Android Nougat update for the Shield Tablet K1 is now live

The Shield Tablet is still great and the Android 7 update means you won’t have to buy a new tablet this year.

Android 7.0 is on the way for your Shield Tablet K1, extending the life of everyone’s favorite 8-incher and bringing all the new features of Google’s latest.

Besides the Android 7 enhancements — split screen, Doze 2.0, better notifications and those sweet, sweet emojis 🌮 🦄 — we see some extra awesome tossed into the mix with support for the new 2017 controller and an exclusive Shield Rewards loyalty program that we’re eager to check out.

The update is pushing out now, so grab your Shield and make sure it’s charged up. Now begin mashing that button! NVIDIA’s full changelog is below.

SHIELD Controller (2017) Support

• Updates to SHIELD controller support

New Multitasking Features

• Split-screen: Run two apps side by side* in Portrait or Landscape modes
• Quick switch: Double tap the Overview button to quickly switch back to the last opened app

Improved Notifications

• Multiple notifications from the same app are now bundled for a streamlined experience
• Reply to messages directly from within the notification*
• Tap and hold on a notification to quickly silence or block notifications from the app

Improved Power Consumption

• Doze on the Go: Doze is now smarter & kicks in even when the device is being carried around

Emoji

• Includes all-new Unicode 9 emojis

Usability Improvements

• Display & Font size can now separately adjustable to improve readability or screenspace
• Quick Settings can now be customized directly from the menu by tapping “Edit”
• The top Quick Setting tiles can now be accessed with a downward swipe from the lock screen
• Settings now includes a Navigation Menu & Suggestions to improve usability
• The “Clear all” option in Overview have been relocated to the top right

System wide improvements including:

• New Data Saver: when enabled, limits access to Cellular data for background apps
• New JIT compiler: improves the speed of App & System updates
• Update to Android Security Patch Level December 1, 2016

SHIELD Rewards Program

• Introducing SHIELD Rewards, the exclusive loyalty program for SHIELD owners

Here’s how Google Assistant works on Android Wear 2.0

The Pixel and Google Home are the best implementations of Google Assistant, while the Android Wear version still acts like it’s in its nascent stages.

It’s everyone’s vision for the future, right? Talking into an electronic wrist watch to command your every whim. Well, I hate to break it to you, but we’re still not there yet — especially not if we’re using Android Wear as the example.

Sure, Android Wear 2.0 is the best version of Android’s wearable operating system to come forth thus far. And yes, Google Assistant is totally the most coveted feature of the Pixel and Google Home because of its contextual usefulness. But that doesn’t change the fact that Google Assistant is still pretty sub-par on a smartwatch, especially if you’re sporting one of the more basic ones.

What works

It’s not all bad news bears. The Google Assistant you’re getting with Android Wear may only offer a fraction of the functionality, but it still works. On the LG Watch Style, which is what I used to test the latest version of Android Wear 2.0, you call up Google Assistant by holding down the exterior crown. Assistant will then ask you how it can help, and that’s when you can speak your query.

In many situations, Google Assistant on Android Wear is just as helpful as whipping out your phone and typing it in yourself. You can use it to do things like find out the time somewhere else on the planet, or do a quick conversion for foreign exchange rates. You can use it to send a message as you’re running through an airport, or start tracking your actual run through town.

Google Assistant on Android Wear is typically successful with very basic commands. The key to using it on the watches is to keep it simple — anything between the realm of “send a message” and “set a timer.” Queries that are more complicated involve specific app commands and you won’t always get a desired result if you go that route. For instance, when I ask Assistant to tell me about my next flight, it defaults to the Google Calendar app rather than launching TripIt. Conversely, shouting “launch TripIt” will launch the app, and you can quickly scroll down with the crown wheel to your itinerary. Of course, you can do neat tricks with Google Assistant, too. Ask your watch to tell you a story, for instance, and Assistant will regale you with a tale of most plots.

Assistant is also the binding thread that keeps your device connected to Android ecosystem, so if you’re watching Chromecast upstairs, for instance, you can use the device that’s already strapped on your wrist as a remote control of sorts. Assistant lets you control any compatible smart home devices, too, like Samsung Smart Things or a NEST Thermostat, but I’m still in a mere “dumb home” and wasn’t able to test that on my own.

If you require more context or more granular controls over what Google Assistant can do with on Android Wear, there’s a helpful settings panel available in the Android Wear app. Curiously, you can’t access this panel from the Home app. There’s also a Shopping list option for you to set up a Google Keep post-it so that you can easily dictate your shopping list when you think of it.

“Okay, Google. Add chocolate muffins to my shopping list.”

What doesn’t work

That chocolate muffin example doesn’t actually work so well on the Watch Style. I’ll ask Assistant to add the aforementioned to my master shopping list, which is pinned to the top in Google Keep. Once Assistant parses what I’m asking for, it replies, “Oops, I can’t do that right now.” It’s a simple example of why Google Assistant has been frustrating to use, particularly for an early adopter like me, who is trying hard to integrate the functionality into her daily life. When Assistant repeatedly doesn’t understand commands, I’m remiss to even try. It’s not a fun party trick if no one’s impressed.

It’s also unfortunate that the ability to command apps and services via Assistant on Android Wear hasn’t caught up to our future-facing fantasies. I can’t call an Uber through Assistant like I can through Google Home. (In fact, I can’t call an Uber, because the app still isn’t fully compatible with the Wear platform, even though Google teased the ability to do so at I/O a few years back.) I can’t even get Spotify to do something relatively simple, like play a specific playlist. That would be an amazing ability to have while squashed in between people on public transportation. Instead, I can only ask it to play music and then I get to pick from the last few albums I’ve fired up.

The other issue with Google Assistant on Android Wear is that it doesn’t always hear me. Sometimes, I’ll have to repeat my request once or twice over before the smartwatch is aware of what I’m asking. I have an inkling that this experience differs depending on the device you’re wearing, but the times I’ve attempted to speak to the Watch Style — in the middle of the grocery store, for example — has been mostly marred by all the failed attempts. It’s nice that the built-in keyboard functionality is there for when dictation isn’t an option.

Look ahead

In its infancy, most technology is finicky and ripe with hiccups as it susses itself out in various iterations. However, in the case of Google Assistant, which comes off as an effective re-branding of functionality that already existed for some time, it seems like it’s still awkwardly learning to walk.

Virtual assistants and artificial intelligence still have a journey to traverse before they’re the technology of our dreams, but I was hoping that Assistant would be slightly further along on the smartwatch. For now, think of Android Wear 2.0 and its Assistant functionality as an accessory to an already fulfilling Android life, especially if you’ve got a Google Home and a Pixel in your arsenal. And if you don’t, then it’s merely an entryway to the future of Android as one circular ecosystem.

Microsoft releases Project Rome SDK for Android

Easily control your Windows 10 devices with just your Android smartphone.

Ever wish you could control your PC from your Android device without having to finagle some third-party app you found in the Play Store? Microsoft’s Project Rome SDK aims to help with the multi-device life that many of us live on the daily.

Project Rome for Android is now available to let you connect to your Android devices. It’s limited at the moment, so you can only control Android and not the other way around. But it doesn’t enable you do things like control a media player on Windows 10 with the Android device you already have in your hand.

Project Rome was initially announced late last year to help take advantage of experiences beyond the device it’s happening on. For instance, if you’re listening to music on one device, you should be able to easily “toss it over” to another device without having to interupt the moment.

Curious to try it out for yourself? Read up about it on the official Windows blog.

The Cybathlon returns in 2020

The world’s first Cybathlon, a single-day sporting competition designed for people with severe disabilities, was a massive success in 2016. We documented the games, tech and cheering crowds that filled Zürich’s Swiss Arena in a five-part video series — and in 2020, we’ll have the chance to do it all again. The Cybathlon will officially return in May 2020 as a two-day event in Zürich.

The Cybathlon 2020 will include the six disciplines from 2016 — Brain-Computer Interface Race, FES Bike Race, Powered Arm Prosthesis Race, Powered Leg Prosthesis Race, Powered Exoskeleton Race and Powered Wheelchair Race — plus new challenges, including some for people with sensory disabilities such as deafness and blindness.

The games are a chance for participants to prove their strength and resolve, and they offer a stage for biomedical companies to demonstrate their recent advances in research. Plus, a secondary program allows audience members to try out the disciplines for themselves, to get a sense of the challenges facing folks with these disabilities.

The 2020 games won’t be confined to Zürich alone. ETH Zürich, the company organizing the event, also plans to host an additional “Cybathlon Series” at universities across the world. The series will comprise one race per discipline per year, and it will allow researchers to hold workshops about their latest gadgets, generating conversations about disabilities and assistive technology among students and faculty worldwide. The Cybathlon Series isn’t a qualification track for the actual Cybathlon 2020, but it’s a way for interested athletes to ensure their gear is competition-ready.

Additionally, the Cybathlon eXhibitions will bring assistive technologies to fairs, conventions and classrooms. The program will include show races and hands-on demos.

ETH Zürich will announce the location and dates for the May 2020 Cybathlon at a later time, so stay tuned.

Source: ETH Zurich

LG wins $168 million lawsuit against knockoff headphone makers

Last year LG filed a $200 million lawsuit against companies producing counterfeit versions of its wraparound Tone headsets. Now, the presiding judge has spoken. While the amount the company was awarded wasn’t as high as it asked for, $168 million for damages plus court costs and interest, isn’t anything to sneeze at.

“With this ruling, along with other judgments against various other defendants, LG has successfully slammed shut a sizable portion of counterfeits and knockoffs” sold in the US, it said in a statement.

In 2016 (PDF), LG claimed that shoppers were being “duped” by knockoff headsets and also said it was going after liquidators for selling damaged units as new. Litigation measures against the latter will be increased too, it says. What’s more, “those who choose to make and peddle counterfeits, knockoffs and look-alikes can expect aggressive legal action.”

Fugazi hucksters? LG has your number.

Source: PR Newswire, LG (PDF)

Apple’s Education Bundle With Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro Now Available Around the World

Apple’s new Pro Apps Bundle for Education, which launched in the United States last week, is now available for purchase in several other countries, including but not limited to Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, UAE, and the United Kingdom.

Other countries where the bundle is now available include Austria, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, Thailand, and Turkey. If we spot any others, we’ll add them to this list.

The education bundle, available to qualifying students and faculty, includes permanent copies of Final Cut Pro X, Logic Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4, and MainStage 3 for a significant discount. In the United States, for example, the five apps usually cost $629.95, while the bundle is $199.99—a savings of over $425.

Elsewhere, pricing is set at £199.99 in the United Kingdom, $299.99 in Australia, $259.99 in Canada, and €229.99 in several European countries, such as Belgium, France, Germany, and Ireland. Prices in other countries vary.

Final Cut Pro X is Apple’s professional video editing software, while Logic Pro X is its professional audio workstation for advanced music production. Motion 5, Compressor 4, and MainStage 3 are companion tools for creating 3D animations and effects, customizing output settings, building set lists, and more.

After purchasing the bundle, education customers will receive an email with codes to redeem the apps on the Mac App Store.

Tags: Mac App Store, Apple retail, Pro Apps for Education
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iCloud Was Storing Deleted Safari Browser History for Months, but Apple Fixed the Issue

When clearing Safari browser history, iPhone and iPad users expect all records to be permanently deleted from their devices, but it appears Apple’s cross-device browser syncing feature caused iCloud to secretly store browsing history for a much longer period of time ranging from several months to over a year.

iCloud was caught storing deleted browser history by software company Elcomsoft, which develops cracking tools for extracting protected data from iOS devices. Speaking to Forbes, Elcomsoft CEO Vladimir Katalov explained that the company had been able to retrieve “deleted” browser history dating back more than a year.

Deleted browser history pulled from iCloud by Elcomsoft
Apple was keeping deleted browser information in a separate iCloud recored called “tombstone,” and in a press release announcing updated Phone Breaker software for extracting the stored browsing info, Elcomsoft explains that the data was likely kept as part of an iCloud feature that syncs browsing history across multiple devices and ensures it’s deleted from all devices when history is cleared.

The point is that Apple keeps synced Safari browsing history in the cloud for much longer than one, three or four months – even for deleted entries. ElcomSoft researchers were able to access records that’ve been deleted more than a year ago, which means that deleted records are not actually cleaned up from iCloud.

Forbes tried using the Phone Breaker software created by Elcomsoft and was able to retrieve nearly 7,000 records dating back to November of 2015. Site names, URLs, Google searches, visit counts, and the date and time items were deleted were included. It’s not clear why Apple was storing the information for so long, but it appears to have been an oversight related to ensuring information is deleted on all devices once cleared rather than intentional.

Shortly after Forbes and Elcomsoft published their iCloud findings, Elcomsoft noticed previously available records being deleted as part of a server-side fix quietly implemented by Apple. All deleted browser records older than two weeks have been eliminated. From Elcomsoft’s blog:

Update: we have informed media about this issue in advance, and they reached Apple for comments. As far as we know, Apple has not responded, but started purging older history records. For what we know, they could be just moving them to other servers, making deleted records inaccessible from the outside; but we never know for sure. Either way, as of right now, for most iCloud accounts we can see history records for the last two weeks only (deleted records for those two weeks are still there though).

Good move, Apple. Still, we would like to get an explanation.

Even before Apple made the server-side fix to make sure deleted browsing history is permanently removed in a timely manner, it was difficult to get ahold of the information. Forensic software like Phone Breaker was required, which doesn’t come cheap, and Phone Breaker only works with a user’s Apple ID and password, or an authentication token pulled from a user’s computer.

In iOS 9.3 and later (and Safari 9.1 and later), Apple also began turning URLs into unreadable hashes instead of plaintext when browser history is deleted, an additional security measure, but Forbes says that didn’t stop Elcomsoft’s tool from working with the newest versions of Safari.

While Apple now appears to be deleting browsing data at the two week mark, iCloud users should be aware that their browsing history, including cleared browser history, is stored in iCloud for that two week period. Users who are not comfortable with that can easily disable syncing features through the iCloud section of the Settings app.

Tag: iCloud
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These leaked images claim to be of the Sony Xperia X2

Chinese social site Weibo is at it again leaking photos of upcoming smartphones, which were picked up by TechTastic. Samsung and Apple are safe this time, as it’s Sony that’s in the firing line for a leak ahead of launch. The site has obtained images purporting to be Sony’s next flagship smartphone, which we’re calling the Xperia X2 for now. There’s been no official word on a name just yet, so it’s easier to stick to something that’s easy to follow.

• Next Sony Xperia flagship: What’s the story so far?

The photos don’t give a huge amount away, other than the fact the new device follows an incredibly similar design language to Sony’s flagships from the past few years. That it uses the now traditional OmniBalance design, which places the power button – and in the X2’s case, fingerprint sensor – halfway down the side of the phone.

There’s an image of a screen showing some memory information about the phone, and it shows it has 4GB of RAM. This helps us to assume it is a new phone as current Sony flagships come with just 3GB of RAM.

There are however, different phones in one picture, lying side by side. One phone has a rather large bezel at the bottom, while the one to its right appears to be missing it entirely. They both resemble Sony phones, so could there be two versions of the upcoming flagship? It’s not a rumour we’ve heard before, so for now we’ll say the source isn’t completely reliable. There is also what is clearly a tablet in another picture too, with large bezels on each side. It’s not clear if this is a new or old tablet, but considering Sony has tended to stick with large bezels on all of its previous tablet models, it could be a glimpse at something new.

• Sony could go all out at MWC with five new smartphones
• Mobile World Congress 2017: Nokia, Huawei, Sony smartphones and more
• Next Sony Xperia flagship might not be at MWC 2017 after all

Because the photos can’t be fully verified and there’s still no official word from Sony, although there has been a report to suggest the Japanese phone maker will be bringing five new models to Mobile World Congress at the end of February. If a new flagship is one of those, we don’t have long to wait, although a following report claims we’ll have to wait until later in 2017.

Polar M600 will update to Android Wear 2.0, add indoor swimming metrics this spring

Polar is updating its M600 to the newly released Android Wear 2.0.

As part of the update, the smartwatch will add indoor swimming metrics such as distance, pace, strokes per minute, and strokes per pool length. The watch can also determine if you’re swimming freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly. The update will further bring the ability for both Android and iOS users to access Google Play store, so that you can download apps and use them directly on the M600.

• When is Android Wear 2.0 coming to my smartwatch?

In our review of the M600 watch, we called it a fusion of smartwatch and sports device. It takes Android’s platform and laces in sports and fitness tracking functions, but maintains a balance that some devices don’t manage. It succeeds in being both where others have failed. It feels like a proper Polar sports watch, boosted by the best of Android Wear. It features proprietary 6-LED optical heart rate technology and integrated GPS.

With Android Wear 2.0, the $329 (£269) Polar M600 will also get built-in Google Assistant, the ability to customise watch faces, receive calendar notifications, read and reply to texts, scroll through social media feeds, as well as an improved user interface.

The update will be available to all Polar M600 users this spring. To learn more about Android Wear 2.0 and which other devices will get it, check out Pocket-lint’s guide.

Huawei EMUI 5.0 tips and tricks: Hidden gems and problem fixes for Huawei’s mobile OS

Many have been quick to dismiss Huawei’s latest mobile operating system, EMUI 5.0, as an less desirable rework of its Android Nougat base. It’s because, by default, the system flings a lot of repeat alerts in your general direction in a bid to better refine user experience and save battery.

Over time, however, and with some digging around and personal adjustments, you’ll not only learn to love EMUI 5.0, you’ll begin to appreciate some of the Huawei-only features that embellish the latest iteration of this OS.

Here’s how to boss EMUI – which stands of Emotion User Interface (don’t cry now) – and make your Huawei phone the very best it can be.

EMUI 5.0 availability: Which Huawei handsets have the latest OS?

Right now EMUI 5.0 is available for:

• Huawei Mate 9
• Huawei P9
• Huawei P9 Plus
• Region-limited Huawei Mate 9 Pro
• Limited edition Mate 9 Porsche Design edition.

It will soon be available for the Honor 8 and Honor 6X, with the expected-to-be-announced Huawei P10 to follow.

To check for an update from EMUI 4.1 swipe down from the top of the home screen, select the Settings cog icon to the top right, then scroll all the way to the bottom of the Settings and hit System Update. This screen will auto-check for an update, as signified by the large spinning wheel, assuming a Wi-Fi connection.

EMUI 5.0: Lockscreen shortcuts

Quick-access Recorder, Calculator, Flashlight, Stopwatch, QR code. Simply swipe up from the bottom edge of the lock screen and it will reveal an iPhone-style arrangement of circular shortcuts. Click the relevant icon to activate. This is not possible when the phone is unlocked and you’re viewing its home screen or in any other apps.

Shortcut: wallpaper change, affix, share. Again, no need to unlock: a swipe up from the lock screen and the upper row allows you to:

• remove a wallpaper cover (x symbol)
• fix one in place rather than it cycling through (heart symbol)
• share a cover (requires app access and, therefore, unlocking)
• select a new wallpaper cover (again, requires an unlock).

There’s also a play/pause symbol which does nothing of use; furthermore if music is playing (which we assume this icon to be for) via Google Play Music it will override any of the wallpaper shortcuts from the lock screen.

Quick camera launch. As per stock Android, a swipe from the bottom right corner of the lock screen with load the Camera app. To load the app and immediately capture a shot a double-tap of the volume down button will be your new best friend (within the Camera app this can be set to just open the camera, or deactivated entirely).

Set PIN / Pattern / Password to unlock. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Screen Lock & Passwords. Here you can set pattern, PIN, password or remove lock methods.

Instant lock / auto-lock by sleep time. When you press the power button it will lock your phone instantly by default. If you would rather this not happen, head to Screen Lock & Passwords (via the method above) > Secure Lock Settings > Power Button Instantly Locks. It’s also possible to set automatic lock from 5-seconds to 30-minutes after sleep.

EMUI 5.0: Fingerprint features

Fingerprint unlock. In addition to a pattern, PIN or password lock you can register multiple fingerprints to login to EMUI. On the Mate 9 the rear-positioned scanner is near instant to operate. It’s possible to add up to five individual fingerprints.

Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Fingerprint ID > Fingerprint Management (enter PIN as prompted) > New Fingerprint, then follow the enrolment process.

Use fingerprint to take photo / answer call / stop alarm. Access Fingerprint ID (method above), then under the Touch And Hold Gesture tab these options can be individually activated.

Use fingerprint scanner to display notifications / swipe through images. The scanner isn’t just capable of reading your fingerprint, it can be used as a gesture pad too (without a fingerprint being registered). Top-to-bottom swipes can reveal the notifications panel (opposite way to hide it), while left-to-right or right-to-left swipes can flick through images in the gallery.

Access Fingerprint ID (method above), then under the Slide Gesture tab these options can be individually activated. 

EMUI 5.0: Home screen adjustments and organisation

Shortcut: Wallpaper, Widgets, Transitions. To adjust your homepage wallpaper, adjust the way the animations perform between screens, or add widgets from installed apps, simply press-and-hold anywhere on the home screen (not over an app icon) to load these shortcuts.

More/fewer app icons. To select between a 5×5, 4×5 or 5×4 icon grid layout, again press-and-hold anywhere on the home screen > select Settings to the bottom right corner. To the top of the settings page is Home Layout with these options available.

App drawer vs apps everywhere. If you’re content with your app icons being scattered everywhere across your homepage and other pages, the default Standard layout will suit you fine. If you prefer an App Drawer – where all apps are contained to tidy up the home screen, in an iPhone-like style – this can be activated too (it lacked from some earlier versions of EMUI).

To access swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > tap Home Screen Style (visible within first page) > choose between Standard and App Drawer options.

Create a folder. Press-and-hold an app icon, after a short moment the device will give a short vibration feedback, now slowly drag the icon over anothe, release and they’ll be combined in a folder. Huawei folders are arranged 3×3 per page, with multiple pages possible. 

Add apps to a folder. Multiple app icons can be dragged into an existing folder. A simpler way is to hit the ‘Add +’ icon (which will be at the furthest point in an existing folder).

Remove an app from a folder. Open the folder, press-and-hold the app icon in question and drag it out of the folder onto a home screen.

Change a folder colour or name. Open a folder and enter the name you want at the top. If you don’t want a name, leave it blank. To change the folder background colour, tap the palette in the right-hand corner and select a new colour.

Stop adding new app icons to home screen. If you don’t want new apps you install cluttering up your home screen, head into Play Store > hit the three horizontal lines to the top left  > Settings > Add Icon To Home Screen.

EMUI 5.0: Custom controls and soft keys

Adjust soft keys layout. Don’t like the way your trio of soft keys – back, home, open apps – is arranged, then you can swap them around. It’s possible to switch left and right soft key positions, plus add a fourth settings shortcut soft key which saves you from swiping down from the top of the homescreen to view notifications (handy for a larger device, or smaller hands).

Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Navigation Key.

Add Floating Dock. Another handy feature for a larger phone is the activate the Floating Dock, a side-positioned shortcut (which you can drag to position) that contains the trio of Android soft keys, plus a lock screen button and quick tidy-up (for closing unnecessary apps). It only comes with the five shortcuts, though, and there’s no way to edit these.

Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Smart Assistance > activate Floating Dock. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of the screen, expand the shortcuts and Floating Dock is within here.

Motion control. Also contained within Smart Assistance is a Motion Control tab. This allows control over:

• Flip to mute the phone when it’s ringing or the alarm is sounding.
• Pick Up to reduce ring/alarm volume by lifting the device.
• Raise to Ear which auto-answers calls.

These three options can be independently switch on or off and each have deeper customisation for calls and alarm settings.

Knuckle gestures. Don’t worry, it’s not a new meme sensation, it’s a Huawei special. By using a hard knuckle to write on the screen rather than a softer finger, a “second layer” of commands can be instructed:

• Double tap for screen shot (using one knuckle – does what it says on the tin)
• Draw where knuckle-drawn letters activate apps (C for Camera, M for music, and so forth – each can be customised from a fuller list of apps).
• Split-screen gesture where a knuckle-drawn line across the screen when in an app screen will open the recent apps to the lower portion.

EMUI 5.0: Live record the screen

Another Huawei specific feature is the ability to live record your device – which could be handy if you wanted to make a how-to video to share with a friend. It’s activated by tapping two knuckles twice on the screen.

The resulting video is saved in your Files > Videos area (not Screenshots as the system claims). It’s a nifty feature, albeit one with limited application.

EMUI 5.0: Business card scanner

Another EMUI special – it’s possible to capture business card information and render it as a contact using the camera. Open Dialler > hit Contacts > then either hit Business Cards at the top of your contacts list, or hit the Scan button on the floating widget bottom centre. A QR-like reader will pop up allowing a card to be scanned in to render a new contact. It’s not always 100 per cent perfect, but it’s a clever little idea.

EMUI 5.0: Quickly free-up space

Running low on space? If you’re not using two SIM cards then there’s a slot for a microSD card.

Alternatively there’s a quick and easy (albeit uncouth) way of clearing out the app cache and other settings which can often relieve a good few hundred Megabytes of space, possibly into Gigabytes.

Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Memory & Storage. Here you can see the calculations of your various files – Firmware, Cached Data, Apps, Images, Videos, Audio, Other – and select the Storage Cleaner option in Storage Settings.

The Storage Cleaner automatically selects what it thinks you won’t want. A word of caution here: deleting all your cached data in Chrome might just end up annoying you when certain things aren’t quickly available. Fortunately, you can check boxes per suggestion to tailor a clean-up as you see fit.

EMUI 5.0: Dual SIM options

Enable/disable a specific SIM. If you’ve popped two SIM cards into your phone – say one for personal, one for business – and want to switch one off for a vacation, holiday or over the weekend then you can. It’s possible to determine if a SIM is active, enable call forwarding between two numbers and assign default mobile data to either SIM.

Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > Dual SIM Settings.

WhatsApp/Facebook per SIM card. Now here’s a smart feature that few other phones can offer. Huawei calls it App Twin. It’s possible to have WhatsApp and Facebook twins at present, but in the future there could be more twin options (that will take third-party development and approval before it’s possible).

Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > App Twin (at the bottom of the Settings page).

EMUI 5.0: App notifications and display

Alert notifications are useful, but you won’t want to necessarily receive them all the time from every app. Notifications can be individually dismissed, by swiping them away, but you can also setup an individual app’s level of notifications too, to apply to all future settings.

Allow/silence/block notifications from an app. If an app keeps popping-up notifications and you don’t want it to, press-and-hold the notification which will raise the a trio of immediate options:

• Don’t make sound and vibrate (silences notifications, but still allows them to display).
• Sound and vibrate (the default setting).
• Block all from this app (effectively ceases an app’s notification powers).

Adjust where/how an app can display notifications. There are two ways to access the deep-dive settings: from the press-and-hold of a notification, select More Settings; or swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Apps. From here it’s possible to see all your installed apps, individually select them, within which there is the Notifications setting:

• Display in the status bar. This is where you’ll see little icons appear to the very top left of your home screen. Letter icons for mail, hash icons for Slack, and all manner of other custom icons. You might want to switch off notifications from obscure apps you don’t use much, to keep things neater.
• Banners. These are the floating mini views that some apps present, such as Mail. They’re a great quick access point, but if you don’t want them here’s where to switch them on or off.
• Display on lock screen. Keep the lock screen totally private by hiding all notification displays.
• Priority display. For those key apps; allows notifications to ring with preference.
• Ringtone/Vibrate/deactivate. If you want no notifications at all, turn off the Allow Notifications button. If you want only ringtone, vibration or both then toggle the necessary Ringtone and Vibrate buttons on or off.

Apps drawing over other apps. Some apps have special permission to draw over other apps. The Facebook Messenger pop-up bubble being one prime example. This can be deactivated by accessing Apps (method above). Within your list of apps each can be selected individually, within which is an Advanced tab (for relevant apps only), with Draw Over Other Apps selectable within.

Not receiving notifications when you should be? Here’s a Huawei oddity that we’ve found to be irksome with some apps not sending alerts/notifications even when all settings are apparently correct (WhatsApp is our problematic one). It’s to do with EMUI’s strict power efficiency. If you stop receiving notifications try this (to access Ignore Optimisations): access Apps (method above) > hit the blue settings cog icon to the bottom > select Special Access under the Advanced tab > Unrestricted Data Access. Here apps can be granted always-on data irrelevant of what other settings state.

Allow system wakeup. Additionally, try this: access Apps (method above). Specific apps will have a System Wakeup button within their Battery tab, which you’ll want to leave active for an app alert to trigger even when the phone is in sleep mode.

Notification light and status bar settings. You can select if you want a pulsing notification light, display carrier name, network speed, battery percentage, and whether notifications are icons or numbers. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Notification & Status Bar where all these settings can be found.

EMUI 5.0: Do not disturb and volume settings

Activate Do Not Disturb. This lets you silence your phone, without interruptions – except for specified exceptions. You can schedule DND, add additional time rules (custom, per day), event rules (from calendar), or allow alarms and priority interruptions only. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Do Not Disturb.

Allow designated apps to interrupt. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Apps. Select the desired app from the list, within which there is the Notifications setting, choose Priority Display.

Set ringtone, media, alarms and calls volumes. These can be individually adjusted. Simply hit the volume up/down button, which will adjust the ringtone volume from loudest down to vibrate (or there’s a mute button). This pop-up banner has a blue arrow to its top right corner, hit this to open the other individual settings to adjust.

EMUI 5.0: Battery optimisation and power-intensive prompts

Here’s where EMUI goes a bit heavy on its alerts. If an app is using higher-than-normal energy levels in the background, the system will prompt you to close said app with a notification alert. These can be dismissed individually, but will keep repeating without taking further action. Or you can take the advice of the system and click the close button within the alert to enhance battery life.

Deactivate power-intensive prompt. This can only be activated per app, and actively used ones at that. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Apps. Select the desired app from the list, hit Battery and deselect Power-intensive Prompt.

Find out which apps are power-intensive. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Battery and under the App Power Saving Tab is Power Intensive Apps. Within here the phone will show you the active apps running in the background. It’s possible to select them and close them should you want. 

Close app after screen has locked. If you don’t want a certain app to be eating battery life when it’s not fully active and in use, follow the above step and select Close After Screen Locked.

Battery optimisation. There are three battery modes:

• Normal. The default setting, which doesn’t throttle the CPU or background activity.
• Power Saving. Select this for a slight lift in battery life. It will limit background app activity, such as push notifications, and limit the CPU.
• Ultra power saving. For when battery life is really low as you’ll get more than double life from this setting. It sets the phone into a simple mode, with only basic call and SMS apps available. One for emergencies/festivals. It can also be activated from a swipe down from the top of the screen and selecting from the expanded shortcuts.

Show battery remaining as a percentage. Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Battery. The bottom option is Remaining Battery Percentage (the font of which differs to the active Theme).

EMUI 5.0: Display adjustment

Adjust brightness / set auto-brightness. Swipe down for the top of the home screen and you’ll see a sun symbol with slider. Slide this up/down to desired level, or hit the Auto box to the side for auto-adjustment based on ambient light reading.

Customise colour balance. Too warm or cold for your eyes? Swipe down from the top of the home screen > hit the settings cog icon > select Display. Under the Screen tab is Colour Temperature where it’s possible to select pre-defined Warm or Cold, plus use the colour wheel to specifically customise the colour balance to your preference.

Change font size. Within the Display settings (method above) under the Personalised tab is Font Size. Choose between Small, Normal, Large, Huge and Extra Huge (the last is only available for Messaging, Contacts and Dialler).

Eye comfort (for night reading). Within the Display settings (method above) under the Screen tab is Eye Comfort. This filters out blue light to relieve visual fatigue when reading for long periods. It makes the screen look rather yellow, though, so you won’t want it on all the time. It can be activated as you please or even scheduled per day, plus a slider between Less Warm and Warmer allows for comfort customisation.

EMUI 5.0: Camera tips (for dual-camera phones)

The last piece of the puzzle is Huawei’s push into dual camera technology, which is present on many of its top-tier phones.

Activate Monochrome shooting. Open the Camera app, swipe from left side of the screen to open the Modes menu. Select Monochrome from here to use the true black & white sensor to full effect.

Activate Pro Mode for full control. By defauly the Camera app is a point-and-shoot affair. There’s a small tab with an upwards arrow just above the virtual shutter key, however, which when pulled upwards activates Pro Mode. This offers metering, ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, focus type and white balance control. It’s available in both Colour and Monochrome (the latter minus white balance of course).

Create fake depth of field (blurred background). Part of the reason Huawei has opted for two cameras is that it can offset the data between them, creating a depth map and the ability, via software, to blur the background as if it was taken with a much wider-open aperture. The Leica-endorsed camera of the Mate 9, for example, supports f/0.95 to f/16 in post. The results aren’t always perfect, but it’s fun. Simply click on the circular aperture setting at the top of the screen.

Mute camera for silent shooting. Swipe from the right edge to left to load the settings. Within here it’s possible to mute the focus and shutter sounds.

Activate a grid and horizon level. Also located in the settings (method above).

Shoot raw images. In addition to JPEG files there’s support for DNG. Simple go into the camera settings (method above) and hit the Raw button.

Image adjustment presets. In settings (method above) there’s Image Adjustment, where +/-2 adjustment can be pre-set for saturation, contrast and brightness.

Capture a burst of images. Simply press-and-hold the screen to whirr off a rapid burst of capture, which is saved as an image stack. Useful for fast-moving or high-speed subjects. This press-and-hold can also be used to activate focus control, adjusted within the settings.