Trump’s chief of staff reportedly used ‘compromised’ phone for months
John Kelly, the White House’s chief of staff, spent months using a “compromised” personal cell phone, according to a new report from Politico. Despite noticing limited functionality on his personal device — it wouldn’t update its software correctly, for one, Kelly didn’t contact the White House’s tech support team sometime this summer. That was months after the strange behavior began, leading officials to believe the attack on his phone could’ve happened as far as back as December 2016.
Of the many questions this situation raises, two stand out: Was any data on Kelly’s personal phone obtained, and if so, was it in any way sensitive? Since the affected device was Kelly’s personal phone, it’s possible that there was no valuable information on it to obtain. The chief of staff mostly used his government-issued phone for official communications since joining the Trump administration, though it’s clearly not impossible for senior White House officials to use their personal phones for official business. Still, a White House spokesperson told Politico that Kelly hadn’t used his personal phone “often” after taking over as chief of staff, implying that it did happen from time to time.
The report raises the possibility that Kelly kept information pertaining to his previous gig as the Secretary of Homeland Security on the phone, but neither he nor anyone else related to the incident has commented on what’s actually on the device.
Still other specifics remain similarly vague. Despite “several days” of testing, there is currently no word on how the attack was carried out. It’s also unclear what kind of phone Kelly was using as a personal device, though he has been seen using an iPhone in the past. This matters more than you might think: older devices are eventually dropped from manufacturer support schedules so they typically don’t get new software and security updates, making them more vulnerable to attacks that new phones would better resist. The exact timing of the hack also remains unclear, and while a memo detailing the incident was distributed to administration staff, no one within the White House seems ready to assign blame just yet.
Source: Politico
Facebook Testing Mac and PC Apps for Workplace
Facebook quietly launched two official Facebook Workplace desktop apps for the Mac and PC, TechCrunch discovered this afternoon. Workplace is Facebook’s enterprise collaboration software designed to compete with Slack and other similar business apps.
The apps are available as a beta, with download links located in the Help section for Workplace. The apps are designed to allow users to communicate with their coworkers through chat, messaging, and screen sharing features. A Workplace spokesperson told TechCrunch that Mac and PC apps were a highly requested feature.
Workplace by Facebook spokesperson Vanessa Chan confirmed the launch of the desktop app to TechCrunch, saying “This was one of the most widely requested features by customers, so we built it. The desktop app is still in beta and being tested by Workplace customers who are providing feedback that we’ll use to improve the product before a wider rollout.”
Prior to the release of the Workplace desktop apps, Workplace by Facebook was only accessible via a browser window, and as TechCrunch points out, it’s easy to lose a single browser tab among many other tabs.
While the Facebook desktop apps are limited to Workplace, it’s possible Facebook could be testing the waters for an official Facebook or Facebook Messenger desktop app in the future.
Tag: Facebook
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Nokia Body Scale review
With nine months of the year already in the book, it won’t be too long before we’re making plans for New Years Eve. Moreover, it’s about to dust off the ol’ resolution. For many people this means a pledge to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle.
While there are plenty of apps which are tremendous for counting calories and eating smarter, sometimes we need a little more help. To that end, a smart scale makes for a great accessory to have in the home.
One such scale, the Nokia (formerly Withings) Body, is a tempting option. Thanks to an affordable price point ($59.95) and a solid list of features, it’s an excellent device to have in the bathroom.
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Available in black or white finishes the Nokia Body is essentially a traditional weight scale with BMI measurement. It can identify up to eight users, including babies, with the ability to set goals for weight. Moreover, it helps with calorie counting and budgeting as well as nutrition tracking.
The Nokia Body will automatically synchronize via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and tracks weight in both kilograms and pounds. There are Android (5.0+) and iOS (8.0+) apps available which give users the ability to see progress; the Health Mate app also tracks activity, sleep, weight, heart, and environment.
In addition to using the Health Mate options, the Nokia Body also integrates nicely with third party apps such as MyFitnessPal, WeightWatchers, Google Fit and dozens of others.
The Nokia Body has a glass-fronted design which has sleek and very modern aesthetics. It offers up a 2.4-inch x 1.6-inch display which has both text and graphics capabilities. We found the glass to be cool to the touch but it was prone to pick up smudges.
There are four weight sensors in the scale with a body position detector. Step onto it and you’ll have screen arrows to help you shift your weight. Power comes in the form of 4 AAA batteries which ought to last for a good 18 months. There are four feet attachments you can put on the bottom of the scale to adapt it to carpet. Otherwise, feel free to place it on a hard surface such as wood, tile, or laminate.
Setup on the Nokia Health Mate app was pretty straightforward; pairing was simple in that you hold down the sync button (on bottom) to put it into the Bluetooth pairing mode. Walking through the initial app process you’re able to create a profile and setup Wi-Fi network settings, too.
The app lets users configure what displays on the scale whenever it is stepped on. Want to see the weather forecast? How about what your weight trend is over the last few readings? These are a simple as a toggle inside of the app and can be found fairly easy.
While the Nokia Body does automatically detect up to eight users, it’s based off of weight. So, should you have two people in the house with similar weight, you may have to manually assign a weigh-in. The scale will hold up to seven readings in the internal memory so, if you run into issues with synchronization, you should be good for few times.
The scale works well on its own; however, things get better if you’re using other Nokia/Withings products (See: Withings Steel review). This way you’ll have all of your details inside of the Health Mate app. But, thanks to the integration with other apps, you can still capture details with the scale that talk to other clients you may already be using.
One thing to keep in mind about BMI measurement with a device like the Nokia Body is that it relates primarily to height and weight. So, even if you’re not overly heavy and have a solid, muscular physique, you can still be listed with a high BMI. In other words it may not be that useful to some users.
The Nokia Health Mate has gotten much better over the last few updates. The most recent version is easy on the eyes with a clean layout and simple navigation. You may find yourself spending time in other apps, but when you’re in Nokia’s, you’ll have a decent amount of information. Those seeking other metrics such as heart health or full body composition are advised to check out the Nokia Body+ ($100) or the Nokia Body Cardio ($180).
ZTE Blade Z Max review
With the rise of the ultra-premium smartphone, some current generation flagships are hitting all time price-highs. Fortunately, some OEMs have continued to focus on and improve things at the lower end of the price spectrum as well.
Today’s budget-friendly smartphones are as affordable and reliable as ever, but what can we really expect from a device that costs just a tenth of what some of the highest-end offerings will set you back? Let’s find out what the ZTE Blade Z Max has to offer!
Design
The first thing is striking about the the Blade Z Max is its size. This is an unapologetically large smartphone. Its design is reminiscent of a time before the screen-to-body ratio defined a phone and ultra-large displays were squeezed into relatively compact bodies.
The thick upper and lower bezels are particularly glaring, though they provide plenty of finger room while holding the device in landscape orientation. After using a few near bezel-less phones recently, I have to say that this is actually a comfort that I kind of miss.
Given how affordable it is, the Blade Z Max manages to pull off a rather appealing aesthetic, with what seems like a lot of attention to detail. It lacks premium materials, but doesn’t feel cheap. The durable plastic back comes with a textured honeycomb design, providing much needed grip to an otherwise large and unwieldy phone. While the frame is also made of plastic, it features a metallic finish to give the phone a premium look.
Given how affordable it is, the Blade Z Max lacks premium materials, but doesn’t feel cheap.
Taking a look around the device, everything seems to be the appropriate place. The volume rocker and the textured power button are on the right. The headphone jack and the USB-C port are at the bottom. The SIM card and microSD card combo tray is to the left. The single speaker unit can be found on the back.
Display
One of the highlights of the Blade Z Max is its huge 6-inch IPS LCD display that comes with a Full HD resolution and resulting pixel density of 367 ppi. It’s not be a contender for sharpest smartphone display, but it is extremely capable in its own right.
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Colors are accurate and quite vivid. Viewing angles aren’t an issue. The brightness is enough to allow for comfortable outdoor viewing. There isn’t much, if any, light bleed in low-light situations. Darker shades appeared to be uniform across the display. The front of the phone is covered with a 2.5D scratch resistant glass panel that provides some protection and a touch of style with the finger-friendly smooth, rounded edges.
Performance
Under the hood, the ZTE Blade Z Max comes with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor. Everything runs as smooth as can be expected. The device takes advantage of its stock-like software experience to keep things snappy. Apps may take a touch longer to load, but aside from that, the overall performance has been pretty good.
With only 2 GB of RAM, the Blade Z Max is hardly a multi-tasking powerhouse.
The Adreno 505 GPU holds its own for gaming. I didn’t see much in the way of dropped frames or laggy gameplay, even with the performance settings set to maximum in many cases.
One thing that may be a point of contention is the fact that the device comes with only 2 GB of RAM and therefore is hardly a multi-tasking powerhouse. However, there weren’t many instances where the lack of RAM resulted in poor performance. You could bog things down and cause unwanted refreshes by keeping a lot of apps open at the same time, but you should have no complaints with average usage.
Hardware
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The Blade Z Max comes with 32 GB of built-in storage that is further expandable via microSD card up to an additional 128 GB.
While the phone’s single speaker unit gets decently loud, its rear-firing placement isn’t ideal and the audio quality itself isn’t the best. There is very little low to mid-range presence which unfortunately results in an overall thin and tinny listening experience.
Also within easy reach on the back is the fingerprint scanner. This sensor is without a doubt one of the best I’ve used with a performance that rivals far more expensive phones out there. The scanner is extremely accurate and quick to unlock the device. It never failed to read my fingerprint. The fact that you get this kind of fingerprint sensor performance with an ultra-affordable smartphone is truly a testament to how advanced biometric technology has become.
One of the advantages of such a large smartphone is how much room it has for a battery, and the Blade Z Max is no exception with its 4,080 mAh unit. The phone can easily provide a full day of use and you may even be able to push that to two days with average usage. The large battery will take a while to fully charge, but support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 helps it along.
The ZTE Blade Z Max can easily provide a full day of use with its 4,080 mAh battery.
Camera
The standout feature of the ZTE Z Blade Max is definitely its cameras, with this being one of very few budget smartphones to feature a dual camera setup on the back.
There is a respectable 8 MP front-facing shooter, which comes with a fairly standard field of view and a few different ways to take a selfie. Apart from the shutter button, you can take a shot with a tap of the fingerprint scanner, or by simply smiling in the frame. A beauty mode is available for smoothing out skin tone and blemishes. A small picture-in-picture window also functions as a viewfinder to allow for the rest of the screen to be used as a flash.
On the back is a dual camera setup comprised of a 16 MP main sensor that is paired with a 2 MP secondary unit that allows for artificial depth of field style effects, similar to what is available with some higher-end phones.
In normal shooting conditions, the image quality is about what you would expect from an affordable device with a mid-range camera. It is capable of taking some decent looking shots in well-lit situations with images that are sharp, with a good amount of detail. However, the color reproduction, dynamic range, and the ability to shoot in low-light suffers a bit.
In normal shooting conditions, image quality is about what you would expect from an affordable device.
The shutter speed is also not the fastest, so you will need a steady hand. The phone takes a even longer to process each image when using its burst mode.
Available shooting modes include panorama, time lapse, and multi-exposure. There is also a rather robust manual mode, which is something that you don’t usually see in this price range. You get granular control over aspects like ISO, exposure, white balance, and focus, and the built-in horizon level is a nice inclusion. Also available is a histogram to further fine tune your shots, and you also have the option to shoot using different metering modes and resolutions.
Selecting the dual lens option brings up the portrait, bokeh, and monocolor modes. The much-sought-after portrait mode will let you snap a shot, and the phone will process the image and add the background blur for you.
Unless you frame the shot perfectly, this is pretty much what you can expect most of the time. There is also no way to make adjustments to the image in any way.
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On the other hand, the bokeh mode offers more control over how much background blur is added. There’s an f-stop slider at the bottom, which imitates what your depth of field would look like with different apertures. The nice thing is that you can make this adjustment even after the photo is taken. The level of control here is good to have, but unfortunately, the overall performance is quite similar to what you get with the portrait mode.
The camera is definitely capable of getting the shot right, but more often than not, it is dependent on the shooting scenario and requires a lot of patience. The dual camera setup may not be at the same level as its higher-end counterparts, but for now, it is a pleasant indication of what the future has in store for budget phone cameras.
Software
On the software side of things, the Blade Z Max is running Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box and ZTE has opted to keep the UI very close to stock Android. Software features like split screen have been implemented well and allow you to make full use of the large display.
Other notable inclusions are the ability to double tap the power button to quickly launch the camera, the option to swap the positions of the capacitive navigation keys, being able to use the capacitive home button as a notification light, and using the fingerprint scanner to directly open apps from standby.
Specifications
| Display | 6-inch IPS LCD display 1920 x 1080 resolution, 367 ppi |
| Processor | 1.4 GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor Adreno 505 GPU |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB expandable via microSD up to 128 GB |
| Camera | 16 MP + 2 MP dual rear cameras 8 MP front-facing camera |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 A-GPS USB-C 1.0 |
| Battery | 4,080 mAh |
| Software | Android 7.1.1 Nougat |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 84.6 x 8.4 mm 175 grams |
Gallery
Pricing and final thoughts
The ZTE Blade Z Max brings a lot to the table with its dual camera setup, fingerprint scanner, large display, and even larger battery. The only small thing about this device is its price point. While initially launched at a very affordable $130, the device is currently available from MetroPCS for just $99!
This is certainly an ambitious smartphone from ZTE, and while it may not excel at all that it tries to offer, it succeeds a lot more than it fails. Regardless of the results, by introducing some usually high-end features in this price range, it is only going to encourage more manufacturers to follow suit.
Wirecutter’s best deals: Mackie CR3 speakers drop to $70
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here.
You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot—some of these sales could expire mighty soon.
Mackie CR3 Computer Speakers
Street price: $100; Deal price: $70 with code OCTOBER17
This is the lowest price we’ve seen on our top computer speakers after you apply coupon code OCTOBER17 in cart. Once applied, the price falls to $69, $10 cheaper than usual deal pricing and over $30 off the current street price. Shipping is free. The Mackie CR3 speakers are our top pick in our guide to the best computer speakers. John Higgins wrote, “With more inputs, outputs, and control features than most speakers, plus solid audio performance, we think the Mackie CR3 pair are the best active computer speakers for most people. Their sound profile favors the midrange and vocals, and they create nice open highs, though the small woofer size limits the low end. Their price makes them an easy upgrade for anyone looking for decent speakers for music, movies, or computer games.
Proform 505 CST Treadmill
Street price: $600; Deal price: $500
At $500, this is the best price we’ve seen on this treadmill. As it usually costs $600, this is an excellent time to pick one up for yourself or the avid runner or walker in your life as winter approaches. While stock is somewhat low, more are on the way. Shipping is free.
The ProForm 505 CST Treadmill is the top pick in our guide to the best treadmill. Shannon Palus wrote, “The ProForm 505 CST has all the features most people need while also being one of the least expensive treadmills that we considered. The machine goes up to 10 miles per hour, inclines up to 10 percent, and has a speedy motor that can adjust those settings much faster than some of its pricier competitors. The ProForm comes with 18 interval programs, and the buttons in the interface are intuitively laid out. The console has two large water bottle holders, and there are two big media shelves that make it easy to read or watch a tablet while you work out. The belt is 55 inches long and the weight capacity is 325 pounds, specs that accommodate most walkers and runners. (If you are an especially tall runner, over 6 feet, look to our upgrade pick.) The warranty is the best we’ve seen for treadmills in its price range. Like all treadmills we tested, the belt on the 505 CST folds up to save a small amount of floor space when it’s not in use.”
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote + Echo Dot
Street price: $90; Deal price: $60
A nice bundled deal that includes two of our picks for just $60. The Amazon Fire TV stick has had a typical street price of $40, while the Echo Dot has had a street price of $50. While both have seen regular deals that drop them into the $30s, it’s very rare to see either of them stick at a deal price for long. While Amazon is offering some newer streaming stick options and a bevy of new speaker options, this is still a tremendous deal to get these two at this price. Shipping is free.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is our runner-up pick in our guide to the best media streamers. Chris Heinonen wrote, “Improved search features and an overhauled interface make the Amazon Fire TV Stick our new runner-up. You can’t customize the interface as much as you can with the Roku, and its app selection is more limited, but it includes Amazon’s Alexa voice-controlled assistant, letting you make queries far beyond just a movie’s title. It’s starting to offer direct access to titles inside your favorite streaming services without having to launch the corresponding app, but it still does push Amazon content over other companies’ offerings and it isn’t quite as fast as the Roku.”
The Echo Dot is an option we like in our in our guide on Amazon Echo vs. Google Home. Grant Clauser wrote, “For a lot less than the full-size Echo, and with the ability to connect wirelessly to your choice of speaker or sound system, the Echo Dot 2 is a smart option.”
L.L.Bean Signature Leather Briefcase
Street price: $250; Deal price: $200 with code FALL20
Get 20 percent off with code FALL20 on our budget leather briefcase pick. When applied in cart, the code knocks the usual price of $250 down to $200, an excellent discount on an item that rarely sees sales. Shipping is free.
The L.L. Bean Signature Leather Briefcase is our budget leather briefcase pick in our guide to our favorite briefcases. Tim Barribeau wrote, “If you’re interested in a fairly informal leather briefcase but are deterred by the $400 to $500 price tags on many designs, you might like the L.L.Bean Signature Leather Briefcase, a nice bag with soft leather available for much less. It gives you some of the cultural cachet of a leather bag but at a lower price—and it also comes with L.L.Bean’s lifetime guarantee, so if anything happens to this bag, you know the company will deal with you fairly.”
Because great deals don’t just happen on Thursday, sign up for our daily deals email and we’ll send you the best deals we find every weekday. Also, deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to thewirecutter.com.
Google removes Android Wear section from its online store
Google may have unveiled gobs of hardware at its October 4th event, but it also took something away in the process: namely, the Android Wear section of its online store. You won’t see any mention of it on the shop, and this year’s reference smartwatches (the LG Watch Sport and Watch Style) are listed as “no longer available.” Needless to say, that instituted some panic at first. Was Google backing away from its wearable platform? Thankfully, no — although the move raises some concerns.
As Google’s Hoi Lam has explained, this is a reflection of Google’s latest sales strategy. It’s only carrying “Google made hardware,” which rules out the LG-branded devices even though Google had a helping hand in their creation. This is why Google helped create custom Android Wear storefronts at internet retailers like Amazon, Lam added. Android Wear is theoretically more accessible even though it’s a no-show at Google’s storefront. And it’s important to stress that Google isn’t being picky, as it ditched all other Chromebooks besides the Pixelbook.
Even so, it’s hard not to see this as unfortunate. When there are no Android Wear products in the store, it has that much less official representation. Someone shopping for a Pixel 2 might not even realize that Android Wear is an option if they aren’t paying close attention to the tech industry. And of course, you now have to shop at a separate store if you’re planning to get everything at once. Android Wear is still healthy (Fossil’s watches in particular appear to be doing well), but it just lost a bit of added exposure.
Via: Android Police, 9to5Google
Source: Hoi Lam (Twitter 1), (2), (3)
The best USB-C adapters, cables, and hubs for old accessories
By Nick Guy
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read the full article here.
After 10 hours of preliminary research, we tested more than 25 USB-C accessories to put together this guide to the best ways to connect peripherals and devices to a USB-C–equipped computer. It’s by no means exhaustive. USB-C can, in theory, replace every other port, and there are a seemingly infinite number of port combinations you might encounter. We focused on the most important tasks you’ll likely face, such as connecting older peripherals like hard drives and hooking up an external display.
How we picked and tested
Each type of adapter or connector we evaluated required different kinds of testing, but we were able to use some common tests across the board. Our main testing machine was a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports), with ancillary testing done using a 2016 Dell XPS 13, our pick for the best Windows ultrabook. We tested the data-transfer speed of the USB ports on hubs and adapters using our favorite flash drive from SanDisk with the AJA System Test app, repeating the test three times per device. To test USB-C–to–USB-A cables, we connected Samsung’s Portable SSD T3 (one of the fastest drives with a USB-C connection) to the Dell XPS 13 and ran CrystalDiskMark.
We tested video adapters using a Dell P2715Q (our pick for the best 4K display), Intel’s Skull Canyon NUC computer, an older VGA monitor, and a 1080p TV. We measured the refresh rate using the Blur Busters Motion Tests.
For connecting older USB gear: USB-C–to–USB-A adapter
You can use two Aukey adapters simultaneously on the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models, but it’s a tight fit. Photo: Kimber Streams
If there’s a single accessory most people with a USB-C–only computer will need, it’s a USB-C–to–USB-A adapter. Available as either a small nub or a short cable, this kind of adapter lets you connect legacy USB accessories, including flash drives and cables, that have a traditional USB-A plug. We tested nine adapters and found that they all work equally well. Our favorite nub-style adapter is Aukey’s CB-A1-2, available in a two-pack for less than $10. The plastic-bodied dongle is a little over an inch from end to end, about half an inch wide, and barely thicker than the USB plug that you’ll connect to it.
If you prefer a short cable over a nub adapter, go with Anker’s USB-C to USB 3.1 Adapter. The black cable feels sturdy and has solid housings at the ends. The advantage of a cable over a nub is that it moves the connector away from the computer a bit—about 5 inches in this case—which can make connecting bulkier devices without blocking other ports easier.
For video, USB-A, and charging from a single USB-C port
The Sanho (left) and Satechi (right) models are identical, inside and out. Photo: Kimber Streams
Our favorite adapters for adding USB-A ports, connecting to HDMI displays, and powering your computer at the same time are Sanho’s HyperDrive USB Type-C Hub and Satechi’s Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter. They’re identical in every way, including design, performance, and MSRP. Each consists of a solid-feeling aluminum block that connects to your computer via a permanently attached, 6-inch USB-C cable. On one edge are two USB 3.0 ports and a USB-C port—the latter only for passthrough charging—and a single HDMI port is found on the end opposite the cable. Unfortunately, each USB port provides a maximum of only 0.45 amps to connected devices, so neither adapter is well-suited for charging devices or powering bus-powered hard drives.
For video only: USB-C–to–DisplayPort cable
The Cable Matters USB-C–to–DisplayPort cable has a clip to keep the DisplayPort plug securely connected to your monitor. Photo: Kimber Streams
If you’re connecting to a DisplayPort-based monitor, you’ll need a dedicated cable—none of the adapters we tested include a DisplayPort port. (If you’ve got a MacBook with only a single USB-C port, you’ll instead need to use an HDMI-to-DisplayPort cable with one of the adapters with an HDMI port.) Every USB-C–to–DisplayPort cable we tested worked perfectly, offering a pixel-perfect image and full 60 Hz performance, even at 4K. That said, we recommend Cable Matters’s USB-C to DisplayPort 4K 60 Hz Cable if it’s available. It’s the only one of the three cables we tested that has a clip on the DisplayPort plug housing to hold the plug in place—you have to squeeze the clip to release the cable from the port.
For multiple older USB devices: USB-A hub
Photo: Kimber Streams
For those who don’t need video output but still want passthrough power and multiple ports for older peripherals, we like HooToo’s HT-UC004 Shuttle USB 3.1 Type-C Hub. It’s wider and thicker than the HDMI-equipped adapters from Satechi and Sanho, but a lot less expensive. In addition to a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery for passthrough charging, it includes three USB 3.0 ports, as well as an SD card slot—the latter something we didn’t consider necessary for this category, but a nice extra. However, as with other adapters, the HooToo’s USB ports provide only a disappointing 0.45 amps for charging—you won’t be able to charge phones or tablets at anything near full speed, and some bus-powered devices, such as hard drives, may not work properly.
For power and data between USB-C devices: USB-C–to–USB-C cable
Photo: Kimber Streams
Chance are you’ll eventually need a USB-C–to–USB-C cable for charging and connecting USB-C devices. You’ll find a ton of inexpensive options, and though we’d normally lean toward saving a few bucks on cables, that’s not worth the risk with USB-C: Some cables that don’t adhere to the USB-C specification can actually fry your computer. You should spend a little bit more to get something that’s verified to work safely with your machine.
Based on the testing he and Google engineer Benson Leung have done, Nathan K., a member of Google’s Top Contributors Program and an independent USB-C accessory tester, recommends J5Create’s JUCX01 in his accessory guide, where it’s ranked “definitely get.” We tested the cable ourselves, and though our tests weren’t as exhaustive, the cable worked well for us. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds of up to 10 Gbps, as well as 5-amp and 100-watt charging, and it’s USB-IF certified. Put simply, it will charge your computer as fast as possible (as long as you’re using the right charger) and will move data as fast as USB can. Every JUCX01 also has a unique serial number, so if the company ever has a recall or support issue, you’ll know if your cable is affected.
If you’re not concerned about moving data at the fastest speeds, Apple’s USB-C Charge Cable is a great charge cable that’s a bit less expensive than our top pick. (Just be sure to get model MLL82AM/A in a rectangular, not square, box.) It offers 5-amp, 100-watt charging (the most power USB-C is designed to provide), but supports only USB 2.0 data speeds, so it will be considerably slower than the J5Create if you’re transferring data.
For charging USB-C devices: USB-C charger
Photo: Kimber Streams
In 2015, PCWorld ran a test comparing USB-C chargers across different laptops and found that no single charger could even charge every computer, let alone charge them all rapidly. For this reason, we recommend using whichever charger came with your computer, or an adapter specifically recommended by your computer’s vendor. If it’s too difficult or expensive to replace your computer’s stock charger, we like Apple’s 61W USB-C Power Adapter because it’s widely available and works with many non-Apple devices. You can read about this adapter and our other recommendations in our guide to USB-C chargers.
For connecting to VGA projectors and displays: USB-C–to–VGA adapter
Photo: Kimber Streams
If you need to connect to a projector or an older monitor with a VGA connection, the best option is Kanex’s USB-C to VGA Adapter. All the adapters we tested worked equally well, pushing out 1920×1080 resolution at 60 Hz. The Kanex model is one of the least expensive we found, it comes from a very reputable brand, and it has the longest cable of any VGA adapter we tested—a longer adapter cable gives you more flexibility for connecting video cables, and reduces the stress those heavy cables put on your computer’s ports.
For connecting to HDMI monitors and TVs: USB-C–to–HDMI adapter
Photo: Kimber Streams
The best way to connect a USB-C computer to a high-definition TV or monitor, even at 4K resolution, is to use Anker’s USB-C to HDMI Adapter. All five of the adapters we found that promise a 60 Hz refresh rate worked as advertised. The Anker is our pick because it’s fairly inexpensive, it has a nice metal body, and it works with the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro. Some other models either explicitly warn that they don’t work with the newest Macs or have customer reviews claiming as much.
For connecting to legacy chargers and older computers and peripherals: USB-C–to–USB-A cable
If you’d like to connect a USB-C device to an older computer or charger that has only USB-A ports, you’ll need a USB-C–to–USB-A cable. If you’re concerned more about charging speeds than data-transfer speeds, we recommend Anker’s PowerLine USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable. Much like Anker’s Micro-USB and Lightning versions of the cable, this one features a simple design and good construction at an affordable price. We saw power draw approaching 3 amps when we plugged it into a high-amperage USB-A port, and its data speeds were on a par with every other USB 3.0 cable we tested.
At this point, very few devices support the 10 Gbps data rate that USB 3.1 Gen 2 cables can offer, so we don’t think most people need to spend the extra money on a Gen 2 cable. If you can take advantage of those speeds or would like to future-proof, we recommend Google’s USB-C to USB-A Cable. It matches the charging rates we’d expect, and though we measured read speeds of 3.49 Gbps and write speeds of 3.32 Gbps on the USB 3.1 Gen 1 Samsung T3, it’ll theoretically support faster speeds with faster devices. The build quality is also really nice: The cable is thinner than that of many other models, and the well-designed strain-relief collars should help prevent breakage over time. It even has a built-in plastic clip for keeping the cable coiled.
For connecting to DVI displays and projectors: DVI adapter
We found only a handful of DVI adapters that claim to handle 1920×1080 resolution at 60 Hz, and the best among them is StarTech’s USB-C to DVI Cable. Unlike the other adapters we tested, this one doesn’t require a separate DVI cable: It has a USB-C plug on one end and a male DVI connector on the other. In our tests, the resolution and refresh rate were exactly as promised.
If you need an adapter with a female DVI connection, Cable Matters’s USB 3.1 Type C to DVI Adapter also did well in our tests, but reviews on Amazon suggest issues with some MacBook Pro models.
This guide may have been updated by Wirecutter. To see the current recommendation, please go here.
Note from Wirecutter: When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn affiliate commissions that support our work.
The best Pixel 2 XL cases to keep your Google phone pixel perfect
Google’s latest and greatest smartphone, the Pixel 2 XL, sports a stunning 6-inch screen set into an aluminum body with that signature glass inlay on the back. It’s a stylish look, but if you want to avoid chips and dings in the metal and scratches and cracks in the glass, then you better get some protection. These are our picks of the best Pixel 2 XL cases so far.
Incipio Design Series Case ($25)
We know that Incipio puts a lot of thought into phone cases, so we’re always keen to see what they have to offer. The Design Series offers sleek protection in a translucent shell, finished with a fashionable flourish of metallic foil. The glitter star design is pictured, but there are also champagne glitter and beaded floral designs available. This is a scratch-resistant hard-shell case, with some flexible protection around the frame, accurate cut-outs, and tactile button covers. If you’re primarily after drop protection, then check out Incipio’s Reprieve Sport cases instead.
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Incipio
Google Fabric Case ($40)
We don’t know why Google designers have such a penchant for fabric finishes, but these Fabric cases certainly make your Pixel 2 XL more comfortable to hold and easier to grip. You’ve got a choice of black carbon, coral, a kind of mottled midnight pattern, and the enticingly named cement, which is gray. Naturally these Google-made cases are a perfect fit. The shell inside is polycarbonate covered in nylon knit and there’s a “welded silicone Super G logo” on the outside. They’re slim, so protection will be fairly minimal and they might require an occasional hand wash.
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Griffin Reveal Case ($15)
You’ll find a good line in protective cases at Griffin, but it also offers this minimalist Pixel 2 XL case that’s completely clear to show off Google’s design. Thankfully, although it’s very slim, it doesn’t scrimp on drop protection. The polycarbonate body is enhanced with a TPU frame and reinforced corners to safeguard your phone from falls of up to 3 feet, which is about typical hand height. Considering how slim this case is, it offers a decent level of protection and it’s a good choice if you don’t want to spoil your Pixel’s aesthetic.
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Griffin
Otterbox Defender Series Case ($50)
If you don’t mind concealing your Pixel 2 XL in a chunky protective suit, so long as it survives bumps, falls, and harsh weather conditions, then this is the case for you. Otterbox employs stringent testing techniques to ensure its cases surpass your protection expectations. The trade-off is that it adds considerable bulk to an already big phone. A polycarbonate shell and rubber slipcover snap together to cover your phone from every angle. You also get a holster with this case. It’s ideal for anyone who works outdoors.
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Caseology Parallax Series Case ($14)
The textured geometric pattern and clever blend of TPU and polycarbonate in complementary colors make this an eye-catching case. The shell is flexible and takes the sting out of any impacts, while the bumper section is hard. There are clever grooves in the sides to enhance grip, decent button covers, and a full range of generous openings for easy access to phone functions. It’s fairly thin, but still offers military standard drop protection. The burgundy and pink variety is pictured, but we also like the dark blue and gold.
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Amazon
Adobe Portfolio can now upload entire Lightroom collections at once
Why it matters to you
The new integration options help speed up the process of showcasing creative projects online.
Building a photography portfolio just got a bit easier for Lightroom users — on Thursday, October 5, Adobe announced new integration features with Lightroom and Behance.
With the new Lightroom integration, photographers can publish images to an Adobe Portfolio using Lightroom collections. Inside of Adobe Portfolio, heading into Manage Content and selecting Integrations offers different options for uploading entire collections from Lightroom. The option allows users to add any Lightroom Collection as a page on the online portfolio.
Collections are automatically added to a photo grid on the new page. Once uploaded, the user has access to different customization options, including deleting single images from the page, rearranging images, and adding text, videos, or other content.
The change is designed to streamline and speed up the process of updating a photography portfolio online. While there isn’t yet a way to upload to Adobe Portfolio directly from Lightroom, keeping collections intact and uploading them all at once should simplify photo uploads, since there’s no Lightroom exports necessary and the images are automatically sorted into a responsive gallery that adjusts to the viewer’s screen size.
A second integration allows users to automatically import any future Behance projects into Adobe Portfolio, without actually going back in to upload. Found on the same integrations options menu, connecting a Behance account allows for projects to automatically upload as a separate page.
With the new integration features, Adobe is also adding tools to help avoid duplicate content. Badges now appear next to the page’s title if the content was imported as part of those new integrations. Clicking on the badge allows users to take a number of different actions.
The features expand Adobe Portfolio, a website builder designed specifically for creatives without coding experience. Portfolio launched at the start of 2016. Designed specifically for photographers, artists, graphic designers and other creatives, the platform launched with a few tools specific to the industry, like the option to disable right clicks to help prevent image theft.
While Adobe Portfolio allows users to choose themes and create more custom websites, Behance remains a somewhat different platform that’s designed for uploading and sharing work with others. With the latest update, now mixing Behance with Adobe Portfolio is automatic for artists who use both options.
Adobe Portfolio is included with Creative Cloud subscriptions.
New type of microscope can peer into the brain of a living, moving creature
Why it matters to you
A new type of microscope could help shed more light on how our own brains function.
It’s not every day that scientists invent a whole new type of microscope, but that’s exactly what researchers in Germany have achieved with a new project. A collaboration between Helmholtz Zentrum München, Technical University of Munich, the Department of Nuclear Medicine, and Munich School of Bioengineering, the so-called NeuBtracker is an open source microscope that allows people to observe neuronal activities in the brain of a zebrafish larvae without affecting its behavior.
That’s exciting for scientists who want to better understand the brain because it makes it possible to look at how neurons behave, while at the same time tracking natural behavior. The results could have serious implications for everything from building more brain-like computers to testing out drugs.
“NeuBtracker works by synchronizing two cameras,” Gil Westmeyer, a professor at Helmholtz Zentrum München, told Digital Trends. “One looks at the entire arena in which the larvae are freely swimming and measures the position, speed, velocity, as well as tail and fin movements of the larva; the other camera stays centered on the brain of the zebrafish and provides a magnified view of the fluorescence signals showing the brain activity. This ‘tracking’ of the brain by the fluorescence camera is achieved via a galvanometric mirror system that obtains the information on the position and likely swimming direction of the larva from the first camera. Importantly, NeuBtracker thus works without moving stages, objectives or light beams, which may be perceived by the larvae and perturb their natural behavior.”
Because zebrafish are vertebrates, they share important features with the body plan of humans, although their neuronal circuits are much simpler than our own. That gives researchers the chance to understand how specific sets of stimuli are converted into behaviors by certain neuronal networks in the larval brain. These could be used to extract principles regarding which network architectures and patterns of network activity can support different types of “computation.
Dr. Antonella Lauri
“We hope that the open source instrument NeuBtracker will be applied, adapted, and improved by other laboratories in the world to study these fundamental research questions by enabling simultaneous neuro and behavioral imaging across the entire nervous system in an intact organism,” Westmeyer continued. “Another more applied line of research that NeuBtracker empowers is to screen for the combined effects of pharmacological compounds on the behavior and brain activity simultaneously. Since zebrafish larvae are swimming in water, such screens can be conducted very efficiently and can provide important filters and initial hypotheses on which compounds may have desired neuroactive effects that could be further tested for future medical applications.”
A paper describing the work was recently published in the journal Nature Methods.
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