Samsung Pay in the UK: Everything you need to know

With Samsung Pay expected to roll out in the UK later this year, it’s worth brushing up on the basics.

Samsung Pay is coming to the UK! Well, technically it’s been coming to the UK for the past several months, with the official announcement coming back at Mobile World Congress in February. We still don’t know many of the specifics when it comes to the British launch of Samsung’s payment service, but we can keep you informed on everything we know so far.

Read on.

When will Samsung Pay launch in the UK?

Right now Samsung Pay is currently only available in the United States, China and South Korea. The service is set to expand to more places, including the UK, soon. However Samsung hasn’t provided any firm timetable.

When Samsung Pay becomes available in the UK, an over-the-air update on supported phones will enable the service.

Is Samsung Pay the same as Android Pay?

No. Android Pay is Google’s own payment service which works on all Android phones running Android 4.4 KitKat with NFC (near field communication) capabilities.

Samsung Pay is a different service owned and operated by Samsung, and the technology behind it is slightly different. While Android Pay uses NFC — like a regular contactless credit or debit card — Samsung Pay can use both NFC and another technology called MST, which helps it work in more places.

MORE: Android Pay in the UK: Everything you need to know

So how does Samsung Pay work?

Samsung Pay uses NFC like Android Pay and Apple Pay — but it’ll also work with regular magnetic readers thanks to a technology called MST.

In addition to working with contactless payment terminals (just like Android Pay, Apple Pay or your contactless credit card), Samsung has a unique trick up its sleeve in the form of MST — Magnetic Secure Transmission.

MST — a feature of supported Samsung phones — allows Samsung Pay to work with just about any traditional magnetic card swiper by holding the back of the phone over the swiper. (After first authenticating with your fingerprint, of course.)

That means Samsung has a distinct advantage over its rivals, in that it’s able to boast support “just about everywhere” due to the ubiquity of magnetic credit card readers.

MORE: How you’ll use Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay can also work with newer contactless payment terminals, which are becoming increasingly common throughout the UK. With these, you’ll just hold your phone over the contactless area on the terminal, as you would a credit card.

Which Samsung devices are supported?

Supported phones and watches include:

• Samsung Galaxy S7
• Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
• Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (not released in the UK)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Active (not released in the UK)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
• Samsung Galaxy S6
• Samsung Gear S2

It’s almost certain the upcoming Galaxy Note 7 will support Samsung Pay, as well as the Gear S3 smartwatch, expected to break cover at the IFA 2016 show.

Which UK banks will support Samsung Pay

No banks have been announced just yet, but it’s safe to assume Samsung will be courting the same major high street banks as Apple and Google. For what it’s worth, Android Pay launched with eight major banks onboard — Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, M&S, MBNA and Nationwide.

Whatever happens, expect Samsung to continue adding banks to Samsung Pay in the months following launch to plug any gaps.

Will there be a limit to Samsung Pay in the UK?

Samsung hasn’t announced details of payment limits yet, however it’s possible payment limits could line up with Android Pay — up to £30 without using your fingerprint, with higher amounts requiring fingerprint authentication.

How much you’ll be able to pay may also depend on your bank and the merchant.

Is Samsung Pay secure to use?

Samsung Pay is arguably more secure than using a credit card, since your card details are never provided to the merchant. Instead, Samsung Pay uses a secure token generated by Samsung in order to authenticate your payment. This is true whether you’re using Samsung Pay over NFC of MST.

It’s debatable whether any kind of electronic payment can be completely safe and secure, but there’s nothing inherently risky about paying with your phone — assuming you take sensible precautions and protect it in the same way you would a physical credit card.

Will you use Samsung Pay in the UK? Hit the comments and let us know!

ZTE ZMax Pro hits Metro PCS for just $99

ZTE today in New York City unveiled the ZMax Pro, which will land on Metro PCS in August. The 6-inch, 1080p phone sports a fingerprint scanner and comes in at a mere $99 after rebate.

The first 5,000 people to pre-register will receive a free leather case along with the phone.

This one’s powered by a Snapdragon 617 processor and has a mere 2GB of RAM. The battery perhaps is the standout feature, weighing in at 3400 mAh. In addition to USB C, the ZMax Pro has 32GB of internal storage and a microSD card for expandable storage. A 13MP camera is on the back, with a 5MP shooter up front.

We’ve got more coming. Stay tuned!

ZTE Defies Expectations with the $99.00 ZMAX PRO Phone Arriving at MetroPCS on August 1

ZTE delivers record-breaking value once again with premium specs in the affordable ZMAX PRO

Richardson, Texas – July 18, 2016 –– ZTE USA, the fourth largest smartphone supplier in the U.S. and second largest in the no-contract market, * today announced the availability of the next generation of the ZMAX series, the ZMAX PRO, at MetroPCS for the affordable price of $99.00 after instant rebate. The ZMAX PRO breaks barriers as the first U.S. carrier supported phone under $100.00 that features a fingerprint sensor, and its 3400 mAh battery, 13MP and 5MP cameras, up to 32GB of internal storage, and a big, beautiful 6-inch FHD display provides unmatched value for consumers. To get the hottest deal of the summer visit MetroPCS in store or online at http://www.metropcs.com/ZMAXPRO.

“ZTE drives innovation that impacts the daily lives of U.S. consumers by delivering innovation to the mid-tier segment, as seen in the affordable ZMAX PRO that features the latest technology for less than $100,” said Lixin Cheng, chairman and CEO of ZTE USA. “First, we delivered the ZMAX, the largest phablet under $200 and made it available on T-Mobile. Now, we are delivering a premium fingerprint sensor on the ZMAX PRO with MetroPCS. We continue giving consumers what they want, value, and use at a pace in which they ask for it.”

ZTE doesn’t sacrifice quality, features, or service – and neither should you. Get the premium experience you deserve at a fraction of the price.

Premium Technology

• One of the most accurate and responsive fingerprint sensors available today
• 3400mAh embedded battery that lasts all day
• 6-inch display that is both big and beautiful
• 13MP rear-camera captures 1080p video and 5MP front-camera takes perfect selfies
• 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB with a microSD card providing more than enough room for photos, videos and music

For full list of phone specifications and features visit http://www.metropcs.com/ZMAXPRO.

Quality Hardware

ZTE phones are quality tested under the most stringent conditions in world-class lab facilities. ZTE phones and mobile devices have been running on America’s fastest carrier networks since it launched its first phone with MetroPCS in 2007.

*Strategy Analytics, Q1 2016

Microsoft rolling out long-awaited Groove Music update for Android

Microsoft is rolling out an update for its Groove Music app for Android. It’s the first such update for the streaming music app since September 2015.

Microsoft outlined what will be included in the update, which will also be available for the iPhone and iPad version:

• Significant improvements to product and playback reliability.
• An Explore view to learn about the most popular songs and new releases from top artists.
• Faster download of albums and songs so you can play them offline. The app still needs to be in the foreground to download music, background download coming in a future update.
• Screen resolution improvements to support today’s larger screen mobile phones.
• New sorting options when viewing your collection of music.
• Much faster sign-in to the app using your Microsoft account.

You can download the new Microsoft Groove Music app update right now from the Google Play Store. Microsoft says it plans to update the app more frequently in the future.

Not everyone is playing Pokemon Go

In last week’s poll we asked if you’re playing Pokemon Go. Catching those tiny pocket monsters has turned into a craze that has swept the world. Not everybody is ridiculously excited about this game though, and that’s fair. While this game has exploded and pulled in thousands upon thousands of people, it isn’t up everyone’s alley.

That’s why we wanted to know whether you were playing Pokemon Go.

In first place, with 38.9% of the vote was “I’m not playing and I wish people would stop talking about it.” Pokemon players managed to snag second place, with “Of course I’m playing” getting 33.4% of the vote. “I’m not playing Pokemon Go” managed to grab third place with 16.7% of the vote. In last place, with 11% of the vote was “I’ve downloaded it, but I haven’t played much.”

So adding all of those votes up, means that 44.3% of you have at least given Pokemon Go a shot. However, 55.7% have decided that Pokemo Go isn’t your thing and you aren’t playing. Do you know a lot of people who aren’t playing? Want to tell us why it’s worth it to play? Drop us a line in the comments and let us know about it.

Pokemon Go Gym tips: How to battle, train and win

Pokemon Go has two sides. There’s the fun side of exploring and collecting Pokemon, and then there’s a very real business of battles and making yourself Gym Leader.

In the world of Pokemon, battles are central, because that’s what Pokemon do. Trainers collect them and they battle in Gyms. That’s the same in Pokemon Go and eventually, you’ll arrive at a Gym and wonder what you’re supposed to be doing there. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Pokemon Gyms.

What are Pokemon Go Gyms for?

Pokemon Go gyms are where you battle or train your Pokemon. Each Gym is owned by a team and once your Trainer reaches level 5, you’ll be asked to choose a team. 

There are three teams: Instinct, Mystic and Valor. They each have a colour: yellow, blue and red, respectively. These colours are useful, because you can glance at a map and see which Gyms are friendly, and which aren’t.

Ultimately the reason to be in a Gym is to get the PokeCoins which you can use to buy stuff to advance in the game.

Why do I have to join a Pokemon Go team?

Pokemon Go teams only exist to manage Gyms. When a team moves into a Gym, it’s their Gym and they fight to defend it from other teams by leaving Pokemon defenders there. 

For example, if Instinct own the Gym, other Instinct team members can train there and raise Gym prestige. Mystic and Valor team members will go there to battle against the Instinct Pokemon defending that Gym to try to beat them and lower Gym prestige.

Pokemon Go Gyms: What are levels and what is prestige?

Pokemon Gyms have a level and they have prestige. The level tells you how many slots there are for defenders and those slots increase as prestige increases. A level 5 Gym, for example, will have five defenders and all those Pokemon are from different Trainers.

Prestige is the measure of a Gym and it is this that you can alter by training or battling. You can train in a friendly Gym by challenging a defender. You fight and if you win, the prestige of that Gym increases. Once the prestige is raised enough, the Gym level increases and another defender can be added.

When battling an enemy Gym, it’s prestige you knock down with each victory. Once the Gym’s prestige reaches zero, the defenders are ejected, and you can move in and claim it for your own team.

Pokemon Go Gyms: How to battle

The battles, or fights, in Pokemon Go are pretty simple. Whether you’re training or battling another team, the mechanics are the same: you tap the screen as fast as you can to unleash your normal attack. Different Pokemon have different attacks, and some Pokemon are more effective than others against particular foes – water Pokemon are effective against Fire Pokemon, for example. 

There’s also a power move. This is executed via a longer press, unleashing a more damaging attack on the enemy. However, if you miss, you’ll probably have sustained a number of hits for no gain. 

There’s also the chance to dodge using a swipe across the display, that aim being to avoid those painful special attacks. In most cases, it comes down to who unleashes the most attacks and who has the highest CP. You are knocked out when your health bar reaches 0. 

Pokemon Go Gyms: How to train Pokemon

Training is simple. You find a Gym that’s owned by your team and you’ll see an icon to train there – it looks like a boxing glove. You can pick one Pokemon to send into a friendly battle. But make sure you stand a chance of defeating the Pokemon you’re training against, because if you lose, you get nothing.

You’ll fight all the defenders in sequence until your Pokemon is knocked out. At that point, you’ll get some XP and the Gym gets a prestige boost. The more victories you get, the better for you and the Gym. Hopefully, it will get enough of a boost to level the Gym up, opening a slot for you to leave your own defender and earn some Coins.

Pokemon Go Gyms: How to attack enemy Gyms

If you’re attacking a Gym owned by another team, this is where things get serious. The aim is to beat the defending Pokemon using the battling technique mentioned above. You’ll knock the prestige down for each of the enemies you defeat and eventually, once the prestige for that Gym is at 0, the defenders will be ejected and you can move in and claim it. 

However, if it is a high level Gym, with lots of defenders and a high prestige value, you’ll struggle to make an impact on your own, and you may run out of time. 

When attacking, however, you can access your backpack to use Potions and Revives to help injured Pokemon and you can swap to other Pokemon in your collection, to continue the fight. By changing Pokemon from one strong Pokemon to another strong Pokemon, you can work your way through several defenders – but time is still a problem. 

Because of the time factor, you’ll often have to break down an enemy Gym’s prestige bit by bit, or in collaboration with other Trainers to get it down to 0 reasonably fast.

Pokemon Go Gyms: Coins

Once you’re in a Gym, you’ll earn a bonus for defending it. That will give you Coins and some Stardust to help buy items or power-up your Pokemon. There’s a shield in the top right-hand corner of the store where you can collect your coins and then a range of things to buy, like Lures, Incubators or storage upgrades.

You’ll get 10 Coins per Gym that you defend and this is refreshed every 21 hours. You can defend 10 Gyms, and you really need to be in as many as you can for those coins and Stardust to mean anything.

However, in these early Pokemon Go days, where Trainers are enthusiastic, Gym levels are low and most defending Pokemon aren’t too strong, staying in a Gym is difficult, especially in busy areas. If you have Coins, collect them as soon as you can.

Where are Pokemon Go Gyms?

Like PokeStops, Gyms are located at some point of local interest. There doesn’t seem to be a particular theme, but there are Pokemon Gyms in most of the parks as well as at some churches and clubs in Pocket-lint’s local area.

• Pokemon Go: How to play and other tips and tricks
• Help! Pokemon Go isn’t working: How to fix common Pokemon Go problems
• Can’t get Pokemon Go in your country yet? Here’s how to download it now
• What is Pokemon Go and why is everyone talking about it? 
• Pokemon Go: Best, worst and craziest places people have found Pokemon
• London through the eyes of Pokemon Go
• Pokemon Go top tips: Master the Pokemon mayhem

Pokemon Go: Best Pokemon gifts for players who want to be the very best

The world has suddenly gone crazy for all things Pokemon.

Millions of Pokemon Go players from across the world are not only doing their very best to catch ’em all, they’re also showcasing their love for the Pokemon franchise and its Japanese animated characters by spending tonnes of money on merchandise items. Pokemon-related merchandise sales have risen 91 per cent in the last month, according to Adobe Digital Insights, which analyses sales of the top 500 US ecommerce websites.

USA Today also said that Pokemon-related searches on Walmart’s website have doubled, and Target has seen an uptick in interest in Pokemon products as well. Even GameStop has had a 50-per cent increase in Pokemon sales. From Pikachu backpacks to Pokemon boxers, there are hundreds of items available to buy online. Homemade trinkets and vintage games are hot commodities too.

CaveGamers, an online seller of games on eBay and Amazon, is apparently running really low on stock for Pokemon games – and a remake of the first Pokemon game, called Pokemon FireRed, is now selling at double the price it was last month on Amazon. Pokemon Go has officially revived the Pokemon craze, including interest in Pokemon gear and games. 

And chances are – if you’re reading this – you’re one of the many who can’t get enough of Pokemon. So, to help you scratch that itch, we’ve compiled a gallery full of Pokemon merchandise worth buying either for yourself or for someone else who just wants to be the very best. 

• Pokemon Go: How to play and other tips and tricks
• Help! Pokemon Go isn’t working: How to fix common Pokemon Go problems
• Can’t get Pokemon Go in your country yet? Here’s how to download it now
• What is Pokemon Go and why is everyone talking about it? 
• Pokemon Go: Best, worst and craziest places people have found Pokemon
• London through the eyes of Pokemon Go
• Pokemon Go top tips: Master the Pokemon mayhem

Justice Department sued for old computers slowing FOIA requests

A researcher who specializes in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is suing the Justice Department for using really, really old computers to fulfil requests for information.

Ryan Shapiro says that the use of “decades old” computers constitutes “failure by design”, and that it refuses to use a far more capable $425 million system that could speed up the process, The Guardian reports.

Under FOIA rules, requests have to be handled in a timely manner and the DOJ must make “reasonable efforts” to actually find the information, rather than just say they’ve looked for it and couldn’t find it, which Shapiro says has been an all-too frequent occurrence.

An earlier case brought by Shapiro found that the FBI had unlawfully restricted access to information, and that when FOIA requests are made, documents aren’t even subject to a full-text search, which would likely explain the inability to find the files. In its defense, the FBI said that non-disclosure of documents that provide details about previously unknown law enforcement techniques was allowed under an exemption to FOIA. It seems the judge disagreed in that instance.

Source: The Guardian

Volkswagen to compensate dealerships after diesel scandal

As part of a settlement after its previous diesel scandal, Volkswagen is working to ensure franchise dealership owners that they will indeed receive compensation.

The reparations for Volkswagen’s Dieselgate actions will come after vehicle owners receive part of the nearly $15 billion in compensation that’s said to be distributed amongst 500,000 different TDI owners. While there isn’t an exact number on what dealers can expect to receive, it’s confirmed that the plan will absolutely be a concrete part of Volkswagen’s further plans to make things right with consumers and others involved in the scandal.

The Wall Street Journal also reports that the car maker has additional plans in store for both repair and buyback programs for dealers. If there’s an affirmative decision from the courts, consumers will have the choice of receiving repairs for their affected vehicles or they’ll be able to sell their cars back to the company.

The program is set to run through the end of 2018, though we can likely expect to see more information rolling out about compensation and other plans from Volkswagen emerging before then.

Via: Autoblog