Smartphones are bad OK, Candy Crush comes to Windows 10, Reddit finally tackles harassment, Rdio Select lowers prices, and the trippiest 3D music video you're ever likely to see.

You're Now No Better Than a Goldfish

You're now on the same level as a goldfish. Actually, in terms of your attention span you're now inferior to a goldfish. Why? Because of your smartphone. Which means you're highly unlikely to read this article all the way to the end.

While using your iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone isn't giving you the desire to swim around in a bowl of water for hours on end, it is lowering your attention span to the point that goldfish can now focus on one thing for slightly longer than you. At least according to the results of a new study conducted by Microsoft.

Goldfish have an estimated attention span of around nine seconds, but humans manage just eight seconds. There may only be one second in it, but still, goldfish are winning. And as this has dropped from an average of 12 seconds in the year 2000, we can legitimately blame the Internet, smartphones, and social networking for this phenomenon. Probably.

The study notes, “Canadians [who were tested] with more digital lifestyles (those who consume more media, are multi-screeners, social media enthusiasts, or earlier adopters of technology) struggle to focus in environments where prolonged attention is needed.”

There is an upside to the information age though: our ability to multitask has actually improved. So while your mind is likely wandering away from this paragraph the longer it carries on, at least you're able to watch TV, listen to a podcast, and do some household chores all at the same time. And goldfish can't do any of those things. Stupid goldfish.

Candy Crush Is the New Minesweeper

Candy Crush Saga will come preinstalled on Windows 10, making this rather addictive freemium game the new Minesweeper. As revealed by Xbox Wire, "Candy Crush Saga will automatically be installed for customers that upgrade to or download Windows 10 for periods of time following the game launch. It will even include cross-play options for your iOS and Android devices."

Microsoft has always included free games inside its operating systems, but Candy Crush is a very different proposition than Solitaire. The details surrounding its inclusion are being kept rather vague, but this looks to be a win-win for Microsoft and King, and a win too for users, as long as they don't get so hooked they end up wasting time and money on this pointless game.

Reddit Finally Tackles Harassment

Reddit is finally tackling harassment, rolling out new practices designed to protect people from feeling threatened. In an effort to evolve the site, Reddit is attempting to "balance free expression of ideas with privacy and safety." Which is a tough ask when dealing with a community of people as diverse as those populating Reddit.

Reddit defines harassment as, "Systematic and/or continued actions to torment or demean someone in a way that would make a reasonable person (1) conclude that Reddit is not a safe platform to express their ideas or participate in the conversation, or (2) fear for their safety or the safety of those around them."

If you experience this while using Reddit, you're requested to "report the private message, post or comment and user," and the incident will then be investigated.

Rdio Select Offers 25 Songs Every Day

Rdio has launched a new paid tier aimed at people who want to listen to music without ads, but who don't feel the need to pay $10-per-month for Rdio Unlimited. According to BuzzFeed, Rdio Select offers up to 25 songs a day for streaming or downloading, which the service claims is more than enough for most users.

In comparison to other options, $4 is a rather attractive price point. Especially when compared to Jay Z's Tidal, which is still well on its way to failing. Rdio Select is now available on both iOS and Android, with a free trial being offered in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.

Explore This Trippy 3D Music Video

And finally, this is the music video for "Stor Eiglass" by Squarepusher, and it's certainly not your average, run-of-the-mill music video. Not only is it insanely trippy, with mind-altering visuals presented in a variety of lurid colors, but there is also the 3D.

Pressing any of the arrows on the directional control pad in the top left-hand corner of the video lets you change your viewpoint as the video plays. All thanks to YouTube 360. What's more, there's also a version available for Google Cardboard. [H/T The Verge]

Your Views on Today’s Tech News

Have you noticed your smartphone killing your attention span? Will you play Candy Crush if it comes preinstalled on Windows 10? Do you feel Reddit needs to fundamentally change in order to appeal to a wider audience?

Let us know your thoughts on the Tech News of the day by posting to the comments section below. Because a healthy discussion is always welcome.

Image Credit: Sarah via Flickr