Apple sell out. Again.
A big week for Apple saw the company's mega-hyped Apple Watch sell out of its pre-order stock in a matter of hours. US pre-orders for the device kicked off on Friday morning, and by the afternoon, Apple released a statement explaining that there would be no more orders of the more affordable Sport version of the watch until at least June. Apple also updated their mobile and desktop operating systems this week, with iOS 8.3 and OS X 10.10.3 bringing new emoji support, general improvements to software responsiveness and more specific fixes. As with any update however, there are bound to be drawbacks, with some sources declaring that the iOS update might cause the iPhone's Touch ID to malfunction. So Apple fans might want to leave it a few days and the test waters before taking the plunge.
The Apple Watch sold out of its pre-order stock in a matter of hours in the US after pre-orders kicked off last Friday
In related news, a recent report from a source close to the development team has hinted that Google is putting the final touches on a version of its Android Wear platform built to work with Apple's iPhone. This would put Android Wear in direction competition with the Apple Watch, but Apple would need to approve the platform first. If the platform is approved, this could prove to be a godsend for iPhone owners who have been coveting a smart watch, but don't want to fork out for Apple's premium model, or have simply missed the pre-order boat. Of course, if that's the case, they could always take a leaf out of one user from the DIY project sharing website Instructables, who has made his very own Apple Watch, only not based on modern hardware, but on the classic Apple II computer. It might not be as powerful or glamorous as the official model, but its retro charm is undeniable, and if you own a 3D printer and wish to build your own, the instructions are available to anyone with an Instructables account!
The Apple 2 Watch
Nattch is the distraction-free social network
Nattch is a mobile social network designed for people sick of the more cluttered likes of Facebook and Twitter. The idea is to let people check their social media updates without inevitably falling into a digital rabbit hole (we've all been there), and does so by ejecting GIFs, memes, ads and videos in favour of actual updates and information. If this all sounds like it's taking the fun out of social media then Nattch is obviously not for you. For many users though, the idea of cutting the needless digital piffle out of social media might sound particularly appealing, especially for those of us who use social media as part of our day-jobs.
The world's first head transplant has its volunteer
Head Transplantation – The Future is Now – Dr. Sergio Canavero
A Russian computer scientist with a terminal illness has volunteered to become the guinea pig for the world's first human-head transplant operation, and it could be going ahead as early as next year! The 30-year old Valery Spiridinov from Vladimir in Russia, is placing his fate in the hands of the controversial Italian physician Dr. Sergio Canavero, who has been working tirelessly to gather funds and resources for the 36-hour operation, which is thought to end up costing around £7.5 million and will require the combined talents of around 150 doctors and nurses! Spiridinov and Canavero have yet to meet in person, but have spoken over Skype, and whilst Spiridinov has said he trusts the doctor, he is (understandably) afraid.
Valery Spiridinov from Russia has volunteered to become the guinea pig for the world's first human-head transplant operation
If Christopher Hootan at The independent is to be believed, Spiridinov is right to be afraid. He said that the human guinea pig should prepare “For the possibility that the body will reject his head and he will die,” resulting in a fate “Considerably worse than death.” Dr. Hunt Batjer, the president elect of the American Association for Neurological Surgeons agrees, he said; “I would not allow anyone to do it to me as there are a lot of things worse than death.” What he's referring to is a completely unique kind of insanity that could result from the new connections and foreign chemicals surging through Spiridinov's new body into his brain. The head transplant works (in theory) by removing the head of the patient and transplanting it on to the body of someone who is brain dead but still has a functioning body. The procedure has only been tested so far on a monkey back in 70's, and those results were less than successful. Despite this fact, Canavero claims that all the necessary science and technology is there for him to succeed: “I think we are now at a point when the technical aspects are all feasible,” he said. If nothing else, it'll certainly make for a great horror movie!
LinkedIn make a $1.5 billion purchase!
LinkedIn is looking to enter into the professional skills education market after purchasing the online learning company Lynda.com for $1.5 billion this week. Founded back in 1995 by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin, the site is a resource for online learning on subjects like Photoshop, basic HTML, CSS, management practices and many more, offering instructional videos and tutorials from industry experts and veterans. Most of the site's employees will join LinkedIn as part of the deal, according to a press release from both companies. LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner believes the acquisition will help the company move closer towards a goal of connecting job seekers with jobs, by providing more equitable access to education and skill acquisition. He describes it as a “Perfect cultural fit,” and whilst his plans for Lynda have not been made clear just yet, the site will remain open for business and accessible to users as they work together on the next step.
