Smashing News

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Earlier this week Samsung was caught disabling Windows Updates on its users PCs. For those who were unaware of this and are just now finding out, don’t worry. Samsung will be sending a patch that will allow Windows to install its updates on your PC.

Many Samsung users were quite disappointed with Samsung’s decision to disable the ability for your computer to install Windows Updates without the user’s consent. Essentially, Microsoft’s MVP Patrick Barker discovered a program titled Disable_Windowsupdate.exe. This file was pushed as part of a the software update tool Samsung uses to update users PCs. While this did not totally prevent updates to be installed, it did disable the ability for the updates to run automatically in the background. If you wanted to get the Windows updates, you would be forced to visit Microsoft’s website, download, and install them manually.

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When Microsoft discovered this a spokesperson stated:

Windows Update remains a critical component of our security commitment to our customers. We do not recommend disabling or modifying Windows Update in any way as this could expose a customer to increased security risks. We are in contact with Samsung to address this issue.

After being scolded by Microsoft and other Samsung users, Samsung decided to rollback the update they pushed. Samsung told Gizmodo:

Samsung has a commitment to security, and we continue to value our partnership with Microsoft. We will be issuing a patch through the Samsung Software Update notification process to revert to the recommended automatic Windows Update settings within a few days

Many updates that Microsoft pushes Window’s PCs are critical to the overall health of the system. Some of these updates are essential to ensuring your computer stays protected from numerous threats trying to attack Windows PCs each day.

It’s great that Samsung is willing to see the errors of their ways and roll back the updates they pushed to disable automatic Microsoft Updates. However, it does not make me feel any better being a Samsung PC owner. I, like many others, was already not a fan of Samsung’s software update tool, and the error Samsung made only added fuel to the fire. I find it interesting that Samsung indicated that the update they pushed to disable Windows updates was optional. When looking at my PC I also found this file, and I definitely don’t remember opting into disabling Windows updates. Something seems fishy. Additionally, while Samsung revoked the update, they did not explain why it was disabled in the first place. Can we get some logic behind this Samsung? 

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What are your thoughts? Do you believe what Samsung did was wrong? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Samsung smartphone users and disappointed Apple users (if any) have been fed a number of rumors regarding the Samsung Galaxy S6. Some have been exciting and others are just ridiculous. Today, Samsung started to send out press invites for its “Galaxy Unpacked 2015″ event at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 1st, 2015. The press invite (provided above) asks the question “What’s Next”, and displays a silhouette of a possible edge version of the S6. 

While I am sure many of you are trying to use your imagination to figure out what the rest of the device might look like, try not to go too crazy. It’s still not official.

Up to this point we have seen a number of “leaks” regarding the size, resolution, camera, and processing power of the S6, and now possible prices have been leaked. According to a “trusted source,” Android Pitleaked the breakdown of prices listed below:

• Samsung Galaxy S6 32 GB: 749 euros ($848)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 64 GB: 849 euros ($961)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 128 GB: 949 euros ($1,075)
• Samsung Galaxy S Edge 32 GB: 849 euros ($961)
• Samsung Galaxy S Edge 64 GB: 949 euros ($1,075)
• Samsung Galaxy S Edge 128 GB: 1049 euros ($1,188)

While Android Pit has only listed euro prices, there’s also an approximated US amount as well. If the prices listed above are correct, it appears that Samsung will not be creating a 16 GB version (at least not internationally). 

With that said, what are you thoughts? Does Samsung’s picture speak 1,000 words? If so, what are they? Let us know in the comment section below. 

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According to the United States Department of Transportation, the average person drives about 13,000 miles a year. Also, in the United States, there are about 10 million accidents each year that result in a fatality. Due to the dangers of driving, Samsung is trying to make roads–especially one-lane roads–a safer place with the Safety Truck.

According Samsung’s official blog, Samsung is attempting to reduce the amount of traffic accidents that happen each year by creating a transparent truck, dubbed the Safety Truck. The truck has wireless cameras attached to its front end, which are then connected to a set of four video monitors located on the back of the truck. The four monitors are placed together to create one large display to provide drivers behind the truck a view into what’s ahead. Samsung also indicated that these cameras will even display the video images in the dark.

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Having to pass a large truck or semi on a single lane road can be extremely difficult at times. I have seen and even been a part of some very close calls when attempting to pass a large truck. By having a display that shows exactly what is ahead of the truck, drivers will be able more easily judge whether it’s safe to make the pass or not.

While Samsung had a prototype on the road, at this time the prototype no longer exists. While this news may seem Samsung has given up on their desire to make roads safer, rest assured that this is not the case. Samsung is currently working with safe driving NGOs and the government to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to further the project. There is no estimated time as to when we might see this technology on the road, but keep your eyes peeled.

Check out the video blow to see Samsung’s Safety Truck in action:

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After watching the video, the idea is incredible, and I am sure that lives can be saved with this type of technology. With that said, I am sure that this technology has the potential to distract some drivers and possibly create additional accidents at first. Drivers are not used to seeing this technology on the road, and it will take time for them to get used to utilizing it once it becomes available. I would also be interested in seeing this technology in action in different driving conditions. Does the camera produce a good image when it gets rainy, snowy or dusty? Also, how does Samsung plan on keeping these monitors from being stolen? While it is nice to believe all people are honest, sadly, that’s not the case. I am sure Samsung has thought of these concerns and are working diligently to find solutions, if they have not already done so.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the Safety Truck will truly help prevent accidents, or will they be too distracting and do the opposite? Let us know what you think int he comment section below.

We were stoked, like the rest of you techies, when Oculus announced that its VR headset would be available to the public in Q1 of 2016. But what are we supposed to do until the headset is released? Well, today Samsung announced that their Gear VR headset will be available to more users around the globe. 

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Now, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge owners can experience Samsung’s Gear VR headset. The new headset that supports these devices is currently priced at $199, which is the same price as the VR headset available for the Galaxy Note 4. 

There are a few other differences when comparing it to its predecessor. First, Samsung has done away with the cover on the front of the headset, so now you just snap it in and let the VR adventures begin. Second, they added a micro USB port which allows you to use the headset and charge your phone at the same time; handy. Lastly, Samsung has added a small phone fan to keep the phone cool as you geek out. (There’s nothing like a phone bursting into flames while it is strapped to your head.)

Other VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift or Razer OSVR, have the hardware built into the actual headset which means as technology continues to improve, you will need to purchase a whole new headset rather than just a “frame.” Because many smartphone owners purchase a new smartphone at least every two years, Samsung owners can take advantage of spending less on a headset “frame”, since their smartphone provides the power. What would allow Samsung to really set themselves apart from other VR manufactures, is if  they created a universal headset for its smartphone owners. Although this could be relatively difficult to achieve and we’re likely lose some performance along the way, a universal headset could be the sweet spot to help drive mainstream adoption of VR technology. As smartphones evolve and consumers desire thinner phones and larger screens, Samsung will have their work cut out for them if they do move towards a universal headset model.

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What are your thoughts? Do you think there would be a benefit to Samsung creating  a universal headset? Would you be willing to give up a little performance if you did not have to buy a new headset frame as you upgrade handsets? Let us know what you think in the comment section below. 

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Anytime Google retires anything, it gathers the attention of the media; even if it is a program that is not very well-known. April 20th of this year, Google will take Google Helpouts behind the barn and put an end to the application. Why, you might ask? You can likely answer that question yourself by the fact that you probably weren’t even aware the service existed. 

Google has posted a support document that further explains their reasoning behind the decision:

The Helpouts community includes some engaged and loyal contributors, but unfortunately, it hasn’t grown at the pace we had expected. Sadly, we’ve made the tough decision to shut down the product.

Google Helpouts is not to be confused with Google Hangouts, which is likely why the story about Helpouts being shut down is picking up so much traction. We had to do a double-take to make sure Google was not shutting down Google Hangouts; one of their most popular applications. In fact, Google Hangouts is so popular that in a survey done by Lifehacker, 91% of the respondents chose Google Hangouts as their video chat service of choice. This thankfully means Google Hangouts is here to stay secured by its hundreds of millions of monthly users (including us!). You can rest easy,  Google Hangout isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. 

Unfortunately, Google Helpouts hasn’t taken the world by storm quite like Google Hangouts did. The service allowed experts to provide and sell online coaching in a variety of subjects such as photography, video editing, photo editing, singing, and more. While an incredible concept, perhaps it was ahead of its time.  One of the challenges often cited by critics is that the quality of such sessions were completely dictated by the quality of the internet connection between mentor and Padawan. It’s challenging to provide voice coaching when the audio that is coming across the line is distorted due to compression caused by low bandwidth. More hands on activities, such as photography, would be even more hampered by the lack of actual presence. Maybe Google is planning a re-release of the service after they take over the internet market with Google Fiber. We predicted it first ladies and gentlemen!

Regardless, it is always disappointing to see a company invest time and resources into a product that doesn’t quite resonate with users as predicted. This is even more disappointing for those that relied heavily on the service for their livelihood in providing online mentoring. Thankfully, Google Hangouts will remain an option to share screens and webcams and can be used in tandem with services such as oDesk and Fiverr to help fill the void of connecting people with experts. All is not lost, just a service that Google unfortunately wasn’t profiting enough off of to justify continuing to support. 

Have you ever used Google Helpouts? How was your experience? Are you disappointed that the service is going away? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

Most of us make or receive at least one phone call a day, but do you always answer the call when you don’t know who’s calling? If you’re anything like me, you never answer if you don’t know who it is. But now with the help of Facebook, you might be answering a few more calls.

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Yesterday, Facebook announced they have started testing a new feature called Hello. According to Facebook’s News Room:

Hello connects with Facebook so you can see who’s calling, block unwanted calls and search for people and places.

When you get a call, Hello will show you info about who’s calling you, even if you don’t have that number saved in your phone. You will only see info that people have already shared with you on Facebook.

You can also search for people and businesses on Facebook and call them with just one tap. So if a friend tells you about a new restaurant in your neighborhood, you can use Hello to find their hours, make a reservation and get directions, all without leaving the app.

Hello makes it easy to block unwanted calls. From your settings, you can block specific numbers and adjust whether you want to automatically blocks calls from commonly blocked numbers. Blocked calls go straight to voicemail and can be reviewed in your recent calls

With Hello, people will only see info they could otherwise find on Facebook. We’ve also made it easy to control your experience using your settings on Facebook and in the app.

We will be testing Hello, a Facebook Creative Labs app, on Android starting today. You can download it in the Play Store.

Since many Facebook users put their phone number on Facebook, this feature is likely to be extremely useful. You no longer need to guess who is calling you, as long as  you are 1) friends with the caller on Facebook, and 2) they stored their number in Facebook. You will know exactly who is calling, even if you haven’t specifically programmed their number in your phone. Or let’s say you have more than one contact named Ryan, and you were too lazy to put in their last name. Now you know which Ryan is calling, since their Facebook picture also appears when they decide to give you a ring. Still not convinced? Check out the video below to see exactly how it works:

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While the feature seems exciting, I ask myself if it is really needed. You already have the ability to sync your Facebook contacts to your phone. With Google, you also have the ability to search for businesses and call them “with just one tap”. Want to block a call? Your phone can already block calls from any number you desire. Although your phone can already perform all the actions that Hello has to offer, Facebook does have one thing going for them, Hello is a one stop shop to provide you all of those features.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Facebook’s Hello feature fills a gap? Let us know what you think in the comment section below. 

No one wants to find themselves in a dangerous situation. Whether that’s staying away from a bad neighborhood, not texting while driving, or doing what you can to stay fit and healthy; the possibility of being in a dangerous situation is real, and we should be as prepared as we can. 

For Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge owners, Samsung has helped us become a little more prepared with their SOS Message feature. This feature allows you to quickly send a message to your emergency contacts with your GPS coordinates and a picture by the press of a button. If you haven’t already, take few minutes out of your day to set up SOS Message feature, you will never know when you need it. 

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Setting up the SOS message for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps and you will have the SOS Message set up in no time. 

1. Go Settings

2. Under Personal select Privacy and Safety

3. Under Safety select Send SOS Messages

4. Turn the feature On by selecting the Off button

5. Add the Contacts you would like to receive the SOS message (you can add up to 4 contacts)

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There you have it, you have now successfully set up the SOS message on your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge. To send the message simply press the power key quickly 3 times. When this is done a picture taken front and back of the camera will be sent along with an audio recording, and the GPS location of the phone. 

As always, if you experience any issue when trying to set the SOS function up please let us know in the comment section below. 

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Mobile World Congress is just around the corner and in classic leak fashion; a new smartwatch has been revealed. It appears that in preparation for an official unveiling by Huawei, the company accidentally leaked two videos of their “Huawei Smartwatch” online. First identified by Droid-Life, this leak has both ourselves and the internet salivating for Huawei’s smartwatch that’s loaded with both functionality and style. 

Following similar footsteps of the LG G Watch R, this smartwatch seems to target high-end wearers who value a time piece that supports their style and swagger. The watch comes with a number of digital luxury watch faces that could be compared to a Rolex or Movado. Additionally, the build quality of the watch is incredible. The watch features a durable Sapphire display, the same as the Apple Watch. It also touts a variety of wristbands and a stainless steel uni-body case which comes in three variants: silver, black, and gold.

In addition to packing a punch in the style department, the Huawei Watch is a full-fledged smartwatch powered by Android Wear. The video demonstrates a number of its features including instant notifications, Google Now, and Google Maps. It also sports a heart rate sensor for ongoing health and fitness tracking.

Unfortunately, the videos are not longer available as Huawei has marked them as private, however, you can enjoy a wide array of images pulled from the video below (courtesy of The Verge):

Other details are scarce as the watch has not been officially revealed, but you can expect specifications, a release window, and possibly pricing to be revealed tomorrow at Mobile World Congress in Huawei’s official unveiling of the device. This device will no doubt be a contender in the smartwatch arena. As Apple, LG, Motorola, and Pebble begin fighting for wrist-space, it’s guaranteed that such competition will spawn further smartwatch innovation. The question is, will mainstream consumers catch onto the fad. Hopefully, Huawei’s fusion of style and functionality will drive such adoption. 

What do you think? Did you salivate while viewing the images above? What would put you over the edge in buying a smartwatch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Please watch and share to show how technology can make a difference in these boys’ lives.

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How you can help these two struggling twins with Mitochondrial Disease by donating a couple minutes of your day:

1. Please watch and share this video.

(100% of YouTube advertising is being donated to their cause for 20 million views)

(The above ad is also being donated to them. Please do not falsely click the advertisement.)

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Total Views: 5,474

2. Please share this video using the links below the post to increase the donations to Nick and Nate.

Donate Directly

If you are looking to go above and beyond, you can donate directly to Nick and Nate through the following channels:

1. Make a deposit to the Nick & Nate Donation Fund at any Wells Fargo location. 
2. Mail your donation with check made out to Nick & Nate Donation Fund to:

15001 S. 40th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85044

Or, donate via Paypal using the “Donate” button below (Sorry for the space, but the button won’t work without it):

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Interview with the family:

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