Page 23 - Aruba Today

TECHNOLOGY A23
Monday 4 January 2016

Tech Talk: A look back, and a technology wish list for 2016

This photo demonstrates the posting of an animated photo us- ple devices. And stream- something similar. Other both areas where cellular
ing Facebook’s new app, left, and the viewing of it, right, on an ing devices made by Ap- services tap the fingerprint service is spotty or non-exis-
iPhone. The latest iPhones come with the ability to turn still im- ple, Google and Amazon IDtechnology found on tent. But the offline feature
ages into video, known as Live Photos. typically won’t play video iPhones and some high- doesn’t work with walking
bought from each other, end Android phones. A or transit directions, so it’s
(Courtesy of Apple and Facebook via AP) at least not without us- touch of the home button not as useful for wilderness
ing a backdoor relay fea- bypasses the password by hikes or in many subway
ture such as AirPlay. So if confirming you’re the one stations.
you have Amazon video, holding the phone. We Speaking of maps, all ser-
you’re stuck with Amazon’s need more such mecha- vices could do better at di-
device. Amazon even nisms that offer both sim- recting motorists to rental-
stopped selling Apple TV plicity and security. car centers at airports. Typ-
and Google’s Chromecast ing in the three-letter air-
on its website. GETTING AROUND WITH NO port code assumes you’re
INTERNET getting dropped off at the
MANAGING YOUR SHOWS Google Maps for Android main terminals.
With lots more online view- and iPhones now works The rental-car location
ing options, we need bet- without an Internet con- might be miles away, per-
ter ways to keep track of nection, so long as you haps off a different high-
what to watch and when download mapping data way exit. It would be nice
shows expire from stream- ahead of time. That’s help- to see the rental-car lo-
ing services. I kept forget- ful when you find yourself cation more prominent in
ting to watch that “Unau- trying to leave a remote map searches. Better yet,
thorized Melrose Place Sto- national park or an under- how about the closest gas
ry” on Lifetime, and now ground parking garage — station to refill your tank?q
it’s too late.
ANICK JESDANUN channels, including ESPN, Streaming TV devices from
AP Technology Writer remain locked up in pack- Apple, Roku, Amazon and
NEW YORK (AP) — This past ages filled with channels Nvidia let you search mul-
year brought lots of new not everyone wants. Even tiple services at once to
products, services and fea- though Dish’s Sling TV of- see what’s available, but
tures — including a few fers ESPN over the Internet you don’t have any way
that even managed to im- — Sony’s PlayStation Vue to add shows to a universal
prove everyday life. will also do so soon — you queue. Instead, you have
For instance, a double tap can get it only as part of to go to Netflix to see your
of the home button on larger packages. I’d love list of flagged shows on
Samsung’s newest phones to get AMC, ABC Fam- that service, HBO to see its
instantly launches the cam- ily and Comedy Central as list, and so on.
era, so you’re less likely to stand-alone subscriptions, It’s as if you needed sep-
miss that magical moment. for instance. arate video recorders for
TiVo has a smart way to skip each channel. TiVo comes
commercials and speed GETTING ALONG closest to offering a univer-
up video playback so that Companies are getting sal queue with its OnePass
you can watch TV shows better at acknowledging feature, but it has relatively
and movies in half the time. their rivals. Microsoft, for few streaming TV apps.
But there’s plenty more instance, made its Office
for tech companies to do. apps for iPhones, iPads and ENOUGH WITH PASSWORDS
Here’s a wish list for 2016: Android before tackling its Passwords are difficult to
own Windows phone sys- manage, which is one rea-
PICK AND CHOOSE ONLINE tem. son so many are trivial to
TELEVISION Samsung smartwatches guess (“password12345,”
In 2015, HBO and Showtime now work with non-Sam- anyone?) and so many
freed themselves from tra- sung phones, while Apple people reuse the same
ditional television shackles. made its music service weak passwords across
Both now offer app sub- available on Android. multiple services.
scriptions directly to con- It’s a start. But animated Yahoo has an easier way
sumers — with no cable or photos taken with Ap- to sign in to its services. Us-
satellite TV service required. ple’s new iPhones can be ing Account Key, you con-
It’s a start, but lots of worthy viewed only on other Ap- firm who you are through
a text Yahoo sends to your
phone. Google is testing