Host other people's Twitch streams from your mobile device

he line between using Twitch on mobile and desktop is getting even more blurry. The live-streaming juggernaut recently announced that now, you can host another channel's broadcast from the mobile app. Twitch writes that all you need to do is tap the gear button in the app, hit "Host" and you should be good to go. It's available for everyone on iOS at the moment, and will be rolling out slowly for Android. Need to update? Hit the source link below if your iDevice hasn't updated yet.

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Delphi will test its self-driving taxi service in Singapore

Uber may be talking about it, but automotive technology parts supplier Delphi is doing it. Today the company announced a partnership with Singapore to start a pilot program for an on-demand autonomous taxi service.

Before you think you can just jump in an autonomous car next time you're in Singapore, there are a lot of caveats. First, there are only six vehicles in the autonomous fleet. Second, the fleet will only be available along a four-mile route in a business park on the western edge of the city.

The pilot program will last three years with the first year dedicated to laying out the technological groundwork. The vehicles will be deployed on during the second year. Passengers will be chosen to test the system from a cross-section of the Singapore population. The system will work similar to ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber.

Glen DeVos, VP of Delphi's Services Business Unit said that the company is hoping to come up with a "last mile" solution by building out the entire ecosystem including the car, communications system between vehicles and the infrastructure, transactions, cloud services and security. " When the pilots done, we had completed the definition and the deployment that whole automated mobility on demand ecosystem," DeVos told Engadget.

Singapore and Delphi hope to transition the pilot into a operational service that launches in 2022. That's still a pretty far away, but it's another step to have fully autonomous vehicles on the road not just in Asia but around the globe.

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AMD's sub-$200 gaming video cards launch in early Augus

AMD said that the Radeon RX 480 would be followed up by lower-cost models this summer, and it's acting on that promise in a timely fashion. Both the RX 470 and RX 460 (not pictured above) are now slated to arrive on August 4th and August 8th respectively. While AMD hasn't outlined the specific pricing, these newer boards should cost significantly less than the $199 RX 480 -- the RX 460 should sit closer to the coveted $100 mark.

The imminent launch is also shedding some light on details of the cards themselves. The RX 470 may not be VR-friendly like its more advanced sibling, but it's surprisingly close. You can expect up to 4.9 teraflops of computing power (versus 5.8 for the RX 480), and you're still getting 4GB of RAM on a healthy 256-bit memory interface. Think of it as the "good enough" card -- you can play many new games at 60 frames per second, just at 1080p instead of 1440p.

The RX 460, meanwhile, is really a budget counterpart to last year's Radeon R9 Nano. It's much less powerful than the other RX cards (just 2.2 teraflops) and starts with 2GB of RAM on a 128-bit interface, but it's also far smaller and more power-efficient -- it uses less than 75W. The desktop card is ostensibly aimed at eSports gamers who only need brisk frame rates in titles like Overwatch or Rocket League, but it's also built for small form factor desktops and even laptops.

Both cards help fill out an AMD strategy that's very different than in past years. Rather than take NVIDIA head-on in the graphics arena, it's trying to carve out a niche by offering a lot of bang for the buck. This is partly dictated by its own limitations (NVIDIA has generally led the high end for a while), but it could pay off if it gives AMD a relatively uncontested audience. Mind you, NVIDIA's newer graphics technology is becomingincreasingly affordable -- it's entirely possible that the green team will encroach on AMD's turf.

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Pokémon Go' update kills battery-saving mode, footprint tracking

Pokémon Go's first substantial update adds tweaks for overpowered Pokemon (those consistently at the top of Pokemon gyms: cough,Vaporean, cough), where the critters can be found, and a raft of bug and text fixes. Niantic has decided to drop the footprint tracking system that didn't even work in the debut iteration of the game; you'll have to make do with the vague list of nearby Pokémon. And pray. The update also nixed the battery-saving feature (update: on iOS only), although this editor and others found that feature often made the app unresponsive. Your mileage may have varied, but regardless, battery-saving mode is no more. So turn that screen brightness down, and definitely bring your portable battery pack on your Pokémon hunts.

Smaller changes include the ability to customize your trainer again and relocated buttons for transferring Pokémon. Each time you load the app, it'll remind you to take care when playing, not to trespass, and other common sense nuggets. Because people can't have nice things.

Favoriting your strongest monsters will protect them from being accidentally sent to the glue factory professor, which is certainly useful. Since the update, some users are noticing that Pokémon have to be much closer to appear "nearby" on the map, although the refreshed app has arrived at the same time as many Pokémon map scanning services have been indefinitely terminated.

PokeVision, one of the more popular services, said it's respecting Niantic and Nintendo's wishes by taking its map down for the time being. Tracking just got trickier -- and the wearable is still delayed.

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SMS two-factor authentication isn't being banne

Another week gone by, and the place is in cybersecurity shambles again. A years' old hacking issue, unencrypted wireless keyboards, being featured in an upcoming Defcon talk mystifyingly became a hot new Internet of Things threat. Obama gave us a colorful "threat level" cyber-thermometer that no one's really sure what to do with. Ransomware is hitting hospitals like there's a fire sale on money. And the DNC-Wikileaks email debacleexploded, splattering blame all over Russia.

Just when I thought I'd picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue, a U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) report came out that included recommendations about the inherent risks in two-factor authentication, upon which the tech press basically lost their minds and told everyone to assume crash positions because the password sky was falling. Again.

What actually happened was, the NIST released the newest draft version of its Digital Authentication Guidelines. In its public preview, the agency included language that hinted at the depreciation of SMS-based Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) because, basically, phone numbers can be hijacked, and SMS can be intercepted -- making the NIST impetus sensible for government employees or those dealing with sensitive medical information or state-level secrets.

But for normal people, 2FA is still going to limit the ability of an attacker to intercept or alter both your password and your SMS code. (Which is, incidentally, the point.)

Using a text message-based code is what would have prevented what happened to tech journalist and editor Mat Honan. In August 2012, a malicious hacker logged into just one of his online accounts and reset the password.

Then the attacker went to town resetting and taking over the rest of Honan's accounts, remotely erasing (forever) everything on his iPhone, iPad and MacBook, including photos of deceased in-laws and the first year of his daughter's life. That attacker also deleted Honan's Google account and took over his Twitter account to post a bunch of racist and homophobic tweets under his name.

With two-factor activated, Honan would've gotten an SMS alerting him that someone was logging into his account. In fact, the only reason he realized something was wrong was because his iPhone prompted him for a reset code.

But neither the practical use cases for 2FA nor the emphasis on a draft recommending depreciation were what came out in this week's mainstream news. Hardly anyone seemed to mention that NIST's guidelines aren't legally binding (we did!), though government agencies often follow them.

Defense Daily pointed out the obvious thing that everyone missed -- this is a work in progress, directed at government. It said, "This new NIST draft was released as a public preview wherein it is considered a stable draft illustrating what the agency has learned through public comment periods, public workshops, and industry collaborations." However, it is "neither complete nor perfect-and it's not intended to be." They added, "This is the point where the agency is articulating the direction it is going but seeks comments from stakeholders on what is right, wrong, and entirely missed in the guidelines."

Headlines cried out that the freewheeling halcyon days of 2FA were soon to be forbidden fruit. CNET claimed, "SMS-based two-factor authentication will soon be banned." Dabbing away tears, we were told, the age of 2FA is over and we should "Say Goodbye to SMS Two-Factor Authentication."

Suddenly, news outlets and tech blogs were telling us, bizarrely, that Apple was under attack by NIST. Apple wasn't actually targeted in the NIST document, but headlines proclaimed "U.S. to ban Apple and others from SMS two-step authentication." Here at Engadget we came this close to making a video, our mascara running as we sobbed into the camera begging NIST to leave Apple alone!

Ultimately, the anti-2FA mob mentality out-crazied our craziness. We were simply outdone when people started telling the public that SMS authentication was now deemed "no longer safe."

The punchline? No, I think we've been punched enough, thanks.

Still, there's always room for a little insult added to injury. While CNET was telling readers that 2FA was decreed dangerous and about to be banned, government publications bothered with the details and got to the truth.

The coming two-factor apocalypse was only really coming for government agencies, and the recommendation to depreciate SMS would be for new implementations on the road ahead. "The SP-800-63 document set provides technical and procedural guidelines to agencies," Defense Dailywrote. "The recommendation includes remote authentication of users (employees, contractors, or private individuals) interacting with government information technology (IT) systems over open networks."

The public may be none the wiser after this week. If they're reading Apple Insider or Sci Tech as gospel, the logical next step would appear to be quitting two-factor altogether. Or, just setting fire to your laptop and throwing it out the window.

Either way, it's a bad message to send. As many people as possible should be adding this second step to logging in because they are not edge cases, and 2FA is actually making the general public safer.

The real problem here is, as usual, people freaking out about security issues that require more than a "hot take." It's a phase in our collective infosec adolescence I worry we'll never grow out of.

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On Success and the Illusion of Choice

Everybody's work and home calendars are constantly filled with urgent deadlines. Every day, we face more decisions that have to be made than there is sand on the beach. We might as well stamp “URGENT” on our forehead in bright red letters, because that is how our lives need to be if we are to achieve success in the home and in the workplace. However, with work and home life constantly competing for our time, how do we make the best possible choices to achieve success in both?

 

In the pursuit of success, all of the choices that are presented to you are just illusions. As legendary football coach Nick Saban explains:

 

“All these guys that think they have a lot of choices are really sadly mistaken. If you want to be successful, you really don’t have a lot of choices, because it takes what it takes. You have to do what you have to do to be successful. So you have to make choices and decisions to have the discipline and focus to the process of what you need to do to accomplish your goals.” 

 

What this means for us is that in our constantly changing world, you need an unchanging purpose that you can measure against all of the other things that are forever changing. The United States’ unchanging purpose is the constitution. With only twenty-seven amendments in 240 years of existence, I would say that it has stood the test of time. 

 

If unchanging purpose is pivotal to your success and if choices are just mirages, how can you weed through all of the distractions?

Success Requires Taking Risks 

Sometimes we have to sacrifice what we want at the moment for something more important. Risk taking is a common trait among successful individuals. They have learned that being comfortable taking calculated risks will bring about positive change. This mindset, and its accompanying mechanics, strategies, tactics, or training methods are essential for success. Residing in perpetual comfort zones and associated risk avoidance will consistently blunt progress. If you want to be successful, get comfortable being uncomfortable. 

 

Many times, we stay in the same situations because we are fearful of the next chapter. Like a river that becomes quiet and turbid after a fallen tree blocks its flow, so does your mental and spiritual growth when waiting to muster up the courage to take the next step or change paths from the route you are currently treading.

 

Success Requires Evolution

Successful performances evolve over time. Tactics, mindsets, and behaviors that worked in the past must change as demand increases and as situations transform over time. Living in the past is a guaranteed avenue to frustration for both you and those around you.

 

Selective effort will result in disparities in performance during pressure situations. If you are less than mindful and lack purposeful attention to detail, you are guaranteed to have gaps in your performance. Success is in the details and the most successful people never tire doing the fundamental tasks that support their career and enjoyment. When everything you do daily has a purpose and intent, you won't be just ticking boxes without understanding or value.

 

Don't Let Perfectionism Ruin Everything

Strive for balance and excellence in all areas of life. Whether it is at work, in relationships, or in the community, successful people are always pushing boundaries, limits, and currently accepted ceilings. However, believing there will be a perfect performance is a deadly trap. Theattachment to perfectionism ruins both practice and performance and will ultimately decay your own life balance. All performances contain flaws, but within the imperfections lay opportunities for improvement.

 

See the big picture and do not get hung up on minor letdowns. Failure is embraced by leaders in all walks of life. Never let it paralyze, diminish risk taking, or influence behavior. Treat failure as a catalyst for problem-solving and change. Resiliency and being anti-fragile in nature gives you the ability to pay attention to, embrace, and accept constructive criticism from your mentors. This feedback will allow you to keep detailed records of your journey. Find patterns in the critiques you receive in order to eliminate faults and damaging behaviors.

 

Finding pleasure is critical in all endeavors. Find a way to enjoy every step because there is always another chance for everything in life. But, there is no chance of another life, so enjoy every moment.

 

Communicate Well, Inside and Out

Self-talk is powerful. What you think and say to yourself eventually becomes habit, and then drives your practice, competition, and life. Body language is closely related and if you express despairing traits, they will drive everything you do. Self-talk and body language may have a considerable negative effect but when positivity is expressed, the effect can eclipse any destructive behaviors. 

 

Your external communication is just as essential. Successful people are on a never-ending search for answers and solutions and will usually have a mentor that will give them wisdom, guidance, and advice. The most successful individuals know how to network and use networks and communication as oxygen to those relationships. The inability to express your thoughts, moods, concerns, and desires will be the demise of any relationship. Learn to communicate, or any relationship will be short-lived. 

 

With a Defined Purpose, Choices Make Themselves

Successfully balancing all that life has to throw at you is a finely tuned skill requiring years of practice, along with the ability to calmly ride out the multiple peaks and valleys of frustration that will inevitably occur along the way. Creating your own unchanging purpose will guide your decisions along the way and make the vision of your future distinct and well-defined. Allow yourself to accept that choices are just illusions and distractions on your journey to the top. Because if you want to be successful you don’t really have a choice, it just takes what it takes.

 

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Why You Aren't Getting Better at Kettlebell Spor

Progress is non-linear. One of the most common fallacies in the fitness industry is the idea of adding five pounds to your bench press every week. If this were true, you’d be able to add over 250 pounds each year, and take down those powerlifting giants in no time. But we know this isn’t possible. A lifter will eventually hit a plateau and be forced to make some changes in order to continue to progress. 

 

There are numerous training variables, both direct and indirect, that can affect performance.Routine assessments of these elements are essential for long-term improvement. Is your technique really the problem or are you simply missing too many workouts? Are you over-training or under-recovering? Is your coach the problem or is it you?

 

Keep in mind that there could be more than one reason why you aren’t getting better. Here are ten to consider for kettlebell sport.

 

Your Technique Is a Mess

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of fit people get crushed when they start training for kettlebell sport. Their bodies are capable of moving the weight, but pure strength and endurance will only get you so far. They need to work on technique.

 

By improving the efficiency of your movements, you’ll use less energy with each rep and capitalize on relaxation and keeping your heart rate down. The goal of the sport is simple: to do more work than the competition. This is achieved by moving the weight at a faster pace. So given two athletes with the same level of fitness, the one who is able to move with greater economy is likely going to last longer at a faster pace.

Technique Work Is All You Do

Conversely, maybe your technique is already fine and you just need to get to work. Instead of chasing perfection, you need to build sport-specific fitness by doing a lot of reps. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how it feels – you just have to get it done.

 

You Need More Light and Fast Work

Don’t make the mistake of training with competition weight all the time. Rather, your program should follow the rules of periodization and progressive overload. Start with lighter bells, as light as 16kg for a professional male athlete who plans to lift 32kg in competition. Then slowly increase weight in as small increments as possible (typically 1-2kg).

 

Training with lighter kettlebells will allow you to improve technique at a faster pace and build a greater base of volume. In turn, you’re more likely to increase your competition pace when you reach competition weight again.

You Need to Build Mental Toughness

The head will always want to quit before the body. It’s simply trying to protect you from doing too much and getting hurt. The negative thoughts or self-talk are a defense mechanism. The problem for some people is that self-regulating starts too early. 

 

With practice, you can train the mind to let the body push just a bit farther than what feels comfortable and safe. Then maybe it realizes the work wasn’t so bad and that it could probably do it again - and maybe even a little bit more. Sometimes you have to tell the head to shut up.

 

You Aren’t Flexible Enough

Finding little moments of relaxation is essential in kettlebell sport. Athletes who can “turn off” their muscles in the rack and overhead positions have a huge advantage. If your flexibility is lacking, these positions are going to be a fight. You’ll struggle in the lockout and you’ll fatigue quickly.

 

If you find that you have trouble locking your legs and maintaining elbow connection in the rack position, or you can’t keep your arms straight overhead, maybe it’s time to go to a yoga class.

 

You Need More General Fitness

Think of your general fitness as the base of a pyramid. The peak of that pyramid can only reach so high given the width of its foundation. The bigger the base, the greater potential for a higher peak fitness level in your sport. 

 

Those coming from a deconditioned background will make progress only to the level that their general fitness allows. Sooner or later, it will be necessary to tear down the pyramid and rebuild– whether it’s the aerobic base or general strength and power. 

 

You Have the Wrong Coach or Program

You’re a great lifter – technically proficient with a high level of fitness – but your program is garbage. It could be that your program is too advanced or too basic, or that the progression just doesn’t make sense. 

 

Maybe the program is sufficient, but your coach is getting in your way. Maybe they lack the ability to give technical advice or encouragement, or maybe they distract you when you’re lifting with too many complicated cues or unnecessary shouting. Maybe they’re a good coach, but you have fundamental personality differences that affect the relationship and your lifting. If these issues sound familiar, it may be time to find a reputable coach with a solid track record (local is usually preferred) and make sure your personalities are compatible. 

You Aren't Listening to Your Coach or Program

Or maybe you’re the problem. 

 

You and your coach have a great relationship and they’ve outlined an impeccable program, but you won’t follow it. Maybe you’re not doing everything that’s prescribed like skipping assistance work or worse, modifying the actual main training sets without discussing with your coach.

 

Maybe you’re combining several programs, hoping to reap the rewards of them all, but it’s simply leaving you feeling beat up and over-trained with nothing to show for it. If all of those programs were designed to be done simultaneously, they would say so. Or you’re doing a lot of “bonus” work that your coach doesn’t know about like adding exercises or weight. I know of coaches who deliberately “under-program” for some of their athletes because they know they’re going to do additional work behind their back. 

 

It comes down to trust. If you trust your coach and your program, follow them.

 

You Lack Consistency

Training consistently refers to both frequency and effort. 

 

If you’re frequently missing sessions, you can’t expect to make the same progress as someone who is able to train regularly and complete all of their prescribed sessions each week. If you take weeks or even months off from kettlebell sport training, you can’t expect to make the same progress as an athlete who lifts all year. Similarly, you have to consistently train with the right intensity. Showing up isn’t enough – you have to give your best effort in each set. 

 

The best program is the one you’ll follow. If you’re supposed to lift four days a week and can only make it to the gym twice, then maybe it’s time to modify the program. And if you’re not able to train with the right intensity, maybe it’s time to address the potential emotional, psychological, or physiological barriers impeding your progress. 

 

You Aren't Recovering

Sometimes all the training variables are right – you’re fit and a technically sound lifter with a great coach and a solid program – but you simply aren’t recovering between workouts. Maybe it’s stress with work, family, relationships, or something else. Or maybe you aren’t getting enough restful sleep or your diet is off.

 

The body and mind can only be pushed so far and without the ability to recover, you risk injury or burn out. Training doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your actions and thoughts outside of the gym are just as important as what you do in the gym.

 

Look Honestly at the Whole Picture

It’s not uncommon for lifters to concentrate on the wrong training variables. They'll focus too much on strengths rather than weaknesses, or blame the program when really they themselves are the problem. From time to time, it is useful to assess everything that may affect your performance: training program, coach, competition schedule, mental toughness, technique, and external lifestyle factors like work, family, and other personal relationships. 

 

Honesty is the key to growth and so if you find it difficult to evaluate yourself objectively, then seek input from your coach and/or training partners. You may not like what you discover, but change usually requires discomfort. The performance benefits from addressing some of your limitations should be well worth it.

 

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