The company presents two powerful and ultralight models to drive Windows From the impersonal PC to careful design devices.

Microsoft wants to attract creators with their new laptops with tablet soul and desktop power. A complicated combination that they have solved brilliantly. After a first generation of Surface that surprised, Microsoft returns with a new batch in two sizes, 13 and 15 inches. Surface Book 2 will hit the US market on November 16 at a price of $ 1,499. They do it with a battery of up to 17 hours in duration, Intel dual and quad core processors and an Nvidia graphic chip, something unusual in this type of devices. This combined, according to Seattle, doubles the power of the MacBook Pro and exceeds five times that of its previous model, the first Surface. There is still no launch date or prices in other countries. From Microsoft put the accent on their possibilities for work and entertainment. During a test event a week ago they allowed to make contact with their bet for 2018. The sensations were very positive, for its power and lightness. It combines the entertainment options of a tablet with the power of a desktop computer. He was able to run high-definition home games, such as Forza Motorsport 7 or Gears of War 4, as well as design programs.

Panos Panay, responsible for this division, emphasizes the need to offer machines according to the demands of the content of the future, with augmented reality as something more than a passing trend. "The need to create has never been more relevant. We want Surface to inspire and promote creativity, "he said and opened the door to more news," these holidays we will see a range of well-designed devices with the most diverse characteristics ". It confirms the strategy of the firm, create inspiring devices, although they are not necessarily super sales, to invite other manufacturers to create options for different audiences.

Historically, Apple has been the preferred choice for designers, layout artists, publicists and educators. The edition of images, videos and an operating system with tools to give a striking result with hardly any knowledge, have been one of their weapons so that the faithful of the apple would continue to buy Mac even in the worst periods.

Microsoft wants to change this perception, in the new Windows update (officially Fall Update is what it's called), include tools that allow you to create three-dimensional objects with great ease. Once the pattern is done, they can be projected onto reality using augmented reality. It is no coincidence that they promote it, but one of the keys to have content in Hololens, their mixed glasses, with augmented reality and virtual in the same device.

They have also added a video editor with a large artificial intelligence component. Just choose the cuts of the video so that in a matter of seconds you have a composition of the chosen tone: romantic, epic, sports ... If the result does not please, you can remix or choose a character that is the protagonist of the plot. Surprising by the amount of special effects added, from lightning, rain or fire, all with a tracking of objects own programs whose license costs several thousand euros.

A system of Artificial Intelligence is able to reconstruct all the facial geometry in 3D from a single image, including the non-visible parts of the face.

A new era in selfies could begin thanks to a technology developed by computer scientists at the University of Nottingham and Kingston University. 3D facial reconstruction is already possible from a single image: the 3D selfie.

Through a web application, anyone can load a single color image and receive, in a few seconds, a 3D model of it. More than 400,000 users have already done the test.

The technique, while far from perfect, is a breakthrough that computer scientists have been looking for for years. What does it consist of? The new technology is based on a convolutional neural network, that is, an area of ​​Artificial Intelligence that uses machine learning to equip computers with the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed for it.

The research team, supervised by Dr. Yorgos Tzimiropoulos, developed this convolutional neuronal network based on a huge data set of 2D images and 3D facial models. With all this information, his neural network was able to reconstruct the 3D facial geometry from a single 2D image. In addition, he was able to reconstruct the non-visible parts of the face by making a series of conjectures.

"The main novelty lies in the simplicity of our approach, unlike other techniques," acknowledges the director of the research, Dr. Tzimiropoulos.

The systems that were available until now required multiple facial images and face several challenges, such as the exact correspondence of facial poses, expressions and non-uniform illumination.

"Our neural network uses only a 2D facial image, and works with arbitrary facial poses (for example, frontal or profile images) and facial expressions (for example, smiling)," explains Aaron Jackson, another of the researchers.

The new technique is a sign of advances in deep learning, a form of mechanical learning that uses artificial neural networks (AI) to mimic the way the brain makes connections between pieces of information.

Multiple applications

The Holy Grail of computer science? While it is true that the human brain is used in a comparative way to know how a machine works, the truth is that the operation of computers and human brains does not look like anything. This could change thanks to computer technology that uses light to mimic the functionality of neuronal synapses, opening the way for hardware that combines the speed of modern processors with the efficiency of a computer's intellectual capacity. Ready for the brain of the future?

Computers combine electrical impulses with small on / off switches for their functions; In neurons, on the other hand, chemistry distributes impulses through the channels known as synapses (connections between neurons). The difference is considerable in terms of memory and power consumption, since no hardware comes close to the efficiency and storage capabilities of a human brain.

Now, a team of researchers from the Universities of Oxford, Exeter (United Kingdom) and Münster (Germany), has managed to go a step further by creating a photonic integrated circuit that acts as a synapse.

"The development of computers that function like the human brain has been a holy grail of scientists for decades." Through a network of neurons and synapses, the brain can process and store huge amounts of information simultaneously, using a few tens of watts. of power, conventional computers can not approach this type of performance, "explains Harish Bhaskaran, co-author of the work published in the journal Science Advances.

In computers, there are processor units that control logic and memory. In the human brain, we do not have a CPU or a hard disk, it is about chemical processes.

And, depending on factors such as strength or frequency of the wave, increases in neurotransmitters can continue the message by jumping to other neurons, stopping or accelerating the signal.

Described as synaptic plasticity, changes in this point of control can explain how we learn and process new information, strengthening some circuits while allowing others to wither.

The so-called neuromorphic engineering aims to replicate this way of combining processing and memory in a system, bringing biology and artificial intelligence closer together, that is, microprocessors can be configured more like the human brain than traditional computer chips.

The key has been to build a processor that does the same thing as synapses. "Since synapses outnumber neurons in the brain by about 10,000 to 1, any brain-machine must be able to replicate some form of synaptic mimicry. That's what we've done here," says Wolfram Pernice, co-author of the investigation.

The artificial synapse or synaptic emulation is based on structures made of a phase change material (PCM), which stores and releases significant amounts of energy as it changes from one state to another (solid↔liquid).

The light waves are channeled through the material, with optical pulses changing the PCM in such a way that it imitates the plasticity of a synapse. Although the concept is not new, it is the first time that it has been put into practice.

Neuromorphic light-based processors appear to be the perfect combination of mind and machine. We assist the future of artificial intelligence and information technology.

The older brother of the iPhone family consolidates the dual camera that worked so well last year. Interestingly, its biggest competitor is in Apple itself and it's called iPhone X

His camera aims to be the best on the market. The same goes for the OLED screen without six-inch frames. And the same thing happens, once again, with the price.

The ballot for Google is not easy. He arrives with his phones in October.Practically all the brands, as has been discussed these days, have put their progress on the table for months. To make matters worse, the Mountain View have absorbed part of HTC's mobile business, which adds morbidity to the matter, although you can not expect any fruit of this purchase. The leaks - we could also call them premature corporate revelations, that the company is responsible for several of them - had dissected the Pixel 2 and its older brother the Pixel 2XL at its best before the official presentation on Wednesday. It was known what was going to come out of the hat. Complicated ingredients to start a 'Wow', that effect so desired when someone launches something in the world of consumer electronics.

And Google, despite everything, has succeeded. In the first contact we have had in Teknautas with this phone, it gives the feeling that it hits (almost) everything. Some of the mistakes that leave a bad taste in the mouth rather than the terminal must be attributed to the incomprehensible policy of the company against Spain. Only a 64 GB model will arrive , in black and white. Nothing of 128 GB. And nothing of the little brother. And in the price conversion we left, talking in silver, clapping pasta. If in the US the starting price is $ 849 on this side of the ocean we will have to draw the card to earn 950 euros.

But we'll talk about the cost later. The Pixel 2 XL is a clear candidate for Android phone of the year. Why? Design, screen and camera. Pillars in every phone worth its salt. Vital points in which this first review, in the absence of a more comprehensive review, goes very well stopped.

Let's start on the outside. The frame of the Pixel 2 XL has personality . It has followed the line that its predecessor initiated, although it has refined it. His back has two finishes: tempered glass and aluminum(with IP 67 resistance). In addition to giving it a more than pleasant touch (we will not talk about the traces, which seems an insurmountable sin for the entire guild) the truth is that it gets an identifiable style and 'face', something that is not always achieved at the time of create a new device

The screen without frames is appreciated in front. Any self-respecting high-end mobile should adopt this mantra. There is no chance. It is simply another different experience. And more importantly: it allows you to concentrate a 6-inch screen in a 'contained' measurements. 15.76 centimeters high by 7.6 wide and a thickness of just 0.77 centimeters.It is your particular '90 -60-90', since the Google Pixel 2 XL is a device that tames well with one hand.

The only 'but' that some can find is the strange 'hug' that occurs in the contours of the terminal , where it seems that the back layer envelops the screen. All this generates a bevel that goes unnoticed when we are with the completely black model. When we have the white rear highlights a little more.

The screen without frames is appreciated in front. Any self-respecting high-end mobile should adopt this mantra. There is no chance. It is simply another different experience. And more importantly: it allows you to concentrate a 6-inch screen in a 'contained' measurements. 15.76 centimeters high by 7.6 wide and a thickness of just 0.77 centimeters.It is your particular '90 -60-90 ', since the Google Pixel 2 XL is a device that tames well with one hand.

The only 'but' that some can find is the strange 'hug' that occurs in the contours of the terminal , where it seems that the back layer envelops the screen. All this generates a bevel that goes unnoticed when we are with the completely black model. When we have the white rear highlights a little more.

The design is one of the great attractions of the Pixel 2 XL, a phone with personality

For the rest, the placement of the elements is successful. The camera is located in the upper corner and the unlock button in the center of the B side . The most logical position next to the 'Home' key. The placement of the speakers is also ideal: up and down in the front. As I pick up the phone, I can not cover them and the sound is really good when one is watching a piece of video. The laterals, reserved for volume controls. And no, there is no port jack, so either wireless headphones or pay for the adapter for USB Type C. All right.

The screen is a delight . Another one for this course. If 2018 is postulated as the arrival of the 'folding' screens, 2017 has been crowned as the year of the panels without frames. And the return of the OLED.The V30 left me with a good feeling after meeting us at IFA after their presentation and here again the 'feeling' is repeated. Good brightness and great color reproduction , plus a QuadHD + resolution, which translates to 531 pixels per inch.

A screen density that exceeds the Galaxy S8 +, but stays below the standard S8. Although you have to try it outdoors, the truth is that from a first glance leaves a good taste. Very good taste, I repeat. They have also marked it with ' Always on display' or 'Tap to wake' (touch to wake up), two functions to facilitate consultation and access to information.

No, dual cameras are not required

When the first rumors began to circulate weeks ago everything pointed to Google going from the double cameras . In the last days that idea intensified but the information did not finish putting a stop to the specifications. "That can mean two things: either they have not done anything or they have done a lot and they have kept it with suspicion," commented a professional colleague minutes before the presentation.

And it was the second. Google has achieved with a single lens to catch up with what other terminals do with two . It includes portrait mode ... but how do you do it if it is mono and not dual? Well pulling on 'software'. And the result is spectacular. It allows to do it in the front and back camera. Here you have some examples. You have to bear in mind that these are photos in an interior room, with lighting that leaves something to be desired, and still comes out quite well both the 'portrait mode' and when it comes to capturing details.

You can see how despite being a solution based solely on software and having a double set of lenses, it comes out very well in an environment where, as we said, the light is far from the desired one. It is worth recalling now the characteristics of the cameras: the main one has an aperture of f / 1.6 (the most outstanding figure in the market) and a sensor of 12 megapixels , as well as dual pixel technology and optical image stabilizer. The front also has OIS, as well as an 8 megapixel sensor and f / 2.4.

The first impression is very good in both cases. In the portrait with the front (last photo) we can see how the contours perfectly silhouetted, although it is difficult to differentiate the foreground and the background have a very similar hue and opt for 'fat brush'. We will have to give this camera a lot of wax to confirm these good feelings and if it really deserves the note that DoXMark has put on it . This community is, so to speak, the great thermometer of mobile photography in specialized gossip rooms. And the note was a 98. What does it mean? That for these experts is the best in the market.

In the absence of being able to put it to the test, comment two more things. The Pixel 2 XL will arrive with Google Lens exclusively. It is an 'app' to identify the world around us thanks to Assistant (which will certainly arrive in Spanish exclusively to this terminal when it is released). In the tests of this platform, he has answered honestly. He has recognized a woman's hand and the cover of the book, offering information about it in a few seconds.

The other surprise, in response to Apple's AR KIT , are Augmented Reality apps. This Wednesday we were able to try one that allowed to superimpose the characters of 'Stranger Things' anywhere and the experience was quite fluid. We will have to wait for the developers . It depends on them that this is a candy or something really useful.

Of the performance, little to say. You have to make a long use to be able to judge it . It would be criminal if it did not work like silk in the first contact taking into account the status of the Pixel 2 XL. The camera opens up fast, the apps too ... Everything as it is assumed to a terminal that equips the best Qualcomm processor of the moment, the Snapdragon 835 and 4 GB of RAM. Here it is worth mentioning that they have inherited from their HTC partners the function of 'squeezing' the phone, which with a slight pressure on the edges allows launching from the camera to open the virtual assistant. The battery (3,520 mAh)promises to endure a day even in heavy use, although again we will have to wait.

The microSD and price, its weak points

One of the complaints is the absence of expandable memory. Why? In addition, only the 64 GB model will arrive in Spain . To compensate for the bad taste that can leave, the owners of a Pixel can now store in 'Google Photos' videos in 4K without limit until 2023. Something is something. Not only do you have to think about photos. There are games more and more complete and of greater weight, the downloads of Netflix ... Something that makes that we require a bigger 'storage room'.

The other is the price. The Pixel 2 XL seems to be a victim of the uptrend in our country. In the US it will go for $ 849. An attractive price for a top of the range watching the times. However, with 950 euros of price, it surpasses the iPhone 8 Plus and is close to the territory of the iPhone X and Note 8. Uppercase words in both cases.

More than by its merits or demerits by the power of attraction of its rivals, which can end with a 'For that price, I shot an iPhone'. You have to see in what also materializes his agreement with Orange and if it gives him more visibility than they have had until now. These are questions that will only answer the time and, for now, it seems that the Pixel 2 XL hits (almost) everything.

Google presented a great variety of new products on October 4 in San Francisco.However, these releases are not the only Made for Google products that the company has now on the market and that could interest you. A Google device accessory certification program debuted with more than 26 manufacturing partners, including Moshi , Zagg and Tech21 . And although we do not know many details about this program, the main thing is that Made for Google certified products have to satisfy a set of quality assurance standards. That is, this certification is like a seal of approval from the Google team. Therefore (and because we know there are many fans of the giant), we have developed a list of some of the accessories made for Google that you can find in the market.

This Wednesday, October 11, the virtual reality company of Facebook Oculus Connect , announced during its annual event some interesting news that come to innovate in the world of virtual reality.

The great product that most attracted attention among all is the Oculus Go, a device that will allow users to enter the virtual world with the particularity that you will not need to connect it to a mobile phone or a computer, since it is completely wireless and does not need to cables.

While these virtual reality lenses are a team of lower rank than the Oculus Rift, they provide greater independence than the Gear VR they developed together with Samsung. In addition, they offer a very affordable and competitive price between the virtual reality lenses that are in the market, since you can find it for only $ 199 dollars.

The Oculus Go will be available in early 2018 and will include an LCD screen with 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, integrated spatial audio system and a control similar to the Gear VR.

On the other hand, Oculus developers have announced a new project called Santa Cruz, a virtual reality lenses completely without ties or cables, which is based on position tracking and 60DOF controllers completely tracked to allow the presence of your hands, but in an independent way. This project will contribute to offer an immersive content similar to Rift, but in a completely independent lens. Santa Cruz will be being formally prepared next year.

Other of the announcements given by Oculus Connect was the new permanent price for his Rift lenses. Now this package will be available on its official website and in retail stores around the world for a fixed price of $ 399 dollars, thus reducing $ 100 dollars from its opening price in the market (which was $ 499 dollars)

Also, Oculus informed that its main platform will be updated to Rift Core 2.0. This update will add Dash, a feature that puts a control board in front of you so you can easily access the applications you need to work and play in VR. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy Oculus Home, a function that will allow you to personalize your virtual reality world, designing it with environments, decorative elements and interactive gadgets.

Definitely Oculus Connect not only thinks about its users who use virtual reality lenses for pleasure but also in companies and their workers. Now he has launched the Oculus for business that will allow integrating virtual reality for training in the workplace, collaboration, retail sales and much more. Each package includes Rift, Touch, three sensors, additional facial interfaces and a four meter dual input cable. The Oculus for business is available for sale online and is priced at $ 900.

In addition, the social media giant announced new content from allies such as Pixar and Marvel, developer tools that make it easier to build applications and social experiences throughout the Oculus platform.

The ads offered by Oculus Connect from Facebook confirm a series of updates that makes the virtual reality experience much more real and comfortable. But, unquestionably, the Oculus Go was the most relevant product presented that will allow you to enjoy VR with greater freedom.

If you want to know more about these products and place your orders online you can visit the official Oculus Connect page. The Oculus Go will be available soon and you can subscribe to its website to get updates and notifications about availability.