Microsoft tests news summary reader

Commuting and don’t want to be staring at a screen but you still want to catch up on the latest news? Microsoft is testing out an app that reads new summaries to you. Called NewsCast, the app takes articles from around the web and begins reading news summaries to you in a playlist. You can choose to save an article for actual reading later or read it right from the app with its built-in browser.

The app is supposed to be a proof-of-concept product from the Bing News and Speech teams that they’re currently testing internally at Microsoft. The app used to have a publicly-accessible website but now it looks like that has been taken down.  The app seems to have been iOS-only. Hopefully though they bring this to the public in the future and open it to more ecosystems.

Source: PCWorld

Samsung takes the fashion angle with Gear S2 smartwatch

After being teased at Samsung’s Unpacked event, we’re getting a better look at the upcoming wearable, the Gear S2, from the South Korean tech company through what looks like a fashion spread or lookbook for its new devices. The new Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ are also featured in the shoot. When we look closer at the new smartwatch from Samsung we can see they’ve done away with angles and opted for something rounded. There also seems to be a white band and black band versions. And knowing Samsung there will probably be other colors of this as well.

The metal bezel will supposedly be rotatable so you can navigate the interface. You can see from the photos that there are two buttons at the side of the device. We’re not sure what they’re for at the moment. We’ll get the full details once the watch debuts at IFA in Berlin next month. But what was seen at the Samsung Unpacked event is that the interface looks like it has a different interface from Android Wear. So, we’re placing our bets that it’ll be running on Samsung’s Tizen operating system.

Source: Samsung | Via: Mashable

New iCloud update lets you restore lost data

Accidentally deleted a file or contact you needed on iCloud? No worries, you can now retrieve those. iCloud gets a new feature that lets you restore files, Contacts, or data from Reminders and Calendar. You can access the restore features through iCloud.com account. Head over to Settings on the site and rifle through the new Advanced section. There will be links there for restoring files, contacts, calendars, and reminders.

You get 30 days to retrieve a file you deleted from iCloud Drive using the Restore Files feature. After that you can’t get it back. For Restore Contacts, you can pick which backup archive you want back. Just remember that restoring this will replace your contacts on all your iOS and Mac devices. However, before the restoration happens, there will also be a backup of your existing contacts so in case you want those back, you can get those back. For Restore Calendars or Reminders, you’ll need to manually restore sharing privileges if you had reminders you’ve shared with others before. Scheduled events where you invited others will get cancelled and recreated. You might want to let others know this is happening when they get the event notification once again.  Your existing Calendars or Reminders will also be backed up in case you need access to these once you restored a previous backup.

Source: Macworld

Kyocera Duraforce comes to TELUS for $50 on 2-year terms or $530 outright

The super-tough and water resistant Kyocera Duraforce smartphone is now available to TELUS customers for $50 on a 2-year term or $530 outright.

The Kyocera Duraforce is designed to withstand everyday abuse while keeping users connected. Whether you like to explore the outdoors, work in a tough environment or are just clumsy, the Duraforce is ready to take whatever you throw at it. Check out our review here.

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