Google brings Contacts app to Android users

If you’re using a Nexus or Pixel device, this Contacts app has been in your possession. Now, other Android users will gain access to the app, too. If you’re the type who wants great, consistent design, you might want to check out Google’s contact management option. The app is now available on Google Play Store for users who run Android 5.0 Lollipop and up.

As you’d expect with an app that manages your contacts, it’ll load your contacts saved on you Google account and let you edit entries and sync these right back. It even lets multiple account syncing, which some users might appreciate. Contacts will also let you start new calls or type out SMS messages right from a specific contact’s page. If you still do this, you can import contacts saved to a SIM card. And it can sort your list based on first name or last name. The app will also let you manage blocked numbers.

Source: Android Central

Apple updates App Store logo and makes other cosmetic changes to iOS 11 update

The developer beta version of iOS 11 brings some cosmetic updates to Apple’s mobile platform. One of those that caught our attention is the new App Store logo, which Apple hasn’t changed in years. They’re putting away the paintbrush/pencil/ruler trio and replacing these with popsicle sticks. We’re not sure why they opted to replace the previous items with the sticks. Aside from the App Store’s new logo, Maps and Clock apps seem to get newer, more subtle redesigns, too. Apple has also introduced some bug fixes and performance upgrades.

The company took out a few things, too. Some live wallpapers are no longer pre-loaded and auto brightness option is now seen under the accessibility part of the settings. You should be seeing these changes now if you’re part of the developer program. But if you’re willing to wait for the public beta, you should see that pretty soon.

Source: The Next Web

Ford facing class action lawsuit for Fiesta and Focus faulty dual-clutch transmission issues

Ford is facing international pressure for tranmission issues in its Focus and Fiesta models. "We've accumulated almost 3,000 registrations from people wo've experienced terrible problems with their vehicles," said lawyer Ted Charney, who is leading the $825-million Canadian class action

Canada isn't the only country facing the issue. The Australian government is starting action against the automaker for alleged "unconscionable and misleading" conduct. At the same time, Ford has agreed to a proposed class action settlement in the United States.

 The Ford PowerShift transmission is a dry dual-clutch transmission as opposed to the wet DCT found in vehicles from the Volkswagen Golf to the Bugatti Chiron. Dry DCTs can't handle high torque loads like a wet DCT, but they do produce better fuel economy since there isn't a pumping loss from moving the fluid around.

The lawsuit says that despite more than 20 recalls and technical service bulletins, Ford has failed to fix the problems with the PowerShift transmission. Look for more news as the lawsuit progresses.

Source: Autoblog

Shonda Rhimes signs multi-year deal with Netflix, leaves 15-year relationship with ABC

Sarah E. Freeman/Grady College, freemans@uga.edu in New York City, Georgia, on Saturday, May 21, 2016

Netflix scoops up another important talent to join its roster of powerful content creators. This time, it takes Shonda Rhimes and her production company Shondaland from their longtime partnership with ABC Studios. What's said to be a "rich four-year pact" will have Rhimes and longtime producing partners Betsy Beers create new content for Netflix. She is expected to get a percentage of the back-end on programming she makes for the streaming service. Netflix has long had Shondaland shows like Grey's Anatomy (which is already entering its 14th season), Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder on its service.  

ABC will continue to be the home for the abovementioned shows and even an upcoming spinoff for Grey's as well as a new drama called For The People. Rhimes said, "Our current shows will continue to thrive on ABC and Shondaland will be there every step of the way." Rhimes has had a 15-year relationship with ABC. It's being reported her contract with them will expire in June 2018 and she has previously informed ABC about her plans to move on after the contract expires—but not necessarily to a competitor. While financial terms of the deal weren't discussed, Rhimes was reportedly earning US$10 million a year with her deal with ABC. We expect Netflix would be paying a premium to get her to agree to an exclusive deal. This also gives Rhimes greater creative freedom to make content she'd want to make in formats she'd want to try out.