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AfterDawn: News

IP address not enough to identify pirate, court says

Written by James Delahunty @ 30 Aug 2018 8:01

IP address not enough to identify pirate, court says An appeals court in the United States has determined that an IP address is not sufficient evidence that the subscriber is responsible for copyright infringement.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholds a previous ruling made by District Judge Michael Simon. Judge Simon previously dismissed the plaintiff's claim against the accused and found that the plaintiff should pay his legal fees amounting to $17,222.

In 2016, the man at the center of the case was accused of downloading and distributing the Adam Sandler movie The Cobbler. Typically these kind of claims are settled out of court with the alleged pirate agreeing to pay some damages. However, the accused in this case did not settle because he runs an adult foster care home which has an open WiFi network connected to Comcast.

The decision was appealed and this week and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Margaret McKeown made it clear that the plaintiff - Cobbler Nevada LLC - didn't have an infringement claim against the accused.

"In this copyright action, we consider whether a bare allegation that a defendant is the registered subscriber of an Internet Protocol ('IP') address associated with infringing activity is sufficient to state a claim for direct or contributory infringement," the Judge wrote.

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AfterDawn: News

World's first 8K OLED TV shown off by LG at IFA

Written by James Delahunty @ 30 Aug 2018 7:25

World's first 8K OLED TV shown off by LG at IFA LG Electronics is displaying the world's first 8K organic light-emitting diode (OLED) television at its booth at IFA 2018 in Berlin.

The monster 88-inch class 8K LG OLED TV features over 33 million self-emitting pixels to produce the unmatched contrast ratio and true blacks that you can expect from OLED. The 8K (7680 x 4320) OLED TV is the world's first of its kind according to LG.

OLED produces much sharper images than LCD but production of OLED has been more difficult over the years. Nevertheless, shipments of OLED TVs is expected to double to nine million units by 2022. The 8K television market is obviously still in its infancy, but LG expects it to hit 5 million units overall by 2022.

One advantage of OLED is that the displays emit their own light without the need for a backlight. A backlight produces waste heat and uses more energy than an OLED display, and also produces far less sharp image with a noticeable difference particularly with dark scenes.


"LG's first 8K OLED TV is the pinnacle of technological achievement and the next evolutionary step in display technology," said Brian Kwon, president of LG Home Entertainment Company.

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AfterDawn: News

Samsung to sell 8K QLED TVs next month

Written by James Delahunty @ 30 Aug 2018 6:54

Samsung to sell 8K QLED TVs next month Samsung has unveiled its new 8K resolution QLED televisions at IFA in Berlin and will begin selling them in select markets from September.

The new Q900R QLED 8K sets are quite large, with 65-, 75-, 82- and 85-inch models soon to be available. 8K resolution displays four times more pixels than a 4K UHD TV and 16 times more pixels than a full HD TV at 1080p. The Q900R displays are capable of 4,000 nit peak brightness.

In addition, the Q900R features Direct Full Array Elite for enhanced contrast and precise backlighting control, and also 100% Color Volume, enabling users to witness billions of shades of color for the purest color accuracy to-date.

Support for the HDR10+ format is also included from day one, while other Samsung 4K TVs are currently receiving HDR10+ support through firmware updates.

HDR10+ advances the High Dynamic Range (HDR) and HDR10 TV formats. It adds dynamic metadata to each video frame which enables advanced chipsets to create true-to-life picture across a wider range of displays. It is essentially a competitor to Dolby Vision which also seeks to improve HDR.

  
  

Of course there is no 8K video content available on the market yet, but Samsung has an answer for that. Packed inside the new Q900R QLED 8K sets is a Quantum Processor 8K to enable 8K AI Upscaling. It uses artificial intelligence to upscale the content to appear in 8K quality.

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AfterDawn: News

Apple buys holographic display manufacturer, AR glasses on the way?

Written by Matti Robinson @ 30 Aug 2018 9:28

Apple buys holographic display manufacturer, AR glasses on the way? Behind the closed doors there are a lot of things Apple is developing. However, the company is super secretive and careful about their upcoming products. One might have been revealed nonetheless.

Reuters reports, that Apple has closed an acquisition of a company called Akonia Holographics, and, as you might guess, they make holographic displays.

Why is this relevant, you may ask. Well, Apple has been rumored to be working on a new product that would expand their augmented reality effort outside iPhones and iPads. Akonia's displays happen to be the type of see-through displays you'd like to use in an AR headset.

Akonia Holographics was launched in 2012 by researchers in the field of holographics. At first they were developing storage solutions but quickly saw the promise of the technology in displays and especially AR needs.

HoloMirror is one of around 200 patented inventions of the company, and could indeed be the basis of an upcoming Apple AR glasses.

Apple's acquisition comes as Akonia was looking for an investor to secure the next round of investment. It is, however, unclear when the transaction was finished.

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AfterDawn: News

White Xbox One X and Elite Wireless Controller coming soon

Written by James Delahunty @ 29 Aug 2018 7:58

White Xbox One X and Elite Wireless Controller coming soon Microsoft has revealed it will release an Xbox One X console and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller in white.

The Xbox One X console in white will be part of the Xbox One X Robot White Special Edition Fallout 76 Bundle. As suggested, the bundle comes with a white Xbox One X, a white Xbox Wireless Controller and full game download of Fallout 76.

The bundle will set interested consumers back $500, and will be available from November 14 from Microsoft stores and Gamestop stores around the world. You can pre-order the bundle now.

A new special edition Xbox Elite Wireless Controller will be sold separately and costs $150. It can be preordered before its October 16 release from Microsoft Store or Gamestop outlets. With it you can swap between a variety of metal thumbsticks and D-pads for personalized control that can improve accuracy and speed. Hair Trigger Locks are ideal for rapid fire gameplay environments.

Additionally, it's easy to attach and remove additional paddles on the back of the controller.

Also announced by Microsoft is the improved Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp Pro Performance Gaming Audio System for Xbox One. The new headset will be released on September 16 in the United States and on October 8 in Europe.

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AfterDawn: News

Rare 1st Gen iPhone prototype hits eBay

Written by James Delahunty @ 29 Aug 2018 10:59

Rare 1st Gen iPhone prototype hits eBay A very rare prototype model of the first Apple iPhone is up for auction on eBay, quickly hitting bits in the five figures and drawing media interest.

While prototype Apple gear is seen now and then on auction websites, this model is definitely different. According to the listing and other materials, it is a 2006-era prototype model. It runs a very early version of Apple's iOS (or iPhone OS then) to test the prototype hardware.

In addition to the special software, each radio signal bands are etched into the device's rear housing. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and each of the original iPhone's four supported GSM bands are accounted for.



The seller has noted the differences between this rare prototype and the mass produced first generation iPhone, which was released in 2007:
  • Rare Apple engineer sticker which says Ver 1.1.1
  • Running multiple testing software, including OS X and Earthbound (not the normal OS 1)
  • Used by Apple for testing to make the original iPhone
  • Circa 2006. Before the original iPhone release date (mid 2007)
  • Different weight. Much heavier at 144.5 grams (normal iphone 2g is 135 gram)
  • No FCC etchings at the back
  • Bell icon for the mute button
  • Complete different internals, including different battery, different wifi etc
  • Excellent investment
  • Early prototype
  • Hand made in Cupertino, California. (not mass produced in China like normal iPhones)
  • Secretly code named Project Purple (at this stage of development, the "iPhone" name was unknown)
  • EXTREMLY RARE. Only a few are known to exist
  • Highly sought after
At the time of writing, the highest bit stands at $12,500.00 after 66 bids.

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AfterDawn: News

Toyota to invest $500 million in Uber

Written by James Delahunty @ 28 Aug 2018 12:58

Toyota to invest $500 million in Uber Toyota is to make a $500 million investment in Uber as the pair seek to catch up to competition in the self-driving car space.

The Japanese firm said that the investment would involve the mass production of a fleet of autonomous vehicles. Uber would then deploy these self-driving vehicles as part of its ride hailing service. Toyota's Sienna Minivan model will inspire the autonomous vehicles' design.

Toyota's investment in Uber values the company at $72 billion.

"This agreement and investment marks an important milestone in our transformation to a mobility company as we help provide a path for safe and secure expansion of mobility services like ride-sharing," said Shigeki Tomoyama, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Source: BBC News




AfterDawn: News

HDR10+ support coming to Panasonic, Samsung 4K TVs

Written by James Delahunty @ 28 Aug 2018 12:57

HDR10+ support coming to Panasonic, Samsung 4K TVs Some of Samsung and Panasonic's 4K TVs will soon support the HDR10+ format through a firmware update.

Additionally, 20th Century Fox has committed to incorporating HDR10+ in its upcoming new release slate. The studio is currently exploring several titles for release in the marketplace and plans to announce availability in the coming weeks.

HDR10+ advances the High Dynamic Range (HDR) and HDR10 TV formats. It adds dynamic metadata to each video frame which enables advanced chipsets to create true-to-life picture across a wider range of displays. It is essentially a competitor to Dolby Vision which also seeks to improve HDR.

The issue with Dolby Vision is TV manufacturers filmmakers have to pay significant royalties in order to use the technology. With HDR10+, there is a nominal administrative fee and no royalties. Panasonic, Samsung, 20th Century Fox, Amazon and others are involved with the development of HDR10+.

"Panasonic is happy to announce that through the deployment of a firmware update, the majority of our 2018 4K models are now HDR10+ certified meaning that our viewers will be able to enjoy content even closer to the intentions of the filmmakers," said Toshiharu Tsutsui, Director of Panasonic's TV Business Division.

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AfterDawn: News

3D printed gun design ban extended

Written by James Delahunty @ 28 Aug 2018 12:55

3D printed gun design ban extended A US federal judge has extended the ban on the publication of designs for 3D printed gun parts.

US District Judge Robert Lasnik extended a ban on the publication of 3D printed gun part designs by Distributed Defense that was put in place in early August. The ban was set to expire today, but Judge Lasnik cited "irreparable harm" in his decision to extend the ban.

In July, the US Justice Department ruled that blueprints for 3D printed gun parts could be published by Distributed Defense, citing no threat to national security since the types of guns featured in the design could be purchased in stores.

There are also first and second amendment concerns related to the distribution of the files.

Defense Distributed had initially said it would put the designs online for download on August 1, but released them several days earlier. They were downloaded thousands of times before they were removed due to the order of the judge, and are still available to download in other places.




AfterDawn: News

WATCH: Streets of Rage 4 Reveal Trailer

Written by James Delahunty @ 27 Aug 2018 1:55

WATCH: Streets of Rage 4 Reveal Trailer If you need a dose of nostalgia from the history of gaming today you could do no better than watching the new reveal trailer for Streets of Rage 4.

Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games and Dotemu have teamed up to bring a sequel to the legendary Streets of Rage series that ate way too many hours of your childhood. Streets of Rage 4 builds upon the classic trilogy's gameplay with new mechanics, a fresh story and a gauntlet of dangerous stages with a serious crime problem.

It features hand-drawn visuals following on from Lizardcube's Wonder Boy update released in 2017.

There are precious few details available other than you can play two-player co-op as either Axel Stone or Blaze Fielding. Old head Streets of Rage players will be begging for Yuzo Koshiro undoubtedly. We have no idea what consoles it will appear on but Switch is extremely likely given the success of Wonder Boy.

Give it a look:

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AfterDawn: News

Reports: More users pirated KSI vs Logan Paul than paid to watch it

Written by James Delahunty @ 27 Aug 2018 1:13

Reports: More users pirated KSI vs Logan Paul than paid to watch it According to some reports, more people watched pirated streams of KSI vs. Logan Paul online that paid to watch the official stream.

The official pay-to-view stream on YouTube peaked at about 800,000 live viewers during the fight. On top of that, 15,000 people paid to go watch the fight at the Manchester Arena at the weekend. However, pirate streams of the fight reportedly clocked up over one million viewers on Twitch alone.

Twitch responded to criticisms of its handling of pirate streams by stating that it had been responsible to complaints made under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Some users reported problems with the official YouTube stream, which cost $10 to view. On Twitch, many pirate streams were hidden under fake titles such as "Free Fortnite Skins" in an attempt to avoid detection and being shut down.

Twitter's Periscope also reportedly had illegal livestreams of the match being broadcast on the platform, though reportedly not as many as Twitch.

The anticipated bout between the two YouTube personalities ended in a draw and will go to a rematch in the United States at a later date.




AfterDawn: News

Xbox All Access gets you a console, Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold for a monthly fee

Written by James Delahunty @ 27 Aug 2018 12:50

Xbox All Access gets you a console, Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold for a monthly fee Microsoft has announced Xbox All Access, a two-year financing deal that gets customers an Xbox One console, access to Xbox Game Pass and an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Rumors of such a financing deal had been doing the rounds and have now manifested in a 24 month contract offer. Starting at $21.99 per month, a customer will receive an Xbox One S console, access to Xbox Game Pass which provides over 100 game titles and an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

To kick to a more powerful Xbox One X console, the monthly fee rises to at least $34.99 for the 24 month period. At the end of the 24 months, the console will belong to the customer. Prices of course vary depending on bundles.

For the time being the offer is limited to the United States and only from Microsoft's stores. It is also being presented as a time-limited offer by Microsoft. In order to avail of the offer you need to apply for, and be granted, a Dell Preferred Account.

More information: Microsoft




AfterDawn: News

The world's largest open source project, Linux, turned 27

Written by Matti Robinson @ 27 Aug 2018 6:56

The world's largest open source project, Linux, turned 27 27 years ago, on the 25th of August in 1991 to be exact, a student from University of Helsinki posted on a newsgroup seeking for feedback for what he called a hobby project.

That is of course Linux, the hobby project started by Linus Torvals, that has since conquered the world. In the original post Linus was looking for feedback for fellow Minix users. He had been working on his replacement for Minix since April, and was ready to get it out there.

It obviously still took a while before Linux was ready for a proper spotlight, but the cat was out of the bag.

Linux grew into the largest open source project ever seen and the most adopted operating system. Even though originally it was perhaps meant for desktop computers, that is probably the only form of computing it hasn't dominated.

From the tiniest computers, the ones in your fridges and routers, to the largest supercomputers there is no competition. And of course nowadays it is in 2 billion pockets worldwide thanks to Android, Google's mobile OS built on Linux.

There is no other project as important to the open source philosophy as Linux. And the OS practices what they preach, as over 99% of the source code is now by someone else than the original creator.

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AfterDawn: News

RED's futuristic Hydrogen smartphone shown in first official press photos

Written by Matti Robinson @ 26 Aug 2018 10:18

RED's futuristic Hydrogen smartphone shown in first official press photos As you might know, camera company RED has been working on their own smartphone for a few years now. We first heard of this device now more than a year ago when they officially announced it.

The phone that promises a modular design with unforeseen camera prowess and a holografic display was supposed to ship early 2018 but we had to wait until a couple weeks ago to learn that RED was finally getting the Hydrogen ready to ship. According to the company the first pre-orders will land in October and Hydrogen should be available to all in November, at least in the cheaper Aluminum version in both black and silver.

Mind you cheap for RED isn't cheap for many others, including Apple. The Aluminum version costs $1249, and Titanium version that is supposed to ship early next year, is a few hundred more.

Anyway, we've known all this for a while now, but we haven't previously seen are the actual press photos of the actual device. Previously we've had to rely on 3D renders, but now you can feast your eyes on these beautiful pictures.

Without further ado, I give you RED Hydrogen One in all it's peculiar glory.

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AfterDawn: News

DJI releases new and much improved Mavic 2 drones

Written by Matti Robinson @ 25 Aug 2018 11:26

DJI releases new and much improved Mavic 2 drones The leading quadrocopter – perhaps more commonly known as drones &Ndash; manufacturer, DJI, has released two new models. The second generation of Mavic drones consists of Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom.

The latter is the more affordable one that also comes with an 2X optical zoom. The camera setup offers 24 mm to 48 mm optical conversion which allows you to get closer up footage with a push of a button.

Pro version on the other hand features a Hasselblad branded camera system with an impressive one inch and 20 megapixel sensor. Adjustable aperture is said to range from f/2.8 to f/11. Mavic 2 Pro also has an improved color grading support with the new 10-bit DLOG-M profile.

Both drones capture video in 4K with h.265 compression and Mavic 2 Pro support HDR photos that combine several photos in one high dynamic one. They also have an improved, omnidirectional, obstacle sensing.

You can learn more about the duo by watching DJI's own video below. As for the price, DJI Mavic 2 Pro starts at $1449 and Mavic 2 Zoom at $1249.

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