Sony Xperia XZ and XZs get Android Oreo update

Sony seems to be committing heavily to bringing the latest Android operating system to its devices. Two of its “older” devices are getting the Android 8.0 update: the Xperia XZ and XZs. Android Oreo brings to the two smartphones features like Oreo’s app shortcuts, smart text selection, the Autofill API, picture-in-picture, and notification dot. Sony is also introducing Xperia Actions and Reminders. The former focuses on suggesting settings based on how you use the device, the latter is described as “useful prompts for unfinished tasks, including emails in draft and messages.” The update comes in at 1232MB so watch for it to come to your device. According to Xperia Blog, the Xperia X Performance is also getting the Android Oreo update soon.

Source: Android Central

Christie's uses AR to place artwork in your surroundings using iOS app

Fine art auction house Christie's is using the power of Augmented Reality to showcase upcoming artworks and digitally project them into your homes or offices. Imagine having Leonardo Da Vinci's $450,000.000 'Salvator Mundi' hanging over your mantle, you get the idea. Christie's is enabling certain lots to be AR enabled via their iOS app and is focusing on its Asian Contemporary and Chinese Contemporary Ink collections which are included in an upcoming collections. This is a superb use of AR technology using tools like iPhones and iPads which most people already have. 

Source: Christie's

Take advantage of Instagram filters without posting a photo

Pexels

Sometimes you don’t want to tinker around with a photo and just put a filter on it to add that bit of drama. And sure there are many photo editing apps out there but sometimes you just want to slap on the Gingham filter on your photo for that nostalgic, retro feel. How do you get the effect without having to post on Instagram? How to Geek suggests turning your phone into airplane mode just when you’re about to post.

Go through the process of editing your photo and once you’re ready to hit share, make sure your phone is in airplane mode. This will prompt Instagram to try and upload photo but it won’t be able to. At the same time, the image will be saved to your camera roll. And then you can just cancel the upload before you turn your phone’s cellular capabilities back on.

Source: Lifehacker

Tesla sets a competitive price for its electric Semi

After unveiling its Semi electric truck last week, Tesla just announced the estimated price for the trucks. The 300-mile version gets a US$150,000 (around CA$190,000) price tag, while the 500-mile model comes in at $180,000 (close to $230,000). Both are said to be lower than what pundits predicted it would be. As Engadget points out, the 500-mile model will be around $60,000 more than a regular diesel-powered semi-truck but in the long run it’ll cost 20 percent less to run, putting savings over a million miles at around $250,000. Critics are wondering how Tesla is able to bring the price down. But perhaps they worked out some new technology to make this work.

The Tesla Semi introduces features like Enhanced Autopilot (automatic emergency braking, automatic lane keeping and lane departure warning) to improve safety and jackknife protection, sensors, and cameras to help reduce blind spots. It’ll have faster acceleration to make climbing hills and the like an easier thing. But some truckers aren’t completely sold on the Semi. One trucker named Jonathon Ramsey wondered about visibility with the Semi given the lack of mirrors and center pilot position. Ramsey also points out that brakes should’ve been more of the focus than acceleration. It isn’t keeping away interested buyers, though. Canadian grocery chain Loblaws is one of the companies who have already placed a big order for them.