Meizu promises ‘exciting changes’ to its M-Series phones with upcoming M6 Note

Why it matters to you

Affordable phones make us happy; but examples with great cameras and strong processors aren’t common. Meizu’s upcoming M6 Note promises to fill that gap.

Despite having only very recently revealed the dual-screen Pro 7, Meizu is preparing to launch another phone: The M6 Note. We know the phone’s name, and when it’s coming, due to several official news announcements from Meizu itself. And now, various rumors are filling in the blanks when it comes to the specification sheet.

Here’s everything we think we know about the Meizu M6 Note.

Release and price

Meizu will announce the M6 Note on August 23, and has already provided a teaser image, which dropped a hint about one of the device’s standout features. Meizu traditionally sells its hardware in China, and often releases a version suitable for international buyers. The company has a strong following in parts of Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Meizu launched the M5 Note in September 2016, a device that really only stood out due to its massive 4,000mAh battery, and its ultra-competitive $130 starting price. The M6 Note promises a more exciting specification, and hopefully, a similar price.

Also on August 23, Meizu will release a new pair of wireless earbuds, the Meizu EP52. Designed for sports use, they sadly won’t be included with the M6 Note.

Specification

The M5 Note was a solid, if unremarkable, midrange smartphone. What will Meizu bring to the M6 Note? Meizu’s head of global marketing Ard Boudeling told Digital Trends that, “The Meizu M6 Note will debut some very exciting changes for our M-series. One will be in the camera department, whereas the other is related to the processor.”

Based on the teaser image sent out by the company, the M6 Note’s camera may have two lenses, a constantly growing trend in 2017 smartphones. Meizu’s recently announced flagship Pro 7 phone has a dual-lens rear camera, along with two screens.

For the processor, previous leaks have indicated the M6 Note will have a MediaTek Helio P25; but we wouldn’t call this an “exciting change.” There is speculation Meizu may use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor in the M6 Note,. Meizu told Android Authority its choice of processor will, “surprise people.” The company ended its patent dispute with Qualcomm in December 2016, and during its spat Meizu used MediaTek and Samsung Exynos chips.

Other possible features for the M6 Note include a 5.5-inch screen with a 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution, and a choice between a model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage, and one with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

Design

Will Meizu change the overall design of the M5 Note to make the M6 Note? Based on a selection of leaked pictures, the phone will be very similar, aside from the addition of a second, vertically stacked camera lens on the back. A front panel image shows a stadium-shaped home button under the screen, which we’d expect to also be a fingerprint scanner.

We’ll find out what the Meizu M6 Note looks like, along with all the official specification, on August 23. We’ll keep you updated in the meantime.

Reposted Chrome extension malware the latest to evade antivirus software

Why it matters to you

Even downloading extensions from trusted accounts can be fraught with peril, so be wary of how many you install.

A piece of banking malware discovered hiding behind a Chrome extension on Google’s Chrome Web Store for the second time in almost as many weeks, is just the latest to slip through in recent months. A number of nefarious applications have been infecting systems all over the world using the download platform, and many have been able to evade the most commonly used anti-malware solutions.

While of course, some anti-virus solutions that are better than others, sometimes a piece of malware is so sophisticated it’s able to avoid detection by them all. This latest infectious trojan was discovered on the Chrome Web Store, and it masquerades as the “Interface Online” extension. It avoided detection by the 58 most common anti-viral applications.

Indeed it was so difficult to detect that even though it was removed just over two weeks ago from the Chrome Web Store, it was re-uploaded and made available again very recently, prompting the need for another user-report to bring it down. Discovered twice by the chief research officer at Morphus Labs, Renato Marinho (thanks Ars), the extension received upwards of 50 downloads during its tenure on the extension download platform.

The malware, in this case, was a data gathering one, designed to allow further exploitation of the victims. After securing form login information from the user, the malware transfers that data to a server controlled by the attackers, who can then use it to profile their victim. They then use that information to go after those who have financial control over the company they work for.

In targeted attacks, they call them up and use a combination of social engineering and phishing to have them give the attacker further access to financial information, which can result in banking theft.

As Ars points out, as problematic as this was, it’s just a symptom of a common problem affecting the extension store. Several Chrome extensions hosted on the Web Store have been discovered over the past year to contain malicious code, in some cases following the hijacking of legitimate developer accounts, making it very hard to know which extensions you can trust.

Although downloading any software from vetted sources is a great way to avoid being hit with malware, when the nefarious authors behind the malware are able to have it hosted on services like the Chrome Web Store, it makes it very hard to avoid them. That goes doubly so for the malware that is ultimately distributed under trusted developer accounts which have been compromised.

Marinho recommends that Google enable two-factor authentication for accounts on its Web Store to limit this problem, and encourage developer practices that limit extensions’ access to passwords and other credentials.

What do I need to jump from the Big Four to an alternative carrier?

Making the change to an alternative carrier can save you money and give you better service, but you need to know a few things before you do it.

When you port out your number and switch away from one of the Big Four to a carrier that might work better for you, nothing is hard. You either click a few buttons online and enter a few details or make a phone call from someone else’s phone and a person on the other end clicks their buttons. But it’s not something you want to go in blind and learn from regretful mistakes. Trust us, we’ve been there.

The good news is that you already know what you need to do and only need to ask yourself the right questions. We can help. Here’s a list of the things you need to get sorted before you make the jump.

A phone

Some alternative carriers will sell you a new phone, but most likely you don’t need one. The phone you’re using now will probably work!

You need to know what type of network and what frequencies your phone supports. That information might be on the box or papers that came with it, but if you don’t have those Google will help. If you don’t understand what you’re seeing there, a quick question in our forums will get you squared away.

Take that information and check it against the network details for the carrier you want to use. You’ll find those online at their website or you can give them a quick call. If things match, you’re golden.

If you love the phone you have now you can find a company that gives you the right service for it.

You might need to get your phone unlocked if you bought it from the phone company you’re using now. That’s something they will do for you as long as you’ve met certain requirements like paying the bill for a set number of months. If you’ve paid the phone off or finished the contract, they’ll help you. If for some reason they can’t or won’t, there are literally hundreds of third-party phone unlocking services online. Check the reviews and pick one and you’ll be good to go in short order.

Advertisement

If you want to buy a new phone, you want to buy one that’s unlocked and has the right network frequencies and bands. The people selling you the phone can help or a quick online search has the answer. We’ve got a few suggestions ourselves.

More: The best unlocked phones

Check the coverage

What works well for me might not work well for you. Every carrier has a map that shows their network footprint. Find it and give it a skeptical look.

Be cautious if you’re on the fringe of coverage or there are any fancy modifiers like carrier-partner or anything but the words LTE or 4G when you’re looking at the map. And be sure you’re looking at the data coverage map, not the voice calling coverage map.

If you’re in the middle of coverage with no big gaps on the map, you’re probably good. If not, don’t be afraid to look at a different carrier.

How much data will you use and how many minutes do you need?

An independent alternative carrier will have more options when it comes to buying service. That’s how they can be profitable — they buy a LOT and break it into chunks to resell to us.

Look at your last couple of phone bills and see how many calling minutes you used and how much data you used. Give yourself a little slack and pick a plan that gives you what you need and doesn’t have you paying for stuff you’re not using.

Advertisement

If you end up not buying enough, you can always add more at any time and adjust for next month. If you choose too much, you can choose less next month. That flexibility is one of the benefits of moving away from the big companies.

You need a little bit of tech-fu

Don’t worry, you don’t need a lot of tech knowledge, but you will need to know a couple things about your phone.

You’ll need to know what size SIM card you need and how to change it. Your manual has all this information or Google does. Your new phone company will be happy to sell you the correct size SIM card as long as you let them know what you need.

You’ll also need to know how to program the new network into your phone. Things might work when you insert a new SIM card but sometimes not everything works correctly. This is because you need to set what’s called an APN.

Programming your phone for a new network

Changing your phone’s network programming to work on a new carrier isn’t difficult, you just need to know where to get started!

We’ve got you covered. You can learn a little bit more about what an APN is and how to set one up for your new carrier so you’ll be up and running in no time.

What is an APN, and how do I change it?

APN’s for the bigger carriers are already set, and the phone will pick the one that’s the closest match to your new service. But to get things like MMS or full speed LTE up and running usually requires you to enter a few lines through the settings. It’s easy if you have a little guidance, which you’ll find at your phone company website. If in doubt, hit our forums for help.

Advertisement

Make sure you have a fallback plan

It might be tempting to pay the last bill from your old carrier with a wheelbarrow of pennies while letting the world know what a rip-off they are, or even thinking they can stuff it and stiffing them on that last payment. But don’t do it.

You can’t go back if you burn the bridge. You never know how new service from a new company will be until you try it. If it’s unacceptable, you’ll want to switch back while you explore other options so you’re not without a phone.

That’s hard to do if you went out in a blaze of glory. Anyways, the people working at the store aren’t the people who are ripping you off every month so be nice. Tell them how they can save money by switching!

Changes can be turbulent soemtimes, but with a little thought switching phone companies doesn’t have to be!

Alternative carriers (MVNOS)

• What is an alternative mobile carrier?
• What are the advantages of going with an alternative carrier?
• How to make sure your phone works on a prepaid alternative carrier
• 8 Important Considerations When Switching To An MVNO
• These are the cheapest data plans you can buy in the U.S.
• Mint SIM vs. Cricket Wireless: Which is better for you?

Android at IFA 2017: What’s coming from LG, Samsung, Sony, and more!

Based in Berlin, Germany, IFA is one of the biggest tech trade shows around, and it’s also one of the oldest, with a 93-year history behind it. The first IFA was held way back in 1924. Six years later, the show was opened by the one and only Albert Einstein.

These days, IFA is a platform for just about everything with a chip or a radio antenna — connected gadgets, TVs, computers, wearables, and the nebulous mess known as IoT, the Internet of Things.

In recent times, it’s always been a big launch venue for Android phones, though, and this year is no exception. We’ve got big, new launches coming up from LG, Sony, Samsung, BlackBerry, and others. And that’s just the stuff we know about. The show is sure to bring some surprises along the way.

So let’s jump into our preview and find out what to expect from Android at IFA 2017.

• Android Central on YouTube
• More on the LG V30
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8

ASUS goes dual-camera crazy for its ZenFone 4 series

ASUS’ smartphone division was unusually quiet back at Computex a couple of months ago, but now we know why. Today, the Taiwanese company unveiled its ZenFone 4 smartphone line with not one, but five Android Nougat devices in one go: ZenFone 4 Pro, ZenFone 4, ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro, ZenFone 4 Selfie and ZenFone 4 Max Pro (and these will all get updated to Android O). Going along with the event’s “We Love Photo” slogan, all five models share one thing in common: they all have a dual camera setup, though one model is using it for 2x optical zoom, while the rest use it for super wide-angle shots on either side.

ZenFone 4 Pro and ZenFone 4

The ZenFone 4 Pro (ZS551KL) is essentially the direct descendant of the ZenFone 3 Zoom, featuring a 2x zoom dual camera, a Snapdragon 835 chipset and the same 500-nit, 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display. Unlike the old full-metal body, this time ASUS opted for a glass-metal-glass sandwich design, with both sides using 2.5D Gorilla Glass panels that are flush with the aluminum mid-frame’s rounded edges. The fingerprint reader has been relocated to the front for a cleaner look on the back; this is also consistent across the entire ZenFone 4 line as well as the recently-launched ZenFone AR.

The main sensor on the dual camera is the same 12-megapixel Sony IMX362 sensor seen on the ZenFone 3 Zoom, which is a good thing: it comes with large 1.4um pixels for better light sensitivity, and this is boosted with a fast f/1.7 aperture plus 4-axis image stabilization — optical stabilization for stills and electronic stabilization for videos. As before, the main sensor here takes advantage of ASUS’ “TriTech+” bundle for supposedly speedy and accurate autofocus. This consists of 2nd-gen laser AF for improved low-light performance, the usual dual-pixel phase detection AF plus continuous subject tracking AF.

Thanks to this bundle and ASUS’ SuperPixel Engine, advanced users can use this main sensor to go fully manual, use slow motion capture (up to 120 fps in 1080p), 32-second slow shutter mode, 4K time lapse mode (with dedicated power-saving feature) and even a super resolution mode (creating a 48-megapixel image by combining four 12-megapixel images into one).

The secondary sensor is a Sony IMX351 (the one on the HTC U11’s front camera), which is paired with an f/2.6 aperture for both 2x optical zoom and bokeh effect (aka “Portrait Mode”). While it has smaller 1um pixels, ASUS went with this sensor to take advantage of its higher resolution for further digital zoom — up to 10x in total, when needed. It’s worth noting that this sensor only uses the old-school contrast detection AF instead of “TriTech+,” so it’s probably best reserved for well-lit environments.

The front camera is pretty nice, too, featuring an 8-megapixel Sony IMX319 (again with large 1.4um pixels), f/1.9 aperture, an 88-degree wide angle view and phase detection AF. Naturally, you’ll find the usual beauty mode here (and also on the rear cameras, in fact) with various options for the skin, eyes and contour.

Other bits include 802.11ad WiGig connectivity (in single SIM mode), dual speakers, tri-mic noise cancellation and a generous 3,600mAh battery. Depending on your region, the ZenFone 4 Pro may come with up to 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion using the second SIM slot), while prices start at $599.

The similar-looking ZenFone 4’s (ZE554KL) fancy concentric circle pattern on the back (except for the mint green version) may mislead you into thinking it’s the higher-end model, but its innards tell a very different story (ASUS has a tendency to apply this design to its mid-range models like the ZenFone 3). Its 5.5-inch 1080p display uses LCD instead of AMOLED, though it does have a higher 600-nit brightness. It also packs the mid-range octa-core Snapdragon 660 or Snapdragon 630 chipset instead, and it uses a slightly smaller 3,300 mAh battery, a single speaker plus dual-mic noise cancellation only.

Most notably, though, its dual camera serves a very different purpose. You still get the nice 12-megapixel Sony IMX362 for the main sensor (albeit with a slightly slower f/1.8 aperture, likely due to a different lens used here), but its secondary sensor here is for a 120-degree super wide view — a massive jump from the main sensor’s 83-degree view. It’s as if ASUS has taken a page out of LG’s book here. This consists of an 8-megapixel OmniVision 8856 (1.12um pixels) with a slightly slower f/2.2 aperture. And due to the nature of this camera, the portrait mode here uses software instead of hardware like on the Pro. The front camera also uses the same OmniVision sensor but with the more conventional 84-degree wide-angle view plus f/2.0 aperture.

Like the Pro model, the ZenFone 4 also comes with up to 6GB of RAM but only up to 64GB of storage, though the latter can also be extended via microSD using the second SIM slot. The starting price for this model is $399.

ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro and ZenFone 4 Selfie

We’re not done yet. As you can tell by the name, the ZenFone 4 Selfie series is all about taking selfies and “wefies” (ASUS’ word, not ours), hence the use of a dual camera on the front here for toggling a super wide view. Out of the two models, you can easily spot the ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro (ZD552KL) by its slick aluminum unibody which comes in at just 6.85mm thick.

The dual camera’s main sensor packs the same flagship 12-megapixel, 1.4um Sony IMX362 sensor, though its dual-pixel AF has been cunningly rejigged to output 24-megapixel sefies, because apparently there are users who want to print their selfies. Furthermore, you’ll also be able to take 4K selfie videos. For the 120-degree super wide angle selfie capture, you’ll have to switch to the secondary sensor which, for some reason, comes with a disappointingly low 5-megapixel resolution (OmniVision 5670, 1.12um, f/2.2). The f/2.2 main camera here uses the 16-megapixel, 1um Sony IMX351 which we (keep up!) already saw in the ZenFone 4 Pro’s dual camera.

The ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro runs on an octa-core Snapdragon 625 chipset and packs up to 4GB of RAM plus 64GB of storage, along with microSD expansion via the second SIM slot. It also comes with a 3,000 mAh battery which is pretty good given its thickness. The only odd thing about this new phone is its micro-USB port, but ASUS reps reasoned that the main markets they are targeting with this series are still mainly using micro-USB, which would make sense. It’ll be available in red, gold and black, and prices here start at $379.

The lower-end ZenFone 4 Selfie (ZD553KL) features a metallic design akin to the ZenFone 3 Zoom (especially the two shiny metallic grooves on the back), so you wouldn’t assume it’s related to its Pro counterpart. It features the less powerful octa-core Snapdragon 430 chipset, a 720p 5.5-inch LCD (up to 400 nits), 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Interestingly, despite it being a cheaper model, ZenFone 4 Selfie offers a dedicated microSD slot on the removable tray, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice one of the two SIM slots.

The dual camera on the front is a combination of a 69-degree camera and a super wide 120-degree camera: the former is a 20-megapixel f/2.0 imager (Omnivision 20880, 1 um), and the latter shoots 8 megapixels at f/2.4 (Omnivision 8856, 1.12um). The main camera does 16 megapixels at f/2.0 (Omnivision 16880, 1 um). Nothing too exciting here compared to the other models in the line, but then again, it’s priced at $279. It’ll be available in pink, green, gold and black.

ZenFone 4 Max Pro

Last but not least, we have the ZenFone 4 Max Pro which is all about its massive 5,000 mAh battery, along with dual cameras on the back for super wide angle shots. From afar, it looks a lot like the ZenFone 3 Zoom on the back, but its 8.9 mm thick body hides its dense battery well.

There’s not much to say about its low-end quad-core Snapdragon 425 chipset (Snapdragon 430 for India) nor its 5.5-inch 720p display. It does, however, have a 16-megapixel sensor for both the selfie camera and the main imager on the rear dual camera (both with OmniVision 16880 sensor with 1.12 um pixels; f/2.0 aperture; 80-degree view). The 120-degree super wide angle imager on the dual camera uses just a 5-megapixel sensor (Omnivision 5675, 1.12um) with f/2.2 aperture, so again, don’t expect print-quality images coming out of this side of the dual camera.

Unlike the other models, there’s no word on the ZenFone 4 Max Pro’s price just yet.

Given how the recently launched ZenFone AR is a good example of an all-in-one smartphone, it may seem odd to see ASUS headed in a different direction with its mainstream devices. But then again, perhaps this makes more sense for a company that’s going for volume, because there’s bound to be one model that fits well in certain markets. And ultimately, ASUS will have to sell a ton of phones to make up for the presumably fat paycheck paid to its latest celebrity spokesperson, Gong Yoo.

EE TV gets voice controls thanks to Amazon’s Alexa

While Vodafone has long abandoned its dreams of a TV service, rival network EE is pressing on with its strange Freeview-bundled-with-some-on-demand-apps box. The hardware now supports Alexa, Amazon’s voice-enabled assistant, through an Echo or Echo Dot-equipped speaker. So you can ask, “Alexa, ask EE TV what’s on tonight” and hear some suggestions from the Freeview-powered guide. The new Alexa “skill” also supports queries for specific channels and, more importantly, will let you set up recordings, regardless of whether the set-top box is on or in standby mode.

For EE, it’s a neat trick. Amazon has long touted Alexa as a key part of its Fire TV and Fire TV stick, however those devices are for on-demand apps only. EE TV is designed to be a single solution for people who still like to tune in to live programming. Alexa, then, could be a valuable addition for people who are struggling to juggle both DVR recordings and VOD libraries. The problem, at least for now, is that the service requires an Echo speaker — with Amazon’s Fire TV, you get a purpose-built remote in the box.

Amazon, of course, only cares about expanding the Alexa ecosystem. The company wants its voice-controlled assistant to be everywhere — smartphones, speakers, even washing machines. That proliferation will naturally expand the platform’s user base and encourage third-party developers to create new “skills,” which in turn will increase Alexa’s functionality and encourage people to buy more Alexa-powered products. It’s a smart strategy, and one that Google, Apple, Samsung and others have struggled to react to. The question, of course, is whether this will move EE TV units — probably not, but it’s a nice gesture for Echo speaker owners.

The Morning After: Thursday, August 17th 2017

Hey, good morning! This Thursday, Nokia is returning to the flagship phone fight, neo-Nazi sites struggle to find a place on the web and HBO’s woes continue.

Stop trying to make #Bothie happen.With the Nokia 8, its first Android flagship, the company got a lot right

Eight months since it started making Android phones in the Nokia name, it’s revealing a big-screened flagship to go up against the Galaxy S8s and iPhones that dominate the smartphone world. As soon as you see the copper-finished Nokia 8, you’ll probably agree it’s a gorgeous device, as ever. It also offers plenty of camera tricks, again, and it’s aimed at young creative types, yet again. But if the plan is to succeed, what is Nokia to do differently this time? And have you heard of the ‘bothie’?

The site set up shop on the dark web, as well.
Neo-Nazi website ‘Daily Stormer’ briefly resurfaces with Russian domain

After being rejected by both GoDaddy and Google, neo-Nazi publication the Daily Stormer resurfaced with a Russian domain extension. As Vox reports, Stormer’s efforts to secure a Chinese hosting service (DailyStormer.wang) were cut short, so it turned to the dark web and then the mainstream internet. A Whois report states that the hosting company is CloudFlare and the IP location is in Arizona. But, the site isn’t online: Cloudflare has terminated its contract with the Daily Stormer, which may be why the site is currently offline. Stormer is using its dark web site (.onion) to direct readers to the current URL. The text on the dark site promises that the publication will move to the TOR network should the new host take it down.

This time the fault lies not with evil hackers, but an HBO affiliate.
Yet another ‘Game of Thrones’ episode has leaked

When you have the world’s most popular show, keeping a lid on new episodes is tough, apparently. After Game of Thrones’ fourth episode hit torrent sites due to a leak from HBO partner Star India, episode six, due to air on August 20th, was accidentally released by HBO Nordic in Spain. It was pulled after an hour, but during that brief period, someone, of course, managed to copy the episode, and it quickly appeared on torrent sites and the infamous Freefolk Game of Thrones leak Reddit.

The company wants to take on the likes of Netflix and Amazon.
Apple sets $1 billion budget for original TV shows

Apple is finally putting its money where its mouth is, setting aside $1 billion to pursue the original programing agenda it’s been making so much noise about in recent times. In June, the company poached Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg — the TV execs behind Breaking Bad and The Crown — from Sony, noting at the time that it “had exciting plans in store for customers.”

“Alexa, I’m ready to walk.”
Amazon’s Alexa can now steer exoskeletons

Exoskeletons don’t come cheap and they’re not one size fits all, making them a daunting prospect for the average buyer. Now, researchers are using machine learning to make them more accessible for people with mobility issues. That’s where Bionik Laboratories comes in. The startup is adding Amazon’s Alexa to its Arke lower-body exoskeleton, allowing wearers to control it with their voice.

But wait, there’s more…

• Twitter’s dilemma: What to do with Trump?
• Your timely reminder: Not all hacking requires a computer
• Barack Obama breaks the record for most-liked Tweet

Newton is the rare email app that works great on both Windows and Mac

There are plenty of good third-party Windows email apps out there, but not many of them work across all the platforms you might use. If you’re the type of person who jumps between macOS and Windows, Newton (formerly CloudMagic) might be worth a look. Today, the company is bringing its app to Windows — it should be available on the Windows Store now. With Newton already available on macOS, Android and iOS (not to mention the Apple Watch and Android Wear), it’s now one of only a few email apps that works on basically any device.

I tried out Newton on Windows 10 over the last week, and the good news is that it offers a near-identical experience to the Mac app. For those who haven’t given Newton a shot, it’s similar to the departed Mailbox app — it’s starkly minimal and puts the focus on whatever message you happen to be reading or composing. There aren’t multiple panes to distract you; you either see a list of your messages or whatever email you happen to be reading or writing.

There’s a search bar up top, a sidebar that contains all your folders, and a few buttons to filter just unread messages or starred / flagged emails and that’s about it. The app has plenty of keyboard shortcuts for archiving, snoozing or deleting email, so getting around the interface without a mouse is pretty easy. And the app supports all the popular email services including Office 365, Outlook, Gmail, Google Apps, iCloud, Exchange, Yahoo and plain old IMAP. Between the many services and devices you can use in Newton, it’s pretty easy to find a combo that’ll work for you.

I tried the Windows app with several different accounts and found that it worked quickly and without any problems in all cases. Changes I made on one device were synced quickly back to both the original email account (like Gmail on the web, for example) as well as my other devices running Newton (a MacBook Air and iPhone 6S).

The app feels uncomplicated and fast, but there’s some sneaky power under the hood if you want to dig into the settings menu. There, you’ll find a bunch of “supercharger” features that let you do things like snooze messages, add read receipts, schedule emails to be sent in the future, get reminders for messages you haven’t replied to and more. You can also connect 10 other apps to extend Newton’s features — you can send files or messages to things like Todoist, Newton, Trello, Wunderlist and so forth. Unfortunately, one of the better superchargers — the recently launched Tidy Inbox — isn’t available for Windows just yet. But the team behind Newton said it should arrive within a couple weeks.

As it was last time I tried Newton, the biggest problem with the service by far is its price. Newton still costs $49.99 per year to use all of its features. Anyone trying the Windows app will get a 14-day trial, but after that, some of the “power” features like push notifications, snooze, connecting apps and more will stop working. If you don’t eventually subscribe, even more features will be removed, but it isn’t clear exactly how that works. A Newton representative said that eventually the app will provide an “experience that’s not recommended.” (Ominous!)

So while the app won’t immediately stop working, it won’t really be a viable option for long after that trial is over. And Newton doesn’t offer a per-month plan, so it’s $50 all in one shot, a bitter pill you’ll need to swallow every year. Although I’m happy to support quality developers like the team behind Newton, the price just doesn’t quite feel in line with what similar apps cost. (The powerful Airmail is $5 for iOS and $10 for the Mac, for example. With that said, Airmail doesn’t work on Windows.) If you’re someone who uses multiple platforms regularly and demands a consistent experience across all of your devices — mobile /and/ desktop — Newton is an excellent but very pricey option.

SaveSave

Source: Newton (Medium)

Electric Jukebox has a new music streaming karaoke machine

You might recall the Electric Jukebox, a wand-style microphone and streaming stick that let you sing along to a Spotify-style music catalog at home. The company is still around — in fact, according to Music Ally, its first device sold out five weeks after launch — and is back with a new version called the Roxi. The basic concept is the same: For £199/$199, you get all of the necessary hardware (you’ll need your own TV, however) and a one-year subscription to its music library, which boasts “tens of millions” of tracks. Once the year is up, you’ll need to pay £52/$52 every 12 months.

At first blush, it’s an expensive proposition. But Electric Jukebox is bullish about the quality of its library and the pricing, which is cheaper than a 12-month Apple Music subscription. The difference, of course, is that your Roxi library is locked to a single device — you can’t listen to those same tunes on your smartphone or PC. Instead, you’re getting a living room experience that promotes party-play and karaoke shenanigans. There’s a “Sing with the Stars” mode that let’s you rock out to iconic anthems, a “Name that Tune” trivia game, and access to global radio stations.

To sweeten the deal, there’s a “Sound Machine” mode that will fill the room with relaxing yoga and meditation melodies, as well as a photo feature that puts your favourite Facebook albums on the TV. As before, it’s all backed up with a raft of celebrity endorsements that include Sheryl Crow, Robbie Williams, Alicia Dixon and Stephen Fry. On the business side, Electric Jukebox has raised $14 million (£10.8 million) and plans to IPO later this year. The company is certainly confident, though we’re skeptical about the product and how its pricing will be received by the public.

Xfinity Mobile arrives to all of Comcast’s markets

If you’re using Comcast’s Xfinity internet service anywhere in the US, you can now get on the company’s Xfinity Mobile service, too. Just over four months after it was first revealed, Comcast has completed the rollout of the service (powered by Verizon’s network) “across all of its sales channels,” it says. Comcast has since simplified the plans, and now simply offers either a $45 per month “unlimited” offering, or $12/GB if you’d rather go à la carte.

When Xfinity Mobile was announced in March, Comcast was offering the preferential $45 rate only to top-tier Xfinity X1 customers, while others had to pay $65, but that’s no longer the case. Both the per GB and unlimited plans require Xfinity broadband service, and you’re switched to Xfinity WiFi hotspots automatically when they’re available. The “unlimited” service is also throttled after you hit 20GB of data.

There’s another catch, too: You can’t bring your own device to the service. Instead, you need to buy or rent a smartphone from Comcast — it charges $650 for an iPhone 7 ($27.08 per month) and $532 for a 64GB Galaxy S8 or $22.17 per month, for instance. If you’re renting the device, the entire amount is due if you don’t maintain at least your Xfinity TV, internet, voice or mobile service. A Reddit user noticed, however, that if you have a Nexus 6 or other Verizon branded phone, you can buy the cheapest Xfinity Mobile phone for $158, and simply put the SIM card in your other device (try it at your own risk).

The rollout speed of the service has been impressive, though Comcast has been planning it with Verizon since at least 2011. Despite a few catches, it could be a good deal if you’re already on Xfinity broadband — the per-GB offering in particular could be interesting for folks that don’t use a lot of data. Just don’t forget that you’ll have to brave Comcast’s notoriously bad customer service.