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Apples AirPods have only been available for a little over a month and still have 6 week shipping times, but its possible we could see a second generation sooner rather than later if Apple launches updatedAirPods annually and alongside theiPhone 8. Lets take a look at some of the potential upgrades we might see this year.

There are many details that Apple nailed with AirPods. At the top of the list issmooth, fast, and consistentpairing with the W1 chip, the slick and compact charging case, and decent sound and battery life for such lightweight earbuds (check out our AirPods vs. the competition review here).

Zac recently noted the great experience of flying with AirPods, preferring them in many ways over his wirelessBose QC35s. However, even if AirPods are the best cord-free earbuds on the market for now, theres always room for improvement. Whats next for AirPods?:

The most likely improvement we may see with the next AirPods is improved Siri capabilities. With growing rumors of an enhancedSiri alongside the iPhone 8 launch, and many reports of a Siri-enabled speaker coming this year, its not much of a stretchto imagine AirPods could benefit as well. Specifically, most users and reviewers seem to agree AirPods desperately need an offline mode

Beyond improving accuracy, comprehension, speed, and third-party app integration, Apple could improve Siri and the AirPods user experience greatly with offline functionality, a la the retired Voice Control feature. The idea that Siri is the only option for volume and media control (more on that below) and that it currently needs an internet connection is less than ideal to put it lightly. Greg coveredthis indetail recentlyand 90% of readers agreed with the need for offline Siri support, if only for AirPods.

Voice Control, Siris iOS predecessor, could handle offline requests with no issue. In regards to music, Voice Control could play, pause, skip, return, and even play specific playlists all without any internet connection. I had to speak audibly and clearly, but it worked just as well as Siri does for me today. Why these offline functions werent built into Siri since day one still baffles me. Using Voice Controls original commands in combination with Siri, as either the first or even fallback option would help tremendously.

In a recent poll asking what features readers want most for the next AirPods, the largest portion of pollsters responded with physical button/media controls. This goes hand-in-hand with Siri improvements mentioned above, as most just want expanded media controls in general. Whether that will be physical buttons like some competitors (unlikely if you ask us), new gestures that go beyond the current option for initiating Siri or optionally pausing playback, or an advanced Siri only, remains to be seen. Cord-free competitors like Bragi and Samsung both have already implemented much more robust touch gestures on their products

Bragis The Headphone includes three physical buttons with multiple functions for controlling volume, previous and next tracks, play/pause music and answering and ending calls.Although possible, its hard for us to see Apple introducingphysical buttons to the clean and minimal AirPods design.

A more likely approach may beimproving controls by expanding the AirPods tap feature with new software. Apple could benefit from taking note of Samsungs tap functionality on the Gear IconX earbuds.This is familiar territory for Apple of course with it steadily introducingnew touch gestures over the yearfor itstrackpads and iOS devices. And like Siri improvements, its possible these updates could find their way onto current and new AirPods.

Photo via Samsung

Even though AirPods are priced right alongside the competition at $159, a lower price for the next release may help Apple convince more customers to upgradeto the cord-free earphones. In our poll asking why readers had decided to pass on AirPods for now, too expensive was the number one reason.Although unlikely, if Apple priced AirPods at $99 for the next release I think they could convince a sizably larger audience to invest in the upgrade. But Apple has some time before that will be necessary.At $159, AirPods are currently priced competitively with the alternatives that cant really compete in performance just yet.

AirPods are one of the few (maybe only?)fully wirelessearphones on the market that arent an in-ear fit. While most of the competitors ship with multiple sized ear tips and/or wing tips, AirPods are a one size fits most design.

While roughly 65% of readers shared that AirPods stay in their ears, theres a potentially large chunk of users who may need a third-party product to keep them in place for now. Ive looked at a few options and have been usingthe $10EarBuddyzduring workouts to keep them snug. While third-party options get the job done, Apple could come up with a better solution to give a solid fit for a range of ear sizes and also make sure the design works seamlessly with the charging case. A matte rubber outer can greatly increase the ability for the earbud to grip the users ear, and thats something Apple could do without otherwise charging the shape or design of AirPods.

Just like Apples Beats has offered color options to match iPhone and iPad (and MacBook) styles, it would be nice to have at least two options for AirPods to fit varying tastes.A few days after Apples 2016 September announcement, designer Martin Hajek gave us a good idea of what glossy black AirPods would look likeand asked the question So why did this not happen?

For the last several years Apple has been providing more and more choices to match personal style and tastes. This is seenwith the Apple Watch and the variety of band options, the iPhone 7/7 Plus with more color choices than ever before and regular (and somewhat seasonal) color palette updates to their accessories. Considering of all this, new color choices for the next AirPods could be likely.

Samsungs Gear IconX and Bragis Dash earphones two of the more popular cord-free competitors to AirPods both include 4GB of on-board storage for music as well as biometric sensors for tracking heart rate, steps, and other activity data. Its difficult to know whether Apple will include either of these features in future AirPods or if they will reserve them for the Apple Watch and iPhone.

Wetend to think the health and storage features crammed into other productsusually dont make for a great experience,and that Apple will pursue other improvements. Other reasons Apple may not pursuestorage options and fitness features in new AirPods may include potential sacrifices tothe slim form factor, weight, battery life, and price point.

If Apple shipsthe next generation of AirPods with a good portion of these features and improvements, it seems they could establish dominance in the cord-free earphone market for years to come. If there are there other features youd like to see in future AirPods that we didnt cover, please share in the comments below!

Photo via Martin Hajek

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What's next for AirPods? How Apple could make the best cord-free earbuds even better - 9 to 5 Mac

Jan. 24, 2017, 12:40 p.m.

The Trump administration has instituted a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants.

Emails sent to EPA staff since President Trump's inauguration on Friday and reviewed by the Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning news releases, blog updates or posts to the agency's social media accounts.

The Trump administration has also ordered a "temporary suspension" of all new business activities at the department, including issuing task orders or work assignments to EPA contractors. The orders are expected to have a significant and immediate impact on EPA activities nationwide.

Similar orders barring external communications have been issued by the Trump administration at other federal agencies in recent days, including the Agriculture and Interior departments.

Staffers in EPA's public affairs office are instructed to forward all inquiries from reporters to the Office of Administration and Resources Management.

"Incoming media requests will be carefully screened," one directive said. "Only send out critical messages, as messages can be shared broadly and end up in the press."

A review of EPA websites and social media accounts, which typically include numerous new posts each day, showed no new activity since Friday.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Tuesday he had no information on the blackout. He said aides were looking into the circumstances.

UPDATE

12:40 p.m: This post was updated with more detail on the order and comment from White House spokesman Sean Spicer.

This post was originally published at 10:06 a.m.

Read more from the original source:
Trump administration orders media blackout at EPA - Los Angeles Times

The Thai Journalists Association late last month issued a year-end summary of its work, in which it called 2016 "the year of government interference". That sad title was certainly earned. The TJA, however, may have spoken just a little early. The junta-appointed National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) is considering a measure to strip independence from the media and hand intimidation and a strong dose of press control to the government. It would make a mockery of the constitution's guarantee of freedom of the press.

The TJA has called a meeting for Sunday to discuss the NRSA's proposal. In fact, "proposal" is an understatement. As of today, it seems the reform assembly is determined to strip some freedom from the media. ACM Kanit Suwannate, who heads the media reform steering committee of the junta's group, has indicated he is willing to discuss the draft law with media people. But he has not said he is willing to scrap it.

ACM Kanit and colleagues of the NRSA have given their proposed legislation a rather deceptive description. They say it will enhance the protection of rights, promote ethical standards in the media and ensure the press is staffed with, and run by, professionals.

No one could argue with the goals. However, reasonable people should oppose the means which the military regime's "reformers" intend to use.

The bottom line, free of jargon and Orwellian language, is the NRSA intends to put the government in charge of the Thai press. The permanent secretaries of four ministries would sit on a new "national media council" to order and guide media reform. As the TJA president Wanchai Wongmeechai put it, "This is not media reform but an attempt to control the media."

The details of the proposed government control are even more chilling to anyone who favours an independent media. The worst section of the bill says that while only media professionals can run press outlets, every media professional must be licensed by the government.

This is a huge step backwards and is even worse than the hated Article 42 of past dictators, a law permitting the shutdown of any newspaper that displeased them. With democratic advances after the 1973 revolution, Article 42 went rightfully into history.

ACM Kanit has listened to the TJA and other press groups opposed to his measure and has received a counter-proposal from the journalists. He has waved them off without comment. Right now, on the eve of the NRSA taking up the press-control bill for a vote, his position appears to be one of no compromise.

This is disappointing. A free country requires a free press. One requires the other. Putting the government in effective control of press reform is the equivalent of having wolves watch the sheep. It may not be completely certain that the wolves will start eating the flock, but it is a sure thing they will never stop intimidating them.

Government presence on a press panel and licensing of journalists are never part of a free press. The media and the public it serves are capable of continuing to reform the press, which has never stopped.

New media, changing public perception and an ever-evolving society ensure that press reform will continue, and government control can in no way make it better.

ACM Kanit, his steering committee and all NRSA members can no doubt contribute to the evolution of the Thai media. Establishing and then putting a heavy hand on a new press council, however, will set back both the media and reform.

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Reform yes, control no - Bangkok Post

January 24, 2017 by Jessica Sieff Tim Weninger spent five months monitoring new posts on Reddit -- 93,019 posts in all -- and randomly, regardless of content, assigned either an up-vote, down-vote or no vote (as a control) to each post. Credit: Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame

When Tim Weninger conducted two large-scale experiments on Reddit - otherwise known as "the front page of the internet" - back in 2014, the goal was to better understand the ripple effects of malicious voting behavior and the impact on what users see and share online.

One could argue the study couldn't be more timely.

Redditso popular it received 234 million unique visitors last September, according to the siteaggregates user-generated content that is then rated through a voting structure. Users can vote positively (up-vote) or negatively (down-vote) on what they see, which determines the prominence of social posts on Reddit's page. Weninger's results, recently published in the Association for Computer Machinery journal, Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology, provide insight into how a single up/down vote can influence what content users see on the site, which has been known to push viral content into the broader social mediasphere and even mainstream news.

"Most people don't vote on Reddit. But those that do become the content editors - that's essentially what they are - and they're the ones who are responsible for what's trending on the site," said Weninger, assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Notre Dame. "Anyone can vote on social media, so it's relatively easy for handful of bad actors to manipulate the news and opinions and commentary that you see in social media."

For the study Weninger and Maria Glenski, a graduate student in the department of computer science and engineering, spent five months monitoring new posts on Reddit - 93,019 posts in all - and randomly, regardless of content, assigned either an up-vote, down-vote or no vote (as a control) to each post. Posts receiving an up-vote ended up with a significantly higher final score than posts with no vote, and posts assigned a down-vote resulted in a significantly lower score. "Moreover, the posts that we up-voted were 24 percent more likely to reach the front page than those that we did not up-vote," said Weninger.

Content on the site, be it news, photos or video, is completely user-generated, but Reddit differs from other sites such as Facebook or Twitter, as it is not a social network. "You're not seeing what your friends care about," said Weninger. "You're seeing the aggregate opinion of everyone on Reddit." Or, as previously noted, the aggregate opinion of those who actually vote, which Weninger said is a relatively small percentage of Reddit's thousands of users. Votes from the subset of users who choose to vote on what they like or don't like, contribute to the overall score for each post that is calculated by subtracting down-votes from up-votesand those scores determine which content makes it to the top of the site's main page and subreddit pages.

"Media is shifting," he said. "We're moving away from a dozen editors at major networks to a million editors at home on their cell phone. It's important to remember that what's trending on social media is derived from only those who vote, and may not represent the opinions of the actual, broader population."

Weninger continues to measure the intersection and impact of human behavior in social media.

"It is critical that we understand the dynamics of how social rating systems curate the media that we all see and hear in our daily lives," he said. "That, to me, is essential. I can't think of anything more important."

Explore further: Reddit launches Upvoted, a stand-alone site for original content

More information: Rating Effects on Social News Posts and Comments, arXiv:1606.06140 [cs.SI] arxiv.org/abs/1606.06140v1

Online community Reddit on Tuesday launched Upvoted, a stand-alone website to house original content inspired by or related to posts from the expansive online forum.

A month after announcing new guidelines, Reddit removed five groups that it said harassed people.

How trustworthy is the social information on the internet? Do web-based product ratings, for instance, lead to unbiased, reliable and hence useful information? LMU's Petri Niemel has now carried out a study to answer these ...

(AP)Social-networking and news site Reddit says it will remove photos, videos and links with explicit content if the person in the image hasn't given permission for it to be posted.

(Phys.org) Marketers and other new media workers hoping for traffic payoffs will want to study a paper by three Stanford University scientists who have pulled apart the nature of Reddit posts to determine what, beyond ...

Some of the globe's biggest users of social media, Brazilians snap selfies at the beach, at soccer matches, at the gym, in maternity wards and even inside the dens of drug-dealing gangs.

When Tim Weninger conducted two large-scale experiments on Reddit - otherwise known as "the front page of the internet" - back in 2014, the goal was to better understand the ripple effects of malicious voting behavior and ...

They started with striped bass. Over a two-year period the researchers went through about 50 bass, puncturing or fracturing hundreds of fish scales under the microscope, to try to understand their properties and mechanics ...

Skirted on all sides by snow-clad pine forests, Latvia's remote Lake Ninieris would be the perfect picture of winter tranquilitywere it not for the huge drone buzzing like a swarm of angry bees as it zooms above the solid ...

When Singapore pulls the plug on its 2G mobile phone network this year, thousands of people could be stuck without a signaldigital have-nots left behind by the relentless march of technology.

Evangelists for driverless cars see a bright future coming down the road: thousands of lives saved, countless driving hours freed up, cityscapes transformed with traffic jams vanquished.

A Northwestern University team developed a new computational model that performs at human levels on a standard intelligence test. This work is an important step toward making artificial intelligence systems that see and understand ...

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Your (social media) votes matter - Phys.Org

Bernie Ecclestone's reign as Formula One supremo is over after Liberty Media announced its takeover of and his replacement as chief executive in Chase Carey.

Ecclestone will not move into an ambassadorial role of chairman emeritus after 40 years in charge of the sport.

Last week, in the week of the sport's governing body approving the sale of its commercial rights to Liberty Media, Ecclestone cast doubt over his role as chief executive.

And although there has been no word from Liberty about the 86-year-old so far, the man himself has said his time is up.

In quotes carried by German publication Auto, Motor and Sport, Ecclestone said: "I was deposed today. This is official, I do not run the company any more."

A statement from Ecclestone on Formula1.com said: Im proud of the business that I built over the last 40 years and all that I have achieved with Formula 1, and would like to thank all of the promoters, teams, sponsors and television companies that I have worked with.

"Im very pleased that the business has been acquired by Liberty and that it intends to invest in the future of F1. I am sure that Chase will execute his role in a way that will benefit the sport.

Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg has congratulated the veteran F1 chief for his job and wished his replacement, American Carey, all the best.

"Bernie, mega job! But a change has been overdue. Mr. Carey, all the best in making our sport awesome again," tweeted the newly-retired German.

Ecclestone, who turns 87 in October, has ruled Formula One for 40 years and been involved in elite motorsport for many more.

President and CEO of Liberty Media Corporation Greg Maffei thanked Ecclestone "for his tremendous success in building this remarkable global sport.

American Chase Carey, the 21st Century Fox vice chairman, was installed as the new Formula One chairman when Liberty agreed to take control from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners last September.

In a statement today, he said: "F1 has huge potential with multiple untapped opportunities. I have enjoyed hearing from the fans, teams, FIA, promoters and sponsors on their ideas and hopes for the sport.

"We will work with all of these partners to enhance the racing experience and add new dimensions to the sport and we look forward to sharing these plans overtime.

I would like to recognise and thank Bernie for his leadership over the decades. The sport is what it is today because of him and the talented team of executives he has led, and he will always be part of the F1 family.

"Bernies role as Chairman Emeritus befits his tremendous contribution to the sport and I am grateful for his continued insight and guidance as we build F1 for long-term success and the enjoyment of all those involved.

When Liberty bought an 18.7 per cent stake from CVC in September, Ecclestone said the prospective new owners wanted him to stay on as chief executive for three years.

"That is what they asked for," Ecclestone added. "In fact we are going to try to put together people that can look after all the things I have been trying to find people to do, which is the sponsorship and things like that.

"As I said, let's see how we are going to operate."

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Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One reign over after 40 years as Liberty Media confirm 6billion takeover - Mirror.co.uk