New Google Pixelbook will see the return of the premium Chromebook

Google is likely planning to reveal more than new Pixel phones during its October 4 event. Also on tap, as per recently leaks are three Google Home mini speakers as well as a return to form for the company in the shape of a 2-in-1 premium Chromebook called the Pixelbook.

Google has a history of fielding premium Chromebooks, starting with 2013's sexy Chromebook Pixel, this new iteration does the notebook thing but also folds back into a tablet. There will also be a Pen, which is ideal for schools and corporate applications. Chromebooks can now run Android apps, so we might see some interesting functions thanks to this cross pollination. 

Source: Phandroid

Intel Invests $1 Billion in the AI Ecosystem

Intel sees Artificial Intelligence as one of the tentpoles of its future. The company is investing in that future with a US $1 billion aimed to develop product innovation.

"AI will make the impossible possible: advancing research on cancer, Parkinson’s disease and brain disorders; helping to find missing children; and furthering scientific efforts in climate change, space exploration and oceanic research," explained Brian Krzanich, chief executive officer of Intel.

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Pixel 2 expected to get 'Active Edge' and improved Google Assistant

Fast becoming one of the more anticipated smartphone releases this year, the successor to last year's Google Pixel tandem are still shrouded in mystery even as some marquee features are anticipated come October 4 as per FCC documents. The new Pixel, which we're calling Pixel 2, will be made by HTC and will feature an 'Active Edge' which makes it possible to squeeze the sides of the device to invoke an app or feature (i.e. bring up the camera or, more likely, conjuer up Google Assistant.

Google Assistant, which was one of the key features of last year's Pixel line is also expected to be able to handle more trigger words and, if reports are correct, should have a range of voices to choose from. The Pixel and larger Pixel XL (made by HTC and LG, respectively) are going to ship with Android 8 'Oreo' and should also bring water resistance while omitting the headphone jack. Stay tuned for our coverage of the launch and hands on of the products come October 4.

Source:BGR

Netflix issues the nicest cease-and-desist letter for an unauthorized ‘Stranger Things’ pop-up bar

A Chicago-based pop-up bar aptly called The Upside Down has been serving Stranger Things-inspired cocktails. While a great idea, it wasn’t exactly sanctioned by Netflix. That’s why the streaming service has issued a cease-and-desist letter for the bar located at Logan Square. But Netflix were chill about it and asked the owners to close up shop in the nicest way possible. They request the owners just don’t extend beyond the scheduled end date of the pop-up, so if you’re in Chicago, you can still try out drinks like Eleven’s Eggos and Demogorgon until end of the month.

Here are parts of what the unconventional C&D letter reads: “Look, I don’t want you to think I’m a total wastoid, and I love how much you guys love the show. (Just wait until you see Season 2!) But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up ... You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build… We’re not going to go full Dr. Brenner on you, but we ask that you please (1) not extend the pop-up beyond its 6 week run ending in September, and (2) reach out to us for permission if you plan to do something like this again."

Source: Mashable