New Samsung Galaxy S8 image leaks reveal phone, on-screen controls

We now know what the Samsung Galaxy S8 will look like without a front home button, thanks to new leaks.

Sure, there’s already been tonnes of Galaxy S8 leaks revealing what the phone might feature, but new sets of images appearing on social media show the device in full — and they look really similar to past renders we’ve seen of the flagship, which Samsung is expected to launch next month. It is thought to be readying two models, the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus, with the latter packing a 6.2-inch Quad HD display.

Both phones are rumoured to ditch the home button on the front, and these images seem to confirm that, as they show the fingerprint sensor has been moved to the back alongside the camera. We also see minimal bezels, app icons for the Phone, Calendar, Messages, etc, as well as what the on-screen controls look like, considering we’ll still need a way to navigate the phone after Samsung nixes the front button.

The Galaxy S8 is turning out to be a rather interesting device. Check out Pocket-lint’s round-up for more details on what else it might feature.

China protective film manufacturers exposure Galaxy S8 pic.twitter.com/8VOXpikUsc

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) February 21, 2017

MORE IMAGES OF S8 PLUS!AND WE ARE SURE FINGERPRINT ON THE BACK! pic.twitter.com/JSte1v5fIO

— 萌萌的电教 (@mmddj_china) February 21, 2017

Intel and Ericsson form an alliance to explore 5G applications

Intel is already showing off the building blocks of its 5G hardware at MWC and the big carriers are rushing to upgrade to the new standard, but the chipmaking giant is also launching a new initiative to build more than just faster cellular network. According to an announcement today, Intel and it’s launch partners from Ericsson, Honeywell, General Electric and the University of California Berkeley have formed the 5G Innovators Initiative to explore and test new ideas that could change how connected devices, business, cities, and media operate.

At launch, the 5GI2 will focus on the Industrial Internet of Things, including AR and VR applications for drones and first responders. The initiative will eventually expand to other industries as more groups join up, but 5GI2 hopes to build and test applications for autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, health care and media, among others. The pilot programs will include full “step-by-step blueprints” of the speed, security and connectivity requirements so they can be easily replicated or open-sourced.

“5G is not simply about making smart phones faster,” Intel VP and General Manager of Next Generation Standards Asha Keddy said in a statement. “It’s about the machines and things that will deliver an entirely new smart and connected future. Building our 5G future requires a new approach to industry collaboration and development.”

Source: Intel Newsroom

Working Samsung Galaxy S8 reportedly surfaces in the wild

There have been supposed peeks at Samsung’s Galaxy S8 before, but always with the screen off. How is that near bezel-free design going to work, exactly? We might have a better idea. Photos have emerged that appear to show a functioning S8, including a brief look at the home screen. Sure enough, the phone would have both the Edge sidebar and on-screen navigation keys that mimic the layout of Samsung’s physical buttons — like it or not, the “back” button would be on the right by default. We’re not completely convinced this is the real deal (it’s coming from a screen protector manufacturer), but there’s evidence that it checks out.

In addition to lining up with earlier shots, the images come just as Android Police has obtained a system dump (ostensibly from the unannounced Galaxy Tab S3) with illustrations that show the S8’s basic outline and on-screen keys. Sure enough, these line up with what you see in the photos above. They also reference a “DeX” dock that would turn your S8 into a makeshift PC, much like Microsoft’s Continuum. All told, this new Galaxy is looking like a serious revamp — let’s just hope it works well in practice.

China protective film manufacturers exposure Galaxy S8 pic.twitter.com/8VOXpikUsc

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) February 21, 2017

Via: The Verge, Android Police

Source: Ice Universe (Twitter)

Leak shows AMD’s new Ryzen 7 1700X desktop CPU next to an older FX model

Why it matters to you

A comparison with the older, FX-branded desktop chip family provides a good glimpse of what the upcoming Ryzen desktop processors will look like.

AMD is officially launching its Ryzen lineup of desktop processors within the next several weeks, and we’ve already seen loads of leaks. The latest tasty, Zen-filled morsel served up on the leaky menu consists of two images comparing the Ryzen 7 1700X chip with an older AMD FX chip, and showing the labeling on the top and the dense pin layout on the bottom.

A screenshot of the chip’s hardware details via CPU-Z, along with a Physics test score in 3DMark Professional Edition, were released as well, showing that AMD is indeed code-naming the new desktop processors “Summit Ridge” (“Zen” is the architecture code name). Here are the CPU-Z details:

Specification:
AMD Ryzen 7 1700X Eight-Core Processor
Name:
AMD K17
Codename:
Summit Ridge
Process node:
14nm
Cores:
8
Threads:
16
Core voltage:
0.672 volts
Core speed:
3,899.09MHz
Multiplier:
X 39.0
Bus speed:
99.98MHz
Cache – L1 Data:
8 x 32KB / 8-way
Cache – L1 Instructions:
8 x 64KB / 4-way
Cache – Level 2:
8 x 512KB / 8-way
Cache – Level 3:
2 x 8MB / 16-way
Supported memory type:
DDR4
Memory size:
16GB
Memory channels:
Dual
Northbridge Frequency:
1,066.4MHz

As for the Fire Strike Physics score in 3DMark, the Ryzen 7 1700X landed an overall score of 17,916 and a 56.88 frames per second physics test score. Other benchmarks performed with the Ryzen 7 1700X include CPUMark 99 Version 1.0, in which the chip scored 583 points. By comparison, the Intel Core i7-5960X scores 561 points.

Here is the chip compared to other processors in Cinebench R15:

Processor
Score
AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
1537
Intel Core i7-5960X
1318
Intel Xeon X5650
1279
Intel Core i7-6800K
1259
Intel Core i7-3950K
1096
Intel Core i7-4790K
962
Intel Core i7-4790K
931

As we reported last week, the 1700X will retail for around $389, packing eight cores, 16 threads, a base clock speed of 3.4GHz, a boost clock speed of 3.8GHz, 16MB of L3 cache, and a maximum power draw of only 95 watts. In the overall Ryzen lineup, it will fall just under the Ryzen 7 1800X chip that offers a base speed of 3.6GHz and a boost speed of 4.0GHz for around $500. These Ryzen chips will offer the same performance as similar Intel-based processors, but for half the cost.

More: Technical slides reveal new truths about Ryzen’s power management

As a refresher, the “X” in the processor’s name indicates that it will be primed for better overclocking results, and may replace the “Black Edition” models offered in older AMD processor families. There will also be a vanilla version of the 1700X for around $319 that will only consume up to 65 watts of power, and sport speeds of 3.0GHz (base) and 3.7GHz (boost).

Of the 17 Ryzen desktop processors arriving in mere weeks, the Ryzen 7 1800X, the Ryzen 7 1700X, and the Ryzen 5 1600X will require a special cooler listed as HS81 to keep the 95-watt chips from exceeding 60 degrees Celsius. This fan requirement provides better overclocking potential, and is accompanied by AMD’s new Extended Frequency Range technology.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 first Android Things-enabled chip to support LTE

Why it matters to you

The Internet of Things is set to explode over the next few years, and chips like this could help facilitate that.

Android Things launched last year as a new operating system for the growing internet of things segment — and when it launched Google mentioned a few hardware partners, including Qualcomm. At the time, however, we didn’t really know what Qualcomm would bring to the table.

Well, the company has now shed some light on exactly what it can offer — in the form of a recycling of the Snapdragon 210. But, what would now be considered a pretty lackluster chip in a smartphone could be huge for IoT. Qualcomm has announced that the Snapdragon 210 will now support Android Things — making it the first company to offer an LTE-capable chip that supports Android Things.

More: Google’s Android Things is a new OS for the Internet of Things

So why do IoT devices need LTE? Well, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled devices are limited to a certain range, and for some devices that can pose a problem. Now, however, that range issue won’t be such an issue, as devices will be able to connect as long as they’re in range of LTE — devices like electronics signs, video cameras, and so on.

“We are very pleased to add support for Android Things OS on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon 210 processor and bring these exciting new development options to our IoT customers,” said Jeffery Torrance, vice president of business development for Qualcomm Technologies.

While for now this will mostly be helpful for companies and organizations, Qualcomm is looking to consumer-friendly solutions as well. For example, Android Things supports Google Cast, as well as connected home products. Of course, for now, those connected home devices are better off connecting to Wi-Fi.

Qualcomm is also be demonstrating its LTE chip at Mobile World Congress later next week. However, the Snapdragon 210 with Android Things support won’t officially launch until “later this year.” No specific date was given by Qualcomm.

Tilt Brush hits the Oculus Store with a subtle redesign for Touch controllers

Why it matters to you

With such high barriers to entry, cross-compatibility will be a big deal for VR going forward — Tilt Brush is just one of many examples we’re likely to see.

Now that the Oculus Touch controllers have had some time to pick up steam among Rift users, Google is releasing a new version of an old favorite for the Rift platform. Starting on Tuesday, Google’s Tilt Brush is available on the Oculus Rift, with full support for the Touch controllers.

Don’t worry, it’s more than just a straight port of a popular title. The new version of Tilt Brush for the Oculus Rift features some design changes intended to take advantage of the Touch controllers and their particular strengths.

More: Still not sure about the Touch controllers? Check out our review for a full breakdown.

The Rift version of Tilt Brush includes a virtual representation of a user’s thumb, to preview which button on the Touch controller they are about to press. Additionally, Tilt Brush is fully compatible with the Rift’s built-in headphones, providing a uniquely immersive experience, according to Google.

“Different brushes create different sound effects, and they become a vivid part of the experience through your headphones. We love using audio reactive mode with Rift headphones and seeing strokes come to life with light and sound,” says Elisabeth Morant, product manager for Tilt Brush.

More: From sculptors to graffiti artists, Google’s artist-in-residence program aims to bring VR to everyone.

Tilt Brush was one of the breakout stars on the HTC Vive platform, offering a unique take on a typical painting app. Instead of painting on a flat surface, you paint in three dimensions, all around you in virtual reality. It’s unusual in that it’s not exactly a game or a traditional VR experience. The focus here is on creativity and bringing Tilt Brush to the Oculus Rift will bring a whole new wave of users to the popular VR painting app.

For Google, it is another step toward building a large, inclusive community of VR artists who create works of art using Tilt Brush. It’s a relationship Google has fostered with its artist-in-residence program, by partnering with digital artists to explore the capabilities and potential apps like Tilt Brush present.

The app is available on the Oculus Store for $30, as long as you have the Touch controllers.

Amazon Alexa skill from Notion lets you converse with your email inbox

Why it matters to you

Being able to talk to your inbox via Alexa to access your most important messages may mean you won’t be as tied to your smartphone all the time.

You use it to talk to everyone else, so why not talk to your inbox itself? Now you can, thanks to Notion’s skill for Amazon Alexa. Notion got its start as a free app for Android and iOS that syncs with your inbox, then applies some fancy machine learning and artificial intelligence to make it easier to parse through all your content. Now, it’s made it easier still to interact with your inbox — with your voice by way of Alexa.

The custom Alexa skill (which means you’ll need to start each command with “ask Notion”) lets you check for new mail, delete old messages, or even sum up the most important messages you’ve yet to get to following that well-deserved vacation when you let your inbox go unchecked.

More: Mailtrack.io shows you when your email has been read, now available for Inbox

The coolest thing about Notion isn’t just its ability to drone on and on about the contents of your mailbox. Rather, Notion lets users ask about what really matters. As Guy Suter, Notion co-founder and CE, noted in a Medium post: “This works so well, I was able to leave my iPhone in the bedroom for our entire summer vacation. I was more present with my kids because I could simply ask Alexa a quick question when passing by the kitchen. If anything at work needed my attention, I’d hear about it. I got a lot less sucked in, a lot less often than I would before when constantly checking my phone.”

You can ask Notion if anyone is waiting for your response, who you’ve met recently through email, who your common connections to a contact may be, to snooze a message, or lock your inbox with a PIN. Suter admits that there’s still some work to be done. For one, you can’t dictate emails to Alexa for her to send. But don’t worry, the Notion team says they’re in contact with the Amazon Alexa team and looking for a solution.

Project Fi customers will get better call clarity thanks to Voice over LTE

Why it matters to you

Voice over LTE improves calls and makes fiddling with maps and directions in the middle of a conversation much less frustrating.

A post on Google’s Project Fi Help Forum confirmed what some users already suspected: The company has begun testing Voice over LTE for a limited group of subscribers. The feature has been available to major carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, for some time now and is finally making its way to Google’s network.

Users can determine whether Voice over LTE has been activated for their account by looking at the wireless signal indicator during a call. If it continues to show LTE, rather than falling back to HSPA, you’re one of the lucky few. Voice over LTE sports a number of benefits, including improved call clarity, faster web browsing mid-call, and quicker call initiation. What is more, the data used during calls will not count against Project Fi users’ allocation.

More: Google’s $20 Project Fi referral program has been extended ‘indefinitely’

At the moment, the only downside to Google’s implementation of the feature is that it is only being tested for Project Fi users accessing the T-Mobile network — not Sprint or U.S. Cellular. Project Fi is characterized as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). These types of networks use the pre-existing infrastructure of other partners to deliver service. However, Sprint and U.S. Cellular do not yet support Voice over LTE and so right now it’s a T-Mobile-only affair.

Voice over LTE is just the latest new feature to Google’s network, which has seen a series of useful updates over the last several months. In October, the company introduced group plans and followed that up in November by rolling out real-time app data usage monitoring.

Unlike most carriers, Project Fi refunds customers at the end of every month for the data they do not use. That, coupled with additional features like automatic switching to Wi-Fi hotspots and international high-speed data in many countries for no extra charge, has made Project Fi an increasingly popular choice. Unfortunately, however, it’s still only available to Google Pixel, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X owners.

In January, Google announced it would be extending its “Refer a Friend” program indefinitely, meaning Project Fi customers can still earn $20 credit by referring someone to the service.

Verizon undercuts its own lowest price with 2GB postpaid plan for $40 a month

Why it matters to you

Verizon’s new prepaid plan is music to the ears of frugal customers. It includes 2GB of data for $40 a month.

Verizon, apparently not content with introducing one disruptive data plan, introduced another this week. On Monday, the U.S.’s largest carrier announced a new postpaid option that starts at $40 a month — a full $10 cheaper than the lowest-priced plan it previously sold.

The plan is relatively no-frills, as you might expect. Customers, who pay upfront, get unlimited texting, calling, and 2GB of data per month, down slightly from the 5GB offered on its $50 prepaid plan.

More: Following Cricket, U.S. Cellular’s prepaid plans offer more data for the same prices

That’s significantly less expensive than Verizon’s postpaid subscription plans. The cheapest, which starts at $55, includes 2GB of data per month. And it comes with benefits like Always-On Data, which allows you to download files at a reduced rate of 128kbps after you’ve exceeded your data cap, and CarryOver data, which lets customers roll over unused data for one month.

But it’s more expensive that comparable plans from its biggest competitors. Sprint’s Boost Mobile prepaid brand offers a 2GB plan for $30 a month, while AT&T’s Cricket Wireless and T-Mobile’s MetroPCS sell 1 GB tiers for $30. T-Mobile offers $40 a month for 3GB and an unadvertised $50 a month for 5GB. And AT&T offers a $40 for 4GB.

The new plan come of the heels of Verizon’s new unlimited data plan, which starts at $70 a month and includes unlimited texts, calls, plus 10GB of mobile hot spot data. It kick-started something of a trend: Last week, Sprint and T-Mobile dropped restrictions on their data plans and AT&T reintroduced unlimited data for customers who haven’t purchased a DirecTV or U-Verse package.

More: Mint SIM boasts great prepaid mobile carrier prices, but there’s a serious catch

It’s a postpaid dichotomy, Fortune notes. Increasingly, carriers are splitting offerings into two distinct camps: Data-plus family and individual plans on the high end, and constricted data plans on the low end. T-Mobile, for example, recently eliminated its least expensive regular monthly plans, leaving customers with the stark choice of opting for unlimited plan starting at $70 a month or switching to MetroPCS.

There’s logic behind the industry’s effort — family plans and heavy data plan users are likely to spend more for a larger buckets of data. But competition’s helped to drive down prices. AT&T and Verizon reduced the price of high-data plans to bring them in line with Sprint and T-Mobile’s low-cost unlimited tiers. And now, every major carrier offers an unlimited data plan for $100 or less a month.

See more at Verizon

How to guarantee you get the Nintendo Switch username you want

The Nintendo Switch isn’t out until March 3, but Nintendo has already allowed eager fans to choose the username they want, even if they haven’t ordered the console. Fortunately, the process to pick out your ideal Switch username is remarkably simple, and you don’t even need to be in front of a Nintendo console to get the ball rolling. Here’s how.

More: Nintendo’s Switch is one console you can take everywhere — here’s what you need to know

Step 1: Sign in or make a Nintendo Account

Before you’re able to pick your Nintendo Switch username, you’ll have to sign into your Nintendo Account. This can be done a few different ways, depending on how you’ve used Nintendo services in the past. If you used the previous “Nintendo Network ID” system to play Wii U and 3DS games online, just enter that ID as well as your password. You can also use Facebook, Google, or Twitter to log in if you’ve done so in the past.

Conversely, you can also sign in using a Nintendo Account email address. If you haven’t yet signed up for a Nintendo Account, just hit the “Create a Nintendo Account” button at the bottom of the page to get started. The next page will ask for your birthday, email address, and timezone.

Step 2: Pick your User ID

Once you’ve logged into your Nintendo Account, you’re only a few minutes away from choosing your Nintendo Switch username. Just click on the “User info” tab underneath your profile picture and you’ll see an empty field labeled “User ID.” On mobile, you’ll need to click on the “User ID” tab at this point.

You’ll now be prompted to enter a new password that will be tied to your Nintendo Account instead of the Nintendo Network ID or other social media service you used. Check the email associated with your account, accept the change, and choose a new password.

More: Here’s where you can pre-order the Nintendo Switch

Once your password is changed, you’re ready to pick your User ID. It must be more than six characters, so have an alternate name picked in case your Xbox Gamertag or PSN name is too short. You’re now ready to sign into the Nintendo Switch with your new name as soon as you get the console, and you’ll be able to take any eShop purchases with your account in case you have to buy a replacement system!