Say goodbye to the Microsoft Band

It looks like Microsoft’s attempt at releasing a fitness tracker has reached its end. ZDNet reports the Microsoft Band 2 has been pulled from Microsoft’s online store. The Verge adds that the wearable device isn’t available on Best Buy either and while it’s still on Amazon, the online retailer is just selling its remaining inventory. The Band’s software development kit has also been removed online. And there are reports that the team working on the Band has been dissolved already. One more telling sign is the renaming of Microsoft’s smartphone health app to Microsoft Band, meaning it’s moving beyond just working for said wearable. Microsoft has said earlier this month that its remains “deeply committed to supporting our customers and exploring the wearables space.” Microsoft does have things like HoloLens still in existence. It’s just you shouldn’t be expecting a Microsoft Band 3 to show up anytime soon.

Apple macOS Sierra will prompt you to download

Slightly as aggressive as how Microsoft rolled out Windows 10, Apple will be reminding and triggering an automatic download of macOS Sierra for compatible Macs. The users who have automatic downloads turned on and have enough storage space to install the download will get the update sometime “over the next week.” The update won’t instantly download without your permission, though. You will have to start it on your own—just like how Windows 10 updates were released. And if you aren’t ready to upgrade yet, you can just delete the installer or disable automatic downloads from the App Store. Plus, the update won’t install and be deleted if the Mac is starting to run low on storage.

Source: The Loop

Amazon looks to fill many more positions on its Alexa team

Amazon is getting even more aggressive with developing the Alexa voice assistant technology with its current hiring spree. At the moment, Amazon is looking to fill 399 positions for different locations. Some of the jobs include data engineers, product managers, and machine learning scientists with locations ranging from Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, to Tempe, Arizona, to Sunnyvale, California, among others. The hiring push comes on the heels of the expansion of Amazon’s voice-controlled Echo speakers.

Source: Recode

Formula E’s VR race highlights changes how you experience the sport

Formula and Virtually Live have found a new immersive way for fans to experience the FIA Formula E Championship. Announced back in March, highlights of the 2015/2016 season are now available on Virtually Lives platform and can be seen on the Oculus, Steam, and Viveport virtual reality stores. The app features 20 minutes of race content from the Long Beach, Berlin, and London ePrixs. You can view things from the driver of your choice or different positions around the track, including the VIP club. It shows you real-time stats from the cars and the TV feed as well as being able to hear the audio broadcast from the race. This preview is the lead-up to Formula E and Virtually Live’s plans to having a live VR experience in the upcoming third season.