AirPods Delay Attributed to Apple Ensuring Both Earpieces Receive Audio at Same Time

AirPods were originally slated to launch in October, but the wireless earphones were later delayed. Apple said it needed “a little more time” before they are ready for customers, and it has yet to provide an official update since.

While the exact reason for the delay remains unclear, a person familiar with the development of AirPods told The Wall Street Journal that Apple’s troubles appear to be related to its “efforts to chart a new path for wireless headphones,” in addition to resolving what happens when users lose one of the earpieces or the battery dies.

A person familiar with the development of the AirPod said the trouble appears to stem from Apple’s effort to chart a new path for wireless headphones. In most other wireless headphones, only one earpiece receives a signal from the phone via wireless Bluetooth technology; it then transmits the signal to the other earpiece.

Apple has said AirPod earpieces each receive independent signals from an iPhone, Mac or other Apple device. But Apple must ensure that both earpieces receive audio at the same time to avoid distortion, the person familiar with their development said. That person said Apple also must resolve what happens when a user loses one of the earpieces or the battery dies.

Last month, Barclays analysts said AirPods should enter production in December. Their research note said quantities would be limited to between 10 and 15 million AirPods to start. Meanwhile, an alleged email response from Apple CEO Tim Cook said AirPods should begin shipping over the “next few weeks.”

With just two weeks remaining in the holiday shopping season, some believe Apple should now wait until the new year to launch AirPods, in line with an early rumor about a January 2017 launch. The wireless earphones remain listed as both “coming soon” and “currently unavailable” on different sections of Apple’s website.

Tags: wsj.com, AirPods
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Wileyfox Swift 2 Plus is once again down to £149 in the UK

Swift 2 Plus will be on sale for £149 for the duration of the holiday season.

Wileyfox’s Swift 2 Plus is once again discounted to £149 on Amazon UK, making it an enticing option if you’re in the market for a budget phone that offers great value for money. The £70 discount is valid until the end of the year, and Wileyfox is bundling a free one-time screen replacement service and a hard case for the phone.

The SIM-free Swift 2 Plus features a 5-inch 720p display, Snapdragon 430, 3GB of RAM, 32GB storage with microSD slot, 16MP camera, 8MP front camera, NFC with Android Pay, fingerprint sensor, LTE, dual-SIM connectivity, USB-C, and a 2700mAh battery.

The phone runs CM 13.0 out of the box, but with the recent issues at Cyanogen, it remains to be seen if software updates are a problem going forward.

See at Amazon

Huawei Watch disappears from the Google Store, Michael Kors Access Bradshaw takes its place

One smartwatch goes away, another one makes its debut.

The Huawei Watch is no longer listed on the Google Store. Its page is still accessible via a direct link, but the watch itself shows as “unavailable.” There’s no telling if it’ll be back in stock, but for now, you’ll have to head to Best Buy if you’re interested in getting your hands on the watch.

While we don’t yet know what caused the removal of the Huawei Watch, the Google Store is now listing Michael Kors’ Access Bradshaw, the second Android Wear smartwatch from the fashion brand. Unlike the sporty Access Dylan, the Access Bradshaw is designed to be a dress watch.

The watch is available in a gold color option, and offers a 1.4-inch AMOLED display (320 x 236) within a 45mm case, Qualcomm’s wearable-only Snapdragon 2100 SoC, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, and a 400mAh battery. Like the Access Dylan, the Access Bradshaw retails for $350.

See at Google Store

This $4 Quick Charge 2.0 charger should be in every car you own

Right now you can grab Aukey’s Quick Charge 2.0 car charger for just $4 at Amazon with coupon code THQGUXM2. With having Quick Charge 2.0, you’ll be able to charge a compatible phone up to 75% faster while in the car, meaning your short commute still gives you plenty of power for your night out on the town or your next meeting. It has built-in safeguards to protect phones and tablets against excessive heat, overcharging and too much current.

Remember, you’ll need coupon code THQGUXM2 for the full savings. At $4, odds are this deal won’t last long, so be sure to act quick if you want to pick one up for yourself.

See at Amazon

Best shooter games for Android

Spill some blood with the best Android shooters currently on the market.

We’ve rounded up some of the best shooting games across Android for those who always need a target. We have the full gamut here, ranging from simple, single-tap games to full-blown first-person shooters that nearly bring the console experience to your phone and tablet.

Last updated December 9, 2016: Added Modern Strike Online to the list!

• Modern Strike Online
• N.O.V.A. 3
• Hitman: Sniper
• Modern Combat 5: Blackout
• Overkill 3
• Unkilled
• Dead Trigger 2
• Major Mayhem
• Pew Pew 2
• Ready Steady Bang
• Zombiewood
• Gunman Clive

Modern Strike Online

Not interested in anything other than the thrill of online multiplayer? Modern Strike Online offers just that: a pure online FPS experience packed with features and game modes we’ve come to expect from the genre. Once you’ve levelled up some you unlock all six game modes, which include the standard fare you’d expect — free-for-all, team deathmatch, seek and destroy, and a hardcore mode. In-game currency can be bought via in-app purchases or earned via daily rewards, crates and generally kicking ass. Spend your gold and credits on new weapons, armor and accessories for your character. There’s a decent amount of customization available for kitting, with over 30 types of weapons available to rent or buy.

It’s as complete a FPS as you’ll find on Android. You’ll want to head into the settings first to customize your controls and screen layout, and tweak the graphics quality to optimize gameplay on your device. By default, your gun will auto-fire as soon as an enemy enters your crosshairs — you can switch this off in the settings, but it’s actually a pretty handy feature to have when you’re already using your thumbs to move and look around. Yes, there’s the occasional in-game ad and constant pressure to invest real cash, as is the case with most mobile games these days, but it’s not terribly invasive and there’s plenty of fun and loot to be had relying on the free crates and daily rewards.

Download: Modern Strike Online (Free)

N.O.V.A. 3: Freedom Edition

N.O.V.A. 3 picks up the story of former N.O.V.A. commander Kal Wardin as he crash lands in San Francisco amid an ongoing battle. Gameplay is mixed with cutscenes that tell the fairly in-depth story — it might in fact be the reason you keep coming back to N.O.V.A. 3.

Play against enemy A.I. units or play multiplayer over local Wi-Fi or internet. Gameloft implements some measures against cheaters and boosters, namely encouraging players to record or document the actions of said cheaters.

Controls are responsive and targeting is aided by tapping a button to aim down sights, a nice feature for those with big fingers. There are some ads displayed on the menu screens and a popup once in awhile when you die, but nothing the experienced mobile gamer can’t handle.

Download: N.O.V.A. 3 (Free)

Hitman: Sniper

Hitman: Sniper finds you, Agent 47, stationed with a sniper rifle outside an estate filled with rich people, bodyguards, and a certain high-priority target. Your job is to take your time, plan a course of action, and begin removing enemies any way you see fit (as long as it’s through a scope). Each mission has different objectives you can complete for extra money, which you can then spend on weapon upgrades and new sniper rifles. If you’re especially proud of a mission, use the Share Replay function to share gameplay footage with your friends.

This game has nice graphics and great mechanics: you must lead enemies who are on the move, and must account for their sometimes unforeseen actions. They will not shoot back, but will take cover and move around the map attempting to help your prime target escape. Controls are easy and responsive, meaning you won’t have too much trouble lining up the shot. The music is great, especially when you miss a couple of shots and set off some alarms, and the voice acting is also above par for mobile games. Get your heart beating with this great shooter, and enjoy no ads or in-app purchases.

Download: Hitman: Sniper ($0.99)

Modern Combat 5: Blackout

Did someone replace my phone with a console? Modern Combat 5: Blackout is a first-person military shooter that gives you a real video game experience from the palm of your hand. Beginning with an escape mission in Venice, the campaign follows Caydan Phoenix as he travels the world battling Raiders and the World Liberation Army. Customize your soldier’s loadout and special abilities to best suit your playstyle — more options are unlocked as you rank up.

Gameplay is smooth and the controls are easier to manage than most shooters, likely due to the fact you can modify all settings, including audio, control, and HUD. Modern Combat 5 has beautiful graphics for a mobile game, and runs without hiccups on an LG G4.

New to Modern Combat 5 is a PvP multiplayer mode that has five game modes: Free for all, VIP, Squad battle, Capture the flag, Zone control, and Team battle. Test your skills against players around the world and work your way up the global leaderboard. This game has minimal ads, though it does have some micro-transactions.

Download: Modern Combat 5: Blackout (Free)

Overkill 3

Overkill 3 is a third-person shooter that guides you through the level, also known as being on rails. Your job is to aim and shoot bad guys. Sounds easy? Overkill lets you choose a difficulty before each boss fight, meaning your recent disposal of entry-position bad guys has no bearing over what is to come.

Choose a loadout from the armory before each mission and unlock new weapons and gear as you progress through the game. You must collect stars by completing specific objectives during each mission — the stars are used to unlock more missions. A tally at the end of each level keeps track of your progress, so you’ll never be unsure of where you stand.

Graphics are not as great as other shooters, but Overkill 3 features a co-op mode that lets you team up with a friend or random player to crush the enemy. Ads are few and far between, but there are many in-app purchases.

Download: Overkill 3 (Free)

Unkilled

Unkilled takes you on a wild, zombie-killing ride with a variety of enemies for you to slay using a variety of weapons. Some missions require different weapons and gadgets, meaning you must enter your armory to upgrade current weapons and purchase new ones. There are plenty of upgrades and weapons rewarded to you for free as you move through the ranks, and you will feel like you’re achieving something each step of the way.

The controls are easy to use and sensitivities are adjustable. Your weapons will shoot automatically when you are aiming at a zombie except when you’re in a static mission; here you will aim and shoot using both thumbs.

There are two play modes available now — campaign and skirmish ops — with multiplayer apparently coming soon. Skirmish ops pits you and your base against other players and zombies. Defend yourself or go on the offensive; either way you will find yourself moving up the leaderboard as you expend bullets and bash brains.

Ads are infrequent but in-app purchases are everywhere.

Download: Unkilled (Free)

Dead Trigger 2

Dead Trigger 2 continues to be the quintessential zombie-shooting experience on mobile. The graphics are amazing, though the game hardly takes itself seriously — there are lots of tongue-in-cheek references and over-the-top baddies to mow down. This version is a little different in that players now have their own hideout and a crew that can build stuff for them. The controls have also been streamlined for touch; all you have to do is move the crosshairs over a zombie, and if you’re in range, you’ll automatically start shooting.

There are tons of missions to enjoy, and the in-app purchases have been scaled back with the removal of the premium currency — now you can buy and build everything yourself without spending a cent.

Download: Dead Trigger 2 (Free)

Major Mayhem

Major Mayhem is a fast, simple run-and-gun side-scroller. Players simply tap on ninjas, secret agents, or whoever else the president has commanded you to wipe out. There’s some kind of storyline in there about a girlfriend or something, but really, you just tap your targets as the pop out from behind cover.

It sounds simplistic, but the great cartoon feel, over-the-top storyline, and wide range of unlockables provide excellent, bite-sized gameplay.

Download: Major Mayhem (Free)

Pew Pew 2

Pew Pew 2 is a classic top-down shooter game with a funky, retro art style. Don’t let the wireframe graphics fool you, though — there are some great visual effects thrown in here to make this game as gorgeous as it is frantic. New in Pew Pew 2 is a single player campaign where players dig through labyrinthine stages, but the real fun is found in the various infinite play modes. You can unlock new ships and game modes as you progress, too.

There aren’t any in-app purchases or ads to be seen here, which will be refreshing for many gamers.

Download: Pew Pew 2 ($2.57)

Ready Steady Bang

Sometimes less is more. Ready Steady Bang is a simple, stylized dueling game where players have to tap their side of the screen as soon as the countdown is finished. The “bang” kicks in at random intervals though, making the wait sometimes too much to bear. There’s no aiming; just pure speed and reflex. It’s got an old-timey Western theme with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Players can work their way through a roster of increasingly skilled AI gunslingers and earn new and entertaining death animations in the process, or go head-to-head with a friend in local multiplayer.

On top of its simple and suspenseful gameplay, you won’t have to deal with in-app purchase prompts, or fork over a giant list of device permissions when installing.

Download: Ready Steady Bang (Free)

Zombiewood

Zombiewood is a goofy dual-stick shooter where players take control of an overly ambitious stuntman in zombie-infested Hollywood. A perverse director guides you through scenes that make ample use of costumed undead. Players work their way through ridiculous movie tropes while laying down withering fire on the undead.

Over-the-top power-ups, weapons, and upgrades all add up to a pretty wild experience. I found the animation particularly smooth to boot.

Download: Zombiewood (Free)

Gunman Clive

Gunman Clive is a throwback to early 2D platformers — we’re talking NES difficulty and mechanics. Run, jump, and shoot as Clive makes his way through traps, puzzles, and enemy gunmen. The control design reminded me a lot of NES with its directional pad and two button interface — responsive and easy to control.

In an arena of mostly flashy, cutting edge graphics, the monochromatic visual art design might be enough to cause you to overlook this dusty gem. This game isn’t about great graphics — it’s about challenging gameplay and a soothing soundtrack. Be prepared to lose track of time as you try just one more time to reach the end of the stage.

Adding to the retro feel and offering a nice change to the norm, Gunman Clive does not require any device permissions, does not have any in-app purchases, and does not display any ads.

Download: Gunman Clive ($1.99)

Did we miss any?

Let us know in the comments below your favorite shooter available for Android. If none of these games put the ammo in your clip, check out our roundup of the best Android games.

Super Mario Run cannot be played offline, the non-mobile mobile game

Super Mario Run will be released on iOS Thursday 15 December and it has been generating a lot of interest. After all, it’s Mario’s first outing on a mobile phone or tablet.

However, it might not be as mobile as you’d hoped.

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed that, due to security (piracy) worries, the forthcoming platformer will be playable only when you have an internet connection. It will not be possible to play even the single-player mode when offline.

That completely rules out being able to play it when travelling on the Tube or on a plane, for example.

You will be able to play it when you have a stable mobile internet connection, over 4G or even 3G, but as soon as your data signal drops, you’ll be out of luck. And if you are travelling abroad and don’t have an all-inclusive data roaming plan, forget it.

• Super Mario Run for iOS: How to play, how much will it cost and when can you get it?
• Super Mario Run preview: Playing the game with Miyamoto himself

“For us, we view our software as being a very important asset for us. And also for consumers who are purchasing the game, we want to make sure that we’re able to offer it to them in a way that the software is secure, and that they’re able to play it in a stable environment,” Miyamoto told Mashable.

“We wanted to be able to leverage that network connection with all three of the [Super Mario Run] modes to keep all of the modes functioning together and offering the game in a way that keeps the software secure. This is something that we want to continue to work on as we continue to develop the game.”

Nintendo is paranoid about piracy considering it will be running on another manufacturer’s hardware. It considered separating the single-player gameplay from online multiplayer modes to offer some offline aspects, but decided against it.

So before you pay £7.99 to unlock the full game ahead of going on holiday, remember that it’s unlikely you’ll actually be able to play it when you get there. Or even on the route.

ICYMI: Birds the magical flying machines

Today on In Case You Missed It: There are three main theories of flight and it turns out, Stanford has poked holes in them by simply training a mini parrot to wear tiny safety goggles, then fly through a laser sheet. The video is more adorable than you could probably imagine so feel free to get your fix here. Meanwhile, NASA’s new jet engine could make waves in both increased fuel efficiency and plane design since it relies on slower-moving air currents.

The Arctic Sea Ice video is here, but the must-watch in this scenario is the Weather Channel take-down of Breitbart News. The video of the lawn picture maker is here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.