Parallels Desktop 12 Supports Windows 10 and macOS Sierra

On August 18th, Parallels updated its Parallels Desktop for Mac to version 12. This has been an annual tradition with Parallels, and each new version brings a host of new features and performance improvements. This year is no exception. And while the new features seem to be fairly modest on the surface, they always seem to strike the right balance and give customers what they’ve been asking for.

North Korea Unveils Netflix-Like Service Called Manbang, Seriously

It’s called Manbang. No, seriously. It’s called Manbang. NK News is reporting that’s what North Korea is calling some kind of pseudo-Netflix-like simulacrum of a service. Manbang. The Next Web reported that it means “Everything” in Korean. I assume that’s as true as it is ironic, because the service is limited to whatever propaganda constitutes video content in North Korea. And sure, breaking down into a puddle of lols because of what it sounds like in English makes me 12. I’m OK with that. Oh, and I’m pretending the text below translates as “Manbang.” Because Manbang.

Capture 4K Video and Pics without the High Resolution Price Tag

High resolution cameras for capturing your active lifestyle don’t have to cost a small fortune, and that’s exactly what Pyle’s new High Speed 4K Action Camera proves. Their compact camera shoots HD video at 120 fms, snaps high resolution photos, includes a 4X zoom, and can be remote controlled with the included remote or from your iPhone. It also comes with mount clips and a waterproof case, and is available in blue, black, or grey. You can pick up the camera today for US$79.

LinearFlux PokeCharger Portable Battery: $39.99

Check out the LinearFlux PokeCharger Portable Battery, a portable battery for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It has a capacity of 3,300mAh, and will deliver the right charge your device needs. It also has its own built-in Lightning cable, as well as an auxiliary USB port for charging another device at the same time, even an Android if that’s your thing.

Avoid Endless Scrolling: How to Quickly Return to the Top of a Page in iOS

Have you ever scrolled all the way to the bottom of a long webpage or list on your iPhone, only to realize that you need to return to the top? You could start rapidly swiping your finger on the screen to scroll back up to the top, or you could use a handy little trick to instantly jump to the beginning. Mac Geek Gab listener Scott provides today’s Quick Tip that every iOS user should know.

TMO Background Mode: Interview with Electronic Frontier Foundation Executive Director Cindy Cohn

Cindy Cohn is the Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Founded in 1990, the EFF is a nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. The EFF champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation through litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism and technology development. It has won some important court cases that preserve our rights online, including the use of encryption. (Which wasn’t always a given.) Cindy and I talked at length about her career, notable cases she fought and the work of the EFF, especially in the Apple vs. FBI conflict last spring. Cindy starts with notion that “privacy is fundamental to human dignity and… we can’t have a free society unless people have a private space.” Even if that means law enforcement has to work a little harder. Cindy explains it all.

At CEDIA, Amazon Will Talk About Star Trek Inspiration for Voice Recognition

Amazon’s Charlie Kindel, Director of Alexa Smart Home, will be speaking at the CEDIA conference in Dallas on September 16. He’ll talk about the inspiration for voice recognition that came from Star Trek, the original series. This interview by CEDIA provides a foretaste of the presentation and includes an inspiring video of Captain Kirk voice querying the Enterprise computer. What’s also cool and interesting is Mr. Kindel’s description of how customer privacy is maintained with the blue and red indicator ring. He also points to the website a customer built to celebrate Alexa. This is nifty corporate messaging.