The Morning After: Tuesday, January 10th 2017

CES 2017 has wrapped up and Engadget is back to the relative normality of another week in tech. That said, we have all our Best Of CES winners, Razer says its prototype hardware was stolen at the show, and the iPhone celebrates its 10th birthday.

Simply the best.
Presenting the Best of CES 2017 winners!

We debated. We argued. One of us even yelled. After a long night of going through our list of finalists, our editors settled on our winners for the official Best of CES awards. Winners include LG, Dell, Razer, Honda and, perhaps surprisingly, Fisher-Price.

Industrial espionage or desperate fans?
Razer’s prototype laptops were stolen from its CES booth

Razer’s CEO Min-Liang Tan confirmed that two of its concept products were stolen from its booth on the last day of the show. “I’ve just been informed that two of our prototypes were stolen from our booth at CES today,” said Tan on his Facebook page. “We have filed the necessary reports and are currently working with the show management as well as law enforcement to address this issue.” In a later statement, the company said it was two of its three-screened laptops, currently titled Project Valerie, that were stolen at the show.

A world before smartphone apps.The iPhone’s legacy, 10 years later

On January 9th, 2007, Steve Jobs gave the world its first glimpse of the iPhone. A decade later, and it’s difficult to overstate the impact it’s had. Associate Editor Jon Fingas looks at all the things that Apple has got right and wrong with its most popular product over the years.

One accidental dollhouse order led to lots of accidental dollhouse orders
Amazon’s Echo attempted a TV-fueled shopping spree

Voice-activated devices can screw up — just ask anyone watching a Microsoft gaming event with a Kinect-equipped Xbox One nearby. However, Amazon’s Echo speaker caused more of that chaos than usual when a 6-year-old girl inadvertently ordered cookies and a dollhouse from Amazon by saying what she wanted. It was a costly goof ($170), but nothing too special by itself. Well, until San Diego’s CW6 discussed the snafu on a morning TV show and one of the hosts made the mistake of saying that he liked when the girl said “Alexa ordered me a dollhouse.” The channel then received multiple reports from viewers whose Echo devices tried to order dollhouses when their Echo device heard those magical dollhouse-ordering words from the TV.

But wait, there’s more…

• OLED TVs will finally take off in 2017
• MIT’s 3D graphene is ten times stronger than steel
• Of course I took these eerily detailed 3D selfies at CES

Fitbit just bought another smartwatch startup

One of the more surprising smartwatches of 2015 was from Vector, a Romanian startup led by former Citizen executives. Its 30-day battery life, Pebble-esque UI and classic watch design made it a great device for someone seeking a less ostentatiously geeky wearable. Now, the company has revealed that Fitbit has purchased it and its employees will be joining the fitness wearables firm.

Unfortunately for Vector owners, Fitbit will be integrating Vector’s hardware and software know-how into its own organization. That means that Vector, as a brand, will die off, and while its watches will remain operational, you can kiss any hope for software updates and new hardware goodbye.

It’s the second low-power watch brand that Fitbit has purchased in recent months after rescuing Pebble at the end of 2016. The fact that Vector drew, uh, inspiration from Pebble means that the two teams will have plenty of common ground.

It’s certainly not enough to assume that Fitbit is working on a low-power smartwatch in the vein of Pebble and Vector. But then it seems silly to spend all of that money on two very un-Fitbit like devices just to force them to tweak the underwhelming Blaze.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Vector

Crop spray gives plants GMO benefits without altering genes

Scientists have developed a clay-based RNA spray that turns off certain genes in plants, making them resistant to a virus for up to 20 days. With a single treatment, the researchers were able to protect tobacco plants from the “pepper mild mottle virus,” a serious disease transmitted by humans during farm operations. On top of crop protection, the technique could be used to modify the color, taste and appearance of plants, but unlike with GMO plants, the underlying DNA would not be changed.

The “dsRNA”-based spray developed by the University of Queensland researchers, called BioClay, works on the principal of “gene silencing.” When applied, it’s absorbed by the plant leaves and deactivates, or silences, a certain gene, causing the cells to cut up the virus’s RNA. Other cell defenses can then identify it as foreign and destroy it. “Once BioClay is applied, the plant ‘thinks’ it is being attacked by a disease or pest insect and responds by protecting itself from the targeted pest or disease,” says research lead Neena Mitter.

The technique is well-known, and plenty of researchers and companies like Monsanto have been trying to commercialize it. Until recently, the largest barrier was the expense of the RNA material — enough of it to treat a small field (several grams), cost more than $100,000. However, John Killmer told New Scientist that his biotech firm, Apse, aims to produce the same amount for under $2 per gram.

A single spray of BioClay protects the plant and then degrades, reducing the risk to the environment or human health.

Another problem: no other teams have managed to make the technique last longer than a few days. The University of Queensland team’s trick was to develop a base for the RNA that would stick to the plant and continue to be absorbed over time. “Once loaded on [clay nanosheets], the dsRNA does not wash off, shows sustained release and can be detected on sprayed leaves even 30 days after application,” the paper says.

While the Queensland team focused on crop protection, the same technique could be used to prevent fruits from rotting. Monsanto, for instance, came up with a technique to dope vase water with RNA, stopping flowers from wilting. Similar techniques could be used to kill potato bugs, aphids and other pests.

The technique protects plants without modifying their underlying genome, but given public opposition to GMO crops, may face similar hurdles. “People are going to say you are taking the RNA and spraying this in the open,” biologist Kassim Al-Khatib told MIT Review last year.

However, Mitter begs to differ, saying that unlike pesticides, the material is safe and doesn’t linger in the soil or pollute waters. “A single spray of BioClay protects the plant and then degrades, reducing the risk to the environment or human health,” she says. And many producers won’t tar it with the GMO brush. “I have had organic growers call me up and tell me to hurry up with the technology,” Killmer tells New Scientist.

Via: New Scientist

Source: Nature Plants (paywall), Queensland University

Apple to Forge ‘iPhone 8’ Chassis Frame From Stainless Steel Instead of Aluminum

Apple is expected to adopt a forged stainless steel crafting process for its glass-encased “iPhone 8”, rather than use traditional aluminum CNC machining.

Taiwanese sources from the upstream supply chain apparently confirmed the transition on Tuesday, according to DigiTimes, with component orders expected to be shared between Foxconn and U.S.-based Jabil.

Edge-to-edge iPhone concept image via ConceptsiPhone

The next-generation iPhone is expected to abandon its conventional aluminum back cover design and will adopt a new design using two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle. The metal bezel will be made of stainless steel using a forging process to enhance its sturdiness and reduce costs and manufacturing time.

The stainless steel process was last used by Apple in the iPhone 4s handset, which encased a “glass sandwich” chassis in two CNC-machined steel bands. However, every succeeding iPhone iteration has used aluminum because the alloy offers heightened structural rigidity while remaining relatively lightweight.

Supply chain sources said the cost of the forging process is between 30 percent and 50 percent cheaper than the current unibody CNC machine process, while quality control is also more stable. Despite the switch, Apple is expected to continue outsourcing orders for internal structural parts to Catcher Technology and Casetek, because the stainless steel bezel will require further refinement using traditional CNC machining.

Today’s report supports recent rumors indicating at least one model of iPhone this year will have a redesigned all-glass body with a steel frame housing an edge-to-edge, curved OLED display. Jony Ive has wanted to introduce an iPhone that looks like a single sheet of glass for several years, and glass is also necessary if Apple wants to introduce wireless charging. If an edge-to-edge display does feature, the home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor would be embedded in the display.

Apple is said to be planning to position the OLED iPhone 8 as a “Premium” model that will perhaps be sold alongside standard flat display 4.7, 5, and 5.5-inch iPhone models, but details relating to size, configurations, and materials used remain sketchy.

Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
Tag: digitimes.com
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Fitbit Acquires European Luxury Smartwatch Maker Vector Watch

Fitbit has made another acquisition in the wearables market, this time buying out European luxury smartwatch maker Vector Watch for an undisclosed price.

Vector Watch only launched in March of last year offering a range of 12 smartwatch models in various fashion-conscious styles. Key features in its line-up include basic activity tracking, phone notifications, and 30-day battery life, with some third-party apps built into the interface. The London-based company announced the buyout in a statement on its website.

Today, we are happy to announce that the Vector Watch team and our software platform are joining Fitbit, the leader in the connected health and fitness market! We believe this is an important milestone as a moment when we will start building other new and amazing products, features and experiences, incorporating our unique technology and knowhow with Fitbit’s experience and global community.

Vector said its integration with Fitbit would have no impact on existing customers, whose smartwatches would continue to function as usual, while technical support and warranties would be unaffected. However, new product features (software and hardware) would not be added.

The buyout comes just one month after Fitbit acquired U.S.-based Pebble for a reported $40 million, signaling the company’s intention to continue to invest in software development, despite falling shares and a gloomy outlook for the overall wearables market.

Global shipments in the last quarter fell by more than half compared to last year, according to recent figures by IDC. Despite the numbers, Fitbit remains the market leader with 23 percent share, up from 21.4 percent a year ago, on the strength of its new Charge 2 fitness tracker. The Apple Watch is still the world’s best-selling smartwatch, but basic wearables account for 85 percent of the market, putting Apple in fourth place overall with 4.9 percent share and 1.1 million devices shipped in the last quarter.

Tag: Fitbit
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Greenpeace Declares Apple ‘Greenest Tech Company’ For Third Year Running

Greenpeace has declared Apple to be the most environmentally friendly technology company in the world for the third year in a row.

The conclusion was reached in the environmental organization’s latest report, entitled Clicking Clean: Who is Winning the Race to Build a Green Internet, which awarded Apple a final ‘A’ grade and a clean energy index score of 83 percent. Facebook and Google also scored ‘A’ grades, with clean energy index scores of 67 and 56 percent respectively.

“Thanks to the leadership and advocacy of companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Switch, we are seeing the tech industry make major strides toward powering the internet with clean energy,” Gary Cook, Greenpeace’s senior IT analyst, said in a statement.

The report ranked companies on a range of green credentials, from energy transparency and renewable procurement to energy efficiency and mitigation. Nevada-based telecoms company Switch, which develops data centers, was the only company in its sector to be awarded grade A’s across the board, with a 100 percent clean energy index.

According to the report, Apple “played a catalytic role within its IT supply chain, pushing other IT data center and cloud operators who help deliver pieces of Apple’s corner of the internet to follow their lead in powering their operations with renewable energy”.

Apple, Google, and Facebook pledged in 2012 to commit to 100 percent renewable energy sources. Apple’s new Cupertino campus, which is currently under construction, will run entirely on renewable energy, thanks to an estimated 700,000 square feet of solar panels.

Despite the positives in the tech sector, the report highlighted concerns with regards to emerging East Asian internet companies, which lack access to renewables from monopoly utilities in those regions.

“Without key policy changes, the rapid growth of the internet in East Asia will likely be powered by coal and other dirty sources of electricity,” the report stated. According to Greenpeace, the north and southeast Asian region is the world’s biggest emitter of CO2.

Tags: Environmental Responsibility, Greenpeace, Apple environment
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Oppo R9s review – CNET

The Good The Oppo R9s’ 16-megapixel front and rear cameras are all-star performers. It’ll go for days on a single charge, and has custom gesture controls.

The Bad You’ll feel the phone’s midrange design in its sharp-edged aluminium body and some clunky software navigation.

The Bottom Line Oppo’s R9s battery life and camera make it a great midprice buy, even if it isn’t as buttery-smooth as more upmarket phones.

There are some good reasons to look past the Oppo R9s’ alarmingly Apple-ish design. First, this follow-up to the Oppo R9 has got killer battery life. Second, the front and rear 16-megapixel cameras are serious business. And third, you can pick up the R9s for a fraction of flagship prices — AU$600 (around $435 or £350, converted).

The phone does have some shortcomings, like actual rough edges and a needlessly complicated interface, but it’s hard to beat the R9s’ excellent camera, long battery life and price.

Key specs

• 5.5 inch, 1,920×1,080-pixel screen
• 16-megapixel front and rear cameras
• 4GB RAM
• Dual SIM
• Android 6.0 with ColorOS 3.0
• 64GB ROM, expandable to 256GB
• Fingerprint scanner

The big-screen R9s might look a little familiar.

Oppo

A happy snapper

Both front and rear 16-megapixel cameras are some of the R9s’ biggest selling points. Developed in conjunction with Sony, the zippy shutter speed, admirable low-light performance and full slew of features and camera modes hit all the sweet spots. Beauty Mode, which is Oppo’s custom selfie filter, warrants special mention for making you look amazing. Honestly, don’t take selfies without it. Join me in lying to yourself.

Battery

The R9s’ battery life is outstanding. In testing, it clocked in at just under 16 hours of continuous video playback, which puts it on par with our pick of the midrange, the OnePlus 3T, and hours ahead of the Pixel and iPhone 7. Anecdotally, even an obsessive watcher of battery life like me got a very comfortable two days before I was scrambling for the charging cord.

What’s more, the flash charging will give you a couple hours of battery life after just a few minutes of charge. If you’re the kind to stray from your desk through the day, you’ll be glad the R9s’ battery keeps ticking on.

Design

The R9s falls down a little in design. It’s a midrange phone, and you can quite literally feel where it’s rough around the edges. While it’s thin, solid and wraps the big screen with a slim bezel, the tapered sides give the R9s a sharp feel. The aluminium construction stops it from feeling cheap like plastic, but there’s no getting around those slightly uncomfortable edges.

HTC unexpectedly launches mid-range Desire 650

We were a little surprised to see an HTC product launch press release land in our inbox this morning, especially since the company is holding an event on 12 January where it’s expected to unveil three new devices. 

• HTC Ocean: What’s the story on the HTC 11?

While those three phones are likely to be of more flagship-status, here we have a mid-range handset in the Desire 650. It’s the latest addition to the Desire range of mid-range handsets, and successor to the 630. HTC is keen to point out that the rear cover has a design that’s half smooth and half grooved to help make it more ergonomic while also providing an extra bit of grip to save you from dropping it.

On the front you’ll find a 5-inch 720p display which promises “visual clarity and vibrant colours” and an HTC Night Mode function that puts less strain on your eyes in low-lightning. The 13-megapixel camera on the Desire 650 has backside illumination (BSI) which claims to improve low-light shots while the front-facing 5MP snapper has various selfie modes, auto and voice-controlled shutter.

The Desire 650 is powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor with 2GB RAM, internal storage is limited to 16GB but it can be expanded by up to 2TB. HTC’s BoomSound audio technology makes a return, although it’s just a profile for when listening through headphones, but the Desire 650 can support any high-resolution music you may have.

The HTC Desire 650 will be available from February in Dark Blue and Lime Light colour finishes, the former being an O2 exclusive, prices are yet to be announced.

Garmin Fenix 5 preview: Mapping muscle added to outdoor adventurers’ dream smartwatch

Garmin has long been known as king of the hardcore outdoor smartwatch. And in the Fenix 5 – which, in 5X form only, adds mapping that the earlier Fenix 3 lacked – it’s giving customers more choice: with the standard size 5, smaller 5S and beast of the bunch 5X.

We got to play with the new watches at giant tech show CES 2017 to see whether Garmin can remain on top of what is becoming an increasingly competitive market. We only need to look at Casio’s slick Android Wear implementation in its new WSD-F20 to see that.

• Casio WSD-F20 preview: This rugged smartwatch shows Android Wear can be great

The Fenix 5 has a 47mm case, but a new design that makes it more compact than the previous models. You’ll be able to buy it in a selection of styles and colours. The addition of new QuickFit band design means you can easily swap the band out for a metal, leather or silicone strap of your choice.

Pocket-lint

The Fenix 5S is said to be designed for “female adventurers”. With its 42mm case it’s sleek and smaller than the Fenix 5. It’s going to be available in silver, with either a white, turquoise or black silicone band.

As for the 5X, that’s undoubtedly the beast of the bunch. It measures 51mm and comes loaded with TOPO US mapping and bespoke cycling and running navigation features and maps (it will be region specific depending on place of purchase).

• Best smartwatches and fitness trackers of CES 2017: What to expect

The Fenix 5X looks and feels directly comparable to the Casio F20. Its five button arrangement – two on one side, three on the other – might not offer all the slick features of Android Wear 2.0 integration, but for the Garmin user its click-through process will make a lot of sense.

Pocket-lint

You’ll need to learn your way around, too, given just how feature-packed this watch is. The three main watch features are Navigate, Track Me, and Apps.

You can enter how far you want to run or ride, and then the watch suggests routes for you, and can show you different points of interest on the way. You’ll also be able to configure the 5X to show you various data snippets on top of the mapping screen so you don’t have to interact with the watch during a run or bike ride, and still see both the maps and your stats. 

There’s a lot more depth to it than that, with tracking available to cater for a huge range of activity types: run (trail, indoor, outdoor), hike, climb, bike (indoor, outdoor, MTB), swim (pool, open water, swimrun), triathlon, ski (cross country, snowboard), row (water, indoor machine), golf (TruSwing), or go custom. Yep, we need to take a deep breath after that lot too.

Pocket-lint

All three watches in the series are designed to be worn all day every day, tracking daily activities, specific workouts and include heart-rate monitoring from the optical sensor on the rear.

Other sensors to make all that tracking possible include a 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter for measuring altitude and movement as well as GPS and GLONASS for accurate location tracking, even in tough conditions. 

• Best smartwatches to look forward to in 2017

They each have batteries to meet those demands too. The Fenix 5 can get up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. Due to its smaller size, the Fenix 5S has a smaller battery which can still get through eight days in smartwatch mode or 13 hours in GPS mode. The 5X fits in between those two with its 12 days battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode.

Pocket-lint

To complement its new range of watches, as well as its existing products, Garmin also announced that more useful apps are landing on its Connect IQ Store. The Uber ETA app will show the estimated arrival time of a hailed Uber ride on your wrist, once it’s been ordered from the mobile app. There’s also a GU Energy Labs data field to remind cyclists through their Edge device when to consume their next gel. There’s also a Strava Live Suffer Score data field for monitoring time spent in different heart-rate zones and an AccuWeather Edge Minutecast widgets supplying real-time hyper-local weather updates.  

The Fenix 5 series will be available to buy during the first quarter of 2017. The Fenix 5 and 5S will cost $599 (around £490), with the 5X and hardier sapphire crystal-coated versions of the 5 and 5S costing $699 (around £570) a piece.

Pocket-lint

Which you go for depends on your style and, to some degree, size. Of the lot, however, it’s hard to ignore the Casio’s considerable offering this time around. Garmin is resting on its market strength while its competition look for different ways to attack.

A white PS4 slim is coming this month

In a move that will surprise no one, Sony has announced a new color variant for its cheaper, slimmer PlayStation 4. The new “Glacier White” option will launch in Japan for 29,980 yen (500GB) and 34,980 yen (1TB) on February 23rd. The 500GB model will then be released in Europe for €299/£259 a day later. Aside from the new paint job, there’s no discernible difference between the console and its Jet Black counterpart. Before too long, however, it’ll no doubt be offered in a range of exclusive bundles.

As for the US, well, there’s no word on a release date just yet. (Boo!) We would be surprised if it never comes across the pond, however — white consoles tend to do pretty well stateside. In the meantime, North American gamers will have to sit tight or consider importing from another country. Personally, I still want that Final Fantasy XV edition PS4 slim… *swoon*

Source: PlayStation Blog