YouTube recommendations inadvertently serve up illegal livestreams

While live streaming is often associated with Facebook and Twitter these days, YouTube has been offering the feature for over five years now. Still, it’s only recently that the video giant has taken the phenomenon seriously — it’s finally letting some users broadcast from their phones, and it’s now easier to discover them via recommendations. Ironically, however, YouTube’s own recommendation system helped me discover a huge flaw in live streaming: flagrant copyright infringement. Indeed, it turns out that YouTube is infested with rogue streams of copyrighted content, and I wouldn’t have discovered it if YouTube itself didn’t recommend them to me.

During the recent July 4th weekend, I was on YouTube looking up videos on how to cook the perfect burger. As I perused through the search results, I came across something I hadn’t seen before; what appeared to be a 24/7 livestream of Bob’s Burgers, a popular animated show on Fox. I clicked on it and indeed, that was exactly what it was. The stream had only been running for four hours, but it already had thousands of viewers, and the live chatroom was full of people chatting about the episode. As the user hosting the stream did not appear to be in any way associated with the Fox Network, I had to assume it was not a legitimate feed.

But what was even more fascinating was the “Recommended for you” sidebar on the right of the video. It was a treasure trove of 24/7 livestreams of other popular animated shows like Futurama, The Simpsons, South Park and Family Guy. What’s more, there were multiple livestreams of each show going on simultaneously, and several of them were hosted by different users.

Intrigued, I did a few more searches and found that there were literally hundreds of these streams. At the time of my search, there were about 11 separate livestreams of Bob’s Burgers, around 70 livestreams of Futurama, 50 of South Park and 20 of The Simpsons.

A few of these streams had four to five thousand viewers, while most of them had only 20 or 30. A good chunk were only a few hours old, but I did come across one or two Futurama streams that began nearly five days ago. Upon further investigation, I found that sometimes one user would have five or six livestreams of the same show going simultaneously.

I felt like I had found a hidden gold mine of secret YouTube. This was all clearly very illegal and very against YouTube’s own copyright rules. Further searches online reveal that the phenomenon isn’t entirely new; it appears to have been around for at least a year (A quick Google search shows livestream feeds appearing as early as August 2016). Which makes the fact that YouTube hasn’t resolved this issue yet all the more intriguing.

I left my computer alone for a few hours as I went about my weekend and returned to see if the illegal streams that I bookmarked were still around. Interestingly, one of them had been taken down, but the rest were still up. The next day, more of them were removed, and the following day, all of them were gone. It seems like the copyright owners had finally sniffed them out.

But all it took to get the streams back was to head to my YouTube homepage, which was suddenly rife with recommendations for illegal livestreams of animated shows. Indeed, all I needed to do was search for “Futurama” and I would get a slew of those 24/7 streams again. Heck, if I felt particularly lazy, I could even just go to YouTube’s very own Live landing page to see several of them featured in the recommended section.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that as more streams get taken down, more just pop back up. Sometimes it’s the same user who does it, sometimes it’s different. Some of these users have hundreds of subscribers, and only have a few other uploaded videos. YouTube is clearly trying to take down these rogue streams as fast as it can, but it’s a constant cat-and-mouse game that YouTube doesn’t seem to be winning.

Of course, YouTube has long had a problem with rogue actors uploading copyrighted videos to its platform; it’s even been sued over it. Eventually, YouTube came up with a way of identifying copyrighted content with a system called Content ID. It’s essentially a digital fingerprinting system that automatically matches video and audio files in a database to videos that are uploaded on YouTube. If the video is in violation, it gets a Content ID claim, and it might eventually be taken down if the content owner chooses to do that.

The problem, however, is that Content ID only comes into play with uploaded videos, not the ones that are streamed live. In YouTube’s Support page, it states: “Content ID claims are only made after you complete your live broadcast, if you decide to archive the video.” As you can imagine, most of these illegal livestreams are not archived, so Content ID claims can’t be filed.

In a statement provided to AdAge, which reported a similar issue in April, YouTube states that it “respects the rights of copyright holders” and that it has “invested heavily in copyright and content management tools to give rights holders control of their content on YouTube.” It also said: “When copyright holders work with us to provide reference files for their content, we ensure all live broadcasts are scanned for third party content, and we either pause or terminate streams when we find matches to third party content.”

Engadget received the same statement from YouTube when we reported the issue. We were also told that when a copyright takedown notification has been received on a video or a livestream, that content is removed promptly and the accounts of repeat offenders are terminated.

YouTube isn’t the only one trying to figure out how to manage the wild wild west of live video. Facebook and Twitter have run up against this issue too, with people sneaking in live streams of concerts or sporting events. Periscope, for example, came under fire from HBO when users used it to stream the fifth season premier of Game of Thrones, as well as the Mayweather vs. Pacquaio boxing match. Of course, there are other issues with livestreams too. In the past year, people have used Facebook and Periscope to broadcast violent acts such as murders, suicides and rapes.

Both Facebook and Periscope have provided statements in the past that they respect the intellectual property rights and will take down videos if notified. Periscope told Engadget that all content must follow community guidelines, which include adherence of copyright and must not contain content that’s violent or pornographic. But it still seems like viewers have to proactively flag these videos to get moderators to notice; there’s nothing really preventing them to be streamed in the first place. Controlling live video, as it turns out, is pretty hard.

When asked about these live streams that appeared in my Recommendations feed, YouTube simply said it looks at all sorts of different criteria to fill it, such as geography, video popularity and my watch history. So, of course, if an infringing livestream is particularly popular and it also melds with my interests, there’s a higher likelihood it’ll surface. There doesn’t seem to be any plans to change how Recommendations work at this time.

YouTube isn’t doing itself any favors here. I wouldn’t have even found these streams if YouTube itself didn’t offer them up to me, thanks in part to its own algorithms. Sure, it can be hard to control what’s live, and you can’t always block people from streaming copyrighted content. But there has to be a way to prevent it from being so easy to find.

Apple’s HomePod firmware spills more details on the smart speaker

Apple unveiled its Siri-powered HomePod speaker hub at WWDC back in June, and despite a hefty $350 pricetag and the inevitable comparisons to Alexa devices, it actually sounds pretty good. In the lead up to its release this December, Apple pushed out the hub’s firmware, revealing that it runs on iOS — basically like a screenless iPhone or iPad. But in its current incarnation, the HomePod won’t support third-party apps and programs, according to developer Steve Troughton-Smith’s analysis.

Just to cut off speculation: there doesn’t seem to be any kind of provision in the HomePod OS shell for installing apps or extensions. Zip

— Steve T-S (@stroughtonsmith) July 28, 2017

Obviously, that’s not to say the device never will. Since it runs on a full iOS stack through a shell app called “Soundboard,” they could always patch in the ability for third parties to load up their software later. If things don’t change before launch, it’s an odd move to make, especially given how late the HomePod is to the voice-controlled assistant game. Both Google’s Home and Amazon’s Alexa-powered devices allow and encourage companies to make apps that enable custom interactions (Alexa has 15,000 of these “skills” and counting). It would also be a huge surprise if the HomePod didn’t integrate at launch with the IoT HomeKit system Apple keeps trying to make happen.

Otherwise, the firmware reveals a few things about the HomePod’s interactions. In keeping with Apple tradition, the device will support accessibility features including VoiceOver. Troughton-Smith believes the top touch surface is an LED matrix that could display shapes and symbols, not just big LED lights. Onboard controls are limited to activating Siri, adjusting volume and alarms on the HomePod — the bulk of which we discovered during our hands-on back in June.

We’ve reached out to Apple for comment and will report if we hear back.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Steve Troughton-Smith (Twitter)

Twitter tests $99 subscription for auto-promoted tweets

Twitter is testing a subscription plan that charges users $99 a month to automatically promote tweets into strangers’ timelines. This wouldn’t be a service offered to all: Only those invited would be given the option to bellow out tweets to folks who don’t follow them. But at this point, it isn’t another tool for big brands to use. It’s aimed at users who aren’t as Twitter-savvy — i.e. power users and small businesses — who would conceivably rather throw money at the social media network than micromanage their account.

This is a pretty clear experiment to try out a new source of cash flow for Twitter, which saw a drop in advertising revenue this year, making $439 million in Q2 2017 compared to $535 million in the same period last year. Twitter confirmed to Engadget that it’s currently testing this program, but didn’t comment further.

Interesting @Twitter ads are running a new private beta program https://t.co/RbIEHMnGNl pic.twitter.com/oStFltf47Q

— David Iwanow (@davidiwanow) July 28, 2017

Users that had paid Twitter to promote their tweets before were invited to the pilot program, though interested users can apply for the program now and get 30 free days of “automated promotion.” According to the FAQ section, it will only apply to the first ten tweets of the day, and they will go out to either users with similar interests or those in a chosen metropolitan area (but not both).

Via: Business Insider

Source: Twitter

What we’re watching: ‘Shirobako,’ ‘American Gods’ and ‘Robot & Frank’

Welcome once again to Video IRL, where several of our editors talk about what they’ve been watching in their spare time. This month brings a mixed bag; while one of us dived into season one of Starz’ series American Gods; another is obsessed with a quirky UK game show that will make the jump to America soon; we’ve given anime another chance and last but not least, there’s even some robot-enabled larceny.

Shirobako

Sean Buckley
Associate Editor

A decade after slowly drifting away from watching anime as a genre, I’ve somehow found myself with a Crunchyroll Premium subscription. It started when my wife wanted to watch the 2014 Sailor Moon reboot, continued as we stumbled into the addictive absurdity of Food Wars and became a paid subscription somewhere between starting Rin-ne and catching up on new episodes of Dragon Ball Super. Somehow, we became anime fans again.

It’s good to be back, too — but it’s not the high-profile, weekly simulcast adventures of Goku that keep me coming back to the anime streaming service. It’s the slower, more focused shows that have caught my attention. The delicate story of Usagi Drop chronicling the sacrifices a 30-year old single man has to make when he unexpectedly becomes a parent to a 6-year old relative. The inspiring tale of Space Brothers, and one man’s journey to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. Silly comedy and over-the-top action defined the Anime I watched in high school. As an adult, I’m finding well written, character-driven drama with beautiful art and surprisingly relevant narrative themes. It’s …kind of great.

It’s not all fancy slice-of-life anime in my house — I still love shonen action shows like My Hero Academia. Despite a decade of dismissing Dragon Ball as an “anime soap opera,” I’ve fallen into the habit of watching Goku’s exploits every weekend — but it’s the slower paced character narratives that have anchored me back in a genre I forgot. This month’s obsession? Shirobako, a series that’s literally about making anime, following an animation studio that’s struggling to keep pace with a tight production schedule. It’s the perfect reminder of just how much work animated series really are, and how it’s a massive, complicated team effort — and the dramatization of the process makes me appreciate it as art even more.

If like me, you stepped away from Japanese animation years ago, think about looking into it again. You might be surprised at what you find. I was.

Oh, and yes — Cowboy Bebop is exactly as good as you remember. Better, even.

Taskmaster

Daniel Cooper
Senior Editor

I’ve spent the last few weeks binging Taskmaster, the British comedy game show that’s recently been picked up in the US. The concept is easy to describe, but on paper sounds pretty boring: a team of comedians takes part in a series of challenges. But those challenges are all weird and wonderful, with lateral thinking and craftiness encouraged over simply doing the obvious thing.

There are four or five challenges a week and, between the filmed segments, the comedians sit in the studio explaining their logic. They need to impress both the Taskmaster, played by Greg Davies, and his Umpire, played by show creator Alex Horne. In these moments, there’s a simple joy of watching seven really funny people all gently mocking one another while in a room.

The key to the show’s success is the relaxed, chatty atmosphere that’s created in studio juxtaposed with the arch hilarity of the filmed challenges. It’s as if an NPR podcast crashed into one of those Japanese game shows you can catch on late night cable. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but after watching the first episode I quickly raced through the remaining 23.

The US version will feature Reggie Watts, with creator Alex Horne reprising his role as the Umpire, and I have no doubt the format will succeed over here. But I urge you all to use whatever inappropriate methods you can to watch the British original, especially since it’s all so very charming.

Another British show with a high-concept premise that I’ve been enjoying of late is Murder in Successville. The show is essentially a live-action murder mystery, with the role of guest detective taken by a different celebrity each week. The twist, if one was needed, is that Successville itself is a town comprised entirely of celebrities — in reality, a group of comedians and improvisers doing impressions. So, Chef Gordon Ramsay is the sweary chief of police, while Lana Del Rey is a drippy forensic technician working in the morgue.

Navigating both the audience and that week’s contestant is comedian Tom Davis, playing the role of Detective Inspector Sleet. Given the real-time setting, much of the dialogue is improvised, with the cast occasionally breaking down into fits of laughter. You wouldn’t expect it to be as funny as it is, but Davis’ outsize personality, coupled with some surprisingly game contestants, makes the show. Again, it’s hard to procure through legitimate means in the US, but it’s another show that’s well-worth discovering.

American Gods

Nicole Lee
Senior Editor

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods is my favorite book of all time. So when I heard that it was going to be adapted into a television series on Starz, I immediately signed up for a subscription. I was eager, yet a little nervous, to see how showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green would bring Gaiman’s prose to life, especially since much of American Gods is told in internal monologue. Eight episodes later, and despite a few quibbles, I can say that I’m pleasantly surprised. The show is similar, yet so different, from the book, that it really exists as its own entity. And that’s not such a bad thing.

As a quick summary, American Gods tells the story of Shadow Moon, an ex-con who’s given a new lease of life thanks to a mysterious character who goes by the name of Wednesday. Moon then gets introduced to a world where gods are real — not just the ones you know from myth, but also new ones, like Media and Technology. Yes, in American Gods, Technology is a bonafide deity, in the form of a bratty teenage boy. Appropriate.

Shadow represents the audience, as we’re introduced to this world at the same time. Each episode starts with a story on how gods of yore came to America, with clever cinematography and special effects that make fantastic fairy tales seem absolutely believable. What I especially love is that it is through these mythical tales that the show highlights the story of America as told through native Americans, slaves and immigrants. America is a multifaceted country, so of course, it has multiple gods.

It is these depictions of gods and stories that the TV show stays pretty true to the book. Those familiar with the novel will delight in Ian McShane’s portrayal as the charming Wednesday as well as Gillian Anderson’s take as the personification of gorgeous, dangerous, Media.

And then there are the parts that are not like the book at all, which I find fascinating. Laura Moon, Shadow’s undead wife, is depicted completely differently in the TV show, with a pathos and motivation that’s altogether missing in the novel. In particular, I find her unlikely relationship with Mad Sweeney, a leprechaun, to be an unexpected highlight of the series so far. The very idea of a decomposing corpse and an Irish fairy going on a road trip together tickles me.

The show isn’t perfect. Because the show has to drag a single novel through several hour-long episodes, the pace can feel plodding. There are entire episodes dedicated to sub plot and tangents, which could frustrate those wanting to get back to the main event. But in the end, I’m a fan. Sure, the TV show isn’t the same as the book, but that’s okay. As long as it maintains the spirit of the novel, I’m in.

Robot & Frank

Richard Lawler
Senior News Editor

Each time a new digital assistant arrives (Siri, Alexa, Cortana, Bixby and all the rest), I relate ever more deeply to the world of Robot & Frank. I first saw this film when it came out in 2012 and have revisited it many times since then, watching as Frank (played by acclaimed actor Frank Langella) adjusts to the unwanted robot butler his kids push on him. It’s supposed to help improve the former cat burglar’s mental and physical health, but Frank quickly turns it from helper to accomplice as he attempts one last job.

The movie provides a roadmap for the increasing encroachment of technology into our lives without going into dystopian Black Mirror territory. Sure, Frank is annoyed by his new partner, “that thing is going to kill me in my sleep,” but an excellent script and Langella’s acting sell the bond of trust that grows beyond the two. Another factor that helps ground this flick is its lack of special effects. Despite a surprisingly loaded cast, the movie was shot on a reported $2.5 million budget and doesn’t rely on extreme special effects to insert the robot — instead, it’s a dancer (Rachael Ma) in a suit. It’s a great example of how less can be more when it comes to CGI and other rendering tricks, as the robot never looks out of place or like it’s moving at a different speed compared to everything else.

The story is also personally relatable, as Frank, his family and friends adjust to his changing mental state while trying to reconcile sins in his past that he may no longer remember. It’s a reality that many people either are dealing with or will in the future, and no amount of tech wizardry will make things that much easier. This is a movie with everything: glassholes, Susan Sarandon, Elton from Clueless and, of course, a thrilling library heist scene. The only advice I can give is to watch it, and know that if you give a former thief a robot assistant, you should probably make sure it includes relevant state and federal laws in its programming.

“IRL” is a recurring column in which the Engadget staff run down what they’re buying, using, playing and streaming.

YouTube hopes to patch things up with the music industry

The music industry hasn’t been too enamored with YouTube, what with all the unsanctioned content on the video site. Now that Google is planning to merge Google Play and YouTube into one music service, however, it’s time to start fixing that awkward relationship. YouTube’s head of music, Lyor Cohen, took the first steps toward reconciliation at the New Music Seminar in New York City this week, with a panel geared toward the lack of ad revenues and how the music industry can be more supportive of streaming services.

According to The Verge, executives from YouTube, Pandora and iHearMedia sat down with those from Warner Music and SoundExchange to talk about ways to help the two industries work together. “We’re scared to death and we typically stomp them out,” The Verge reports YouTube’s Cohen said, referring to a lack of collaboration between the music industry and innovative streaming services. “Look at what’s happening with SoundCloud. What a sad experience that they’re experiencing right now. To me, we needed to collaborate with them in order for them to help build a business, whether it’s an advertising business or an opportunity for them to shepherd their consumers to a potential subscription.”

Paid streaming generates six times the revenue of ad-supported streaming, though both systems showed solid growth in 2016. SoundExchange’s SVP Mark Eisenberg noted that ad-supported services may be too good; there might not be enough incentive to upgrade to a paid account. “Some people will never pay for a subscription for a variety of reasons,” he said, according to The Verge, “but it doesn’t mean that [streaming services aren’t] monetizing them. We just have to figure out a way to make an ecosystem work for all.”

Cohen aims to close the gap between ad-supported and paid subscriptions with machine learning, which he claims drives 80 percent of views on YouTube, to help new artists gain exposure. “YouTube is not only going to build a fabulous subscription business to complement its advertising business,” he said, “but it’s going to work with the industry to help break their acts.”

Source: The Verge

Jins Frontswitch 3-In-1 glasses review

Gadgets today perform more than one job — our smartphones double as a camera, and our cars can even double as a smartphone. We get used to having such versatility from products we buy. On the other hand, eyewear traditionally does one job. It helps us see, or stops us squinting in the sunlight. However, choose the right pair of glasses from eyewear-maker Jins, and that changes. Jins has proven its tech credentials in the past with the Meme smartglasses, and the latest Jins Frontswitch is a pair of prescription glasses that performs three functions. The prescription lenses make sure we don’t bump into things; and they protect our eyes from both blue light and sunlight. For extra tech-cool, they are made by a robot.

Clipping sunglass lenses over your eyeglasses isn’t new, but the experience has never been great. There’s usually a big, ugly hinged clip, or big, ugly magnets on the side of the frames. Jins wanted to streamline this method of wearing sunglasses, so it embedded tiny square magnets in the front of the arms. Here, they look like the pins that hold the arms to the frame itself, that we’re used to seeing already. Then, it slimmed down the sunglass attachment, and matched it exactly to the frame shape for a wonderfully seamless style.

It’s impossible to tell the Frontswitch aren’t regular sunglasses when the front panel is attached.

The magnets hold the sunglass lens cover in place, without the need for any external parts at all. The result is it’s impossible to tell the Frontswitch aren’t regular sunglasses when the front panel is attached. We chose to add the Jins Screen blue light filter to our Jins Frontswitch glasses, which block out 25 percent of the blue light emitted by our smartphones and other screens. Blue light causes eye strain, and can make it difficult to fall asleep naturally if you’re using a device at night. Combined, the Frontswitch protects our eyes in two situations, and the prescription lenses correct our faulty vision.

Our Frontswitch glasses came from Jins store in San Francisco, which is important, as that means they were made by Kanna, the name given to the company’s lens edging robot. The conveyer-belt like ‘bot automates the lengthy task of producing prescription lenses, and the time it takes to produce a pair falls to just 30 minutes when Kanna’s in control. Store visitors get to see Kanna in action, and benefit from the incredibly speedy process at the same time.

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Versatility and a cool robot doesn’t mean anything if the glasses are uncomfortable, or the sunglass panel falls off in a stiff breeze. So what are the Jins Frontswitch like? The frames are plastic, and we chose the grey Frontswitch 371 design, which has a smoked, see-through look in real-life. The arms have a grippy, textured coating at the end which stop them slipping. But the arch didn’t sit on the bridge of our nose, which did mean the oversize grip sections on either side did most of the “holding” — resulting in the glasses feeling a tiny bit heavier than expected.

We love the look of the Frontswitch 371 design, and liked the sunglass panel’s different contrasting finish, giving them more style and a look most of us want from sunglasses. The magnets are strong enough that the sunglass panel won’t fall off, but not so strong that you have to use both hands to take it off. The mirrored surface looks excellent, and provided plenty of protection when out in the sun. The Jins Screen blue light protection does add a slight tint to the regular lenses, but nothing that’s distracting. It’s difficult to say if we noticed an improvement in sleep patterns; but if you’re really worried about it, there’s the Jins Screen Night lens coating, which blocks out 60 percent of blue light.

The Jins Frontswitch have been a hit with everyone that has seen them.

The sunglasses are super light, and although they do add a little weight to the front, it’s never uncomfortable. However, they did slip forward a little more often than normal eyeglasses. I took the Jins Frontswitch along to an optician, who had expressed an interest in seeing them when I collected my prescription ahead of ordering. She was familiar with all the other sunglass attachment methods, and was genuinely impressed with Jins’ method, describing it as an exceptionally neat solution. Other people who I’ve shown have also been surprised at the convenience, and commented on the invisibility of the attachment system. The Jins Frontswitch have been a hit with everyone that has seen them.

Anyone who wears glasses will know the pain of swapping them over for a pair of prescription sunglasses many times a day. You still have to do some swapping with the Jins Frontswitch, but there’s no messing around with cases, you can do it with one hand, and there are no moments between-glasses where you can’t see — important if the transition is taking place when you’re driving. It’s a simple solution to a problem most glasses-wearers encounter, and adding in the blue light protection makes them even more attractive to tech fans concerned their smartphone love is ruining their sleep.

Jins Frontswitch glasses start at a very reasonable $150 with the standard, clear lenses, and are sold through the company’s stores or online. Adding the Jins Screen protection takes the cost to $210, which is the version we tested, and that includes shipping.  There are various other lens options, including polarised lenses, and coatings suitable for people who do a lot of driving.

We love Jins’ approach here. There’s no need to be satisfied with third-rate options, or be forced to buy a pair of regular glasses, a pair of sunglasses, and a third pair of glasses for looking at a screen at night. The Frontswitch does it all-in-one. The tech-world often talks about “disruption,” a hateful buzzword attached to noisy companies doing something to shake-up an established industry. Jins is much more subtle, yet deserves similar plaudits.

Lenovo Moto Z2 Force vs. Apple iPhone 7 Plus: Can the new Android beat Apple’s top phone?

Lenovo has finally taken the wraps off the highly-anticipated Moto Z2 Force, a flagship device aimed squarely at those who want a powerful, stylish, and long-lasting phone. Of course, it’s not the only phone option around, and while most have probably decided whether they’re Android or iOS fans at this point, some might be ready for a change or still on the fence.

The iPhone isn’t just well-designed — it’s also one of the most powerful phones out there in terms of raw performance. It was, however, released more than six months ago. That said, does Lenovo’s forthcoming flagship outpace the latest iPhone in terms of power and performance? Or does the iPhone 7 Plus stand the test of time? Below, we pit Lenovo Moto Z2 Force vs. Apple iPhone 7 Plus to find out.

Specs and performance

Lenovo Moto Z2 Force

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

Size
155.8 x 76 x 6.1 mm (6.13 x 2.99 x 0.24 inches)
158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3mm (6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches)
Weight
5.04 ounces (143 grams)
6.63 ounces (188 grams)
Screen
5.5-inch AMOLED
5.5-inch LED
Resolution
2,560 x 1,440 pixels (534ppi)
1,080 x 1,920 pixels (401ppi)
OS
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
iOS 10
Storage
64GB
32/128/256GB
SD Card Slot
Yes, up to 256GB
No
NFC support
Yes
Yes (For Apple Pay only)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Apple A10 Fusion
RAM
4GB
3GB
Connectivity
GSM / HSPA / LTE
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Camera
Rear dual 12MP, front 5MP
Rear dual 12MP, front 7MP
Video
4K
2,160p
Bluetooth
Yes, version 4.2
Yes, version 4.2
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Other sensors
Accelerometer, proximity
Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, barometer
Water Resistant
No
Yes, IP67
Battery
2,730mAh
2,900mAh
Charger
USB Type-C
Lightning
Quick Charging
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
No
Marketplace
Google Play Store
App Store
Colors
Black, gold, grey
Jet Black, Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Red
Availability

Unlocked, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

Price
$750+
$769+
DT Review
Hands-on
4 out of 5 stars

Comparing Android phones with other Android phones is pretty easy, but when it comes to comparing an Android phone with an iOS device, things get a little complicated. That’s because specs alone don’t really give a full picture of performance, and iPhones are notoriously good at baking together specs and software to create a seamless experience.

Still, specs are something to consider. The Lenovo Moto Z2 Force comes with Qualcomm’s chip, the Snapdragon 835. That processor is coupled with 4GB of RAM, which should result in an excellent experience. However, it may not be enough to take on the iPhone. The iPhone 7 Plus comes with the Apple A10 Fusion chip, which is coupled with 3GB of RAM — a little less than the Lenovo device.

So, which is better? Well, it’s complicated. Some benchmark tests award the title to the A10 Fusion chip, while in others, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 is the winner.

There’s another thing to consider, and that’s storage. The iPhone 7 Plus comes in 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB configurations, while the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force comes with 64GB. Thankfully, the latter phone also comes with a MicroSD card slot.

This one is too close to call. The two phones will be similar in terms of performance, and while there are more storage options on the iPhone 7 Plus, the Moto Z2 Force has that handy MicroSD card slot for storage expansion.

Winner: Tie

Design, display, durability

The iPhone has long been one of the better-designed phones out there, and the iPhone 7 Plus is no different. It features an attractive unibody design that showcases the Apple logo on the back, underneath a dual-camera sensor that sits in the upper-left corner of the device. On the bottom of the front of the phone, you’ll find the Home button, which also flaunts Apple’s Touch ID sensor.

The Lenovo Moto Z2 Force looks good, but it doesn’t push many boundaries. On the front, you’ll also find a fingerprint sensor underneath the display, along with a dual-camera sensor on the back. The phone is clearly designed for use with Moto Mods such as the company’s forthcoming 360-degree camera and the Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod, highlighted by the pins on the bottom of the back of the phone.

Perhaps more important than the design is the display, given it’s what you’ll be looking at when you use your phone. While the iPhone has traditionally offered a top-tier display, in recent years, it has started to lag behind. The Lenovo Moto Z2 Force offers an AMOLED display with 2,560 x 1,440-pixel resolution, while the iPhone sticks with LCD technology and 1,080 x 1,920-pixel resolution. There’s no getting around it for Apple — the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force offers a better display.

When it comes to durability, things are a little different. Apple has recently made a serious effort to make the iPhone more durable, and the result is a phone that is more than capable of withstanding a few drops and bumps — even if you drop it in water. That’s thanks to its IP67 waterproofing, which basically means the phone can withstand around a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. You won’t want to take this phone swimming, but if you accidentally drop it in the bath, it should be OK. There’s no such waterproofing on the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force, so we’re giving the durability award to the latest iPhone.

While the iPhone is more durable, the Moto Z2 Force offers a better display. This section is a tie.

Winner: Tie

Battery life and charging

The battery life on these two phones is actually pretty similar. While the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force offers a battery capacity of 2,730mAh, the iPhone 7 Plus’ battery sits in at 2,900mAh. Not only is the iPhone’s battery a little larger, but it should also last much longer, thanks to the lower resolution afforded by the iPhone’s display.

Both phones offer some kind of quick charging, so based on the slightly larger battery, we’re giving this one to the iPhone.

Winner: Apple iPhone 7 Plus

Camera

The iPhone has offered an excellent camera for quite some time, and the camera on the iPhone 7 Plus is no different. This is the first iPhone to offer a dual camera, and Apple has managed to create an excellent user experience in doing so. When it comes to raw specs, you’ll find a 12MP sensor with an aperture of f/1.8, optical image stabilization, and phase detection autofocus. The front-facing camera on the iPhone sits in at 7MP.

The iPhone isn’t the only device with a dual-sensor camera. Lenovo has opted for one in the Moto Z2 Force, though, we don’t know how it will perform yet. The specs on the phone’s camera sit in at 12MP, with an f/2.0 aperture and both phase and laser detection autofocus. The front-facing camera, however, is 5MP, which is slightly lower than the iPhone’s front-facing camera.

We don’t know exactly how the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force will perform when it comes to the camera yet, so this one is a tie for now.

Winner: Tie

Software

Software is one of the biggest points of difference when it comes to these two phones. While the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force comes outfitted with the latest version of Android, Android 7.1 Nougat, the iPhone comes with iOS 10.

So what’s the difference between the two? Put simply, iOS is generally a little easier to use, while Android can do a little more. In other words, if you’re looking for a phone that “just works,” then a phone with iOS is probably the way to go. That’s not to say Android doesn’t work — it works great — but it may not be as intuitive to some users. The trade-off, however, is customization. Android is generally a little more customizable, and offers things such as widgets, additional settings, and so on.

There are a few other things to consider, too, like the digital assistant on each phone. The iPhone 7 Plus comes with Siri, while the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force offers Google Assistant, Google’s latest digital assistant. Generally speaking, Google Assistant is considered to be a better assistant, namely because it’s able to understand more commands and is getting better with each update.

Speaking of updates, there’s an advantage to buying a phone made by the company that also makes the software. Whenever there’s an update available for iOS, you’ll get it almost immediately if you have the iPhone 7 Plus. When there’s an update to Android, however, you may have to wait a little, considering the update first has to make it into Lenovo’s hands, so the company can optimize the software for its phones. This can take some time.

Google Assistant is better than Siri, but the iPhone will get faster updates. Usability really comes down to personal preference. This one is a tie.

Winner: Tie

Price and availability

The iPhone 7 Plus has been available for some time now, and you can get it unlocked from the Apple Store, or from any of the major carriers. The device starts at $769, though, you’ll obviously pay more if you opt for more storage.

The Lenovo Moto Z2 Force will be just as available as the iPhone 7 Plus. However, its starting price is a little cheaper, if you buy it from a carrier, and depending which carrier you go with. If you buy it unlocked, it’ll come at a cool $800, but if you go through T-Mobile, you can get it for as little as $750. If you want the Moto Z2 Force, however, you’ll have to wait until August 10 to get your hands on one (though pre-orders are ongoing).

The iPhone may be available right now, but if you go through the right channels, you’ll be able to get the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force for a little cheaper. This one is a tie.

Winner: Tie

Overall winner

This one is extremely close. In fact, the phones tie in every single category except for one — battery life and charging, which makes the Apple iPhone 7 Plus the winner. Still, there’s no denying how close the competition is here, and for many, it’ll simply boil down to the age-old question: Android or iOS.

Either of these two phones is a solid choice, but if you’re on the fence trying to decide between the two, the iPhone 7 Plus seems to be a slightly better choice. If, however, you do end up going for the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force, you won’t be disappointed — it’s shaping up to be an excellent phone.

Weekly Rewind: Battery breakthroughs, game-changing EVs, floating solar plants

A lot can happen in a week when it comes to tech. The constant onslaught of news makes it nigh impossible for mere mortals with real lives to keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of this week’s top tech stories, from what we know about the new Meizu smartphone to how to fix your dishwasher — it’s all here.

Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus: Everything you need to know

Meizu has announced the Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus, its follow up to the Pro 6 and Pro 6 Plus. Fans should be ready for devices that don’t look like any Meizu phone that came before them. In fact, they don’t resemble many other phones at all. Meizu has put two screens on the Pro 7, but unlike LG’s approach with the V20, the main screen is joined by a secondary screen on the back. It doesn’t cover the whole surface of the rear panel though, and it is functionally reminiscent of Samsung’s early experiments with Edge screens, like the one found on the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus.

The secondary screen sits on the left-hand side of the rear panel. The size and resolution hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we do know it’s an AMOLED screen, so it should look great. It shows notifications, the music player, the time, weather information, and can act as a mirror for use with the rear cameras; selfies no longer have to be taken with the front cam.

The phone is set inside an attractive metal body, with a very cool brushed finish. Buyers can choose from matte and space black, gold, or silver.

Read: Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus: Everything you need to know

Some 2012 and 2013 MacBook Pro users got new machines due to bad batteries

Issues with the supply of components most often work against the typical computer user, particularly when it involves an older machine. For a short time, however, some lucky Apple users with 2012 or 2013 MacBook Pros benefited from the company’s supply constraints by receiving a brand-new machine as a replacement. Those fortunate circumstances are now over, and it’s back to business as usual.

According to MacRumors, Apple had a brief problem getting its hands on the integrated battery assembly for mid-2012 and early-2013 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models. This meant that anyone who visited an Apple Store looking to get a battery replaced was out of luck. In a testament to Apple’s focus on customer service, however, the company made things right in a big way for some customers.

Read: Some 2012 and 2013 MacBook Pro users got new machines due to bad batteries

Usher and James Corden sing, and do good deeds, in latest Carpool Karaoke

When Usher jumped into the passenger seat of James Corden’s car as the latest subject for the popular Carpool Karaoke segment, he probably didn’t realize he’d also get put to work. In this high-energy edition, the pair have plenty of fan interactions that make it a must-watch.

Airing on a recent The Late Late Show With James Corden, the 13-minute segment has already received more than a million views on YouTube. While Usher and Corden rock out to some of the singer’s best hits, from Yeah! to Burn, Caught Up, I Don’t Mind, and OMG, it’s their hijinks outside of the car that offer the most entertainment.

Read: Usher and James Corden sing, and do good deeds, in latest Carpool Karaoke

5 common problems with your dishwasher and how to fix them

Some of us rely heavily on dishwashers to do our dirty work, but when the machine breaks or malfunctions, our home can quickly turn into a scene from The Walking Dead. A typical dishwasher should last between seven and 12 years. However, about one in five dishwashers will break within three or four, according to statistics published in the Huffington Post.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get your dishwasher repairs covered by a warranty. However, many warranties only offer limited coverage and still might come with an associated cost. Consumer Reports surveyed nearly 30,000 people in 2013 and found that when their products malfunctioned, only 15 percent were able to get repairs covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Moreover, for those people whose warranty offered a repair or replacement, the customer was often still stuck shelling out around $150 for repairs — that’s on top of the cost for the extra warranty coverage.

Read: 5 common problems with your dishwasher and how to fix them

Your next phone could charge in milliseconds with Drexel’s battery breakthrough

Smartphones are modern society’s lifeblood. They keep us connected with our social circles and the services we depend on, like our banks, smart home hubs, and connected cars. There’s just one problem: they run on batteries. But if nanomaterials researchers at Drexel University have their way, we might never have to worry about sitting anxiously by a charger again.

The key is MXene, a two-dimensional material consisting of two parts: a hydrogel (a gel with a liquid water component) and an oxide metal. It’s structurally dense enough to shield radiation and filter water, as the research team at Drexel demonstrated in 2011. But it’s also highly conductive, making it a good candidate for battery membranes.

Read: Your next phone could charge in milliseconds with Drexel’s battery breakthrough

The end of life for Adobe’s Flash software nears, but don’t expect a swift death

On Tuesday, Adobe provided a roadmap for terminating its Flash software for good.  The death will not be swift and quick like it was on Android, as the company does not plan to cease updating and distributing Flash Player until the end of 2020. This will provide enough time for content creators to migrate their existing Flash-based content to newer, more secure platforms like HTML5.

“Several industries and businesses have been built around Flash technology — including gaming, education, and video — and we remain committed to supporting Flash through 2020, as customers and partners put their migration plans into place,” the company said.

Read: The end of life for Adobe’s Flash software nears, but don’t expect a swift death

Everything you can do with your Amazon Echo Show

Adding a screen to Amazon’s newest Alexa voice assistant means that the Echo Show can do some things the speaker alone can’t. Whether you want to watch TV, get a cooking tutorial, or see your calendar, the Amazon Echo Show can help out. Developers are racing to catch up on new capabilities rolling in after the device’s launch. Here are a few things you can now do with the Echo Show — just remember that you have to enable these skills in your app. We’ll keep you updated as the Show learns new tricks, but read on to learn more about what’s already available.

Read: Everything you can do with your Amazon Echo Show

Toyota may come out with a game-changing electric car for 2022

The twin issues of short ranges and long charging times are still a major obstacle for electric cars. But a solution to those problems may be on the way, according to a new report, and it will come from an unlikely source. Toyota plans to launch a “long-range” electric car that can recharge in just a few minutes in 2022, according to Reuters, which cites Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbum. Toyota has long promoted hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over cars powered by batteries. But if this reported electric car goes on sale, the carmaker could be catapulted to the head of the field.

The key to the car’s performance will be solid-state batteries. These batteries use a solid electrolyte, as opposed to the liquid used in the lithium-ion batteries that power all modern electric cars, not to mention your laptop and phone. Unlike the liquid electrolyte, the solid material isn’t flammable. Proponents of solid-state batteries also claim they will perform better than other chemistries, although the technology has not been commercialized yet.

Read: Toyota may come out with a game-changing electric car for 2022

LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ vacuums your floors and keeps quiet about it

As any homeowner knows, dust and dirt can collect fast. However, not everyone has time to vacuum as often as they would like to. Instead, many have turned toward robot vacuums to get the job done. With the latest LG Hom-Bot Turbo+, consumers are getting a robot vacuum that’s quieter and smarter than ever before.

All three models of LG‘s robot vacuum come with Wi-Fi connectivity, home security settings, and the quietest motors around. Owners can take control of their Home-Bot Turbo+ with their smartphone, or with voice command for the flagship gold model. Using the LG SmartThinQ app on either Android or iPhone, the Hom-Bot can be accessed from anywhere and use up to seven different cleaning modes.

Read: LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ vacuums your floors and keeps quiet about it

The world’s largest floating solar power plant just went online in China

China has announced that the largest floating photovoltaic (PV) facility on earth has finally been completed and connected to the local power grid. Long reviled for its carbon emission record, this is the Chinese government’s latest achievement in its ongoing effort to lead the world in renewable energy adoption.

Located in the city of Huainan in the Anhui province, the 40-megawatt facility was created by PV inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ironically, the floating grid itself was constructed over a flooded former coal-mining region.

Read: The world’s largest floating solar power plant just went online in China

Weekly Rewind: Battery breakthroughs, game-changing EVs, floating solar plants

A lot can happen in a week when it comes to tech. The constant onslaught of news makes it nigh impossible for mere mortals with real lives to keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of this week’s top tech stories, from what we know about the new Meizu smartphone to how to fix your dishwasher — it’s all here.

Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus: Everything you need to know

Meizu has announced the Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus, its follow up to the Pro 6 and Pro 6 Plus. Fans should be ready for devices that don’t look like any Meizu phone that came before them. In fact, they don’t resemble many other phones at all. Meizu has put two screens on the Pro 7, but unlike LG’s approach with the V20, the main screen is joined by a secondary screen on the back. It doesn’t cover the whole surface of the rear panel though, and it is functionally reminiscent of Samsung’s early experiments with Edge screens, like the one found on the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus.

The secondary screen sits on the left-hand side of the rear panel. The size and resolution hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we do know it’s an AMOLED screen, so it should look great. It shows notifications, the music player, the time, weather information, and can act as a mirror for use with the rear cameras; selfies no longer have to be taken with the front cam.

The phone is set inside an attractive metal body, with a very cool brushed finish. Buyers can choose from matte and space black, gold, or silver.

Read: Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus: Everything you need to know

Some 2012 and 2013 MacBook Pro users got new machines due to bad batteries

Issues with the supply of components most often work against the typical computer user, particularly when it involves an older machine. For a short time, however, some lucky Apple users with 2012 or 2013 MacBook Pros benefited from the company’s supply constraints by receiving a brand-new machine as a replacement. Those fortunate circumstances are now over, and it’s back to business as usual.

According to MacRumors, Apple had a brief problem getting its hands on the integrated battery assembly for mid-2012 and early-2013 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models. This meant that anyone who visited an Apple Store looking to get a battery replaced was out of luck. In a testament to Apple’s focus on customer service, however, the company made things right in a big way for some customers.

Read: Some 2012 and 2013 MacBook Pro users got new machines due to bad batteries

Usher and James Corden sing, and do good deeds, in latest Carpool Karaoke

When Usher jumped into the passenger seat of James Corden’s car as the latest subject for the popular Carpool Karaoke segment, he probably didn’t realize he’d also get put to work. In this high-energy edition, the pair have plenty of fan interactions that make it a must-watch.

Airing on a recent The Late Late Show With James Corden, the 13-minute segment has already received more than a million views on YouTube. While Usher and Corden rock out to some of the singer’s best hits, from Yeah! to Burn, Caught Up, I Don’t Mind, and OMG, it’s their hijinks outside of the car that offer the most entertainment.

Read: Usher and James Corden sing, and do good deeds, in latest Carpool Karaoke

5 common problems with your dishwasher and how to fix them

Some of us rely heavily on dishwashers to do our dirty work, but when the machine breaks or malfunctions, our home can quickly turn into a scene from The Walking Dead. A typical dishwasher should last between seven and 12 years. However, about one in five dishwashers will break within three or four, according to statistics published in the Huffington Post.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get your dishwasher repairs covered by a warranty. However, many warranties only offer limited coverage and still might come with an associated cost. Consumer Reports surveyed nearly 30,000 people in 2013 and found that when their products malfunctioned, only 15 percent were able to get repairs covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Moreover, for those people whose warranty offered a repair or replacement, the customer was often still stuck shelling out around $150 for repairs — that’s on top of the cost for the extra warranty coverage.

Read: 5 common problems with your dishwasher and how to fix them

Your next phone could charge in milliseconds with Drexel’s battery breakthrough

Smartphones are modern society’s lifeblood. They keep us connected with our social circles and the services we depend on, like our banks, smart home hubs, and connected cars. There’s just one problem: they run on batteries. But if nanomaterials researchers at Drexel University have their way, we might never have to worry about sitting anxiously by a charger again.

The key is MXene, a two-dimensional material consisting of two parts: a hydrogel (a gel with a liquid water component) and an oxide metal. It’s structurally dense enough to shield radiation and filter water, as the research team at Drexel demonstrated in 2011. But it’s also highly conductive, making it a good candidate for battery membranes.

Read: Your next phone could charge in milliseconds with Drexel’s battery breakthrough

The end of life for Adobe’s Flash software nears, but don’t expect a swift death

On Tuesday, Adobe provided a roadmap for terminating its Flash software for good.  The death will not be swift and quick like it was on Android, as the company does not plan to cease updating and distributing Flash Player until the end of 2020. This will provide enough time for content creators to migrate their existing Flash-based content to newer, more secure platforms like HTML5.

“Several industries and businesses have been built around Flash technology — including gaming, education, and video — and we remain committed to supporting Flash through 2020, as customers and partners put their migration plans into place,” the company said.

Read: The end of life for Adobe’s Flash software nears, but don’t expect a swift death

Everything you can do with your Amazon Echo Show

Adding a screen to Amazon’s newest Alexa voice assistant means that the Echo Show can do some things the speaker alone can’t. Whether you want to watch TV, get a cooking tutorial, or see your calendar, the Amazon Echo Show can help out. Developers are racing to catch up on new capabilities rolling in after the device’s launch. Here are a few things you can now do with the Echo Show — just remember that you have to enable these skills in your app. We’ll keep you updated as the Show learns new tricks, but read on to learn more about what’s already available.

Read: Everything you can do with your Amazon Echo Show

Toyota may come out with a game-changing electric car for 2022

The twin issues of short ranges and long charging times are still a major obstacle for electric cars. But a solution to those problems may be on the way, according to a new report, and it will come from an unlikely source. Toyota plans to launch a “long-range” electric car that can recharge in just a few minutes in 2022, according to Reuters, which cites Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbum. Toyota has long promoted hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over cars powered by batteries. But if this reported electric car goes on sale, the carmaker could be catapulted to the head of the field.

The key to the car’s performance will be solid-state batteries. These batteries use a solid electrolyte, as opposed to the liquid used in the lithium-ion batteries that power all modern electric cars, not to mention your laptop and phone. Unlike the liquid electrolyte, the solid material isn’t flammable. Proponents of solid-state batteries also claim they will perform better than other chemistries, although the technology has not been commercialized yet.

Read: Toyota may come out with a game-changing electric car for 2022

LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ vacuums your floors and keeps quiet about it

As any homeowner knows, dust and dirt can collect fast. However, not everyone has time to vacuum as often as they would like to. Instead, many have turned toward robot vacuums to get the job done. With the latest LG Hom-Bot Turbo+, consumers are getting a robot vacuum that’s quieter and smarter than ever before.

All three models of LG‘s robot vacuum come with Wi-Fi connectivity, home security settings, and the quietest motors around. Owners can take control of their Home-Bot Turbo+ with their smartphone, or with voice command for the flagship gold model. Using the LG SmartThinQ app on either Android or iPhone, the Hom-Bot can be accessed from anywhere and use up to seven different cleaning modes.

Read: LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ vacuums your floors and keeps quiet about it

The world’s largest floating solar power plant just went online in China

China has announced that the largest floating photovoltaic (PV) facility on earth has finally been completed and connected to the local power grid. Long reviled for its carbon emission record, this is the Chinese government’s latest achievement in its ongoing effort to lead the world in renewable energy adoption.

Located in the city of Huainan in the Anhui province, the 40-megawatt facility was created by PV inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ironically, the floating grid itself was constructed over a flooded former coal-mining region.

Read: The world’s largest floating solar power plant just went online in China

Weekly Rewind: Battery breakthroughs, game-changing EVs, floating solar plants

A lot can happen in a week when it comes to tech. The constant onslaught of news makes it nigh impossible for mere mortals with real lives to keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of this week’s top tech stories, from what we know about the new Meizu smartphone to how to fix your dishwasher — it’s all here.

Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus: Everything you need to know

Meizu has announced the Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus, its follow up to the Pro 6 and Pro 6 Plus. Fans should be ready for devices that don’t look like any Meizu phone that came before them. In fact, they don’t resemble many other phones at all. Meizu has put two screens on the Pro 7, but unlike LG’s approach with the V20, the main screen is joined by a secondary screen on the back. It doesn’t cover the whole surface of the rear panel though, and it is functionally reminiscent of Samsung’s early experiments with Edge screens, like the one found on the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus.

The secondary screen sits on the left-hand side of the rear panel. The size and resolution hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we do know it’s an AMOLED screen, so it should look great. It shows notifications, the music player, the time, weather information, and can act as a mirror for use with the rear cameras; selfies no longer have to be taken with the front cam.

The phone is set inside an attractive metal body, with a very cool brushed finish. Buyers can choose from matte and space black, gold, or silver.

Read: Meizu Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus: Everything you need to know

Some 2012 and 2013 MacBook Pro users got new machines due to bad batteries

Issues with the supply of components most often work against the typical computer user, particularly when it involves an older machine. For a short time, however, some lucky Apple users with 2012 or 2013 MacBook Pros benefited from the company’s supply constraints by receiving a brand-new machine as a replacement. Those fortunate circumstances are now over, and it’s back to business as usual.

According to MacRumors, Apple had a brief problem getting its hands on the integrated battery assembly for mid-2012 and early-2013 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models. This meant that anyone who visited an Apple Store looking to get a battery replaced was out of luck. In a testament to Apple’s focus on customer service, however, the company made things right in a big way for some customers.

Read: Some 2012 and 2013 MacBook Pro users got new machines due to bad batteries

Usher and James Corden sing, and do good deeds, in latest Carpool Karaoke

When Usher jumped into the passenger seat of James Corden’s car as the latest subject for the popular Carpool Karaoke segment, he probably didn’t realize he’d also get put to work. In this high-energy edition, the pair have plenty of fan interactions that make it a must-watch.

Airing on a recent The Late Late Show With James Corden, the 13-minute segment has already received more than a million views on YouTube. While Usher and Corden rock out to some of the singer’s best hits, from Yeah! to Burn, Caught Up, I Don’t Mind, and OMG, it’s their hijinks outside of the car that offer the most entertainment.

Read: Usher and James Corden sing, and do good deeds, in latest Carpool Karaoke

5 common problems with your dishwasher and how to fix them

Some of us rely heavily on dishwashers to do our dirty work, but when the machine breaks or malfunctions, our home can quickly turn into a scene from The Walking Dead. A typical dishwasher should last between seven and 12 years. However, about one in five dishwashers will break within three or four, according to statistics published in the Huffington Post.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get your dishwasher repairs covered by a warranty. However, many warranties only offer limited coverage and still might come with an associated cost. Consumer Reports surveyed nearly 30,000 people in 2013 and found that when their products malfunctioned, only 15 percent were able to get repairs covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Moreover, for those people whose warranty offered a repair or replacement, the customer was often still stuck shelling out around $150 for repairs — that’s on top of the cost for the extra warranty coverage.

Read: 5 common problems with your dishwasher and how to fix them

Your next phone could charge in milliseconds with Drexel’s battery breakthrough

Smartphones are modern society’s lifeblood. They keep us connected with our social circles and the services we depend on, like our banks, smart home hubs, and connected cars. There’s just one problem: they run on batteries. But if nanomaterials researchers at Drexel University have their way, we might never have to worry about sitting anxiously by a charger again.

The key is MXene, a two-dimensional material consisting of two parts: a hydrogel (a gel with a liquid water component) and an oxide metal. It’s structurally dense enough to shield radiation and filter water, as the research team at Drexel demonstrated in 2011. But it’s also highly conductive, making it a good candidate for battery membranes.

Read: Your next phone could charge in milliseconds with Drexel’s battery breakthrough

The end of life for Adobe’s Flash software nears, but don’t expect a swift death

On Tuesday, Adobe provided a roadmap for terminating its Flash software for good.  The death will not be swift and quick like it was on Android, as the company does not plan to cease updating and distributing Flash Player until the end of 2020. This will provide enough time for content creators to migrate their existing Flash-based content to newer, more secure platforms like HTML5.

“Several industries and businesses have been built around Flash technology — including gaming, education, and video — and we remain committed to supporting Flash through 2020, as customers and partners put their migration plans into place,” the company said.

Read: The end of life for Adobe’s Flash software nears, but don’t expect a swift death

Everything you can do with your Amazon Echo Show

Adding a screen to Amazon’s newest Alexa voice assistant means that the Echo Show can do some things the speaker alone can’t. Whether you want to watch TV, get a cooking tutorial, or see your calendar, the Amazon Echo Show can help out. Developers are racing to catch up on new capabilities rolling in after the device’s launch. Here are a few things you can now do with the Echo Show — just remember that you have to enable these skills in your app. We’ll keep you updated as the Show learns new tricks, but read on to learn more about what’s already available.

Read: Everything you can do with your Amazon Echo Show

Toyota may come out with a game-changing electric car for 2022

The twin issues of short ranges and long charging times are still a major obstacle for electric cars. But a solution to those problems may be on the way, according to a new report, and it will come from an unlikely source. Toyota plans to launch a “long-range” electric car that can recharge in just a few minutes in 2022, according to Reuters, which cites Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbum. Toyota has long promoted hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over cars powered by batteries. But if this reported electric car goes on sale, the carmaker could be catapulted to the head of the field.

The key to the car’s performance will be solid-state batteries. These batteries use a solid electrolyte, as opposed to the liquid used in the lithium-ion batteries that power all modern electric cars, not to mention your laptop and phone. Unlike the liquid electrolyte, the solid material isn’t flammable. Proponents of solid-state batteries also claim they will perform better than other chemistries, although the technology has not been commercialized yet.

Read: Toyota may come out with a game-changing electric car for 2022

LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ vacuums your floors and keeps quiet about it

As any homeowner knows, dust and dirt can collect fast. However, not everyone has time to vacuum as often as they would like to. Instead, many have turned toward robot vacuums to get the job done. With the latest LG Hom-Bot Turbo+, consumers are getting a robot vacuum that’s quieter and smarter than ever before.

All three models of LG‘s robot vacuum come with Wi-Fi connectivity, home security settings, and the quietest motors around. Owners can take control of their Home-Bot Turbo+ with their smartphone, or with voice command for the flagship gold model. Using the LG SmartThinQ app on either Android or iPhone, the Hom-Bot can be accessed from anywhere and use up to seven different cleaning modes.

Read: LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ vacuums your floors and keeps quiet about it

The world’s largest floating solar power plant just went online in China

China has announced that the largest floating photovoltaic (PV) facility on earth has finally been completed and connected to the local power grid. Long reviled for its carbon emission record, this is the Chinese government’s latest achievement in its ongoing effort to lead the world in renewable energy adoption.

Located in the city of Huainan in the Anhui province, the 40-megawatt facility was created by PV inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ironically, the floating grid itself was constructed over a flooded former coal-mining region.

Read: The world’s largest floating solar power plant just went online in China