New Technology : Microsoft Launches Skype for Web, Amazon Echoes Audiobooks, & More… [Tech News Digest]

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Skype for Web, Amazon books Audible, Popcorn Buzz calls groups, Tumblr GIF searches, Netflix expands into Europe, and dumb robots fall over like dumb dumb dummies. Microsoft Opens Skype for Web Microsoft has launched Skype for Web, with all new and existing users in the U.S. and UK now able to access the service. Skype for Web made its debut at the end of last year, but only selected users were invited to trial the service. As its name suggests, Skype for Web brings Skype directly to browsers. This means anyone with a Skype ID who uses Internet Explorer, Firefox,...

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New Technology : Is a Robot Likely to Steal Your Job? [MakeUseOf Poll]

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Millions of jobs are likely to be automated in the next 20 years, as robots capable of doing everyday tasks are developed. Which sounds awesome until you realize those robots may be coming for your job. Yes, your job. And mine for that matter. This puts a whole different spin on things, we’re sure you’ll agree. The question is, how likely is it that you’ll be affected? Welcome to this week’s MakeUseOf Poll. Google+ Still Has Fans To answer this week’s question please scroll down the page until you see the poll staring back at you. But first, we need...

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New Technology : Steam Machines Are Finally Coming! Here’s What You Need to Know

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When Valve first announced the Steam Machine back in September of 2013, there was plenty to get excited about. Gaming on Linux? Living-room PC gaming? Custom controller? Sign me up. It’s been a long and complicated road since then, with plenty of delays and setbacks, but the day has finally come: the first true Steam Machines are now available for pre-order, and you can have one in your hands as early as October. Should you pre-order now? Well, there are three important things you need to know first. 1: Good Hardware is Still Pricey One of the selling points for...

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New Technology : Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Gear VR Review and Giveaway

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Samsung sells more Android devices than any other manufacturer, and thanks to some aggressive marketing, the Galaxy brand is almost synonymous with Android. Because of this, there’s a lot of hype behind the newly released Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. As if that wasn’t enough, Samsung has teamed up with Oculus (see our review of the Oculus Rift) to create the Gear VR for the S6 — a virtual reality headset that uses the phone to immerse you in a virtual world. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Galaxy S6 Edge and the Gear VR for the S6 to...

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New Technology : 5 Sites with Nature Background Sounds & White Noise to Help You Focus

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Feeling anxious, or distracted? Research shows that listening to natural sounds can improve your mood, and even your productivity. Whether you want to make nature sounds a part of your day or clear your brain with white noise, today’s Cool Websites and App has you covered with 5 free resources for sounds that will help calm you down so you can get things done – or even just relax. Let’s get started. CalmSounds (Web, MP3s for sale): Simple Collection of Relaxing Sounds Sometimes you just want to hear waves crash against the shore, or the sound of a forest on...

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New Technology : A Look at Some of the Worst Computer Viruses in History

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When you get a virus on your computer, the results can be devastating to you, personally. Some viruses, however, take the destruction and devastation far beyond a few people. Some computer viruses have caused million in damages the world over. Which computer viruses have been the most destructive throughout history? Check out the infographic below for an extremely detailed look and prepare to be surprised, because some of the damage caused by these viruses is truly hard to comprehend. Via WhoIsHostingThis Click to Enlarge

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New Technology : 6 Smart Detectors that Protect Your Family and Property from Harm

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Running a smarter, more energy efficient home is a great goal—it saves you money and it’s more eco-friendly. But a truly smart home does more than save money and the environment: it also helps protect you, your family, and your house. These six smart detectors will keep an eye on things so you feel safer when you’re at home or away. Nest Protect Nest is known for their smart thermostat, but they also produce a smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector that integrates into the system (we reviewed the Nest Protect last year). Instead of just sounding an ear-piercing alarm that...

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New Technology : 7 Reasons to Start Using the Spotify Web Player Today

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Spotify is about to shake things up by making the desktop and web app experiences more similar. So, it’s about time many of us asked ourselves, Why not just use the web app instead? Since early 2013, Spotify has had a web player available for use at Play.Spotify.com. However, many people still seem to be invested in their desktop apps. This seems a little surprising given how useful the web app is. Now that the desktop versions of the Spotify apps have been pared down to the essentials, the differences between the web version and the desktop versions have become...

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New Technology : 24 Google Docs Templates that Will Make Your Life Easier

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Too much time can easily be wasted trying to format documents that have already been put together by someone else. If you use Google Docs, here are 24 time-saving templates that’ll let you get on with using the documents, rather than struggling with putting them together in the first place. The templates below have been split into four sections; work, health, home, and travel, so feel free to scroll to the section that’s most relevant to you. If you have any other Google Docs templates that you regularly use, please share these in the comments. Work Resumé Formatting resumes can be a...

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New Technology : The Electronic Frontier Foundation – What It Is & Why It Is Important

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Never a day goes by without some dim-witted politician, who thinks he knows all about “the Internets”, trying to introduce legislation to control it. Then there’s the baddies with their viruses and malware, the companies with their tracker cookies, the data brokers who buy user information, Justin Bieber‘s Facebook page… the list of awful things online just goes on and on. Who will fight against all of these evil threats? Yes, that’s right. Batman! Well, actually no. That would be the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). They are an international non-profit group based in the United States, committed to fighting for your...

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