Microsoft celebrates a year of mixed reality with HoloLens’ first birthday

Why it matters to you

Mixed reality solutions are getting closer to reality than ever on the first anniversary of HoloLens’ initial release.

Microsoft’s HoloLens strategy might be a little uncertain at this point, particularly given recent word that the company’s next version of its mixed reality solution won’t arrive until 2019 at the earliest. But, that is not stopping the company from wishing HoloLens a happy first birthday.

Along with simply getting excited about HoloLens being around for another year, Microsoft also took the opportunity to highlight some of the platform’s accomplishments over the last 12 months. As the company outlined in its blog post on the topic, developer support for mixed reality apps and continued advancement of the hardware platform are the two most important advancements.

More: Microsoft is reportedly shaking up its HoloLens development roadmap

In terms of app support, Microsoft pointed out that over 150 exclusive mixed reality apps are available for the HoloLens platform in the Windows Store. That should continue to expand, given that Windows Holographic, the HoloLens software platform, will be getting a brand new ecosystem of MR hardware headlined by lower-cost headsets from Microsoft’s OEM partners.

The company took a few moments to highlight some of the ideas created by the HoloLens community. HoloGuide, for example, is an MR app that allows users to move safely through low-visibility environments and avoid obstacles thanks to the environmental awareness and spatial sound that HoloLens enables.

HoloHear is another HoloLens solution that offers promise, specifically to act as a real-time speech-to-sign language translation tool for the deaf. And Teomirn helps students learn to play the piano by overlaying holographic instructions on the piano keyboard.

HoloLens has also made headway in terms of commercial applications. Companies such as Lowe’s, Legendary Entertainment, and Stryker, along with organizations like NASA, are using HoloLens in ways that make a real impact on their bottom lines.

Microsoft plans to talk more about HoloLens and mixed reality at the upcoming Build 2017 event in May. In the meantime, Windows 10 Creators Update is also slated to arrive soon, ushering in even more support for Microsoft’s mixed reality vision.

Machine learning algorithm can help predict depression based on MRI scans

Why it matters to you

Depression can be hard to diagnose, let alone to predict in advance. This machine learning system could highlight individuals who may be vulnerable to depression — based only on their MRI scans.

Depression can be a crippling disorder, affecting upward of 15 million American adults and representing the leading cause of disability for people between 15-44.

New research coming out of the University of Texas at Austin could make it easier to diagnose, however — or even to highlight individuals who could be vulnerable to depression prior to its onset.

“There’s a whole lot of literature that’s emerging in the field of cognitive neuroscience and psychiatry that looks at using in vivo brain imaging techniques in humans to examine differences that might be associated with mental disorders,” David Schnyer, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, told Digital Trends. “The issue with a lot of that work is that it’s largely descriptive; it doesn’t tell us how to look at differences in brain scans in a way that gives us predictive power. That would mean telling us who has a mental disorder, or even predicting who is vulnerable to one. Our work aims to address that.”

The work Schnyer refers to involved training a machine learning artificial intelligence system to spot patterns in data to make predictions about possible depression and anxiety.

More: Instagram may be more accurate at diagnosing depression than a doctor, study suggests

It’s a potentially exciting advance that could be useful in answer a long-term question: Whether it is possible to predict mental disorders by exploring the relationship between brain structure as seen in neuroimaging data and brain function. In their proof-of-concept study, the machine learning system was able to predict with 75 percent accuracy whether an individual had a major depressive disorder based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This was achieved by analyzing brain data from 52 individuals seeking treatment for depression, as well as 45 healthy control participants.

The plan next is to try and further improve the algorithm using the university’s Stampede 2 supercomputer, which will allow the team to expand their study to include data from hundreds of volunteers from the Austin area, who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or other related conditions.

As Schnyer points out, another key aspect of machine learning is that the researchers can analyze multiple data types at once. “In other words, you can create algorithms with multiple kernels — so you can feed it with MRI data, genomics data, and typical behavioral assessment data,” he said. “When you do that, the hope is that you can get a very highly accurate classification algorithm.”

The results are tentatively promising, although it may be a while before your physician is using this as a standard clinical appraisal tool.

“The idea that we can utilize this data as a diagnostic tool is the hope,” Schnyer said. “Is it going to roll out tomorrow? Probably not, but I think it’s more promising than a lot of the other more descriptive work has been.”

Machine learning algorithm can help predict depression based on MRI scans

Why it matters to you

Depression can be hard to diagnose, let alone to predict in advance. This machine learning system could highlight individuals who may be vulnerable to depression — based only on their MRI scans.

Depression can be a crippling disorder, affecting upward of 15 million American adults and representing the leading cause of disability for people between 15-44.

New research coming out of the University of Texas at Austin could make it easier to diagnose, however — or even to highlight individuals who could be vulnerable to depression prior to its onset.

“There’s a whole lot of literature that’s emerging in the field of cognitive neuroscience and psychiatry that looks at using in vivo brain imaging techniques in humans to examine differences that might be associated with mental disorders,” David Schnyer, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, told Digital Trends. “The issue with a lot of that work is that it’s largely descriptive; it doesn’t tell us how to look at differences in brain scans in a way that gives us predictive power. That would mean telling us who has a mental disorder, or even predicting who is vulnerable to one. Our work aims to address that.”

The work Schnyer refers to involved training a machine learning artificial intelligence system to spot patterns in data to make predictions about possible depression and anxiety.

More: Instagram may be more accurate at diagnosing depression than a doctor, study suggests

It’s a potentially exciting advance that could be useful in answer a long-term question: Whether it is possible to predict mental disorders by exploring the relationship between brain structure as seen in neuroimaging data and brain function. In their proof-of-concept study, the machine learning system was able to predict with 75 percent accuracy whether an individual had a major depressive disorder based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This was achieved by analyzing brain data from 52 individuals seeking treatment for depression, as well as 45 healthy control participants.

The plan next is to try and further improve the algorithm using the university’s Stampede 2 supercomputer, which will allow the team to expand their study to include data from hundreds of volunteers from the Austin area, who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or other related conditions.

As Schnyer points out, another key aspect of machine learning is that the researchers can analyze multiple data types at once. “In other words, you can create algorithms with multiple kernels — so you can feed it with MRI data, genomics data, and typical behavioral assessment data,” he said. “When you do that, the hope is that you can get a very highly accurate classification algorithm.”

The results are tentatively promising, although it may be a while before your physician is using this as a standard clinical appraisal tool.

“The idea that we can utilize this data as a diagnostic tool is the hope,” Schnyer said. “Is it going to roll out tomorrow? Probably not, but I think it’s more promising than a lot of the other more descriptive work has been.”

Zmodo Beam Alert review

Research Center:
Zmodo Beam Alert

While devices that extend your Wi-Fi signal to eliminate dead zones in your home or office abound, you won’t find many that double as home security hubs. But that’s exactly what you get with Zmodo’s $49.95 Beam Alert. By itself, Beam Alert is just one more way to make your home network and Internet connection accessible in the back bedroom or upstairs, but with the addition of the company’s multiple accessories—door and window sensors, motion and smoke detectors, video cameras, gas and carbon monoxide detectors, and alarms—you can turn your wireless network and smartphone into a home security system.

If all you need is simple Wi-Fi extension, it’s easy to find less-expensive solutions, such as Netgear’s AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender. And yes, there are devices, such as D-Link’s Wi-Fi Audio Extender, that do more than merely extend your wireless signal. There’s also several wireless security solutions, including Stack Lights BeOn bulbs and the iSmartAlarm. However, Beam Alert is the only combined Wi-Fi extender and security system we know of. When you think about it, though, the matchup makes a lot of sense.

Plug and Protect

Out of the box the Beam Alert is an off-white plastic block measuring 1.2 by 2.4 by 3.7 inches, which you plug in to any wall AC outlet. Once configured, it extends your Wi-Fi signal up to 656 feet. It weighs about a quarter of a pound and requires a Type B, 3-prong socket electrical socket. Until you download the app and connect to it with your iOS or Android smartphone and configure it, though, it does nothing but sit there and blink.

William Harrel/Digital Trends

William Harrel/Digital Trends

On the outside, aside from a status light on the front and a reset button on the side, there’s not much to it. In that regard it’s not different from D-Link’s Wi-Fi DAP, a simple Wi-Fi signal extender. The Zmodo’s packaging includes a small Getting Started booklet that, unless you have very good eyes, you’ll need magnification to read. Otherwise, downloading the app and connecting to the Beam Alert is straightforward.

Connecting remote devices and increasing home security

The Beam Alert does a reasonable job of boosting a wireless signal. What we didn’t care for was how long it takes the device to boot up and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Zmodo told us that it took about 3 minutes to boot, which is just long enough for the impatient among us to start wondering if it’s not working.

The Beam notifies you by text messages or email when a door or window opens or closes.

Once it’s up and connected to your network, it’s possible to connect various devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and so on) to it just as if it’s a wireless router, although it doesn’t support Wi-Fi Protected Setup for one-touch connectivity.

As mentioned, the Beam Alert supports several kinds of sensors. Zmodo sent us a two-pack of devices that detect the opening and closing of doors and windows. They connect and configure with the same app used to configure the Beam itself, and once they’re installed, the Beam notifies you by text messages and/or email when a door or window opens or closes. The Beam can configured to “buzz” — it’s actually a shrill beep — whenever a sensor’s alarm is tripped.

Zmodo Beam Alert Compared To

Netgear Orbi

Synology RT2600AC

Linksys Velop

Linksys WRT3200ACM

Starry Station

D-Link DIR-869 EXO AC1750

Portal Wi-Fi router

Ubiquiti Amplifi HD

HooToo TripMate Titan

TP-Link AC3150

Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream AC5400

Zyxel NBG6815 AC2200

Netgear Nighthawk X4S

Netgear Nighthawk X8

Google & TP-Link OnHub

All of this is controlled from the Zmodo app, essentially turning your mobile device into the center of your home security system.

Zmodo app and system performance

In addition to connecting your sensors to the Beam, the Zmodo app allows you to turn sensors on and off, setup activation scheduling, name and rename sensors and detectors, and more. Currently, notifications are saved for 24 hours on Zmodo servers — if you buy one of the company’s surveillance cameras, different storage options are available — but as we wrote this the company was preparing to roll out a subscription cloud service for saving your messages and videos. Pricing and service types were not yet available.

For the most part, the system worked well, though at one point we did have to reset the Beam and reconfigure it, which was much easier the second time around. But waiting for it to boot, and then reboot as part of a system diagnostic, was annoying. Aside from that, the Wi-Fi extender and home security features worked well, though an unexpected encounter with a cat unplugged the unit. A feature telling you when the system is offline would be helpful.

Warranty information

The Zmodo Beam Alert and accessories warranty provides replacement if they stop working during the first year of ownership under normal use.

Our Take

The Zmodo Beam Alert is a capable Wi-Fi extender and a reasonably reliable, customizable-as-you-go security system, although it is dependent on your Internet service – but most low-cost security solutions have failure points. During our time with it, we found it easy enough to setup and use, and once in place, everything worked as expected. Depending on the size of your home, buying enough sensors for all of your doors and windows, as well as some of the other sensors and detectors, could get expensive

Is there a better alternative?

As mentioned, we don’t know of another product like this, one that extends wireless signals and acts as a security system hub. It really is an innovative product if you need both solutions, and to make sure that all of your doors and windows are protected, you just might need your wireless network signal extended. There are routers that work as home hubs, like the Securifi Almond 3— which we think is great — but they’re more expensive.

The DT Accessory Pack

Zmodo Pivot Door / Window Sensors

$36

Zmodo 8 CH NVR Outdoor Indoor Wireless Security Camera System

$450

How long will it last?

The Beam Alert itself, the app, and the servers behind it are under constant updating and development. Upgrades like the upcoming subscription cloud service lead us to assume that Zmodo will continue to support it, and is in this for the long hall. The Beam Alert itself and the sensors seem durable, and the sensors have replaceable batteries.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Beam Alert worked well during our testing, as both a Wi-Fi extender and as a hub for connecting Zmodo’s home security accessories. If you need to clear up Wi-Fi dead spots in your home, we say go for it. While there are plenty of more secure home security alternatives available, such as monthly security services, this one is relatively inexpensive to get started, and you can add components as you go. It’s also easy to take with you when you move, which makes it great for renters.

The Ra. Lantern upgrades the campsite with GPS tracking and integrated radar

Why it matters to you

This lantern doesn’t just light up the campsite but also provides wireless communications, GPS tracking, a USB power station for recharging devices, and a radar.

Campers and backpackers searching for a new light source to take with them on their outdoor adventures may want to check out the latest camping gadget to hit Kickstarter. Dubbed the Ra. Lantern, it not only illuminates a campsite but also delivers a host of other useful high-tech features for anyone exploring the backcountry, including real-time GPS tracking, wireless communications, and a radar warning system.

At first glance, the Ra. Lantern appears to be a powerful source of light similar to many lanterns on the market. It’s capable of putting out as much as 500 lumens of light on its brightest setting and even comes equipped with a handle making it easy to carry around. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes clear the device actually features several different parts, including the Ra. Core base unit and two detachable light panels.

Since each of these panels also emits up to 500 lumens of light, campers have the option to take one with them while finding their way in the dark. But the individual modules also do a lot more than simply illuminate a trail. For instance, it allows them to connect an iOS or Android device to the Ra. Lantern via Bluetooth, enabling them to use the modules to create a wireless network allowing them to stay in communication with others up to a mile away — even when a cell network doesn’t exist.

The Ra. Core serves as a base station of sorts and facilitates sending text messages via a special app. This same app allows users to also track each other’s whereabouts using the GPS chips located in their connected smartphones. It also features an onboard radar system which creates a protective mesh surrounding the campsite. The device’s radar module is able to detect movement from up to 30 feet away and then send a notification to users if anyone (or anything) draws near. Should that happen, the lantern also begins to blink rapidly in an effort to scare errant creatures away.

The device draws its power via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which boasts a 45,000 mAh capacity. In other words, that is enough to keep the lantern illuminated for up to 50 hours. The Ra. Core unit also comes equipped with two USB ports to keep mobile devices, tablets, digital cameras, and other gadgets charged. According to the Kickstarter page, the lantern recharges an iPhone up to 12 times, or an iPad as many as three times, before requiring its own recharge.

More: REI competes with big name brands after releasing redesigned Magma sleeping bag

The designers of the Ra. Lantern seek $80,000 to get this product off the ground and, as of this writing, sit a little over a quarter of the way to that goal with just over $22,000 raised. If the crowdfunding efforts prove successful, the device plans to go into production in June before shipping in July. It’s expected to carry an MSRP of $298, although early-bird supports have the ability to pre-order one now for $129.

Transcend’s new MTE850 is its first entry into the PCIe solid-state drive space

Why it matters to you

If you’re looking for a new NVMe SSD, Transcend has an option for you.

NVMe is the emerging standard for solid-state drives (SSDs), offering higher speed than the older SATA standard and serving as the standard means for connecting storage to the PCI Express bus. Suffice it to say that if you’re looking for a high-speed storage option, you will find NVMe as a likely solution.

Now, Transcend has joined the party, introducing its first entry in the NVMe SSD space. The new drive comes under the MTE850 moniker and brings some improvements that should provide for good performance, as Tom’s Hardware reports.

More: Micron stacks memory with 3D NAND technology for mobile, increasing capacity

The Transcend MTE850 utilizes Micron 3D MLC NAND flash memory coupled with Silicon Motion’s SM2260 dual-core controller. As Tom’s Hardware points out, that particular combo isn’t known for providing the most consistent performance. According to Transcend, however, the MTE850 utilizes a writing feature dubbed “Direct-To-Die” that hopes to provide for higher sustained and more consistent write speeds.

Indeed, Transcend is promising up to 2.5GB per second sequential read and 1.1GBps sequential write speeds, which would make the MTE850 competitive with most SSDs in its price range. Transcend rates the drives, which are M.2 form factor SSDs and the company’s first utilizing a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, at 110K IPS for random write and 270K IOPS for random read operations.

Finally, users can download Transcend’s Scope utility that provides a number of drive management capabilities. Scope provides the ability to view drive information, access SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) diagnostic status and information, securely erase drives, enable TRIM for optimal write speeds, update drive firmware, and make cloning data from another drive easier and more efficient.

The Transcend MTE850 promises to enjoy midrange pricing, specifically $95 for the 128GB version, $160 for 256GB, and $300 for 512GB. Availability hasn’t yet been announced and the drives come with a three-year limited warranty that takes overall write volume into consideration.

Upgrade your desktop experience with an LG 34-inch ultrawide monitor, now $100 off

Recent years have seen the growing popularity of ultrawide desktop monitors like the LG 34UM88C-P. Ultrawide screens offer a lot of desktop real estate that’s ideal for multitasking. They also offer a more immersive experience for watching movies and playing games without the hassle of multi-monitor setups. Many of these displays cost well over $1,000, but now you can score the LG 34-inch ultrawide monitor for just $600 from Newegg thanks to a limited-time $100 discount.

The LG 34UM88C-P features an aspect ratio of 21:9, with a Quad HD resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. The 34-inch display uses in-plane switching technology and energy-efficient LED backlighting. FreeSync virtually eliminates frustrating screen-tearing during intense applications like gaming, while Game Mode offers three optimized presets for the most popular game genres. Built-in USB 3.0 gives you a convenient access point for charging devices up to four times faster than USB 2.0, and inputs include two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort.

More: Up your game and save money with these Amazon Razer deals

The monitor covers more than 99 percent of the sRBG spectrum for highly accurate color output, which is ideal not only for getting the most out of your entertainment, but also for color-sensitive tasks like graphic design. On-Screen Control provides easy access to your display settings and replaces the traditional push-button controls typically found on monitors. For multitasking, built-in Screen Split 2.0 can simulate a multi-display setup and lets you easily set up multiple workspaces so you can organize your desktop and even enjoy some entertainment in one window while you work in others.

If you want a larger, wider screen area, the LG 34-inch ultra-wide display is a great solution. The current $100 discount is valid through Tuesday, April 4, so if you’ve been considering upgrading to an ultrawide monitor, then now is a great time to snag one for $600 from Newegg.

Buy it on NeweggFlash for $600

Looking to get in shape for spring? Google Maps and Search can help

Why it matters to you

Getting in shape needs to be as easy as possible, and Google is helping with the new Reserve with Google feature.

We may be just a week or so into spring, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not already thinking about our summertime plans … and the figures we hope we will have when we pursue them. Here to help is Google, which is encouraging users everywhere to “shake off those winter blues and spring into shape.” Beginning March 30, you can book and pay for fitness classes anywhere in the U.S. directly via Google Maps, Google Search, and the Reserve with Google website.

To book your yoga session or spinning class, check out the Reserve with Google site either on your desktop or mobile device. From there, you’ll be able to conduct a search for fitness studios based on location, and you’ll be able to filter options based on class types. If you’re not sure of what kind of fitness routine you’d like to try, you can use Reserve with Google to parse through recommendations. Alternatively, if you’re a die-hard kickboxer, you can go ahead and book a class at a studio you’re already familiar with.

More: Honeymoon phase over: Google Home users report the first batch of glitches

The new reservation feature will also allow you to save money with intro offers or packaged deals, so you can rest assured that you’re not only doing something good for your body, but for your wallet as well.

Booking through Google Maps and Search is also a breeze (though it ultimately requires you to go through Reserve with Google). If you’re looking to reserve via Google Maps, you’ll have to be on a desktop, whereas Google Search reservations work on both your laptop and your phone. In any case, just search for your desired studio, click “Reserve with Google,” and you’ll be able to view class schedules, book a session, and make a payment.

Google is currently working with scheduling providers like MindBody, MyTime, Genbook, Full Slate, Front Desk, Appointy, and others to ensure that you have as much optionality as possible for your classes. “So whether you keep going back to a specific class at your favorite studio nearby, or want to find a great new spot while you’re traveling,” the company concluded, “Reserve with Google can help you book a workout in just a few taps.”

Intel’s Optane memory sticks will require seventh-generation Core processors

Why it matters to you

If you’re building a new PC, you may want to make sure you choose seventh-generation Intel Core processors, and not the Y-series.

Intel’s new Optane memory promises to offer a low-cost yet-high-speed alternative to NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs). Coming in 16GB and 32GB sizes, Optane memory sticks will basically serve as high-speed caches to provide a performance kick to older hard disk drive (HDD) and slower SSD technologies.

We’ve known for a little while now that Optane would only work with Intel’s seventh-generation processors and chipsets, along with requiring an M.2 slot. Now, it appears that Optane requires Intel Core processors specifically, making their requirements a bit more specific, as the Tech Report points out.

More: Intel’s Optane Memory hopes to give your aging hard disk a kick in the pants

The specific reference can be found on Intel’s own Optane site, which lists the CPUs and chipsets that will be required to utilize Optane memory. In terms of processors, you’ll find Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 variants. What you won’t find are any of Intel’s lower-end parts such as Pentium and Celeron processors.

In addition, while a full range of Core processors is supported, you also won’t find any of Intel’s latest Core Y-series CPUs. These low-power options, which were called Core M processors in earlier iterations, are found most commonly on fanless notebooks. Essentially, Intel is only providing Optane support on machines using its most high-powered — and expensive — processors.

What that means in practice is that budget PC builders might very well be better off buying a low-powered SSD to go with a low-priced Intel Celeron or Pentium machine. Put another way, if you’re building a machine around these CPUs, then you’ll have to go with the SSD option or settle for a slower HDD.

Another way to look at it is that Optane shouldn’t be looked at exclusively as the cheapest way to boost storage performance. At least, not for the most low-budget machines. Rather, it’s a way to build a machine that’s going to perform better in both storage and processing while not breaking the bank. Optane can also serve as a way to augment speedy SSD storage for booting a system while enjoying the cost-effective capacity of HDDs.

In any case, if you’re building a new system, keep these limitations in mind. If you want Optane, then you’ll need to choose one of Intel’s seventh-generation Core processors, and you’ll need to leave the Pentium and Celeron options out of your equations.

Where to buy the Galaxy S8 in Canada

The Galaxy S8 is officially coming to Canada on April 21, but it’s getting shipped to some people on April 17.

The Galaxy S8 will be available in Canada on April 21, and because it’s one of the most anticipated devices of the year, it will be widely available across the country.

The phone comes in two sizes, the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+, with about $80 difference between them.

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Samsung

Samsung is selling both models of the Galaxy S8 directly from its website and in its Samsung Experience stores. The Galaxy S8 itself will be available outright for $1035, while the larger Galaxy S8+ will go for $1115. These are the full retail unsubsidized prices, and will come with a free Gear VR + controller bundle if pre-ordered before April 20.

The phones are available in Midnight Black or Orchid Grey.

See at Samsung Canada

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Rogers

The Galaxy S8 will be available at Rogers starting at $249 on a 2-year Premium+ Tab plan and $489 on a standard Premium Tab plan. It is $1035 outright, which is the standard amount charged by Samsung. The Galaxy S8+ goes for $319 on a 2-year Premium+ Tab plan and $559 on a Premium Tab plan. It matches Samsung at $1115 outright. It’s available in Midnight Black and Orchid Grey and pre-orders will come with a free Gear VR + controller, and six months of Spotify Premium.

See at Rogers

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Telus

Telus is selling the Galaxy S8 for $250 on a 2-year contract with a minimum $90 monthly plan, or $490 with an $80 plan. The Galaxy S8+ goes for $320 on a 2-year contract with a minimum $90 plan, and $560 with an $80 plan. The company plans to give away a free Gear VR and controller with all pre-orders, and will actually begin shipping the phone four days earlier than other carriers, on April 17.

See at Telus

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Bell

Bell is selling the Galaxy S8 for $289.99 on a 2-year plan with a minimum 5GB plan per account, and $489.99 with a minimum 1GB plan per account. It’s also $1034.99 outright. The Galaxy S8+ is $359.99 and $559.99 respectively for the same minimums, plus $1114.99 outright. Like the other carriers, those who pre-order get a free Gear VR and controller, and the company is shipping as early as April 18.

See at Bell

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Videotron

Videotron is selling the Galaxy S8 for $279.95 on a 2-year $90 monthly plan, or $379.95 on a 2-year $80 monthly plan. It is $1029.95 outright, which saves $5 from the retail price elsewhere. The Galaxy S8+ goes for $349.95, $449.95 and $1119.95, respectively for the same minimums. Shipments start on August 17 as well, and those who pre-order — you guessed it — get a Gear VR and controller.

See at Videotron

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Virgin Mobile

The Galaxy S8 on Virgin Mobile goes for a bit more than the other carriers because it is less subsidized; it is $489.99 on a Platinum plan, and $1034.95 outright. The Galaxy S8+ is nowhere in sight on Virgin’s webpage at this point. The GS8 comes with a Gear VR and controller, too.

See at Virgin Mobile

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Koodo

Koodo is selling the Galaxy S8 for $490 on a 2-year contract and $994 outright, the cheapest of all the carriers. The Galaxy S8+ goes for $560 on a 2-year contract, and $1064 outright, also the cheapest of all the carriers. Those who pre-order get a free Gear VR and controller.

See at Koodo

Buy the Galaxy S8 from SaskTel

SaskTel is selling the Galaxy S8 for $249.99, plus $10 per month Plus Pricing, or $449.99, on a 2-year contract. The Galaxy S8+ goes for $319.99 with the same criteria. Everyone that pre-orders gets a free Gear VR and controller, too.

See at SaskTel

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Fido

The Galaxy S8 is not yet available for pre-order from Fido.

Buy the Galaxy S8 from MTS

The Galaxy S8 is not yet available for pre-order from MTS.

Buy the Galaxy S8 from Freedom Mobile

Freedom Mobile has not yet made the Galaxy S8 available for pre-order.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Galaxy S8 and S8+ hands-on preview!
• Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs
• Everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8’s cameras
• Get to know Samsung Bixby
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums