More OnePlus 5T details unearthed in early unboxing video

An early unboxing video of the OnePlus 5T flagship smartphone has hit the internet and we can get a better idea of what this smartphone is all about or at least see how it looks in non render photos. While the device isn't scheduled for reveal or release until November 16, this can help interested buyers figure out it this is the phone to get. The video is kind of long, scrub to the two minute mark to get to the best parts.

Continuing its tradition of pushing exclusivity, OnePlus is selling tickets to a New York event for interested fans to watch the launch event, get some OnePlus memorabilia and get some hands on time with the device. Sporting a 6-inch display with a 18:9 display ratio, this flagship also comes with the Snapdragon 835 chipset with a staggering 8 GB RAM. A 20 megapixel rear camera and a 16 megapixel front-facing camera round up the device's top tier specs.

Source: Phandroid

BMW recalling 1 million vehicles for electrical fires

BMW is recalling 1 million cars in the North America for electrical fires, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

BMW filed two separate recalls that cover cars from the 2006 through 2011 model years. At issue on 740,561 cars is a positive crankcase ventilation valve heater that can short, melt, and ignite. Also known as a blow-by heater, it prevents ice from forming when treating the hot, combusted gas venting from the crankcase.

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Meditation app on Google Assistant designed to help veterans deal with stress

A new meditation app from Google and National Geographic called Bravo Tango Brain Training app is built to help veterans deal with the stress, anger, anxiety, loneliness, and other issues that crop up after serving in the military. The app was developed with the help of Dr. Michael Valdovinos, a former Air Force psychologist and combat vet who specializes in the intersection of technology and behavioral health. The app takes advantage of Google Assistant’s voice-reliant nature to have users interact with it. So, after saying “OK, Google, start Bravo Tango,” you can talk to it and say things like “I’m feeling lonely” or “I’m in pain” and the app will respond accordingly and bring up the appropriate exercise based on what you tell it.

Valdovinos thinks this will appeal to veterans as it is engaging and mimics an in-person session but is accessible in a safe space, e.g. it can be done at home. The app works with Google Home and with Android devices. Exercises on Bravo Tango combine things like breathing, grounding, visualization, muscle relaxation, focusing, grounding, and interpersonal connection. NatGeo was inspired to create the app after producing its series The Long Road Home, which followed military vets who are returning from service. Aside from Valdovinos, NatGeo and Google partnered with 360i and Xapp.

Source: Mashable

Is Hasbro planning to buy Mattel?

This might not seem to be the right space to talk about this a few years back but with gadgets and even connected toys taking up more and more of the attention of children, this doesn’t seem too off tangent. A new report from the Wall Street Journal claims Hasbro recently made an offer to purchase Mattel. It wasn’t said how receptive Mattel was to the idea or how much Hasbro offered but the move would put two hot properties side by side: My Little Pony and Hot Wheels. A merger of the two companies might help both sides. Hasbro, who has been taking advantage of the popularity of its Disney-themed toys as well as licenses from TV and movie deals, can help out Mattel, who is trying to turn around years of failed toy lines.

The acquisition will also give Hasbro access to Mattel’s manufacturing facilities. The former gave up its own facilities a while back. On top of that, Mattel could contribute to building up Hasbro’s tech-driven toys, which they need to develop more of now as they compete with top tech companies for the younger audience. Of course, this might raise concerns about how this could violate US antitrust law but whether this will draw as big a scrutiny and opposition as telecom mergers is something we can’t say yet. Both parties refuse to comment about the rumours.

Source: Engadget