Registration lottery for Apple WWDC 2017 is now open

If you're planning to attend Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, you can now try your luck to secure tickets. Apple has opened registration lottery for the conference and you have until Friday, March 31 at 10 a.m. PT to enter the lottery. Once it closes, Apple will randomly pick entries and notify those who got selected that they can pay US$1,599 for the WWDC ticket. It must be noted that accommodations aren't included in that fee. But Apple says some hotels near the McEnery Convention Center in downtown San Jose, California where WWDC will be held are offering discounted rates. 

The WWDC, which is happening from June 5 to 9, also offers scholarships to select individuals. Those eligible to apply for a scholarship need to be 13 years of age; enrolled in a full- or part-time course of study or be part of or be an alumni of a STEM organization; and a registered Apple developer or a member of a paid Apple Developer Program. Apple is accepting scholarship applications until April 2nd. 

Source: MacWorld 

Android co-creator Andy Rubin teases bezel-less smartphone

The co-creator of Android, Andy Rubin, left Google back in 2014 and has put up his own company called Essential in January of this year. Now, he's teasing what looks like the company's first smartphone. And it is quite eye-catching to say the least. It's looking to be a completely bezel-less device from the top. Whether that extends to the bottom is something we don't know at the moment. 

This smartphone is supposed to be part of a first wave of devices Essential plans to launch. Rumour has it Rubin plans to launch a smartphone mid-2017 that will have a larger display than the Apple iPhone 7 Plus but will have a smaller form factor because of the lack of bezels. It'll also supposedly have metal edges and a ceramic back. Essential is supposedly in talks with Foxconn to build the smartphone. Perhaps this is it and if it is, then we might be seeing it pretty soon. 

I'm really excited about how this is shaping up.  Eager to get it in more people's hands... pic.twitter.com/LRzQCFSKTm

— Andy Rubin (@Arubin) March 27, 2017

Source: The Next Web 

Samsung plans to refurbish or recycle Galaxy Note7 devices

Environmental organization Greenpeace has been leaning heavily on Samsung when it comes to its plans for the recalled Galaxy Note7 devices. Now the company has announced what it plans to do with the device, which they’ve emphasized in “three principles.” One is they might refurbish the phones or turn them into rental phones where it can be applicable. Second is they will salvage components that can be reused. And third, processes like metals extraction will supposedly be “performed using environmentally-friendly methods.”

When it comes to the refurbished or rental option, Samsung says this is “dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand.” They will announce markets and release dates at a later time. They will work with companies who specialize in removing semiconductors and camera modules and use these for sample production. And when it comes to the component recycling, Samsung says it’ll extract the precious metals (i.e. copper, nickel, gold, and silver) with the help of eco-friendly companies who also specialize in these processes.

UPDATE:

Samsung Canada has released a statement regarding the possibility of the Note7 coming back to the country:

Samsung Electronics Canada will not be offering refurbished Galaxy Note7 devices for rent or sale in Canada.

WatchOS 3.2 brings Siri with apps, Theatre Mode and other features

Apple Watch users can now queue their wearables for the watchOS 3.2 which will bring refinements and bug fixes as well as the ability to use Siri to access and control apps, a new Theatre Mode that keeps the watch dark until it is invoked.

Siri now works with apps from the App Store to start workouts, send messages, make payments, book rides, and more. This extensibility makes voice a more useful interface on Apple Watch. You can also scribble in French, Spanish, and Italian. Plus, the music playlist sync progress is now displayed in the Apple Watch app on iPhone.