Android Central is giving away three LG G6s over Twitter!

LG and Android Central are partnering to give away one of three LG G6s to three of our awesome Twitter followers!

Here’s the deal: you need a new phone, and you want one of the best out there. LG has you covered, first by releasing said amazing phone (the LG G6), and second, by working with Android Central to give three of them away!

This contest is pretty easy to enter. Here’s how it works.

Follow us on Twitter!
Reply to this tweet at @androidcentral telling us why you want to win an LG G6.
Include the hashtags #LGG6 and #androidcentralG6 in your tweet.
Wait for the good news!

Example Tweet: Hey @androidcentral I love the LG G6’s big, beautiful display… and its dual cameras are great too! #LGG6 #androidcentralG6

There are three LG G6 units to be had here, so make sure you enter! And while this contest is only open to U.S. residents, we’ll have more international contests coming your way soon.

Good luck to everyone who enters!

LG G6

• LG G6 review!
• LG G6 specs
• LG G6 vs. Google Pixel: The two best cameras right now
• Everything you need to know about the G6’s cameras
• LG forums

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Best Case-friendly Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy S8

Which screen protectors work best with cases for Galaxy S8?

To protect or not to protect? That is the question many of us are asking as we debate whether or not to buy screen protectors and cases for the beautifully designed Samsung Galaxy S8

In the forums, there’s been a pretty great discussion on the merits of using a screen protector at all on the Galaxy S8. Some folks swear that improvements to Gorilla Glass over the years have made screen protectors obsolete and question why anyone would want to possibly affect the clarity or touch sensitivity of the GS8’s beautiful display.

On the other hand, a number of people have had screen protectors take the brunt of drops or scratches, while keeping their phone’s screen safe from harm and point out that a purse or something in your pocket (or even those little rivets just outside the front pockets on a pair of jeans) can cause damage seemingly out of nowhere. Fact is, as tough as Gorilla Glass has become, it is always possible for it to get scratched or broken.

No matter where you fall on the debate, the fact is that it’s hard to find a screen protector — especially one made of tempered glass — that accommodates the curved screen of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ and also lets you use the case of your choosing. Here are a couple options pulled from the forums that seem really promising.

• Armorsuit MilitaryShield Galaxy S8 Screen Protector
• Yootech Galaxy S8 Wet Applied Screen Protector
• Whitestone Dome Glass

Armorsuit MilitaryShield Galaxy S8 Screen Protector

Made with a durable military-grade film, the Armorsuit MilitaryShield is a thin screen protector that offers edge-to-edge protection. It requires a wet installation, with all the required tools and wipes included in the box. Armorsuit claims that this protector is virtually scratch-proof, with self-healing technology that will help eliminate any minor scratches from keys or pocket sand.

As with most wet install screen protectors, you need to let this thing sit and dry for a good long time (up to 12 hours) to ensure proper adhesion and get a nice clean fit. Attempt to put on a case too soon and you’ll have issues around the edges.

This was recommended by PJRed2008 in the forums, who admittedly had issues with their first screen protector and had to get new ones sent out made from an updated template. Since receiving the replacement, they’ve had no issues. If you ever have an issue with it, you’ll want to follow suit and contact Armorsuit’s customer service to take advantage of that lifetime replacement warranty.

See at Amazon

Yootech Galaxy S8 Wet Applied Screen Protector

If you’re not down to deal with applying a curved glass screen protector on the Galaxy S8, this ultra-thin PET film screen protector from Yootech is a great option. It’s a wet-install protector and comes with everything you’ll need to clean and prep your phone for a proper installation the first time.

This screen protector is only .15mm thick and offers 95% transparency to keep that beautiful display in full view. Yootech also sells these in two-packs, so if you mess up your first attempt at installing, you’ve got another shot. If you keep having problems, Yootech offers a lifetime, no-hassle warranty.

Some things to note if you’ve never done a wet install before: You’ll need to let things settle and dry for up to 12 hours for the screen protector to properly set and for any bubbles to leave. If you try to put a case on it before it has set, you may get those ugly lifted edges, so you’re best bet is to do the installation in a clean room right before bed, then your phone should be ready by the next morning. If you notice the edge lifting off, you can reapply the spray and let it rest for another 12 hours. Otherwise, you may need to try again from scratch.

See at Amazon

Whitestone Dome Glass

The Whitestone Dome Glass screen protector was another option that was getting people talking in the forums. The big selling feature for this wet install screen protector is its unique curing process, which uses UV light.

It’s proven to be so popular that it’s currently out of stock on Amazon. You can check out a review and installation guide for the phone here. With a UV light packaged to complete the curing process, this is a pricier option than other screen protectors out there, but based on video review and reviews on Amazon, it looks like a great choice.

Right now, their Amazon product page only has options for the iPhone 7, but you can check out some of the verified purchase reviews of the Galaxy S8 model in the meanwhile.

See iPhone 7 version at Amazon

Where do you land on the screen protector debate?

Are screen protectors and cases a must buy for any new phone you own or do you prefer the naked look and feel? Have you had hands-on experience with a screen protector that others should know about? Let us know in the comments!

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Galaxy S8 and S8+ review!
• 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

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LG G6 mini leaked with 5.4-inch screen for those who prefer smaller handsets

LG will reportedly add to its G6 smartphone line with a smaller version of its flagship. The LG G6 mini, as it is being called, is said to come with a 5.4-inch screen rather than the 5.7-inch display sported by the main phone.

TechnoBuffalo claims to have received an internal LG document that reveals some key facts about the new, smaller smartphone.

It confirms the 5.4-inch screen, but also says that the handset will retain the 18:9 aspect ratio of the larger LG G6. It will have a screen-to-body ratio of just under 80 per cent, claims the site.

• LG G6 review: The first truly great flagship phone for 2017
• LG G6 vs LG G5: What’s the difference?

There are no other specifications revealed, merely that it might copy over some of the headline spec of the currently available model.

Releasing a smaller, more compact version of the G6 makes sense for LG. It would allow it to show it means business against rivals, such as Samsung and Apple, by having more options on the market. However, it is currently unclear whether the LG G6 mini would become available in the UK, mainland Europe or the US.

We’re also slightly unsure why the need for a 5.4-inch version considering the 5.7-inch flagship isn’t a million miles away from that. Maybe several of the key specs, such as processor, will be downsized too to meet a more attractive price point.

Windows 10 S is a streamlined version of Windows for education

Microsoft has announced Windows 10 S, a version of Windows that it is calling the “soul” of Windows.

Announced at the New York education event, Microsoft has said that Windows 10 S has evolved out of feedback from teachers and class leaders, resulting in a more secure and streamlined version of the software.

The big thing that makes Windows 10 S different to Windows 10 Pro is that it’s restricted to using applications from the Windows Store, so it’s not open to other apps that aren’t Microsoft verified.

The aim here has been to ensure that the Windows 10 S environment remains controlled and there’s nothing that’s going to slow down the platform.

Speed is one of the other important things about Windows 10 S. On stage, Terry Myerson, VP of Windows and devices group at Microsoft, demonstrated logging on to a Windows 10 Pro machine next to a Windows 10 S machine. Log-in in less than 30 seconds means you can get to learning faster. 

There will be a number of applications made available free for education, including Office 365 – now added to the Windows Store – as well as Windows 10 S users getting a free 1-year subscription to Minecraft. 

We don’t currently know what the availability of Windows 10 S will be like outside of education, but Microsoft has confirmed that there will be a number of hardware partners, with prices starting from as little as $189. 

Microsoft also confirmed that you’ll be able to move existing Windows 10 Pro machines to Windows 10 S instead.

Samsung Pay UK launch just two weeks away? 16 May leaked

Samsung Pay has been promised for the UK for over a year with nary a sniff but the end might now be in sight. It will reportedly launch in a couple of weeks time, with a 16 May date being allegedly revealed… by Samsung itself.

Although there’s no confirmation that the contactless payment service will be released soon, two sources have popped up to suggest so. And they are purportedly from Samsung’s own websites and staff.

Two separate conversations said to be with Samsung’s customer services mention that Samsung Pay will be available from 16 May. Another source, found on a Samsung site, confirms that it is in the pipeline and that partnerships with HSBC, Nationwide and AMEX ensure their cards will be supported.

SamMobile was sent the two conversations by one of its readers.

The reader asked “Shuhel” when the launch will take place and was told the 16 May release date. He was also told that NFC and MST (to be used with magnetic strip payment machines) will be supported.

The reader also asked “Rubeena” the same question, with a similar response. The features were not revealed, but the same date was mentioned, after being “double confirmed”.

SamMobileSamMobile

The confirmation of which cards will be supported comes from an official FAQ spotted online.

SamMobile

Microsoft takes on Chrome OS with Windows 10 S

Microsoft has already taken some potshots at Google’s Chromebooks in the past — Windows 8.1 with Bing, anyone? Now, though, it’s going for the jugular. The newly introduced Windows 10 S (not Cloud like the rumors suggested) is a stripped-back, education-oriented version of the operating system that gives up some app support in the name of simplicity and performance. You can only run Windows Store apps (including Office 365 apps, which are coming soon), but that’s the point — schools don’t have to worry about the vulnerabilities that come with running any old Windows app. Store apps run in a relatively safe container where malware and other threats aren’t likely to be an issue.

It also includes tools to help teachers manage their PCs, such as the ability to easily preload software using a USB key. And while it’s separate from Windows 10 S proper, there will be a classroom experience for Microsoft Teams that lets teachers and students chat and collaborate.

Windows 10 S will be ready in the summer, and it’s clear that cost will be important: PCs shipping with the operating system will start at prices as low as $189. That’s not too far off from the previous floor for new Windows PCs, but it’s definitely competitive with Chromebooks. There will be perks beyond the low price, too. Microsoft is promising a year of free access to Minecraft Education Edition as well as Office 365 for Education with Microsoft Teams. Also, schools running Pro editions of Windows in the classroom can move to Windows 10 S for free — if they’re not worried about running non-Store apps, they can move to a newer platform at no cost.

Check out all the news from the MicrosoftEDU event here.

China is recruiting 20,000 people to create its own Wikipedia

Imagine life without Wikipedia. While for much of the West the idea seems preposterous, thanks to strict online censorship this Wiki-less-world is very much a reality in China. Now, in a bid to catch up, the Chinese government is looking to create its very own online encyclopedia. Imaginatively named the “Chinese Encyclopedia”, the communist government is recruiting 20,000 people to help populate the site with over 300,000 entries.

Employing thousands of scholars to write about more than 100 different disciplines, the ‘Chinese Encyclopedia’ will go online next year, with the editor behind the project, Yang Muzhi, describing it as “a Great Wall of culture”. While Chinese internet companies like Baidu and Qihoo 360 already run their own online encyclopedias, they pale in comparison to Wikipedia. Yet for Muhzi, the goal isn’t to match Wiki – it’s to better it: “We have the biggest, most high-quality author team in the world. Our goal is not to catch up, but overtake.”

Muzhi states that the encyclopedia aims to promote the country’s scientific and technological developments, promote historical heritage, and strengthen the core values of socialism. Boasting 720 million internet users, China has the world’s largest online population. Yet, ironically, strict censorship laws severely limit what its people can access. With the country employing some of the world’s most advanced censorship technology, President Xi Jinping’s recent calls for nations to work together on developing and governing the internet feel somewhat hollow.

While it’s currently unclear how much influence the government will have over ‘Chinese Encyclopedia’ content, given their history and Muhzi’s goals — it’s unlikely to be a bastion of neutrality.

Via: VICE

Source: South China Morning Post

‘Tomorrow’s World’ returns to the BBC, sort of

The BBC is bringing back Tomorrow’s World, but in a different form. The beloved British TV show, which covered scientific and technological innovation from 1965 to 2003, will be used as an umbrella brand for a new, year-long season of programming. At the centre will be a “digital hub” that offers a daily curation of TV and radio shows online, as well as content produced by partners such as the Science Museum and the Royal Society.

Highlights of the new programming block include Britain’s Greatest Invention, a live show that will ask the public to vote on what they think has been the most influential creation on their lives. Professor Stephen Hawking will present a new documentary about humanity’s need to colonise another planet, while green energy enthusiast Robert Llewellyn will helm Fixing the Future: The Great Village Green War, a campaign to persuade a small village in the Cotswolds to generate their own power.

“We’ve come together behind a simple, and very bold ambition – to equip all of us with the knowledge and understanding we need to make sense of our lives and the future,” Tony Hall, the BBC’s Director-General said.

The idea, presumably, is to use the Tomorrow’s World name to highlight shows that might otherwise struggle to attract viewers. While some will inevitably criticise the move, preferring a true reboot for the old show, it’s a clever use of a brand that should tap into people’s nostalgia. If the name can be used to further public interest in science and technology, many would argue that’s a valuable and respectful continuation of the show’s original mission — even if it doesn’t have an hour-long slot to call its own.

Source: The BBC

‘Minecraft Education Edition’ will let kids build with code

Minecraft Education Edition is getting a big upgrade: Codebuilder. Essentially, students will be able to learn coding by traveling around the game’s pixely world. Typing “/code” will bring up a list of commands and code snippets. From there, an adorable robot avatar dubbed “the agent” appears and acts on code to do things like work while you’re away, lighting your fortress at night, or delving deeper into the earth for resources. On the stage, the agent built a windmill and columns for the Parthenon automatically. And that’s about it! Codebuilder is available in beta right now.

Source: Minecraft Education Edition

Microsoft helps you see mixed reality with only a webcam

You won’t need HoloLens or some other special headset to experience mixed reality in the classroom. Microsoft is preparing View Mixed Reality, a built-in viewer for Windows 10 that will make it easy to see virtual 3D objects (created in 3D Paint) in the real world. All you need is a PC with a webcam — preferably rear-facing, of course. If teachers want to show you the relative size of a Mars rover, they just have to load the viewer and give you a look. View Mixed Reality will be available sometime this fall, and it can also be used on Windows Mixed Reality hardware arriving in a similar timeframe.

Check out all the news from the MicrosoftEDU event here.