Midtown Blogger/Manhattan Valley Follies: Gizmodo Australia

REGULARS

The Best New Windows And Android Slate Tablets

GIZMODO AUSTRALIA22 DECEMBER 2014 1:15 PM

Not everything in the tablet space has to be an iPad: there’s fierce competition between a number of new low-cost Windows 8.1 tablets and their Android equivalents. Whether you’re giving a tablet to someone as a pure fun play, or with more productive aims in mind, there’s a little something for everyone this festive season. Here’s some tablet gift ideas to get you started.

COMPUTING

The Best Australian 2 In 1 Laptops/Tablets: Mega Round-Up

CAMPBELL SIMPSON22 DECEMBER 2014 10:15 AM

If you want a computing device with the power of a laptop and the portability of a tablet, then you want a 2 in 1. There are dozens of great convertible and detachable 2 in 1 laptops out there, but we’ve picked a few of our favourites.

ENTERTAINMENT

Samsung Launching VR Streaming Service For Its Face-Phone Headset

DARREN ORFTODAY 2:00 PM

One of the biggest problems with Gear VR so far has been the general lack of stuff to do. Samsung is now trying to fix that content conundrum with Milk VR, a free video streaming service designed specifically with the company’s latest face wearable in mind.

GEEK OUT

1950s Homes Of The Future Were Going To Push-Button All The Things

MATT NOVAKTODAY 1:30 PM

After World War II, we were promised that pretty soon everything would be operated by push-button. Push-button cars, push-button schools — and a push-button for nearly every moving thing in your futuristic home.

SOFTWARE

Apple Offers 14 Day iTunes App Refunds (But Not In Australia)

ALEX KIDMANTODAY 1:00 PM

Apple’s quietly adjusted the Terms and Conditions for iTunes sales, allowing for a fourteen day refund window… but only in Europe. Don’t hold your breath for the same kind of deal down under.

ONLINE

The Android Apps That Collect The Most Data On You

KATE KNIBBSTODAY 12:30 PM

Apps often need permission to access other stuff on your phone to work. What is less obvious is the breadth of information collected, and why it gets scooped up. Vocativ put together a list of common permissions from popular Android apps, calling it a “barometer of what app makers think they can get away with.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Is Netflix Getting Tougher On DNS Dodgers?

ALEX KIDMANTODAY 11:30 AM

Netflix more or less looks the other way if you’re a VPN user accessing its services from Australia. Unless, it seems, you’re an Android user. Is this a sign of a tougher crackdown to come?

ONLINE

Hackers That Took Down PSN And Xbox Live Now Selling Their DDoS Attack

MARIO AGUILARTODAY 11:15 AM

The hacker group that calls itself the Lizard Squad took down PSN and Xbox Live last week with a massive DDoS attack. Now, it looks like they’re selling the attack as a service to anyone who can pay.

ENTERTAINMENT

How To Avoid The Crowds And Sail Thailand's Islands

CHRIS BRINLEE JRTODAY 11:00 AM

Koh Phi Phi, off Thailand’s western coast is basically one big frat party. Gross. For less than $US100, we rented a private long boat and escaped for a snorkelling and climbing adventure. You can do that too, here’s how.

ENTERTAINMENT

Video: Incredible View Of A Hawk Flying Through A Forest Of Trees

CASEY CHANTODAY 10:00 AM

Now this is a true bird’s eye view of flying. And in the future, this may be how DARPA drones fly too. The footage shows a goshawk flying super-fast through a dense forest, and somehow navigating through it. Its wings occasionally hits trees, but it still manages to zip itself through impossible narrow gaps at high speeds.

ENTERTAINMENT

Who Would Win In An All-Out Battle: Star Wars Or Star Trek?

ROM LOKKEN - QUORATODAY 9:00 AM

A classic debate! Good or Evil? Chocolate or Strawberry? Star Trek or Star Wars (excluding the Death Star)? But unlike those timeless questions this one really does seem to have a compelling answer. And its not what the majority seem to think.