Google Play Music Serves Up Tunes with Machine Learning

Google Play Music is getting a make-over. Music lovers can now tap into 'richer' recommendations along with a fresh user interface and offline playlists. Using machine learning, Play Music can create unique experiences based on individual listeners' taste, location, and activity.

Even the current weather is taken into account.

"We'll deliver personalized music based on where you are and why you're listening," Google Play Music Product Manager, Elias Roman, wrote in a blogpost.

"Relaxing at home, powering through at work, commuting, flying, exploring new cities, heading out on the town, and everything in between," he said. "Your workout music is front and center as you walk into the gym, a sunset soundtracks appears just as the sky goes pink, and tunes for focusing turn up at the library."

Meanwhile, subscribers will also have access to music, even when there's no service. "As long as you remember to charge your smartphone, you'll have your favorite tunes, even if you forgot to download them ahead of time," Roman wrote.

Users will also notice a new look: the revamped Google Play Music homescreen features favorite playlists, latest releases, and more tunes from popular artists—at the right time and place for you.

The new experience is rolling out now to Google Android, Apple iOS, and Web subscribers in 62 countries. If you're not already enrolled, try free unlimited access for 30 days; individual plans are US$9.99 per month, while up to six people can share a family plan for US$14.99 per month.

Google in July 2014 acquired streaming music service Songza, whose proprietary algorithms prompt users to play music for a specific time of day, activity, or mood. Co-founded by Roman nearly a decade ago, the Internet radio program officially shuttered in January as the company merged into Google Music.

Amazon Ordered to Refund Kids' In-App Purchases

Amazon must offer refunds to parents whose children made in-app purchases on Amazon devices without their permission, a federal judge recently ordered at the conclusion of an on-going civil trial.

A US District Court in Seattle issued the order in a case that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brought against Amazon in 2014. The order requires Amazon to set up a claims process beginning early next year to alert parents of their eligibility for refunds, Reuters reported.

The court rejected the FTC's request for a US$26.5 million lump-sum payout, though it did agree with Amazon that that amount might have taken into account unauthorised purchases that children did not unwittingly made.

The original FTC complaint cited internal communications from Amazon employees when in-app purchases had first been introduced in December 2011. They wrote that the lack of a password requirement is "clearly causing problems for a large percentage of our customers."

The company first required passwords for purchases over US$20 in March 2012 and the Amazon Appstore now requires passwords for all in-app purchases.​​​

An Amazon spokesperson did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment on the ruling, now the latest of several court decisions that have required Amazon's rivals to reimburse similar purchases.

In 2014, Google agreed to refund up to US$19 million to customers whose children accidentally racked up in-app purchase charges via their Android devices. It later removed the word "free" from any app that included in-app purchases.

Facebook in July settled a class-action lawsuit covering users who made any kind of purchase through their Facebook accounts between February 2008 and March 2015. They can now request refunds for purchases they believe are unauthorised.

NES Classic Can Use Original NES Controllers

On Friday, we finally get to purchase the Nintendo NES Classic Edition console that comes bundled with 30 games and a controller for US$60. PCMag's review concluded it 'exudes old-school style' and has 'fantastically nostalgic design', yet still remaining inexpensive.

However, there are two grumbles that highlight how short the controller cable is and the fact you can't update or expand the system in any way.

Hyperkin NES Controller AdapterAs IGN reported, the complaint about the controller cable length can be fixed in a couple of ways, one of which adds even more nostalgia to the experience.

While Hyperkin is best known for the RetroN 5 console, it's also an experienced gaming accessories company. It has foreseen the short cable problem and is set to release an adapter for the NES Classic that allows you to plug in an original NES controller. The NES To NES Classic Adapter will be available on November 28 2016 for US$9.99 and will work with both ports on the NES Classic.
If you don't own an old NES controller, then Hyperkin will instead sell you a 6ft extension cable for US$7.99.

Nintendo includes a controller with the NES Classic that is very close in look and feel to the original, but the cable is only just over 2ft long. The original controller cable is more than twice as long, as this image posted on NeoGAF comparing the old and new confirms:

NES Controller Cable Lengths
So buying this adapter and using an old pad ultimately comes down to whether the cable is too short for you as a player. If you consider the most common TV sizes are in the 32- to 55in range, then chances are a 2ft cable really is too short to be comfortable.

It's also important to keep in mind that the Hyperkin adapter and extension cable are probably going to be the first of many solutions to the short cable problem. Who knows, a wireless controller hitting the market eventually might be in the pipeline.

Which Sony PlayStation VR Games Should I Buy?

After months of keeping the gaming community in anticipation, Sony has at last released its Sony PlayStation VR (PSVR) peripheral. Unlike the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, PSVR is very reasonably priced.

Not only does the base unit only cost US$400, it one only needs a Sony PlayStation 4 system in order to play games. With the Sony branding behind it, PSVR should easily surpass the other VR headsets in sales and popularity. In some ways, this could be the device that saves virtual (VR) reality gaming.

PSVR launched with 14 titles last week. Considering how most systems are released with less than a quarter of that number, this an accomplishment in and of itself. Those who take the VR plunge will find a range of games meant to cater to every need. Though each of these games are each unique experiences, they all provide a glimpse as to what virtual reality gaming could hold in store for the future. Before you buy, check out your options in the list below.

100ft Robot Golf (US$19.99)
This is a game that has 100 foot-tall robots playing golf. Even though the title doesn't offer much more beyond this silly premise, that is all you really need—especially if you are a fan of giant robots. Beyond the robots, what distinguishes this game from other golf titles is that it is more about speed than keeping your stroke count low. It is better to hit the golf ball in the general direction you want it to go and then fly after it instead of going for a precise strike. 100ft Robot Golf may not live up to its potential but at least it isn't trying to mislead anyone.

Batman: Arkham VR (US$19.99)
Probably the most popular of the launch-day PSVR titles, Batman Arkham VR lets players become The Dark Knight like no other game ever has. Instead of focusing on action, Arkham VR is a mystery game where players have to search for clues in order to solve a murder. Despite its pedigree, this title could be considered disappointing since it is only about an hour long. However, it does make one feel like Batman and that alone could be a selling point for most.

Battlezone (US$59.99)
This is an updated version of the classic arcade game and it does a nice job of capturing everything that made the original great while still feeling modern. Unlike a lot of games for Sony's peripheral, Battlezone is exceptionally challenging. Though the game does feature a good number of weapons to use, it can become somewhat repetitive since there isn't much to do besides blowing up everything that moves.

Harmonix Music VR (US$14.99)
Harmonix Music VR is essentially a playable version of those music visualisations that PC monitors used to have back in the early '90s. The game has some modes that let you interact with the music via puppets or paint brushes. There are also modes where you can sit back and relax to the in-game music or tracks that you upload. This game is something to play/experience when you're just hanging out alone at home.

Headmaster (US$19.99)
Headmaster is one of the strangest games among PSVR's line-up since it doesn't require players to use a DualShock 4 or Move controller. Instead, one has to use their head... literally. Though hitting soccer balls with one's noggin' may sound mundane, and not to mention uncomfortable, this is a pretty fun title that manages to have a good deal of variety despite its simplistic gameplay.

Here They Lie (US$19.99)
Those who want to indulge in something less sunnier may enjoy Here They Lie. This isn't exactly a horror title, but it does have a decidedly darker atmosphere when compared to other PSVR launch games. Players will navigate through a twisted world in search of a loved one while trying to escape enemies and solve puzzles. This one has been known to cause motion sickness, so it may not be for everyone.


PlayStation VR Worlds (US$39.99)
PlayStation VR Worlds features five different games that focus on one specific aspect of VR. These games are meant to be short, but this also means they are on the shallow side. The London Heist, Scavenger's Odyssey, VR Luge, Danger Ball, and Ocean Descent are good for what they offer but individually they aren't exactly deep experiences. Still, this package is good for demonstrating what VR can do.


Rez Infinite (US$29.99)
Rez is one of the better Sega Dreamcast games back in the day. It offered a solid experience before, but it seems to have truly reached its potential in VR. One of the trippier experiences on PSVR, Rez does a fantastic job of immersing players in a sea of colour visuals and intense music. You won't need to go out clubbing if you have this game.


RIGS Mechanized Combat League (US$49.99)
If you ever wanted to pilot a mech robot, RIGS is about the closest you'll get to living out that fantasy. This was made to be played at eSports events and it shows. This is a fast paced, aggressive shooter/sports game that is unlike anything out there. RIGS is not for the faint of heart and only those with strong constitutions need apply as the game demands a lot from players, both physically and mentally.

Thumper (US$19.99)
Thumper blends a lot of disparate gameplay styles and ends up being a very unique title. This can be considered a racing game, but it is also equally a rhythm game and an endless runner. Thumper's fast speed may seem overwhelming at first, but after some time, it all becomes second nature. This is also an extremely gorgeous looking game, which is always nice.

Tumble VR (US$9.99)
Like Battlezone, Tumble is getting a new lease on life in VR. Here, the player builds or destroys towers of blocks that come in various shapes, sizes, and even densities. The challenge comes from figuring out which blocks to use in order to create specific towers. Things get even harder later in the game when you have to stack blocks on moving platforms or with fluctuating gravity. The controls for this game may not be all that precise but the overall package is still enjoyable.

Until Dawn: Rush of Blood (US$19.99)
Unlike Here They Lie, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood is a full-on horror title meant to scare the living daylights out of players. Unfortunately, everything that made the original Until Dawn great on PS4 is missing in its VR incarnation. Instead of being a cool action-horror title, Rush of Blood is an on-rails shooter. Yes, it does have moments that are meant to scare you, but they feel forced and somewhat cheap. This is probably the most disappointing PSVR game only because it could have been so much more.

SuperHyperCube (US$29.99)
The goal of this odd puzzler is to fit a three dimensional stack of cubes through a two dimensional hole in an encroaching wall. The challenge is to orientate the cubes to match the opening before it is too late. If not, you'll lose points. This is the type of game you can play for a few minutes or many hours.

Super Stardust Ultra VR (US$19.99)
The Stardust games have always been among PlayStation fans' favorites so it's not surprising to see one get brought over to PlayStation VR. The basic premise of flying around a planet and shooting asteroids into little chunks of colorful debris hasn't changed, but the game takes on a whole new dimension in VR where it is decidedly more immersive. The luminant colors, numerous power ups, and enjoyable shooting mechanics make this one a winner.

Microsoft Xbox Preview Program Renamed, Opened to All

Microsoft just announced improvements to its Xbox Preview Program. Each month, Redmond pushes out new features to Xbox One owners. But before making their public debut, those programs are tested through preview members who are tasked to try out these things.

This includes fiddling with backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 titles.

Going forward, the most notable change to the program is the transition to a new name—the Xbox Insider Program—meant to reflect an expanded range of service preview opportunities for users, including games, apps, and system updates.
The Xbox Preview Dashboard has also been renamed to become the Xbox Insider Hub. Microsoft confirmed that Hub is a complete rebuild of the Dashboard based on fan feedback.

Other highlights, as outlined via Program Manager, Emily Hanson, include more personalisation, a new user interface, an Xbox Insider profile card, and support for multiple users on a console.

"We're starting to roll these changes out today to a small number of preview members who have provided the most feedback since the inception of the Xbox Preview Program" Hanson shared.

Xbox One consoles in instant-on mode and with the Xbox Preview Dashboard app installed will automatically update overnight. Everyone else can check online for upgrades or wait patiently for access to the new Xbox Insider Hub. Most will see it soon as it should fully roll-out over the next few weeks.

"Our final change, my personal favorite, is that the Xbox Insider Program will soon be open to all Xbox users," Hanson added.

Access to system updates still remains limited to those already participating. Of course, this change means more people will be able to try games, apps, upgrades, and new features, and give feedback directly from their Xbox One.

4 ways The O will remind you of things you need, before you need them

You’ve heard of the Internet Of Things, right? It’s an ugly name for how all your tech gadgets work together. Well, the O is building an Internet Of Reminders. More than just a Bluetooth tracker that allows you to find your wallet once you have already left it at a bar, the O will remind you that you’ve left them behind before get beyond a set range. What’s more, the O will remind you to take things, such as your gym bag, on the day it knows you’ll need them and depending on what the weather will be that day.
If that sounds like an awful lot of nagging, these reminders only take the form of notifications on your iPhone or Android. Better still, you have complete control over them, deciding how often you should be reminded. This does require a certain amount of initial set-up, but registering an item with the O app on your phone only takes a matter of minutes. Of course, for every item in your Internet Of Reminders, you need to have an O tracker attached to it, but these are sold in packs of four for £65/$80 to help keep the cost down. Here’s the four best ways we would use our multi-pack.

1. Find your keys

Using low-energy Bluetooth the O’s app will notify you if you have moved away and left key items behind. Setting the O as essential means that no matter where you are, if you leave the item, you will be notified. When you are alerted you can swipe the alert and press ‘Safe For Now’ and it won’t alert you for a little while. Each pack of Os comes with a rubber keyring or more fashion- forward metal ones are sold separately.

2. Don’t run out of phone battery

You can enable reminders for certain items. If you have an O set to track your charger, for example, and leave the home without it, you will receive an immediate alert to grab your charger if your battery
is below 50 per cent. Alternatively, you could set the O as an ‘essential’ and receive reminders whenever you leave without it.

3. Remember it’s leg day!

You can select which days items need to be tracked, for example if you plan on only going to the gym at weekends you can select on the app to only be reminded on Saturdays. Looking at the app you can see what Os are with you, at home or in a safe place. The case of the O is rounded and lightweight meaning it can fit into most bags without damaging the interior and be unnoticeable.

4. Get reminders before it rains

The app monitors weather forecast each day and if you leave without taking your umbrella, you will be alerted to say that you may need it. If you choose to set the tracker to non-essential then as long as it is somewhere you have selected as ‘safe’ you won’t be alerted when you leave. You can set safe places by connecting to a Wi-Fi network or if there isn’t Wi-Fi available, you can set a specific area on a map.
For more information on The O, visit owithme.com This article first appeared in Gadget issue 14. For the latest tech news and reviews, buy the latest issue of Gadget here or download the digital edition.

PlayStation 4 Sales Hit 18.5 Million

Though the last few months have certainly given Sony a headache or two, the company can celebrate the fact that its PlayStation 4 sales have been strong. Very strong.

Sony announced yesterday during its CES press conference that PlayStation 4 sales have topped 18.5 million worldwide since the console's debut in November 2013, and 4.1 million during the most recent holiday season alone.

It has some catching up to do to PlayStation 2, which topped 150 million in its lifetime, but Sony doesn't appear very concerned about that. In actuality, the PlayStation 4 is outpacing PlayStation 2 sales if you compare each console's sales approximately one year after their respective releases.

"The next-gen platforms right now—I don't have the numbers —this generation has grown faster, further, wider, broader than any other game generation in the past. PlayStation 4 is leading that entire charge in next-gen," Sony Computer Entertainment president and CEO Shawn Layden told IGN in November.

PS4 sales topped 10 million in August.

Sony also said that it has 10.9 million PlayStation Plus subscribers. Those stats come after Sony announced that it will start offering monthly subscriptions to its PlayStation Now gaming service.

Rival Microsoft, meanwhile, said it was approaching 10 million Xbox Ones sold as of November, help by the $50 discount it offered on the console through the holiday season.