Didi Chuxing ready to go global with English app, international credit cards

Why it matters to you

Ever since Uber left China last year, English-speaking tourists have had a tough time getting around the country. But now, Didi Chuxing has an English app to bridge the gap.

Uber may be out of the game in China, but that doesn’t mean that Americans and other English speakers are out of luck. Didi Chuxing, China’s homegrown ridesharing service (which successfully pushed Travis Kalanick’s empire out of the country last year) has now introduced an English language app for riders in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. And while the tourist-friendly app is starting in those three cities, Didi plans to unveil the app in other parts of China as well as it pushes toward further expansion and internationalization.

The app has actually been in testing mode since February of this year, and boasts a suite of features that will make getting around China a breeze, even with the language barrier. The app has a message-translating service that will let riders communicate directly with drivers, even if they don’t speak the same language. The real-time translation function will doubtless help Didi compete against traditional taxi services, at least insofar as foreign business is concerned.

Moreover, Didi has also made it possible for users to register with a Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, United States, or Brazil phone number. This marks a departure from its long-held previous stance of requiring a Chinese mobile number in order to set up an account. And finally, the company will also begin accepting “major international credit cards,” so you don’t have to get a WeChat Wallet or Alipay just to take a ride.

“The internationalization of local services is an important part of Didi’s global strategy,” the company said in a statement. Indeed, Didi hopes that it will soon be in countries beyond China, as the South China Morning Post reported that the firm had established an international division to look into exploring new markets. Part of the motivation to go abroad has to do with bureaucratic pressures in China, Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group, told the Financial Times. He noted, “[Didi has] to expand abroad because they’re being hit by the regulators at home.”

Already, Didi has moved into South America by way of a partnership with Brazilian ridesharing service 99. So look out, Uber and Lyft. Didi may be coming for you on your home turf, too.

Play musical trivia while scarfing down a Big Mac at a Swedish McDonald’s

Why it matters to you

If you’ve ever wanted to complete a musical quiz while waiting in line at McDonald’s, now’s your chance.

Lingering in a McDonald’s isn’t the most appealing way to spend an afternoon (unless you’re small enough to fit through PlayPlace tubes, maybe). But you have to hand it to Mickie D’s for doing all it can to keep customers around. Select spots offer free Wi-Fi, and others host exclusive digital content like Pokémon Go collectibles. And on Tuesday, McDonald’s app users in Sweden get auto-generated music quizzes.

McDonald’s latest enticement comes in the form of BeatQuiz, a new feature of the restaurant chain’s mobile app for Android and iOS. It’s a multiple-choice game about popular tunes — using the location-tracking hardware of any smartphone, BeatQuiz automatically generates questions related to the restaurant’s soundtrack.

“A never-ending digital pop quiz, BeatQuiz is packed with incredible entertainment that McDonald’s guests are going to love,” Ulf Persson, head of digital customers experiences at McDonald’s Sweden, said in a statement. “We can’t wait for people to start challenging pals and impressing others with their music trivia knowledge. Personally, I can’t stop playing it. And you won’t be able to either.”

There’s more to BeatQuiz than tricky questions. A daily leaderboard lets you see how your musical knowledge compares to your McDonald’s peers, and a local multiplayer enables one-on-one battles with friends — presumably over a Big Mac and fries.

Soundtrack Your Brand, the streaming service behind BeatQuiz, said it’s been more than a year in the making. The company teamed up with global advertising firm DDB and Soundtrack Labs to build an open API, which it’ll make broadly available down the line.

“Games like Nintendo’s Pokémon Go have showed us that the best playground out there is the world we live in, Joel Brosjö, SoundTrack Your Brand’s co-founder and chief experience officer, said in a statement. “With BeatQuiz, we’re applying the same logic to bring McDonald’s restaurant environment to life.”

It’s not the first of the The Golden Arches’ mobile efforts. In November, McDonald’s announced smartphone-based ordering that lets customers reserve and pay for food ahead of time. The chain expects that by 2018, it’ll be available in 20,000 to 25,000 restaurants worldwide.

And McDonald’s is harnessing the power of mobile in another way: Recruitment. In April, McDonald’s in Australia (where it’s known as Macca) is using Snapchat as part of its job application process. The global fast-food purveyor has its own filter — “Snaplications” — that lets prospective employees don digital uniforms and submit a 10-second video application.

How to pick the best case to protect your device from life’s daily hazards

You splash out hundreds of dollars on a new smartphone or tablet, so why not to spend just a little more in order to ensure it doesn’t get scratched or broken? Our electronic friends serve us faithfully — that is, until we drop them in the toilet, leave them at the mercy of inquisitive toddlers, or allow them to slip from our grasp and tumble down the stairs.

Smartphones are getting tougher all the time, and there are quite a few waterproof smartphones now, but the vast majority will not survive an accident unscathed. If you want to find out what might happen should your phone meet with disaster, you can check out the numerous damage tests posted online. Now that you’re convinced that you need a case or cover for your device, let’s discuss how to pick one.

A word on price

You will rarely find the best price for a case on the case manufacturer’s website, the device manufacturer’s website, or a carrier website. The Recommended Retail Prices (RRP) are frequently discounted. When you identify the case you want, do a comparison search and shop around.

Amazon and eBay are often the cheapest places to make a purchase, but it pays to cast a wide net. You also have to watch out for knock-offs, particularly on eBay.

It’s worth mentioning that some case manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty, but only if you buy directly from the manufacturer, so that’s a possible incentive to pay the full retail price.

Do your homework

Read reviews of the cases you are interested in. Even if you can’t find a review for your specific phone model, other reviews for the same manufacturer will give you a general sense of the quality. You can also find people discussing cases and posting photos of them in various forums around the web.

It’s also important to confirm that the case has precise cut-outs. Sometimes cases are rushed out the door and they miss a port, button covers are stiff, or there are problems with camera flash reflections. If something like wireless charging is important to you, or you want to be able to dock your smartphone with the case on, then check with the manufacturer before you buy.

Choose your features

Think about additional features you might want in a case. For tablet cases, a landscape stand could be vital. Some cases also offer multiple positions, as well as 360-degree hinges. For phones, you’ll generally find kickstands that pop out the back, but make sure they’re secure, because it can be annoying if they pop out uninvited. Write down what you feel is essential and keep it as a checklist while you shop.

How much protection do you need?

How clumsy are you? The first thing to work out is how tough you need your case to be. If you want to be able to drop it on concrete with impunity, or have it survive a dip, then you’ll need some serious protection. If you’re careful and you just want basic protection, then you don’t need to spend so much. There is a clear trade-off between the level of protection provided and the bulk and weight added.

Rugged cases

Rugged cases are another option to look into, but keep in mind that they are going to be bulky and heavy. The inclusion of air pockets and reinforced corners dramatically reduces the risk of damage to your device, but it inevitably adds bulk. They should also be easy to grip, even with wet hands, but you might find that makes it harder to slide them in and out of your pocket. That said, you may need to buy a belt clip or holster to accommodate the larger build.

Rugged cases should cover every angle, including the buttons and the touchscreen, which can make buttons harder to press and reduce touchscreen sensitivity. Ultimately, rugged cases can make it a little harder to actually use your phone.

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating will give you the lowdown on the case’s ability to withstand water and dust. Some case manufacturers have gone further and put their wares through U.S. military standards. MIL-STD-810 certification covers everything from pressure and temperature, to vibration and impact.

Our favorite rugged cases: We recommend checking out the toughest offerings from Tech21, Pelican, Griffin, Trident, and OtterBox. You should be prepared to pay around $50.

Tough cases

If you want a case that will definitely survive a drop, but you don’t want to add too much bulk or completely forfeit style, then you’ll probably want to opt for one of the many tough cases currently on the market. A standard combination that works well is a layer of hard polycarbonate with an inner layer of something softer, like silicone, to absorb shock. Also, keep an eye out for the military drop test certification.

You can expect these cases to add a bit of bulk and weight, but they come in an array of styles and they shouldn’t stop you from accessing everything your phone has to offer. Make sure that there’s a lip or some protection on the front in case your phone lands face down. You should also expect added grip to reduce the chances that you’ll drop it in the first place.

Our favorite tough cases: We recommend Incipio, Urban Armor Gear, Speck, and Body Glove. You should expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $40.

Slim or basic cases

Sometimes it feels like a shame to cover your phone’s gorgeous design, or maybe you just don’t want something too bulky in your pocket. If style outweighs protection for you, then you can opt for a slim case. It will safeguard against scratches on the areas it actually covers, and it will certainly boost your phone’s chances of surviving a fall (you just can’t count on it). We’re seeing more and more translucent cases making their way to the market, meaning it’s easier than ever to get something that allows your phone’s design to shine through. You shouldn’t need to spend big on a slim case, and they can be great if you feel a basic level of protection is enough.

These one-piece cases are typically made of TPU, which is durable and slightly malleable, so they’re easy to fit and offers some shock protection. Hard, slim cases can be tough to fit on your device and they won’t provide much protection from drop damage. You’ll find the biggest range of styles and colors in this category, but make sure you check the cut-outs and remember that a lack of protection at the corners or a lip on the front means weak protection from falls. Some of the cases in this category also offer decent drop protection by combining a thin, hard back with a thicker, malleable bumper.

Our favorite slim cases: We recommend Case Mate, Incipio, Spigen, Griffin, and Cruzerlite. You should expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20.

Folio cases

Flip-open folio or wallet cases can be stylish and pocket-friendly. They’re a really good alternative to traditional cases if you intend to sling your phone in a bag, namely because they offer all-around protection. They vary when it comes to drop protection, however, as some include a shell-type case inside while others offer virtually no coverage on the sides or corners.

If you’re willing to pay a premium, then there’s no substitute for genuine leather. The vast majority of folio cases are made from PU (polyurethane), which is sometimes spun as “vegan leather.” PU is good, but it can smell strong, especially at first, and it is prone to cracking over time.

Folio cases will typically support the sleep-wake function, so your device should come to life automatically when you open the cover and go to sleep when you close it. The type of closure is important if you don’t want to run the risk of the case opening in your bag. Magnetic closures enable more stylish designs, but they don’t tend to be as strong as elastic, tab, or stud closures.

Many folio cases advertise credit card slots, but few can really serve as wallet replacements. They’ll typically only hold a couple of cards, and overstuffing increases the chances of the case popping open unexpectedly.

Our favorite folio cases: We recommend Nodus, Nomad, Piel Frama, Noreve, Knomo, and Incipio. You can also get wood and leather cases from Grovemade, and Dodocase uses old book-binding techniques. For folio cases, you can pay anywhere between $15 and $100, depending on the material.

Battery cases

As far as complaints about mobile technology go, poor battery life is still at the tops of the charts. For smartphones, you can always look into getting a battery case. These typically have a built-in battery that’s capable of juicing your smartphone for another few hours.

Battery cases are always bulky and heavy, though. If they’re slim, then it’s because the battery inside isn’t very big and it won’t boost your battery life by much. You’ll want to take a look at the mAh rating, but it doesn’t always tell the full story, so make sure you look for a real world test.

A lot of battery cases are not really designed to offer much in the way of protection, so you’ll have to check with the manufacturer on that score. What they should always provide is the ability to charge your phone. Ideally, your phone will drain the case first, that way you can take it off when it’s empty. There are also some clever designs out there that combine a lightweight case or bumper with a removable battery component. You should also expect to be able to check the battery status at a glance — pass-through capabilities for your headphone port and charging or data is also a plus.

Our favorite battery cases: We recommend Mophie, Incipio, and Trianium. You should expect to pay anywhere between $50 and more than $100, depending on the battery capacity.

Screen protectors

Many devices ship with screen protectors, and there are plenty of places that sell them for every device on the market. These can help reduce the chance of scratches or cracks appearing on your touchscreen, but they inevitably impact the aesthetic and sometimes usability as well.

If you’re going to buy a screen protector, then make sure it’s made for your device and buy it right away, because any imperfection on your screen is going to increase the chances that you’ll end up with bubbles. Follow the installation instructions carefully and apply the screen protector slowly, as patience makes for the best results.

You generally get multiple screen protectors with your purchase, so you can discard the current one if damaged. You can also get screen protectors that cut viewing angles for additional privacy, as well as some that are designed to reduce glare.

These can be combined with slim or tough cases, which leave the screen exposed. The downside is that they can be maddening to apply and often can reduce touchscreen sensitivity. Some of the more expensive screen protectors tend to impact sensitivity less, but it’s a trade-off.

Our favorite screen protectors: We recommend Spigen, Moshi, Tech Armor, YooTech, amFilm, TechMatte, and Zagg. You should expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $40 for a pack of three or four.

The final word

If you have the opportunity to check out some cases before you buy, then we recommend doing so. After all, it’s always better to get a hands-on feel. It can also be a good idea to buy a couple of cases for different occasions. Getting a slim case for your 9-to-5 gig and a rugged case for your weekend hiking excursions, for example, could be the way to go.

This article was updated on 05-09-2017 by Simon Hill to include new recommendations, images, and links.

T-Mobile is doing away with its Free Data for Life for tablets program

Why it matters to you

The program was a casualty of the pricing wars currently being waged between the four major carriers.

All good things must come to an end, and in the case of T-Mobile, that good thing is its “Free Data for Life” program. We know — it was just too decent to last forever, and so now, the Un-carrier has quietly ended the promotion. For those of you who did take advantage of the deal when it made its debut way back in 2013, you’ll remember that T-Mobile offered customers 200MB of cellular data every month if they activated an iPad on the network. And while you’ll still be able to keep that pricing if you purchased (and activated) your device sometime in the last four years, those of us who missed the boat will now have to watch it sail away.

In a statement to T-Mo News, T-Mobile explained, “When we launched Free Data For Life in 2013, 200MB of high-speed data was a lot. Today, customers want unlimited and we’re all in with T-Mobile ONE. Customers who have T-Mobile ONE can add unlimited LTE data on a tablet for just $20 a month with autopay. Nothing changes for current customers with Free Data For Life on a Tablet. They can keep it as long as they like.”

We can’t say we’re particularly surprised that T-Mobile is bidding adieu to the program. What with fierce pricing wars going on among the Big Four carriers, it comes as little surprise that these service providers are looking to make strategic cuts when they can. Besides, T-Mobile stopped promoting Free Data for Life a while ago, even as it continued to push more recent iPad upgrades.

So if you’re looking to get service for your tablet and your tablet alone, alas, T-Mobile may no longer be the best bet for you. But hey, you can always add on unlimited data for $20 a month if you’re already a T-Mobile customer.

Garmin Quatix 5 marine watch is designed for open waters

Why it matters to you

If you’re the seafaring type, the Garmin Quatix 5 might just be the smartwatch for you.

If you’re the type who prefers the open water to the open road, Garmin wants your business. The wearable company’s Quatix 5, the newest in its line of “marine” watches, packs compatibility with onboard boat systems, high-precision navigation tech, and more activity-tracking features than most sea captains can shake a compass at.

True to the Quatix 5’s seafaring nature, it works with boat systems. If you happen to have one of Garmin’s electronic chartplotters aboard your schooner, it’ll offer features like remote autopilot control, racing assistance, and waypoint marking. Alternatively, it will stream stats like speed, depth, temperature, and wind to your wrist, and automatically track pre-programmed activities like swimming, rowing, and paddle boarding. And when it’s time to let loose on the water, it will pair with Garmin’s Fusion Link Lite app to control onboard StereoActive entertainment systems.

The Quatix 5 is a capable navigator, too — and a fishing aid. It will feed you a stream of up-to-date tide data downloaded for your region, and will save the data for seven days. It’s equipped with useful tools like an anchor calculator that knows the proper length of line to put out. And when you cast a net for sea creatures, the Quatix 5 will keep track of the fish you’ve caught and the time remaining before getting back to weigh-in.

Unsurprisingly, the Quatix is a rugged smartwatch. Its 47mm stainless steel bezel, buttons, and rear case are “more compact” than previous models, Garmin said. In addition, it’s rated at 100 meters, and boasts a bright, “sunlight-readable” color display with an LED backlight. An omnidirectional stainless steel antenna and high-sensitivity GPS (and GLONASS) delivers high-precision location tracking in the remotest waters. And perhaps most impressive of all, the Quatix 5 doesn’t sacrifice great battery to deliver all that — it lasts up to 24 hours in GPS mode, 60 hours in activity-tracking UltraTrac mode, and up to two weeks in smartwatch mode.

The Quatix 5 isn’t just for sea legs. Landlubbers can use it on shore, too, and can record calories from jogs, cycling routes, hikes, and more. Garmin’s proprietary Elevate heart-tracking technology measures your exertion, and smart notifications from a paired smartphone keep you abreast of text messages, phone calls, emails, and social media updates.

All that data can be piped to Garmin Connect, which enables automatic backups via Wi-Fi without the need for a nearby smartphone. And Connect IQ, Garmin’s open third-party development platform, lets you create and download apps, widgets, data fields, and watchfaces.

“From fishermen chasing billfish or bass to canoeists, kayakers, and big sail and power boaters, the Quatix 5 was designed for life on the water,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “It combines feature and design qualities from our popular Fenix 5 multisport watch series with boating, fishing, cruising, and sailing capabilities to deliver the most sophisticated and connected general-purpose marine smartwatch on the market today.”

As you might expect for a watch of the Quatix 5’s caliber, it isn’t cheap. The scratch-resistant Sapphire variant, which packs a crystal lens and includes a stainless steel band and a blue silicone QuickFit band, will retail for $850 when it goes on sale in June. The cheaper, non-sapphire Quatix 5 will sell for $600.

Amazon unveils the Echo Show, a $230 smart home speaker with a touchscreen

Why it matters to you

By expanding its capabilities with a touchscreen and camera, the Echo Show is pointing the way toward what digital assistants, and their speakers, can do.

Amazon’s long-rumored Echo speaker with a touchscreen is finally here, and it’s called the Echo Show. The touchscreen-based, Alexa-powered speaker sits vertically, like a desk clock, and does everything Amazon’s existing Echo speakers can do — and much more.

The Echo Show boasts upgrades aplenty. It’s equipped with eight ever-vigilant microphones — up from seven in Amazon’s Echo Dot, Echo Tap, and original Echo speaker — and an improved speaker array with Dolby-powered bass and stereo sound.

But the Echo Show’s highlight is its 7-inch color touchscreen — an Echo speaker first. It enhances existing Echo skills with a number of visual flourishes. When you play a song from Amazon’s Prime Music service, for example, you’ll see music lyrics, and when you start a timer, you’ll see it count down onscreen.

Amazon says it can display security camera footage from Ring and Arlo cameras, photos from your smartphone, weather forecasts, to-do lists, shopping lists, reminders, products from Amazon.com, YouTube videos, and flash video briefings from CNN.

The Echo Show is also the first Echo capable of placing and receiving video calls, thanks to a built-in 5-megapixel camera. You can start a hands-free conference with a family member or friend with an Echo from the Echo app, and a new feature, Drop In, lets a loved one connect to an Echo Show to let you know it’s time for dinner, or let you see a baby’s nursery, or check in with a close relative.

Additional hands-free calling features come in the form of Alex Calling, Amazon’s new messaging platform. In the coming weeks, the Echo Show and existing devices will be able to make and receive calls — they’ll glow green — and you’ll be able to ask Alexa to answer or ignore the call. Alternatively, you can dictate a message with your voice and send it — the recipient will be notified with a chime, and will see the message in the Alexa app for smartphones.

The Echo Show supports older apps as well, albeit without onscreen controls. Music offerings from Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and more are in tow, plus apps from CNN, Uber, and Allrecipes. Existing smart home integrations will work just fine, too, including those from Philips Hue, Ecobee, and others.

And perhaps most importantly, the Echo Show plays nicely with other Echo speakers. In homes, offices, and rooms with more than one speaker, the Echo closest to you will respond automatically.

In terms of hardware, the Echo Show is the most capable Echo speaker yet. It’s powered by Intel’s powerful z5x-Z8350 processor, and the first Echo to support dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11n Wi-Fi. Like other speakers in Amazon’s lineup, it’s fully compatible with Bluetooth accessories including speakers, PCs, and smart home devices.

The Echo Show is available for pre-order starting from May 9, in black and white color configurations, priced from $230. It begins shipping on June 28.

The Echo Show might be seen as Amazon’s effort to shore up its voice-assistant dominance. Earlier this year, the internet retailer brought its AI voice platform to a new form factor in the Echo Look, an AI-equipped security camera, and slashed the price of its Echo speaker by $50.

Amazon has nothing to worry about yet — according to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, the Amazon commands 70 percent of the smart speaker market. But rumors persist that iPhone maker Apple is prepping a Siri-equipped speaker ahead of a June launch. The Echo Show, it could be argued, is a preemptive strike.

What the world needs now are more progressive web apps

I’m embarrassed by all the apps I have installed. Do I really need a majority of them if there’s a web app for that?

Have you had a second to check out the latest Android Central roundtable? A few of us shared how many apps we each have installed on our daily drivers. Frankly, I was embarrassed by my number. I take such pride in the curation of the apps that I have installed. But there are 127 apps installed on my 32GB Pixel XL, and only about 20 of those are apps that I use regularly.

This entire experience has made me yearn for more progressive web apps — not to mention the full launch of Instant Apps, which could negate the need for installing any app at all. I don’t like having an app installed for the different airlines, transit systems, and minor little services that I use from time to time. And how wonderful would it be if I could easily log into the Lyft app with my account credentials through the Chrome browser to hail a car? Or for the VSCO app to offer its hipster photo filters online? Progressive web apps are not only (pardon the cliché) the apps of the future, but they’re going to make for an interesting app market, where only the worthy will merit an install.

Progressive apps I use now to get through life

Progressive web apps are, essentially, apps that contain all the functionality you need within their base code on the web so that when you visit the website through a mobile browser, everything is there! Probably one of the most popular progressive web apps is Facebook, which you can access through m.facbook.com to log in. There’s even a trick if you need Facebook Messenger: tap on the option while the link is open in Chrome, and then ask the browser to request the desktop mode.

Here’s another “hack”: If you’d rather not have Twitter installed — a great idea for those of you constantly distracted by its content — you can simply head to mobile.twitter.com and log in through Twitter Lite. You’ll have access to all the same abilities as the full-sized mobile application, and you’ll save roughly 141 MB on storage space versus the 1MB used to pump the web stuff.

A few shining examples of progressive web apps.

I also appreciate the fact that Duolingo works fully through Chrome. I’ve been freshening up on the Romanian language myself and not only can I quickly access my lesson with just a bookmark, but Duolingo also notifies me through Chrome if I miss a day. It’s wild to think that you can now learn an entirely new language with just the browser on your phone — what a boon for those looking to learn another language in countries where low-end, low-capacity phones rule the market.

There are still plenty of outdated web apps out there that aren’t actually friendly to use and thus require that you have an app to do a simple little thing. For instance, I don’t ride the San Francisco Bay Area’s BART transit system as often as I used to, but I’m still required to have the BART Runner app installed for when I’m rushing over to the nearest station. It would also be nice to have some heavy duty photo apps run solely off the web, like Snapseed, since I only ever really use something like that for editing and filtering when I’m on a trip.

Instant Apps are coming, too, and they’ll be even better and more functional than progressive web apps.

Instant Apps, which are currently undergoing a limited testing phase, will also play a major role in negating the need for full apps. You’ll be able to find them through Google search results. They don’t rely on web optimization or HTML5, like web apps do. Instead, instant apps install a tiny bit of data locally, and it’s only the most necessary functionality. We’re hoping to hear about more compatibility at Google I/O 2017.

Save the best stuff for the install

I simply appreciate PWAs as a way to cut down on all the bloat.

I think I seriously need to take a step back from my phone and reassess what it is that I have installed. I prefer to save what little storage space I have (I’m not the only one who skimps out this way!) for photos, videos, and Allo sticker packs. I need to take some time to look at which apps have similar progressive web app counterparts and whether or not there are any other tricks I can utilize to become less dependent on the full-size version of other apps like Facebook.

One thing’s for certain: the world of apps is going to change the more that people catch on to PWAs. The original idea for progressive web apps was for Google to help establish its unified vision for apps and services. But I simply appreciate them as a way to cut down on all the bloat.

Do you use progressive web apps?

Do you save storage space on your phone by using progressive web apps? Which are your favorites? Would you like to see more of them? Let us know in the comments below!

You can now order an unlocked Galaxy S8 in the U.S.

Get an unlocked Galaxy S8… for a lot of money.

Samsung has opened pre-orders for the unlocked versions of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, just days after the unlocked GS7 received its much-anticipated Nougat update.

Samsung had previously confirmed around the time of the S8’s launch in April that it would eventually offer an unlocked model in the U.S., and now we have specific details.

• It will cost $724.99 and $824.99 for the S8 and S8+, respectively.
• They’re available with 0% financing, with similar terms to what you’d get at a carrier.
• They’re only available in Midnight Black, which is a bit unfortunate.
• Each order from Samsung.com comes with a Samsung Entertainment Package, which includes a Clear View standing case, a 64GB microSD card, and a 6-month Netflix subscription.
• Devices ship by May 30.
• They’re also available at Best Buy.

While Samsung doesn’t have a great track record for keeping its unlocked phones up-to-date, the company has said that it will do better this time around. It’s unlikely the carrier and unlocked versions will receive updates at the same time, or the latter with as much frequency, but at least there’s hope. And buying the unlocked model does ensure there’s no carrier bloatware, which is nice.

Are you planning to pick up an unlocked Galaxy S8? Let us know in the comments below!

See at Samsung

Using your phone on the job site: 5 apps for the hard worker

Work smarter with these five apps designed for the job site.

Android appeals to people from all walks of life. Your butcher, the young person at the register at Taco Bell, and all sorts of people you meet every day have an Android phone. That’s because a modern phone is totally a multi-tool and there’s an Android phone to fit everyone.

There are apps to fit everyone, too. We’re going to have a look at five of them that can make your work day easier!

• Safesite
• Construction Master Pro
• Zoho Invoice & Time Tracking
• PlanGrid
• Fieldwire

Safesite

Keeping yourself and the rest of the crew safe is the single most important part of everyone’s job no matter where they work, but this rings especially true for work like construction, mining, or in a refinery. We all know that things don’t give much of a warning when they go wrong, so catching and fixing safety issues is a must. And Safesite is great for doing it.

It’s an app for your Android in the field and a program for the computers back in the office. When you’re on-site and see anything that needs attention, you can record all the details, complete with photos and incident reports, and share them instantly with the person who can get them fixed. You can also perform safety audits with the built-in checklist feature (OSHA, ISO, VPP, and SHARP-compliant) and the desktop program can build an overview so keeping track of problem areas is easy. The app is free and so is a demo of the desktop service. More information is available at Safesite

Download: Safesite (free demo)

Construction Master Pro

Without a doubt, Construction Manager Pro is the best $25 you’ll ever spend on an app if you need to measure or calculate anything on a regular basis. The app is a feature for feature clone of Calculated Industries’ desktop software and includes both the standard calculator and its Trig calculator.

Eyeballing doesn’t cut it a lot of the time. When you’re doing anything that needs to follow the “measure twice, cut once” rule you’ll find everything you need to calculate simple and complex projects so you save money and do a better job. It’s 2017 and writing on a napkin isn’t the answer. $25 sounds like a lot for an app, but buying material twice because something didn’t get measured correctly can be a lot more.

Download: Construction Manager Pro ($25)

Zoho Invoice & Time Tracking

Sometimes the hardest part of the job is writing up the invoice, but it’s a necessary evil if you want to get paid. With Zoho’s invoice and time tracking app, it not only gets a lot easier to fill out and send an invoice, but they also look professional. And best of all, the invoice and billing service is free for small contractors with 5 employees or less.

Zoho is an online service that can connect to your Google Apps account and provides invoice and billing as well as the ability to get online payments. You fill out the particulars and costs and the app does all the accounting then send the invoice to your customer on the spot. Extras, like the WePay service, add the ability for your customers to pay online and you’re notified right away when they do. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to fool with a card-reader. And no desktop program is required — you can do everything from a phone or tablet.

Download: Zoho Invoice & Time Tracking (free, in-app purchases)

PlanGrid

I know from experience that checking blueprints on some job sites can be a royal you know what. Between the dirt, the dust, and the coffee stain rings, they get ratty and can be tough to read, and it never fails that you’ll have to unroll them all to find the one you need.

The PlanGrid service is a cheap and easy way to get those prints sent to the cloud instead of the printer, where they’re easy for everyone to view or edit. The mobile app is fully functional and the version control system keeps track of revisions so everyone is seeing the right thing, i.e. the same thing.

Download: PlanGrid (free, requires a PlanGrid subscription)

Fieldwire

There’s a little bit of overlap here because Fieldwire has a really nice built-in plan reader, but the reason it’s on our list is because it’s a great communication platform for the entire team.

The task manager has built-in scheduling and notifications and can track everything you need to fill out an invoice or write a productivity report. You can add photos and annotate them, create and export pdf files for printing or sending by email to someone outside the team, and the built-in inspection tool makes building a punch list simple. And because the app synchronizes through Google Drive or Dropbox, everyone is on the same page.

The service is completely free for small teams and you can request a demo if you need a license for more users.

Download: Fieldwire (free for small teams)

Got a favorite?

Do you have a favorite worksite app? Let us know in the comments below.

Amazon launches Echo Show with video chat

You’re relationship with Alexa just got a lot more personal.

Amazon just launched its latest gadget in the personal assistant line. The Echo Show is a $230 stand-alone touch screen device that is designed exclusively for Alexa. Now, when you ask Alexa to order that doll house, you’ll see what it looks like first.

The Show, which houses a 7-inch touch sensitive screen and two Dolby front-facing speakers, as well as eight microphones, can hear your query from across the room, even while you’re listening to Bruno Mars.

You can also make video calls to others that have the Show using the front-facing 5 megapixel camera. Just say, “Call mom,” and you’ll be able to talk, face-to-face with you dear mother. If she doesn’t have her own Echo Show (you should get her one for Mother’s Day), she can video chat with you via the Alexa app.

You can connect the Show to supported smart home devices, like the Ring front door camera or the Arlo security camera, and monitor goings-on without having to take your phone out of your pocket. Just ask Alexa to show you the baby’s room and you’ll be watching your bundle of joy resting peacefully.

The Echo Show can turn on the lights, turn down the heat, and activate all other Alexa-compatible smart home gadgets.

It also works with all of your other Alexa Skills, like Ted Talks, news flash briefings, and checking your calendar. Only now, you can actually see the results you’re asking for, instead of just hearing Alexa chatter on.

Amazon is offering deep discounts on a number of Echo-related gadgets right now. The Arlo Security camera is down $72 at $147, which is a 33 percent discount. The Wemo Smart WiFi Plug is $5 off. If you buy two Echo Show devices, you can get $100 off with promo code SHOW2PACK. So you can get one for yourself and one for mom!

If you’re ready to go all-in and have Alexa in every room, you can grab the standard Echo speaker for just $150 right now, which is $30 off the normal price.

You can pre-order the Echo Show today for $299.99 and it will arrive on your doorstep June 28.

See at Amazon