Apple updates MacBook line with latest processors and new Rose Gold colour

Apple's MacBook has received an upgrade. The ultra-thin and compact notebook now features sixth-generation dual-core Intel Core M processors up to 1.3 GHz, with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, and faster 1866 MHz memory. New Intel HD Graphics 515 deliver up to 25 percent faster graphics performance, and faster PCIe-based flash storage adds substantial speed. Apple seems to have retained the single USB Type-C port from last year's MacBook.

The new MacBook offers up to 10 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 11 hours of iTunes movie playback. MacBooks are offered in Silver, Space Grey, Gold and now Rose Gold. Pricing in Canada is as follows. The 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 processor, 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage for $1,549 (CAD), and with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 processor, 8GB of memory and 512GB of flash storage for $1,899 (CAD). Configure-to-order options include a 1.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor. The MacBook Air line also got an update of sorts now with 8GB of RAM standard across all models. For our review of last year's MacBook click here.

Web-based Skype calling now available on Microsoft Edge browser

Users of the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 10 can now use a wev-based version of Skype calling. Starting today, you can preview the Skype free voice, video and group video calling in the browser.

“We want to make it easy for anyone to connect on Skype,” The Skype team writes in a new post to the Garage & Updates blog. “We know people don’t want to worry about what device the person they want to speak to has close by – they just want Skype to work.”

Starting today, you can use Microsoft Edge to visit Skype for Web,Outlook.com, Office Online and OneDrive and engage in Skype free voice, video and group video calls without first installing a plug-in/extension.

“Skype calls on the web are hassle free,” Microsoft explains, “for the hundreds of millions of you that use Outlook.com every day, to those that visit Skype.com wanting to make a call or anyone preparing a presentation on PowerPoint online; plugin free calling enables quick-fire chat and collaboration, making it easier to get things done together, with anyone, anywhere. No matter where you are, Skype calling on the web is now just a tap away, right there, ready to go.”

For users of Chrome and Firefox, you will still need a plug-in to perform some Skype calls from the browser.

Source: Thurrot.com

YouTube going hyper immersive with 360-degree live streaming and spatial audio

After years of livestreaming Coachella for fans around the world who can’t attend the festival, this year we’re bringing you the festival like never before by live streaming select artist performances in 360-degrees this weekend

YouTube is offering viewers 360 degree live viewing on certain videos now complete with spatial audio.

"We first launched support for 360-degree videos back in March 2015. From musicians to athletes to brands, creators have done some incredible things with this technology. Now, they’ll be able to do even more to bring fans directly into their world, with 360-degree live streaming. And after years of livestreaming Coachella for fans around the world who can’t attend the festival, this year we’re bringing you the festival like never before by live streaming select artist performances in 360-degrees this weekend," YouTube explained in its blog.

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Android N will reportedly bring '3D Touch' to Android handsets

Android users with a bit of iPhone 6S FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) will be happy to know that the '3D Touch' feature is part of the new Android N OS, at least for upcoming handsets that can support the feature. Similar to the 3D Touch that is one of the key features on the iPhone 6S, additional pressure on the display will invoke secondary menus and options which can make it easier to get to functions of certain apps without necessarily having to open those apps. 

Expected to be announced at Google I/O 2016, the new feature will enable more efficient access to apps and their features when enabled.

Source: Phandroid