Articles by Christian de Looper
An Interview With The Creator of OWOW - A New Breed of Musical Instruments
We recently spoke to Pieter-Jan Pieters, the founder of a company called OWOW, which recently started a Kickstarter campaign for its unique and easy-to-use instrument controllers.
Americans Consumed 4.1 Trillion Megabytes of Mobile Data In 2014
Americans consumed a massive 4.1 trillion megabytes of data in 2014, according to a report by the CTIA. This represents an increase in data use of 26 percent compared with 2013.
Apple Revokes Monster's Licensing Rights Over Beats Lawsuit
Apple has revoked Monster's rights to releasing Apple-licensed products, a move likely to have a significant impact on Monster's business. Monster's licensing deal will reportedly be allowed to expire because of Monster's lawsuit with Beats Music.
The Fairphone 2 Is Ethically Sourced And Modular For Easy Repair
Fairphone has announced its second smartphone, appropriately called the Fairphone 2. Like its predecessor, the Fairphone 2 is ethically sourced, however, this time around, it is also modular for easy repair.
Yecup Is A Travel Mug That Can Also Take Selfies
Ever wanted a travel mug that can remotely take selfies from your phone? You need a Yecup! This new travel mug can not only take selfies, but can also be remotely controlled from a smartphone app, allowing users to heat up their drink and check the mug's battery level.
These Futuristic 'Smart Specs' Could Help The Legally Blind See
A startup called VA-ST has developed a set of augmented reality goggles to help the legally blind see better. Smart Specs highlight the outlines of objects and people.
Sony Announces Gamer-Focused Xperia Z4v Smartphone With PlayStation 4 Game-Streaming Features
Sony has announced the Verizon-exclusive Xperia Z4v, which is able to stream PlayStation 4 games from anywhere in the house. The device features many of the same specs as the standard Z4, with an even better display.
LastPass Hacked: How Safe Is Cloud-Based Password Management, Really?
Password management service LastPass has been hacked, prompting many to question the security of the service and others like it. So just how safe is LastPass, and should users run for the hills?
Forest Whitaker Reportedly Joins 'Star Wars: Rogue One' Cast
Forest Whitaker has reportedly joined the cast of 'Star Wars: Rogue One,' but it's not yet known exactly what role he will play. Previously confirmed cast members include Felicity Jones and Riz Ahmed, both rebel fighters.
Apple Will Not Pay Apple Music Royalities To Indie Labels During 3-Month Trial Period
Apple will reportedly not be paying royalties to independent labels during its new music streaming service's 3-month trial period. The company will, however, pay slightly more than the industry standard after that.
Major Update To Netflix Website Goes Live
A major update to the Netflix website has gone live, offering users a more modern look with animations and larger images. The website is easier to use than the previous version, which is around four years old.
Skype For Web Gets Linux And Chrome OS Support, Available Worldwide
Microsoft has announced that the Skype for Web beta is now open to anyone around the world, and has added support for Chrome OS and Linux. Unfortunately for Chromebook users, only instant messaging on Skype is currently supported.
Microsoft Demos Minecraft For HoloLens At E3 2015 - This Is The Future of Gaming
Microsoft has shown off a stunning new version of Minecraft for HoloLens, allowing users to project the Minecraft world directly onto a table in front of them, offering almost god-like powers to the gamer.
Google's Mac-Friendly Chrome Promises Faster Performance And Longer Battery Life, Eyes Safari
Google has announced a number of significant changes to Google Chrome for Mac, greatly improving how much battery power and processing power the browser will use.
Ad-Blocking Feature In iOS 9 May Cripple Mobile Advertising Industry
Apple will reportedly be introducing ad-blocking capabilities into its next version of iOS, a move that will have a significant impact on the online advertising industry and the Internet industry in general.
Beats Was Reportedly Developing Sonos Rival Before Apple Axed It
According to recent reports, Beats was in the middle of developing a wireless speaker system to compete with Sonos when the company was bought by Apple and the project was shut down. Despite this, it's possible the project could be resurrected by Apple.
Google Looking To Pull Switch On Twitch With YouTube Gaming
Google has announced that it will be launching YouTube Gaming as a website and app later this year. The platform will have a heavy focus on game streaming and will offer gamers a community to engage in conversations about gaming.
Your Facebook News Feed Now Also Depends On How Much Time You Spend Reading It
Facebook has once again tweaked its News Feed algorithm, now timing how long users spend looking at certain posts. The idea being that users are more interested in certain types of content if they spend longer looking at those posts.
NASA Successfully Tests A New Glider for Satellite Launches
NASA has successfully tested a new glider used for launching satellites that will significantly cut down on the costs and complexities involved with launching satellites using first stage booster rockets.
Machine Beats Humans In IQ Test For The First Time Ever
For the first time in history, a deep learning machine has been able to beat a human in an IQ test when it comes to verbal reasoning, something that machines have traditionally not been very good at.
Leica Announces The Q, A Full-Frame Compact Camera For The Rich
Leica has announced its latest camera, the Q, offering great specs in a compact size. Of course, those specs and the Leica name don't come cheap, with the camera costing a cool $4,250.
France Orders Google To Expand 'Right To Be Forgotten' Globally
French regulators have ordered Google to expand its removal of information about European citizens under the 'right to be forgotten' rule globally. Google argues this would let France set a precedent in creating international Internet laws.
Wikimedia Turns On HTTPS Encryption By Default For All Of Its Websites, Including Wikipedia
The Wikimedia Foundation has turned on HTTPS encryption for all of its websites by default, ensuring that users can safely browse the web without fear of others spying on their activities. The decision may affect those with slower Internet connections, though, because HTTPS encryption takes up more bandwidth.
FBI Raids Home Of Man Linked To Celebrity Nude Photo-Hacking Scandal
Unsealed FBI documents reveal the organization has raided the home of a man in connection with the celebrity photo-hacking scandal that took place last year.
Uber's New Way To Recruit Drivers - A Video Game?
Uber has launched UberDrive, a video game designed to lure potential drivers into joining the company. The game allows players to choose the routes to drive their clients, earning points based on how efficiently and safely they navigate the streets of San Francisco.
Net Neutrality Laws Go Into Effect As Courts Deny Stay
Net neutrality laws are set to finally go into effect on Friday with a U.S. appeals court denying a stay of the new rules from the FCC. Despite this, net neutrality has a long road ahead, with Internet service providers likely to put forth lawsuits against the rules in the near future.
Google Adds Chromecast And AirPlay Support To Slides
Google has announced Chromecast and AirPlay support for Google's presentation app, Google Sheets, on Android and iOS. The move will help users streamline how they give presentations, offering speaker notes and a timer.
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo Announces Resignation, Company Removes 140-Character Limit For Direct Messages
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo announcing his resignation as leader of the company, with co-founder Jack Dorsey stepping in as interim CEO. The social media network also announced that it would be removing the 140-character limit for direct messages.
Israel-Backed Spyware Found At Hotels Hosting Iran Nuclear Talks
Highly advanced malware has been found in the systems of three hotels that were used to host Iran nuclear talks. The malware, dubbed Duqu 2.0, was first found and tracked by Kaspersky Labs after itself being targeted by the virus. It has also been linked to the Israeli government.
Sony To Offer 4K Video Capabilities In More Of Its Cameras
Sony is looking to bring 4K video-shooting capabilities to its entire range of cameras, and has introduced two point-and-shoot models with 4K video offerings.
