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Chromium vs. Chrome: Which is The Best for You?

While most internet users use Chrome as the default browser ( IE and Edge being the prime download tool for it) some users have also checked out the Chromium browser.

Launched by Google as an open source project, Chromium is an experimental browser that is continuously improved by the community. While Chrome itself is based on Chromium, it is a more simplified and user-friendly browser.

In the light of the data privacy controversies, some people prefer Chromium as an alternative to Chrome, citing personal privacy as the main reason.

The Pro and Contra

  • Aside from the color of the logo which is blue in the case of Chromium there are no major differences regarding the user-interface.
  • Chromium never reports crashes while Chrome reports them only if the option is turned on
  • Chrome reports users metrics if allowed, Chromium never reports user metrics.
  • Both programs offer support for modern codecs: Opus, Theora, Vorbis, VP8 and VP9 and WAV by default. Chrome offers additional default video codecs :AAC, H.264, and MP3 for audio.
  • In Chrome sandbox mode is on by default and can only be turned off by manual override. His grants an extra layer of security against malicious sites In most Linux distributions it can be easily disabled.

Is Chromium safer?

Well not really. While it may not offer as many reports and metrics to Google, Chromium will still track your activity if you decide to log-in with a Google Account. Chrome is also released only in stable builds while Chromium receives several unstable builds daily. The added layer of security is thin, as even if you do not log in Google will still track your IP.

Conclusions

While Chromium sends less data towards Google it is not much better than Chrome. Both are great for browsing the Internet and if you really need the added security, I would rather suggest a trusted VPN solution.

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

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VR Will be a Genre of its Own in About 5 Years, Claims Sony Design Lead

In an interview offered to MCV at the Develop: Brighton Conference, Michael Hampden revealed Sony’s confidence in the future of Virtual Reality. As a lead designer for the Sony London Studio, working on the highly anticipated Blood &Truth VR game, Hampden offered predictions for the next 5, 10 and 25 years of VR.

For the five years mark, many new titles are expected to make a show in the industry. Since the release of Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PS VR, many new games are developed for the platform, ranging from simple FPS to more advanced and immersive RPGs. Hampden expects that a standard design vision will be established and as the genre matures, designers will be more able to fully explore and use the capabilities they have at hand.

Around 2028, haptic feedback, which could be observed in the Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One will finally become accessible. This will increase immersion and realism, accelerating the rate of adoption for the VR platform.

.Then, 25 years down the line, he expects that “VR should be as ubiquitous as smartphones are today.” He states confidently, which brings optimism for Sony’s future as a gaming solutions provider.

Hampden also highlights the rise of the digital stores, in the light of high ranking physical retailers closing doors, the most recent one being the Toys-R-Us.  He believes that although physical shops are in decline, there is a need for test centers to be available for possible customers.  VR demo stations play a vital role, as they allow customers to test the product and limit future return from unsatisfied customers whom did not enjoy the experience after some time passed.

While VR demo stations remain scarce, Hampden  assures that arcade-style VR destinations will appear, as famous franchises dive into VR: “We have a limited number of these experiences out there so far, but I think this trend is here to stay, and we’ll see more and more location-based VR coming in the future.”

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

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News Tech

Leaked Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Images Suggest that it Looks Similar to Note 8

A supposedly official render of the future flagship phablet Note 8 has been posted by Android Headlines. Offered by what was deemed as a ‘’highly credible source’’ the render, believed to be official is underwhelming. It features no hints regarding software, so the hope that Samsung will see the light and drop its customizations in favor of stock Android.

It also lacks details in regards to the position of the fingerprint sensor, previously uncomfortably placed on the side of the camera. The design seems to follow The Samsung Galaxy S9, with the Infinity Display as the major focus of the device, and limited bezels on the top and bottom. The power, volume and Bixby buttons maintain the exact position they had on Note 8, the stylus pocket seems harder to notice.

On the hardware side, Note 9 seems to sport no obvious upgrade from its predecessor. The iris scanner, front camera, sensors and earpiece seem to be in the exact same position. Just as the Samsung Galaxy S9 was a disguised S8 with a more advanced camera, Note 9 seems to be almost a clone.

Samsung seems to get back to the old habit of releasing 2 or three generations of identical looking devices with modest upgrades. While the camera on the S9 was revolutionary, Huawei upped the ante with the release of the P20 and its three cameras. The P20 also features a 24 MP camera in comparison to the meager 8 MP used by the competition.

While only rumors circulate for now, it remains to be seen how the flagship phablet will actually look like. Certain modifications are possible and we may even consider the fact the render may have been leaked in order to make the revealed device a surprise.

Samsung plans to reveal the Note 9 on August 9th.

 

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

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News Tech

DJI Mavic Air vs. Parrot Anafi – Best Foldable Drone of 2018

If you are searching to buy your first drone, keep this in mind.

Camera

The cameras of both drones sport potent cameras, but there are some differences between them.

Parrot Anafi ($699)

  • film in 4K Cinema mode (4,096 x 2,160) with only up to 24 FPS
  • hybrid, roll, and tilt are mechanically controlled
  • incredible vertical tilt range, it can point straight downwards (-90º) and straight upwards (90º)
  • comes with a 16GB microSD (20 minutes of 4k filming)

DJI Mavic Air ($799)

  • film in 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) at up to 30 FPS
  • slightly steadier camera support for non-shaky filmmaking
  • comes with internal storage of 8 GB
  • supports up to a 128GB card

Both

  • powerful cameras that sit on maneuverable 3-axis gimbals
  • sport the same max bitrate – 100Mbps

Design and portability

They are both lightweight, portable and can be carried easily.

Parrot Anafi

  • weighs a mere 320g (11.3oz)
  • measures at 9.6 x 2.6 x 2.5 in (244 x 66 x 63.5 mm)
  • all of the arms flatten outwards, and can be pulled out or pushed in independent of one another

DJI Mavic Air

  • weights 430g (15.2oz)
  • measures 6.61 x 3.26 x 1.92 inches (168 x 83 x 49 mm)
  • fold the front arms back alongside the drone body; then the back arms fold forward on top of the front arms

Flight and control

Options such as a return home feature, “follow-me” tracking and smart shot modes are found in both drones along with boomerangs or dramatic pans upward.

Conclusion

When we said, Parrot Anafi is strong enough to challenge DJI Mavic Air’s dominance we were not wrong. Its comparable tight design, superior camera, and battery, speed and price, make it an excellent choice for a first drone.

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

Categories
News Tech

Google Pixel 3 Latest Leaks on Release Date and Features

The most awaited smartphone of the year: Google Pixel 3.

Public expects significant improvements that exceed the previous models.

Last Months leaks for Googe Pixel 3

A lot of rumors about this device had spread during June, but neither are confirmed to be actual information, stories that increased the public’s excitement.

Seven of these rumors are:

  1. Becoming a third “mid-range” model

According to Forbes’ report, a third model of Pixel 3 being developed shook the news. If your wallets are not ready, Google is said to come up with a more affordable model along with the XL and main model. The chipset will be a Snapdragon 710 one, so it will be the strongest of most mid-range phones.

  1. The notch is deep

Buyers will benefit from a deeper groove according to leaked Pixel 3 prototypes so that it will have a smaller bezel => bigger battery.

  1. Missing headphone jack

The Verge reports that the leaked pictures do not show a headphone jack which might be substituted for wireless ones.

  1. Back to Active Edge

Active Edge is one of the best features of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL which enables users to activate Google Assistant by squeezing their phone (statement by Forbes.)

  1. Better design

Pixel 3 will be designed to feature a notch, stereo speakers, and a chin while reincorporating a glass back. A dual camera is expected but might come with future smartphones.

  1. Wireless charging

Those who miss Google’s wireless charging will probably have them again thanks to Pixel 3’s glass back.

  1. Possible release date

Because of recent development debut, the Pixel 3 is not expected to be released this October but maybe in the second quarter of 2019, so stay tuned for more!

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

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