been in the webcam game for a long time, but it might come roaring back -- and with some thoroughly modern hardware, to boot. Sources talking to Paul Thurrott (well-known for his Microsoft connections) claim Microsoft wants to return to webcams in 2019 with two 4K models, "at least one" of which would support Xbox One consoles in addition to Windows 10. This wouldn't necessarily replace the Kinect (you'd need depth sensing for that), but it could offer multi-user automatic sign-ins, Skype video chats and other features that either went away or require a third-party camera.
Facebook shuts down tbh and other apps over 'low usage'
Some of Facebook's mobile app efforts fare better than others, and that's clearer than ever right now. The social network has announced that it's shutting down teen polling app tbh, caller ID tool Hello and fitness tracker Moves based on "low usage." It's scrubbing user data for all three within 90 days, but the apps will likely stop working before that. Facebook will deprecate Moves and its programming kit on July 31st, while Hello is facing a similar fate in "a few weeks."
Google sponsorship will cut ad time on Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show'
Google is determined to drum up attention for Nest's Hello video doorbell, and it's going about it in an unusual way: by taking over a commercial break. When The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs on March 27th (that's tonight if you're reading in time), CBS will replace one of the usual ad breaks with a "More Show presented by Google's Nest Hello video doorbell." It's the first takeover in the show's history, CBS said.
Archos' 'Hello' smart displays are powered by Google Assistant
As Google Assistant continues to get smarter every day, more and more companies are making hardware that's compatible with the platform. The latest one is Archos, which has introduced a couple of Google Assistant-powered smart displays at MWC 2018, adequately dubbed "Hello." Like with other similar products, you can use the Hello display to ask Google for a variety of things, such as the weather, recipes or news. The benefit here of course, compared to something like the Home Mini, is that you can actually view your search results on a screen, as opposed to just hearing what the Assistant has to say.
Printed photos can fool Windows 10's Hello face authentication
Windows 10's facial authentication system might be able to tell the difference between you and your twin, but it could apparently be fooled with a photo of your face. According to researchers from German security firm SySS, systems running previous versions of the platform can be unlocked with a printed photo of your face taken with a near-infrared (IR) camera. The researchers conducted their experiments on various Windows 10 versions and computers, including a Dell Latitude and a Surface Pro 4.
Microsoft’s minimal Modern mouse and keyboard are now available
Microsoft revealed its Modern Keyboard and Mouse last month. Both are styled like the company's Surface devices and the keyboard has Apple-style "chiclet" keys and a sturdy aluminum frame. It also has a fingerprint sensor tucked in between the Alt and Ctrl keys for Windows Hello biometric security. The keyboard and mouse peripherals are now available for $130 and $50, respectively.
Peter Thiel-backed bed sensor company Hello is put to sleep
In an announcement posted yesterday on Medium, Hello's founder James Proud said that his company would be shutting down. And Hello's product, the sleep monitor Sense, will be shutting down along with it.
Hello's 'Sense' sleep sensor gets voice controls
Hello Inc. has launched a new version of its sleep sensor called "Sense with Voice," with the highlight being (wait for it) voice commands. As a reminder, it consists of a sphere-shaped monitor and pill-shaped sensor that attaches to your pillow and detects your movements. Rather than just controlling it with a smartphone as before, you can now say "Okay Sense" to set the alarm, gauge your sleep quality or check environmental factors like the humidity and temperature.
Orkut creator intros a social network based on your obsessions
Google might have axed Orkut a couple of years ago, but the social network's spirit is living on. Its namesake Orkut Büyükkökten has launched Hello, a follow-up social service that tries a unique angle to reel you in. Rather than compete directly with giants like Facebook, it has you choosing 'personas' (such as clubber, geek, photographer or traveler) that reflect your interests. You can browse those personas to find like-minded fans, and an algorithm helps tailor both your friend suggestions and your news stream.
Windows phones will finally let you log-in with a fingerprint
We've know for a while now that Windows 10 would support for alternative log-in options like fingerprint, facial and iris recognition. Thanks to Windows Hello, unlocking a phone with facial recognition is possible, but using a finger to access your device hasn't been an option. Well, that's about to change. At the WinHEC conference this week, Microsoft announced that support for fingerprint scanners will be part of a Windows 10 Mobile update this summer.
Windows 10's 'Anniversary Update' arrives this summer
Just because Microsoft is less focused on monolithic Windows releases doesn't mean it's forgetting to deliver big upgrades. The company has used Build 2016 to announce a so-called Anniversary Update for Windows 10 that delivers some hefty improvements. For one, it brings Windows Hello's biometric authentication to all kinds of apps, including the Edge browser: You can sign into a website with your fingerprint. Pen support also gets its due with a sticky note app, a sketchpad and virtual drawing tools like a ruler and a stencil. The upgrade brings more advanced gestures and pen input, a Linux command-line shell, smarter Cortana commands (such as sending files to colleagues) and unification between the Windows 10 and Xbox One app stores. The Anniversary Update arrives this summer, so it shouldn't be too long before you can give its features a try. Get all the news from today's Microsoft Build keynote right here!
These are the first third-party Windows Hello cameras
Microsoft's Windows 10 computers have a log in feature called Windows Hello, where users are able to access their devices using facial recognition algorithms. On the downside, the feature was only available on newer devices with depth-sensing cameras built-in. That is, until eye-tracking company Tobii decided to change things up by offering support for the service with its standalone cameras.
Firefox's latest browser has built-in instant messaging
Mozilla is rolling out Firefox 41 to desktop and Android users and says it's now the first browser to have built-in instant messaging. That feature only works on the desktop version for now, but lets you IM directly from a Hello video call whether you're on Windows, Mac or Linux. Because Hello is WebRTC powered, you can chat with Chrome or Opera users once it's supported on those browsers. If you happen to use Firefox's chat (which Mozilla co-developed with Telefonica) instead of say, Skype, it could come in handy if you're traveling and using an internet cafe.
Windows 10's face detection isn't easily fooled by twins
Windows 10's facial recognition is supposed to make it easy to sign into your PC while maintaining security, but just how good is it? Good enough that even your doppelganger might not get in, apparently. The Australian has conducted an informal test where it tried to fool Windows using sets of identical twins, and the software wasn't tricked once -- it had a problem logging in both twins in one instance, but it otherwise allowed only those individuals that had set up recognition in the first place. That was true even when the 'evil' twins attempted to spoof the camera by adjusting their hair or removing their glasses.
Facebook Hello shows who's calling your Android phone
As helpful as it is, caller ID doesn't really tell you everything about who's ringing your phone or why. Is it an acquaintance? A best friend's birthday? Or a robocaller? Facebook might have a better solution. It's rolling out Hello, the previously leaked Android caller ID app. The software shows all the Facebook information that a caller is willing to share, whether it's public or between friends -- you may know who someone works for even if it's the first time you're speaking together. You can also find out how many times a number has been blocked, automatically block the worst offenders and search for people or places. Facebook is only offering Hello in Brazil, Nigeria and the US right now, but it won't be surprising if the app spreads elsewhere before long.
Windows 10 log-in options will include fingerprint, facial and iris recognition
Microsoft thinks it's high time you ditch your passwords. The company, which is readying Windows 10 for release later this year, just announced that its next-gen OS will include built-in support for several alternative log-in options, including fingerprint, facial and iris recognition. That means so long as a Win 10 machine has at least one of the necessary sensors -- a fingerprint reader, eye scanner or illuminated IR sensor for facial recognition -- there will be a built-in framework called "Hello" that helps users enroll their fingerprints, or face, or what have you. In other words, then, regardless of who made your machine (Acer, HP, et cetera), you'll get a consistent user experience for setting up a biometric log-in.
New Nintendo eShop releases: More of the Samus, please
$10 for the Metroid Prime: Trilogy on Wii U with apparently faster load times? Om nom nom. While we're talking, Nintendo, any word on a new Metr-hello? Anyone there? Oh well. So, check out this week's full list of new eShop releases below the break, as well as the last week of Nintendo's Throwback sale here. And a reminder: After 9AM PT/12PM ET on February 5, Metroid Prime Trilogy goes up to a regular price of $20. Get it while it's hot!
Evernote says goodbye to Hello and Peek
Evernote has announced it will be ending support for its contacts management app Hello on February 7. The company suggests migrate their data to Evernote before then. Here's the email Evernote sent out announcing the closer. As of February 7, 2015, Evernote will discontinue its support for Evernote Hello and we won't be making any further updates to the app. What will happen after February 7, 2015? Future attempts to sign in to Evernote Hello will no longer work. For this reason, we recommend you save your contacts to Evernote or your phone before February 7. Suggested Alternative If you like Hello, Evernote is an even more powerful way to manage your contacts. Like Hello, it instantly captures information from business cards, adds details from LinkedIn, and lets you search and recall contacts with any of your devices. The company is also ending support for its flashcards app Peek on February 7. Now users will be directed to download the company's partner app Study Blue.
Firefox beta simplifies video chat, shares calls with a single link
Firefox added its 'Hello' videochat feature to its experimental beta browser back in October, and now it's taking on board user feedback to make it all a little more appealing. You can still use the feature without registering for the account, but there's now less steps to get that running - you'll also get an audio ping when your partner joins the call. Conversation windows each have a unique URL, which can be shared, well, anywhere you can paste it. You can then maintain these links to continue conversations at a later time and the message history will remain, even if you aren't registered for an account. So, what is the point of logging in with a Firefox account? It'll let you directly call you contacts - if they're also logged in.. and aren't using Hangouts instead.