You won’t want to miss your chance to grab an Honor 8 for just $277

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time scoring you a sweet deal on the excellent Honor 8 smartphone!

Odds are that you’ve heard of the Honor 8 by now, and if you’re in the market for one you won’t want to miss this deal. Right now you can pick up an unlocked 32GB version of the popular smartphone for just $277, which is a savings of around $120 from its normal price. With its 5.2-inch screen and dual camera setup, the Honor 8 has features that beginners and advanced users will love. The phone offers great battery life and recharges via USB-C, and it was recently updated to Android 7.0 and EMUI 5.

This price is only available for the midnight black version of the phone, but some of the other colors are on sale as well. Stop delaying and pick one of these up for yourself today!

See at Amazon

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

How to use gestures to become an Android home screen expert

Gestures have been an iconic piece of the mobile computing experience since the beginning — even without an icon.

Slide-to-unlock. Pinch-to-zoom. Double-tap-to-wake. Gestures that work well are invaluable to a user’s experience, and Android phone manufacturers are bringing these gestures to the home screen in deceptively simple and astonishingly successful ways.

Case in point: both the Samsung Galaxy S8 — and the Google Pixel before it — are eschewing the app drawer button and instead using a gesture to open the drawer. Google employed a slightly brightened dock background and a swipe from the dock to open the app drawer on the Pixel Launcher, but Samsung’s taking this two steps further: swiping up or down anywhere on the home screen will launch you into the app drawer.

So what if you want to open something other than the app drawer? No problem.

Gesture controls on launchers can be generally broken down into two categories: locked down and customizable. First-party launchers like the Pixel Launcher, as well as system-wide gestures on Samsung, HTC, and other devices, are locked down gestures in that you can turn them off and on, but you can’t change them from their default action. For example, if you want to swipe down on your home screen to pull up the notifications instead of the app drawer on a Samsung Galaxy S8, you’re out of luck unless you want to download another launcher. Some third-party launchers like Evie Launcher utilize locked-down gestures, likely in the interest of simplicity.

The second category of gesture controls are customizable controls, such as those we find on Action Launcher 3, Nova Launcher, and ADW 2 Launcher. These launchers all offer a set of gesture controls that the user can assign a desired action to, from direct dialing your mother to opening the notification shade to opening Google Maps or launching a Tasker task. Customizable gesture controls let the user create the UI that they want through their taps and swipes.

While most launchers put things in different places, customizable gesture controls on launchers are generally in the same place and format. Look for Gestures or Shortcuts on your launcher’s settings menu. You’ll be treated to a list of gestures you can assign shortcuts and apps to. Tap the gesture you desire, then you’ll be treated to a list of all the things you can assign there. While the possibilities are really quite endless, here are some popular and useful ways to utilize gesture controls on your home screen:

• Swipe up to open app drawer
• Swipe down to open notification shade
• Double-tap to open app
• Double-tap to lock phone 1
• Two-finger swipe down for Quick Settings
• Two-finger swipe up to connect to home Bluetooth speaker (Tasker task)
• Two-finger swipe down to disconnect to home Bluetooth speaker (Tasker task)
• Tap Home button (on home screen) to open Google app
• Two-finger swipe up to turn on flashlight.
• Swipe from Phone app to call Mom

1 A lot of users do this to avoid wearing out their power button, and for phones with double-tap to wake since they start getting used to double-tapping to wake and sleep.

Oh, that last one is a swipe action. Nova Launcher allows you to not only assign actions to a gesture to the home screen but to individual apps on your home screen, called swipe actions in the shortcut editing screen. Swipe actions allows us to do things like:

• Direct dial mom by swiping the phone button
• Add a secret app to a folder by making it the shortcut gesture — I use this to avoid blank spaces in folders
• Begin Navigating home when you swipe on Google Maps
• Toggle Bluetooth when you swipe on Google Play Music
• Start playing your drive-time playlist when you swipe on Google Play Music

Beyond Nova Launcher, there aren’t a lot of launchers that support swipe actions. Also, as more and more apps begin to support Android 7.1 App Shortcuts, the gesture used for swipe actions could be co-opted for App Shortcuts, which offer multiple options as opposed to the singular action assigned to swipe actions. It’ll be interesting to see how that’s handled over the next year or two.

So what gestures do you give your phone on a regular basis? Have you hit upon the perfect shortcut system to achieve peak efficiency on your home screen? Share them with us in the comments — I’m always looking for new shortcut combos to try.

LeEco hits another snag in building its global empire, won’t acquire Vizio

This time, regulations have stopped it from acquiring the US’s biggest TV maker.

LeEco hasn’t had an easy time lately and things don’t seem to be perking up. Both LeEco and Vizio have announced that the merger agreement for the former to acquire the latter will not proceed.

Both companies sent out a tandem email with the following statement:

LeEco Global Group Ltd. and VIZIO Inc. announced today that the merger agreement to acquire VIZIO will not proceed due to regulatory headwinds. We continue to believe that there is great synergy between the two companies and are pleased to announce that LeEco and VIZIO have reached an agreement that is a win for both companies.

Under the new agreement, LeEco and VIZIO will continue to explore opportunities to incorporate the Le app and content within the VIZIO connected CE platform and engage in a collaborative partnership to leverage LeEco’s EUI (Ecosystem User Interface) platform, along with the brand’s exclusive content and distribution channels, to bring VIZIO products to the China market.

LeEco had announced last summer that it would acquire Vizio, the US’s biggest manufacturer of televisions, for $2 billion. It would have given the Chinese company a relative entry point into the American gadget market, not to mention helping to proliferate LeEco’s ecosystem of devices. But the acquisition was squashed after both companies endured too many obstacles from Chinese regulators.

For now, Vizio will remain a US-based business, though you’ll likely see some LeEco services pop up on future Vizio products.

AT&T paid $1.6 billion to own the next generation of wireless

For all intents and purposes, it looks like AT&T is going to own a majority of 5G wireless connections in the US. The company has announced that it has acquired Straight Path Communications for $1.6 billion. Not familiar with the name? That’s totally understandable. “Straight Path is the largest commercial holder of the 39 GHz spectrum, with about 95 percent of the total licenses commercially available, as well as a significant holder of 28 GHz in major markets, including New York and San Francisco,” the company’s website reads.

“This acquisition will support AT&T’s leadership in 5G, which will accelerate the delivery of new experiences for consumers and businesses like virtual and augmented reality, telemedicine, autonomous cars, smart cities and more,” according to the statement from AT&T.

Specifically, the telco pointed to beaming DirecTV Now to customers over a fixed 5G connection as an example of what’s capable here.

Last July, FierceWireless pointed out that while the 37/39 GHz spectrum had bandwidth advantages over the more commonly used 28 GHz range, anyone licensing the former would need “between 44 and 46 percent more spectrum” to offer the same type of coverage the latter provides. With this acquisition that shouldn’t be an issue for AT&T.

That’s assuming the purchase is green-lit by the Federal Communications Commission, of course. Given the FCC’s newly frigid stance on net neutrality, the approval likely won’t be much of an issue. So maybe the folks in Austin and Indianapolis will get to give the network a try when the speedy (400Mbps or better) service starts testing there later this year.

Source: PR Newswire, Straight Path

LeEco is not buying Vizio after all

Troubled electronics and car maker LeEco made an ambitious promise to buy TV company Vizio for $2 billion last year, but as it turns out, that acquisition isn’t happening after all. The company today confirmed that “the merger agreement will not proceed due to regulatory headwinds.” This comes after persistent rumors of the deal falling through due to an inability to get Chinese regular approval.

The two companies have reached a new agreement, however, saying they will “continue to explore opportunities to incorporate the Le app and content within the VIZIO connected CE platform.” LeEco says this new agreement is “a win for both companies,” and involves bringing Vizio’s products to China via LeEco’s content and distribution channels, as well as incorporating the Le app into Vizio’s connected appliances.

This is the latest episode in LeEco’s continuing saga of financial woes. Most recently, the company was said to be having trouble paying its US employees, despite having raised a $2.18 billion investment from Chinese property giant Sunac.

This story is developing…

Best cases for Huawei P10 and P10 Plus: Protect your new Huawei phone

Huawei has recently released the P10 and P10 Plus flagship phones. Not only are they the company’s best phones to date, they’re more than able to hold their own in a sea of top-performing Android handsets.

We’ll be the first to say they look strikingly similar to the Apple iPhone, but when that’s already a good-looking device, we’re not complaining. And since they’re such good-looking phones, we’re sure you’ll want to keep yours looking as spotless as possible. 

And that’s where a decent case comes in. Yes, they may cover up the rear of the device, and add that little bit extra width and depth when the phone is in your pocket, but that’s a small sacrifice to keep it looking brand new.

We’ve rounded up some of the best cases out there for the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus and will keep updating this feature as and when new ones get released.

• Huawei P10 review: Android’s iPhone-killer, or flawed imitator?
• Huawei P10 Plus review: Plenty of plusses from Huawei’s colourful 5.5-inch phone 

Huawei

Huawei

Huawei’s official case for the P10 and P10 Plus offer protection around all the corners of the phone, while leaving access to the buttons, ports and cameras. The rear has a textured and leather-effect finish to it and it’s available in a range of colours.

Price: From £25.50 on Amazon.co.uk

IVSO

IVSO

IVSO has a range of colourful cases for your P10 smartphone. They’re made of a soft silicone material for shock-absorbing protection, and edges that wrap around the front of the screen to keep it protected should you drop it face down.

Price: from £6.99 on Amazon.co.uk

Terrapin

Terrapin

This Terrapin folio style case offers protection for the front and rear of the P10, has space for your cards and some money, and can be turned into a stand for when you want to TV shows and movies on its glorious 5.1-inch display.

Price: £14.25 from Amazon.co.uk

FYY

FYY

This FYY clear case for the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus not only offers protection around all four corners, but it’s available in four colours, but are clear enough to show through the colour of your Huawei smartphone.

Price: £5.99 on Amazon.co.uk

Huawei

Huawei

Huawei has another official case for the P10 and P10 Plus in the form of this flip view case. The right hand portion of the front cover is translucent and shows the time and any notifications you haven. When you open the cover, the screen reverts back to its normal format. 

Price: £19.24 on Amazon.co.uk

Momostore

Momostore

We think everyone should have a clear silicone case for their smartphone and Momostore has the perfect one for the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus. It offers shock-absorbing protection all-round, while still showing off the good looks of your phone.

Price: £3.85 from Amazon.co.uk

Top Ace

Top Ace

This Top Ace folio style case is specifically designed for the Huawei P10 and is made of a high quality PU leather, with a polycarbonate rear panel to offer complete protection for your phone. It has a cut-out window on the front to give you a quick glance at the time and notifications.

Price: £4.99 on Amazon.co.uk

Olixar

Olixar

For extra protection for your Huawei P10, the Olixar ArmourDillo is the best bet. It comprises an inner TPU case that surround the entire phone, and a tough exoskeleton piece that clips on to add an extra layer of protection.

Price: £12.99 from Mobile Fun

Love Me

Love Me!

For the ultimate protection for your Huawei P10 Plus, look no further than the Love Me! aluminium protective case. It’s designed to withstand shocks, drops, water, snow, dirt and dust. It needs a special key to open it up to get your phone out, for added security, and the oil-resisting outer layer prevents fingerprints from being copied.

Price: £22.99 from Amazon.co.uk

Russian-owned Livejournal bans dissenting speech to please Putin

Russia’s hardline stance against LGBTQ media is back in the news. This time it’s because a change in the terms of service for LiveJournal strictly prohibits users from posting “political solicitation materials” and anything “contradictory to the laws of the Russian Federation.” As AdVox notes, what constitutes as such is wide open for interpretation. But it’s feared that given recent history, this will be a uniform crackdown on posts that don’t fit the express purview of Russia, including political dissent and pro-LGBTQ stances.

More than that, the Russian version of the ToS is the only legally binding one. Yup, even if you’re outside the aging social network’s new-ish home country. “Attention: this translation of the User Agreement is not a legally binding document. The original User Agreement, which is valid is located at the following address,” the top of the page reads.

Your data is up for grabs as well as it will be “available to [Live Journal] and may be used at its own discretion legally, including targeting the advertising to the User.” And if you allow it, your IP address “may be available” to other users on the service.

But since LiveJournal is Russian-owned and its servers reside on Putin’s soil, the most that can happen to non-Russian users is their accounts can get shut down. Folks in-country, however, may face a different set of consequences.

Who’s using LiveJournal anymore anyway? Well, according to English-language Russian marketing blog Russian Search Tips, around 15 million people a month (Facebook is at 21 million). Perhaps the most prominent user is A Song of Ice and Fire author George R. R. Martin. Maybe this will convince him to finally kick the service and finish Winds of Winter.

Via: i09

Source: LiveJournal

Spain arrests Russian citizen for connections to US election hack

The evidence that Russia hacked the US to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election continues to grow. The latest comes from AFP, which says that that a Russian “computer expert” was arrested in Spain today at the Barcelona airport on suspicions of hacking the US presidential election campaigns. Furthermore, the US has already put in an extradition request so that the subject Piotr Levashov would have to stand trial here for his alleged crimes.

The US has 40 days to present its extradition request to Spain; given that Levashov’s arrest reportedly was the result of an “international complaint,” it’s reasonable to guess that the US is the one who asked the arrest to be made. Indeed, Piotr Levashov’s wife Maria told Russian TV that her husband was detained at the request of American authorities. She also said that the arrest was in connection with a computer virus “which appears to have been created by my husband [and] is linked to Trump’s victory.”

We should learn more from the US extradition request, but this could be a potentially notable development in the ongoing investigation into Russia’s alleged hacking of the US during the presidential campaign and exactly how it might have influenced the election. Back in January, US intelligence officially accused Russia of ordering an “influence campaign” meant to destabilize the US voting process, with the alleged hacks a major component of that process. The country specifically was cited for undermining public faith in the election process and attempting to sway the election to Russia’s preferred candidate, Donald Trump.

Source: AFP

‘Persona 5’ took me back to Tokyo

Two years ago I took my first trip to Tokyo. The city exceeded my wildest expectations, an addictive blend of ramen, neon nightlife and tranquil parks. I spent a fortnight exploring the place, absorbing every street, shrine and video game store that wandered into my peripheral vision. It was a glorious adventure, and I would give anything to go back there.

Tokyo, however, is an expensive place to visit, especially if you live on the other side of the world. Lacking the funds to make a return trip, I’ve turned to video games as a substitute. The World Ends With You, Jet Set Radio and the Yakuza series all do an excellent job of imitating the city I fell in love with. None of them come close, however, to Persona 5, the latest in Atlus’ long-running JRPG franchise. The game delivers a phenomenal representation of Tokyo, capturing its sights and sounds with pinpoint precision. For more than 50 hours I’ve strolled through its pixel-perfect neighborhoods, hanging out in karaoke bars, bombastic arcades and relaxing bathhouses. For me, it’s virtual tourism at its best.

Touring Tokyo

The Persona series has tackled Japan before. Persona 3 was set in a city called Iwatodai while Persona 4 unfolded in the rural town of Inaba. While both locales are fictional, they’re clearly based on real-world places. It meant the team could portray Japan and its culture, from architecture to social norms, without worrying about geographical accuracy. With Persona 5, however, Atlus has embraced the challenge of recreating Tokyo in a way that is both authentic and enjoyable to play through.

Like so many anime TV shows, you play the game as a high school transfer student. The character, like you, is new to the area and doesn’t have any friends. You live above a coffee shop in “Yongenjaya,” a small neighborhood just west of Shibuya, and slowly discover new places through story missions and exploration. As soon as the school bell rings, you can head to Shibuya and walk up to the iconic Hachiko statue, or dive into a 7-Eleven store (the branding is ever so slightly different) and pick up some supplies. The choice is yours.

Persona 5’s Tokyo is comprised of small, isolated hubs. Walk down a back alley and you’ll soon find a dead-end or an on-screen prompt asking you to fast-travel someplace else. It’s a brave design choice given the industry’s trend towards large, seamless open worlds. In Grand Theft Auto V, Watch Dogs 2 and Infamous Second Son, you can run around for hours and never encounter a loading screen. At first glance, Persona 5 seems primitive by comparison.

The game uses its smaller scale as a strength rather than a weakness, however. Each location is a vibrant postcard packed with color and detail. “Yongenjaya” is based on Sangenjaya, and if you head there in real life you’ll find the same cafes, bathhouses and batting cages portrayed in the game. The fences, the awnings, the signage, it’s all perfect. Persona 5 does take some creative liberties, condensing and eradicating huge parts of the city to keep the game world compact. But what it does decide to show is packed with style and cultural insight. It’s like walking into a cell of your favorite anime.

I couldn’t help but grin because I had stood in that exact spot two years earlier.

At one point, the game’s heroes gather in a walkway inside Shibuya station. As they lean against a railing and plot their next heist as the ‘Phantom Thieves,’ you can see the iconic ‘Scramble’ crossing through a window behind them. I couldn’t help but grin because I had stood in that exact spot two years earlier. I remember peering through the glass and shooting pictures with my camera, wondering if I could take a selfie at ground level as throngs of people crossed the road around me. Other famous Tokyo spots, like Inokashira Park, Odaiba and Akihabara all conjure up a similar sense of deja vu.

Mind games

Taking the Ginza Line to school.

Persona 5’s small, connected hub structure is advantageous because it forces you to imagine the spaces in between. Walk to the end of the road outside your school, for example, and a pop-up will appear for the nearest train station. Confirm and the main character will take out his phone, showing a map with potential destinations. You can see the train lines that connect each neighborhood, understand their proximity and then visualize the journey as the game loads your next area.

Your mind wanders, creating perfection where a traditional open world might falter.

From a technical standpoint, Persona 5 is pretty average. The game is one of the last to come out on both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, and it shows. On polygon count alone, it doesn’t compare with the likes of Final Fantasy XV or Horizon Zero Dawn. The environments and character models are less detailed, requiring a strange cacophony of visual styles for cutscenes. Some are presented in-engine, with large anime faces next to each dialog box at the bottom of the screen. Others are presented in full CG, while a few are shown as traditional 2D animation.

These limitations are forgivable, however, because Persona 5 has near-flawless art direction and UI design. Walk into a store for airsoft guns, for instance, and you’ll be greeted with a bright, kinetic set of menus that perfectly match Tokyo’s neon color palette.

It’s more interesting and expressive, I would argue, than watching two character models awkwardly exchange money, or wondering why a huge item has suddenly disappeared after purchase. The developers have made smart, stylistic choices elsewhere, too. Board the subway and you’ll notice that none of your fellow commuters have faces — that’s because they’re supposed to be mindless drones, adhering to society while you act as a rebellious hero in the shadows.

Persona 5, like previous entries, has a stellar soundtrack, too. Led by Japanese composer and musician Shoji Meguro, it’s an upbeat, jazz-infused collection that matches the rebellious swagger of the main cast. All of the game’s heroes have been abandoned, manipulated or misunderstood by older members of society. The hero has a criminal record (of course, he’s actually innocent) and spends much of the game with his head down, trying not to draw attention to himself. He’s a curiosity, one that classmates love to gossip and whisper about at school.

I’m no lawbreaker, but in Japan I often felt like a bit of an oddity.

I can relate, to a degree. I’m no lawbreaker, but in Japan I often felt like a bit of an oddity. A no doubt confused-looking Westerner bumbling his way through the country’s culture and traditions. (It probably didn’t help that I can barely speak Japanese.) That sense of being an outsider, a lost soul in an overwhelming city, permeates Persona 5 and its vibrant, youthful score. When I dash out of class and ‘Tokyo Emergency’ plays in the background — one of many tunes that signalize downtime in the game — I always feel like an upstart, ready to take advantage of Tokyo’s sights and sounds.

Thirty hours into the game, I smile once more. I’m stood at the precipice of Harajuku, watching trendsetters pick their way through various boutique fashion stores. Ann, a friend and fellow ‘Phantom Thief,’ asks if we can people-watch for a bit. It’s a small moment, but one that triggers another wave of nostalgia. I remember walking down that boulevard myself, and stopping off in a cafe just to watch the world roll by. I’ve never cared for fashion, but I was intrigued by the culture, just like Ann. In the game, we talk for a few minutes, discussing our hopes and dreams before parting company and heading home.

Once again, I feel like Atlus has nailed the essence of Tokyo and what it must be like to grow up there as a troubled youth. It’s not a perfect representation, but that’s a good thing. The developers have focused on the places and social activities that matter — the ones I remember with fondness from my own vacation in Tokyo. I don’t know when I’ll next be able to travel to Japan, but until then, I’ll always have Persona 5.

Tesla overtakes GM to become the most valuable US car maker

Tesla just managed a symbolic but important win in its quest to make electric cars popular. Shortly after the start of trading on April 10th, Tesla’s stock market cap overtook that of GM — it was worth about $51 billion, or $1.7 billion more than its established rival. While it’s not clear that this will last (we’ve seen some give and take as of this writing), it’s no mean feat for a company that has made just three car models in its brief 13-year history. The big question is whether or not Tesla can back up that value with raw sales numbers.

To a large extent, Tesla’s valuation is based more on its potential than what it has done so far. All of its existing cars are luxury models that have sold in modest numbers — it’s happy to have sold 25,000 cars last quarter where GM sold nearly 690,000 vehicles (including commercial sales) in the same period. Even when you consider Tesla’s premium prices, it’s relatively a small player in the automotive industry. It’s not exactly profitable, either. While Elon Musk’s outfit occasionally turns a profit, it tends to bleed cash due to its combination of high investments and relatively low output.

Most of the hope rests on (you guessed it) the Model 3. Tesla has racked up hundreds of thousands of deposits for its more affordable EV, and it’s increasingly looking like the first car company to sell EVs in truly large numbers. The high market cap really amounts to a bet, a prediction that Tesla represents the future of transportation. That’s not an outlandish wager (Chevy plans on selling just 30,000 Bolts in 2017), but it’s not a reflection of actual performance.

Source: Bloomberg