Bobby Hellard
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Articles by Bobby Hellard
The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is a case of style over substance, with middling performance and battery benchmarks
Security 4 hours ago 4 devious email scams hitting inboxes right now, and how to spot them Fast Company - BY Doug Aamoth • 4h The old rules that kept you safe from scammers no longer apply. For the last decade, email scams have run rampant on the internet. And corporate IT departments have handed out the exact same advice like clockwork: Look for bad grammar, hover over links, and turn on two-factor authentication.
The nostalgic Motorola Razr 70 is a decent budget flip phone with good cameras, but I wouldn't recommend it for work
Hello Moto; there is a big slice of nostalgia to be had when unfolding the Motorola Razr 70. From its initial greeting to the sheer joy of having an early noughties-style flip phone brought back as a touchscreen, the Razr 70 fills that role very well. The 70 is the budget or mid-range model to the 70 Ultra. At face value, it might seem a little expensive for a budget phone, but £799.99 is quite cheap when compared to other foldable devices – the new ZFlip8, for example, is over £1,000.
New 'Transformer' humanoid robot can launch a shapeshifting drone off its back — watch it in action
Caltech engineers have developed a multimodal robot system — a humanoid robot with a transforming drone that launches off its back. Sitting on the back of the humanoid robot, a Unitree G1 machine, the drone, called M4, can transform — switching between driving and flight modes. We’re not talking Optimus Prime or Megatron here; instead, the drone-expelling bot is more like Soundwave, a Decepticon that housed different, mini transformers, like drones, in its chest.
Humanoid robots could lift 4,000 times their own weight thanks to breakthrough 'artificial muscle'
Computer illustration of a robot holding a dumbbell. Researchers in South Korea have built an artificial muscle that can lift approximately 4,000 times its own weight. They say it can be used in future humanoid robots. A key breakthrough with the muscle's design is its ability to be flexible or taut when needed, which is a first for this field of research. The scientists outlined their findings in a study published Sept. 7 in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Meet Robot Drummer: Scientists train an AI to drum like Linkin Park and AC/DC — but it sounds like it has plenty of practice to do
Humanoid robots can pick up objects, run, and even play sports (to a limited degree), but can they master the rhythm of a drum kit? Thanks to new research, they sort of can. Robot Drummer is a humanoid robot avatar capable of “expressive, high-precision drumming”, scientists at the Politecnico di Milano said in a new study uploaded July 15 to the preprint ArXiv database.
Meet Robot Drummer: Scientists train an AI to drum like Linkin Park and AC/DC — but it sounds like it has plenty of practice to do | Flipboard
Linkin Park Replaces Ozzy Osbourne At No. 1 In America For several weeks after his death, Ozzy Osbourne dominated most of Billboard’s hard rock charts. The legendary musician appeared with many of his most famous cuts, as well as Black Sabbath’s celebrated smashes. As time goes on, sales and streams of both Black Sabbath’s and Osbourne’s catalogs have …
HP Omen 16 (2023) review: A cut-price gaming laptop with noisy fans
1 hour ago ‘Golden State Killer’ prosecutor enlists special K-9 to sniff out cybercrimes in new digital strategy A special electronic detection K-9 is helping a central California district attorney's office crack down on a rise in cybercrimes.
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra review
Samsung’s Galaxy Book3 Ultra is the South Korean giant's answer to the Apple MacBook Pro but it is also a rather sleek and stylish ultrabook in its own right. The quality of the display is the clear attraction point here, especially given Samsung’s expertise in that field. It would be an understatement to say that Samsung specializes in display technology as the company makes pixel-perfect smartphones, luminous laptop displays, and probably some of the most vivid TV screens around.
Guendouzi’s reputation is progressing faster than his talent
Arsenal need the young French star to keep a cool head… “Humility” was the word Neil Maupay used after Brighton’s smash and grab victory at home to Arsenal. Though he didn’t say his name, it was clear from what had gone on, he was talking about the Gunner’s temperamental midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi. The young French International escaped further punishment, this week, with the FA choosing to not pursue any further action following the post-match altercation between Guendouzi and Maupay.
Subs galore when the Prem returns…
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Portland Thorns get a dark new Nike kit
Portland Thorns get a dark new Nike kit Women’s soccer never looked so good… Like this: Like Loading... Published by BobbyFlipFlop Bobby is a journalist with a passion for classic and retro trainers, flip flops and shoes. View all posts by BobbyFlipFlop Post navigation
Adidas launches COPA UNIFORMA boots
Adidas launches COPA UNIFORMA boots The Premier League is coming back and all those Adidas sponsored ballers are going to look so fresh… Like this: Like Loading... Published by BobbyFlipFlop Bobby is a journalist with a passion for classic and retro trainers, flip flops and shoes. View all posts by BobbyFlipFlop
Clinical finishing, coefficients and Niall Quinn: how Kevin Phillips won the European Golden Shoe
Alan Shearer didn’t win the Golden Shoe award as he was never the top hitman in Europe; this despite being the Premier League’s record goalscorer and hitting 30 or more goals in three consecutive seasons. There was only one Englishman who bagged that prize – and he used to clean Shearer’s boots as an apprentice at Southampton. That apprentice was Kevin Phillips, who was actually considered too short to be a centre-forward at five-foot-seven and then not good enough to even be a right-back.
MPs slam Verify scheme that's "failing the public" | IT PRO
Government Digital Service missed every single one of its performance targets for the online programme, according to report The government's problematic digital ID system, Verify, "is failing its users and struggling to meet key targets" according to a report by MPs. Although the online identity service has been live since 2016, MPs from the public accounts committee have lambasted the scheme for missing all of its performance targets and failing to deliver value for money.
Huawei MateBook 13 hands-on review: An innovative alternative to the MacBook
Huawei has launched three new laptops - or rather, the three new laptops it launched at CES in Las Vegas are coming to the UK, with some surprising extras. The MateBook X Pro and the MateBook 14 will be available in April, with the MateBook 13 set for release in February. Now, despite what's going on in the news, Huawei is proving exceedingly popular when it comes to hardware.
Acer Chromebook 13 (CB713) review: A great Chromebook - for a limited time
Being cheap and easy to use is what Chromebooks are all about, but that shouldn't mean it delivers less in performance, reliability or aesthetics, right? However, as we noted when taking the Acer Chromebook 13 out of the box, it's not going to win any beauty contests. It's a dull, old-fashioned looking clamshell laptop and we'd expect a little more from the manufacturer that built the gorgeous Acer Swift 7.
Google and Dell team up on enterprise Chromebooks
Dell touts Chrome OS versions of its business-focused Latitude laptops as Windows alternatives Google and Dell are teaming up to take on Microsoft with two enterprise-ready Chromebooks, according to reports. Dell is launching Chrome OS takes on a pair of its popular business-focused laptops in the form of the Latitude 5400 Chromebook Enterprise and the Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chromebook Enterprise.
Recall for MacBook Pros with "dangerous" batteries
Apple warns models sold between 2015 and 2017 "may pose a fire safety risk" MacBooks are so hot right now, particularly 15-inch Pro models sold between September 2015 and February 2017 which are being recalled due to batteries that can overheat and pose a danger to users. According to Apple, these pose a fire safety risk and the company is asking for customers to stop using them immediately.
Huawei plans Mate 30 smartphone launch despite Google ban
The next-generation large form-factor Huawei phone will be revealed in Munich on 18 September Embattled smartphone giant Huawei is readying a new handset even though it may not be able to offer Google's official Android operating system, according to reports. The company is planning on launching its Mate 30 range of phones in Munich on 18 September, a source familiar with the matter has told Reuters, despite not being able to bundle in licensed Google apps and services.
iPhone 11: Apple turns it up to 11 and beyond | IT PRO
The company announces a slew of new iPhones and services as it looks to get back on track For most people, cold weather and browning leaves signal the start of autumn, but for a dedicated section of the general public (the ones not using Android), the season doesn't begin until a new iPhone is launched.
What is HarmonyOS? A guide to Huawei's operating system
We take a look at Huawei's fledgeling OS that's aimed at IoT and, potentially, smartphones With the US government's ban looming over it, and Google forced to stop supplying Android to it, 2019 has been a tough year for Huawei. Despite releasing a range of acclaimed smartphones, the company is now facing an uphill battle to keep the world's most popular OS on its devices. However, it has revealed a backup plan should the worst happen; it's been developing its own operating system, HarmonyOS.
Huawei Mate 30: Huawei starts life without Google | IT PRO
Huawei has launched the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro without Google Play Services at an event in Munich, Germany. The Chinese smartphone giant has unveiled 4G and 5G versions of both models, but they're predicted to struggle in Europe without supporting Google's apps. Get the ITPro newsletter Get free daily newsletter from ITPro, delivering the latest news, reviews, insights and case studies.
Android drops the sugar in new naming scheme
Google refreshes its OS with changes to the logo and its confusing naming scheme Android has scrapped its tradition of naming new versions after sweets to avoid confusion within its developer community, Google has revealed. Since Android Cupcake in 2009, the company has used a sugary treat as a codename for each update, however, from its next iteration onwards, the OS will come with a simple number naming scheme similar to that associated with mobile devices.
What to expect from Apple's iPhone 11 event
Here we go again. The summer is all but over, warmer clothing is back on the streets, and Apple is ready to launch another handset, the iPhone 11 - it's now officially autumn. The Cupertino company has sent out "special" invitations for an event on Tuesday 10 September at 10 am PST (18:00 for us in the UK) at the Steve Jobs Theatre, in California. Get the ITPro newsletter Get free daily newsletter from ITPro, delivering the latest news, reviews, insights and case studies.
Three users angry over slow response to outage
The network provider says it's suffering from "intermittent service" on Twitter Customers of UK network provider Three have reported being unable to use their mobile phones or 4G home broadband services since Wednesday evening following what appears to be a nationwide outage. Millions of users have been left without a signal or access to data with complaints that Three has been slow to respond.
OnePlus 7T review: OnePlus a whole lot more | IT PRO
It's de rigueur for modern smartphones to come in a range of sizes, but with a tendency for the biggest model to have more impressive specs. The OnePlus 7 Pro, for example, looked significantly better than the regular model thanks to that amazing display and a cheeky periscope camera. So other than being a decent device for a relatively cheap price, this left the 7 looking a little bland by comparison.
Google Pixel 4 XL review: A Soli excuse for a battery
As Halloween, winter and (dare we say it) Christmas approaches, 2019 is set to end as a very good year for smartphones. From January onwards we've been spoilt for handsets, starting with Samsung's Galaxy S10 and Huawei's P30 Pro and finishing with the iPhone 11. Now, as people start thinking about their list to Santa, Google has launched the next iteration of its flagship - the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Ironically, this has also been a tough year for the market, with global sales down.
how an episode of 'black mirror' became a creepy reality
On November 28 2015, a 34-year-old man called Roman Mazurenko was hit by a speeding Jeep in central Moscow. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but died of his injuries. His best friend Eugenia Kuyda arrived just before he passed, just missing the chance to speak with him one last time. She spent the next three months collecting text messages that Mazurenko’s friends had stored on their phones and handed them over to the engineers at her software company Luka.
how an episode of 'black mirror' became a creepy reality
On November 28 2015, a 34-year-old man called Roman Mazurenko was hit by a speeding Jeep in central Moscow. He was rushed to the nearest hospital but died of his injuries. His best friend Eugenia Kuyda arrived just before he passed, just missing the chance to speak with him one last time. She spent the next three months collecting text messages that Mazurenko’s friends had stored on their phones and handed them over to the engineers at her software company Luka.
Next range of iPhones will be 'S' models
Apple's next model of iPhone, set to be released in September, will have a similar design to last year's iPhone X, according to Bloomberg. Apple is allegedly planning an 'S' year, where it updates the previous year's phone model rather than releasing wholly new designs. The world's most valuable company is planning three new models and a wider range of prices, features, and sizes. However, like last year's iPhone X and the iPhone 6, there will not be much tampering with the design.
Pixel 3 XL unboxed in YouTube video
Google may not have much of its Pixel 3 left to unveil in October after an unboxing video was posted on YouTube. The phone has been allegedly released on the Ukrainian black market, for $US2,000 a piece according to 9to5Google. A new video, posted by In DIGI, offers a detailed look a5 the larger version of the device from all angles, and also confirms previous reports of the in-box accessories.
Google unveils Android Pie, but what is it filled with?
The latest version of Android's operating system - Android Pie - is now available, but only for Google Pixel users, before being rolled out to other devices in the coming months. Since 2009, Google has given its Android operating systems a sweet-based nickname, such as KitKat or JellyBean. The previous version was called Oreo.
Windows 10 to be bundled into Microsoft's new monthly management plan
Microsoft is putting together a desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) offering that will support Windows 10 devices, that it's reportedly calling the "Microsoft Managed Desktop". The service will provide customers with the ability to lease a Windows 10 device, automatically provisioned for them, with the operating system regularly updated, for a single monthly fee, according to Petri.
Newly released iOS 12 beta redesigns your iPhone's icons
A new iOS 12 developer beta is now available, introducing a handful of new changes mostly concerning glyphs and icons in the settings. The new beta, reviewed on 9to5Mac, has updates to the News buttons, with 'Today', 'Spotlight' and 'Channel button' all slightly redesigned with updated glyphs - the icons used to describe a feature or button within the settings of a phone's operating system. There are also new icons in the Albums tab, where photo categories have been tweaked with redesigned icons.
Apple's new MacBook Pro aims to solve keyboard dust issues
Apple's keyboard on the new 2018 MacBook Pro may have quietly fixed an issue where dust rendered keys inoperable, a teardown of the latest machine suggests. Despite Apple claiming the new 2018 MacBook Pro keyboards were not made to prevent the widely reported issue, iFixit has taken apart the new model and found a silicone membrane that covers the mechanism under each key.
Google readies itself for 'record fine' in Android antitrust case
The European Commission (EC) is reportedly set to hand Google a record multi-billion Euro fine tomorrow to resolve an antitrust case involving the company's Android operating system.
Intel will not be chipping in with 2020 iPhones
Apple has notified Intel that it will not use the chipmaker's 5G modems in future iPhone models, according to a report from Calcalist. It was reported that Intel has halted production of the 5G modem, code-named "Sunny Peak" as Apple was expected to be the key mobile customer for the modem with the 2020 iPhone range. Intel issued an official comment on Calcalist's report: "Intel's 5G customer engagements and roadmap have not changed for 2018 through 2020.
Mortgage Intelligence partners with Bluestone
Bluestone Mortgages has partnered with network and mortgage club Mortgage Intelligence. The partnership will see Bluestone’s products and solutions on offer to all network appointed representatives and directly authorised mortgage club members. Matt Andrews, managing director at Bluestone, felt the partnership was a natural choice.
End of FLS could cause fixed rate complacency
When considering when to fix borrowers should not only be looking at when the base rate will rise but also paying attention to when the Funding for Lending Scheme will end, Moneyfacts.co.uk has warned. With the FLS due to end in 2018, a full year before experts predict a base rate rise, Moneyfacts.co.uk’s finance expert Rachel Springall has warned that complacency could creep into the market.
Competition and choice send equity release to record high
Increasing competition and choice is fuelling the surge in demand for equity release products, analysis by Key Partnerships has shown. With a record 66 different schemes or variants now available, director at Key Partnerships, Will Hale has welcomed the development. He said: “Increasing competition and choice in the equity release market is a welcome development as continuing demand demonstrates how important property wealth is to meeting customers’ retirement needs.
Property investment could surge if UK stays in EU
Voting to stay in the EU could see a surge in investment in the UK property market in the second half of this year, according to Kames Capital. David Wise, investment director at Kames Capital, believes that whilst property investment has been hard hit by the uncertainty caused by the impending referendum ‘wait and see’ investors could give a much needed boost if the UK votes to stay.
Inflation rate stays at 0.3% in May
The UK inflation rate stood at 0.3% in May for the second consecutive month, the Consumer Price Index from the Office for National Statistics shows. Inflation dropped after reaching a 15-month peak of 0.5% in March. The inflation rate stands well below the Bank of England’s target of 2%.
Roundup: Best free VPN apps
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) let you use the internet anonymously, concealing your identity as if you're connecting via an alternative service or from somewhere different to where you really are. It all sounds a bit sneaky, like something out of a high-tech espionage novel or a hacking tool to evade detection from the government or activists, but using a VPN is useful for anyone worried about their browsing security.
Oracle bundles cloud revenues, claiming it reflects hybrid approach
Oracle has changed the way it reports cloud revenue figures every quarter by only offering up a combined figure for SaaS, PaaS and IaaS. The database vendor used to report SaaS numbers on their own, and a combined figure for PaaS and IaaS, but it is now reporting just one figure for all of these, lumped in with license support. It's also combined new cloud licenses and new on-premise licenses under 'new software licenses', not breaking either out.
iOS 12 public beta released
Apple has released the public beta for iOS 12, allowing iPhone and iPad users to download the next version of its mobile software ahead of general release. The new software brings with it a handful of notable tweaks, including making the camera and keyboard faster and more responsive, improvements to phone call quality and better Siri functionality.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update is now safe for enterprises
Microsoft's Windows 10 April 2018 Update is now safe for IT departments to roll out to staff, thanks to AI. The tech giant has used AI to monitor characteristics of Windows devices that had the fewest issues when updating their operating systems for the Fall Creators Update, but said it "substantially expanded" the scale of its machine learning model to help teach the system to identify the best devices to update first with the April 2018 Update (version 1803).
Apple is closing the security loophole that lets police extract private data from locked iPhones
Apple will change the default settings of its iPhone to stop hackers from accessing information through the phones' Lightning port and, in doing so, will cut off a loophole used by the police to access protected iPhone data. The Cupertino company says the changes are part of its regular security updates and its only aim is to provide better security for iPhone users, denying the changes were designed to stop US law enforcement from gaining access.
PGP isn't broken and you don't need to disable it, says inventor
ProtonMail and the inventor of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) have released a strong statement dispelling recent reports that the encryption program should be disabled because of alleged vulnerabilities. The developers of the email encryption program, including its creator Phil Zimmermann, have come together to set the record straight, taking aim at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for promoting advice that users disable PGP to deal with the EFAIL issue.
Intel's Mobileye tests self-driving car tech in Jerusalem
Intel's Mobileye division has started testing self-driving cars in Jerusalem, a city supposedly know for its challenging driving conditions. While Mobileye is based in Jerusalem, so testing in its home city is sensibly convenient, the city also throws Intel's driverless car technology into the deep end. "Jerusalem is notorious for aggressive driving. There aren’t perfectly marked roads. And there are complicated merges. People don’t always use crosswalks.
Autopilot was switched on in Utah crash, says Tesla
The driver of a Tesla car that crashed into a firetruck in Utah last week had enabled its Autopilot feature, the company has confirmed. The Model S collided with a stationary vehicle in its path on 11 May after the driver turned on both the 'autosteer' and 'cruise control' features 80 seconds prior to the accident, Tesla told police.
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