You can no longer book Uber rides through Google Maps

One of those neat little tricks hidden within Google Maps is being able to book your Uber ride right from the navigation app. Unfortunately, that no longer exists. Eighteen months after the feature was introduced, Google posted a new support page that states plainly that “You can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps.” The feature was previously accessible when you searched for a location and a tab for ride-sharing existed where you could book the ride from there. This tab still exists but now it’ll only show you an estimate of your ride and then it’ll send you out to the Uber app if you want to book a ride.

Even with 17 different services supported within the ride-sharing tab, Uber used to be the only app that will let you pay for a ride and complete the trip right from within Google Maps. It’s not known why Google and Uber decided to end this program.

Source: Ars Technica

Motorola’s been granted a patent for a foldable smartphone with a heating hinge

Back in 2016, Motorola filed for a patent that would let them add a heating hinge to its foldable smartphone concept. What good would a heated hinge do? Well, it’ll solve the issue of a permanent crease affecting screens that are folded or straightened constantly. The company’s patent just got granted. While we can’t say this will ever be used for an actual product, it does show us the possibility of this existing.

With this design, it allows for Motorola to use a flexible OLED screen that flexes both inward and outward and can even have more than one hinge. The temperature sensor works even when the phone is off and when it’s folded so when the screen starts to deform because the temperature is low, the hinge heats up to correct this. At the moment, Samsung seems to be the closest one to release a flexible OLED phone, which is slated for a release next year.

Source: GSMArena

Microsoft strengthens position in education with FlipGrid acquisition

Microsoft announced they have acquired Flipgrid Inc., the leading social learning platform used by more than 20 million Pre-K to PhD educators, students and families in 180 countries. Like Office 365 Education software, Microsoft will also be making Flipgrid free for schools so it’s easy for any school to utilize the software. Customers who purchased a subscription from Flipgrid will receive a prorated refund.

Flipgrid was created by Dr. Charlie Miller (Chief Design Officer), who joined Jim Leslie (CEO) and Phil Soran (Board Director) to co-found the company in 2015. Flipgrid’s mission is to empower educators as they help students define their voices, share their voices and respect the diverse voices of others.

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Apple's iPhone will send location for 911 emergency calls on iOS 12

The latest iOS 12 operating system for iPhones coming this fall will automatically send first responders the phone's location when 911 is dialed.This speeds up dispatch and response time during emergency situations and removes minutes from a call where accurate location needs to be given by a caller.

"Communities rely on 911 centres in an emergency, and we believe they should have the best available technology at their disposal," said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. "When every moment counts, these tools will help first responders reach our customers when they most need assistance."

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