Create Easter Cards: Free Office Templates for Greeting Cards!

April 13, 2017    Comment   

Create Easter Cards: Free Office Templates for Greeting Cards!

Gift cards and vouchers are best suited as a little attention to the Easter festival. But just go to the supermarket and buy a card off the shelf? Anyone can do that. You can get more attention with cards that are created by your own creativity. In the linked Word, Office and Outlook templates for Easter you will find everything you need for individual greetings and vouchers. 

This is the great template package

The exclusively available Franzis package is not only a ZIP archive, which contains various templates. In addition to prefabricated files for completing the application, the application has its own user interface: From the open the integrated pattern files comfortably. Fonts look and bind effortlessly in Windows. Thanks to a search function, the desired templates, pictures or fonts can be quickly found. A printing function brings the works of art on paper. You do not need the feature in many cases, however, because you usually want to open the templates in an office application and process them further. In addition to 220 patterns for Word, you will find 70 templates for the mail program Outlook, more than 140 fonts and 205 small pictures (clipart).

Alternative: Ashampoo Photocard 2

Are you looking for a greeting card or voucher design program that you can take? Then take a look at Ashampoo Photocard 2. You load a photo file from the hard drive or webcam into the program, then select a template. There are different chic motifs at Easter. Entering and formatting greetings to the feast folds as well as improving imported images. Thanks to sliders, you can easily add more contrasting colors to photos. 

Exclusive software beads for free

PC tuning, security tools, burning software and image processing programs cost in business and online store lots of money. But good software is also available for the zero tariff, many applications even as a full version. The COMPUTER BILD download area offers many useful free programs and various exclusive downloads, which can be included with expensive payment software. Some of the programs can only be found here, others are usually payable. The following overview lists them!

Autonomous Vehicles: The Off for Uber-Test Rides?

April 01, 2017    Comment   

Autonomous Vehicles: The Off for Uber-Test Rides?

Die Google-affiliated company Waymo raises Uber in a suit using lidar technology for self-propelled cars in front, the former senior staff Anthony Levandowski stole. The procedure is currently unfavorable for the service agent: the competent judge said at a hearing that he saw "good chances" for overclaiming the Waymo application for an injunction against the program for the development of self-propelled cars. In the case of such a decision, it is unlikely that certain technologies will be used-like the laser radars, which allow the systems of the cars to recognize their surroundings.

14,000 files stolen?

At the same time, attorneys of the former Google manager Anthony Levandowski announced that he would make use of the fifth amendment to the US constitution and at the very least refuse to make a statement. The additional article states, among other things, that a criminal case does not have to testify against itself. Waymo claims that Levandowski had downloaded some 14,000 files, including business secrets, prior to his departure from the Internet company. A supervisor said at the hearing that the company would prefer that Levandowski say but could not move him. For many years, the manager has been a major developer of the laser radars of Google cars. After his retirement at the Internet company in early 2016, he founded the start-up Otto specialized in self-propelled trucks. Over a few months later, it bought over $ 680 million. In the suit, the laser radars are referred to by referential similarity to Waymo's own developments.

Reacts to the allegations

Angela Padilla, the Chief Justice Officer, said the service agent was about to submit an official response to the lawsuit. "We are convinced that the accusations of Waymo are unfounded and that Anthony Levandowski has not used any Google files in his work with Otto and Uber."

Over-Accident: Police survey leaves questions open

He had stopped his journeys with self-propelled cars for four days after March 25, 2017, but for other reasons. One paused the tests, after an autonomous driving Volvo XC 90 was involved in an accident. Photos on the net can be seen on the side of the reconstructed vehicle with its robotic car sensors. The car controlled a software. According to the authorities, however, the car was not the fault of the car, but the driver of the other car who had taken the road ahead. Serious injuries did not attract any of the participants.

Unnecessary risk?

However, a freshly released police report may bring the accident scene into a different light. According to this, a witness had described that the vehicle accelerated before the traffic light, to cross the crossing still yellow. Shortly afterwards the accident happened. The inmates of the Volvo explained that the vehicle had not driven at any time faster than the permitted 40 mph (approx. 64 km / h). This also confirmed the police and finally gave the green light for further test drives of the super-cars. However, experts are currently discussing whether the sudden acceleration of the technology itself has taken an unnecessary risk, which man might have omitted - because he would have assessed the situation differently based on experience. Or have the sensors simply ignored the yellow signal? In hindsight these questions can not be clarified clearly. So there is uncertainty ...

Overcoats from Denmark

In Uber, too, Uber has problems: the company is shrinking in the face of a planned tightening of the laws from the Danish market. The operation is scheduled to start on April 18, 2017, the service agent now reports. Uber has 2,000 drivers and 300,000 users in Denmark. It is one of the few countries in Europe where the UberPop service is available, where private people transport passengers with their own cars. This has led to an annoyance with the authorities - just as in other countries where the service has now ceased.

Allegation: aid to illegal taxi drivers

Thus the Danish police only announced in early March 2017 to take hundreds of over-drivers because of illegal taxi drivers. In July 2016 six drivers in Copenhagen were sentenced to fines of between 2,000 and 6,000 crowns (270 and 800 euros). In December 2016, the prosecutor's office had also charged charges against illegal taxis.

Development center

The new law now provides that all wagons carrying passengers must have seat sensors, cameras and taximeters. On the other hand, they said that they had no choice but to deny the operation in Denmark. An app development center in the country wants to leave the company but. Moreover, Uber wanted to continue to try to persuade the policy to modify the planned changes.

About-Chief Travis Kalanick in the criticism

In addition to the hype surrounding the crash, the service agent Uber has another construction site: he wants to repair his image as quickly as possible. Travis Kalanick, the founder and head of the company, The board has confidence in Kalanick, according to board member Arianna Huffington in a telephone conference; Kalanick himself did not participate. The charismatic company boss had last seen a negative impact, when he could see in a video how he was struggling with a superior driver. Kalanick promised to be more active. Since then one is looking for an experienced number 2 for the Uber-Chefetage, which takes care of the daily business.

Corporate culture is to be characterized by women's discrimination

It has recently become the focus of several controversies. A former software developer described a company culture, which is characterized by women's discrimination in a much noticed blog entry. Their explosive allegations led to a large-scale investigation by, among others, the former General Prosecutor, Eric Holder, who is now active as an attorney. The investigation is expected to be completed by the end of April 2017 - the results will be published soon, said Huffington.

Investors worry

Investors, who in part came to an overall assessment of well over 60 billion US dollars (55 billion), are worried about the turmoil as well as the ongoing losses in global expansion. This also exacerbates the pressure on Uber in general and Kalanick in particular. Huffington stressed that a corporate culture that tolerated "brilliant jerks" ("brilliant jerks") should no longer exist. (With DPA material.)

Watch It !: New streaming app for individualists

March 27, 2017    Comment   

Watch It !: New streaming app for individualists

Mit " Watch It! "A new streaming app has been launched in Germany. The offer of the Düsseldorf company Alchimie does not simply serve the masses, but is aimed especially at an audience with special interests. In addition to films and series from the Internet, the service mainly brings smaller TV stations to the PC and the mobile device.

Specialist in the field of senders

Watch It! Is available for PCs, smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. Via Apple's AirPlay and Google Chromecast you can use the app on the TV. However, the big known TV stations can not be found here: Users are currently testing the streaming of TV channels such as "Motorvision TV", "Moods TV", "Dance Trippin". The selection of categories includes, in addition to motor sport, combat sports and other extreme sports a number of international channels, music transmitter and drones TV.

Own content of producers and YouTubern

Alchimie also wants to offer own content from video producers and YouTubern over the platform. The company promises up to 35 hours of current content every week. After a free trial, users pay 9.99 euros per month for the ad-free service. The subscription can be terminated at any time.

CeBIT: These start-ups want to start in 2017!

March 26, 2017    Comment   

CeBIT: These start-ups want to start in 2017!

Riesige stands, striking design, many local staff - large manufacturers such as AVM, Intel, ZTE & Co. have the budget for an elaborate presentation of their innovations. The picture of pompous stands stretches from hall to hall. But a part of the CeBIT (running until March 24) is dancing out of line. Scale11, suitable for Hall 11, is the area for start-ups: young entrepreneurs, who are looking for their place in the market with a clever idea, are represented here. Their stands are (still) small, as are the available budgets. But that can change very soon. COMPUTER BILD has discovered potential launchers on site and presents them!

More CeBIT highlights

In Hanover there are many other highlights during the CeBIT as well as interesting start-ups. The most important was COMPUTER BILD in a gallery. In addition, there are separate focuses on the CeBIT topics Connected Car and WLAN hardware .

ICloud-blackmail: hackers have captured real passwords!

March 26, 2017    Comment   

ICloud-blackmail: hackers have captured real passwords!

Is beginning in March 2017 knew no one the hacker group "Turkish Crime Family" (Turkish crime family). Now they make a piquant claim for a look: They want to have access to some 220 million iCloud accounts. About the want the blackmailers want to delete all user data of iPhones - unless Apple pays the hackers a ransom. Now the frightening message: Apparently, the "Turkish Crime Family" is actually owned by real iCloud passwords, as ZDnet found.

ICloud-Hack: Correct passwords captured

The London-based hackers have played ZDNet's data on 54 stolen iCloud accounts. The tech magazine contacted the owners of the accounts via the e-mail address and received a quick response from ten stakeholders. This included both older accounts with the ending "mac.com" as well as new addresses like "me.com" and "icloud.com". The ten contacted users confirmed that the hackers had the correct password - and have now changed their access data. None of the iCloud users had changed their password since opening the account.

To protect your data

From this sample, it is not necessarily possible to deduce the real danger. The hackers could have carefully selected the 54 accounts to reinforce their demands. Nevertheless, the allegations of the "Turkish Crime Family" do not appear to be quite unreserved. ICloud users should keep their data safe. All you need to do is change the Apple ID, create a local backup via iTunes, and enable two-factor authentication.

ICloud-Hack: Apple rejects the claims

Apple has not responded to the report of ZDNet so far. A company spokesman told economist Fortune about Hack . According to the employee, Apple is still busy investigating the incident, but there is no evidence that the iCloud or Apple ID are victims of a hack. However, the spokesman also stressed that the theft of data from external services can not be ruled out.

Hackers now demand more ransom

The US company should first pay the criminal band 75,000 US dollars (about 70,000 euros) in the crypt diet Bitcoin or 100,000 euros iTunes credit. As BILD found that demand increased in the meantime to 150,000 US dollars (140,000 euros). Other media reports of 100,000 US dollars per hacker - that would be a total of 700,000 US dollars. The criminals grant Apple a deadline until 7 April 2017.

Disagreement and amateur behavior

The Turkish Crime Family used social media such as Twitter to communicate with Apple , published a video on YouTube, and even issued a separate e-mail account to the US magazine "motherboard." The entire correspondence between the group and Apple is comprehensible "All the same, the hackers tried to reach more media to make the story public and thus continue to exert pressure.

Why you should never throw away avocado seeds!

March 25, 2017    Comment   

Why you should never throw away avocado seeds!

Das processing and proper cutting avocados is not so difficult. If the fruit pulp of the butter-fruit is spooned out , there is still this mighty core, with which one knows nothing to catch. So he ends up in the rubbish and that even though he contains vitamins and nutrients. But in the future, the core will also come into the food.

The avocado has it all

The avocado is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids , vitamin E, potassium and fiber. In addition, it contains 65 percent of all the amino acids of the fruit. No wonder, therefore, that he is regarded as a miracle in the beauty industry. Its ingredients regulate the water balance in the body, improve the elasticity of tissue, hair and thus counteract the aging of the skin.

Also inside the body the avocado stone ensures well-being. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and therefore has a positive effect on disease control. For example, he shows an effect in arthritis. It also has a positive effect on the digestive tract and helps to prevent gastric disorders. The many antioxidants help avoid stomach ulcers and bacterial diseases and relieve ailments such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Cancer-inhibiting, cholesterol-lowering, fat-burning

The immune system also benefits from the numerous active ingredients. Antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals while flavonols give the core anti-cancer properties. The countless amino acids and fatty acids help to lower cholesterol levels and ingredients such as vitamin E and potassium support the cardiovascular system.

But that is not all. At the end, the core saturates and gives the body a lot of energy but at the same time has a fat-burning effect. So he is not only healthy, he also helps with losing weight.

So prepare the core

To get the core small, you need a vegetable, a coffee grinder or a blender. Remove the pulp and soak the core in water. Then peel off the shell more easily when you pull it off with a knife. The core is so soft that you can even cut it with a knife and roast the slices in a pan. For a finer powder, the dewaxed core should dry for one to three days. Then you can rub the core or place in the kitchen machine. Most mixers should handle the avocado. Although Vorwerk has so far not published an official recipe with avocado, the Thermomix has shredded the avocadostein to our satisfaction. Also a favorable Medion mixer has made it during the video rotation.

The best is to mix the core in the form of powder under smoothies, porridge , salads or other dishes. Some people also make a tea infusion. But do not exaggerate, because at least the freshly crushed powder or the paste is quite bitter. For this it smells wonderfully earthy.

The best tax advice tips

March 25, 2017    Comment   

The best tax advice tips

Die clock is ticking: Around 20 million German to be submitted by 31 May 2017, the income tax return in 2016 with the tax office. Do not panic: With the tips of COMPUTER BILD you can create the loose and probably even get hundreds of euros back from the finance office.

Tax liability obligation - who must submit?

In addition to self-employed persons, freelancers and traders, many employees and pensioners are also "compulsory". This means that you must complete the income tax declaration and submit it to the tax office by 31 May at the latest. In 2016, for example, compensation for wages, more than 1,500 euros annuity or rental income has been affected. To this end also subsidiary sons, certain tax classes in pairs or freibeträge on the pay tax card. If you do not make the countdown, apply for an extension of the deadline and receive a postponement until 30 September 2017.

Voluntary donation

But why wait so long? Around eight million citizens leave without a compulsory assessment. The reason: 90 per cent of all taxpayers receive money from the state - an average of 900 euros! A risk is not borne by "volunteers": If the financial authority unexpectedly requests an additional payment, they can revoke the assessment up to one month after receipt of the tax assessment.

Earth Hour: One hour power saving is not enough

March 25, 2017    Comment   

Earth Hour: One hour power saving is not enough

Am Saturday evening from 20:30 to 21:30 is again Earth Hour. The lights are cleared for 60 minutes around the world to set a sign for climate protection. The event takes place for the tenth time. The WWF has announced that hundreds of cities, municipalities and businesses will join in Germany.

In an hour only a few cents save

But those who participate in Earth Hour can hardly hope for a spare effect. As the consumer portal Verivox calculates, it saves just 4 cents when ten energy saving lamps do not light up for an hour. If a public building is dark during the Earth Hour, not even ten euros will come together. Therefore, the sustainable reduction of electricity consumption is all the more important.

Stand-by is the real energy-eater

What in particular protects energy and therefore the environment as well as money bags: completely switch off household electrical appliances. The so-called stand-by operation consumes incredibly much power. According to the consumer portal Check24, it is a massive 13 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. By way of comparison, an average nuclear power plant generates about 11 billion kWh annually. The cost of this unnecessary waste amounts to 3.8 billion euros.

Socket strip effective

Therefore, the tip to clamp electrical devices to a disconnectable power strip, is worth money. Especially in the living room, where TV, receiver, DVD player, hifi system and games console easily without stand-by get along, if they just no one uses, this tip is effectively implemented. Depending on the equipment, around 100 euros per year can be saved, according to Verivox.

LED instead of energy saving lamp

According to another calculation of the consumer portal, savings of 25 euros can be saved by replacing ten energy saving lamps with ten LED lamps. They are somewhat more expensive, but they are more efficient, they last longer and come without toxic mercury. Compared to the old light bulbs, the difference is much larger.

This means that electricity can be saved with just a few simple steps and simple means. This means that the Earth Hour is not just a symbolic act, but also benefits the environment - even after 21:30.

FinanceFox and 20 euro voucher for amazon.de received

February 28, 2017    Comment   

FinanceFox and 20 euro voucher for amazon.de received

Smagine imagine that you have for all your insurance needs, regardless of provider, a global contact, which finds the best prices on the market depending on your needs and desired does the tedious paperwork for you. With FinanceFox this concept becomes a reality. And best of all, you do not pay a cent for it. Whoever tests the platform now and gives the administration service a representation authority for his insurances receives a voucher worth 20 euros for the shopping portal amazon.de for each uploaded valid insurance. The voucher will be sent as soon as FinanceFox receives confirmation from the insurer that you are a legal customer with the company and that your details are correct. This process can take up to 3 months without your doing so. To speed up the process, simply upload a picture of your insurance policy into your FinanceFox customer portal. You can save up to 10 vouchers for Amazon.de.

FinanceFox offers this

The clever service platform with the fox in the logo bundles all your insurances in your free online portal and provides you with a personal supervisor. Your professional consultant will manage the insurance companies whose representation you transfer to FinanceFox by mandate and check whether there are currently more favorable or better customized products on the market. Should he actually discover cheaper fares, he often even gets an extra bonus for you. On the basis of your insurance portfolio, your independent supervisor will be pleased to provide you with individual recommendations as to which additional insurances might be worthwhile for you. The more policies you transfer to FinanceFox, the sharper is your insurance profile, which is used by your personal supervisor to optimize your insurance protection. Otherwise nothing will change for you - unless you want it.

How to use Onlineservice

Once you have created a free customer account, enter the insurances that you want FinanceFox to administer. The online platform gives you an overview of your policies and can access them from anywhere, even via an app. One click is sufficient to cancel old contracts or to request new contracts. Should you wish to conclude a new insurance through FinanceFox , please let your consultant know your needs online or by telephone. This checks the available tariffs on the market and looks for the best conditions. If it is, he even gets extra bonuses. After his research, he presents you his results and submits a non-binding offer to you. If this is attractive to you and you decide to accept the terms, you can complete the contract online, if you would like, with the assistance of your consultant, who will go through the formalities with you. The latter also accepts everything else for you and, for example, handles the termination with the previous insurer. By e-mail and post, all necessary documents will come to your home. This is the annoying paperwork for you already done, you do not have to do anything else. The service is completely free, you do not have to pay any brokerage fees or other hidden costs. If you have any questions or requests for change, simply contact your supervisor who is your contact for all your insurance needs. Even in the event of a loss, you can rest assured that your personal advisor handles your insurance claim with the contractor.

Your benefits at a glance

• Clever and uncomplicated: With FinanceFox you have all your insurances with just one click in mind and access your contracts conveniently online or via app from anywhere and at any time.
• Never miss deadlines: FinanceFox regularly records the current status of your contracts and reminds you of appointments and deadlines.
• Time-saving and nerve-conserving: in your personal online portal, you can easily process your appointments, inquiries and contract deals with just a few clicks or commission your supervisor to complete the formalities.
• Independent and professional advice: Experts are available around the clock to advise you professionally and independently of the provider.
• Always the best conditions: you always get the best tariff, which is optimally tailored to your needs.
• Keep an overview: Find savings in existing tariffs with the free insurance cover from FinanceFox.
• Full control: You decide which steps you will take independently online, when you consult your supervisor or if you are directly contacting your insurance company!
• Stress-free damage management: In the event of a loss, simply contact your supervisor, who will take care of everything else, while you relax back and forth until everything is done.
• Free and flexible: All FinanceFox services are free of charge, including the services of your personal consultant! You are not bound by any terms of the service and can terminate the use of the platform at any time without stating reasons.
• 20 Euro voucher for Amazon.de: FinanceFox donated a voucher worth 20 Euro for the shopping portal amazon.de for each uploaded valid insurance. You can save up to ten vouchers this way.
• The action ends on 31 March 2017.

Makermaker: How it works

To be able to use FinanceFox, you must transfer a transfer mandate to the service platform for at least one insurance company. With this mandate, FinanceFox gives you the permission to collect and digitize your insurance contracts with the insurance company to provide you online and in the app. The contracts are not modified by the digitization by FinanceFox. Good to know: The issuing of the mandate does not mean that the broker - FinanceFox or your personal advisor - may change the terms of the insurance without prior consultation. Your consultant will only be active on your behalf and act exclusively on your behalf. It is independent of the provider and is geared solely to your needs. Of course, you can continue to contact your insurance company personally, regardless of your carer. You keep full control!

Eurojackpot: 23 million euros are waiting for you!

February 28, 2017    Comment   

Eurojackpot: 23 million euros are waiting for you!

23 million euros! The Eurojackpot starts again. Last Friday the jackpot was not cracked and the chance for the big money starts anew. Tap your lucky numbers and leave € 23 million now. Adoption is online depending on the state between 6:40 pm and 7:00 pm on Friday, after which it says: Hoping for the great happiness. In the Euro lottery , 5 of 50 numbers are typed and 2 are selected from 10 numbers.

Jackpot is not forcibly paid out

Andreas Kötter, Chairman of Eurojackpot, explains: "Contrary to lotteries such as Lotto 6aus49, the Eurojackpot does not have a compulsory distribution. As a result, the jackpot will remain until a player actually hits the winning class. We wish all Eurojackpot fans a lot of fun. "

Important : In order to participate in the lottery, the participants must be at least 18 years old. And please do not forget: gambling can be addictive. The profit chance at the Eurojackpot is 1:96 million for the first class.

Waymo: Google sister sued Uber for data gag

February 28, 2017    Comment   

Waymo: Google sister sued Uber for data gag

The competition in the still young market of self-propelled cars is becoming tougher. Now, Alphabet-daughter Waymo raises serious accusations against the US service agent Uber. Last Thursday, Google's sister in California filed lawsuit against theft of his sensor technology. The data claw is so serious that Waymo is accused of the "calculated" theft of business secrets, patent infringements and unfair competition.

Leading sensor technology from Google

Google has been working on the technology for its autonomous driving car for years, and is currently taking the lead with its Lidar sensors technology. A few months ago, the parent company Alphabet distributed the project to the newly founded company Waymo. He also worked diligently on self-propelled cars and has reportedly made great progress in the recent past. But according to Waymo, the development of Uber is based on stolen documents.

Targeted data gag

According to him, the former top developer of the Google project Anthony Levandowski had over 14,000 files before the company left the beginning of 2016. Shortly afterwards he founded the start-up Otto, whose technology for self-propelled trucks has since then been very similar to that of Waymo. A few months later, Uber Levandovsky took over the company, other former Waymo employees changed sides. It is still a civil lawsuit. But according to Wired , the dispute could escalate and lead to criminal proceedings. The accusations raised by Waymo are unusually detailed. Levandowski is to copy the nearly 9.7 gigabytes of confidential data from Waymos servers and then tried to blur its tracks. On medium Waymo has written a detailed explanation of its action in a blog entry.

Telekom-Festnetz becomes more expensive: You have to do this as a customer!

February 28, 2017    Comment   

Telekom-Festnetz becomes more expensive: You have to do this as a customer!

Die number of fixed lines in Germany goes back further and further. As the largest provider in Germany, Telekom is particularly affected by this slump. As a result, the company decided on an economically feasible step: the prices for classic connections will increase in just a few months.

Million customers

Of the nearly 30 million landline customers of Telekom only about 2 million users are affected by the price increase. More precisely, these are all contracts, which were concluded in 2008. In a recent letter, Deutsche Telekom points out that the prices for these analog and ISDN lines will be higher as of May 1, 2017. The concerned customers are to pay from this day a euro more for their landline telephone. Already in January the company announced this step because of increasing costs in customer support.

Automatic contract adjustment

The purpose of writing is merely to inform the customers of the increase. The corresponding adjustment of the contract will take place automatically as of the balance sheet date. The affected contracts call start, call basic and call comfort then cost 20.95 euros (previously 19.95 euros) or 30.95 euros (before 29.95 euros). With ISDN increases the amount even up to 38.95 euro per month. If users want to retain their existing contract, no further action is necessary.

Special right of termination

As the Telekom admits in its letter, this measure applies a special right of termination. If the affected customer reacts with a corresponding termination within six weeks after receipt of the letter, the Telekom resolves the contract and thus the connection. As long as users comply with the deadline and a correct notice form, leaving the contract is no problem.

Alternatives for connection

The Telekom itself offers some alternatives for the classic landline connection. Not affected by the increase are all products of the provider, which are coupled to an Internet connection. Here the prices, at least initially, remain at an unchanged level. Also cell phone contracts exist at the Telekom together with a Festnetz number. Of course, customers are also changing to the competition.

Part-Automobile Driving: US student cares for self-running car

February 27, 2017    Comment   

Part-Automobile Driving: US student cares for self-running car

Brevan Jorgenson studied at the University of Nebraska in the USA. Besides, he is working on his car as many young drivers like to do. But instead of equipping his vehicle with spoilers, a new chassis and performance parts, Jorgenson has devised something more technical: he turned his Civic into a semi-autonomous car - and with the simplest means.

The Basis: A commercial smartphone

Everything the young student needed for the conversion was the Smartphone OnePlus 3 and a circuit board for the connection to the vehicle electrical system. From these components Jorgenson built a so-called "Neo". It is a device equipped with numerous sensors, that a special software plays. The student picked it up quite simply and legally from the Internet. The openpilot from comma.ai is available there as an open source program for everyone.

Handycam recognizes environment

Jorgenson had a cover made for his basement, with which the smartphone is to be attached securely to the disc. Sitting there, the mobile phone camera is able to capture its surroundings. Background: The comma software takes advantage of the 16-megapixel sensor of the smartphone to detect the road limitation and possible obstacles. The system analyzes the environment and transmits a control signal to the car via the board electronics. This is then able to react automatically.

Hobby hobbyist developed autopilot to the ridicule price

The development of appropriate software and hardware swallows millions of euros for large autoconcerns. In the ideal case, a system is at the end, as currently used in the Tesla series models. But these vehicles only start at around 95,000 euros. For the conversion of his existing car, Brevan Jorgenson needed only hardware for a total of about 650 euros (700 US dollars). Together with his car, the price for a partiallyautonomous car is probably roughly 20,000 euros.

The suggestion: An aborted project

The software for semi-autonomous driving originally comes from a system intended for sale. The start-up comma.ai from San Francisco planned the large-scale distribution of finished Neos. Under pressure from the American traffic authority, the founder of comma.ai, George Hotz, broke off his project and presented the software free of charge on the Internet. On the same day, Jorgenson ordered all the components necessary for the construction of a Neos and set off. The private installation of an autopilot is not compatible with valid traffic law. An imitation or even use of such a system in road traffic is therefore not recommended.

Own car or rental car: When is the change to Carsharing & Co. worth?

February 27, 2017    Comment   

Own car or rental car: When is the change to Carsharing & Co. worth?

While own car due to comfort but also for cost reasons still worthwhile for families, singles go often cheaper without a car. An analysis of the consumer portal Verivox shows: With a combination of rental car, public transport, carharing and bicycle, the costs partly decrease considerably. Two model cases were investigated and compared.

Comfort can cost families more

Model case 1 is a Berlin family with two children. The parents use the four-year family and the eight-year-old second car for the journey to work, as well as trips and holidays. In the year the costs add up to 6,586 euros. The value loss of the two cars is particularly significant at 2,726 euros. If the family instead reverts to car hire, public transport (public transport) and car-sharing, it pays annually about 6,370 euros. Although fuel and workshop costs are falling sharply, premiums for motor vehicle insurance and motor vehicle tax are practically zero. However, the rental car costs add up to over 3,000 euros. In the end, their own cars are only 216 euros more expensive. This will be the most comfortable for most families.

Singles without car better off

Modellfall 2 is a single in Berlin. If he places on car, public transport, carharing, the remote bus and drives obendrein occasionally with the wheel, costs him in the year around 2,548 euros. If he raises all his journeys with his own car, which in this example is four years old, the annual expenses climb to 3,831 euros. If he were to drive a new car instead of the used car, the costs would grow to 4.681 euros. New cars need less maintenance, but the loss of value is particularly high.

Car in the big city no must

Especially one factor makes the big difference to the car: the single does without the model case with some weekend trips to the rental car and drives instead with the cheaper remote bus. He can be much lighter than a family of four. He also benefits from the fact that he lives in the big city. Car-sharing without fixed pick-up stations and a well-developed public transport network make it easier to leave your own car. This also saves the often horrendous parking fees and the search for a parking space in the inner city. If, on the other hand, you live in the country, where the bus and train network is not so dense, you can not get far without your own car - or only very cumbersome and time-consuming. For this, the parking problem is usually somewhat smaller.

"In large cities, the combination of car rental, public transport, car sharing and the bike is often an alternative," says Christian Schiel from Verivox. "It is critical everywhere, where the connections in public transport are bad. For example, if you regularly drive the daughter to horse riding lessons, you can not drive without a car. "

How to find the best car insurance

In metropolises, their own car therefore plays a lesser role, according to Verivox. According to Kraftfahrtsbundesamt, only one in three has a car in Berlin, while the federal average is almost 50 percent. For comparison, around 200,000 more cars are registered in Brandenburg than in Berlin - although the federal capital has more than one million inhabitants.

Change car insurance and save money

If you opt for your own car for comfort or cost reasons, you need a car insurance. Via the tariff calculator of Check24 , vehicle owners find the most favorable offer for their individual needs. By an insurance change one can save up to 850 euros per year, according to a calculation of the consumer portal Check24.

New Smartphones 2017: Huawei, HTC, Samsung, Sony & Co.

February 27, 2017    Comment   

New Smartphones 2017: Huawei, HTC, Samsung, Sony & Co.

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, ​​the smartphone manufacturers are launching a fireworks display on new devices. The highlights of the MWC, which runs from 27 February to 2 March 2017, have been compiled by COMPUTER BILD in this overview. Not only that, just before the turn of the year, a whole wave of fresh mobile phones has landed on the market, many of the mobile companions have already tested COMPUTER BILD. The picture gallery gives an overview of current novelties and upcoming highlights.

You do not have to talk long drumherum - the highlight of the LG G6 is the huge and, above all, innovative 5.7-inch screen (14.5 cm). In an area where exactly this innovation was the last shortage of smartphones with similar and fast-running smartphones, the bright and colorful 18: 9 screen is a welcome change. You read correctly: 18: 9! The new image format allows for compact image diameters comparable to the Galaxy S7 Edge of 148.9x71.9x7.9 millimeters. It is also the first smartphone with HDR and DolbyVision.

Samsung Galaxy: From all the pipes

Samsung-typical, the South Koreans publish new smartphones on the go - and can not be unsettled by the battery battered Galaxy Note 7 last year. On the contrary: On 29 March the South Koreans introduce the new flagship Samsung Galaxy S8 in New York. In the next generation, the top model Galaxy S could also be another XXL smartphone. Samsung is working on a Galaxy S8 Plus with a huge 6-inch screen and an integrated display pen. In addition, the first rumors are the note 8 , possibly with 4K display and AI assistants. And the medium class is also gaining momentum: the new models Galaxy A3 (2017) and Galaxy A5 (2017) appeared in February . In the meantime, beginners are coming to the Galaxy J5 (2016) , which just before Christmas 2016 also in Germany came into the trade, or wait for the newer (and probably somewhat smaller) Galaxy J3 (2017) .

The HTC U Ultra as well as its small sister model HTC U Play are different: aluminum has almost completely disappeared, only appears as a frame. The front and body are now completely made of Gorilla Glass 5, layered in several layers. If light falls on it, the color effect of the layers varies. Thus the white case glistens silvery, glides elsewhere in the bright yellow. And the dark blue model, in the normal case almost black, flashes with the corresponding light effect Marinblau. Unlike the Galaxy S7 Edge by Erzkonkurrent Samsung, the glass on HTC is curved on all sides equally, thus feels almost organic. The surface is smooth and glossy, coated with a greasy coating. But it is still a fingerprint magnet.

In 2016 Apple released the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus again two top smartphones, which impress with regard to speed, processing and reception - but also offer little new. Trumps the larger iPhone 7 Plus with the dual back camera, lacking real innovation with the little brother. The lack of the jack connector for the headphones is still the strongest. Apple fans expect 2017 therefore great of the cult manufacturer from Cupertino - because this year the iPhone celebrates 10 years anniversary . Rumor has it that Apple is working in a development center in Israeli Herzliya on the iPhone 8 . Apparently, the next iPhone generation will consist of three devices: two "normal" iPhones and a luxury variant. It remains exciting, which advantages a noble iPhone could offer.

Honor 6X: Preistipp with dual camera

While Huawei is becoming more and more popular with well-equipped smartphones of the upper and middle class, it is anything but bad for Honor. The mobile phones of Huawei subsidiaries are known for their good value for money - a reputation that the Chinese continue to cement with the Honor 6X . In the test convinced the chic aluminum android with its strong recharge time and the dual camera on the back. This allows hobby knikers a deep-focus effect, the Apple trailer of the iPhone 7 Plus know. Thus, the background blur with images with both lenses blurred, the subject in the foreground is highlighted. Also good for a mid-class device: Directly under the camera sits a fingerprint sensor, which unlocks the smartphone quickly and precisely.

Huawei Mate 9: China breaks the battery record

Already with the Mate 8 , Huawei made a clear announcement: Samsung and Apple - attracts you warm! The Chinese manufacturer wants to be among the top smartphone players worldwide, not just at home, but worldwide. With the Mate 9 , Huawei provides a few more good arguments: despite the sharp giant display with 5.9 inches, it is smaller than the iPhone 7 Plus with its 5.5-inch screen. The renouncement of a large frame makes it neat and the device can be better use of obendrein - so looks great smartphone design! On the battery, Huawei gets really far out: The black block in the Mate 9 comes to an impressive 4,000 Milliampertenunden and pulled in the laboratory test all registers. It was only after 17 hours and 44 minutes that he went out of his way with intensive use - a new record!

OnePlus 3T: New edition with more power

OnePlus has always had a lot of fans. Reason: While Samsung & Co. rotate more and more at the price screw, the manufacturer stands since its early days for top technology at a relatively cheap price. If the first smartphones were only on invitation and therefore hard to get, the company goes new ways with the sale of the OnePlus 3 : Everybody can order the powerful mobile phone in the official onlineshop. Now OnePlus is still a shake on it: The fresh OnePlus 3T is almost identical to the current flagship, but inside is the faster Snapdragon 821 processor from Qualcomm. So that the mobile phone nevertheless long enough persists, the manufacturer has a larger battery installed.

Kodak Ektra: Normalo in exotic fur

After the IM5 from 2015, Kodak tries on a second smartphone and donates to the Ektra an extravagant housing in the compact camera look. On closer inspection however follows the disappointment follows: The huge camera attachment is more apparent than being, the actual lens as flat and small as with other mobile phones. Although the lens with its 21 megapixels sharp images, the performance of the top competition, the Ektra in the test but then did not approach. Also annoying: the camera is anything but fast. Beyond the photo quality, buyers with Kodak's new mobile companion get abundant technology from the upper middle class.

Knarthart tested

The COMPUTER BILD test tests numerous criteria under laboratory conditions. Only an all-round smartphone conquers the top of the list.

Alcatel A5 LED: Smartphone with interactive LED cover

February 27, 2017    Comment   

Alcatel A5 LED: Smartphone with interactive LED cover

Alcatel makes the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona a great party. In order to pick up the young generation of mobile phone users, the French company has devised something special: the back of the smartphone A5 has built-in LEDs and turns the device into a kind of stroboscope for the pocket. But it is not just parties that are going to get it going, there is also a practical benefit behind the technology.

Alcatel A5: Notifications by Lightshow

The numerous points on the back of the A5 are by no means only due to the design, they separate the LED lighting into small fields, which light up on request. The lights can be controlled and configured via the smartphone. This allows each user to program their own patterns and color mixes. These are finally used for notifications. If the Facebook Messenger is a new message, for example, a bright blue "F" on the back of the smartphone. At the party the smartphone provides for a lighting show according to a given pattern or the beat of the music.

Mid-class technology and self-contained camera

Under its unusual cover, the Alcatel A5 LED hides modern mid-range technology. There is an eight-core processor and 2 gigabytes of memory to provide enough power to play videos and games. The output is via the 5.2-inch display with simple HD resolution. The manufacturer attaches particular importance to fine quality at Selfies: Alcatel installed a 5-megapixel front camera, which with a special Selfie-Blitz to ensure good light in the club. The post-processing of the photos takes "Face Beauty" - and "Face Show" baptized software. The lens on the back snips with 8 megapixels. Photos can be stored on the 16 gigabyte internal memory or on a microSD card.

Cheaper than a real stroboscope

Although the Alcatel A5 LED with a selling price of 199 euros is cheaper than a professional LED stroboscope (around 700 euros), but the output power can hardly be compared. As a party gag, however, the technique is always good. While the front of the smartphone is only available in black metallic, the cover for the LEDs can be ordered in black or silver metallic. Market launch for the color mobile phone is May 2017.

Oscars 2017: Who are the favorites?

February 25, 2017    Comment   

Oscars 2017: Who are the favorites?

Oscars 2017: Who are the favorites?

Gust only 32 years old is the one responsible for this year's potential Oscar-collector number one: Damien Chazelles "La La Land" with 14 nominations the king, so many were so far only "Titanic" (won eleven) and "All about Eve "(won six). Will La La Land be the most successful Oscar movie ever? ProSieben will broadcast the Oscars award at 2:30 pm on Sunday, the program will begin on Sunday 26 February 2017 at 23:30.

The best films

Nominated for the best film are, as usual for several years, nine works:

• Arrival
• Fences
• Hacksaw Ridge
• Hell Or High Water
• Hidden figures
• La La Land
• Lion
• Manchester by the Sea
• Moonlight

Here, La La Land is not likely to lead a path, the nominations are so lavish that the film is widely distributed (ie actors and also jury members behind the camera). Anything but a victory would be a fist-sized surprise. If this happens, the winner will be called "Moonlight".he best actors

For the best female leading role are nominated:

• Isabelle Huppert
• Ruth Negga
• Natalie Portman
• Emma Stone
• Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep (like almost every year) and Isabelle Huppert for the Golden Globe winner "Elle" could take the Gold Boys home with Emma Stone. But Stone is probably ahead.

Editorial tip: Emma Stone for La La Land

For the best female secondary role are nominated:

• Viola Davis
• Octavia Spencer
• Naomie Harris
• Nicole Kidman
• Michelle Williams

Here the decision is pretty sure to fall between Viola Davis "Fences" and Naomie Harris "Moonlight", the other three would be a surprise.

Editorial tip: Naomie Harris for "Moonlight"

Nominated for the best male lead role:

• Casey Affleck
• Andrew Garfield
• Ryan Gosling
• Viggo Mortensen
• Denzel Washington

A category in which La La Land is no favorite, Gosling are more likely to be outsider chances. The race should be between Denzel Washington ("Fences") and Viggo Mortensen ("Captain Fantastic").

Editorial tip: Viggo Mortensen for "Captain Fantastic"

Nominated for the best male secondary role:

• Mahershala Ali
• Jeff Bridges
• Lucas Hedges
• Dev Patel
• Michael Shannon

A tight race between Jeff Bridges in "Hell or High Water" and Mahershala Ali for "Moonlight" is expected, probably with the better end for Ali.

Editorial tip: Mahershala Ali for "Moonlight"

Behind the camera

The Nominees for Best Director:

• Damien Chazelle
• Mel Gibson
• Barry Jenkins
• Kenneth Lonergan
• Denis Villeneuve

If anyone can actually prevent Damien Chazelle from winning in this category, that is Barry Jenkins. Any other name would be a sensation at the promulgation.

Editorial tip: Damien Chezelle for La La Land

For the best adapted screenplay are nominated:

• Luke Davies - Lion
• Eric Heisserer - Arrival
• Barry Jenkins - Moonlight
• Allision Schröder / Theodore Melfi - Hidden Figures
• August Wilson - Fences

In this category there is the most likely surprise, so predictions are difficult. However, Moonlight is again the favorite here.

Editorial tip: Barry Jenkins for Moonlight

For the best original rotary book are nominated:

• Damien Chazelle - La La Land
• Georgios Lanthimos / Efthymis Filippou - The Lobster
• Kenneth Londergan - Manchester by the Sea
• Mike Mills - 20th Century Woman
• Taylor Shreridan - Hell or High Water

Again, there may be a surprise, for Chezelle surely the wobblyest Oscar of the evening. But that would be highly earned.

Editorial tip: Damien Chazelle for La La Land

Musical Oscars

For the best song are nominated:

• Audition (La La Land)
• Can not stop the Feeling (Trolls)
• City of Stars (La La Land)
• The Empty Chair (The James Foley Story)
• How Far I'll Go (Vaiana or Moana)

Here La La Land himself could steal the voices and provide for another winner, who was very well received in the cinema.

Editorial Tip: How Far I'll Go (Vaiana)

For the best film music are nominated:

• Nicholas Britell (Moonlight)
• Justin Hurwitz (La La Land)
• Mica Levi (Jackie)
• Thomas Newman (Passengers)
• Dustin O'Halloran / Hauschka (Lion)

Again, the race between the two greats will be decided. While Britell also uses classical music for his work and is sometimes simply a sound, Hurwitz relies on fresh musical melodies, which are also typical of the genre.

Editorial tip: Justin Hurwitz (La La Land)

Other films

For the best animation film are nominated:

• Kubo - the brave samurai
• The red turtle
• My life as zucchini
• Vaiana / Moana
• Zoomania

Although the Academy Disney was quite hard, with "Finding Dory" not even nominated, a Disney film might be ahead.

Editorial tip: Zoomania

For the best foreign language film are nominated:

• A man named Ove
• The Salesman
• Tanna
• Toni Erdmann
• Under the sand

Because Hollywood has already been upset by the remake rumors of Toni Erdmann (allegedly Jack Nicholson wants to return from retirement), this could be interpreted as a good sign.