Update: Nest says it’s fixed the issue now .
Nest’s systems are down right now, and as a result, many users are unable to remotely login to their thermostats and Dropcams .
The company is aware of the issue on its Web and mobile apps and is working on a fix.
If you own a Nest thermostat, you can still manually adjust the temperature. However, you won’t be able to access your Dropcam online until the problem is resolved.
You can keep an eye on Nest’s progress by visiting this status page .
The outage raises questions about how companies developing IoT and connected devices think about relying on the cloud to allow users to control products.
Developing…
BlackBerry’s Android phone is shaping up nicely in first leaked hands-on video
After months of rumors , it’s no surprise that BlackBerry is working on an Android device. But thanks to a leaked video by Canadian phone retailer Baka Mobile , we have our first look at the device in action – and it actually looks pretty nice!
The phone (codenamed ‘Venice’) is running something that appears to be very close to stock Android Lollipop. Hopefully that will mean smooth performance from its rumored Qualcomm 808 chip and 3GB of RAM. Other specs include an 18MP camera, a 5.4-inch QuadHD screen and a MicroSD card slot.
Of course, the headline feature is its sliding keyboard. According to Baka Mobile, the device is well balanced even when the keyboard is open. It also borrows the BlackBerry Passport’s nifty tracking sensor, allowing you to swipe on the keyboard itself to scroll through documents one handed or use it to move around a typing cursor.
Meanwhile Android Authority has posted a variety of leaked hands-on images, showing off the device’s slider form factor and some of BlackBerry’s software changes.
These mostly appear to be on the tasteful side. For example, swiping up from the bottom of your screen not only brings up the typical Google Search app, but you can slide towards the left or right to use Blackberry Device Search or compose a message. Hopefully these options will be customizable too.
You can also add calendar events, meetings and see your agenda right from your homescreen (it’s BlackBerry, after all), and the App Launcher allows you to add widgets or shortcuts, as well as letting you search through your device. Meanwhile the recent apps menu takes a page from Blackberry’s own OS, making your most frequently used apps larger in a tiled arrangement.
The device is expected to launch in November. While some BlackBerry fans will be disappointed to see Blackberry shy away from its own operating system, from the spec sheet and design tidbits we have so far, the Venice is shaping up to be one of the company’s best devices in recent memory.
Here’s to hoping thats true when it actually arrives.
➤ BlackBerry Venice [YouTube via The Verge ]
DJI just outdid itself with the Osmo Mobile gimbal
Last week, DJI upset its own Apple cart with Osmo+, an update to its already great Osmo gimbal. Now it’s going totally phone-based, and for prosumers who like taking excellent video, Osmo Mobile sounds like a winner.
Osmo gimbals have typically worked by using your phone camera as a viewfinder for included cameras, which was just fine. Osmo Mobile removes the camera, and uses your phone for both shooting and viewing photos and video.
It’s more than a simple (great) gimbal, too. DJI’s app brings some of the tricks its predecessors utilize, like facial recognition and tracking.
You can ask Osmo Mobile to track your face, which is great for those ‘walking down the streets vlogging’ sequences. Similarly, the app can track an entire person in-frame like the Phantom 4 Drone; no more shaky shoots of junior’s soccer games.
DJI’s Go app also supports time lapse, panorama and long exposure images, and can stream to YouTube Live.
Once you pair a phone to the app (via Bluetooth), Osmo Mobile’s physical controls for zoom, recording and shutter can be used. The company says you’ll get about 4.5 hours on a single battery charge, but swapping them out is also available if you need to capture really long video.
DJI is set to make the Osmo Mobile available in a few weeks, and will sell it for $300.