Starbucks is revamping how customers can use their app. A new feature called My Starbucks Barista allows customers to place their orders by simply saying “I want a latte”. Not only can you order your morning cup of Joe this way but you can also pay for it as well, grab your cup and keep rolling with your day.
This new feature offered on the Starbucks app was announced on Monday, according to CNN. For now, My Starbucks Barista is only available to 1,000 people across the globe when it comes out this summer for iOS devices. However, don’t worry Android users, a version of My Starbucks Barista will be heading your way after the release of the iOS version, CNN reported.
However, Starbucks isn’t stopping there. They are also rolling out a new voice-ordering tool for Amazon’s Alexa. In order to get your caffeine fill all you have to do is say “Alexa, order my Starbucks” and it will place your order for you via the Starbucks app.
The hope of this new feature is to reduce the number of people waiting in line to pick up their coffee, which the app was original making a bigger problem, which of course discourages people from using it. The company aims to generate increased interest in the app by introducing the My Starbucks Barista feature.
13 Tricks for iMessage You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask
We here at Mr Phix, the replacement screen experts, are always looking for tips, tricks or anything that will make our customers lives easier when it comes to their mobile phones and its use. We discovered these 13 Tricks for iMessage You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask on Popsugar.com that you might not have known about, and we’re thrilled to share them with everyone.
Anyone who wants to become blue bubble masters of iMessage, which is Apple’s testing messenger, should read these. Chances are you might know them all. However, there may be a few new texting tricks, hints and tips you can learn as well that you did not know.
– Enable/Disable read receipts.
If you ever had someone text you and you did not respond back right away, then enabling and disabling read receipts is a trick you should know. This setting can let someome if you read their text and simply decided not to answer them. That can make you look really bad for not answering the text right away. So this setting has pros and cons to it. To change them simply go to the settings app, select messages and choose enable or disable Send Read Receipts. Enabling will let people know the time you read it.
– Write in All CAPS?
Most people consider writing in ALL CAPS the alternative to screaming. However, sometimes you just want to get your point accross or make sure they understand your point. To write in ALL CAPS simply double tap the shift key to turn it into the caps lock key when your keyboard is open. ENJOY! Remember, if your phone or tablet’s screen ever cracks, you can rely on Mr. Phix, the experts in replacement screens, to fix it. If you are in the Wilmington, NC area then we have several locations you can choose to visit. Mr. Phix stands out as the highest-rated replacement screen company. This is because our staff has years of experience and we valued every customer and treat them like family. Also, to give you peace of mind, we give you a lifetime guaranteed on any screens replaced.
Nintendo is attempting to make a huge turn around after having their stock drop about 5.75%.
What is the key to bring Nintendo back to life? A new game console called the Nintendo Switch.
The Switch, Nintendo’s latest and greatest game console is considered to be a hybrid console. According to Business Insider a “hybrid” console means that you can play in on a television or take it with you out and about, what ever suits your needs.
Nintendo fans, of course, are curious about what this new console has to offer. One feature that the Switch will bringing to the table. Here is basically, how the system works…
The Switch can be used as either a remote control and console or it can be used as a hand held tablet for gaming. The system costs about $299, before taxes, reported Business Insider, but also comes in two different bundles. One bundle features a blue and red Joy-Con, which is one of the main parts of the system. You may also purchase a bundle with traditional gray Joy-Con.
The system comes with a “Joy-Con Grip” and also a Nintendo Switch Dock. What makes this gaming system different is its ability to adapt to your needs. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con bits can detach themselves from the “Joy-Con Grip” and connect to the Switch tablet, for on the go game play.
The “Joy-Con Grip” is used for more traditional game play but can also be transformed into a more mobile gaming system, providing the best of both worlds to those who love one or the other.
Another benefit to the Nintendo Switch?
The parts inside each package or bundle can be purchased separately. For example, if you need another Joy-Con you can absolutely buy it, according to Business Insider. For further information on individual purchasing, check out Nintendo’s website, as they break it all down for their consumers.
Many are excited that Nintendo is returning to a more traditional gaming style, especially after the Wii and Wii U. The “Joy-Con Grip” is designed very similarly to that of other gaming systems with two analog sticks and the traditional four buttons on each side, Business Insider explained. The controller also features shoulder buttons and triggers, much like other “traditional” gaming consoles.
However, if you are not a fan of the Switch set up, you can purchase a controller much like that of other game consoles. The controller looks incredibly similar to Nintendo’s GameCube. The bad news is that this controller does not come with the system, it is sold separately for about $70 dollars.
Nintendo presented the device to the public a few days ago and made sure to demonstrate how the system can last up to 6 ½ hours when removed from the dock. For now, Nintendo is releasing only red and blue Joy-Cons outside of the typical gray color.
However, one feature I think is going to really impress frequent gamers is the “share” feature that the Switch offers.
This button allows the user to capture screenshots of game play and also record video that can be shared with others, which tend to be a pretty popular activity. You can share your photos and videos directly from the Switch to social media. Business Insider reported, that it is uncertain if the console can also stream games live like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Some of the games you can expect to see available for the Switch include:
A new Mario Kart game
“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”
FIFA soccer
“Super Mario Odyssey”
“Sonic Mania”
Make sure you stay tuned for this console that is set to be released on March 3th, 2017. So, far I have found that a lot of people are pretty excited about and hopefully, Nintendo won’t disappoint.
You better watch out what you say to your devices, they might be able to put you behind bars. In Arkansas, a man by the name of James Bates, might be facing time in prison if his Amazon Echo holds information in regards to why a man was found dead in his hot tub.
Crazy to think that a device could potentially hold evidence to a high stakes murder case. However, Amazon is not handing over the information with ease. This brings us back to the continued argument over American privacy and needed information for investigations.
How it Works
The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that is activated by the sound of her name, Alexa. The Echo has the ability to play music, read you the news and connect to other devices that you own. However, she is always listening for her name, so she can properly respond to your request.
Amazon has those recordings stored away and prosecutors believe that Bates’ Echo may hold key evidence in regards to the murder investigation. However, many are stating that this is violation of Bates’ privacy, thus Amazon is withholding the recordings until further legal action is taken.
This isn’t the first time that devices have been used against their owners. The 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California revolved around Apple when the FBI was seeking information from the shooter’s cell phone. Another case in Georgia, required prosecutors seek information from texts, Reddit posts and Google searches, reported CNN.
Questions about Privacy
This brings to question if anything is really private anymore? We use all kinds of devices that carry important personal information. According to CNN’s article, many claim that devices such as the Echo, Google Home or Siri should have different rules and regulations when it comes to personal privacy. However, other sources claim that requesting a device to do something is no different than typing something into your web browser.
The prosecutor involved with the case has attempted to obtain the information from the Echo two separate times but has been declined for both requests. While those involved with the case are still pressing the subject, Amazon claims it will not budge until further notice.
All the way around this raises eyebrows in regards to customer privacy and what can be collected by the devices we use. CNN even reported that The Electronic Privacy Information has voiced concerns about “always on” devices. As time goes on, we will have to seek solutions to these changes in technology. What is a violation of privacy and what is not?
For more about “Amazon Echo or Murder Investigator?”, here is my source…
We all know the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Well, 81 year old Masako Wakamiya is proving that is not the case. Wakamiya just recently created her own iPhone app. According to CNN, Masako Wakamiya felt making this app was necessary after noticing a shortage of “fun” apps for people in her age group.
She stated to CNN, “We easily lose games when playing against young people, since our finger movements can’t match their speed”. Wakamiya, a retired banker reached out to others to create games for the elderly, with no success. Therefore, she decided to do something about it herself.
However, Wakamiya has not always been a technology guru. She first learned how to use computers at age sixty and remembers that they were not as “user friendly” then as they are now. Once she got everything set up, she was ready to go. She joined a “silver club” reported CNN, which focuses on how to use the internet and connect seniors online.
Her new iOS game is based on Hinamatsuri or Doll’s Day, which is a traditional festival in Japan that is celebrated in March. The game displays ornamental dolls that need to be decorated and organized for the festival.
Wakamiya now gives computer lessons and blogs regularly. She also was able to write her own PC textbooks due to the available material being “too boring”, reported CNN. Hinadan was her first app but most likely will not be her last. She stated to CNN, “I have lots of ideas and want to create new apps, but my programming skills are poor. I need more time to develop them”.
To read the original CNN article on the 81-year-old creates new app, check out the link below.
Screen Time for Kids: Should parents limit children’s daily use of digital technology – computers, laptops, TV? The Department of Health screen time recommendations limit the amount of screen time for kids based on the age range of the child. No more than 1 hour a day for children aged 2 to Continue reading “Screen Time for Kids”→
