Error 53 phones restored, Will.i.am takes on smartwatches and Rolling Bot
from LG watches your home while keeping pets company…
Here’s what’s hot in tech 22/2/2016:

Apple apologise for Error 53 and releases restore in software update

There was uproar from iPhone users recently with the revelation that Error 53 completely disabled iPhone’s which had been repaired by non-Apple technicians which meant they failed an Apple security test. Apple has now apologised for the error and the new iOS 9.2.1 update will allow users to restore their phone using iTunes on Mac or PC, but Touch ID still won’t work.

For more on this story, click here.

HTC announce VR headset launch

HTC has announced it’s virtual reality headset Vive will be available towards the start of April, and will cost £554 ($799), marking it more expensive than Oculus Rift from Facebook. The comparison stops there however, as HTC has also announced that the VR headset will include two bundled controllers and two games (Fantastic Contraption and Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives) as part of the deal.

Will.i.am to launch smartwatch to take on Apple and Samsung

The voice-activated smartwatch will be launched in the UK, and can send texts, emails, play music, tracks the user’s fitness, allows them to search for information and has a 2megapixel front-facing camera. Called the ‘dial’, the smartwatch is powered by 4G via sim card, and as Will.i.am explains “is not tethered to a device, it is the device,” unlike the Apple Watch or Samsung Gear watches.

Sony has announced the launch of Xperia Ear –
the AI earpiece

Sony made the announcement on the first day of the Mobile World Congress technology show, which takes place in Barcelona. The ear piece features a proximity sensor that informs the users’ Android phone when
it is in the user’s ear. An app on the phone then gives location and
time-based prompts including calendar alerts, social media notifications,
missed calls and the news. The ear piece will also respond to voice
commands for internet searches, navigation and message directions.

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The future of virtual reality from Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg has announced his ‘Social VR Team’ will be working on what the future of social interactions in VR will be, as he wants users to share and experience content in virtual reality, including sharing content on Facebook and other platforms in virtual scenarios.

And finally…

LG to launch Rolling Bot controlled anywhere in the world

The LG Rolling Bot will connect to the internet and can then be controlled from anywhere in the world, with a companion app giving the user live video footage from the robot and the user can use the on-screen controls to move the robot. A with the controls a little like the Sphero Star Wars toy marvel BB-8, one touch screen element sends the robot forwards and
backwards while the other controls the steering. As well as an 8MP camera,
the bot also has a speaker and microphone and can also be used to control
compatible home appliances. Feel like keeping your pet company while you’re
at work (it has a laser for cats) or fancy keeping an eye on your home?
Try the Rolling Bot. Launching in April.

For more on the bot, click here.

[Image credits. HTC Vive: betto rodrigues / Shutterstock.com, Xperia: Sony,
VR: Facebook, Rolling Bot: Wired]