Amazon Alexa support coming to LG’s SmartThinQ hub
When LG launched its SmartThinQ hub at CES this year, you couldn’t help but notice that it was a dead ringer for Amazon’s Echo but, well, dumber. That’s because the device could play music and control LG SmartThinQ appliances, but wouldn’t obey your voice commands like an Echo. However, LG has announced that that it will join Amazon rather than fighting it by adding support for the Echo’s Alexa voice assistant.
Amazon recently opened Alexa up to third-party companies, but the SmartThinQ hub will get a limited set of features to start with, according to CNET. While it will listen to your commands, let you play music and schedule events on a calendar, it won’t control lights, thermostats or other smart home devices like the Echo. That’s a bit of an odd shortcoming, considering that the SmartThinQ hub is part of LG’s SmartThinQ appliance family, so it’s specifically designed for smart home devices. Hopefully we’ll know more soon, but meanwhile, there’s still no release date or pricing for the SmartThinQ hub.
Via: Techcrunch
Source: LG, CNET
Lindsay Lohan’s ‘GTA V’ suit against Rockstar Games dismissed
After a lengthy legal battle against Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games’ parent company, Lindsay Lohan’s case has been dismissed.
The lawsuit revolved around the accusations that Rockstar used Lohan’s likeness in Grand Theft Auto V as well as its marketing materials without her permission. The case has been thrown out entirely on the grounds that, essentially, there isn’t a law about parodying people in a video game.
An appeals court in Manhattan ruled on the case on Tuesday, stating that Grand Theft Auto V does not fall under the statutory definitions of ‘advertising’ or ‘trade’,” explaining that “This video game’s unique story, characters, dialogue, and environment, combined with the player’s ability to choose how to proceed in the game, render it a work of fiction and satire.”
Lohan is rumored to have been embroiled in the court battle since 2013, though the case gained popularity in 2014 when she finally went through with filing her suit.
The character in question, Lacey Jonas, is a bit of a vapid and overly vain character who appears in a red bikini in several of the marketing materials for Grand Theft Auto V, throwing up a peace sign and being frisked in various images promoting the game. Lohan has long since claimed the character depicts her, but it’s difficult to see the similarities.
Previously a judge had ruled back in March of this year that the lawsuit wouldn’t, in fact, be dismissed. Much has changed since then, as the case has been riddled with back-and-forth appeals and arguments since it made the scene. It’s possible this isn’t even the end of Lohan’s case, as she could come back with an argument all her own in the future.
Via: Rock Paper Shotgun
Brave browser lets you tip your favorite sites in bitcoin
Brave, the browser meant to block ads and trackers by design, has launched what might be a fairly controversial service: the ability to tip websites via bitcoin.
Now, after attaching your bitcoin wallet to the Brave browser, you can either tip sites manually or do so via automated installments meant to be sent regularly. They’re totally anonymous, according to Brave, and the company states that neither it or anyone else will be able to connect page views with these small tips. Publishers will need to authenticate their identities before claiming their “tips.”
Certain publishers haven’t been so keen on Brave’s initiative to keep the browser free of ads, so this is likely Brave’s way of trying to curry favor with those that feel as though they were burned by its mission statement.
Brave users previously had the option of paying for an ad-free experience (blocking Brave’s smaller ads) if they desired by pulling funds from donations or their bitcoin wallet. This is an interesting step forward for the browser that seems to be an attempt to smooth things over on both the publisher- and customer-facing fronts.
If you’re interesting in trying out Brave, you can get it here.
Via: Ars Technica UK
MacRumors Giveaway: Win a High-Quality Leather Briefcase From Saddleback Leather Company
For the next few weeks, MacRumors is running a special giveaway event, which will see us highlighting and giving away high-quality luxury bags from manufacturers like Pad & Quill, Intrepid Bag Co, Whipping Post, and Saddleback Leather Company. We’ve got all of these bags on hand so we can give clear details on construction, quality, utility, and more.
For today’s giveaway, we’ve partnered with Saddleback Leather Company to give away one of the company’s medium-sized Thin Front Pocket Briefcases made from a rich tobacco-colored leather.
Measuring in at 15 inches by 11.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the Pocket Briefcase is not a small bag, so it’s big enough to hold a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a Retina MacBook, a 13-inch MacBook Pro/MacBook Air, or a 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. I was able to fit multiple Apple products inside, along with all of their accessories.
The Pocket Briefcase is made from a super thick, rugged full-grain leather and features a saddle-style buckle and two outer pockets that also clasp with buckles. When new, the bag is rigid and the main buckle is a bit hard to work with, but it should soften up within a few weeks. The outer leather looks like it’ll weather nicely, gaining a lot of character over time from scratches and bumps, and it’s undeniably sturdy, made from just a few pieces of leather with careful stitching.
Aside from the two outer buckle pockets, a pen pocket, and a rear pocket large enough to hold papers or magazines, there’s one main pocket on the inside of the bag, roomy enough to hold the aforementioned laptop along with accessories and anything else you might need to carry. There are two hidden side pockets within the main pocket, sized to hold items like pens, pencils and flash drives, and there’s a leather key fob.
The padded leather strap can be used to wear the briefcase as a messenger bag or as a backpack depending on how it’s buckled, so can be worn in whichever way is most comfortable. The shoulder strap can also be removed entirely so it can be used as a traditional briefcase with just the padded hand strap, and no matter how you’re using it, it’s going to get compliments. This is a stylish, rugged briefcase.
At 5.35 pounds, this is not a lightweight bag, but the craftsmanship is superb and it looks like it’ll be able to stand up to a lot of abuse while still looking great. Saddleback Leather Company offers a 100 year guarantee on its products, so this is a bag that you buy for life.
The Thin Front Pocket Briefcase is normally priced at $489, but one MacRumors reader will win one for free. To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner and send the prize.
You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
a Rafflecopter giveawayThe contest will run from today (September 2) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9. The winner will be chosen randomly on September 2 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Tags: giveaway, Saddleback Leather Company
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What to Expect From Apple’s September 7 Event
We’re just a few days away from Apple’s annual fall event, where we expect to see the launch of the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, a second-generation Apple Watch with new bands, and refreshed Beats products.
We may also see the debut of Apple’s rumored wireless “AirPods” earbuds, and we’ll find out when iOS 10, macOS Sierra, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3 will officially launch. For details on all of Apple’s new products culled from the rumors we’ve heard over the course of the last year, read our below guide on what to expect, but beware — there are lots of spoilers!
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iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Design wise, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will look a lot like the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, featuring the same dimensions (4.7 and 5.5-inches) and thickness. There will be some visual differences, though, including relocated antenna bands that no longer span across the back of the device and larger cameras for both devices.
The iPhone 7 is said to feature a bigger camera with optical image stabilization and perhaps a larger sensor for better low-light performance, while the larger iPhone 7 Plus will include a dual-lens camera that should bring some significant improvements resulting in truer colors, less noise, and crisper images for brighter, more detailed photographs.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus dummy models based on the iPhone’s design
The other major visual change is the lack of a headphone jack, which is being eliminated in Apple’s newest iPhones. Headphones will connect via Lightning or Bluetooth, with the space left by the headphone jack being taken up by a second set of speaker holes. These won’t necessarily be functional speaker holes and are not an indication of stereo sound — one of the holes may house a microphone while the others will simply be cosmetic additions to make the phone look symmetrical.
Lightning provides better quality audio than a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be one reason Apple is making the switch. The removal of the jack could also be a major factor that’s allowing Apple to improve the water resistance of the iPhone 7, as has been rumored. It’s not clear if enhanced water resistance will be a quiet update or a headline feature, but liquid should be less of a problem for the new devices.
Better water resistance and better reliability may also be the reason behind another rumored feature, the introduction of a flush Home button. Apple is said to be eliminating the physical Home button in the iPhone 7, introducing a flat button with haptic feedback capabilities to mimic traditional button presses.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus dummy models based on the iPhone’s design
Inside, the iPhone 7 is expected to include a more efficient A10 processor, faster LTE and Wi-Fi chips, and perhaps some improvements in battery life introduced through software and hardware streamlining and a somewhat larger physical battery. Displays that adopt features first introduced in the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, such as DCI-P3 Wide Color gamut and True Tone ambient lighting adjustments, are not out of the question.
2GB of RAM is rumored for the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone 7, while the larger iPhone 7 Plus could come with 3GB of RAM because of the greater system resources a dual-lens camera consumes. 16GB of storage space is rumored to be a thing of the past, and the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models are said to start at 32GB of storage with a maximum of 256GB of storage. That latter option may be limited to the 5.5-inch iPhone.
The iPhone 7 could come in five colors this year: Rose Gold, Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and a new “glossy” Space Black color. Multiple rumors have hinted at the Space Black color option, but whether it’ll actually happen is up in the air because we haven’t seen much evidence of the new color.
For more details on what to expect from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, make sure to check out our full iPhone 7 roundup.
Apple Watch 2
Like the iPhone 7, the Apple Watch 2 is rumored to feature few, if any, exterior design changes, so it’s going to look a lot like the original Apple Watch. It will continue to come in 38mm and 42mm sizes, and Apple will continue offering the watch in different materials at a range of price points.
Improvements to the second-generation Apple Watch will be largely internal, with Apple rumored to be including a faster processor, better waterproofing, a bigger battery, GPS functionality, and a barometer.
GPS functionality and a barometer will enable better navigation and fitness tracking capabilities, with the Apple Watch 2 able to better calculate location when not near the iPhone. Based on part leaks, the 42mm Apple Watch 2 could have a 35 percent larger battery, and similar improvements would likely be introduced in the smaller model.
A slightly thinner Apple Watch display has been spotted, in line with rumors suggesting the company will use new display technology, but space saved with the display component may be taken up by the larger battery, resulting in an Apple Watch 2 that’s likely to be the same thickness as the original Apple Watch. Additional battery life is essential to compensate for the inclusion of a GPS chip.
A display component said to be for the Apple Watch 2
We’ve heard some confusing rumors about the Apple Watch that have suggested Apple is planning to introduce an upgraded first-generation Apple Watch with a faster processor and improved waterproofing, so there is the possibility that models at different price points could have different features.
With many existing Apple Watch models and bands out of stock, the Apple Watch 2 will undoubtedly be accompanied by a selection of new Apple Watch bands in new colors and perhaps new styles. Details on forthcoming Apple Watch bands have not been leaked, though.
For more details on what to expect from the Apple Watch 2, make sure to check out our full Apple Watch 2 roundup.
Software Release Dates
iOS 10, macOS Sierra, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3 have been in testing since they were first unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, so we’re well acquainted with the new software features, but the September 7 event should offer one missing tidbit of information – official release dates.
iOS 10 will likely be released two days ahead of when the iPhone 7 launches, which is when we’ve seen past iOS releases take place. Rumors suggest the iPhone 7 will be available on either September 16 or September 23, so we’ll see iOS 10 on Wednesday, September 14 or Wednesday, September 21.
Because watchOS 3 goes hand in hand with iOS 10, it’s likely to be released on the same day iOS 10 is released.
Mac software updates have historically come later in the month than iOS releases, so we may not see macOS Sierra until the end of September. As tvOS is a new operating system, tvOS 10 is a bit of a wildcard. It could come alongside iOS 10 and watchOS 3, or later in the month with macOS Sierra.
Apple is likely to release golden master versions of iOS 10, macOS Sierra, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10 following the event to finish final testing ahead of the public launch of the software.
For details on the new features included in the software updates, visit our roundups:
– iOS 10
– macOS Sierra
– tvOS 10
– watchOS 3
New Beats Products
Apple accidentally let it slip that new Beats products are in the works, with a debut set for the September 7 event. No details are available on the prospective update, but it will undoubtedly see the release of new wireless Beats headphones and wired Beats headphone models with Lightning connectors.
AirPods
For the last several months, Apple has been quietly working on a product called “AirPods,” which are said to be wireless Bluetooth earphones that could be sold alongside the iPhone 7. The AirPods are rumored to be totally wireless like the Bragi Dash, without a connective cord between the earpieces.
The wireless earphones reportedly have a battery life of approximately four hours, but may ship with a carrying case that serves as a rechargeable battery to extend battery life as much as possible.
Apple’s “AirPods” could look similar to the Bragi Dash
We don’t know if the AirPods are going to be unveiled at the September 7 event, but Apple was recently granted a number of product certifications from the Eurasian Economic Union, including AirPods, suggesting it is a finished or near-finished product. Nevertheless, the AirPods may not be ready to go and are something of an unknown for the event.
No MacBooks
We’re all eager to see new Macs, especially the rumored MacBook Pro that features a major design overhaul with an OLED function bar, but unfortunately, refreshed Macs are not expected at the September 7 event.
Multiple reputable sources have said the event will focus on the iPhone and Apple Watch 2, with Macs to come later in the year, perhaps as soon as October.
Rendering of the MacBook Pro with touch panel
MacRumors will be offering a live blog and full coverage of Apple’s September 7 event, both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account, so make sure to join us on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to see just what Apple has in store.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 10, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, watchOS 2, watchOS 3, iPhone 7, iOS 10, macOS Sierra
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral), Retina MacBook Pro (Don’t Buy), Apple Watch (Caution)
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Best wallet cases for the Galaxy Note 7
What are the best wallet cases for my Galaxy Note 7?
Not everyone loves a wallet case for their phone, but those that do love the convenience of having practically everything they need — money, ID, and smartphone — all in one package when they’re on the go.
Given the beautiful design of the Galaxy Note 7, if you’re going to cover it entirely with a wallet case, you’ll want your case to look classy in it’s own right. So we’ve broken down the best wallet case options that combine stylish design with functionality.
- Story Leather Aspen
- Spigen Wallet S Leather Case
- Incipio Stowaway Credit Card Case
- J&D Wallet Stand Slim Fit
Story Leather Aspen
The Galaxy Note 7 is a premium device. That fact is reflected in the build quality and the price. If you want a case to match that premium quality, look no further than the offerings from Story Leather. They actually offer a range of wallet and other leather-backed cases for the Note 7 which are all custom made to order, but we’ll specifically recommend the Aspen wallet case for it’s stylish-yet-simplistic design.
Made with premium genuine leather and personalizable with a monogram or corporate logo, this case is perfect for the fashionable consumer. You can choose from over 50 different leather colours to truly make it your own. On the inside, the case features slots for three cards as well as a side pocket for holding cash. It’s all built around a sturdy polycarbonate shell that will protect your phone.
With a production lead time of 25-30 days and prices starting around $100, this is not the case to buy if you’re looking for a quick cover to protect your new phone. But the handmade quality you receive in return will be well worth the money spent for some folks.
See at Story Leather
Spigen Wallet S Leather Case
Spigen is a trusted name for phone accessories, and their Wallet S case for the Galaxy Note 7 is one of the most versatile cases you can buy to protect your Note 7.
Made of faux leather, the Wallet S looks good without costing an arm and a leg. It features a magnetic strap that’s reversible — it will securely hold the cover open and closed. The Note 7 securely snaps into the polycarbonate shell on the inside, which also features three slots for your credit cards and ID, as well as a pocket for money or other valuable items. The case also folds over into itself to create a horizontal kickstand for hands-free media viewing.
You have to be consciously aware of how you insert your cards in the case, because the placement of the magnet strap could wreck the magnetic strip on a credit card. Other than that design flaw, which is addressed in a leaflet included with the case, the Wallet S does a great job of combining a wallet and phone case into a stylish option for travelling or enjoying a night out on the town — and all at a reasonable price.
See at Amazon
Incipio Stowaway Credit Card Case
If you want a case that will store your ID, cash and a credit card, but want something a bit more inconspicuous than a fold-over wallet case, there’s the Incipio Stowaway Credit Card Case.
At a glance, this case just looks like a sturdy and smooth polycarbonate outer shell to protect your phone — until you notice the compartments on the back. Open the bigger one and you’ll find room for three cards (or an ID card and some cash), which are held down with a little lip that make sure they don’t pop out if the case takes a hard fall. The smaller compartment reveals a kickstand which, admittedly, is probably not worth using. But the main stowaway compartment will be extremely convenient for travellers or folks that don’t like taking their whole wallet or purse to the bar.
Incipio also includes a rear protective film for the back of your phone, so that it isn’t scuffed or scratched by any of your cards — a little detail that goes to show phone protection is the top priority here. Best of all, it still mostly preserves the look of the Galaxy Note 7’s sleek design and curves.
See at Amazon
J&D Wallet Stand Slim Fit
This wallet case option from J&D is quite similar to the Spigen Wallet S, but separates itself from the pack with a few small but important details.
It features three card slots and a pocket for cash, a magnetic strap to keep things secure, and can be folded over into a horizontal kickstand for media viewing. But we love the clear sleeve for the first card slot, making it the ideal spot to store your ID. Then there’s the removable wrist strap which provides added security when you’re carrying it around with you. And finally, it’s available in four colours (aqua, black, brown, and red) as well as white Dog and Cat versions, that feature a cute graphic on the back. Starting at around $11, it’s also one of the most affordable wallet cases you’ll find.
See at Amazon
What’s your favourite wallet case?
As we’re still early into the Galaxy Note 7’s product life, there will no doubt be more wallet cases coming out in the future. We’ll add them as we find them, so let us know if there’s anything we missed in the comments.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
- Galaxy Note 7 recall: Everything you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7 review
- The latest Galaxy Note 7 news!
- Here are all four Note 7 colors
- Complete Galaxy Note 7 specs
- Join the Note 7 discussion in the forums!
Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
The Chromebook R13 could be Acer’s best Chromebook yet
One of the leaders in the Chromebook space is pushing the category again with its new Chromebook R13.
Acer’s brand new 13.3-inch “convertible” (i.e., it folds backward) Chromebook R13, unveiled at IFA 2016, is clearly a step beyond the quality on offer from the Chromebook 14 that was released back in March, but of course it also has a higher starting price at $399.
For the money you’re getting something really nice — a solid metal build surrounds what feels like a standard Acer trackpad and keyboard, with a sturdier hinge and glossy touchscreen above it. The only big thing to note here is the weight, at nearly 3.3 pounds.
That’s all table stakes, really, but the Chromebook R13 is stepping things up elsewhere to try and make it worth the price. Right off the top it charges over USB-C, which is fantastic to see, and Acer has also made this a USB 3.1 port that can handle fast data transfers and video output over the same port. Joining it are a full-sized USB-A 3.0 port, as well as HDMI and a microSD card slot. Here’s how the specs break down:
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Display | 13.3-inch 1920x1080Touchscreen |
| Processor | MediaTek M8173C Core Pilot quad-core |
| Storage | 16/32/64GB |
| Expandable | microSD card |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR3 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, BluetoothUSB-C 3.1, USB-A 3.0 |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Battery | Up to 12 hours usage |
| Camera | HD FOV webcamHDR |
| Dimensions | 326 x 228 x 15.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.49 kg / 3.28 lb |
Seeing a MediaTek M8173C processor inside is a bit interesting, but I’m not going to write it off just because of that — when paired up with 4GB of RAM and driving just a 1080p display I’m confident the performance can be solid. In my quick usage I didn’t have enough time to see how well it would stand up to heavy load of multiple apps and tabs, but it didn’t slow down with my quick browsing around, which is a good sign.
The MediaTek chip should be able to provide ample battery life as well, which is continually what consumers are asking for. Acer is claiming you can get 12 hours of typical usage, which even if matches up to prior claims on Acer Chromebooks and lands at more like 10 hours will be great for most people.
It’s clear to me that this is the best Chromebook Acer has ever made, and inches us ever closer to the true mid-range offerings that many Chromebook fans have been asking for. With a better-than-usual build quality, great screen, good specs and important features like USB-C and long battery life Acer should have no problem asking $399 for the new Chromebook R13, and I’m excited to spend more time with one. It’ll be available starting in October.
Chromebooks
- The best Chromebooks
- Should you buy a Chromebook?
- Google Play is coming to Chromebooks
- Acer Chromebook 14 review
- Join our Chromebook forums
Read the FBI’s Clinton Investigation documents for yourself
The FBI released documents today about its investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s use of a home email server during her time as Secretary of State. After the investigation, the Department of Justice decided not to file charges. Clinton was found to have not deleted sensitive emails, but the State Department called her actions “extremely careless.”
The investigation focused on whether classified information was stored or transmitted to the unclassified server. It also looked at whether any top secret information was compromised by unauthorized individuals.
The investigation noted that 81 email chains containing information that ranged from “classified” to “top secret/special access program” level were found on the unauthorized email servers between 2009 and 2013. Of those correspondences, 68 still remain classified. During that time there were two systems used. Initially Clinton used an Apple server, but eventually migrated to BlackBerry. No big surprise there, Apple got out of the server game years ago.
Yet unlike the DNC, it looks like the private servers were not compromised by hackers according to the FBI.
Developing
Source: FBI
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered’ has 16 multiplayer maps
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered will eventually include all 16 default multiplayer maps from the original game, Activision announced during a livestream at the Call of Duty XP fan event in Los Angeles. The game will launch with 10 “fan favorite” multiplayer maps, including Crash, Backlot, Crossfire, Overgrown and Bog, and the six remaining maps will be added in December.
Anyone who owns Modern Warfare Remastered will receive the six additional maps for free, an Activision spokesperson clarified to Engadget.
Modern Warfare Remastered comes bundled with certain versions of the latest Call of Duty game, Infinite Warfare, which lands on November 4th. Infinite Warfare is the first Call of Duty title to conquer space and it stars Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington as the game’s villain.
All 16 Modern Warfare MP maps are coming to all #MWRemastered owners. That’s 10 #MWRemastered maps at launch and 6 maps coming in December.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) September 2, 2016
AIVAnet 