The Week's Funniest and Most Intriguing News (week starting August 1)

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 05 Aug 2016

As the weekend gets closer and closer, your productivity goes out the window. You don’t feel like working and you’re not really willing to go over serious news about serious topics.

So, just like the weeks before, I invite you to check out 10 news that will put a smile on your face, make you laugh, and probably even say 'wow' or 'what the f...'

1. Apple insists the iPad Pro can replace a computer

"[The iPad Pro] is the ultimate upgrade for existing iPad users and replacement for PC users,” said Philip Schiller during Apple’s March event. With this recently released ad, Apple reiterates this position.



Learn more about the iPad Pro.


2. Dead pet + drone = (creepy) cat drone

What do you do when your pet passes away? If you don’t want to bury or cremate it, you can turn it into a (creepy) drone. Like Bart Jansen and Arjen Beltman did.



And I thought stuffing dead pets was creepy. This takes it to the next level.


3. Samsung’s outdoor signage can take a lot of punishment

Good luck trying to smash Samsung’s SMART Outdoor Signage with a bat. The bat will break before the signage does.



"Backed by an ultra-durable design, SMART Outdoor Signage is built to rebuff the typical wear and tear associated with both inclement weather and life in bustling urban jungles, allowing businesses greater versatility to broadcast their stories and create meaningful impressions," Samsung explained.


4. This mod makes GTA V look like real life (almost)

The NaturalVision mod for GTA V makes the game look pretty much like real life. See for yourself.



Instructions on how to install the mod are available here.


5. Charge your phone while it levitates

Wireless chargers are pretty commonplace nowadays. But wireless chargers that can also levitate your phone aren’t. Meet OvRcharge, the levitating wireless charger.



Learn more about OvRcharge on Kickstarter.


6. iPhone 6S Plus catches fire after getting sledge hammered

The guys at PhoneBuff took an iPhone 6S Plus and decided to put it to the "sledge hammer test." Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.



Turns out that if you hit an iPhone 6S Plus hard enough, it will catch on fire.


7. Here’s what’s inside the new Xbox One S

On August 2, Microsoft’s sleek new Xbox One S started shipping. Now that it’s out there, people can start tearing it apart to see what’s inside.

That’s what Austin Evans did.



And what iFixit did.



Did you know that Microsoft has 3 Xbox One S bundles to offer?


8. T-Mobile unboxes the Galaxy Note 7 at a water park

Samsung just introduced the new Galaxy Note 7 and one of its key features is IP68 water and dust resistance. To highlight this fact, T-Mobile unboxed the Galaxy Note 7 at a water park.



This isn’t the first time that T-Mobile does something like this. When Samsung introduced water resistant Galaxy S7, T-Mobile unboxed it underwater.


9. Explore the Himalayas as a yeti called Verne

Google Maps recently introduced an experimental new app called Verne: The Himalayas. Built with 3D Google Maps imagery, it lets you explore the Himalayas as a 500 foot Yeti named Verne.

"You can run up Mt. Everest, chase yaks, discover bits of information, ride a jetpack, play Himalayan instruments, and more," explained Google’s Amar Gandhi and JR Schmidt.



Go get Verne: The Himalayas for Android from Google Play.


10. Get ready for the 2016 Doodle Fruit Games

In honor of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games (a.k.a Rio 2016), Google introduced the 2016 Doodle Fruit Games, where fruits from all over the market compete for the title of freshest fruit.



To play, you must have the latest Google app for Android and iOS. Just open the app, tap the doodle, and play the daily featured game.


Honorable mention – the Pokémon Go prank

Playing Pokémon Go is quite simple: find a Pokémon and throw a Pokéball to catch it. The prank below turns this concept on its head. What if Pokémon tried to capture you?



Remember to stay safe when playing Pokémon Go.



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