AT&T’s ‘5G Evolution’ network isn’t a brand (new) problem
AT&T told us it would be rolling out its 5G lie back in February. At the time, no one cared. Here’s why we still shouldn’t care.
In February, AT&T announced that it would launch something called a 5G Evolution network in Austin later in the year. At the time, no one paid the announcement much attention because it was filtered in with a larger, seemingly more-important pronouncement: that AT&T was moving towards real 5G trials, also in Austin where it has extensive research facilities. With the impending hardening of the official 5G standard, America’s second-biggest wireless carrier was on its way towards an honest-to-goodness leg up in the next generation of wireless.
Moving from LTE to 5G is like going from 1080p to 4K — it’s a big difference, but you need the right equipment to see it.
Last week, AT&T launched said 5G Evolution network in Austin, and the world, including us, took umbrage at the naming convention. But we should have seen this coming — AT&T made it plain three months ago that it would be adulterating the idea of 5G for its own branding advantages. At the core of the disdain towards AT&T was the apparent flagrancy of its convention-breaking, the idea that what the industry, or a standards body, decides is 3G or 4G or 5G must be followed to the letter by the companies that famously make billions of dollars each year distorting or exaggerating the truth. (AT&T has defended its use of the 5G Evolution name, telling FierceWireless that “AT&T’s 5G Evolution lays the foundation for 5G while the standards are being finalized.”)
.@ATT @TMobile So I’m very, very proud to announce @TMobile “7G Eventual” – very exciting, already existing technology.
— Neville (@NevilleRay) April 26, 2017
When I first read that AT&T was launching a 5G Evolution network, I got just as worked up as everyone else (though I didn’t swear in my title). I said the company was ruining 5G for the rest of the industry, an admittedly hyperbolic refrain that now, days later, I regret. AT&T hasn’t ruined 5G because 5G isn’t ruinable. It’s not a thing yet. 5G is a mishmash of ideas and best practices and existing technologies, buoyed by dozens — likely hundreds — of organizations each with a vested interest of advancing their minor constituent towards the center of the enormous game board. To further the board game analogy, the main problem with the ruthless advancement of 5G is that no one is waiting their turn to play; everyone is merely using the resources at hand to advance their pieces as quickly as possible.
It’s within this climate that AT&T decided to make the first public move, and stood to face the most ire as a result. But here’s the thing to note about this unilateral move: it’s really not a big deal. And even though, in principle, AT&T probably shouldn’t mislead customers by calling what is clearly still a 4G LTE-based network ‘5G Evolution’, it’s not nearly as objectionable as when, back in 2011, AT&T balked at Verizon’s early launch of true 4G LTE and renamed its decidedly third-generation network ‘4G’.
5G promises to be a big upgrade over 4G LTE, but it’s also a much more complex beast to tackle.
But as the difference between 720p and 1080p was enormous, and the advantages obvious to the naked eye, so too was the variation in speed between “faux-G” and real 4G, which was, as it is today, based on the LTE standard. AT&T and T-Mobile, doubling down on HSPA+ and DC-HSPA, which were certainly improvements over existing 3G speeds, especially for downloads, began referring to their networks as 4G-capable so it didn’t fall behind what was a yawning technological divide between Verizon at the time. Sprint, with its doomed WiMAX standard, did the same, much to its detriment.
But 4G LTE isn’t just faster than 3G in terms of speed; it’s more efficient, with the ability to push more megabits over much narrower airwaves; and it offers considerably lower latency, which is becoming increasingly important as the mobile web transitions to consuming more video than anything else.
5G promises to be a big upgrade over 4G LTE, but it’s also a much more complex beast to tackle. It’s more like moving from 1080p to 4K — better, but you need a much bigger TV to see the difference.
Part of the 5G standard uses very high-frequency airwaves that approach the same signals used by microwaves, which hold enormous capacity for throughput but due to physics can’t travel long distances. On the other side of the spectrum (literally), 5G plans to achieve sub-one millisecond response times for mission-critical services, and be the vehicle for the Internet of Things products to send billions of tiny packets to one another so that everything, not just phones and lightbulbs, are somehow connected to the Internet. It’s a huge, daunting and potentially society-changing project, but even when the first stages of the new standard begin to show up in consumer products in the last year of this decade, it will still be many years until 5G takes on its final form, just as LTE has taken the better part of this decade to reach maturity.
At the same time, though, the average smartphone user isn’t going to see massive advantages in terms of wireless speed, latency and coverage when those first 5G-compatible phones roll off the line sometime in 2019 or 2020. Part of Qualcomm’s recent marketing push is to explain that gigabit LTE, which can be achieved using its X16 solution found inside the Snapdragon 835 (which is only in the Galaxy S8 right now), lays the foundations for 5G because it incorporates the same fundamental OFDM-based technologies that will eventually migrate to the next generation: MIMO, carrier aggregation, 256QAM (and higher) and the use of unlicensed spectrum. AT&T tells us that its 5G Evolution network uses all of these things; T-Mobile has been using them since September of 2016.
But regardless of what you call these achievements — LTE Advanced Pro, 5G Evolution, 7G Eventual — it’s unlikely to completely change your life and blow your mind the way that moving from “faux G” to real 4G did a few years ago.
In the meantime, you can make fun of AT&T for jumping the gun, but really — and unfortunately — if it didn’t do it, another company was going to.
A few more notes from this week:
- The more time I spend with the Samsung Galaxy S8, the more its flaws are revealed to me, and the less I care. This is one solid phone, quirks and all.
- Good to see Samsung not waiting for the carriers to roll out emergency fixes for its latest phone. More of this, please.
- It was interesting watching and reading Phil’s take on the S8, since he’s no longer inundated with new phone releases like he used to be. I agree with some of his points, but I do think the S8 stands on its own, and would have made just as much of an impact had the Note 7 stayed on store shelves.
- Our most popular post last week was, unsurprisingly, Andrew’s essay on how it’s still stupidly difficult to buy a Google Pixel. It’s a vivid retelling of a very poorly-planned product launch. Not only does the Pixel XL now feel comically oversized next to the Galaxy S8 and LG G6, but I know more than a few people who forwent buying one after waiting for stock replenish, finally giving up and buying an S8.
- You’ll be seeing more about the BlackBerry KEYone this week, and I’m excited to say that, even though a hardware keyboard isn’t really for me — at least not as my main device — the phone is solid, well-designed, and pretty damn fun to use.
That’s it for now! See y’all on the flippity-flip.
-Daniel
ICYMI: The Hoff speaks for AI and MIT builds a mobile 3D printer
Today on In Case You Missed It: David Hasselhoff stars in a short film about an AI that takes over people’s lives and decides what they should do and say. The kicker is that all of The Hoff’s lines were written by — you guessed it — an AI. As M. Night Shyamalan would say, what a twist!
We also take a look at MIT’s newest homebuilding tool, a gigantic tank-treaded 3D printer called the Digital Construction Platform. It’s armed with all sorts of appendages, including extruders, welding guns and scoop buckets. In just over 13 hours, this thing managed to construct a 12-foot tall, 50-foot wide igloo out of quick-setting foam. That’s the largest structure ever built by a bot!
As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @Terrortola.
‘Orange is the New Black’ hackers may have stolen 36 other shows
When the hackers who swiped Netflix’s unreleased Orange is the New Black season warned that they had shows from other TV networks, they might not have been kidding around. TheDarkOverlord has reportedly provided DataBreaches.net with a “preview” of the shows it obtained from Larson Studios, and it looks like there could be 36 more titles in the mix — many of which you’ve likely heard about. The mix includes recent and yet-to-air episodes of Fox’s New Girl, FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, IFC’s Portlandia and CBS’ NCIS: Los Angeles, among others. There are also singular titles like the Vin Diesel movie XXX: Return of Xander Cage as well as Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World and a YouTube Red original.
TDO’s strategy remains unchanged: it wants victim companies to pay a ransom if they hope to keep these episodes under wraps. Most of the companies have declined to comment (Netflix already said authorities were involved), but it’s not certain that the group is going to get what it wants, assuming the list is accurate. Variety notes that Bill Nye is already available, for instance. Likewise, the value of the other stolen shows may go down as more episodes air.
In that sense, the public revelations of the breach and its scale might not be bargaining chips so much as as they are last gasps. As with the Shadow Brokers, there’s an underlying tone of frustration — the hackers were expecting to make a quick profit and are realizing they may get nothing. Even so, it’s safe to presume that Netflix and conventional studios are evaluating the internet security of their partners to make sure there isn’t a similar incident down the road.
Via: Variety
Source: DataBreaches.net
DNA in dirt can reveal where human ancestors lived
When you want to know where humans have lived, you typically look for direct signs like bones or buildings. But that’s not always easy, especially with hominid ancestors who didn’t exactly leave an abundance of remains. Thanks to a new genetic research technique, however, those obvious clues won’t be necessary — you’ll just need some dirt. Scientists have discovered that they can obtain ancient DNA from soil by effectively luring it out and creating matches.
It starts by releasing the soil-bound DNA into a solution using chemical reagents. If you fill the solution with the synthesized DNA halves of the species you’re looking for, the soil DNA will naturally attach to those halves and let you sequence it.
The implications are huge for anthropology, paleontology and archaeology. In theory, you only need to sift through dirt to know whether or not hominids (or really, any relatively recent species) were in a given area. Early tests bear this out: the researchers not only found evidence of Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA (both in expected and unexpected places), but even woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos. This could help verify mysteries like a recent discovery suggesting that humans may have been in North America over 115,000 years earlier than previously thought. Do you have evidence of early tools, but no bones to go with them? Just test the soil and you’ll know which species likely made them.
There are limits. DNA only survives for so long before it degrades, so it won’t help with dinosaurs and other species that have been gone for millions of years. And of course, the collection methods are imperfect. You need an idea of what species might have been present, and there are no guarantees that there won’t be some contamination. Even so, it won’t be surprising if this new gene discovery approach eventually fills in some important gaps in human history, and Earth as a whole.
Via: Ars Technica
Source: Science
Looking for a fun electronics project? Here’s 12 easy Arduino-based gizmos you can build
Arduino has an enormous fanbase around the world and is frequently used for classes, hobbies, computer tinkering, and projects from hopeful inventors. Sure, it may not be quite as user-friendly as rivals like the Raspberry Pi, but this programmable logic controller is even more customizable than the former. To celebrate its long-term success, we’ve collected 12 of the coolest, most revolutionary, and most entertaining Arduino projects currently in existence. Prepare to be wowed — and then inspired!
Do keep in mind that these projects are a bit complicated, some more so than others. A few of them you could probably do in a weekend, but many are long-term projects that are more suitable for a semester project or summer hobby. We also tried to avoid projects that require a 3D printer for most of our top picks, but access to one of these printers may still be helpful.
The Arduino Servo Cat-a-pult
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Cats, for some reason or another, often times will not eat their food — even if the bowl is full — until they witness their owner top off the meal with a little fresh kibble. The Arduino Servo Cat-a-pult looks to automate this rather annoying daily task. A pressure sensor mat — placed in front of your cat’s food dish — activates the device. Once the mat is actuated, the Cat-a-pult hurls its payload of pet food in the general vicinity of the dish before your beloved pet can even begin to complain. Everybody wins.
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Nerf Vulcan Sentry Gun
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This project will certainly take a little longer than some of the other Arduino projects we’ve listed — and there are much simpler Nerf gun Arduino designs out there, for those looking for a less daunting task — but it’s worth the extra effort. This schematic transforms your run-of-the-mill Nerf Vulcan gun into a sentry gun capable of tracking your enemies (and loved ones) and unleashing a salvo of styrofoam mayhem.
Learn more from:
Instructables
AR Laser Cutter ChalKaat
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There are hundreds of cool Arduino projects out there, but none of them are quite as cool as this “augmented reality laser cutter,” a phrase we just like saying over and over. To be clear, you will need to use an open-source laser cutter for this project, because it needs to be compatible with your Arduino unit. The goal here is to replace tedious cutting parameter inputs with simple gestures, which also require motion tracking. It all comes together in this very impressive, challenging project called Chalkaat, which is Hindi for “let’s cut!” The device uses motion cameras and tracking pens, so the cost is going to amount to several hundred dollars for all necessary parts.
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Easy Robot Toy PipeBot
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If you are looking for an easier project, possibly one you can work on with your kids, then look no further than the PipeBot. The required materials — which include all your essential mechanical engineering tools plus some inexpensive wheels, motors, batteries, and other odds and ends — keep the price low, and when constructed, you get a roly-poly pipe that you can control with your smartphone!
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Ultrasonic Range Finder
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Well, the name is definitely cool, but you’re probably wondering how this project works. It uses an Arduino Uno, an LCD readout, and a sonic ranging module to judge various distances. A receiver picks up the sonic waves that reflect off objects, and uses said data to compute the distance to a solid object. It’s a little like the laser speed detectors the police use, but this one was developed by a 13-year old for sheer entertainment. We suggest getting a little inventive about how you house the various components.
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Fingerprint Scanner
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With a simple fingerprint scanner module and other basic components, you can build yourself a real security scanner for… just about anything that you want. This particular model is for your garage door, which could come in handy, but you can easily customize it to cover a wide variety of tasks. Someone probably needs to make a model that locks the refrigerator from anyone not using your fingerprints.
Learn more from:
Instructables
Looking for a fun electronics project? Here’s 12 easy Arduino-based gizmos you can build
Arduino has an enormous fanbase around the world and is frequently used for classes, hobbies, computer tinkering, and projects from hopeful inventors. Sure, it may not be quite as user-friendly as rivals like the Raspberry Pi, but this programmable logic controller is even more customizable than the former. To celebrate its long-term success, we’ve collected 12 of the coolest, most revolutionary, and most entertaining Arduino projects currently in existence. Prepare to be wowed — and then inspired!
Do keep in mind that these projects are a bit complicated, some more so than others. A few of them you could probably do in a weekend, but many are long-term projects that are more suitable for a semester project or summer hobby. We also tried to avoid projects that require a 3D printer for most of our top picks, but access to one of these printers may still be helpful.
The Arduino Servo Cat-a-pult
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
Cats, for some reason or another, often times will not eat their food — even if the bowl is full — until they witness their owner top off the meal with a little fresh kibble. The Arduino Servo Cat-a-pult looks to automate this rather annoying daily task. A pressure sensor mat — placed in front of your cat’s food dish — activates the device. Once the mat is actuated, the Cat-a-pult hurls its payload of pet food in the general vicinity of the dish before your beloved pet can even begin to complain. Everybody wins.
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Nerf Vulcan Sentry Gun
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
This project will certainly take a little longer than some of the other Arduino projects we’ve listed — and there are much simpler Nerf gun Arduino designs out there, for those looking for a less daunting task — but it’s worth the extra effort. This schematic transforms your run-of-the-mill Nerf Vulcan gun into a sentry gun capable of tracking your enemies (and loved ones) and unleashing a salvo of styrofoam mayhem.
Learn more from:
Instructables
AR Laser Cutter ChalKaat
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
There are hundreds of cool Arduino projects out there, but none of them are quite as cool as this “augmented reality laser cutter,” a phrase we just like saying over and over. To be clear, you will need to use an open-source laser cutter for this project, because it needs to be compatible with your Arduino unit. The goal here is to replace tedious cutting parameter inputs with simple gestures, which also require motion tracking. It all comes together in this very impressive, challenging project called Chalkaat, which is Hindi for “let’s cut!” The device uses motion cameras and tracking pens, so the cost is going to amount to several hundred dollars for all necessary parts.
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Easy Robot Toy PipeBot
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
If you are looking for an easier project, possibly one you can work on with your kids, then look no further than the PipeBot. The required materials — which include all your essential mechanical engineering tools plus some inexpensive wheels, motors, batteries, and other odds and ends — keep the price low, and when constructed, you get a roly-poly pipe that you can control with your smartphone!
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Ultrasonic Range Finder
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
Well, the name is definitely cool, but you’re probably wondering how this project works. It uses an Arduino Uno, an LCD readout, and a sonic ranging module to judge various distances. A receiver picks up the sonic waves that reflect off objects, and uses said data to compute the distance to a solid object. It’s a little like the laser speed detectors the police use, but this one was developed by a 13-year old for sheer entertainment. We suggest getting a little inventive about how you house the various components.
Learn more from:
DIY Hacking
Fingerprint Scanner
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
With a simple fingerprint scanner module and other basic components, you can build yourself a real security scanner for… just about anything that you want. This particular model is for your garage door, which could come in handy, but you can easily customize it to cover a wide variety of tasks. Someone probably needs to make a model that locks the refrigerator from anyone not using your fingerprints.
Learn more from:
Instructables
6 great Bluetooth keyboards for your tablet or laptop
Tablets and laptops are getting more and more advanced all the time, but if you want to get down to business, a touchscreen keyboard just won’t get the job done. Serious work needs a big, desktop-grade keyboard, and easy setup with a Bluetooth model makes the following choices a potent combination with iPads, Android tablets, and tablet-only Windows PCs.
Note that we’ve omitted designs that integrate a case or cover, as with various iPad combinations, the Surface keyboard, or the Pixel C keyboard. First-party devices are generally high quality, but we’re focusing on solutions that work with any tablet and any operating system. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also much less expensive.
Best keyboard for the budget-conscious
Anker Ultra Compact Slim Bluetooth Keyboard ($24)
Anker is a trusted budget brand for mobile accessories of all kinds. Previous models of this keyboard definitely took after the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, but the latest revision is more visually distinctive, and packs a much larger battery. Anker claims that it will last an impressive six months with two hours of use per day. On top of that, it’s also one of the cheapest full-sized keyboards Bluetooth around at just twenty bucks.
The keyset is designed to work with multiple operating systems, so advanced functions like page up/page down, volume, and media controls might not match up from device to device.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for the ultra-mobile
Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard ($80)
Microsoft has been getting quite creative with some of its accessory designs, and the latest is impressive in more ways than one. This folding design manages to cram a full-sized keyset (including smaller Function and arrow keys) into a tiny package about the size of a standard CD case, sure to fit into even the most overstuffed carry-on bag. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, which is more than can be said for some roll-up designs.
The “Universal” part of the keyboard comes from its agnostic connection, with dedicated keys for Android, iOS, and Windows. The body has limited spill resistance, so while it’s not going to go for a dip in the pool anytime soon, it should be able to resist a few splashes of office coffee. At $100 retail it isn’t the cheapest option (though it’s often sold for considerably less), but it’s a great choice if you want to keep your mobile office as portable as possible.
Read our full review.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for the constant switcher
Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 ($27)
If you often find yourself switching between a desktop, a tablet, and a phone for extended typing, you’ll want to check out this unique design from Logitech. The K480 isn’t as svelte as other options on this list, but it includes both an integrated stand slot for phones and tablets, and a dedicated hardware switch for manually connecting to different devices. It’s an ideal solution for those who don’t like to constantly pick up and put down gadgets.
Control keys for iOS and Android phones and tablets keep these devices under control. The K480 comes in grey or white color options, and with a retail price of $50 (and a street price often below $40) it’s one of the more affordable options available.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for Apple fans
Apple Magic Keyboard ($96)
Apple’s redesigned Magic keyboard is everything Apple fans (and others) could want from a minimalistic Bluetooth keyboard design. The older Magic keyboards had a rolled base that propped the back of the keyboard up and made room for AA batteries. The new version now has a rechargeable battery, so the keyboard lies much more flat. The keys also received an upgrade, and now have a little more weight when typing, which is generally also an improvement. The arrow key redesign is somewhat less welcome, but the advantages to this new design are hard to deny. The Bluetooth battery claims a one month charge, too, so you can carry this keyboard around without worrying about it too much.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for the eco-conscious
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 ($27)
Like to use your keyboard when the sun is shining? Find a seat by a café window or at an outdoor cable, and this Logitech keyboard will power itself, with a charge that Logitech claims can last as long as three months without needing another boost. The keys are a little small, but light and quiet like other modern Logitech keyboard designs. Just make sure that bar at the top stays in the sun!
The downside here is that compatibility is limited: It’s made to work with Windows laptops and desktop PCs. Outside of that, the keyboard may experience functionality issues, so this energy-saving approach is best saved for Windows fans
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for affordable mobile use
Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard ($9)
Those looking for an affordable Bluetooth keyboard for their mobile devices may find the inexpensive Arteck HB030B perfect for their needs. This compact, 0.24-inch thin keyboard is easy to slip into most computer bags or backpacks, and is compatible with pretty much every common mobile platform. It also comes with a surprising amount of backlighting, with seven different color options and two levels of brightness, for those who need a mobile keyboard in low-light conditions.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
This post was updated on April 24th 2017 by Tyler Lacoma. Added the Apply Magic keyboard, Razer gaming keyboard, Arteck backlit Bluetooth keyboard, and Logitech solar keyboard.
6 great Bluetooth keyboards for your tablet or laptop
Tablets and laptops are getting more and more advanced all the time, but if you want to get down to business, a touchscreen keyboard just won’t get the job done. Serious work needs a big, desktop-grade keyboard, and easy setup with a Bluetooth model makes the following choices a potent combination with iPads, Android tablets, and tablet-only Windows PCs.
Note that we’ve omitted designs that integrate a case or cover, as with various iPad combinations, the Surface keyboard, or the Pixel C keyboard. First-party devices are generally high quality, but we’re focusing on solutions that work with any tablet and any operating system. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also much less expensive.
Best keyboard for the budget-conscious
Anker Ultra Compact Slim Bluetooth Keyboard ($24)
Anker is a trusted budget brand for mobile accessories of all kinds. Previous models of this keyboard definitely took after the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, but the latest revision is more visually distinctive, and packs a much larger battery. Anker claims that it will last an impressive six months with two hours of use per day. On top of that, it’s also one of the cheapest full-sized keyboards Bluetooth around at just twenty bucks.
The keyset is designed to work with multiple operating systems, so advanced functions like page up/page down, volume, and media controls might not match up from device to device.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for the ultra-mobile
Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard ($80)
Microsoft has been getting quite creative with some of its accessory designs, and the latest is impressive in more ways than one. This folding design manages to cram a full-sized keyset (including smaller Function and arrow keys) into a tiny package about the size of a standard CD case, sure to fit into even the most overstuffed carry-on bag. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, which is more than can be said for some roll-up designs.
The “Universal” part of the keyboard comes from its agnostic connection, with dedicated keys for Android, iOS, and Windows. The body has limited spill resistance, so while it’s not going to go for a dip in the pool anytime soon, it should be able to resist a few splashes of office coffee. At $100 retail it isn’t the cheapest option (though it’s often sold for considerably less), but it’s a great choice if you want to keep your mobile office as portable as possible.
Read our full review.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for the constant switcher
Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 ($27)
If you often find yourself switching between a desktop, a tablet, and a phone for extended typing, you’ll want to check out this unique design from Logitech. The K480 isn’t as svelte as other options on this list, but it includes both an integrated stand slot for phones and tablets, and a dedicated hardware switch for manually connecting to different devices. It’s an ideal solution for those who don’t like to constantly pick up and put down gadgets.
Control keys for iOS and Android phones and tablets keep these devices under control. The K480 comes in grey or white color options, and with a retail price of $50 (and a street price often below $40) it’s one of the more affordable options available.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for Apple fans
Apple Magic Keyboard ($96)
Apple’s redesigned Magic keyboard is everything Apple fans (and others) could want from a minimalistic Bluetooth keyboard design. The older Magic keyboards had a rolled base that propped the back of the keyboard up and made room for AA batteries. The new version now has a rechargeable battery, so the keyboard lies much more flat. The keys also received an upgrade, and now have a little more weight when typing, which is generally also an improvement. The arrow key redesign is somewhat less welcome, but the advantages to this new design are hard to deny. The Bluetooth battery claims a one month charge, too, so you can carry this keyboard around without worrying about it too much.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for the eco-conscious
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 ($27)
Like to use your keyboard when the sun is shining? Find a seat by a café window or at an outdoor cable, and this Logitech keyboard will power itself, with a charge that Logitech claims can last as long as three months without needing another boost. The keys are a little small, but light and quiet like other modern Logitech keyboard designs. Just make sure that bar at the top stays in the sun!
The downside here is that compatibility is limited: It’s made to work with Windows laptops and desktop PCs. Outside of that, the keyboard may experience functionality issues, so this energy-saving approach is best saved for Windows fans
Buy it now from:
Amazon
Best keyboard for affordable mobile use
Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard ($9)
Those looking for an affordable Bluetooth keyboard for their mobile devices may find the inexpensive Arteck HB030B perfect for their needs. This compact, 0.24-inch thin keyboard is easy to slip into most computer bags or backpacks, and is compatible with pretty much every common mobile platform. It also comes with a surprising amount of backlighting, with seven different color options and two levels of brightness, for those who need a mobile keyboard in low-light conditions.
Buy it now from:
Amazon
This post was updated on April 24th 2017 by Tyler Lacoma. Added the Apply Magic keyboard, Razer gaming keyboard, Arteck backlit Bluetooth keyboard, and Logitech solar keyboard.
BlackBerry KeyOne vs. Galaxy S8: Keyboard or curves?
If you’re looking for a new smartphone right now, it’s not easy to look past Samsung’s latest release. The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus is an eye-catching, curved beauty that boasts an impressive set of features. However, the more affordable BlackBerry KeyOne is also hitting the market, and if you harbor fond memories of the physical keyboards that marked BlackBerry’s peak, it may just reel you in.
These two Android smartphones actually have quite a few similarities on paper. For a little more help deciding, read on as we delve into the specs and pit BlackBerry’s KeyOne against Samsung’s Galaxy S8.
Specs
BlackBerry KeyOne
Samsung Galaxy S8
Size
149.1 x 72.4 x 9.4 mm (5.87 x 2.85 x 0.37 inches)
148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0mm (5.9 x 2.7 x 0.3-inches)
Weight
180g (6.35oz)
155g (5.5oz)
Screen
4.5-inch IPS LCD
5.8-inch AMOLED
Resolution
1,080 x 1,620 pixels (433 pixels per inch)
2,960 x 1,440 pixels (570ppi)
OS
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Android 7.0 Nougat
Storage
32GB
64GB
MicroSD card slot
Yes
Yes
NFC support
Yes
Yes
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Samsung Exynos 9 Series 8895 (International)
RAM
3GB
4GB
Connectivity
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Camera
12MP rear, 8MP front
12MP rear with OIS, 8MP front
Video
2,160p at 30fps
2,160p at 30fps
Bluetooth
Yes, version 4.2
Yes, version 5.0
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Other sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, iris scanner
Water resistant
No
IP68
Battery
3,505mAh
3,000mAh
Quick Charging
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
Yes, Qi and PMA
Ports
USB-C, headphone jack
USB-C, headphone jack
Marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Color offerings
Black
Black, silver, orchid grey, blue (international), gold (international)
Availability
May 31, other carrier support coming in summer
AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Samsung
Price
Starts at $550
Starts at $720
DT review
First Take
4 out of 5 stars
In terms of performance and raw power, this is a walkover for the Galaxy S8. Samsung’s smartphone sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor in the U.S. or Samsung’s octa-core Exynos 8895 in some international markets. Both are a great deal faster than the decidedly mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 that you’ll find in the BlackBerry KeyOne. You’ll also find 4GB of RAM in the S8, compared to the KeyOne’s 3GB of RAM. If you don’t care about cutting edge performance and the latest games, then the KeyOne should still have enough under the hood to satisfy, but it’s a distant second here. The bottom line is that the S8 should be faster at loading apps and games, and snappier when swiping around.
Winner: Galaxy S8
Design, display, and durability
Galaxy S8
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
The Galaxy S8 could be the most attractive smartphone we’ve ever used. Curved glass edges melt into a rounded metal frame seamlessly. By ditching the physical Home button, Samsung has maximized the screen, packing an impressively large display into a svelte body. The build quality is impeccable. The BlackBerry KeyOne by contrast feels very chunky, but it does also have a very slightly curved screen that folds into an aluminum body. The obvious difference is the full QWERTY keyboard that sits below the screen.
Moving onto the screen itself, Samsung is the clear leader in the smartphone market with its Super AMOLED technology, and the S8 offers 5.8 inches of bright, vibrant, clarity. The BlackBerry KeyOne has an unusual, slightly squat, 4.5-inch display, because the front of the handset must accommodate that keyboard. It is respectably sharp, but it can’t compete with the best.
If durability is important to you, then things are less clear-cut. The S8 boasts an IP68 rating, which means it can take a dunk without dying. But when it comes to potential drop damage, that edge display is awfully fragile and expensive to fix, whereas the KeyOne has a solid frame to protect it and is designed to be able to withstand a tumble or two.
Winner: Galaxy S8
Battery life and charging
With a whopping 3,505mAh battery, the BlackBerry KeyOne has enough power to keep on ticking for a long time. Coupled with a smaller, lower resolution screen, we expect that battery to last perhaps well more than a days between charges, but we’ll have to test it out to make sure. The Galaxy S8 has a decent 3,000mAh battery which delivers average day-long performance.
Both phones have USB Type-C ports for fast charging, but only the Galaxy S8 supports wireless charging on both the Qi and PMA standards. Obviously, if wireless charging is important to you, the lack of support in the KeyOne could be a deal-breaker, but it scrapes a narrow win here for the longer battery life.
Winner: BlackBerry KeyOne
Camera
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
On paper, the BlackBerry KeyOne and Galaxy S8 are neck-and-neck in the camera department with both sporting a 12-megapixel main camera, and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. There’s also phase detection autofocus, HDR, and 4K video recording, but that’s where the similarities end. In reality, the S8 is far superior with larger sensors for better low-light performance, extras like optical image stabilization, and snappier performance.
Winner: Galaxy S8
Software
While the S8 ships with Android 7.0 Nougat and Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on top, the BlackBerry KeyOne boasts the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat and it’s almost stock. Samsung offers some interesting and useful extras including, smart gestures and shortcuts, iris scanning as an unlock method, special Edge screen panels, and the Bixby assistant, though we’re not too impressed with the latter in its current form. You can even get the DeX dock to use the S8 as a desktop replacement.
BlackBerry folds its suite of apps into the mix and some tweaks to make better use of the keyboard, which also supports gestures. One important factor in the KeyOne’s favor is the commitment to regular updates from BlackBerry, which will include Google’s monthly security updates for Android.
Winner: Tie
Price and availability
The Galaxy S8 has romped several categories in this comparison and that starts to make more sense when you compare the pricing. The BlackBerry KeyOne is significantly cheaper, with an unlocked handset costing $200 less. If you can’t buy outright, you can get an S8 from AT&T for just $25 per month with no money down, but it means signing up to a long, two and half year contract. We’re not sure on contract pricing for the KeyOne just yet, but it will certainly be cheaper than the S8.
Samsung Galaxy S8
BlackBerry KeyOne
AT&T
$750 or $25 per month for 30 months
$550
Sprint
$750 or $31.25 per month for 24 months
$550
T-Mobile
$750 or $30 per month for 24 months with a $30 down payment
$550
Verizon
$720 or $30 per month for 24 months
$550
Unfortunately, the KeyOne has been delayed slightly. It was originally touted for an April release, but this has been pushed back until May 31.
Winner: BlackBerry KeyOne
Overall winner: Galaxy S8
Whatever way you slice it, the Galaxy S8 is a better smartphone. Lightning fast performance, a gorgeous screen and design, and a host of extra features and functionality make it a clear winner here. Having said all of that, the BlackBerry KeyOne is the best BlackBerry in a long time and it offers great battery life, solid security, and, of course, that physical keyboard. If you’re a fan of the BlackBerry brand you’ll probably love the KeyOne, but if you want the best phone then it’s the S8 all day long.
5 songs you need to stream this week: Real Estate, Chris Stapleton, and more
Every week, there are thousands of new songs hitting the airwaves — and it’s just too much for your two ears to handle. With all those options, you can’t be wasting your time on tracks that deserve a thumbs-down click.
But don’t worry, we’re going to save you the hassle. We listen to some of the most-hyped and interesting songs each week, and tell you which are worthy of your precious listening time.
Here are our top five songs to stream this week. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our Spotify page for a playlist of our weekly picks, which can also be found at the bottom of this post.
Real Estate — Stained Glass
Chicago indie giants Real Estate appeared on KCRW radio this week, performing Stained Glass from their recently released album In Mind. The song showcases 12-string guitar and the band’s classic eighth-note-driven drum groove, which helps it hop happily through your ears throughout its nearly 4-minute runtime.
Chris Stapleton — Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning
Those feeling down about spring rain will take solace in this recently released version of Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning, a sad song made famous by Willie Nelson, and performed here by country singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton. Stapleton takes a more rambling, vocal-driven approach than Nelson did on his version, with gentle background vocals from his wife, Morgane, on the chorus. The second track released from Stapleton’s upcoming album, From A Room: Volume 1, the song feels like a continuation of the simple and gorgeous musical aesthetic that drew so many fans to 2015’s Traveller — a breakout hit that won Stapleton CMA, Grammy, and ACM awards.
Big Boi — Kill Jill (Featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy)
Famed rapper Big Boi (one half of legendary Atlanta rap crew Outkast) pairs up with fellow southern rappers Killer Mike and Jeezy on his latest trap-influenced single. A hard-hitting track that was released in honor of Killer Mike’s birthday (which also happened to be 4/20), this is a single you’ll want to listen to on your way to the party next weekend.
BNQT — Mind Of A Man
A new indie rock supergroup that features members of Band of Horses, Franz Ferdinand, Grandaddy, Travis, and Midlake, BNQT has shared a groovy new song driven by the voice of Travis’ Fran Healy. The group’s upcoming 10-track album, Volume 1, will feature each band member on lead vocals on two tracks, giving them a cool and ever-shifting musical aesthetic. Mind Of A Man features a simple and deep-pocket drum beat set against a wall of sound that includes strings, keyboards, and numerous guitars. It’s easily our favorite single from the band thus far.
Sam Craighead — Regality
A beautiful piano and horn melody opens up Regality, the newest song from Columbus-based musician Sam Craighead’s upcoming solo album, The Tuesday Night Music Club. A steadily evolving song that continuously grabs your ears, with every layer of the jangly pop number perfectly placed, this is a dynamic arrangement that you’ll want to really dig your ears into over repeat plays.
That’s it for now, but tune in next week for more tunes — and check out the playlist loaded with our recent selections below:
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