Motorola’s Moto X4 now works on Google Project Fi

Google’s efforts to disrupt the mobile carrier network have certainly proven popular for people who can feasibly use it, but it’s no secret that the rollout of Project Fi has been restricted by the narrow choice of handsets available. Now, the search giant has confirmed rumors that the hyped Motorola Moto X4, with Android One, will be the first non-Google phone to join the club.

The phone boasts a 16MP front-facing camera with a 12MP and 8MP dual system to the rear, ultra-fast charging and the “pure” Android experience, so it’s optimized for Google Assistant and Google Duo. It’s a relatively high-spec handset which justifies its $400 price tag, but some might argue this puts it at odds with other Android One devices, which generally fall into the budget category. Motorola isn’t great with software updates, but with Google onside to take care of patches and security, the Android-powered Moto X4 could breathe some new life into Project Fi and get the ball rolling for similar collaborations with other crowd-pulling phone-makers.

Source: Google

Toshiba’s chip drama ends with sale to a financial group

The long-running bidding war over Toshiba’s flash memory business has effectively come to an end… and the winner probably isn’t who you expected. Toshiba has agreed to sell its NAND division to a group led by the private equity firm Bain Capital for the equivalent of $18 billion. This isn’t going to please Western Digital, Toshiba’s partner in the US, but Toshiba expects the deal to survive any legal battles. The question is why — and whether or not Toshiba’s eagerness to sell might cost you in the long run.

While $18 billion is a lot, tech manufacturing giant Foxconn was reportedly offering as much as $28 billion with the support of heavyweights like Amazon and Apple. Clearly, money wasn’t the largest factor — more likely, it was a question of foreign ownership concerns on the part of officials. Bain may be American, but the group it leads includes Japanese companies. This move keeps a key business out of the hands of foreign tech rivals.

Whether or not it’s ultimately a good move is another matter. Private equity groups are frequently interested in recouping their investment quickly, and that could mean decisions that are more about short-term profit than your best interests. It may be tempted to drive flash prices up, which could affect the already rising prices for smartphones and solid-state drives. While a deal like this may be needed to keep competition alive (rivals like Samsung would have a field day otherwise), it could be far from ideal if you’re hoping to save money on your devices.

Via: Reuters

Source: Toshiba (PDF, translated)

Nintendo issues takedowns for ‘Super Mario 64 Online’ mod videos

Last week, modders released a tool that enabled folks to play the classic game Super Mario 64 online in massive multiplayer batches with up to 23 of their friends. To be clear, this was just a plugin that allowed folks who were already playing emulated ROMs of the game on a computer to roam together. Nevertheless, Nintendo caught wind and, predictably, served enough copyright takedown notices to pull the videos promoting the tool — and the main modder Kaze Emanuar’s Patreon account — offline.

Emanuar uploaded a new video (above) to his YouTube channel explaining why the others had been stricken from the internet. Crucially, Nintendo didn’t or couldn’t get the actual files for the tool taken down. As Emanuar points out, “the download is just a .EXE, they don’t own the .EXE.” Ergo, the SM64 plugin is still online and anyone can still grab it either on the project’s forum or from the supplementary details on his latest video.

Emanuar’s Patreon is another story. Nintendo apparently sent a second copyright infringement notification to the payment site, which chose to take down his account despite none of his donations coming in because of the Super Mario 64 Online project, Emanuar told Polygon. He hopes to get access to it again by removing anything infringing on it.

For the record, Nintendo was predictably quick to decimate this mod; Emanuar’s video announcing his earlier content was removed came three days after we posted about it. That’s how long it took the big N to knock down the last publicized effort to put Super Mario 64 online, which ported the game’s first level into browsers back in 2015.

Source: Polygon

Craig Federighi: Apple Has Considered Nightstand Mode for iPhone X

Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi has revealed that Apple has considered a Nightstand mode for iPhone X.

“This is definitely something we’ve considered,” said Federighi, in response to an email from MacRumors reader Zain, who asked whether a Nightstand mode on the iPhone X would be possible. “This probably makes the most sense for customers who charge their phone in a dock that tilts up the phone.”

However, Federighi noted that it’s “not currently super common” for people to charge their iPhones that way.

Nightstand mode is an Apple Watch feature that allows the watch to be used as a nightstand clock and an alarm clock while it is laying on its side and charging. The watch displays the time in large text, along with the date, the battery’s remaining charge, and an upcoming alarm if one is set.

When the Apple Watch is in Nightstand mode and isn’t being used, the display turns off. To see the display again, users tap it, press the Digital Crown or the side button, or lightly nudge the Apple Watch. Sometimes, even nudging or tapping the nightstand or other surface the watch is sitting on works.

Since the iPhone X can’t be positioned on its side by itself, it could be placed on a wireless charging pad with an angled stand, like this one from RAVPower. Coupled with new tap to wake functionality for the display, the idea of a Nightstand mode for iPhone X could make sense.

Apple could add Nightstand mode to iPhone X in a future update to iOS 11, but it’s possible they’ve already dismissed the idea.

Federighi has been replying to several customer emails over the past week following Apple’s iPhone X event at Steve Jobs Theater. MacRumors obtained full headers of this latest email, which can be traced back to Apple’s headquarters.

Related Roundup: iPhone X
Tags: Craig Federighi, Nightstand mode
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Intel’s Cannonlake Chips Allegedly Delayed Until End of 2018

Intel will not release its next-generation Cannonlake processors until the end of 2018, according to supply chain sources that spoke to DigiTimes.

Unsurprisingly, Intel is believed to be facing problems with its 10-nanometer process, leading to a series of delays. Cannonlake chips were initially set to debut as early as 2017, but have been pushed back several times.

However, Intel has reportedly been facing difficulties with its 10nm process. The Cannon Lake processors, originally set for launch in 2017, have seen their launch schedule revised three times: first to the end of 2017 or early 2018, then to the mid-2018, and now the end of 2018, the sources noted.

If Intel doesn’t get Cannonlake out until later in 2018, it could be followed shortly by Intel’s Ice Lake chips, made on Intel’s 10nm+ process. There’s already been some confusion about Cannonlake, as Intel has been referring to Ice Lake as the successor to Coffee Lake, making it unclear just how Cannonlake fits in.

According to DigiTimes, some manufacturers are already planning to skip out on the Cannonlake generation to wait for Ice Lake chips, and others are revising their notebook plans following Intel’s delays.

As for Apple, Cannonlake delays have the potential to impact upgrade plans for the low-power MacBook models but are unlikely to cause problems for other notebook upgrades.

Cannonlake is a low voltage chipset not appropriate for machines like the MacBook Pro, with the next-generation of those machines like to adopt Intel’s as of yet to be released 14nm++ Coffee Lake chips or the eighth-generation Intel chips announced in August, which are part of a Kaby Lake Refresh.

Related Roundup: MacBook
Tags: Intel, Coffee Lake, Cannonlake, Ice Lake
Buyer’s Guide: MacBook (Buy Now)
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How to Use the New One-Handed Keyboard in iOS 11

There are a lot of little small tweaks and feature changes buried in iOS 11, and an option for a one-handed keyboard is one of them. With the one-handed keyboard, the entire on-screen keyboard can be shifted to either the left or the right so you can type more comfortably with a single hand even with a phone as large as the iPhone 7 Plus.

The feature is compatible with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones, although it appears it may not work on 4.7-inch iPhones if display zoom has been turned on.

Once you know the feature is available it’s easy to get to and activate, as long as you have multiple keyboards turned on in Settings. Here’s how:

With the keyboard open, long press on the globe or the emoji symbol if you have the emoji keyboard activated. A simple tap won’t work because this brings up emoji or other keyboard options.
At the bottom of the display, there are three keyboard options: shifted left, centered, and shifted right. Choose right or left to pick one of the one-handed keyboards.
With the one-handed keyboard enabled, the keys are shifted to the left or right by about an inch on the iPhone 7 Plus. The keys remain off-center for as long as you’re using the keyboard, unless you tap the large white arrow.

Tapping on that arrow returns the keyboard to its standard center position, and you’ll need to repeat the above steps to get it to shift over again.

If you don’t have multiple keyboards set up, you’ll need to either turn on another keyboard by navigating to the Keyboards option within the General section of your Settings app or manually turn on one-handed keyboard to the left or right on that same page.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
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Hackers Using iCloud’s Find My iPhone Feature to Remotely Lock Macs and Demand Ransom Payments

Over the last day or two, several Mac users appear to have been locked out of their machines after hackers signed into their iCloud accounts and initiated a remote lock using Find My iPhone.

With access to an iCloud user’s username and password, Find My iPhone on iCloud.com can be used to “lock” a Mac with a passcode even with two-factor authentication turned on, and that’s what’s going on here.

Apple allows users to access Find My iPhone without requiring two-factor authentication in case a person’s only trusted device has gone missing.

2-factor authentication not required to access Find My iPhone and a user’s list of devices.
Affected users who have had their iCloud accounts hacked are receiving messages demanding money for the passcode to unlock a locked Mac device.

Y’all my MacBook been locked and hacked. Someone help me @apple @AppleSupport pic.twitter.com/BE110TMgSv

— Jovan (@bunandsomesauce) September 16, 2017

The usernames and passwords of the iCloud accounts affected by this “hack” were likely found through various site data breaches and have not been acquired through a breach of Apple’s servers.

Impacted users likely used the same email addresses, account names, and passwords for multiple accounts, allowing people with malicious intent to figure out their iCloud details.

It’s easy to lock a Mac with a passcode in Find My iPhone if you have someone’s Apple ID and password.
To prevent an issue like this, Apple users should change their Apple ID passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and never use the same password twice. Products like 1Password, LastPass, and even Apple’s own iCloud Keychain are ideal ways to generate and store new passwords for each and every website.

So a hacker gained access to my iCloud account (despite two-factor authorization) while I was asleep this morning.

— Jason Caffoe (@jcaffoe) September 20, 2017

Users who have had their Macs locked will need to get in contact with Apple Support for assistance with removing the Find My iPhone lock.

(Thanks, Eli!)

Tags: hack, Find My iPhone
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Apple Watch Support in Apple’s Upcoming AirPower Mat Limited to Series 3 Models

Apple is developing an “AirPower” wireless charging mat that’s designed to charge an iPhone 8/8/Plus, an Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time, and there’s been some confusion about whether it will work with existing Apple Watch models or only the new Series 3 devices.

While some sites have suggested AirPower will work with all Apple Watch models, Apple’s own documentation tells a different story. The Apple Watch comparison page lists “Supports AirPower mat” as a feature for the LTE and non-LTE Series 3 Apple Watches, but support is not included for the Series 1 device.

Because all Apple Watch models already feature inductive charging, it’s logical to guess that they might all work with the AirPower, but it seems special hardware will be required, and that hardware is only available in new models. Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 owners will need to continue using their existing chargers once the AirPower launches.

A simple oval-shaped white charging mat, Apple is building new networking technology into the AirPower to allow it to charge multiple devices at once. Along with an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X and the Apple Watch Series 3, the AirPower can charge AirPods in a new wireless charging AirPods case that’s set to be released sometime in the future.

Because AirPower uses a new charging standard for supporting multiple devices, it won’t be available for purchase until 2018. Pricing is not yet available.

With the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X, Apple has embraced the Qi wireless charging standard. Apple’s newest iPhones will charge with any Qi-certified device, and after Apple releases the AirPower, the company plans to share the technology with the Qi community so other companies can make multi-device charging accessories.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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iPhone X Production Faces Further Delays, Will Start in Mid-October

Final production on the iPhone X has yet to start, even though Apple will begin taking orders for the device in just over a month. Raymond James chip analyst Christopher Caso conducted supply chain checks this morning and then shared what he learned about Apple’s production schedule in an investor’s note obtained by Barron’s.

According to Caso, while there were already production delays affecting the iPhone X, further delays have occurred recently. He says production is set to start in mid-October, later than earlier predictions. With additional delays, full production ramp up will be delayed into the December quarter.

Interestingly, while the industry widely anticipated a shift in iPhone ramp timing, our checks suggest there was an incremental delay in the build plans – with orders firmed up as recently as last week – shifting production more into the December quarter.

While our checks are ongoing, initial feedback from our meetings suggests that final production of iPhone X has not yet begun, with production expected to commence in mid-October. That production start is about a month later when compared to expectations a month ago, and about 2 months later than expectations at the end of June. Notably, this is consistent with commentary from Diodes last week suggesting the timing had changed since reporting June quarter results and is important as it relates to tone and expectations for the December quarter.

We’ve already known the iPhone X is going to be severely constrained, but hints of further delays suggest supplies could be more restricted than originally thought.

With the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus seemingly not garnering as much interest from customers as previous smartphones launched in fall, it seems there could be quite a lot of Apple fans who are holding out for the iPhone X.

It could be months before Apple has adequate supply to meet demand for the $999 device. Reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, for example, has said it could take well into 2018 for Apple to fill all orders.

The iPhone X will be available for pre-order on October 27, with the device to officially launch on November 3. Pre-orders will undoubtedly sell out rapidly so all but the luckiest customers may need to wait for several weeks to get their hands on one of the new flagship devices.

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, launching this Friday, should be readily available at retail stores around the world.

Related Roundup: iPhone X
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Apple Highlighting 4K HDR Movies in iTunes Ahead of Apple TV 4K Launch

Ahead of the launch of the Apple TV 4K, Apple has updated its iTunes Store on Mac, iOS, and Apple TV with several sections highlighting a range of 4K HDR movies that are available to purchase or rent.

The 4K section lists dozens of movies broken down into categories like New Releases, Visually Stunning, Action & Adventure, Drama, Comedies, and more.

Quite a few new releases are available in 4K, including Wonder Woman, Baby Driver, Alien: Covenant, Logan, John Wick: Chapter 2, La La Land, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Apple first began making 4K content available for purchase late last week. Apple’s 4K movies are available at the same price as HD movies, with new releases typically available for $19.99.

iTunes customers who have already purchased HD quality content can expect to see their HD films upgraded to 4K at no additional cost.

4K iTunes content will be available on the Apple TV 4K, set to launch this Friday, September 22. Pricing on the 4K Apple TV starts at $179 for 32GB of storage.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: iTunes
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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