Apple Seeds First Beta of tvOS 10.1.1 to Developers
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 10.1.1 update to developers for testing purposes, just days after releasing the tvOS 10.1 update and more than a month after launching tvOS 10.
Designed for the fourth-generation Apple TV, the tvOS 10.1 beta can be obtained by connecting the Apple TV to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, downloading and installing the software from a registered developer account via iTunes or Apple Configurator.
Once a beta profile has been installed on the device through iTunes, new beta updates will be available over the air.
It’s not yet known what new features or changes might be included in the new tvOS beta, but as a 10.1.x update, it’s likely to be minor in scale, introducing bug fixes and other performance enhancements.
tvOS 10.1.1 follows tvOS 10.1, a major update that introduced the new “TV” app, which serves as an Apple-designed television guide and TV watching hub.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 10
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Caution)
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Apple Seeds First Beta of iOS 10.2.1 to Developers
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming iOS 10.2.1 update to developers, two days after releasing iOS 10.2 and three months after introducing the new iOS 10 operating system.
Registered developers can download the new iOS 10.2.1 beta from the Apple Developer Center or over-the-air with the proper configuration profile installed.
It’s not yet clear what features are included in iOS 10.2.1, but as a minor 10.2.x update, it’s likely to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements rather than major outward-facing changes.
iOS 10.2.1 comes shortly after the release of iOS 10.2, a major update that brought new emoji, the TV app, new Messages Screen Effects, Music improvements, and a whole slew of bug fixes.
Related Roundup: iOS 10
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Apple Seeds First Beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 to Developers
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming macOS Sierra 10.12.3 update to developers, just one day after releasing macOS Sierra 10.12.2 and almost three months after launching the macOS Sierra operating system.
macOS Sierra 10.12.3 is available for download through the Apple Developer Center or through the software update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
Because this is a first beta, we don’t yet know what features are included in the update, but Apple’s release notes say the 10.12.3 update “improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.” We’ll update this post with any changes that are discovered in the beta.
Available since September, macOS Sierra is the latest Mac operating system. It includes Siri support, Apple Pay for the web, Universal Clipboard, Apple Watch auto unlocking, improved iCloud Drive integration, Picture-in-Picture multitasking, and dozens of smaller features that can be found in our macOS Sierra roundup.
Related Roundup: macOS Sierra
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Huawei Mate 9 review – CNET
The Good The Huawei Mate 9 has more power than you’ll need, a camera that’s great for arty shots and a battery that won’t quit on you by dinner.
The Bad Its screen is only full HD and its design is utterly forgettable.
The Bottom Line It doesn’t have the flame-prone Note 7’s beautiful lines and curves, but if you’re after a high-performance big-screened phone that won’t set your pants on fire, the Mate 9 is a great option.
Visit manufacturer site for details.
So you’ve got to send back your Galaxy Note 7 before it explodes, but you still want a high-performance giant phone in your pocket. Come and check out the Huawei Mate 9.
It’s a beefy thing, with a 5.9-inch display that edges out the 5.7-inches of the now-dead Note 7. It’s wrapped in an all-metal body, packs two cameras on the back and is stuffed with powerful components.
Apart from the lack of a stylus, it’s got pretty much everything you’d expect from the Note, but without the risk of your pocket bursting into flames.
Do hold on before you draw money from your bank account though — while the phone was initially scheduled to be on sale globally by November, at the time of writing Huawei has yet to make it available to buy through official channels. The company still says it’s aiming for this side of the new year, but I’d be surprised to see that happen.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It’s also worth bearing in mind that Huawei snuck out an even better-sounding version of the Mate 9, called the Mate 9 Pro. With a curved-screen design that looks identical to the Note 7, the Pro packs a meaty 6GB of RAM, up to 256GB of built-in storage and a fingerprint scanner set into a physical home button on the front. It’s really the phone that the Mate 9 should be.
Huawei told me that this supercharged variant is only for China, but the product does appear on the UK website, so I can’t say for certain that the UK, US and Australia won’t see this model at all.
There is also the Mate 9 Porsche Design, which has the same high-end internal specs as the Pro, but has a different aesthetic, thanks to the hands at the Porsche Design house. It’s available now in Europe, but it will set you back 1,395 euros (about £1,180, $1,485 or AU$1,980). I’d suggest simply waiting for the Pro, which I imagine will cost about half that.
I’ve asked Huawei for a full rundown on when the Mate 9 will be available to buy and whether the Pro version will hit shelves outside China and will of course update this review with information as we get it.
Full metal jacket
- 156.9×78.9×7.9 millimetres (6.17×3.1×0.3 inches)
- 190g (6.7 ounces)
- USB-C charging port
- 64GB storage
- MicroSD card slot
Squashing in such a big display has made the Mate 9 a big guy to hold. If you’ve got hands the size of moons then holding it in one hand won’t be an issue, but even then, it’s tough to stretch your thumb across to type. Bashing out a long email? Use both hands.
The metal body feels sturdy and has none of the flex in the back that you’d find on cheaper handsets. That said, it lacks the luxurious, slick design of the curved glass and metal Note 7. It may be an alternative in specs, but in looks, the Mate 9 is no match for Samsung’s phone.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The back of the phone is home to a fingerprint sensor, which works quickly and rarely misreads your prints. It charges through a USB-C connector at the bottom of the phone and there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top — ideal if you’re not willing to give up your headphone cable for the iPhone 7 Plus.
The phone comes with a generous 64GB of storage as standard, which you can expand further with a microSD card.
A vibrant display that needs more
- 5.9 inches
- 1,920×1,080-pixel resolution
- 373 pixels per iinch
The display’s large size helps it show off images and movies well, but I’m disappointed to only see a full HD resolution here. While full HD is sufficient for everyday tools like Twitter, Whatsapp and so on, it doesn’t have quite the same clarity as you’ll find on higher resolution panels, like the Note 7 with its 2,560×1,440-pixels.
Indeed, the Mate 9 has a pixel density of 373 pixels per inch. The Note 7 packed more pixels into a smaller space, resulting in a much more impressive 515ppi and Google’s Pixel XL beats them both with 535ppi. High resolutions are particularly important if you ever want to use your device with a VR headset like Google’s Daydream — when the screen is right in front of your eyes, you’ll really notice the extra pixels.
The Mate 9’s screen is at least bright enough to counter the worst of CNET’s overhead office lights, and its colours are rich and vibrant. Colourful games like Riptide GP look great. If you don’t care a bit about VR then a full HD display like this one will suit you just fine.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
A powerful beating heart
- Octa-core Kirin 960 processor
- 4GB RAM
- Android 7.0 Nougat with Huawei Emotion skin
The phone runs on Huawei’s latest octa-core Kirin 960 processor, which is backed up by 4GB of RAM. It’s a potent processor that blitzed through our benchmark tests (see results chart below) and it’s helped along by a handful of software tweaks. At the phone’s launch, Huawei explained that a whole host of behind-the-scenes software changes help the phone manage its memory and background tasks more efficiently.
How much work Huawei has really done is impossible to say, but regardless I’m happy to report that the phone is indeed buttery smooth to use. It has none of the lag and stuttering when swiping around the Android interface as I’ve seen on many of Huawei’s previous phones. Apps load quickly too, and rarely crash while in use — something I can’t say about the previous Mate 8.
Huawei Mate 9 benchmark scores
Huawei Mate 9
27,832
6,158
1,941
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
29,332
3,845
1,699
Google Pixel XL
28,256
4,201
1,556
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
28,896
4,062
1,724
Legend:
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited)
Geekbench 4 (Multi-core)
Geekbench 4 (Single-core)
Note:
Longer bars equal better performance
The powerful processor was able to tackle photo editing in Adobe Photoshop Express and Snapseed, Netflix streamed without any problem and demanding games like Riptide GP: Renegade and Asphalt Xtreme had consistently high frame rates for smooth gameplay.
I’ve not enjoyed Huawei’s software in the past as it changes so much of the stock Android interface that it ends up feeling bloated and clunky to use. The changes have been toned down a touch this time round, though. Most notably with the return of the Android app tray. While previous versions removed the app tray, forcing you to keep your apps scattered across the homescreens, the Mate 9 gives you the option of putting it back. It’ll help experienced Android users feel more at home.
The software still isn’t perfect though. The settings menu is needlessly complicated and while you can change the themes on the phone, I can’t figure out how to download others beyond the pitiful six “local themes” that come preloaded. Huawei’s custom skin has been tweaked just enough to make it that bit more pleasant to use overall.
Amazon Prime Video expands to over 200 countries
You’ll be able to stream The Grand Tour in over 200 countries.
Amazon is expanding its Prime Video service to over 200 countries, bringing serious competition to Netflix. The latter launched globally earlier this year, rolling out to 130 countries around the world. Amazon is now following suit by making its original content — including the likes of The Grand Tour, Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, and others — available for streaming to an international audience.
Amazon Prime members in Belgium, Canada, France, India, Italy and Spain will be able to watch Prime Video starting today for no additional cost. If you’re not a member yet, you can sign up for a 30-day trial now for free. In other regions, the subscription will cost $2.99 per month for the first six months, following which it will be $5.99 monthly.
While Netflix rolled out offline downloads at the end of last month, Amazon has offered the ability to view TV shows and movies offline since last year.
You’ll be able to watch all the content available through the Prime Video app on Android phones and tablets, iOS, Amazon Fire tablets and Fire TV Stick, and online at primevideo.com. With The Grand Tour surpassing HBO’s Game of Thrones when it comes to illegal downloads, Amazon will be hoping that the international rollout of Prime Video will convince some of the people pirating the show to pony up for the service.
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I’m really happy with this $13 leather Pixel XL case
With few selling leather cases for the Pixel XL so far, we turn to Amazon, and snail mail from China.
If you just have to have a case on a phone (and that’s a thing I’ve finally come around to), then you have to have a leather case. It’s really the only civilized thing to do, right?
Problem is leather cases for the Pixel XL are pretty hard to come by at this point. Google doesn’t sell any directly, so we’re pretty much on our own to find something. And the something that I’ve found is an inexpensive one from X-Level.
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This PU leather case — the gist is that it’s not quite as nice and absolutely not as expensive as “genuine leather” cases — came in at about $13 for me. I’m wiling to spend more on a case, especially if that means it’s going to hold up longer. But a couple weeks into this one and so far it’s been money well spent. The cutouts for the camera and fingerprint sensor aren’t over-sized. There’s a little bit of daylight visible from the front where the 3.5mm headphone jack sits, but that’s a minor fit-and-finish thing. The case itself fits snug enough and hasn’t once tried to come off.
This actually gives the Pixel XL — the larger of Google’s two 2016 phones — a much better feel. It’s no longer too thin. It’s no longer a little slippery. I can put it down on my desk without worrying about scratching it. And, yes, I’ve even dropped it a couple times, with no additional dings on the phone. (What you can see in the pictures here was what led me to finally get a case in the first place.)
So while we await something a little more official and more expensive from the usual suspects, this X-Level case for the Pixel XL is doing me just fine.
Google Pixel + Pixel XL
- Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
- Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
- Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
- Pixel + Pixel XL specs
- Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
- Join the discussion in the forums!
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Digital Offers: Learn to develop apps for Android N for only $17
Got an idea for the next big Android app? With this course, you can make it a reality!
Developing and coding for Android can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve got no previous coding experience. You might be wondering where would I even start? Don’t people usually spend an arm and a leg on schooling to learn how to develop apps?
While it’s true that having good instruction is key to learning how to code for Android, you don’t need to head back to school and you don’t need to break the bank to go become a competent Android developer.
What you need is a thorough, focused course that will teach you the intricacies of developing apps for Android. What’s better than hands-on experience and an instructor who knows exactly what they’re doing?
Android Central has a great deal for you, where you can get [the Complete Android N Developer Course for only just $17. You read that right! You’ll save 91% off the regular price of this course, which features over 32 hours of content split up into 22 different sections, all taught by Cambridge University graduate Rob Percival.
This course will walk you through the process of creating clones of popular Android apps including Instagram, Uber, Flappy Bird, Twitter, and WhatsApp, arming you with the skills, knowledge, and processes you’ll to develop and publish your own apps.
Some of the section titles include:
- Introduction to Android Studio
- Java Deep Dive
- Media: Images, Video and Sound
- Permanent Data Storage
- Submitting your app to Google Play
Have you been meaning to get your app ideas up and running? Why not start right now? The demand for quality apps shows no signs of slowing, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on a developer course like this one. Grab the Complete Android N Developer Course now, because this is a limited time offer that won’t last long.
See at Android Central Digital Offers
Best Strategy Games for Android
Put on your thinking hat with these strategy games for Android
We’re rounding up some of our favorite strategy games on Android for the deep thinkers out there. These are more than just simple puzzles games — these require careful planning and forethought to emerge victorious. You’ll find some great replay value in games like these as well, since the same strategy won’t always work twice.
Strategy gamers, pop on your thinking caps and get downloading these outstanding Android games.
- Clash Royale
- Plague Inc.
- Pandemic: The Board Game
- Vainglory
- Hearthstone
- Plants Vs. Zombies 2
- Star Command
Clash Royale
From the makers of Clash of Clans comes Clash Royale. Battle human opponents in real time via frantic card-based battles where you must take out the enemy’s Crown Towers while defending your own.
To be successful in Clash Royale, you’ll need to learn the strengths and weaknesses of all the different cards, then use them very strategically during battle. Play the wrong card at the wrong time and it might be game over, so be smart, and patient.
The longer the play and the more trophies you collect, the more cards you unlock. In-app purchases can help expedite your progress, but they’re not necessary as you’ll be automatically matched up with opponents at your skill level. Clash Royale is one of the best games of 2016, so download it and find out what the hype is all about.
Download: Clash Royale (Free)
Plague Inc.
Plague Inc. is a rather dark global virus simulation game. Players gently guide a disease from a modest cough to a deadly worldwide pandemic by evolving it with new symptoms, means of transmission, and resistances. Over time, players unlock new disease types with their own unique traits. World events also randomly pop up every game, forcing you to change your evolution path.
With an in-app purchase, you can get rid of ads and add a fast-forward option, or shortcut to new virus types. As morbid as it may be, Plague Inc.’s gameplay is truly infectious.
Download: Plague Inc. (Free)
Pandemic: The Board Game
From spreading the plague, to trying to prevent one, this mobile version of the popular strategic board game of the same name that provides a real challenge whether you’re playing alone or with friends. Your goal: Try to cure four contagious diseases from spreading and taking over the world.
You select your characters at the start of the game, with each character performing specific roles to help eradicate the diseases. Which characters you pick will have a big effect on your team’s ultimate success. This is a pass-and-play game to play with friends, and you’ll all have to work together and use your teams strategically if you want to win. There’s an in-app purchase available for expansions, which improves the replayability of this addictive and challenging game.
Download: Pandemic: The Board Game ($6.99)
Vainglory
Vainglory is the complete package, featuring all the frantic MOBA action fans of the genre have come to expect — jump into a quick match with random teammates and opponents, create your own party of friends and take on all comers, or chill offline and practice your strategies against bots. There are five hero classes featuring a total of 25 unique heroes to unlock, upgrade and take into battle. The touch controls are smooth and easy to pick up, so you’ll be able to jump right into the heat of the battle instantly. As you fight your way down the lane, there’s a significant upgrade system that branches out, allowing you to react and counter your enemies more effectively.
If you’re new to the MOBA genre, no worries! After introducing you to the gameplay fundamentals on first launch, Vainglory also features the Academy, an extensive tutorial section that will help you bolster your skills and abilities in the game. There’s also a ton of things to unlock, live events to participate in, and a bustling online community on Twitch. Jump in!
Download: Vainglory (Free)
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a free, turn-based card game that follows a familiar formula: players summon creature cards and cast spell cards based on the Warcraft universe in an effort to defeat online opponents.
Every one of the nine heroes has their own unique special ability as well as a sizeable batch of collectible and craftable cards. Casual online games, ranked matches, wacky weekly Tavern Brawls, and gruelling Arena games appeal to varying levels of commitment, as you build your deck and your best strategies.
Hearthstone is without a doubt the best free card game to come to Android to date.
Download: Hearthstone (Free)
Plants Vs. Zombies 2
Plants vs. Zombies is a venerable mobile franchise for a good reason.
The bizarre premise of protecting your back lawn from hordes of undead with sunflowers and pea shooters (literally pea plants turned weapons) is certainly part of that, but there’s a lot of tactical thinking in terms of plant choices before the attack begins, and placement. In Plants vs. Zombies 2, you’re taken back in time to defend against zombies dressed in era garb, and try out all sorts of new mechanics. The zombies are getting smarter, and challenge your reaction speed in a number of ways, though you also have a whole new complement of plants to use. Stages also have new terrain features to keep every round fresh. Plant food can be collected to super-charge any plant when things get especially hairy.
All in all, Plants vs. Zombies 2 presents deep strategic gameplay in a fun, colorful package.
Download: Plants Vs. Zombies 2 (Free)
Star Command
Star Command is a sci-fi strategy game with a retro pixel art style. Players take command of a spaceship that vaguely looks like it could have been pulled out of a Star Trek movie, and recruit a crew, upgrade facilities, and embark on intergalactic adventures that usually end in a firefight with grotesque aliens.
Battles rage between ships with different mini-games for each weapon system, or against boarding parties, where you need to move crew members into position, put out fires, and make sure your people don’t get sucked out into the cold void of space when there’s a hull breach. Over time, your crew increases in skills, enabling them to man the ship’s various stations with increasing effectiveness.
If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted single-player experience with great writing and a lot of long-term progression, Star Command is where it’s at.
Download: Star Command ($2.99)
What are you playing?
These are our picks, but we love to hear what our readers are playing. Let us know in the comments and your picks just might appear in a future update!
This article was originally published in February 2016. It was last updated in December 2016 with new additions.
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Next-gen fingerprint sensors will live under the glass
Optical fingerprint sensors could be the future.
Next-generation fingerprint sensors won’t be tied to specific buttons, nor will they require cutouts that take up precious space on the phone. Companies like Synaptics now have fingerprint sensor solutions that can be embedded under a phone or tablet’s display glass, “capable of high-resolution scanning through 1mm of full cover glass and enables clean, button-free industrial designs,” the company said in a press release.
That is good, because while many popular Android phones like the Galaxy S7 incorporate a fingerprint sensor into a traditional home button, most Android phones use on-screen navigation, and are forced to find other places to embed biometrics.
The Synaptics FS9100 promises to make fingerprint sensors more water resistant and less prone to degradation over time, and for manufacturers, easier to implement. The main takeaway here is that Synaptics’ solution is optical, not capacitive, which doesn’t require thinning of the surface glass to improve recognition:
Under cover glass biometrics eliminates button cut-outs and glass thinning processes required by capacitive under-glass sensors, leading to glass yield improvements.
Optical sensors have traditionally been less popular than capacitive ones because they require light to function, and because they aren’t typically able to take a 3D reading of a digit. Synaptics claims that these issues have been overcome with this latest generation, and that the FS9100 is even able to accurately read fingerprints through 2.5D glass, which is increasingly common on devices like the Galaxy series.
Could this be the sensor found in the Galaxy S8 Synaptics says that mass shipments will begin in the second quarter of next year, so it’s entirely possible.
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Spy on your pets with a Petcube for just $79 today!
Amazon’s Deal of the Day today can save you $70 on the awesome Petcube camera. Ever wonder what your pets are up to when you leave the house? Well, now you can stop wondering and start checking in on them from anywhere, all for just $79. The Petcube camera not only allows you to see the pets, but also interact with them thanks to the two-way audio, and play games with them through the built-in laser.
This deal is only good for today, December 14, so be sure to act quickly if you are interested in picking one up. Stop guessing what your pets are up to, and start knowing today!
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