macOS High Sierra now available as a free upgrade

Apple is releasing macOS High Sierra, the latest version of its desktop and notebook operating system. An update to macOS Sierra, High Sierra brings various new features, most notable of which is an entirely new file system.

macOS High Sierra introduces the Apple File System (APFS) which speeds up common processes like file transfers and copying as well as brings increased reliability and security while also taking up less space than previous file system protocols.

macOS High Sierra brings improved video coding with (HEVC), improved support for machile learning and AR/VR implementation as well as Virtual Reality support. High Sierra also brings an updated Photos app, more security focused version of Safari which can now halt video ads from autoplaying (a big annoyance for users) and it also features Intelligent Tracking Prevention to safeguard what information it passes on to websites. macOS High Sierra is available today via Software Update on supported Macs. Which are the following

2009 or newer MacBook, 2009 or newer iMac, 2010 or newer MacBook Pro, 2010 or newer MacBook Air, 2010 or newer Mac mini and 2010 or newer Mac Pro.

Drop tests show new iPhone 8s are a bit more durable than the Galaxy Note8

Just how durable are the new glass-encased Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy Note8? If you drop them accidentally are you saying goodbye to your hundreds (or thousands really) of dollars? Luckily, there are companies like SquareTrade who’ll show us just what would happen if we drop these really expensive devices. The phone insurance company put the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and Note8 through its usual drop and tumble tests as well as a new Shot test that simulates what happens to a phone when it’s being left on the roof of your car and then you speed off (apparently, this is a thing now).

Of course, the glass backs crack. The Note8 seems to fare better in terms of dropping the phone on its face but it renders the device completely useless. The iPhones still seem to work. Apple’s “aerospace-grade” metal band seems to protect it better from side drops. And during the shot test, the Note8 had more of its chunks flying off. When it comes to the breakability score, the iPhone 8 scored 67, the iPhone 8 Plus gets a 74, and the Galaxy Note8 gets an 80.

Source: Phone Arena

Update on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 1:42PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Please folks, don't try this at home. 

Facebook tests WhatsApp button in main app on Android

Facebook is constantly testing out new things in its main app. This time around, it’s looking to bring attention to its subsidiary WhatsApp. The social network is placing a dedicated WhatsApp button on the main Facebook app, which can be accessed from the menu tab. The button is basically a shortcut to the WhatsApp, so you don’t have to leave the app to launch the messaging service. It’s not showing up to all users and the one who found the shortcut claims it showed up for him when he switched Facebook’s language setting to Danish. It’s not surprising as Facebook has done some limited testing in that country before. Whether this gets a wider release is something we can’t confirm. From our end, Instagram also has this quick launch shortcut on Facebook.

Source: The Next Web

Wacom to launch its own note-taking app

Wacom is gearing up to take on the likes of Microsoft OneNote with the aptly named Bamboo Note. The app is designed to make it easier for you to jot down your ideas with its “infinite canvas.” It’ll let you write using a smart stylus like Wacom’s own Windows Ink-optimized Bamboo Ink or by typing on the screen. The app will let you export your notes to a PDF file or print these out. The app isn’t out yet but is coming out soon. In the meantime, Wacom also offers Bamboo Paper.