Category: feature

Stay connected in the world of tech! This week we’re giving the rundown on Twitter CoTweets, Spacial Audio on Netflix, and more. Read on for this week’s blog of tech news from around the world!!

Spacial Audio comes to Netflix content like Stranger Things and other originals

This week, Netflix announced that shows like Stranger Things will now have the option for spatial audio. This latest feature will allow for more immersive sound on select original content. The goal for Netflix is to improve the experience for those using the app on mobile or with Bluetooth headphone technology. The streaming giant has collaborated with Sennheiser on converting the sound mixes for its content into an expansive spatial audio presentation. According to Netflix, spatial audio “is compatible with all devices, all streaming plans, and does not require surround sound speakers or home theater equipment.”

Volkswagen Puts $20 Billion Towards Building its own EV batteries

Volkswagen is the attest automaker to invest a large budget towards developing EV vehicles. The German automaker has announced that $20.38 billion is to be invested in electric vehicle battery production. The company believes the initiative will help to create 20,000 jobs and generate billions in revenue. In addition, Volkswagen plans to create a new company called Power Co that will oversee its efforts toward EV battery production. Likewise, Power Co will help VW to manage its entire battery supply chain from research to development. In addition, the new company will also aid in the development of new technologies.

Twitter Test Co-Tweets Feature for Co-Authored Posts

CoTweets is the latest feature in development at Twitter. The company has recently started testing its latest feature with users on its social network this week. CoTweets allows two accounts to coauthor a tweet together. The company confirmed that the feature is in the works and live for some users and has been since earlier this year. “We’re continuing to explore new ways for people to collaborate on Twitter,” explains Twitter spokesperson Joseph J. Nuñez “We’re testing CoTweets for a limited time to learn how people and brands may use this feature to grow and reach new audiences, and strengthen their collaborations with other accounts.”

New Apple Feature Brings Extreme Privacy to User Devices 

Apple has announced its latest privacy feature for increased security against state-sponsored tracking. Lockdown Mode is a new setting available on iOS 16 and macOS Ventura meant to help keep the Apple devices of journalists, activists, and politicians more secure. The setting hardens an iPhone, iPad, or Mac’s defenses that may compromise a device. In addition, Lockdown Mode includes message blocking features like attachment types, and link previews. The iOS 16 and macOS Ventura are also set to include support for new passkey technology.

Amazon Prime Users Get GrubHub Plus For Free for One Year

If you love Amazon Prime and Gurbhub, this is the collab you have been waiting for. Amazon Prime has announced that users will get one year free of GrubHub Plus. The new benefit comes as a part of the Prime subscription which offers free food delivery on orders of $12 or more. Typically the GrubHub Plus subscription comes at a cost of $9.99 per month. Likewise, Amazon has stated that free deliveries will be available from hundreds of thousands of restaurants across over 4,00 cities in the US.

Satellites Successfully Launched by Virgin Orbit During First Night Mission

Virgin Orbit has had its first successful satellite launch. The company announced that a rocket carrying seven satellites completed a successful launch on July 2. The satellites were brought into the low orbit of Earth with the help of the companies Boeing 747 carrier aircraft. Likewise, the LauncherOne rocket was attached to the carrier in order to complete the mission. Called Straight Up, after the 1988 Paula Abdul song, the mission involved seven research satellites as part of NASA’s Space Test Program. 

Californians are no stranger to water conservation. In an ever-changing climate, we as Angelenos can do our part to beat the drought by forming water conservation best practices. Since 2020, water usage has increased by 17.6%. That is a lot of water! While most should know water conservation hacks like we know there will be traffic on the 405 during rush hour, an occasional refresher course is needed. Read on for helpful tips on conserving water.

Indoor Conservation Tips

When it comes to inside your home there are a number of easy and practical water conservation practices you can adopt. From quick maintenance fixes to better personal practices, below are some easy-to-remember tips.

• Fix leaks, including leaky toilets
• Install high-efficiency toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets, and water-efficient shower heads
• Take shorter (5-minute) showers
• Track your water bill and meter to curtail water use
• Turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving
• Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only

Outdoor Conservation Tips

The outdoors is just as important if not more than your indoor water conservation efforts. Everything from the plants you grow to how you clean and maintain your outdoor area matters. Make your efforts count with a few of the helpful tips listed below.

• Plant drought-tolerant/resistant plants and trees
• Recycle indoor water to use on plants
• Refrain from watering your home landscape when it rains
• Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants
• Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose
• Water your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler

We have the latest bite-sized round-up of the tech news you want to know. From Android Automotive in BMW to Snapchat + and more! Read this week’s blog and stay connected with the tech news happening around the world!

Android Automotive Comes to BMW

With the recent success of Google’s Android Automotive, another big automaker is bringing its tech to a car near you. BMW has announced it will adopt the platform in future vehicle models. Likewise, the company will develop its BMW Operating System software using Android Automotive beginning in March 2023. BMW Group’s lead developer for the digital driving experience, Stephan Durach, said it’s about having a second technological approach. “We are integrating the best aspects of all worlds — that could be our own in-house developments, Open Source or commercial software products, depending on what the specific solution looks like,” said Durach.

Robot Umpires May Come to Major League Baseball by 2024

The MLB has announced its plans to introduce robot umpires to its fields by 2024. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN this week that they view it as a way to speed up games. The “Automated Ball-Strike System” (robot umpires) will work one of two ways. One is the fully automated version, in which the AI-powered system calls every pitch a ball or a strike and relays the call to the umpire. Or the MLB could decide to use the AI as a review system, like VAR in soccer or the Hawk-Eye system used in professional tennis. Likewise, each side gets a certain number of challenges, which are then adjudicated by the automated system. 

Paid Subscription Lands on Snapchat for Power Users

This week, Snapchat kicked off its latest endeavor, a paid subscription service. Snapchat Plus will unlock exclusive and early access features for users starting at $3.99 a month. Snapchat + is geared toward “the people who spend most of their time communicating with their closest friends on Snap.” This statement comes courtesy of the company’s SVP of Product, Jacob Andreou. The project marks the social media platforms’ first time making money outside of advertising, though Andreou says there aren’t expectations for Plus to become a “material new revenue source.”

Facebook Groups Gets a Revamp with a Discord Aesthetic

Social media giant, Facebook has announced that its FB Groups service will be getting a new design. The style of Facebook Groups brings with it a new left-aligned sidebar and channels list for Groups. In addition, Meta has also added a new sidebar that lists your groups with rounded square icons. Like with Discord and Slack, you’ll be able to pin groups so that they show up first on the list. Individual groups will have a new menu that seems lifted right from Discord. The menu organizes things like channels, Messenger conversations, and events one after another. 

Wayfair to Have Products Delivered by Self-Driving Truck Waymo

The autonomous vehicle company Waymo will soon be offering its service to eCommerce home goods retailer Wayfair. Waymo will deliver home goods for Wayfair using its fleet of autonomous semi-trailer trucks, the company announced Tuesday. Deliveries will take place in a pilot program conducted by Waymo and JB Hunt Transport Services to test out self-driving trucks along certain shipping routes in Texas. The trucks will operate autonomously with supervision from two Waymo employees, a commercially licensed driver, and a software engineer, from the cab of the vehicle.

With its Mediterranean-like climate, Southern California is ideal for growing many herbs that thrive in seaside countries like Italy, Greece, and France–herbs that are popularly used in many popular recipes. You can enhance your summertime feasts with fresh summer herbs from your summer garden. The following are some of the top summer herbs that are likely to thrive in our setting. In fact, with their relatively sparse watering needs, these herbs are ideal for Southwestern inland and coastal gardens.

Oregano

A popular herb used in many culinary traditions ranging from Italy and Greece to Mexico and Turkey, oregano is a versatile plant that is easy to grow and may even offer medicinal properties, including improved digestion and blood sugar regulation. Many Southern California gardeners grow oregano to flavor sauces, soups, and stews. You can grow this plant directly in your summer herb garden, grow it in raised beds, or install it in a pot on your patio or terrace. To care for your oregano plants, avoid overwatering them and either water in the early morning or evening. If your garden soil is compacted, amend it with sand to ensure optimum growing conditions for oregano.

Rosemary

With its slightly pungent flavor, rosemary is a great addition to stews, meat dishes, and oily fish dishes. It pairs particularly well with vegetables like potatoes as well as meats and poultry. Rosemary thrives in sunshine and prefers a slightly loamy soil. Well-draining soil is a must, and you should also avoid overwatering these summer herbs. You can also grow rosemary in a pot placed in a sunny window of your home. Rosemary seldom needs to be fertilized.

Mint

Add minty flavor to your maridades, pestos, or even your cocktails right from your summer herb garden. Mint thrives in sunshine but will also grow in partial shade. Be sure your plants have plenty of space for good air circulation in order to avoid mildew. These herbs prefer a light, well-draining soil that’s slightly loamy. Unlike the previous two herbs mentioned above with their drought-tolerant properties, mint is less forgiving if kept dry. Be sure to water your mint plants early in the morning or evening.

Sage

Not only is sage a lovely summer herb for any garden, it is extremely useful as a kitchen herb. Especially popular in holiday recipes, sage is easy to dry for use in the winter. To grow sage, choose a sunny site with well-draining soil. After these summer herbs flower in the summer, you should cut them back so they don’t become woody and to encourage new plant growth. Mexican sage is popularly grown in Southern Californian herb gardens. Not only is it great for cooking, but can also be burned in your fire pit to keep mosquitos away.

Lavender

Lavender may not be as useful in the kitchen as the above herbs, but it is a lovely addition to pasties and teas. Plus, it boasts beautiful small blooms that will add fragrance to your garden and floral displays. Lavender prefers a sunny, dry location and requires minimum care. It also repels pests like flies and mosquitoes. In addition, Lavender is drought-tolerant, so don’t overwater this lovely herb.

These summer garden herbs are perfect to grow year after year. You can use them fresh from your garden or dry them for use all year long.

Keeping your home cool during the summer months in Southern California can be tricky but worth the time to review a few tips. Use these helpful tips to keep your home cool this summer without heavily relying on your AC so that you can prevent your household from becoming a heavy contributor to greenhouse gases.

Keep Your Blinds Shut

One of the easiest ways to keep your home cool on a hot summer day is simply to close your blinds. Blinds are a great way to reduce the amount of heat that is able to build up inside of your home, and the simplest way to lower the temperature by a few degrees immediately if you keep them shut at night into the daytime hours. Blinds located on the north and west side of your home are the most effective, but every window helps.

Consider Other Ways to Block the Heat

Blinds are not the only way that you can block heat from coming into your home, awnings and large plants on the exterior of your home can also help reduce the amount of sunlight that is able to come in. Plan for the long term and plant some deciduous trees so that they block the sunlight during the summer months but allow heat to drift in naturally during the winter months.

Fully Utilize Ceiling Fans

During the summer you need to set your fans to rotate in a counter-clockwise position otherwise they will just be pushing hot air around your home. This simple change allows air to be pushed down which will actually create a cooling effect. Then when the winter months come switch the direction clockwise so that cool air is once again pulled upwards.

Entertain in the Evenings

Take advantage of the cooler weather during the evening hours and choose to entertain outdoors so that you can enjoy the natural cool of the day and avoid the urge to turn up the AC to please your guests. Plus, grilling dinner outdoors is a great way to avoid the uncomfortable task of cooking dinner in a semi-warm kitchen.

Depending on what part of summer it is, you can also open up the windows in your home during the evening hours to help cooler air circulate throughout your home. If your home is properly sealed, you can trap the cooler air in the morning by closing up your home and keeping your home temperature moderately controlled throughout the day without using your AC.

Optimize Your Lightbulbs

If your home still feels warm, you might want to check your lightbulbs. Incandescent lightbulbs actually produce heat, so if you are using these instead of energy-saving bulbs it might be time to make the switch

It’s time for the latest round-up of tech news for the week. From Amazon Drones to Meta’s Latest Parental Control updates and more, we have you covered. Read on for all the latest tech news happening from around the world.

Californians May soon Receive Amazon Packages Via Drone

Amazon drone delivery has been in the works for some time with new plans for delivery services in California. The company has announced it will begin delivering packages to a few communities in the north as it continues to test its service. Residents of towns like Lockeford and Acampo will be able to order “thousands of everyday items” from the e-commerce giant for delivery in less than an hour. Amazon’s Prime Air drones can carry packages with a weight of 5 pounds or less. This news comes as Amazon still awaits approval from the FAA to commercially fly cargo. Amazon filed for certification in 2020 but has not yet received clearance. If all goes accordingly post-approval, the rest of California can look forward to an even speedier delivery on their favorite Amazon buys.

Instagram Tests New Full-Screen Feature

In an effort to compete with TikTok, Instagram has launched a new full-screen feature. The feature is currently in beta-test mode with a select group of users but would also come with an updated navigation bar. Depending on if the experiment goes well, the company hopes it will make the platform more discoverable and immersive. Likewise, the latest design initiative comes as Instagram shifts from a still-image platform. In addition to the full-screen test, the company tested a feature last month to highlight videos. Along with updates to the feed and navigation bar, Instagram is also testing adding shortcuts to post or create a message. 

New Shared Electric Motorbike From Lime Comes to California

Shared scooter company, Lime, has announced a trial of its e-bikes in Long Beach. The company will debut “the Citra” on the streets of LB as the latest lightweight electric vehicle to join the company’s fleet. The bike comes with a large padded seat and can reach speeds of 20mph. With the rate of gas prices increasing, the company hopes riders will opt to rent an e-bike instead of driving. Lime will launch the motorbike “At-scale” in Long Beach, starting with  “several hundred” e-bikes throughout the city. “Our fleet size will be variable as we’re ramping up and we’ll scale with demand,” Murphy said. “We anticipate having several hundred Citra’s available this summer, topping out at 500 if we see the strong ridership we expect.”

Latest Xbox App Feature Brings Much Needed Update to Platform

A new game performance indicator launched this week on the Xbox app. Microsoft has added a feature that lets users know if a title plays well on their PC before downloading. Although the company has always listed system requirements, this update simplifies suitability. Likewise, the backend process of the new feature is a bit more complex. The Xbox app feature generates a prediction on if a game will run by comparing a game’s performance on PCs with similar specs to your own. “If your PC isn’t up to the task of running a graphically demanding game, you’ll be able to view the game’s system requirements to get more details on what you need to run the game,” explains Tila Nguyen, senior product manager lead on Xbox experiences at Microsoft. Of course, not all games will come equipped with this feature as the company works through its rollout process. 

New Parental Control Features Added to Meta’s Quest VR

All Quest virtual reality headsets will soon include parental controls. Likewise, this news comes as the company has debuted parental control features across its other platforms, including Instagram and Horizon Worlds VR. Similar to parental control phone features, the update requires linking a teen’s Facebook account to a parent or guardian. Of course, children under 13 are advised not to use Quest. With Meta moving full-steam ahead into the world of VR and AR, more privacy and parental control features are sure to come.

Camo App Makes Gives an Upgraded Look to Webcam View

Those seeking to upgrade their webcam view have a new option thanks to Camo. The app, available on iOS, Android, and iPadOS lets users add overlay stickers to a live view when using a webcam. Camo’s new feature will allow users to include info like their social media handles and pronouns, anywhere your video appears. The launch of Camo’s latest feature comes after Apple announced its new webcam tool Continuity Camera which allows users to use their iPhone as a webcam for their Mac without special software. As a part of the company’s 1.7 updates, users can choose between 17 template overlays that can be edited to fit their needs. In addition, users will also have the option to build their own overlay using text and graphics.