Thermaltake’s new Floe Riing cooling loops turn your PC into a disco

Why it matters to you

All-in-one water-cooling loops are rarely this pretty out of the box. Thermaltake’s new design offers deep and broad lighting options and smartphone control of everything.

All-in-one water cooling systems can now offer PC beautification as much as convenience thanks to the new, oddly named, Thermaltake Floe Riing TT Premium Edition closed loop. Coming with a variety of radiator size options, the new Thermaltake cooling loops pack a number of RGB LEDs into their cooling fans, lighting up your PC’s interior in any color combination you can think of.

Although traditional water cooling loops were custom built by hardware enthusiasts with patience and a trust in their own ability to safely seal the loop, all-in-one, closed loop coolers make water cooling a PC much more convenient. Traditionally, they are not too pretty though, with matte-black the color of choice for most of them. Thermaltake does that with its new design but spices it up with some RGB lighting.

Available in 360mm, 280mm and 240mm radiator sizes with three and two cooling fans, respectively. The former two utilize 140mm impellers, while the latter comes with 120mm versions. Although there is going to be a performance difference between them, and the ones with larger fans should have a lower noise output, the look of each is similar.

The all-in-one’s pump is built into the back of the copper water block, keeping the loop simple and streamlined and all piping is braided with a fabric sleeve to make management easy and to reduce the impact on the case interior’s airflow.

They are all connected to the same CPU block, which along with the cooling fans has its own set of RGB LEDs. They can all be controlled through Thermaltake’s Riing Plus RGB software and smartphone application, which lets you tweak color outputs, lighting options, add effects, and keep track of information like fan speed, even controlling it manually, if needed.

Along with the option for a lighting thermometer function, the app can also issue a warning should certain temperature or fan-speed thresholds be breached, helping you stay on top of any issues with your system while it is in use.

The software is linked up with a specialized digital lighting controller box, which can be connected to five devices. They are all controlled by a single lighting controller but you can maintain as many as 16 in the software, so you can easily switch between different lighting modes and profiles.

We were so impressed with the features of Thermaltake’s Floe Riing system, that we incorporated one in our brand new AMD Ryzen Threadripper test rig.

No U.S. pricing information is as yet available, though Hexus lists system at 225 euros ($265) for the 360mm version, 185 euros ($218) for the 280mm, and 180 euros ($212) for the 240mm.

Our nearest sun-like star just got a bit more interesting

Why it matters to you

Two of Tau Ceti’s planets orbit in the star’s habitable zone and may support liquid surface water.

Four Earth-sized planets orbit our nearest sun-like star, Tau Ceti, according to a new study from an international team of astronomers. With masses as low as 1.7 the mass of Earth, the exoplanets are the smallest ever discovered around a nearby sun-like star, and two orbit within the star’s habitable zone.

What’s more, the detection method used by the research team represents a milestone in scientists’ ability to detect exoplanets by picking up on extremely slight movements in stars.

“We detected the planets by measuring the tiny periodic wobbles caused to the host star, Tau Ceti, by the gravitational pull of the planets orbiting it,” Mikko Tuomi, an astronomer from the University of Hertfordshire and coauthor of the study, told Digital Trends.

Fabo Feng

Astronomers use a handful of techniques to spot exoplanets, including direct imaging and measuring the decrease in brightness as a planet passes in front its star.

Toumi and his team used a method called radial velocity, which detects a star’s subtle movements caused by the tug of an exoplanet. But, since radial velocity relies on the pull of a planet, it is typically used to detect relatively massive planets.

“A real breakthrough [in this study] is that we were for the first time able to
detect periodic movement of a sun-like star of only 30 centimeters per second,” Toumi said. “This is the current record in precision and means that we are only a factor of three away from the ability to detect Earth-like planets orbiting such stars. Plenty of work is needed, but we are now finally approaching the ability to detect other Earths in the solar neighborhood.”

Tau Ceti is so similar to our sun that Toumi says, “they might as well be twins.” At just twelve light years away, the discovery of these exoplanets makes the system a place of increasing interest.

But, even though two of the planets are in the star’s habitable zone, it’s unclear whether they’re actually habitable or support liquid surface water. To find out, astronomers would need to use direct imaging to study the objects. That is beyond our current reach, but Toumi is optimistic that future giant ground-based telescopes or next-gen space telescopes will make that possible.

A paper detailing the research, which was accepted by the Astronomical Journal, is available online.

AdventureUltra is a USB battery pack for the outdoors that fits in your palm

Why it matters to you

This USB battery pack isn’t just built to survive in the outdoors. It also comes equipped with a standard AC wall outlet for keeping larger devices charged while you’re on the go.

USB battery pack manufacturer MyCharge has introduced a line of power banks designed specifically for use in the outdoors and other demanding environments. The new Adventure Series includes four models, each of which feature rugged cases and rechargeable batteries of varying size to help keep gadgets powered while you’re on the go. One of those portable chargers stands out from the others thanks to some unique features that will likely make it a favorite among frequent travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The AdventureUltra, which features a 13,400 mAh lithium battery, comes equipped with two USB-A (2.4A) and one USB-C (3.0A) ports for recharging smartphones, tablets, and other small electronic devices. As with most power banks these days, the charger is equipped with smart-sensing technology that allows it to automatically detect the fastest possible charging speed to provide just the right amount of energy for the gadget that is plugged into it. This helps prevent overcharging, which could potentially damage a mobile device. It also comes with a built-in LCD screen that indicates the current charge level of the onboard battery and which charging ports are active.

But what really separates the AdventureUltra from most other USB battery packs is that it also comes standard with a built-in AC power outlet. This allows users to power and charge a wider range of electronic devices, including LCD television sets, small laptops, drone batteries, and portable fans. It’s like having a lightweight (1 pound), portable generator that fits right in the palm of your hand.

MyCharge says the AdventureUltra is capable of putting out up to 45 watts of power. That translates to running a 42-inch flat-panel TV for up to three hours at a time, making it a great option for tailgaters. The portable charger is also compatible with laptops like the 12-inch MacBook or notebook/tablet hybrids such as the Microsoft Surface, making it handy for road warriors looking to extend the use of their computers while working remotely.

When creating the AdventureUlta, MyCharge chose to make it rechargeable only with its included AC adapter. That means that if you take it with you on the road, you’ll have to carry this adapter as well, rather than just relying on a standard USB wall adapter as most other power banks do. There is no doubt that using the AC adapter is faster and more efficient, but it would have been nice to have had another option for charging on the road.

The AdventureUltra is available now for $130. Visit MyCharge.com for more information.

Consumer Reports slams Microsoft’s Surface line, cites 25-percent failure rate

Why it matters to you

Microsoft is fairly new to PC manufacturing, so it’s only natural that it would have some growing pains. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep that warranty handy if you own a Surface.

Microsoft’s Surface family suffered a major blow Thursday, August 10, as Consumer Reports not only pulled its recommendation for all Surface-branded products, but moved them into the dreaded “not recommended” category. The consumer watchdog publication cited concerns over longevity and a remarkably high failure rate in its statement summarizing its decision.

“New studies conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center estimate that 25 percent of Microsoft laptops and tablets will present their owners with problems by the end of the second year of ownership,” Consumer Reports said.

To clarify, it’s not just the new Surface Laptop that has drawn criticism from Consumer Reports, but the entire lineup — the Surface, the Surface Pro, Surface Book, and the new Surface Laptop. These products are now “not recommended” by the consumer watchdog publication, but a few products in particular received even more devastating news, in that their previous recommendations are being reversed.

Both the Surface Laptop, 128GB and 256GB versions, and the Surface Book, 128 and 512GB versions, are losing their previous recommendations on account of their unusually high failure rates.

Microsoft defended its products, stating that the Surface lineup is more reliable than Consumer Reports claims.

“Microsoft’s real-world return and support rates for past models differ significantly from Consumer Reports’ breakage predictability,” Microsoft told Consumer Reports. “We don’t believe these findings accurately reflect Surface owners’ true experiences or capture the performance and reliability improvements made with every Surface generation.”

Microsoft’s statement very carefully maneuvers around the Consumer Reports data, stating that the Surface improves with each generation, and that should be taken into account when considering failure rates.

Even if true, that avoids the question of current reliability. Stating that a product’s failure rate goes down with each successive generation doesn’t exactly speak to the core issue — that Surface products reportedly have a reputation for failing the people who buy them. The fact that they might fail less than they used to isn’t going to matter to someone who just shelled out upwards of $1,000 on a product that might only last around two years.

One reason for the reportedly high failure rates could be that Microsoft is relatively new to PC manufacturing.

“The reality is that Microsoft has very little experience in some of the newer categories it’s entering very rapidly, which may expose it to more risk of problems in manufacturing,” a chief analyst at Jackdaw Research, Jan Dawson, told Reuters.

The problem here is that Consumer Reports and Microsoft each have their own data supporting their respective conclusions. Of course, only one of these two companies actually has a vested interest in people believing the Surface products are reliable. The other just wants to make sure you’re able to make an informed decision about which products you buy.

This is Fitbit’s upcoming smartwatch

Fitbit is nearing the release of its next fitness-focused wearable.

Fitbit went on a bit of a spending spree late last year, purchasing both wearable-veteran Pebble as well as nascent smartwatch maker, Vector. With both companies under its roof, a lot of users were curious to see just what Fitbit would do with them. We’re now one step closer to knowing.

Wareable posted various photos of the upcoming watch from different angles, and it looks nice. There’s a huge heart rate sensor on the underside of the watch, and the watch will also feature GPS and water resistance up to 50 meters. Wareable speculates the heart rate sensor may use a unique pulse oximeter to measure how much oxygen is in the user’s blood, as well as a red sensor to provide a more accurate heart rate.

All of these components will be key to helping Fitbit compete with the Apple Watch and Garmin VivoActive line. There isn’t any mention of battery life, but previous Fitbit fitness trackers have advertised five days of use, so we’ll hopefully see close to that, too, especially given Pebble’s legacy in that regard.

The photos show a silver case with navy strap version, as well as a rose gold case with lighter blue strap. There will also be a darker case with black strap option. While these don’t look nearly as stylish as the round Vector Luna watch, they don’t look bad.

I’m sure most folks could get away with wearing these to work to count their steps throughout the day. In fact, the smartwatch resembles the Fitbit Blaze, which debuted a couple years ago.

The fitness band market is crowded with Android Wear and the Apple Watch and the high end, Fitbit, Garmin and others in the middle and devices like the Xiaomi Mi Band at the low end. Time will tell how successful Fitbit’s new watches are.

Are you looking forward to Fitbit’s next watch? Let us know down below!

Netflix increases Canadian prices by up to $2 a month

Netflix is taking a gamble that Canadian customers are addicted enough to eat the extra cost.

Netflix is increasing prices for Canadian customers between $1 and $2 depending on the plan. From Canadian Press (via CBC):

The popular video streaming service is hiking prices for new members effective immediately. It will do the same for existing users after notifying them by email in the coming weeks. Netflix’s standard plan will now cost a dollar more — or $10.99 a month — to watch content on two screens at a time.

The basic plan, which does not offer high definition video and only permits one streaming screen at a time, also goes up a dollar to $8.99 a month. Premium plan subscribers will pay $2 more for up to four simultaneous streams and ultra high-definition 4K content. It will now cost $13.99 monthly.

It’s the first price increase in nearly two years that affects subscribers in Canada.

What’s interesting here is that Netflix is announcing this price increase only days after it became clear that competitors like CBS and Disney, which owns ABC, Marvel, Disney and the Star Wars brand, sees the potential for significant market share in Canada as more people cut the cord.

Netflix used to have a significant disadvantage here in Canada, but since it pivoted to a lineup that emphasizes its own licensed and commissioned content, that content divide with the U.S. has largely faded. Netflix is still the only streaming service in Canada to offer Star Wars: The Force Awakens as well as the standalone Rogue One, and that relationship, despite Disney announcing its plans to pull its content from Netflix U.S., won’t affect Canadian customers anytime soon.

Some of the price increase can be attributed to continued weakness in the Canadian dollar, which is hovering around $0.80 USD.

The Moto X4 looks like a true successor to the original

Moto X4 leaks in all its glory.

Motorola’s Moto X line has taken a back seat as the company has focused on the modular Moto Z line, but that looks to be changing soon. We already know Motorola is coming out with a fourth Moto X, but a leak from Brazilian site Tudocellular, which obtained images as it passes through the country’s telecommunications agency, confirms a few key features for the device.

The leaked photos confirmed some features of this year’s Moto Z devices will find their way to the Moto X line, including the Z2 Force’s dual camera setup. There’s no indication what the second sensor will be used for, but it is likely to be used as a monochromatic sensor like the Moto Z2 Force. The leaked also shows the device is 16 cm by 8 cm, or approximately 6.3 inches by 3.15 inches. This lines up with @evleaks’ earlier report that the phone will feature a 5.2 inch 1080p display. The leaks show a glossy black body, though it is unclear if that is glass or plastic.

The photos also show Motorola’s pill shaped front fingerprint sensor that has become a staple of their devices this year, and it’s very likely to include the same gesture support current fingerprint sensors enjoy. The phone is rumored to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 3,000 mAh battery and Android 7.1.1 with Moto’s enhancements on top. Finally, the phone is rumored to be available to use with Project Fi, which would make it the first non-Google phone to be officially supported by the carrier. Most importantly, the leaks show a 3.5 mm headphone jack for those that don’t want to live the #donglelife.

There’s no telling on when the Moto X4 will be announced or released, but it is expected to land in Q4 of this year. Are you planning to pick up the Moto X4? Let us know down below.

LG V30: Specs, images, release date, and more

LG really needs its big phone to be a big hit.

The history of LG’s V series of phones isn’t long, but the upcoming V30 is shaping up to by far be the most interesting of the bunch. After breaking away from the ultra-tough model for something new in the V20, the V30 is set to go even more mainstream with a design that closely follows its smaller sibling, the LG G6. That isn’t great for those who really enjoyed the unique quirks of the V10 and V20, but for the wide group of people who just want a large, powerful phone to compete with the likes of the Galaxy Note 8, this is a good move by LG.

The V30 hasn’t been officially announced yet, but leaks, rumors, and information straight from LG are starting to pull together a picture of what we can expect from its latest high-end phone. Here’s what we know so far.

LG V30 specs and features

For the spec sheet, we can expect the V30 to have all of the typical bells and whistles. Unlike the G6, the V30 will come out of the gate with the latest high-end processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, and be backed up by at least 4GB — but more likely 6GB — of RAM as well. LG is good about offering lots of storage, so we can expect 64GB standard, but the question is how it handles regional variants — historically it hasn’t done great with getting other models with more storage to all regions around the world.

Initial rumors suggest the V30 won’t have any larger battery than the G6, sticking around 3300mAh, which is interesting considering it’s also making a move from the V20 to go with a non-removable battery as well. With a larger screen than the G6 many were expecting a larger battery to boot, but in LG’s (potential) defense it gets great battery life out of the G6 with 3300mAh and a less-efficient Snapdragon 821 processor.

Though the first two V series phones had many differences between them, one thing that remained constant is the idea that they’re all about audio, video and photo experiences. We expect the V30 to have the same initiatives, with a Hi-Fi DAC for audio output, special high-quality mics for audio recording, a manual video recording mode and perhaps a few new tricks that LG has up its sleeve. It has been said that the V30 will be a “video-centric” phone, and this isn’t surprising considering LG’s history.

Expect a whole ton of hardware features, focusing on audio, video and photos.

The cameras will of course be super important, as LG will be iterating on its proven dual-camera setup rather than debuting one for the first time as Samsung is in the Note 8. We’re not sure on any change in the sensors themselves, but LG says its camera will have an an even wider f/1.6 aperture on the main camera, which will let in 25% more light than an f/1.8 aperture. It will also use a “Glass Crystal Clear Lens” to get better clarity and colors than typical plastic lenses. The second camera will remain a wide-angle shooter rather than the more common telephoto lens, and LG says it has cut down on edge distortion by one third.

LG V30 design and size

Based on initial leaks of the V30, both in renders and photos, we’re looking at phone that has its design groundwork provided by the LG G6 from earlier this year. It’s a thin, metal-framed phone with a back that looks much like the G6’s glass-covered rear. LG has confirmed most details of the V30’s display, telling us that the frame is wrapped around a 6-inch OLED panel — without a secondary display — that will make it just slightly larger than the G6’s 5.7-inch display, though it’ll have the same 2:1 aspect ratio and 2880×1440 resolution.

The differentiator here is the V30’s even smaller bezels around the screen, accentuated by the screen edges actually being curved on the sides, just like Samsung’s last few years of phones. This should make the V30 narrower and easier to hold, and indeed it’s going to be smaller overall than the Galaxy Note 8 and even the Galaxy S8+.

Many of the things that are currently unknown about the V30 are the ones that won’t really fill up the spec sheet. We’re not sure how much of the rugged/tough/sturdy identity LG has carried on from the V20 (and to some extent the G6), but early indications are this isn’t going to be as tough of a phone as its predecessor. Expect LG to talk the same big game about how strong the V30’s frame is and how it can handle extra drops just like the G6 — and thankfully we should have proper IP68 water resistance as well.

LG V30 release date and pricing

One thing we know for certain is that the LG V30 will be unveiled on August 31, coinciding with the start of the IFA trade show in Berlin. It will be LG’s fist major product announcement at IFA, and it’s hoping to make a splash just one week after Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Note 8 in New York City. We can expect a full retail launch by the end of September, as LG will want to be fully established in stores worldwide for the holiday season.

Considering the relatively high launch price of both the LG V10 and V20, as well as the high-end components here, we can expect the V30 to command a high price — probably in the high $700 range. That being said, with how aggressively we’ve seen the LG G6 cut in price just in the few months following its launch, LG may be willing to go slightly more aggressive with its pricing out of the gate.

LG V30

• LG V30: Our wish list for LG’s latest big phone
• Latest render shows LG V30 alongside Galaxy Note 8
• LG V30 will have curved OLED display
• LG V30 will launch on August 31
• Join our LG V30 forums

V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless review: My new favorite headphones

V-Moda’s excellent Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones sound fantastic and are super comfortable, but the price tag may rattle you.

Headphone preference is almost as contentious and divisive as the phones they connect to. But one thing that isn’t up for dispute is the proliferation, often by necessity, of the “hi-fi” Bluetooth headphone.

V-Moda isn’t a particularly well-known brand, but it’s been around for just over a decade. The company, like many others in the space, began building earbuds and cheap headphones to replace lost Apple EarPods and other cheap in-box headphones, but again, like so many others in the space, saw the burgeoning potential of the audiophile market.

The Crossfade 2 Wireless are the company’s flagship Bluetooth headphone, modeled after its popular Crossfade M-100 wired model released a couple years back. It improves upon the original, released last year, in almost every way, with larger drivers, more reliable Bluetooth, better battery life, and more comfortable pads. And while the over-the-ear headphones’ looks may be divisive, their sound won’t be: these are incredibly good for the $349 price (though I’ve found them for nearly $100 less during sales).

What’s good

While the Crossfade 2 Wireless looks a bit aggressive with its hexagonal cups and contrast-forward dual-toned finish, I rather like the overall aesthetic. My rose gold version is the only one (for some reason) that supports Qualcomm’s aptX codec, which is increasingly being supported by most phones, for higher-quality audio, but I would have gone with this tone either way — I just think it looks good.

They look a bit aggressive, but they sound so, so smooth.

The cups themselves pivot gracefully on two hinges, making it easy to get the right fit around even the most stubbornly-shaped ear. Similarly, there is plenty of length within the customizable headband to accommodate even the largest heads. This is a headphone for all seasons. V-Moda considers the so-called SteelFlex headband to be “virtually indestructible,” and while I don’t plan on testing that theory, the whole outfit appears to robust and then some.

That the cups can be pushed upwards towards the headband to form a portable “pebble” shape is even better — V-Moda includes a carrying case to ward off abuse, but I’ve regularly thrown these in my bag sans protection with no ill effects.

There is a physical On switch on the rightmost cup along with three buttons — volume down, play/pause, volume up — and once learned they’re simple to press while wearing. And these things get loud. V-Moda aims the Crossfade series primarily at DJs, which would imply a bass-heavy sound, but the default sound profile is fairly flat, with punchy bass, buttery mids, and smooth, sibilance-free highs. I am in love with the sound from these (though I’ll admit to slightly preferring the sound from the slightly lighter wired V-Moda Crossfade M-100s, which appear to be nearly identical but for the wireless componentry).

The Crossfade 2s have almost no Bluetooth noise floor, which is impressive given that nearly every other pair I’ve tested, from Blue’s Satellites to Phiaton’s BT460s produce a fair amount of low-level static when they’re connected to even the cleanest of sources.

The soundstage is wide and inviting, with clean separation on even the most challenging of jazz or vocal tracks. But the headphones do come with a cable that includes phone volume controls and a microphone and, when plugged in, bypass the wireless components completely.

Comfort is a bonus here, too: I’ve worn these for hours at a time without noticing, especially since I can get 14 hours of battery from a charge. Yes, they charge with Micro-USB, but I have to plug them in so seldom it doesn’t really matter. And they work with the cord even when the cell is depleted.

Finally, despite not having active noise cancellation, the firm seal over the ears provides a fair amount of passive isolation that, while not great on planes, is good enough for the outside world. I’d rather wear these sitting in a coffee shop than the vast majority of larger, bulkier, heavier ANC headphones.

I’ve worn these for an entire eight-hour day without realizing it.

I’ve yet to encounter the company’s post-purchase warranty program (and I hope not to) but I hear that it’s quite good. It features a standard 1-year defective parts replacement schedule, which is normal, but there’s also a 60-day return policy for those who don’t like them, and an “Immortal Life” feature, which provides 50% off a replacement pair should they break out of warranty. Pretty generous if you ask me.

What needs works

My biggest gripe with the Crossfade 2 Wireless is the fact that the aptX codec, which enhances the quality of audio when connected to devices that support it, is only available on one model, the rose gold color that I picked up. The all-black or all-white models, which are some $20 cheaper, don’t come with it installed.

Now, of course, aptX is licensed for a fee and V-Moda is merely passing it on to the customer, but it’s short-sighted and confusing to the average person who knows little about the stuff but would benefit immensely from its presence. As much as I like the combination of black and rose gold, the other hues are inevitably going to be the most popular colors, and many buyers are going to miss out.

Others may find the lack of next and back buttons to be frustrating given that most headphones in this price range include such functionality, be it on the chassis itself or, like with Sony’s MDR1000X, a touch-sensitive gesture area. I didn’t much mind, but I did miss the ability to call on Google Assistant, which would allow me to skip tracks, adjust volume and do a whole bunch of other things without having to look at my phone.

The headphones, because they use a physical switch to turn on the wireless elements, have no auto-off functionality; more than once (in fact, nearly every time I leave the room) I forgot to turn them off, only to return to a pair of dead cans. While they only take three hours to recharge to full, I bemoan the auto-off functions that other, more intelligent (read: less analog) headphones have. I also wish the damn things charged via USB-C, but I’ve yet to find a pair of wireless headphones that do, so I guess I’ll just keep waiting. Also useful would be a battery indicator; it’s unclear when the Crossfades will die until I get the indication while I’m wearing them.

At between $320 and $350, depending on the model, many people are going to balk at this price, especially when you can get something like the aforementioned Sonys, or the popular Bose QC35s, for the same or less — and those come with Active Noise Cancellation.

Should you buy them? Definitely

I have been a big fan of V-Moda’s headphones and overall sound signature for a long time. When the company put out a wireless version of its Crossfade M-100s, I bought it sight-unseen and haven’t regretted the decision for a moment.

There are pieces of technology that just fit seamlessly into your life, and the Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones are such an example.

From an audio perspective, I have almost no complaints: they are punchy, accurate and fun. I don’t profess to be an audiophile, but I’m a discerning listener of nearly every genre of music, and I have yet to find an album that doesn’t sound fantastic. Moreover, I have a rack of headphones at my disposal, cheap and expensive, wired and wireless, and find myself constantly returning to the Crossfades. This isn’t by accident; my ears know what they like.

See at Amazon

Doomed luxury phone maker Vertu auctioning its concept phones for $26,000

Vertu is doing what it can to make up for spent R&D.

Vertu, known for premium Android handsets that sold for multiple thousands of dollars, announced earlier in 2017 that it would be closing its doors after being sold multiple times in recent years. The company took standard smartphone components, wrapped them in luxurious materials, bundled a concierge service and charged thousands of dollars for the privilege. It wasn’t something most people would use, nor something most people would likely encounter.

The company has now announced it would begin auctioning off its concept phones starting at a cool $26,000. This seems expensive, but it’s actually a steal in Vertu land: the lucky buyer gets his or her hands on 105 phones, making the average cost per phone a reasonable $250.

There’s no indication these are working prototypes, but they sure are pretty. There’s a healthy selection of touchscreen and old-school number pad phones, for those that want to spice things up even more.

Are you interested in owning the Vertu concept phones? Let us know down below!

Interested? Get bidding on the Vertu auction!