Microsoft strengthens position in education with FlipGrid acquisition

Microsoft announced they have acquired Flipgrid Inc., the leading social learning platform used by more than 20 million Pre-K to PhD educators, students and families in 180 countries. Like Office 365 Education software, Microsoft will also be making Flipgrid free for schools so it’s easy for any school to utilize the software. Customers who purchased a subscription from Flipgrid will receive a prorated refund.

Flipgrid was created by Dr. Charlie Miller (Chief Design Officer), who joined Jim Leslie (CEO) and Phil Soran (Board Director) to co-found the company in 2015. Flipgrid’s mission is to empower educators as they help students define their voices, share their voices and respect the diverse voices of others.

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Apple's iPhone will send location for 911 emergency calls on iOS 12

The latest iOS 12 operating system for iPhones coming this fall will automatically send first responders the phone's location when 911 is dialed.This speeds up dispatch and response time during emergency situations and removes minutes from a call where accurate location needs to be given by a caller.

"Communities rely on 911 centres in an emergency, and we believe they should have the best available technology at their disposal," said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. "When every moment counts, these tools will help first responders reach our customers when they most need assistance."

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Sound Control: The Apple HomePod Review

 By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple's HomePod is one of the most mystifying products in the market today. The most recent product category from Cupertino is essentially a Siri-powered Apple Music speaker with HomeKit inclinations.

After spending time with the device, however, I discovered a choc-full of innovative features and functions aimed to delight iPhone users.

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Samsung develops hotel management solution for the Gear S3 to help hotel staff communication

Samsung partners with hotel operations platform ALICE to develop a new hotel management solution centered on the Gear S3. This new solution aims to help hotel staff answer customer requests more efficiently and quickly. For example, when a guest has a request, employees from the relevant department will get silent vibration alerts on their smartwatches. The hotel employee can simply tap on the screen to acknowledge that they are taking care of the task, which also allows managers to track the request in real-time. It will benefit hotel workers (like those involved in room service, repairs, cleaning, etc.) that are always on the move and need both hands to complete their tasks.

The Viceroy Hotel Group was the one who brought the partnership about and they will first employ the solution at the Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel before it comes to their other properties around the world.