Apple Provides Third Beta of tvOS 11 to Developers

Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming tvOS 11 update designed for the fourth-generation TV, nearly three weeks after seeding the second beta and more than a month after releasing the first beta during the 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference.

Registered developers can download tvOS 11 by connecting the Apple TV to a computer with a USB-C cable and installing the beta software using iTunes.

tvOS 11 received little attention at the Worldwide Developers Conference, but according to Apple’s release notes, it introduces a few new features to the operating system, and the third beta likely focuses on bug fixes, as the second beta did.

tvOS 11 introduces automatic switching between light/dark mode based on local time, Home screen syncing options that keep multiple Apple TVs in a household in sync, new background modes and notification support, Focus API improvements, custom sound support, network-based pairing and development support, improvements to Mobile Device Management, and more.

The new tvOS 11 update is available for registered developers and for the first time, public beta testers. A new tvOS 11 beta for public beta testers is likely to come out later this week.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 10
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Don’t Buy)
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All Nintendo Switch consoles have a secret NES emulator

Why it matters to you

Nintendo Switches should have no problem running NES games once Nintendo decides to make them available.

The Nintendo Switch has a NES emulator built into it known as “flog,” though it doesn’t appear to be used by anything at this time. It could be that this is the system that will help run original NES games on the modern Nintendo console when they launch on the new online service at some point in 2018.

Although Nintendo’s new Switch console is proving to be a pretty solid success story for the Japanese company, arguably its biggest boost in recent years have come from less likely sources. Alongside millions of downloads of mobile apps built on Nintendo properties, it also created a huge buzz around its hard-to-find NES Mini Classic. Who’d have thought that 30 years after their debut, NES games could be so popular?

Of course original NES games have been available in a digital capacity on various emulators for years now, but Nintendo has put some real effort behind them in recent years and it’s looking to do the same in 2018 when its Nintendo Switch Online service launches. For that though, it will need an emulator of its own and it looks like most Switch devices won’t need much of an update to run it.

During explorations of Nintendo Switch hardware, modders have discovered a whole ream of system modules, applets, and data archives, but they also stumbled upon an NES emulator. Called “flog,” we’re told that every retail switch comes with the emulator pre-installed, though as it stands, it doesn’t appear to be used by anything in an official capacity (thanks NintendoEverything).

While this is good news for those who missed out on buying an NES Mini Classic or for those who want to play NES games on the go in the near future, it does raise the question of why Nintendo has yet to make those games available to Switch owners. If the NES emulator is already a part of the system, couldn’t Nintendo have expanded its launch lineup of games with a number of original NES games?

We do know Nintendo is planning to leverage online play to augment those retro games and an expansive library of classic titles could help push the new online service when it debuts. For now though, all we know is that the emulator is there and should be ready to go whenever Nintendo decides to pull the retro trigger and release its NES library on modern gamers in a portable guise.

The 18 best Google Pixel cases to protect your phone

The Google Pixel phone features an interesting, aluminum design with a 5-inch display and a glass section on the back. With snappy performance, a great camera, and Google Assistant onboard, there are plenty of reasons to buy one. But these impressive specs also carry a premium price tag, which makes opting for a proper case all the more important. Those curved edges could chip or scuff if you drop your new Pixel, and even toughened glass can scratch and crack easily. Fortunately for you, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best Google Pixel cases, many of which are as stylish as they are durable.

To get more from your phone, check out some other recommended Google Pixel accessories and master its capabilities with our Google Pixel tips and tricks.

Noreve Tradition B Leather Case ($55)

If it’s quality leather with a plush padded feel that you’re after, then you owe it to yourself to check out Noreve’s wares. Our pick is the folio-style wallet case. There’s room for a couple of credit cards inside, and the cover closes securely with a magnetic stud. A plastic shell holds your Pixel inside, but you’ll find accurate cut-outs for easy access to the ports, buttons, camera, and fingerprint sensor. You don’t have to stick with black — you can choose from a wide range of different colors and styles for the exterior finish.

Buy one now from:

Noreve

Zizo Bolt Series Case ($13)

If your top priority is drop protection and your budget is tight, then this Zizo case could be ideal. It has been drop tested up to 12 feet, and it ships with a tempered glass screen protector. The case is a classic combination of shock absorbing TPU with a hard polycarbonate shell on top. There are button covers and accurate cut-outs for the camera, fingerprints sensor, and ports. This case also features a kickstand and comes with a holster and belt clip, though we’re not fans of the big lanyard loop at the top.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Zizo

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Case ($18)

This is another case that offers rugged protection at a reasonable price. The tried and tested mix of TPU and polycarbonate guards against drop damage, and there’s a frame that covers the front of your Pixel with a built-in screen protector for complete coverage. The openings for the camera and fingerprint sensor are generous, there are button covers, and there’s a cover for the charging port to keep dust out. This one also comes with a holster and belt clip.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Carved Satellite Case ($59+)

If you choose to design your own Google Pixel case at Carved, you’ll end up with a truly unique and gorgeous finish for your new phone. They combine real wood grain with swirls of colorful resin to create eye-catching patterns. The underlying black, plastic shell has all the cut-outs you need for uninterrupted phone use, and there’s a texture on the sides that enhances grip. Protection is fairly basic, but these are among the best-looking Pixel cases you can find.

Buy one now from:

Carved

UAG Ice Plasma Series Case ($40)

Wrap your Pixel in one of Urban Armor Gear’s cases for true peace of mind. These cases combine a hard, transparent shell with a shock absorbing core. Protection is further enhanced by reinforced corners, skid pads, and a rubberized screen surround. The button covers are oversized, making it easy to find and press them, even without looking. You’ll also find generous openings for ports, camera, and other features. Android Pay also still works with the case on.

Buy one now from:

UAG

Caseology Parallax Series Case ($15)

The subtle geometric pattern on the back of this case looks great and it adds some grip. The main shell is flexible TPU, which is easy to fit and shock absorbent. Caseology has added a tough polycarbonate bumper frame over the top in a contrasting color. The button covers work well and there are decent-sized cut-outs for the ports, camera, fingerprint sensor, and other features. This case comes in black, burgundy, pink, or blue.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Lifeproof Fre Case ($90)

There aren’t too many options for people seeking a really rugged Pixel case that can stand up to the elements, so the Lifeproof Fre stands out. Stick your Pixel in this case, and it can survive submersion in up to 2 meters of water for up to an hour. It also offers solid drop protection from 2 meters (6.6 feet). This case covers your Pixel from every angle, so nothing is getting in to damage it, but that does also mean you have to tangle with port covers and it definitely adds some bulk.

Buy one now from:

LifeProof

Cruzerlite Bugdroid Circuit Case ($10)

Here’s a simple TPU case that will provide basic protection for a relatively small outlay. There are accurate cut-outs for everything, including the buttons. It’s slim and flexible, with a small lip around the display for added protection. It’s available in a wide range of colors, and features a circuitry design with the Android mascot on the back. It’s a translucent case, so you do see something of Google’s design beneath.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

A bot on Amazon is making the oddest smartphone cases you’ll ever see

Why it matters to you

It can be hard searching for the right case for your smartphone, and My Handy Design’s offerings don’t really make it any easier.

The range of smartphone covers and cases on the market today is certainly mind boggling, but finding one that suits your style and feels good in the hand can still prove something of a challenge.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect smartphone cover but feel you’ve exhausted all avenues of research, then as a last resort you might want to check out the growing range of offerings from My Handy Design.

While mostly utterly abysmal, there may be something among its oddball collection that catches your eye and persuades you to part with $23.70. Though, to be honest, there probably won’t be.

It seems that a very busy bot is creating the basic plastic cases using random images already online. My Handy Design offers more than 20 pages of them, with more being added all the time. If nothing else, they’ll give you a giggle.

Check out the charming “porcelain teeth dental bridge” design (below), and the “polystyrene thermal insulation of house wall” case for an iPhone. It says there’s “only one left in stock” though that’s probably because they only made one.

Or how about the “adult diaper worn by an old man with a crutch” for the iPhone 6? This one has managed to achieve an average three-star rating, with one buyer thanking My Handy Case for “letting me be edgy and stand out among all the sheep.”

Among the wacky designs you’ll also find an “ingrown toenail with dressing” cover, “toilet paper tube collections,” “vet and dog microchip insert,” and even a “handgun in a nightstand drawer” — that one’s on sale at just $15.89.

There’s quite a few not-safe-for-work choices, too, so take care if you decide to hit the site to choose your next smartphone case.

The range of designs is impressive if nothing else, with the bot apparently pulling random images from a database — likely a photo stock site — and using the included descriptions to create its own.

Among the mass of offerings, you may find something that appeals, though if you’re serious about protecting your smartphone with a case or cover, then how about checking out Digital Trends’ top tips on how to select one that’s right for you and your mobile device.

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. 

Cameraxis

Create mind-blowing graphic designs in minutes without any graphic designing knowledge. Cameraxis is loaded with addictive fonts, impressive artworks, amazing filters, fantastic overlays, and many more awesome features.

Available on:

iOS

Splittr

Splittr helps you to divide costs between you and your friends. It’s 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

Week Calendar Widget

See your week events right from the notification center. Scroll up and down or scroll to your previous and next weeks — your full calendar is at your fingertips without having to unlock your device.

Available on:

iOS

TextVideo

TextVideo will give you a simple way to add text on video. Your text can be warped, rotated, and animated, and hundreds of fonts are available for you to let your creativity run free.

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

Tesla has 100 days to provide South Australia with 100 MW of battery capacity

Why it matters to you

After a series of bold tweets, Elon Musk must provide 100 MW of power to South Australia in 100 days, or do it for free.

The land down under is about to jump on top when it comes to renewable energy resources. Following what Tesla called a “competitive bidding process,” Elon Musk’s multifaceted company announced that it had been selected to provide a 100 MW/129 MWh Powerpack system to South Australia. The introduction of the new power storage capacity ought to help the country address perpetual blackouts previously caused by storms and heat. Just last September, an enormous storm caused a state-wide blackout and left 1.7 million Australians without electricity. But now, Tesla hopes that its Powerpack could make scenarios like those a thing of the past.

Tesla’s energy storage system will be paired with global renewable energy provider Neoen’s Hornsdale Wind Farm near Jamestown, South Australia. However, Musk’s company will be responsible for the entire energy storage system component, according to a Tesla press release.

The Powerpack will use the sustainable energy provided by the Hornsdale Wind Farm to charge itself, and then when needed, will be able to deliver electricity to residents during peak hours. When the project is completed at the end of the year, Tesla asserts the system will be “the largest lithium-ion battery storage project in the world,” and is slated to power more than 30,000 homes.

Not only is the project itself ambitious, but the timeline is as well. In fact, Tesla won the contract following a series of high profile tweets between Elon Musk and Atlassian founder Mike Cannon-Brookes. At the time, Musk promised, “Tesla will get the system installed and working 100 days from contract signature or it is free.”

And now, it looks like the pressure is on.

“There will be a lot of people that will look at this — ‘Did they get it done within 100 days? Did it work?’” Musk told reporters in South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide. “We are going to make sure it does.”

Tesla is said to be working closely with both the South Australian Government and Neoen, and the company claims that its new energy storage solution will not only be sustainable, but will also address power shortages, “reduce intermittencies, and manage summertime peak load to improve the reliability of South Australia’s electrical infrastructure.”

It’s a tall order, and 100 days from now, we’ll see if Tesla has lived up to it.

Oculus launches ‘Summer of Rift’ promotion, slashes headset bundle to $399

Why it matters to you

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about getting into virtual reality, Oculus’ Summer of Rift promotion is the best opportunity to take the plunge to date.

It’s fair to say that the biggest barrier for most people interested in virtual reality is price — between a headset and a capable gaming rig, assembling all the necessary hardware for a high-spec VR rig isn’t cheap. However, Oculus is looking to cut you a deal with its new Summer of Rift promotion.

For the next six weeks, the company is offering up the opportunity to grab a Rift headset and a Touch controller for the bargain price of $399, according to a report from UploadVR. This is a major shot across the bow to its biggest competition, as the HTC Vive headset currently retails for $799.

This isn’t the first time that Oculus has slashed the price of the consumer version of the Rift, which launched in March 2016. A year after its initial release, the company reduced the price of a bundle containing the headset and a Touch controller from $798 to $598.

While that adjustment gave the Rift an edge over the HTC Vive, it was still outdone by Sony’s PlayStation VR headset, which retails for $499 with a pair of controllers. Now, though. the Rift has become unquestionably the most cost-effective headset on the market — at least for duration of the Summer of Rift promotion.

VR may not have taken off as quickly as some would have hoped, but it’s still very early days for the technology. Now that hardware is maturing, it’s easier for companies like Oculus to offer these deep discounts, which should in turn expand the user base and help developers find their audience.

It will certainly be interesting to see whether or not Oculus’ competitors respond with their own price cuts. As PlayStation VR edges closer to a year on the market, many would argue that a cheaper price point could give it a much-needed shot in the arm, and it will certainly be difficult for the HTC Vive to compete in the short-term at $799.

Anyone looking to take Oculus up on this offer can do so via the company’s official website. If you’re looking to get a little more bang for your buck, you can grab the Rift, a Touch controller, and a complimentary copy of EVE: Valkyrie by making your purchase from Best Buy.

Grab the Oculus Rift and Touch Controllers bundle for just $399 today

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with the lowest price we’ve ever seen on an Oculus Rift + Touch bundle

If you’ve yet to take the plunge into the awesome world of virtual reality, today may be the day that you change that. Right now you can pick up the Oculus Rift and Oculus Touch Bundle for just $399 at Amazon (and Microsoft), which is a massive savings of $200. This happens to be the lowest price the bundle has ever sold for, and is $100 less than buying just the Rift headset alone.

Since VR headsets like this demand more power from your computer, there may be parts of your current rig that you want to upgrade. You can take that $200 you save and use it towards a new graphics card, larger monitor, or just some extra games if you wanted.

See at Amazon

Prime Day 2017 is coming! Follow along with Thrifter’s live blog to discover the best deals first!

Braven Stryde 360 review: Bluetooth and waterproof never sounded so good

For $100, the Braven Stryde 360 just might be the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker around.

The Braven Stryde 360 is Braven’s latest Bluetooth speaker offering from its “Active” series, which combines water resistance, excellent sound, and a price tag that’s more than easy to swallow.

Here’s my full review!

Audio quality

When I first unbox a Bluetooth speaker, I don’t take stock of how it looks, the controls, or any other superfluous features. I immediately connect it to my phone and play my go-to test songs (generally any of my favorite songs of the moment that have wide dynamic range — this month it’s One Good Piece Of Me by Big Wreck.

I was quite pleasantly surprised by how the Stryde 360 performed. It pumps out a rich, warm low end, thanks to its two passive radiators, which are located on each end of the speaker. Speakers of this size that favor bass generally overdo it and muddy up the rest of the mix, but the Stryde 360 provides a more-than-present midrange and high end, with crisp, clean treble. Many similar Bluetooth speakers also tend to become distorted at high volumes, but not this one (unless you pump your phone to max volume and the speaker to max volume, which is just silly if you want it to last longer than a day). If you like your music loud or need it loud for an outdoor party or what have you, the Stryde 360 will clearly pump out the jams without issue.

The Stryde 360 provides more than enough bass without overdoing it.

The big test, however, came in the shower. This is a water-resistant speaker; of course I’m going to use it in the shower. I have no tub, just a walk-in shower that’s enclosed on all sides but the door. I’ve used other bass-favoring Bluetooth speakers, like the UE Wonderboom, which is a great speaker, but terrible for an enclosed shower — the bass muddies up everything. The Braven Stryde 360 performs exceptionally well in the shower. I stand it on an end, and since it has speakers on two sides, the mids and highs bounce off the shower walls, while the bass pumps out of the top and bottom, providing a great mix that’s perfect for singing along.

Design

In a word: brilliant. The Stryde 360 is a sexy Bluetooth speaker looks at home on your desk, in the backyard, or by the pool. It comes in silver with green accents (the version I have) or a darker gray with red accents. Its cylindrical shape makes it perfect for toting along in your backpack’s water bottle pocket, and it’ll even fit in cup holders (like the ones that come on some pool floaties).

The rubber playback controls blend fairly seamlessly into the hard plastic body, and the ends have a ring of durable rubber so that you can stand your Stryde 360 up if your prefer. On the opposite side from the playback controls are two feet for standing and the very well-protected microUSB charging port, USB-A port, and 3.5mm auxiliary port. The rubber cover is even a little difficult to open, but I’d rather that than water damage.

All in all, it’s a great-looking speaker that’s clearly made for life, wherever it happens.

Features

Voice control is a great feature, especially if you want this for your shower.

For $100, you certainly get a lot with the Stryde 360. Playback control right on the speaker is a big thing for me, especially on one that I use in the shower (believe it or not, I have a couple Bluetooth speakers with only a power button — UGH). I hate having to constantly step out of the shower to change the song, drying my hands each time. Just hold down the volume up or volume down button to skip to the next track or previous track, respectively.

Voice control is another huge feature (though not uncommon to Bluetooth speakers), allowing you to use Google Assistant or Siri through the speaker itself. Take notes, change songs, make phone calls, whatever.

Battery life

Put it this way: I received the review unit over two weeks ago, charged it up the day I got it, and haven’t had to charge it since. I use it in the shower almost every day, as does my wife. So yeah, battery life’s pretty good.

The 2500mAh battery should power a party jam for the entire party and well into the night.

Should you buy it? Absolutely

For $100, you get more in the Braven Stryde 360 than you do in most other competitors around the same price or even higher. It sounds great, it looks slick, it has awesome features, and it’s versatile to a fault (as far as something that plays music can be, anyway).

If you’re looking for an excellent Bluetooth speaker that you can take with you anywhere, then I’d choose the Braven Stryde 360.

See at Amazon

Amazon Prime Day is now live in India — here are the best deals

Amazon’s 30-hour Prime Day sale is now live in India.

Amazon has kicked off its Prime Day sales extravaganza in India, offering discounts on thousands of items across its entire catalog. Starting off with phones, the 32GB variant of the Google Pixel XL is available for ₹48,999, a discount of ₹18,001. The Pixel XL is still one of the best phones available today, and it is a very enticing option at that price.

Amazon is also knocking ₹1,000 off the price of the Moto G5 Plus, bringing it down to ₹15,999. If you’re looking for a capable device in the mid-range category, the OnePlus 3T is available for ₹27,999, the first time the phone has picked up a discount.

The retailer is also rolling out significant discounts on accessories — Bose products are available for 30% off, Sennheiser’s excellent HD 598 is on sale for just ₹4,999, the lowest price we’ve seen yet on the headphones, and Fitbit’s trackers are 40% off.

Without further ado, here’s a look at some of the best deals on Amazon Prime Day:

Mobiles

• Google Pixel XL – ₹48,999 – ₹18,000 off
• OnePlus 3T – ₹27,999 – ₹2,000 off
• Moto G5 Plus – ₹15,999 – ₹1,000 off
• Moto G5 (3GB RAM/16GB storage) – ₹10,999 – ₹1,000 off
• Lenovo Z2 Plus (4GB RAM/64GB storage) – ₹10,999 – ₹9,000 off
• Moto G4 (2GB RAM/16GB storage) – ₹9,499 – ₹3,000 off
• Moto Z Play with Style Mod – ₹22,999 – ₹3,500 off
• Samsung On5 Pro – ₹7,490 – ₹500 off
• Samsung On7 Pro – ₹8,990 – ₹500 off
• Samsung Galaxy On8 – ₹11,490 – ₹2,000 off
• Honor 6X (4GB RAM/64GB storage) – ₹13,999 – ₹2,000 off
• Honor 8 Pro – ₹29,999 – On sale for the first time

Accessories

• Amazon Fire TV Stick – ₹2,999 (₹499 Amazon Pay cashback) – 25% off
• Sennheiser HD 598 CS Over Ear Headphones – ₹4,999 – 74% off
• Bose SoundLink III – ₹15,672 – 30% off
• Fitbit Charge 2 – ₹8,999 – 40% off
• Fitbit Alta HR – ₹8,999 – 40% off
• Fitbit Blaze – ₹11,999 – 40% off
• Fitbit Surge – ₹12,500 – 50% off
• Beats Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – ₹19,499 – 15% off
• Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones – ₹12,499 – 21% off

If you’re interested in taking a look at all the Prime Day deals currently live, head to Amazon from the link below. We’ll be constantly updating the list as more deals get added, so check back soon for more from Amazon Prime Day!

See at Amazon