Google.org awards $20M in grant to fund development of tech for the disabled

Treating the challenges faced by the disabled as issues that can be solved with smart engineering, Google's charitable arm, Google.org, has given $20 million USD in grants to nonprofit organizations around the world to help develop open-source technololgy for the disabled. The 30 winners of the Google Impact Challenge: Disabilities launched last spring were the recipients of said grants. About six of the 30 grantees were given $1 million USD, while the average grant was around $750,000 USD.

Some of the projects funded including developing libraries for the visually impaired, devices that can turn manual wheelchairs into powered ones, and cheap, 3D-printed prosthetics for children.

Source: The Verge

Google integrating Goals feature in Calendar starting today

Google is expanding the functionality of their Calendar App by adding a new Goals feature on mobile. According to Google, "Goals is a tool that makes it easier to find the time to do the things that really matter to you.  Whether it’s running, practicing yoga or learning a new language—you can now add a personal goal—like “run 3 times a week”—and Calendar will help you find the time and stick to it."

To set a goal (like “Work out more”), simply answer a few questions (like “How often?” and “Best time?”), and you’re all set. From there Calendar will look at your schedule and find the best windows to pencil in time for that goal.

Calendar can help you adjust in a number of important ways. For example, Calendar will automatically reschedule if you add another event that's a direct conflict with a goal. You can also can defer a goal at any time, and Calendar will make time for it later.To get started, download the Google Calendar app for Android or iPhone, and set your first goal.

Microsoft goes fashion forward with new Signature Type Cover

Microsoft watchers know that the word Signature is assigned only to devices and products that have Redmond's wholehearted approval. In the past, this meant PCs, tablets and 2-in-1s which run bloatware-free versions of WIndows and that offer a unique value in terms of features and design.

It seems the Signature series is evolving to accessories as well with the new Signature Type Cover, which blends high-technology and fashion into one intriguing and exciting new Type Cover for the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4 lines. Made from a luxurious fabric called Alcantara, the Type Cover costs more than your run of the mill Type Cover but stands out in terms of look and feel for those who pay attention to these sort of things.

Alcanatar apparently, "ages beautifully, growing richer and darker over time, and is wonderfully soft to touch," the company added. That speckled gray color "pairs perfectly" with your Surface device.

Amazon goes thin, light and premium with new Kindle Oasis

Amazon wants to make eReaders exciting again by introducing the thinnest and lightest Kindle reader ever. The Kindle Oasis is a reinvention of their popular reader and is 30% thinner on average and over 20% lighter than any other Kindle. It is also the most expensive Kindle we've seen in years starting at $399.99.

Kindle Oasis—the eighth generation of Kindle—crafted from the ground up for readers, with an all-new, incredibly thin and light design, plus an included charging cover that delivers months of battery life. Kindle Oasis is available for pre-order today for $399.99 and will start shipping in the coming weeks. Meet Kindle Oasis at www.amazon.ca/kindleoasis.    

“To lean back and read for hours, you need a sanctuary from distraction,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. “We want Kindle to disappear, and Kindle Oasis is the next big step in that mission. It’s the most advanced Kindle we’ve ever built—thin and ultra-lightweight, it gets out of the way so you can lose yourself in the author’s world.”

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