Google Pixel 3 can screen your calls for you

Nothing much was surprising about the hardware of the new Pixel phones. But as we touched on here, the more surprising elements are what is happening inside these smartphones. One of the features we like is Call Screen, which as its name suggests will screen calls for you before you decide if you want to answer. When you get a call, you'll be given the option to screen it. If this is activated, the phone will let the caller know it's talking to a machine and asks who's on the line and why they are calling. This will be transcribed in real time so you get to see who's calling and whether you will answer the call, end it, or report it as spam. Call Screen is first coming with the Pixel 3 but will later ship to older Pixel phones.

Source: The Verge

Instagram uses machine learning to fight online bullying

Instagram is using machine learning to help put a stop to the spread of bullying on the social media platform. At the same time, the company wants to "spread kindness," at least when it comes to the Stories feature. Right now, you can report bullying content. But with machine learning Instagram believes it will be easier to spot any abusive language in captions or bullying photos. The flagged photos will be directed to the company's Community Operations team for review. Instagram is rolling out the new technology in the coming weeks. The company's bullying comment filter is will also be able to detect and hide any of these comments on live videos.

As for what's new in Stories, there are new filters that puts hearts on the screen in selfie mode and users are being encouraged to tag a friend when they use it. When you turn it to the rear camera, it encourages you to add kind comments onto the image in different languages, if you want.

Source: SlashGear

Dyson launches Airwrap Styler aimed at the beauty market

Dyson continues on its innovation of the beauty and aesthetics space with the new  Dyson Airwrap Styler. This is a multi-styling hair tool engineered to curl, wave, smooth and dry with no extreme heat.

Dyson’s high-pressure digital V9 motor harnesses an aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Coanda effect. Air, when propelled at the right speed and pressure, naturally follows an adjacent surface, entraining surrounding air. Dyson engineers amplified this effect six times on the Dyson Airwrap™ styler curling barrel, which creates a spinning vortex of air that attracts, wraps and curls hair and creates the looks that women really want.

Click to read more ...

The latest 'Made by Google' hardware serves to frame innovative software and services

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

There were few surprises in today's 'Made by Google' event. Many of the devices, including the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Pixel slate 2-in-1 Chromebook and even the new Chromecast, have been outed in various renders, videos and some have been even sold before hand.

The surprises, however, came in the form of software and services which make these devices potential game changers in their specific categories.

The new Pixel 3 smartphones look like mild refinements from last year's duo of impressive devices. This time around they improve on camera hardware as well as feature innovative computational features to ensure the best photo by taking shots even before the shutter is pressed. The new Top Shot feature, which debuts on the Pixels 3, shoot multiple HDR+ shots to ensure you can capture a great image. The new Pixels also promise impressive low-light photography and zoom. Pixel 3 also brings IP68 water and dust resistance.

Click to read more ...