Near Share is an AirDrop-like feature coming to Windows 10

One of the best things about being an iOS and a Mac user are experiences like AirDrop (quick file transfers) and Continuity (start a taks on mobile, continue on a laptop or desktop). It looks like an update to Windows 10 called Near Share, will replicate AirDrop-like file sharing functionality between nearby PCs (or, theoretically, devices running Windows 10).

A feature like this is super convenient and allows you to share photos or files between nearby devices. I can see it being useful in meetings, in class and anytime you'd rather not use a USB thumbdrive or email files to someone that's sitting right next to you. We need more of these features as they are so useful and delightful and the technology already supports it. 

Apple Opens Everyone Can Code initiative to students globally

Apple today announced the global expansion of its Everyone Can Code initiative to more than 20 colleges and universities outside of the US. These schools will now offer the App Development with Swift Curriculum, a full-year course designed by Apple engineers and educators to teach coding and app design to students of all levels and backgrounds. Now hundreds of thousands of students from around the world gain the opportunity to become proficient in the Swift programming language and build the fundamental skills they need to pursue careers in the booming app economy. 

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As interest for Pokemon Go wanes, Niantic looks to bring AR-enabled Harry Potter game

Niantic took mobile users by storm with Pokemon GO which brought the first real example of AR (augmented reality) to the masses. While that game became one of the biggest and most downloaded titles, interest from the general publick has been waning for some time now and the company is looking for the next big hit.

What's bigger the the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? 

"We're incredibly excited to announce this next step in the evolution of AR mobile entertainment. With Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, players that have been dreaming of becoming real life Wizards will finally get the chance to experience J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Players will learn spells, explore their real world neighborhoods and cities to discover & fight legendary beasts and team up with others to take down powerful enemies." Death eaters, Dementors, legendary wizards and witches are all going to be served up in muggle neighbourhoods as Niantic blends magic and high technology. The game is coming 2018.

iPhone X measures up nicely against $2,000 camera in 4k video tests

The camera crew at FStoppers pitted an iPhone X against the Panasonic GH5, a professional 4K camera that's used to shoot videos and photos. Mostly a video comparison test, the video above shows the iPhone X's considerable chops as it manages to meet and even surpass some of the GH5's videos in various conditions. iPhone X output seems punchier with more colour depth and the testers also noted they were impressed with the optical image stabilization on the iPhone X, specially in tracking shots. 

Granted, the GH5 (which costs $2,000 for the body alone), does better in terms of bitrate and has more detail when your zoom in, FStoppers says that for most of the videos they make (some of which are commercial quality), the iPhone X or even older iPhone models are going to work just fine, provided the scenes are well lit. I've started to use the iPhone X more like a camera for a standalone camera review and find that it does take stunning and punchy photographs in most conditions. It's good to know the video aspect is also top notch.

Source: Daring Fireball