Are you new to the Apple Watch? Here’s how to change an Apple Watch band

If you’re new to the Apple Watch, you’re probably wondering how to change an Apple Watch band. There are several reasons why the Apple Watch is our top pick for the best smartwatch you can buy. One of the things that we love about this watch, other than the fact it showcases some of the best apps available for any smartwatch, is the multitude of stylish bands and accessories currently available for it. You can buy the Apple Watch in 42- and 38-millimeter sizes, too, meaning it can accommodate children and adults alike.

With so many Apple Watch accessories available, the first thing that you may want to do when you buy one is to customize it and make it your own. If you’re not familiar with how to change a band on the Apple Watch, we suggest you read this first, so you can get it right the first time. And to make your search for the perfect Apple Watch band a little easier, we’ve graciously rounded up the the best Apple Watch bands in existence.

Now, if only all of life’s decisions were as easy.

Before you change the band…

You may want to place your Apple Watch on a steady surface, face down. You obviously don’t have to do this, but if you do, keep in mind that only the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 2 utilizes scratch-resistant sapphire glass. The aluminum Apple Watch is prone to scratches, so you should put it on a soft surface or cloth.

How does the band attach to my Apple Watch?

If you look at the band on your Apple Watch, you will see a small piece of plastic in the center. When you insert the band, this small piece slides inside a small hole in the Apple Watch, and you hear it click. To take out the band, push the button on the back of the watch, which will release it.

Removing and changing the band on your Apple Watch

Step 1: Hold the watch firmly in your hand, or place it face down on a steady surface.

Step 2: Hold down the release button on the back of your watch, and at the same time, slide the band to the right or left to remove it.

Step 3: Slide the new band in until you hear it click.

Step 4: Without pressing the release button, gently try to slide the band left and right to make sure it is attached securely.

If you’re having trouble removing the band, don’t worry. Keep pressing down on the button and try again. Some bands are easier to remove than others.

Apple has a nice collection of bands for the Apple Watch. They all have different designs, so the way you adjust them varies slightly between models. With so many straps to choose from, you can have a different look for every day of the week!

Dell claims ‘world’s thinnest’ 2-in-1 throne with new Latitude model

Why it matters to you

Dell is targeting professionals with its two new Latitude 2-in-1 devices packing lightweight designs, increased security, and wireless charging technology.

Dell previously announced that its shipments of Windows-based 2-in-1 devices grew 48 percent during the first quarter of 2017. Months later, the company wants to increase that growth by introducing two more devices addressing the professional market: the Dell Latitude 7285 and the Dell Latitude 7389. Packing business-focused features like Intel vPro technology, facial recognition, and storage encryption, they follow the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible released in April with a starting price of $900.

Dell Latitude 7285 Detachable 2-in-1

Promoted as the world’s thinnest and lightest Windows-based detachable 2-in-1 device to date, the Dell Latitude 7285 is a “premium,” commercial product targeting mobile professionals. The tablet portion measures just 0.28 inches thick while sporting a bright, 12.3-inch screen and seventh-generation processors from Intel. Surprisingly, what you won’t find here is USB-based technology, but rather two Thunderbolt 3 ports with a Type-C interface pushing data at up to 40 gigabits per second.

“It’s the world’s first wireless charging 2-in-1 destined to modernize today’s workspace by further eliminating wires,” Dell says. “Integrating WiTricity’s magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, the device is built to transform any workspace into a clutter-free environment.”

Shown in the images above, the Dell Latitude 7285 supports the company’s optional wireless charging mat for re-energizing the battery without any wires. There’s also the optional wireless charging keyboard that supports the mat along with an optional wireless dock that depends on Wireless AD connectivity. As the specs show below, Dell provides an option for a tri-band wireless component supporting both Wireless AD (up to 4.7Gbps) and Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) connectivity.

On the software front, the Dell Latitude 7285 ships with the company’s Dell Client Command Suite. However, Dell also provides its optional Dell Data Security and Management Software suite that includes Dell Data Guardian, Dell Threat Defense, VMware Airwatch, and more.

Here are the Dell Latitude 7285 hardware specifications and options:

Screen size:
12.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 400 nits
Screen resolution:
2,880 x 1,920
Processor:
Intel Core i5-7Y54
Intel Core i5-7Y57 (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7Y75 (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 615
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage
(primary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe)*
*OPAL SED option in late 2017++
Storage
(secondary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe) in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (2×2) (Up to 867Mbps)
Bluetooth 4.2
Intel Tri-Band 17265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC)
Connectivity
(mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x Thunderbolt 3
1x uSIM card slot) WWAN only)
1x uSD 3.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Windows Home button
1x I2C for Keyboard connection
1x headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
720p user-facing
8MP world-facing
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Audio
Integrated array microphones with noise reduction
2x speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient Light Sensor
GPS (via WWAN card only)
Dimensions
(tablet only):
10.8 x 0.28 (H) x 8.2 (D) inches
Weight:
1.5 pounds tablet only
3.01 pounds with Productivity keyboard
Battery:
34 Watt hour with ExpressCharge
34 Watt hour Long Life Cycle (late 2017)
Operating system:
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Accessories:
Productivity Keyboard ($250)
Wireless Charging Keyboard ($380)
Wireless Charging Mat ($200)
Dell Active Stylus Pen ($50)
Starting price:
$1,200

Dell Latitude 7389 Convertible 2-in-1

As the spiritual successor to the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible, this model sports a 360-degree hinge that transitions between four modes: laptop, tablet, stand, and tent. However, it packs a larger screen at 13.3 inches compared to the 12.3-inch screen on the older Latitude 5289 model.

As shown in the hardware specifications below, Dell will sell various configurations spanning four seventh-generation processors from Intel. They’re backed by up to 16GB of system memory, and storage options relying on solid state disks. Note that customers can configure the new convertible with two storage devices if no WWAN card is installed.

On the security front, the Dell Latitude 7389 can be configured with an infrared camera for password-free facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner, a Smart Card reader, and more. There’s even an option for a self-encrypting solid state disk with up to 512GB of storage.

Other notable features offered with the Dell Latitude 7389 include a backlit keyboard, an optional tri-band Wireless AD connectivity component, support or Dell’s Active Pen, and support for Intel’s vPro technology. This model doesn’t arrive until August, so expect Dell to provide pricing details as the launch date approaches.

Screen size:
13.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 255 nits
Screen resolution:
1,920 x 1,080
Processor:
Intel Core i3-7100U
Intel Core i5-7200U
Intel Core i5-7300U (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7600U (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 620
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage (Primary):
Up to 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Up to 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Self-Encrypting
Storage (Secondary):
Up to 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.1 (adapter)
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.2 (card)
Intel Tri-Band 18265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC + Bluetooth 4.2)
Connectivity (mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A (one charges)
2x DisplayPort (Type-C)
1x HDMI 1.4
1x uSIM card slot (WWAN only)
1x uSD 4.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
1x 6.5mm HD RGB integrated camera with LED (fixed focus)
Audio
2x stereo speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
4x noise-reducing integrated array microphones
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
GPS (via WWAN card)
Dimensions (narrow bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.46 to 0.70 (H) inches
Dimensions (standard bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.50 to 0,75 (H) inches
Starting weight:
3.11 pounds
Battery:
45 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour Long Life Cycle
Operating system:
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Keyboard:
Backlit
1.65mm key travel
Single-pointing, dual-button touchpad
Optional accessories:
Dell Active Pen
Dell Dock WD15
Dell Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000
Dell Wireless Dock WLD15
Optional security:
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Fingerprint scanner
Contacted Smart Card reader
Contactless Smart Card / NFC5 reader
Control Vault 2.0 Advanced Authentication
Starting price:
Unknown

Dell claims ‘world’s thinnest’ 2-in-1 throne with new Latitude model

Why it matters to you

Dell is targeting professionals with its two new Latitude 2-in-1 devices packing lightweight designs, increased security, and wireless charging technology.

Dell previously announced that its shipments of Windows-based 2-in-1 devices grew 48 percent during the first quarter of 2017. Months later, the company wants to increase that growth by introducing two more devices addressing the professional market: the Dell Latitude 7285 and the Dell Latitude 7389. Packing business-focused features like Intel vPro technology, facial recognition, and storage encryption, they follow the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible released in April with a starting price of $900.

Dell Latitude 7285 Detachable 2-in-1

Promoted as the world’s thinnest and lightest Windows-based detachable 2-in-1 device to date, the Dell Latitude 7285 is a “premium,” commercial product targeting mobile professionals. The tablet portion measures just 0.28 inches thick while sporting a bright, 12.3-inch screen and seventh-generation processors from Intel. Surprisingly, what you won’t find here is USB-based technology, but rather two Thunderbolt 3 ports with a Type-C interface pushing data at up to 40 gigabits per second.

“It’s the world’s first wireless charging 2-in-1 destined to modernize today’s workspace by further eliminating wires,” Dell says. “Integrating WiTricity’s magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, the device is built to transform any workspace into a clutter-free environment.”

Shown in the images above, the Dell Latitude 7285 supports the company’s optional wireless charging mat for re-energizing the battery without any wires. There’s also the optional wireless charging keyboard that supports the mat along with an optional wireless dock that depends on Wireless AD connectivity. As the specs show below, Dell provides an option for a tri-band wireless component supporting both Wireless AD (up to 4.7Gbps) and Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) connectivity.

On the software front, the Dell Latitude 7285 ships with the company’s Dell Client Command Suite. However, Dell also provides its optional Dell Data Security and Management Software suite that includes Dell Data Guardian, Dell Threat Defense, VMware Airwatch, and more.

Here are the Dell Latitude 7285 hardware specifications and options:

Screen size:
12.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 400 nits
Screen resolution:
2,880 x 1,920
Processor:
Intel Core i5-7Y54
Intel Core i5-7Y57 (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7Y75 (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 615
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage
(primary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe)*
*OPAL SED option in late 2017++
Storage
(secondary):
Up to 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe/NVMe) in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (2×2) (Up to 867Mbps)
Bluetooth 4.2
Intel Tri-Band 17265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC)
Connectivity
(mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x Thunderbolt 3
1x uSIM card slot) WWAN only)
1x uSD 3.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Windows Home button
1x I2C for Keyboard connection
1x headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
720p user-facing
8MP world-facing
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Audio
Integrated array microphones with noise reduction
2x speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient Light Sensor
GPS (via WWAN card only)
Dimensions
(tablet only):
10.8 x 0.28 (H) x 8.2 (D) inches
Weight:
1.5 pounds tablet only
3.01 pounds with Productivity keyboard
Battery:
34 Watt hour with ExpressCharge
34 Watt hour Long Life Cycle (late 2017)
Operating system:
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Accessories:
Productivity Keyboard ($250)
Wireless Charging Keyboard ($380)
Wireless Charging Mat ($200)
Dell Active Stylus Pen ($50)
Starting price:
$1,200

Dell Latitude 7389 Convertible 2-in-1

As the spiritual successor to the Dell Latitude 5289 2-in-1 convertible, this model sports a 360-degree hinge that transitions between four modes: laptop, tablet, stand, and tent. However, it packs a larger screen at 13.3 inches compared to the 12.3-inch screen on the older Latitude 5289 model.

As shown in the hardware specifications below, Dell will sell various configurations spanning four seventh-generation processors from Intel. They’re backed by up to 16GB of system memory, and storage options relying on solid state disks. Note that customers can configure the new convertible with two storage devices if no WWAN card is installed.

On the security front, the Dell Latitude 7389 can be configured with an infrared camera for password-free facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner, a Smart Card reader, and more. There’s even an option for a self-encrypting solid state disk with up to 512GB of storage.

Other notable features offered with the Dell Latitude 7389 include a backlit keyboard, an optional tri-band Wireless AD connectivity component, support or Dell’s Active Pen, and support for Intel’s vPro technology. This model doesn’t arrive until August, so expect Dell to provide pricing details as the launch date approaches.

Screen size:
13.3 inches with 10-point multi-touch
Screen brightness:
Up to 255 nits
Screen resolution:
1,920 x 1,080
Processor:
Intel Core i3-7100U
Intel Core i5-7200U
Intel Core i5-7300U (vPro)
Intel Core i7-7600U (vPro)
Graphics:
Integrated HD Graphics 620
Memory:
Up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory @ 1,866MHz
Storage (Primary):
Up to 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Up to 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Self-Encrypting
Storage (Secondary):
Up to 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD in WWAN slot
Connectivity:
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.1 (adapter)
Wireless AC (up to 867Mbps) + Bluetooth 4.2 (card)
Intel Tri-Band 18265 (Wireless AD + Wireless AC + Bluetooth 4.2)
Connectivity (mobile broadband):
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A (AT&T, Version, and Sprint)
Ports/Buttons:
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A (one charges)
2x DisplayPort (Type-C)
1x HDMI 1.4
1x uSIM card slot (WWAN only)
1x uSD 4.0 memory card reader
1x Noble Wedge Lock slot
1x Headphone/microphone combo jack
Cameras:
1x 6.5mm HD RGB integrated camera with LED (fixed focus)
Audio
2x stereo speakers with MaxxAudio Pro
4x noise-reducing integrated array microphones
Sensors:
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
GPS (via WWAN card)
Dimensions (narrow bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.46 to 0.70 (H) inches
Dimensions (standard bezel):
12 x 8.26 (D) x 0.50 to 0,75 (H) inches
Starting weight:
3.11 pounds
Battery:
45 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour ExpressCharge
60 Watt hour Long Life Cycle
Operating system:
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Keyboard:
Backlit
1.65mm key travel
Single-pointing, dual-button touchpad
Optional accessories:
Dell Active Pen
Dell Dock WD15
Dell Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000
Dell Wireless Dock WLD15
Optional security:
Infrared camera supporting Windows Hello
Fingerprint scanner
Contacted Smart Card reader
Contactless Smart Card / NFC5 reader
Control Vault 2.0 Advanced Authentication
Starting price:
Unknown

We could soon know more about the GoPro Fusion as pilot program begins

Why it matters to you

The Fusion is GoPro’s first all-in-one immersive video camera and independent creatives are finally getting their hands on it thanks to GoPro’s pilot program.

Preproduction models of the GoPro Fusion have begun shipping to content creators signed up for the pilot program. A dual-lens, 360-degree camera, the Fusion is GoPro’s first all-in-one immersive video camera (the company previously offered only the six-camera Omni rig for virtual reality production). Details are still thin on the Fusion’s full specifications, but we have a good idea of what the final model will look like and know that it records 5.2K resolution at 30 frames per second.

The pilot program was originally announced alongside the reveal of the GoPro Fusion itself, and GoPro says it received over 20,000 applications from content creators. Cameras have now shipped to the first wave of selected individuals and production teams, which include the Golden State Warriors, AccuWeather, Getty Images, and travel vlogger Louis Cole, among others. The Warriors seem to be the first with confirmed Fusion content online, featuring the 2017 Championship Parade.

The pilot program isn’t just an opportunity to get content up early, and thus help market the Fusion, but will also inform design and usability decisions going forward. As GoPro CEO Nicholas Woodman said in a statement, “We are excited to get Fusion into the hands of creative professionals, both to see the content they create and also to receive feedback that helps us refine the overall user experience for when we launch Fusion to a broader audience later this year.”

The GoPro Fusion, unlike the larger Omni rig, is compact and lightweight enough to be used in virtually the same way as a standard GoPro Hero camera. Although taller than a Hero5 Black, it can still fit in the palm of a hand and attaches to all the regular GoPro mounting accessories. In addition to 5.2K immersive video, the Fusion can capture 1080p fixed-frame footage from any angle, allowing content creators to output both fixed-frame and 360-degree video from the same shot.

While the company has not said how many more applicants will be accepted into the GoPro Fusion pilot program, interested parties can still sign up online. The final production version of the camera is expected to ship later this year at a price that is yet to be determined.

Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

WikiLinks

WikiLinks is the most fun and powerful way to discover everything Wikipedia has to offer, in a multilingual and multimedia experience including an exclusive mind-map of your navigation, suggested YouTube videos, and more.

Available on:

iOS

Splittr

Splittr helps you to divide costs between you and your friends. It is perfect for vacations, weekend trips, nights out with friends, and even for household expenses. Simply add expenses as you go and Splittr will let you know who is next to pay.

Available on:

iOS

Luxy Pro

Luxy caters to the world’s elite 1 percent — members include CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, beauty queens, supermodels, celebrities, pro athletes, doctors, lawyers and other elites — because Luxy is a luxury dating club.

Available on:

iOS

PhotoWidget and Viewer

Put your favorite photos into this widget and you can create a GIF that plays right from your notification center.

Available on:

iOS

Simpler Pro

Simpler Pro is a completely redesigned contacts app that makes your address book light, smart, and user friendly. Back up everyone in your phone with just one tap.

Available on:

iOS

Hands-free Browser

Getting your hands dirty? With this app you can surf the web without touching the screen. It’s fantastic for reading recipes while you cook, following repair instructions with greasy hands, working out, and more.

Available on:

iOS

Don’t go to a carrier just to get smartphone financing — there are better ways

There are better ways to buy a phone affordably than running to the nearest carrier stores.

Ever since traditional two-year phone contracts fell out of vogue, carriers have come up with new and inventive ways of locking you in. One of the best examples of this is a monthly installment payment plan for a new device. It’s so simple to walk into a carrier store and walk out with a phone for $0 down, paying that total over the course of the next 12, 18, or 24 months. It just gets baked right into your monthly phone bill — super easy.

But it’s also super restrictive, because just like a two-year contract, your phone’s cost is once again tied to the carrier. What if you want to take your phone elsewhere? You have to pay it off at the carrier, cancel your service, and move. And if you’re financing a $700+ phone (or four), that could be tough — so now you’re staying with a carrier you don’t want to be with, just because you need longer to pay off the phone.

At the same time, people keep going to their carrier because they often think that’s the only way they can get long-term, interest-free financing on what are increasingly expensive phones. But actually, you can get financing with identical terms from all of the major phone companies today, as well as from many retailers that sell phones — even phones that are exclusive to your carrier.

Financing from the phone companies themselves

Phones are expensive, and the top-end models are seemingly increasing in price over time. More and more companies are also offering unlocked models that don’t have the option of carrier financing. To help keep the phones accessible, they’re offering no-interest financing for these phones.

HTC offers financing through PayPal Credit, which offers 18-month no-interest financing for purchases over $540. That means a new HTC U11 at $649 will set you back $36.05 per month. Pay it off in full on time and you won’t pay a penny over that price.

Samsung‘s financing offers a no-interest term for everything it sells over $250. It typically reserves 24-month financing for $1499+ purchases but also offers it for its top-end phones; that would price out a new $725 Galaxy S8 at $30.21 per month over two years, again with no extra financing charges. The nice thing here is you can buy carrier-branded versions of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ with Samsung’s financing, meaning you can get the exact model you want, without having its financing tied to the carrier.

Motorola will let you finance its phones using the third-party service Affirm, and its terms are very similar to the others. 6-, 12-, or 18-month financing terms are available depending on the purchase price, and there’s no interest or additional fees. The financing offers are available through Motorola’s website, whether you’re buying an unlocked phone or carrier-exclusive model.

Google has 24-month no-interest financing on phone purchases from the Google Store. So you can pick up that Google Pixel XL directly from Google for $32.04 per month, rather than going to Verizon just to pay over time.

OnePlus has one of the weakest financing options, but then again, it also has some of the cheapest top-end phone models. When shopping on the OnePlus store, all purchases over $99 are able to be financed with PayPal Credit over 6 months with no interest if paid in full in that term.

Financing from retailers

If the phone you’re looking at doesn’t have manufacturer-backed financing, there’s a chance you could finance it with similar terms from a third-party retailer instead.

Amazon, where we all buy so many small things, offers convenient financing for larger purchases, like phones. The financing is no-interest like the others, and the length of financing offered depends on the purchase price. A $149+ phone can be paid off over 6 months, but a $599+ purchase gives you 12 months to pay it off.

Best Buy will let you buy anything in its store with monthly payments if you sign up for its own-branded credit card. Purchases over $199 can get 6-month no-interest financing, and purchases over $399 get 12-month no-interest financing. This goes for unlocked phones but also carrier-branded phones, which is a great piece of flexibility — just be sure not to confuse it with the carrier-backed financing Best Buy also offers.

Seriously, consider financing outside of the carrier

As you can see, there are several different ways to buy the latest devices on a monthly installment plan while keeping that bill separate from your commitment to the phone carrier itself. It also gives you the ability to shop around and potentially find better deals at the manufacturer or retailer of your choice without giving up monthly financing. While it’s a slightly bigger hassle to deal with two bills instead of one, the freedom of having your long-term phone financing separated from the carrier is worth it. Get the phone you want, the way you want.

The absolute best Prime Day deals you can buy right now

Prime Day is here! The Thrifter team has been hard at work since 7 p.m. last night when the Prime-only deals began to go live. Not only have we been updating our site and Twitter feed with the best deals, but we’ve also been live blogging the entire thing. At this point, we want to make it a bit easier for you to find the overall best deals of Prime Day.

The following list compiles our favorite deals of Prime Day 2017 that are still live and will be updated throughout the remainder of the day.

Tech

• Amazon Fire Tablet – $30 (previously $50)
• Echo Dot – $35 (previously $50)
• Echo – $90 (previously $180)
• Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive – $60 (previously $77)
• SanDisk Ultra II 500 GB SSD – $137 (previously $175)
• Philips Hue Smart Bulb – $40 (previously $50)
• Sandisk Ultra 256 GB MicroSDXC – $105 (previously ~$150)
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro – $177 (previously $250)
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone: Blackout Edition – $90 (previously $130)

Lifestyle

• FitBit Blaze – $139 (previously $199)
• Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras by AmazonBasics – $20 (previously $27)
• Bright Multipurpose Copy Paper (3 reams / 1,500 sheets) – $10 (previously $14)
• AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater – $99 (previously ~$120)
• High-back Executive Desk Chair – $80 (previously $110)
• Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker – $129 (previously ~$190)

Entertainment

• Xbox One S bundle – $240 (previously $370)
• Game of Thrones: The Complete Seasons 1 – 6 (Blu-Ray) – $75 (previously $130)
• Sony PS4 Dualshock 4 Controller – $40 (previously $48)

Be sure to keep refreshing this page and tune into the Thrifter live blog to stay up-to-date with all the best Prime Day deals!

The HTC Vive is a life-changing product for people with mobility issues

The HTC Vive lets you see the world when you’re unable to go out and be there.

When I first heard about products like the HTC Vive becoming real things you could actually buy, some of my first thoughts were about using one to virtually visit the places and see the sights I’d otherwise be unable to. Mobility issues and white water rafting through the Grand Canyon don’t mix very well, for example.

Fast forward a few years, and while I’ve been unable to find that virtual trip down the Colorado River, I have seen enough to say that good VR does bring the world to people who aren’t able to enjoy all of it, and think everyone who has a bit of trouble getting around would love the HTC Vive as much as I do.

Read more at VRHeads

Best Cases for the HTC U11

Keep your HTC U11’s lustrous chassis in perfect condition with these cases.

With a beautiful mirrored glass finish, the HTC U11 is one of the most striking Android flagships available today. But exposed glass isn’t the most sturdy of materials, and if you use the U11 for long enough, it’s inevitable that you’ll start to pick up a few scrapes and scratches.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the top few U11 cases for your perusal. Read on to find out more.

• HTC Clear Shield case
• Spigen Liquid Crystal HTC U11 case
• Incipio Octane UTC U11 case
• Olixar Genuine Leather HTC U11 wallet case
• Official HTC U11 leather-style flip case

HTC Clear Shield case

This is the same case that comes with the HTC U11 in many markets, protecting the back and corners of the phone, while keeping the side walls exposed for easy squeezability.

Plastic inner corners keep the U11 securely in place, while the clear plastic design lets you show off the phone from its most impressive angle.

At $19.99, it’s not super cheap, but it’s a pretty small price to pay to guarantee the back of your phone will stay free from wear and tear.

See at HTC

Spigen Liquid Crystal HTC U11 case

If TPU is your thing, this Spigen case gives you all-around protection, including cover for the buttons and side walls.

Meanwhile, a raised lip around the camera cutout and front bezel keeps the lens protected when the phone is laying flat, and the screen out of contact with surfaces when it’s face-down.

Being a flexible TPU case, it’s also fully compatible with HTC’s squeezy Edge Sense features. And there’s even a glittery version if you want to add a bit of extra glamor to the HTC U11’s already shiny derrière. Check it out for around $11.

See at Amazon

Incipio Octane UTC U11 case

For more heavy duty protection, you might want to consider this Incipio offering, featuring a textured bumper and hard shell back. Despite the added heft of this case, it still works with Edge Sense, and the textured side walls provide a much more secure grip than the U11’s metal trim.

Sure, you’ll need to cover up much of the U11’s eye-catching design if you go for this model, but you can rest assured the entire body of the phone will be protected from drops, knocks and scrapes.

For less than $25, that’s not a bad deal at all.

See at Amazon

Olixar Genuine Leather HTC U11 wallet case

For many people, nothing beats the convenience of a wallet case, and Olixar has an affordable leather option that provides space for credit cards, while also folding out into a stand.

Olixar’s “Executive Wallet Case” keeps the vulnerable areas of the U11 protected and the plastic side walls mean it’s still possible to use Edge Sense without too much hassle.

This leather offering, complete with stand, adds a bit more bulk to the body of the phone, but you can’t argue with the extra functionality it brings — particularly for $26.

See at MobileFun

Official HTC U11 leather-style flip case

HTC’s official U11 flip case for the U11 is clad in a soft-touch exterior, with space for a single credit card, and the option to fold it out into a stand — though unlike Olixar’s offering, this one’s not magnetic.

The U11’s shiny back panel is secured in place with plastic corners, keeping these areas protected from drops, and the exposed side walls allow you to use Edge Sense with ease.

This model is also a good deal slimmer than most wallet cases, though it’ll set you back a bit more too, with prices starting at $46.

See at MobileFun

Your favorite?

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HTC U11

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Waymo teaches its autonomous cars to detect emergency vehicles

Before self-driving cars can truly take over our roads, they have to be able to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles. That’s why Waymo has begun training its autonomous Chrysler minivans to be able to recognize what they look and sound like in real life situations. Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle spinoff has teamed up with Chandler Police and Fire in Arizona to set up an “emergency vehicle testing day.” The authorities had ambulances, police cars, motorcycles and firetrucks pass by, trail and lead the Chryslers all day and night while the minivans’ sensors collected as much data as possible from all speeds, distances and angles.

Waymo was able to compile a library of sights and sounds from the event thanks to its minivans’ upgraded sensors. The new suite of sensors include an audio detection system designed in-house and an upgraded LiDAR and vision system, which are capable of seeing emergency vehicles and their flashing lights. They also allow the technology to recognize other types of emergency vehicles it hasn’t seen yet.

Waymo is already using the data it collected to teach its self-driving system how to detect where sirens are coming from. By being able to point out the direction where emergency vehicles are located, its autonomous cars can move to the side if they’re passing from behind or yield at an intersection to let them pass first.

“This training is key to reliably detecting and responding to emergency vehicles in Arizona and beyond,” the company said on its blog. “By teaching our cars this advanced capability, we’re moving closer to bringing truly self-driving technology into the world.”

Source: Waymo