Google to roll out fact check feature internationally, brings it to Search

In order to combat “fake news,” Google has been working with fact-checking groups to add links to their posts in Google News’ story clusters. This was initially rolled out to the US and UK markets. Now, the search giant is bringing this to a wider audience. It’s going to be available globally and aside from it showing up on Google News, it’ll show up on the Google Search results pages as well.

As seen in the screencap above, Google will show you links to the fact check sites along with additional information about the claim. It, of course, doesn’t always mean one group is right and the other isn’t. Because not everything is black and white. But it is a good thing to help form opinions about things by seeing all the possible sides. As Google explains in its post making the announcement: “Even though differing conclusions may be presented, we think it’s still helpful for people to understand the degree of consensus around a particular claim and have clear information on which sources agree. As we make fact checks more visible in Search results, we believe people will have an easier time reviewing and assessing these fact checks, and making their own informed opinions.”

Source: TechCrunch

Periscope brings 360-degree broadcasting to all users

Periscope is democratizing 360-degree livestreaming on its service. Previously, the feature was only available to a few users. Now, anyone who broadcasts from the Insta360 Nano on the iPhone or through the Producer app can do so. For those on Android, the Producer software is needed to do a 360 broadcast. Given you already have a Ricoh Theta S or Orah 4i. If you have all of these, then enjoy streaming!

Source: Engadget

Google Allo gets new Assistant button

Google Allo has started to roll out a new feature to give you quicker access to Google Assistant. The app now gets a quick access button and Google plans to roll this out to all users. What this does is it makes it easier to share information within your chat windows. All you need to do is tap on the Google Assistant button and you and the people you’re chatting with can see the answers. Other new features expected to come to Allo in future updates include a new “quick selfie” feature, backup and restore, and the ability to add stickers to photos.

Source: 9to5Google

Casper's VR experience is more than just pillow talk

By Sonya Davidson

It started as a fun campaign around the weekend that we had to "spring forward" our clocks. You know, Daylight Savings Time, when it screws up our sleep patterns for a few days. For some of us, it takes a couple weeks to adjust. Casper, has been making news as the online (no retail showroom) memory-foam mattress company, had sent out a fun promotional sleep aid kit complete with a fluffy pillow and a cardboard VR viewer. 

The accompanying instructions requested to a download their Nap Simulator App. Curiousity got me and hey, anything to help catch that lost hour of sleep was welcomed. The app was downloaded onto my phone and popped into the cardboard viewer. Pillow propped my head and "why, yes, I am doing work! It's called research!"

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