Skype doubles its group video chat limit to 50 participants
Skype now allows for up to 50 people in video and audio chats, double that of before. And instead of ringing everyone as a way to get a group call started, you can now send unobtrusive notifications to get everyone’s attention. The update is available now with the latest version of Skype for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Palm seeks redemption for its tiny smartphone, now a $199 stand-alone handset
Palm is having another stab at generating interest in its tiny smartphone. As well as offering a stand-alone version and improving its specs, it's also slashing its price to $199 from $350 throughout April. The original device was poorly received when it launched in 2018, but will this latest effort win it any fans?
WhatsApp finally lets you control who can add you to a group
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that will allow you to block others from adding you into groups automatically. It means that if someone wants to add you to a group, you’ll have to give your permission first. The privacy setting is rolling out now and will be available globally within a few weeks.
Robotic bees are set to invade the International Space Station
There'll be a couple of bees buzzing about the International Space Station in a few weeks' time. OK, they're not real bees, but instead "Astrobees.” Designed by NASA, the compact flying robots are capable of performing routine chores so the crew can focus more on its research activities.
Amazon’s crazy delivery-drone blimp, as imagined by a video artist
If Amazon ever gets to build the extraordinary delivery-drone blimp that it featured in a patent filing a few years ago, then this video shows how it might look. The blimp would act as a floating warehouse with drones buzzing back and forth on delivery runs to nearby addresses. Well, that’s the idea at least.
Vending machine prints out free short stories for London commuters
A vending machine offering short stories by famous authors has launched in London. The free stories have been penned by writers past and present and take around one, three, or five minutes to read. Research suggests 36 percent of Brits have given up on at least one book in the last year because of a lack of time.
Space debris from India’s anti-satellite missile test a threat to ISS, NASA says
Numerous pieces of debris resulting from India's recent anti-satellite missile test pose a threat to the safety of the International Space Station, a NASA official said on Monday. But India insisted the test was conducted in the safety of the lower atmosphere, with any debris likely to decay within a few weeks.
Pandora to start testing A.I.-powered interactive voice ads
If you spot someone in the street talking to ads on Pandora in the coming months, then no, you’re not going mad. It's part of a trial by the music streaming service that will use interactive voice ads to encourage responses from listeners so brands can learn what elements of a product they’re most interested in.
Germany’s space agency wants to catch rockets in the sky after launch
SpaceX and Blue Origin land their rockets back on Earth shortly after launch, but Germany's space agency is developing an alternative rocket recovery system capable of catching the booster as it glides back to terra firma. The agency hopes the design, if successful, will slash the cost of future satellite launches.
2 million diners hit by malware attack at restaurants across U.S.
Payment card information belonging to more than 2 million restaurant diners has likely been stolen in a malware attack involving compromised point-of-sales systems. Targeted outlets include Buca di Beppo, Planet Hollywood, and Earl of Sandwich, among others. Owner Earl Enterprises said it’s investigating the breach.
NASA’s Mars Helicopter is ready for the Red Planet after successful flight tests
NASA’s Mars 2020 mission is heading toward the final stages of preparation, with the space agency recently completing the maiden test flight of its Mars Helicopter. The news comes just a few days after NASA announced the successful debut test drive of the Mars 2020 rover.
Gmail for iOS finally gets handy customizable swipe actions
Nine months after it landed on Gmail for Android, Google is finally bringing its improved swipe feature to iOS. It means that when you swipe an email, instead of only having the option to delete it, you’ll be able to archive, mark as read/unread, snooze, and move it to another folder, too.
FTC forces the closure of four major robocall scam operators
Chasing down illegal robocall operators must feel like a game of whack-a-mole for the FTC, but the fight goes on. The commission recently announced it had forced the closure of four separate operations responsible for bombarding people across the United States with billions of scam calls.
Airbnb’s most popular rental in the world is a California cabin
Airbnb's most popular rental globally is a tiny dome-topped cabin in California. The revelation came as the online accommodation service celebrated half a billion guest arrivals globally since its launch in 2008. Airbnb currently offers around six million places to stay in more than 80,000 cities around the world.
Volunteers sent to bed for 60 consecutive days in offbeat space experiment
Twenty-four volunteers went to bed earlier this week and won't be getting up again for two months. It's part of an experiment by NASA and ESA to learn more about the negative effects on the human body of prolonged periods of weightlessness — important if astronauts are ever to embark on missions into deep space.
Uber expands its low-cost Ride Pass program to 17 more cities
Uber launched its money-saving Ride Pass program in five cities in October 2018. This week the company is rolling it out to 17 additional locations, offering riders savings of up to 15 percent per trip for a monthly fee, making it a tempting option for regular users of the ridesharing service.
McDonald’s to use A.I. to tempt you into extra purchases at the drive-thru
Next time you're at a McDonald's drive-thru, you might see the menu board change as you give your order. The new board incorporates A.I. and can suggest extra items based on your choices. It can also reflect things like weather conditions and the time of day. Bottom line? You’ll probably end up ordering more stuff.
Man pleads guilty to scamming Facebook and Google out of more than $100M
One of the men behind an elaborate fraud that saw Facebook and Google each hand over tens of millions of dollars has admitted to his part in the scheme. Lithuanian Evaldas Rimasauskas, who was extradited to the United States in 2017, faces up to 30 years behind bars when he’s sentenced in July.
Google’s Street View is mapping Earth’s most Mars-like terrain
Life on Mars on Earth on Street View. Confused? You needn't be. We're talking about Devon Island, a remote location in Canada's Arctic that's said to be the most Mars-like place on Earth. Street View recently visited the island to map the terrain and meet some of the scientists working there.
Domino’s in-car infotainment app lets you order pizza on the drive home
Another day, another way to order a pizza at Domino's. As part of its quest to prevent you from getting through an entire day without ordering one of its greasy wheels, the company has now teamed up with vehicle software company Xevo on an app that lets you order pie via your car's infotainment system.
Dublin Airport has a novel idea for tackling rogue drones
A growing number of technology-based solutions are providing airports around the world with various options when it comes to dealing with rogue drones, but officials at Dublin Airport have come up with an altogether different solution aimed at keeping the skies safe: Human plane spotters.
Apple teases Monday’s big event with an early look into Steve Jobs Theater
Apple is gearing up for a big event on Monday where it's expected to unveil a video-streaming service to take on the likes of Netflix. But more than 12 hours before it starts, the company has apparently cranked up the event's livestream from an empty Steve Jobs Theater. Well, empty but for some occasional skits ...
How three simple words could be the difference between life and death
What3Words’ app-based address system gives a three-word code to every three-meter-square patch on the planet. Its accuracy and ease of use means first responders are starting to understand its benefits, with a growing number of organizations in the U.K. already incorporating it into their work.
Postmates now offers a way to get free delivery on meal orders
Postmates is offering customers the chance to order meals with free delivery. But you'll have to be cool with the idea of waiting a little longer for your food to arrive as the delivery driver will be carrying other meals for different customers. The feature launched in cities across the U.S. this week.
