LG’s UltraFine 5K Display Back in Stock on Apple’s Website After Shielding Fix

LG’s UltraFine 5K Display now ships in 1-2 business days on Apple’s website in the United States and Canada, signaling that the display is finally back in stock after having been backordered for up to 4-6 weeks due to an interference issue.

Specifically, some users experienced flickering issues with the UltraFine 5K Display when it came within close proximity of a Wi-Fi router, or in some cases, simply made contact with a MacBook Pro. LG apologized for the issue last month and said all models manufactured after February 2017 would be fitted with enhanced shielding.

Apple stopped sales of the LG UltraFine 5K Display at its retail stores and delayed shipments on its website about a month ago while LG worked on the fix, and it appears the issue is now resolved.

Those who purchased an UltraFine 5K Display prior to February can contact LG to have their model retrofitted with the same improved shielding.

LG’s UltraFine 5K Display is still on sale for $974 until March 31, when the price will return to $1,299.95. Longer shipping times are still quoted in some other regions, such as Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Related Roundup: Displays
Tags: LG, Apple retail
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Apple Seeds Fifth Beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.4 to Developers

Apple today seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming macOS Sierra 10.12.4 update to developers, one week after seeding the fourth macOS Sierra 10.12.4 beta and over a month after releasing macOS Sierra 10.12.3.

The fifth macOS Sierra 10.12.4 beta is available for download through the Apple Developer Center or the software update mechanism in the Mac App Store for those who have previously installed a beta.

macOS Sierra 10.12.4 brings iOS’s Night Shift mode to the Mac for the first time. First introduced on iOS devices with iOS 9.3, Night Shift is designed to gradually shift the display of a device from blue to yellow, cutting down on exposure to blue light. Blue light is said to disrupt the circadian rhythm and is believed to interrupt sleeping patterns.

Night Shift can be activated through the Displays section of System Preferences, where a setting to have it come on at sunset and turn off at sunrise is available. Night Shift can also be toggled on manually through the Notification Center or via Siri.

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The 10.12.4 update focuses mainly on Night Shift, but also includes dictation support for Shanghainese, cricket scores for Siri, improved PDFKit APIs, and iCloud Analytics options.

Related Roundup: macOS Sierra
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Foxconn and TSMC Team Up to Bid on Toshiba’s NAND Flash Unit

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Foxconn, two companies who work with Apple, are teaming up to place a bid for a stake in Toshiba’s memory chip unit according to Chinese site Liberty Times (via DigiTimes).

The partnership could perhaps give TSMC and Foxconn the tools to gain a serious foothold in the flash memory market that’s currently dominated by Samsung.

Via the cooperation, the report claimed, TSMC will be able to challenge Korea-based Samsung Electronics’ leadership in the flash memory market, allowing the pure-play foundry house to achieve a new wave of growth. The two companies’ bidding team is currently in Japan aggressively preparing for document submission prior to the March 29 first-round bidding.

Bidding is set to start on March 29, and Foxconn and TSMC are said to have representatives in Japan that are preparing to place a bid. According to Foxconn chairman Terry Guo, the company is interested in pushing into the flash memory industry as storage demands will increase as screen resolutions go up.

Guo says Foxconn is highly interested in Toshiba’s memory business and would be willing to use the same business strategy it adopted when partnering with Sharp — keeping the business intact. Foxconn purchased Sharp in 2016 and has since begun using the business to build OLED displays, perhaps for future iPhones.

Toshiba is planning to sell a portion of its flash memory unit to raise funds to cover a significant $6.3 billion loss, with the company planning to split off the memory unit from the main business on April 1, 2017. Toshiba originally hoped to sell a minority stake in the business, but later said it would consider selling most, or all, of the new flash unit.

Apple, SK Hynix, Western Digital, and Micron Technology have also been named as parties potentially interested in acquiring Toshiba’s memory business.

Tags: TSMC, Foxconn, Toshiba
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AMD says Naples CPU will outperform the heavily priced Xeon E5-2699A v4 chip

Why it matters to you

This is important for the mass market because data centers will benefit from the better performance per watt, which turns into savings for companies and users.

Data centers are the backbone of everything we do in a connected world, from browsing Facebook to journeying across epic online worlds to storing data personal online. AMD was once a big player in the data center industry but seemingly went silent for several years as it designed from scratch its latest processor core architecture codenamed Zen. Now AMD is back with its Naples server processors slated to arrive in the second quarter of 2017.

Each Naples system-on-chip processor consists of 32 cores and 64 threads. Given that servers based on this chip will have two sockets, that totals up to 64 cores and 128 threads. Even more, each processor will have an integrated memory controller overseeing eight memory channels to support 16 memory sticks. Each Naples chip will also have control more than 64 I/O lanes, eliminating the need for the “southbridge,” which typically controls I/O lanes.

More: AMD’s ‘Naples’ server CPU designed for ‘radical’ data center changes

In a Naples system, the two AM4 processor sockets are connected by AMD’s Infinity Fabric technology. Consider this as a scalable, modular, private network shared between the two sockets that provides full use of the system memory made available to the processor and graphics chip. It consists of a “control” portion for power management, security, and reset/initialization, and a “data” portion for low-bandwidth communication between the sockets, the bus (including graphics chips via PCIe), and so on.

To show Naples’ superiority over an Intel-based server, the company recently compared its two-socket setup against one sporting Intel Xeon E5-2699A v4 processors. Here are some of the key differences:

AMD Naples
Xeon E5-2699A v4
Number of processors:
2
2
Number of cores:
64
44
Number of threads:
128
88
Base speed per CPU:
unknown
2.40GHz
Boost speed per CPU:
unknown
3.60GHz
Total memory channels:
16
8
Total memory capacity (16GB DIMMs):
512GB
384GB
Memory frequency:
2,400MHz
1,866MHz (note: 2,400MHz is max)
Total PCIe Gen3 lanes to CPUs:
128 (64 max each CPU)
80 (40 max each CPU)
Price per CPU:
Unknown
$4,938

As shown, the Intel server chip was outnumbered in cores and threads even before the demo began, so AMD dialed back the two Naples chips to run only on a combined 44 cores, and reduced the memory speed to 1,866MHz. Thus, in a seismic analysis workload, the company saw the task completed on the Naples setup in 18 seconds and the same task finished on an Intel setup in 35 seconds. AMD then turned on the remaining Naples cores and bumped the memory back up to 2,400Mhz to see the same task completed in just 14 seconds.

Naples is optimized for AMD’s Radeon Instinct platform for deep learning workloads. Its Zen core design was also developed alongside AMD’s Vega graphics chip design, which will first appear in Radeon RX Vega solutions for PC gamers soon. Naples is also optimized for accelerated Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solutions.

Ultimately, with the release of Naples next quarter, AMD is updating the data center with 45 percent more cores, 122 percent more memory bandwidth, and 60 percent more I/O than the competition. Stay tuned for more hardware details and pricing as the launch date closes in.

You only pay once: FreedomPop’s first Wi-Fi-calling phone has zero monthly costs

Why it matters to you

FreedomPop’s V7 doesn’t cost much to buy, and potentially nothing to use, making it one of the best deals out there for frugal phone fans.

Low-cost mobile network FreedomPop is already known for its superb value SIM-only plans, but with the launch of its first smartphone, it has taken bargain basement mobile phone ownership to the next level. The FreedomPop V7 costs just 60 British pounds, or about $75, and comes with a SIM card loaded with free calls, free data, free SMS, and even free WhatsApp messages. If you’re not too demanding, you may end up paying only once for the V7, and never again.

FreedomPop’s V7 makes use of Wi-Fi-calling technology, switching between a cellular network and Wi-Fi to always ensure you can make a call on the strongest connection. Currently, the V7 has only been announced for the U.K. and Spain, but hasn’t confirmed the SIM or plan that will be included with the phone. However, as it comes with WhatsApp messages included, it’s likely to also include 100 minutes of calls, and 200MB of data for free.

More: FreedomPop will sell you a refurbished phone through its own online store

If this isn’t enough, you can pay to upgrade and add more of each, but that would defeat the point of FreedomPop’s outrageously good value phone and plan. We’re hoping it will include free European roaming, too, which is part of the standard WhatsApp SIM deal through the network. Interestingly, the V7 is a dual-SIM phone, giving the frugal phone fan even more choice to exploit the best deals out there, without compromising or having to switch SIMs.

What sort of phone do you get for $75? Well, it’s not going to be challenging the Google Pixel for Android supremacy. It has a 5-inch screen with an unknown resolution, a Snapdragon 210 processor, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel selfie camera, and 8GB of internal memory. There’s a MicroSD card slot, but it’s only Android 6.0 Marshmallow installed, putting it behind many other phones released in 2017.

It’s hard to complain, though, as it costs considerably less than most other smartphones. It may end up being used as a second or even third phone for many. FreedomPop has teased a Wi-Fi-calling phone in the past, touting a partnership with Intel at the time, but either that model is still coming, or has been put on ice for now.

If you’re in the U.K. or Spain, the V7 is available on a first-come-first-served basis through FreedomPop’s website, and the company warns that supplies are limited, so grab one quickly if you want one. Anyone in the U.S. keen to get a similar deal should be patient, FreedomPop says the V7 will be released in the United States later this year.

Best app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers make paid apps free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money, and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

More: 200 Awesome iPhone Apps | The best Android apps for almost any occasion

Cleu

By connecting our behaviors to one experience, we can start to remove the need to check our devices. This app hopes to help us do that.

Available on:

iOS

Easy Spending

See where your money goes and take control of where to spend your money effectively using the simple and yet powerful money management app on iOS.

Available on:

iOS

CubicToDo

With CubicToDo, you will be able to manage your to-do list in a unique way — by fiddling with a three-dimensional cube.

Available on:

iOS

KeyWi Keyboard

KeyWi is a custom keyboard for your iOS device that allows you to type using your computer’s physical keyboard.

Available on:

iOS

Direction Compass

This is the “must have” tool to locate yourself easily whether it be in a town or city, while out hiking, on a boat, or more. The map is a compass that orients itself automatically.

Available on:

iOS

Six Pack Abs

These exercises are designed for a 30-day challenge with 4 workouts per day. The number of workouts, and time required for performing an exercise, will increase each day.

Available on:

iOS

Base Surface Pro 4s no longer come with Surface Pen — but it’s a better deal

Why it matters to you

Microsoft’s decision to drop bundled pen options means no one will be caught out by a raw deal. You can still buy the Pen separately for an overall savings.

Microsoft has removed the entry-level Surface Pro 4 with Surface Pen bundle entirely, but while this might seem like a limiting of options for Surface Pro 4 buyers, it actually could save them money. The cheapest Surface Pro 4 without the Surface Pen is $100 cheaper than when it came with one, and you can always buy the pen separately for just $60.

When we took a look at the Surface Pro 4 back in mid-2016, we called it the best 2-in-1 PC we’d ever tested. Although mostly that was to do with the hardware inside and its presentation, the Surface Pen did add a lot to the package, too. It’s much more sensitive than the Pen that shipped out with the Surface Pro 3 and feels like an intrinsic part of the Surface Pro 4’s design.

Even so, it’s not terrible that people can save themselves some money and still pick one up later if they are looking to buy the cheapest of Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4s. The “no pen,” version still comes with 128GB of storage, a Core M3 processor, and 4GB of memory.

More: New patent shows Microsoft working on Surface Pen wireless charging accessories

Ditching the bundled pen option for low-end Surface Pro 4s may be something Microsoft does across all territories before long. As it stands, many regions still have the bundle as an option on the Microsoft store, but considering Microsoft’s change in the U.S., a decision to do something similar elsewhere in the world wouldn’t be surprising.

All of this is likely part of the build-up for Microsoft’s next iteration of the 2-in-1 PC at some point in the next few months. The Pro 4 is still a solid purchase, but it is getting a little long in the tooth, especially for those who like their hardware upgrades to be annual, or anyone sitting on convertible hardware that’s much older.

Carvon electric skateboards up the ante with AWD and a top speed of 35 mph

Why it matters to you

Carvon’s next-generation electric skateboards offer a faster, smoother ride and more control.

It’s fair to say electric skateboards have gone mainstream over the past year, with new decks being rolled out for amateurs and experts alike. A Kickstarter campaign launched for Carvon’s new Evo and Revo boards fall into the latter category.

Carvon has been player in the electric skateboard game for five years but it’s raising the bar with its latest generation of boards.

Evo (aka “The Cruiser”) packs dual V3 motors positioned next to its wheels, rather than inside, which the company says allows for thicker urethane wheels, a smoother ride, and improved performance. The board can exceed an impressive 30 mph with a 14-mile range.

The Revo (aka “The Climber”) goes one step further, with dual V3 motors up front and a single X Motor in the back, totaling 3,000 watts of output for what the company calls “a gearbox on wheels.” While excelling at climbing hills, the Revo 4WD also boasts a 35 mph top speed and 20-mile range.

But there’s more.

Carvon has made it easy to swap its standard urethane wheels for all-terrain ones. And the company’s new and improved remote control fits snugly around slide gloves so veteran boarders can safely pull technical maneuvers. The dropdown deck offers a “low-to-the-ground” riding feel, according to Carvon, with carbon fiber layers for rigidity around the board’s electrics.

More: 12 electric skateboards that let you skate without the sweat

“We at Carvon have been actively involved in the DIY electric skateboard scene for years, especially with hub motors designs, and have been aware of the problems and limitations of current electric skateboard or longboard setups,” Carvon communications director, Michael Quiros, told Digital Trends.

“We wanted to come up with solutions to these problems because we wanted to duplicate the feeling of riding a skateboard or longboard, even though it’s motorized. We wanted to preserve the feeling of gliding, coasting, being expressive, going fast, racing, doing some slides, shredding on different surfaces … Basically, we didn’t want the boards to supplement our riding skills, but to enhance them.”

The Evo is available on Kickstarter for early adopter for $1,199. The Revo is available for $1,699. And for DIY enthusiasts who want to build their own board, Carvon’s Dual V3 motors are on offer for $499.

Google Assistant will finally help you read and interact with your text messages

Why it matters to you

One of the main drawbacks of Google Assistant was long its inability to help you interact with your texts. That all changes today.

You can finally talk to your friends by talking to your phone.

Wait, what?

Yes, you read that correctly. If you have a phone that is compatible with Google Assistant, we have good news for you: The AI assistant can now help you read and interact with your SMS text messages, a feature that users have been requesting since … well, since Google Assistant first made its debut.

More: Everything you need to know about Google Assistant

You can now employ one of many prompts in order to access your text messages. For example, if you tell Google Assistant to “Show me my messages,” you’ll be greeted by the message interface found in Google Now. If you ask, “Do I have any messages?” you’ll see any new messages you may have received. If you say, “Show me my last message,” you’ll be able to access your most recent conversation.

When you access a message through Assistant, you’ll also have access to a reply button, which will open up a conversation field if tapped. And because Google Assistant uses the SMS client, you can also use your voice to interact with Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger’s SMS feature. You can have your messages read aloud to you, reply to them, or move on to the next message on the list.

Google is currently in the process of rolling out Assistant to non-Pixel phones, so if you don’t have it yet, you ought to in the near future. 9to5Google reports that the feature works on the latest beta version of the Google app (6.14) but should also work on the latest 6.13 stable.

So if you find your hands tied but needing to keep up on your correspondences, Google Assistant can help you out in a pinch.

Machine learning improvements for Google Translate expanding to more languages

Why it matters to you

Just because you’re not multilingual doesn’t mean you can’t communicate in a foreign country. Especially now that Google Translate has gotten so much better.

Google has always been the go-to place for online translation, but it looks like the company wants to take things to the next level. Last November, the company announced that it would use machine learning to improve the quality of translation offered by Google Translate. It began providing neural machine translation for nine languages, promising more to come, and now a few months later, it’s made good on that promise.

At launch last year, the languages included English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. But in a blog post on Monday, Google Translate head Barak Turovsky announced the availability of neural machine translation for Hindi, Russian, and Vietnamese, with “many more languages” to come. It will eventually be used in all 103 languages that Google Translate supports.

More: Google Translate 5.0 makes deciphering restaurant menus much easier

“With this update, Google Translate is improving more in a single leap than we’ve seen in the last 10 years combined. But this is just the beginning,” said Google in its original blog post. “While we’re starting with eight language pairs within Google Search, the Google Translate app, and website, our goal is to eventually roll neural machine translation out to all 103 languages and surfaces where you can access Google Translate.”

According to Google, the system uses Google’s self-built tensor processor units, or TPUs, which help give the system a processing time that’s three times faster than on a CPU and eight times faster than on a GPU. Turovsky says the company can also use multilingual neural nets for languages that are similar linguistically.

Google has been putting a pretty heavy emphasis on machine learning, and that’s only likely to continue. Just recently, the company launched its new digital assistant, aptly called Google Assistant, which is artificially intelligent and aims to help users with day-to-day tasks in their digital lives — like conducting searches, managing calendars, and so on.

Article originally published in November 2016. Updated on 3-7-2017 by Lulu Chang: Added news of more languages added to neural machine translation capabilities.