Thứ Ba, 11 tháng 10, 2016
The message on the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is clear: The device should not be used by anyone, regardless of when it was bought. The recommendation now comes straight from Samsung, which all but confirms the veracity of several reports that even the replacement Note7 devices — which were supposed to be safe with regards to battery issues — are catching fire. But even if some users insist on keep using the phone, they'll soon find its functionality diminished. A Reddit user found out and Android Central has confirmed that the Note7 will no longer work with Oculus' Gear VR headset. Users who try to pair the two devices will now get the following message: "Customer safety is Oculus' top priority. Oculus is removing support for all Note7 devices on the Oculus platform. Until further notice, Note7 devices will not be compatible with the Gear VR. For more information regarding the Note7, please contact Samsung directly." Furthermore, the FAA has issued an updated guidance on Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices Monday, urging "passengers onboard aircraft to power down, and not use, charge, or stow in checked baggage, any Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, including recalled and replacement devices." It's final: If you own a Note7, no matter how much you like it, you should turn it off and exchange it for money or a different device at your place of purchase. Continuing to use the phone is, simply put, dangerous. The news comes after a bad weekend for the Note7, in which more reports of the phone bursting into flames cropped up, followed by all major carriers cancelling replacement programs for the device. The original Note7 was officially recalled after Samsung received more than 90 complaints of the phone's battery overheating and catching fire, in some cases causing injuries and damage to property. It's still possible that Samsung could resume production and sales of the Note7 if it manages to fix the phone's battery issues, but at this point it seems unlikely. In any case, all the Note7s that are currently in circulation — replacement units or otherwise — should be powered off, permanently.
Thứ Bảy, 30 tháng 4, 2016
One of the most overlooked aspects of the emerging virtual reality space is its ability to bring people who are located many miles apart together in one virtual space. Part of the problem is that most of the VR out there is focused on passive viewing experiences or gaming. But a new app from Samsung called Bedtime VR Stories offers ta prime example of how VR can be a tool to connect with someone across long distances. See also: How virtual reality will grow in 2016 The app allows a parent to meet their child in VR to tell them a bedtime story using a combination of VR and VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Each story takes about six to seven minutes, and only requires a Samsung Gear VR and smartphone for the parent and a special cardboard viewer for the child. The demonstration video shows just how compelling the experience can be for both the child and the parent, and yet another video allows you to sample in first person what both viewers see when a story is being told. As many households have increasingly become dominated by two parents who work outside the home, spending quality time with your children is more of a challenge than ever, making this VR tool an ideal solution for connecting with family. However, for now, the tool is still in development and has yet to be officially launched. But when it does launch, it could give many parents a very strong reason to pick up both a Samsung smartphone and the Gear VR headset, as nothing like this appears to be available for the iPhone yet. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
