Posts Tagged: talk

NASA can’t talk to its Mars robots for two weeks because the sun is in the way

NASA’s Mars exploration robots will be on their own for the next two weeks while the space agency waits out a natural phenomenon that will prevent normal communications. Mars and Earth have reached positions in their orbits that put them on opposite sides of the sun, in an alignment known as solar conjunction. During this time, NASA says it’s risky to try and send commands to its instruments on Mars because interference from the sun could have a detrimental effect.

To prevent any issues, NASA is taking a planned break from giving orders until the planets move into more suitable positions. The pause started on Saturday and will go on until November 25. A Mars solar conjunction occurs every two years, and while the rovers will be able to send basic health updates home throughout most of the period, they’ll go completely silent for the two days when the sun blocks Mars entirely. 

That means the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, the Ingenuity helicopter, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the Odyssey and MAVEN orbiters will be left to their own devices for a little while. Their onboard instruments will continue to gather data for their respective missions, but won’t send this information back to Earth until the blackout ends.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nasa-cant-talk-to-its-mars-robots-for-two-weeks-because-the-sun-is-in-the-way-213022922.html?src=rss

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

NLRB says Tesla violated the law by telling employees not to talk about pay

The National Labor Relations Board has accused Tesla of violating labor law by prohibiting employees in Orlando, Florida from talking about workplace matters. According to Bloomberg, NLRB's Tampa regional director filed a complaint against the automaker in September for breaking the law when it told employees not to discuss their pay with other people and not to talk about the termination of another employee. In addition, based on the filing the news organization obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Tesla management reportedly told employees "not to complain to higher level managers" about their working conditions. 

Tesla has had to face several complaints by the NLRB over the past years. In 2021, the agency found that the automaker had violated US labor laws by firing a union activist and threatening workers' benefits. The NLRB ordered the company to rehire union activist Richard Ortiz and to remove all mentions of disciplinary action from his files. It also ordered Tesla chief Elon Musk to delete a tweet that the court had deemed a threat that employees would be giving up company-paid stock options if they join a union. The tweet in question is still live, and Tesla is appealing the NLRB's ruling in court. 

An agency spokesperson told Bloomberg that a judge will hear the complaint filed by the Tampa regional director in February. As the publication notes, companies can still appeal the agency judges' decision to NLRB members in Washington and then to federal court, so any corrective action may take years to happen.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Switch to Straight Talk and get the iPhone SE (2020) for $149

If you’re willing to use Straight Talk, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is only $ 149 right now — What a steal!
Digital Trends

Talk to the wrist: Alexa is the best smartwatch assistant

Whether you’re looking to control your smart home or ask some questions, Alexa may just be the right voice-activated assistant for your smartwatch.
Mobile | Digital Trends

Elon and Jack hit Twitter to talk about a Twitter feature

Prospective Twitter owner Elon Musk and Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey had a little chat about a particular Twitter feature on Wednesday night.
Mobile | Digital Trends

Talk Android’s Best of 2021 Awards

2022 is here, and depending on who you ask, 2021 either flew by or dragged on longer than the infamous 2020 did. But whichever side of the fence you’re on, that didn’t stop new things from coming out and impressing us all year. It’s hard to talk about everything that came out in an entire […]

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Talk Android’s Best of CES 2020!

CES 2020 was full of new gadgets, including some impressive new smart home tech, crazy televisions, and other things that we’re going to spend all year looking forward to. We’ve put together our list of the coolest things we saw at the show. Check it out! Best of CES – Lenovo Yoga 5G Lenovo came […]

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Talk Android’s Holiday Gift Guide (2019)

It’s winding down to the end of the year, and that means many of us are scrambling to finish up buying presents for the holidays. Don’t let it stress you out, though; there’s a lot to figure out, but Talk Android has a pretty comprehensive gift guide covering a ton of potential gift options for […]

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[Deal] Save on some brand new Aukey accessories exclusively for Talk Android readers [50% off]

Aukey has released a new line of mobile chargers and accessories for your smartphone designed at delivering the fastest possible charge without taking up a ton of space or costing a ton of money. The Omni-Power line has power adapters for your home and car, wireless chargers, portable batteries, cables, and more, and we’re here […]

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Talk Android’s best of IFA 2019!

IFA 2019 is winding down, and there were plenty of things announced to get excited about. Huawei is pushing 5G processors, we saw a ton of speakers that are smarter than ever, and quite a few new phones were announced that we’re looking forward to. Check out our list of our favorite gadgets and announcements […]

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It’s taken 11 months but the Google Assistant can finally talk like John Legend

With Google I/O 2019 a little over a month away, it’s time to reflect back on a feature that was first promised at I/O 2018, which was the promise that the Google Assistant would soon be able to answer your requests using John Legend’s voice. Fast forward to April 2019 and John Legend’s voice is […]

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Want to join the Talk Android team? We’re hiring!

Have an interest in Android and Google news? Want to use that interest and write for a team with other smartphone enthusiasts? Talk Android might just be the destination for you! We’re looking for part time writers to join our site and cover the daily news cycle, review gadgets, and offer your opinion one of the […]

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Talk Android’s 2018 Gift Guide for the Holidays

Need to get started on your holiday shopping? Don’t panic, Talk Android is here to help you out. We’ve rounded up our favorite phones, smart home devices, and accessories to give you some ideas of what to get for the holiday season, and we’ve tagged some reviews so you can read up on everything before […]

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[TA Deals] We’re giving away a SNES Classic Edition through Talk Android Deals!

Did you want a SNES Classic but couldn’t find any in stock over the holidays? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’re giving away one of Nintendo’s retro consoles through Talk Android Deals, and it’s incredibly simple to enter the contest. This console includes a ton of classic games, including hits like The Legend of […]

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[TA Deals] Get a discounted lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited through Talk Android Deals!

Here at Talk Android we really like VPNs, and our deal of the day will get you a VPN Unlimited lifetime subscription without breaking the bank. That means you can protect your online privacy and security and get around pesky georestrictions to online for a single low price. VPN Unlimited is a powerful VPN tool […]

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Netflix offers a first look at Michelle Wolf’s weekly talk show

Netflix sure has a knack for timing — while Michelle Wolf was busy running the show at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the streaming service posted the first trailer for her weekly talk show The Break. The clip (which has Wolf fighting rele…
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Talk with the first-ever robot politician on Facebook Messenger

Have you often felt that no matter what you asked politicians, they'd automatically reply with a stock response? Now you can address a real robot that plans on running for office — or at least, that's what its creators intend. SAM is an AI chatbot '…
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Talk to Pikachu through your Amazon Echo or Google Home

Pikachu is virtually inescapable in the tech world, and that includes the smart speaker in your living room. The Pokémon Company has previewed Pikachu Talk, an app meant for Alexa- and Google Assistant-powered devices like the Amazon Echo and…
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Join Talk Android as its assistant video editor!

If you’ve checked out our YouTube channel in recent weeks, you probably noticed something is different. We’re in the process of overhauling our video strategy under Kent Oki’s lead. That’s why the videos are really solid these days. Now we’re seeking an assistant video editor to contribute when needed. We want you to focus on […]

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Watch Andy Rubin talk about Essential at the Code Conference

Essential’s Andy Rubin will speak about his new company and phone tonight at the Code Conference 2017. Today’s a big day for Essential. With the introduction of the Essential Phone, we’re seeing what mobile industry masterminds are able to produce together. Rubin hired talent from Google, Apple, HTC, and other companies to create this device. […]

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Join Talk Android as a writer!

We all have opinions. We don’t all have the platform to share them. Now’s your chance to take your opinions into the spotlight. Talk Android is looking for a Writer who can contribute news posts, opinions, and guides for a global audience. Every week we’d like for you to produce content that stands out. So […]

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Giveaway: Win a Huawei Mate 9 from Talk Android!

There isn’t any doubt that the Huawei Mate 9 is one of the best phones of 2017. It’s still early in the year, but Huawei is going all-in with this global flagship. The Mate 9 has a stunning metal body, offers specifications fine-tuned for the software, and comes with the latest version of Android. Our […]

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Merry Christmas from Talk Android!

Everyone at Talk Android wishes you a warm, joyful Christmas! Come comment on this article: Merry Christmas from Talk Android! Visit TalkAndroid

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Samsung’s Gear VR 2 is coming soon, but talk of a HoloLens challenger is way more exciting

A Samsung executive has let it slip the Gear VR 2 will be released in the near future, and that it will be followed by an even more exciting project, based around augmented reality. The headset may deliver a Microsoft HoloLens-like experience.

The post Samsung’s Gear VR 2 is coming soon, but talk of a HoloLens challenger is way more exciting appeared first on Digital Trends.

Mobile–Digital Trends

Happy Halloween from Talk Android!

Everyone at Talk Android wishes you a spooky and scary night! Come comment on this article: Happy Halloween from Talk Android! Visit TalkAndroid

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‘Interscatter communication’ could help your brain implant talk to your iPhone

Researchers at the University of Washington have created a way of letting next-gen wearables and implants communicate with the outside world using 10,000 times less power than regular Wi-Fi.

The post ‘Interscatter communication’ could help your brain implant talk to your iPhone appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Talk Android Podcast: Episode 15

Listen to the fifteenth episode of the Talk Android Podcast. It’ll stream live on YouTube on August 5 at 4:30PM ET. In Episode 15 (8/5/16), we discuss the following topics: Launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Marshmallow, Lollipop growth prior to Nougat’s arrival Kim Kardashian’s BlackBerry Bold dying Android 7.0 possibly launching this month […]

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No camera? No problem: French talk show uses iPhone when equipment fails

When a French talk show’s camera equipment died about an hour and 45 minutes into taping, the team had to make a game-time decision. And who was there to save the day? The trusty iPhone, of course.

The post No camera? No problem: French talk show uses iPhone when equipment fails appeared first on Digital Trends.

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Talk Android Podcast: Episode 10

Listen to the tenth episode of the Talk Android Podcast. It’ll stream live on YouTube on June 19 at 1:00PM ET. In Episode 10 (6/19/16), we discuss the following topics: Verizon slips up and reveals Moto Mods pricing OnePlus 3 announced with aluminum unibody and $ 399 price No more free pizza on T-Mobile Tuesdays Samsung launches an Apple-like […]

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Happy New Year from Talk Android!

Happy-new-year

Happy New Year from all of us here at Talk Android! Cheers!

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Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Talk Android Apps of the Week: December 13, 2015

google_play_gifts

It’s Sunday, the time of the week when Talk Android brings you a report on some of the very best applications we’ve been using over the course of the past seven days. Today we’re focusing our attention on a fantastic organization tool, a reliable Roku controller, an amazing wallpaper database and an incredibly addictive puzzle game.

Google Keep

google-keep-app

Organization is key over the Christmas season. It’s important to make lists not only for the gifts you want to buy, but for the groceries you need to pick up, too. I’ve never been a fan of noting down chores on a piece of paper because I always seem to lose them — so this year I’ve done all my preparation on Google Keep.

For those unaware, Keep is an in-house application developed by Google, which enables you to record notes, lists and even photos. Any files created using the service can also be shared with other users, making it extremely easy to collaborate and assign tasks to friends, family and even colleagues.

Android Wear compatibility also means you can view your lists on your wrist. This is great when you’re out shopping as you can simply browse through the items you need to purchase, checking them off along the way.

Play Store Download Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

Roku

Roku-Logo

If you own a Roku set-top-box, I’m sure you’d agree that its remote control is pretty shoddy and comes up short on the functionality scale. Due to its poor quality, the IR blaster has to be pointed directly at the box itself, which is a bit of a pain if you have all your third-party hardware neatly tucked away.

However, Roku recently updated its official companion application for Android to allow users to control their device over WiFi. In addition to having a fully-fledged remote accessible via their smartphone, adoptees will also be able to search for content and remotely open applications without having to trail through Roku’s long-winded menu system.

One of my favourite features, is the facility to push content from either your phone or tablet to your Roku box. I find this particularly handy when I’m having friends and or family round for dinner and they all want to see photos from a recent event or vacation.

Play Store Download Link

Roku-1 Roku-2 Roku-3

Backdrops

Backdrops-Logo

As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, I’m quite partial to a creative background or two, and am constantly changing the wallpaper on my smartphone to suit my mood. This week, I think I may have discovered the best Material Design-inspired images database out there.

Backdrops is a free application available to download from the Play Store. It’s filled to the brim with tons of Full HD shots that have been handcrafted by a dedicated design and development team. There are even some device-specific renders stored inside the app, created solely to take full advantage of a handset’s color profiles, in order to produce the clearest possible picture.

Play Store Download Link

Backdrops-1 Backdrops-2 Backdrops-3

ZigZag

ZigZag

If you have a weakness for a traditional puzzle games, then you’re going to love ZigZag. The title’s objective is simply to keep a ball on a wall. All you have to do is tilt your device up, down left and right to guide the ball along its path without allowing it to fall. As you progress through the game, however, the difficulty increases. Bends will appear more frequently, and the overall pace of the ball escalates.

Play Store Download Link

ZigZag-1 ZigZag-2 ZigZag-3

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Talk Android Apps of the Week: September 27, 2015

google_play_gifts

It’s Sunday, the time of the week when Talk Android brings you a report on some of the very best applications we’ve been using for the past seven days. Today we’re focusing our attention on an awesome third-party launcher, a renowned live-streaming application, a competitive pool game and last, but not least, a must-have travel tool.

Hola Launcher

Hola-Launcher-Android

Up first this week we have Hola Launcher, which made its way onto the Play Store back in August, 2014. I’ve been using this launcher on my LG G4 for a while now, and it’s safe to say, I don’t see myself switching back to Google’s stock alternative any time soon.

The application weights in at a mere 2.9MB, so it won’t take a huge toll on your device’s memory usage, meaning that your handset should stay clean, fast and responsive.

Don’t let its file size fool you, though. Hola is filled to the brim with the latest and greatest functionality any launcher has to offer, all of which are guaranteed to change the way you use your device. A few of my favorite features can be seen below:

  • Smart Folders: Automatically scans through the applications installed on your smartphone and puts them in specific folders based on their category. For example, on my G4 I have Finance, Games, Tools and Social Media folders.
  • Hola shine: An intuitive menu consisting of your most frequently used applications and settings, which can be accessed by swiping up from the bottom right-hand corner of your display.
  • Unrestricted Personalisation: The ability to download and install gorgeous themes, wallpapers, icon packs, fonts and sounds from Hola’s dedicated store.

To really get to grips with Hola Launcher, it’s best to see it in action, so be sure to check out the gallery below.

Screen Shot 2015-09-27 at 09.27.44 Screen Shot 2015-09-27 at 09.29.05 Screen Shot 2015-09-27 at 09.29.20

Play Store Download Link

Twitch

183156-twitchandroid

If you’re a huge gaming fan like me, you’re probably aware of the online live-streaming platform, Twitch, and since Forza Motorsport 6 launched last week, I’ve been unable to pull myself alway from the hoards of different streams showcasing the title’s insane gameplay — so I thought it only fitting to include Twitch in this week’s Apps of the Week column.

The application itself is essentially a secure portal to Twitch’s website, which gives you a direct link to broadcasts from all of your favorite streamers on your smartphone. If you happen to own a Chromecast, you can even Cast the stream to a big screen, which is great for when there’s a big tournament on, and you want to have a couple of mates over to watch it with you.

Contrary to popular belief, Twitch for Android is actually immensely stable and reliable. I’m happy to report that over the course of the past week, the app did not crash once and streams remained silky smooth in Full HD regardless of the data connection being used at the time (Wi-Fi or 4G).

To see Twitch in full swing, take a look at the demonstration video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link

8 Ball Pool

8-Ball-Pool

Up third, we have 8 Ball Pool, which is arguably the most entertaining game currently available for Android. The title comes from Miniclip and has been available for the past two years, during this time it has been progressively updated to be one of the best multiplayer game that I have ever played.

Whether you’re competing 1-on-1 or engaging in an eight-player tournament, you’re in for hours of fun. As you progress through the game, potting ball after ball, you’ll unlock exclusive cues, sweet add-ons and access to more prestigious tables on which you can battle for a higher stake.

To see it in 8 Ball Pool, check out the teaser video below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link

CityMapper

City Mapper

The final app I’m looking at this week is called CityMapper, which is a must-have tool for anyone who relies on public transport to get around. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve headed into Central London only to find myself lost, unfortunately I don’t possess a very good sense of direction as you’ve probably guessed, but CityMapper has always managed to get me to my intended destination in good time.

The service grabs real-time data from a variety of different modes of transport, including trains, buses, and cabs, in order to provide you with the cheapest, fastest route to your port of call. There’s a comprehensive A-to-B journey planner, which gives you step-by-step directions on board too.

I can honestly say that CityMapper has completely changed the way I get around town. Before, I always had to rely on Google Maps and the Transport for London website to supply directions as well as train times, but this application takes an all-in-one approach and gives you access to this data. It really is fantastic.

Be sure to take a look through the gallery below to get a feel for all of CityMapper’s features.

Screen Shot 2015-09-27 at 09.41.46 Screen Shot 2015-09-27 at 09.41.52 Screen Shot 2015-09-27 at 09.42.00

Play Store Download Link

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You can now silence your Pebble Time or talk to it in German

Pebble has updated its latest smartwatch lineup with a quiet and standby mode, alongside multi-language support for broader appeal in Europe and Latin America. The firmware update will be available for the Pebble Time and Time Steel.

The post You can now silence your Pebble Time or talk to it in German appeared first on Digital Trends.

Wearables»Digital Trends