United Airlines’s new ticket tier won’t give access to overhead bins

Airlines charge for a lot of things these days and it seems that’ll include the use of overhead bins, too. Major U.S. carrier United Airlines released a new policy for its “basic economy” tickets a.k.a. those who paid the lowest fare and are only allowed to bring one small personal item—such as a purse or laptop bag—that they can stow away under the seat in front of them. The change in policy hopes to raise profitability for the airline as it targets to raise around US$4.9 billion by the year 2020.

Starting in January, the other restrictions for the basic economy tickets include not getting pre-assigned seats, not being able to carry roller suitcase, and won’t be given the capability to upgrade tickets to another fare class. You will also board last in a new boarding group or group 5. So, bigger luggage needs to be checked in. What you do get access to are free snacks, TV, and access to (paid) Wi-Fi. Now, if you’re regular economy, you still get access to ticket upgrades, overhead bins, and pre-assigned seating. Charlie Leocha of traveler advocacy group Travelers United disagrees with this new tactic as mentioned in an interview with CBC News: "These airlines are claiming that they are offering more choice and better service, while they eliminate amenities and charge more and more fees."

Source: Mashable

New Google Spotlight Story reminds us of summer

It’s been three years since Google started releasing its immersive Spotlight Stories. This year, it gets a bit more playful with Rain or Shine. A cute tale of a young girl and what looks like a cursed pair of sunglasses. It’s cursed in the sense that every time Ella puts it on, it starts to rain around her. Directed by Felix Massie, it shows how Ella has been able to put the accessory to use.

These Spotlight Stories have been started by Google’s ATAP group and has featured work from talents like Fast & Furious director Justin Lin and Disney animator Glen Keane.

Source: The Verge

Apple's 'Bulbs' advert features all the innovations leading up to the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar

The new MacBook Pros with and without Touch Bar are now starting to become available, so it is only fitting that Apple released a clever new advertisement playing on great ideas an innovations (lightbulbs, if you will). The Touch Bar along with slimmer profile and inclusion of four multi-function Thunderbolt 3 ports, larger trackpad and flatter keyboard and wide-gamut Retina Display are just some of the key features of the new MacBook Pros. Here, the Touch Bar is being hailed as the most innovative and also the one most likely to spur on innovation in the users who learn to use it in their workflows.

Neat advert, but who's going to clean up all the broken glass?

Apple to offer free coding workshops in Retail Stores

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering: “Coding is just like any language, the earlier you’re exposed the more successful you’ll be."

Apple today opened registration for Hour of Code workshops at all 487 Apple retail stores worldwide, from December 5 through 11 in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. Among the most popular events at the Apple Store, Hour of Code workshops teach the basics of computer science with Code.org’s programming tutorials. Apple and Code.org share the goal of giving every student the opportunity to learn computer science.

“Hour of Code embodies our vision for Apple stores as a place for the community to gather, learn and be entertained,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “We’re proud to introduce the Swift Playgrounds app into the workshops and honoured to again work side-by-side with Code.org on this incredibly important initiative. Hour of Code is one of the absolute highlights of the year for both our teams and the families that visit our stores.” 

Click to read more ...