5 cheap Bluetooth headphones that will work with the iPhone 7 – CNET
If the rumors and leaked product photos are to be believed, the iPhone 7 won’t have a headphone jack.
The horror!
This might require a little decision-making, either now or down the road. Obviously you can keep your current iPhone if you like (at least for a while), or you can call Apple’s bluff and switch to Android.
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A great option for the gym, the Sol Republic Shadow Wireless is a steal at $40 refurbished.
Sol Republic
But if you’re planning to buy the new iPhone and you’ve previously relied on wired earbuds or headphones, it’s time to consider a Bluetooth option. There are several advantages to cutting this particular cord, not the least of which is eliminating that forever-tangled, always-in-the-way cord.
Best for: The gym
If you’ve ever used wired headphones at the gym, you know how easy it is for cords to catch on equipment. That’s why a Bluetooth set makes a lot more sense anyway.
Needless to say, that set needs to be sweatproof, otherwise your 15-minute treadmill warmup might short-circuit the earbuds before you lift a single weight. I also recommend a noise-isolating headphone that can block out loud lifters and whatever radio or TV is blaring in the background. After all, you want to be able to hear your own music and podcasts, right?
There are countless inexpensive gym-friendly earbuds that fit the bill — most of them from brands you’ve never heard of. Hit up Amazon and you’ll literally find dozens of “sweatproof Bluetooth earbuds” priced at $40 or less.
However, I recommend the Sol Republic Shadow Wireless, a sweet-sounding in-ear Bluetooth headphone with a list price of $99.99. However, Amazon is currently selling them refurbished for as little as $39.99, depending on color. I’ve been using these at the gym for the past six months; they’ve been outstanding.
Best for: Running
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These Cambond earphones come with hooks so they won’t fall out of your ears.
Cambond
Runners don’t need high-fidelity headphones; they need earpieces that will stay put and resist sweat. My preferred pick: the Cambond Bluetooth 4.1 Earphone.
Available on Amazon for $29.99, these runner-friendly ‘phones have earhooks to help keep the earbuds from falling loose.
They run for close to 10 hours on a charge and include inline play/pause and volume controls along with a microphone.
The Cambonds also support Bluetooth 4.1, meaning you can keep two different devices paired (very handy) and even come with a zippered, hard-sided carrying case.
Best for: Around the house
When you’re just kicking back and enjoying some tunes, consider an on-ear pair that’s comfortable for long bouts of listening.
Comfortable means expensive, right? Not necessarily: CNET’s David Carnoy is a fan of the Creative Sound Blaster Jam, an on-ear headphone that lists for $49.99 and routinely sells for $36.99 on Amazon.
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Creative
Although you won’t mistake these for a set of Beats, either in style or comfort, you will enjoy a lightweight, head-friendly design for considerably less money. Perhaps most amazing, these Bluetooth ‘phones include NFC for one-tap pairing to devices that support it.
Best for: Planes and trains
Noisy environments demand noise-isolating earbuds, the kind that form a soundproof seal inside your ear canal. (That’s called passive noise cancellation; headphones with active noise cancellation — which rely on electronics rather than rubber — tend to cost quite a bit more.)
A great bet: Skullcandy’s new Ink’d Wireless, a collar-style earphone priced at around $50 and available in your choice of colors.
According to CNET’s David Carnoy, who reviewed the Ink’d Wireless, you can expect a very lightweight design, large controls on the neckband and nicely balanced sound.
Best for: Keeping your current ‘phones
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Jumbl
Don’t want to part with the awesome wired headphones you already own? Apple will almost certainly provide a Lightning-to-headphone adapter, but that’s a hassle on so many levels. Instead, consider an adapter that will add Bluetooth capabilities to any wired headphones.
Like this one from Jumbl. Priced under $20, the little gizmo (which features a handy belt-clip) lets you plug in any 3.5mm stereo plug, then pairs with your iPhone 7. It runs for 10 hours on a charge and includes handy transport/volume controls (something your wired headphones most likely lack).
And there you have it! Loads of Bluetooth headphone options priced under $50.
Money not an object? Check out CNET’s roundup of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones for iPhone 7.
Google Chrome will finally stop loading Flash content by default at the end of 2016
Flash will effectively no longer be supported by default in Chrome.
With the forthcoming update to Chrome 53 in September, Google is finally taking its biggest step yet in the fight against using Flash on the internet. In that update, Chrome will move to block all non-essential Flash content on webpages by default, leaving only large essential Flash players run. This is a large step beyond the previous mandate of letting small or variably-sized Flash plugins — which are often used for behind-the-scenes functions like page analytics — run for fear that blocking them would break webpages’ functionality.
90% of Flash instances are small, behind-the-scenes performance drainers
While Google’s long-held hard stance on the use of Flash has transitioned much of its usage to the leaner, faster HTML5, the problem now is that 90% of all remaining Flash uses are these collection of small Flash instances, which you can’t see and can dramatically reduce webpage performance and device battery life. With Chrome 53, webpages, by default, will no longer be able to load these small Flash instances — the hope being that they’ll move to better HTML5 implementations instead.
Going yet another step further in Chrome 55, slated to launch in December, the browser will make HTML5 the default experience entirely, meaning that even larger Flash plugins will not load at all unless a page has no other way to display content.
Google’s goal is ostensibly to speed up the experience of using all webpages for a better end-user experience, and Flash has been one of the big culprits that gets in the way of that goal. Though Google says that it works closely with Adobe to make sure that the web transitions smoothly over to an HTML5 future, it’s clear at this point that the sooner we drop Flash altogether the better off we’ll be.
Best cheap cases for the Moto G4
Which inexpensive case is the best for the Moto G4? We’ve got you covered with a bunch of great options available right now!
Whether you are looking for a protective case or just something thin to prevent scratches, there are a bunch of options for you to consider. Cases come in various styles, colors and more, and everyone has a different preference. Odds are that with a new phone you will want a new case to keep it safe, so let’s take a look at some of the different options that are available and see which may work best for you.
Diztronic Slim Fit
If protection isn’t high on your list, but you don’t want your phone getting all scratched up, Diztronic’s Slim Fit case is a great option. The case offers a thin layer of protection for the back and four sides of the phone and is form-fit to the phone. It still provides easy access to your buttons and ports, but prevent scratches and dents to the rest.
The case is available in a number of different color options like black, blue, red and teal. Coming in at just $10, the case is very affordable and makes a great addition to your phone.
See at Amazon
Oeago Tough Rugged
Sometimes you need a protective case for your Moto G4 so you don’t have to worry about it breaking on the job site, and Oeago’s option won’t break the bank to keep you protected. Made up of two layers, it has a TPU inner sleeve and an impact-resistant hard plastic shell to provide maximum drop protection. The corners have extra protection, and the back has a built-in kickstand to keep your phone propped up when you aren’t using it. Priced at just $8 or less, you can’t beat the protection that this case offers for the money.
See at Amazon
Sparin Transparent Case
Sometimes you don’t want to hide your phone in a case and change the look of it, but a clear case gives you the best of both worlds. You not only get an additional layer of protection, but you also don’t have to worry about hiding the look of the phone under an ugly cover. Sparin’s transparent case is nice and thin, so you don’t bulk up the phone, and it has a nice precise fit. Two cases come in the pack, so if you get it dirty or scratch it up you can swap on the extra.
The case comes with a lifetime warranty as well, so you don’t have to worry once you make the purchase you are pretty set. With two cases coming in at around $8, you can’t beat the value here.
See at Amazon
Microseven Case and Holster
Putting your phone in your pocket is not always ideal, and sometimes it is easier to keep it safe on your hip. This case and holster combo gives you a protective layer on the phone with a nice hard case, and a secure holster for your belt to keep it safe during travel. The case will prevent scratches, dings and even help a bit during falls without adding a ton of bulk to the phone. The holster is lined with a felt layer that prevents the screen from getting messed up while sliding it in and out. Coming in at around $10, this two-piece set is quite a great deal for those who need protection and an easy way to carry their phone.
See at Amazon
Innovaa Leather Wallet
Cases don’t have to only protect your phone or make it look good, but they can also provide additional functionality as well. Cases like this leather wallet one give you a space to keep your cash, credit cards, ID and more with you easily. You won’t need to carry around a wallet and a phone, and instead you’ll be able to combine both of them into one place. This is perfect for when you are going out for the evening, or don’t want to have a lot with you to bog you down. At just $10, this is a really inexpensive way to protect your phone and add a wallet to it.
See at Amazon
Your favorites?
Do you have a favorite inexpensive case for the Moto G4 that isn’t listed above? If so, be sure to drop a line in the comments letting us know which case and why you like it, along with a link of where to grab one.
This Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger can be yours for just $5
Right now you can score Aukey’s Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger for just $5 at Amazon with coupon code C398PPH5. The charger comes in both black and white, and the box includes a microUSB cable to get started. It features a single USB output, so if you need a different charging cable you can swap in the one that you need to use. Being Quick Charge 2.0 compliant, the charger will offer faster speeds to get your battery juiced up in a short amount of time.
This deal has been extremely popular, so it may not last too long. If interested, you’ll want to grab one soon, and remember you need coupon code C398PPH5 for the savings.
See at Amazon
MacBook Pro (2016): What’s the story so far?
Everyone thought Apple was going to update its MacBook Pro line at WWDC 2016, but it didn’t.
And now the world is expecting refreshed models to come out this autumn, especially because the MacBook and MacBook Air were updated in March. Keep in mind there are two sizes of MacBook Pro: a 13-inch model that was last updated in March 2015, and a 15-inch model that was last updated in May 2015. So, nobody can imagine Apple going two full years without rolling out MacBook Pro models with all new specs.
But what’s more interesting is that the upcoming models won’t just simply have faster processors and thinner bodies, which we all pretty much expect, as they are rumoured to feature an OLED touch panel and a Touch ID sensor embedded in their keyboards, among other things. Here’s everything we know so far – and keep checking back, because we plan to update this piece with the latest details.
MacBook Pro (2016): Release date
Ming-Chi Kuo, a trusted analyst at KGI Securities, said Apple plans to introduce redesigned 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models in the fourth quarter of 2016, which ends in September.
MacBook Pro (2016): Price
We don’t expect Apple’s current pricing for the MacBook Pro line to change. The cheapest, 13-inch model now costs £999, while the 15-inch model comes in two variants: a 2.2GHz £1,599 version, and a 2.5GHz £1,999 variant.
MacBook Pro (2016): Design
‘Thinner and lighter’
Both models are said to have a thinner and lighter form factors, and according to a report from China’s Commercial Times, they’ll feature the metal injection mold-made (MiM) hinges and the butterfly-mechanism keyboards that were introduced with the 12-inch MacBook Component photos allegedly for the upcoming 13-inch Retina Macbook Pro leaked in late May, revealing the thinner body of the device.
Cult of Mac
OLED touch panel
Kuo also said the 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models will feature the “most significant upgrade ever undertaken by Apple”, largely thanks to their new OLED display touch panel that replaces the row of physical function keys at the top of the keyboard. This panel might also be contextual, according to rumours, with virtual buttons that change based on app currently in use, etc.
In the leaked component photos from May, we can see not only the thinner body of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but also the missing cutouts for the row of function keyboards, therefore suggesting that a single OLED touch panel will indeed replace physical function keys.
Cult of Mac
Touch ID sensor
Currently, the function key row houses a power button on the far-right, and in the upcoming MacBook Pro models, the Power button will likely maintain its position but will also incorporate a Touch ID sensor, allowing you to securely log-in with a simple finger press, according to Kuo.
USB Type-C
Rumours have long claimed Apple will bring USB Type-C to the MacBook Pro line, and wouldn’t you know it, the leaked component photos from May show four USB Type-C ports and one headphone jack on the sides of the device. Support for Thunderbolt 3 is expected to be included, too, Kuo has claimed, with the MagSafe gone. We can also see thin speaker grilles next to the keyboard in those leaked component photos.
MacBook Pro (2016): Specs
Display
There’s not much news on this spec at the moment, though we assume the new Macbook Pro models will sport displays with a 2304×1440-pixel resolution, the same resolution as the current 12-inch MacBook models. One rumour even claimed the 2016 models will be touchscreen.
Processors
The new MacBook Pro models will likely feature Skylake processors. These are the new, sixth generation chips by Intel, and they will bring significant performance improvements to the new MacBook Pro, resulting in a much faster machine with battery life gains to boot.
There’s also a series of new mobile Xeon E3 chips that could potentially be used in the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, but pricing constraints at the high end make the standard Core i7 Skylake chips more likely.
Graphics
Both AMD and Nvidia might introduce new GPU products in 2016 – just in time for the 2016 MacBook Pro. AMD will have GPUs based on Global Foundries 14 nm FinFET processor node, while Nvidia’s GPUs will based on 16 nm FinFET Plus processor node. Both should bring gains in graphics performance either way. They are set to launch later this year, however, so it’s unclear if they’ll be ready for the 2016 MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (2016): Patents
Apple Pencil trackpad
There’s only so many ways you can use Apple Pencil in its current form. Luckily for us, Apple has plenty more grand ideas for the gadget. The company has been granted a patent that allows Apple Pencil to work with the Magic Trackpad, which means you could use the stylus to draw on a Mac. In other words, if this functionality comes to fruition, Wacom’s days are numbered, as you’d no longer need tablet peripherals.
Apple applied for the patent in 2014. It describes other powerful features, too, including in-air gestures so that you can change between slides in Keynote or pages in Pages, for instance. You could even use Pencil as a joystick for games. Just keep in mind none of this may ever come to Apple Pencil, but it’s still cool to see what the Cupertino company is considering behind the scenes.
Also, this isn’t the only Apple Pencil patent we’ve seen granted recently. Another one detailed a stylus that uses swappable tips. These tips can be standard ones like a felt-tip pen, or they can be fancy ones such as a force-sensing bristle brush tip, motion-tracking camera, and a flashlight. Fingerprint recognition – similar to Touch ID – is further mentioned for authentication.
4G connectivity
Patently Apple published a patent filed by Apple that shows a MacBook with cellular capabilities, suggesting Apple want to introduce a 4G-enabled MacBook Pro. A 4G MacBook Pro would most probably be an optional hardware cost with a similar pricing structure as the iPads.
MacBook Pro (2016): Concepts
Designer Martin Hajek made the mockup at the top and the one below of a Retina MacBook Pro with an OLED touch panel.
Martin Hajek
Want to know more?
Check out Apple’s MacBook Pro hub for the latest news.
Fossil’s latest Android Wear smartwatches arrive on August 29th
Fossil revealed a handful of new wearables back in March and a pair of those gadgets are arriving this month. The company announced today that its Q Wander and Q Marshal smartwatches would be available for pre-order August 12th and are due to hit Fossil stores (both retail and online) August 29th. Both models run Android Wear, so they’re compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The 45mm timepieces pack touchscreen displays, steel cases, interchangeable bands and magnetic charging. To complete the look you’re after, Fossil offers a range of bands that include leather, silicon and stainless steel options.
Thanks to Android Wear, you can expect notifications, custom watch faces and activity tracking with the likes of Google Fit, Under Armour’s UA Record, Jawbone UP and MyFitness Pal. While the Q smartwatches will work with an iPhone, the Android faithful will be able to respond to text messages on-screen or using voice commands with the smartwatches. The Q Wander and Q Marshal will set you back $295 if you’re will to take the leap. These two models join Fossil’s other Q wearables that include smartwatches with both digital and analog displays in addition to dedicated activity trackers.
Source: Fossil (PR Newswire)
Samsung denies its mobile payment platform is insecure
Every year the Black Hat conference highlights and analyzes security vulnerabilities in common services public awareness and a little infamy. On Sunday, a researcher released a paper criticizing the point-of-service purchasing system Samsung Pay for perceived weakness in its algorithm that could be exploited by hackers. In its security blog, the Korean tech giant refuted the claims, insisting that its math is different than described in the report and therefore still sound.
Samsung Pay works kind of like bank card chips: slide a phone over a reader synced up to the service and it broadcasts a “token” number inspired by but not exactly like that of the linked financial account. Unlike a magnetic strip on the back of your typical bank plastic, which delivers exactly the sixteen digits on the front and therefore can be reused infinitely, these “tokenized” systems are only created for that single transaction.
Of course, the account and “token” numbers have to be linked somehow, or systems wouldn’t know where to charge purchases. That’s where the algorithm comes in, a formula that generates new temporary numbers that is, users trust, too complex for hackers to crack. In his paper, Black Hat researcher Salvador Mendoza lays out how he believes this system works, including how the one-time “tokens” are generated, and lays out three scenarios for hackers to break into that algorithm: use a magnetic card spoofer to generate tokens, jam a transaction to force another temporary code to be generated while the hacker uses the first and use a social engineering tool to capture tokens and transmit them by email.
Naturally, Samsung denies that its algorithm works how Mendoza described it. Its security blog post points to a technology FAQ illustrating how its system protects against hackers: first, with its Knox software-and-hardware identity verification, and second, with TrustZone processor architecture built specifically to run sensitive processes separately from typical ones.
The FAQ doesn’t say that some of these methods, like jamming the signal and “skimming” unused tokens, is impossible, just extremely unlikely. To work, it would have to meet several requirements: the hacker would have to be physically near the purchase and jam the user before approving it. Even then, the Samsung Pay user would be alerted when the scammer used the token. This is a known issue, the FAQ notes, but given that every purchase runs through both the tech giant’s and the bank’s fraud analysis algorithm, they deemed it extremely unlikely and therefore acceptable.
Update: Samsung has issued a statement, included below:
Recent reports implying that Samsung Pay is flawed are simply not true. Samsung Pay uses a multi-layer security system that works in tandem with the security systems of our partners to detect any emerging threats. Samsung Pay is safe, secure and consumers can be assured that there is no known risk associated to using our payment service.”
Source: Phandroid
SoundCloud Go now streams to Sonos connected speakers
The number of options for Sonos owners to stream music to their connected speakers continues to expand. SoundCloud announced today that its subscription service is now available on the popular multi-room audio setup. Launched in March, SoundCloud Go is the long-rumored monthly subscription option from the music library that’s been a go-to spot for creators and listeners alike. The service still has some issues to work out, but if SoundCloud wants it to catch on, it needs to offer the option to users in as many places as possible. And that includes working with some of the best speakers on the market.
SoundCloud Go subscribers who already own Sonos gear will be able to get up and running quickly. All you have to do is connect the service inside the Sonos Controller app and you’ll be good to go. If you’ve got those speakers on your shelf and want to give Go a shot, SoundCloud is offering a 30-day trial. Once that first month is up though, expect to pay $10 a month for the subscription ($3 more if you sign up with an iOS device). For that price, you’ll get access to library of 125 million songs, but SoundCloud Go’s interface is a bit clunky as it stands and the song lineup lacks some key selections.
Source: SoundCloud
‘Dead Rising Triple Pack’ brings zombie carnage to PS4 owners
Just in time to get in on the Dead Rising 4 hype and the series’ 10th anniversary, Capcom is rewarding fans for their patience by porting all three of the franchise’s previous entries to both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 13th.
Each port will include all of the add-on costumes previously available, and updated graphics in 1080p at 60 frames per second. The original Dead Rising will be coming to PC via Steam and will also appear on PS4 and Xbox One. Both Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record will only be available for consoles. You can purchase all three in a bundle for consoles as the Dead Rising Triple Pack for $59.49, or you can pick them up separately for $19.99 apiece.
If you opted for a PlayStation 3 back during the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 “console wars” you likely didn’t get a chance to play a Dead Rising game, given its then-exclusive status as an Xbox 360 titles. Cutting through zombies with lawnmowers and whacking into their heads with baseball bats is still just as satisfying now as it was then.
It’s a great time to play through some of the older games now while getting ready for Dead Rising 4, which is poised for a December 6th release on PC and Xbox One.
Via: Polygon
Source: PlayStation Blog
Google Now toying with ‘Explore Interests’ personalization
Google Now automatically caters results to your prior searches, but manual customization of what it serves up is a little clunky. You can either toggle fields of interest on and off in the service’s settings or click a box on cards or news sources to indicate your future disinterest. But now the tech titan is testing out a more active method to tell the predictive service what you’d like to see with “Explore Interests.” Just don’t expect it to come out any time soon, as Google has “nothing to announce” at this time, a spokesperson told TechCrunch.
Initial screenshots provided to Android Police show a standard array of topics in a grid, including Movies, TV, Sports, Stocks and so on. Presumably, the photos suggest, you can delve deep into subcategories to indicate which niches you’re particularly keen to be updated about. There’s also a nice localization feature that shows what topics are “Popular In Your Area.” Whether this is the feature’s final look and feel is unknown, but it’s clear that Google’s looking closer at giving users more control over what topics crop up in search results.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Android Police
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