LG to unveil new version of webOS smart TV platform at CES 2016

webOS has taken quite a journey. Originally the mobile operating system of the Palm Pre family of devices (as well as the ill-received HP TouchPad), webOS was licensed to LG who made it the cornerstone of their unique and animated smart TV platform a few years ago.  While Smart TV is no longer a catchphrase many get excited about, LG hopes to shake things up at CES when it reveals the all new and improved webOS TV platform.

LG webOS 3.0 was designed to provide an exceptional user experience to allow for more intuitive navigation of the TV's features. Since its introduction in 2014, LG webOS has been praised as one of the most versatile smart TV platforms by most major industry experts and publications.

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BMW and Nissan partner to create joint fast-charger network in the US

In a move that threatens Tesla’s own Supercharger network, BMW and Nissan have partnered to develop their own public network of fast-charging stations across the United States. This new DC fast-charging network is made up of 120 stations across 19 states. Each station makes use of dual 50kW DC Fast-charging station with CHAdeMO and CCS (Combo) connectors that can charge Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 vehicles. It promises that you’ll reach 80 percent charge in about 20 to 30 minutes.

But a more important point is it uses popular charger styles, which means any EV with a quick-charge port will be able to use it to charge up. LEAF and i3 drivers will be able to locate these stations using in-vehicle navigation or the i Remote app for BMW or Nissan’s EZ-Charge smartphone app. There is no word yet when the network will be completed.

Source: Mashable

‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 5 Blu-Ray to feature animated clip of the ‘Dance of Dragons’

If you are brushed up on your Game of Thrones lore, one of the biggest stories coming out of it is the epic two-year-long battle of Daenerys’ ancestors in House Targaryen just about rip themselves apart in civil war. Also known as “Dance of Dragons,” this story will be getting a special bonus in the upcoming Blu-Ray version of Season 5 of the HBO hit. Unlike other special features released before, the exploration of the Dance of Dragons gets a 20-minute animated special that will feature the voices of former and current Game of Thrones actors including Pedro Pascal (Oberyn Martell), Kerry Ingram (Shireen Baratheon), Harry Lloyd (Viserys Targaryen), Mark Addy (Robert Baratheon), Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark), and Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon).

This should tide you over until the next season starts or until you want to revisit (or actually read) the books. But there’s also quite a wait for this as it comes out in Blu-Ray and DVD on March 15.

Source: io9

Microsoft takes out Cortana voice feature on Android

Android fans aren’t happy with what Microsoft did with its virtual assistant on their devices. The tech giant pulled out the “Hey Cortana” voice functionality because of a bug. According to the company, those who used the voice assistant couldn’t access Android’s own voice search feature. It might be weird to have both “Ok Google” and “Hey Cortana” on but there are certain features you can reach with Google’s own voice assistant that Microsoft’s version can’t reach.

Users have taken to the app’s Google Play reviews page to express their dissatisfaction over the move. There isn’t any definite word from Microsoft if they will be bringing back the feature but if they do listen to their users it hopefully will be making an appearance by next year. We really won’t expect them to do so with the remaining days as engineers are most likely on vacation, too.

Source: PCWorld