Farthest-ever supermassive black hole reveals the early universe

Quasars are supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies that actively consume gas and dust. As mass falls into the black hole, it forms an accretion disk around the black hole and jets of matter that spew from the black hole. These features make quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe. And now, scientists have discovered the most distant supermassive black hole ever observed, which is within a quasar. Findings will be published in the journal Nature.

The most interesting aspect of this supermassive black hole is its age — it’s 13 billion light years away, which scientists determined via redshift. This means that, in looking at this object, we are looking at the universe as it was just hundreds of millions of years after the Big Bang. It’s a glimpse into what the earliest universe was like. It’s especially interesting because the bulk of the hydrogen in the quasar appears to be neutral, rather than ionized. After the energetic particles from the Big Bang cooled, they formed neutral hydrogen. The universe during this period was dark, but as stars and galaxies formed, the hydrogen ionized. This means that much of the quasar’s matter could be from a time we don’t know much about, during which the universe was dark.

Additionally, the size of the black hole is a puzzle in itself: Its mass is 800 million times greater than our sun’s. “Gathering all this mass in fewer than 690 million years is an enormous challenge for theories of supermassive black hole growth,” says Eduardo Bañados from the Carnegie Institute for Science, who led the team of astronomers that made the discovery. This means that the early universe likely was conducive to the quick formation of supermassive black holes; our current universe isn’t, and black holes are generally much smaller.

There are only 20 to 100 quasars that are as bright and distant as this newly discovered object in Earth’s sky, so the detection of this supermassive black hole is a pretty big deal. As more giant telescopes are constructed, we’ll be able to locate more of these objects, but this specific supermassive black hole gives us unique insight into the state of the early universe, as it existed shortly after the Big Bang.

Source: EurekAlert

The best VR headsets

It’s crazy to think how far VR has come over the past few years. While the technology made its big consumer debut in 2016, with the launch of the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR, we also spent plenty of time anticipating their arrival. It promised to be the biggest technological shift since the rise of smartphones — and potentially since the dawn of the internet.

This year, VR headsets got cheaper, simpler (especially with Microsoft’s new Mixed Reality platform) and more worthwhile, thanks to the launch of new immersive titles like Rez Infinite. We’ve gone from having too few VR options to too many. These are the best.

The best mobile VR headset

You don’t need an expensive computer or PlayStation 4 to dip your toes into virtual reality. If you have a compatible Android smartphone, you can also choose from Google’s DayDream View, or Samsung’s Gear VR. Thanks to a bit of help from Oculus, Samsung had enjoyed a big head start in this arena. The Gear VR has been around since 2015, and it’s steadily evolved alongside the company’s smartphones.

This year, Samsung finally released a motion controller for the Gear VR, which impressed us with its accurate tracking and comfortable design. It also costs just $40 on its own, making it a no-brainer upgrade for anyone who already owns Samsung’s headset. (You can get the Gear VR and controller together for $140.) While Google launched the Daydream View with a controller before Samsung, the Gear VR’s version is better overall. In particular, it has a trigger button, which is essential for interacting with virtual reality environments.

Unfortunately, the Gear VR still only works with Samsung smartphones, so it’s not the best option if you’ve recently upgraded to another model. The main advantage with Google’s Daydream platform is that it supports multiple phones: In addition to the Pixel phones, it also works with the Moto Z and Z2, LG V30 and a few others. If you own a Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note8, though, you can choose between either VR platform.

While you’d have a good experience with the Gear VR and Daydream View, if you have the option, we’d recommend sticking with Samsung’s platform. Not only does it have a better controller, but it also has a larger software library, thanks in part to some help from Oculus.

Winner:

• Samsung Gear VR

The best PC headset

Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

Things get a bit more interesting when you look at high-end, PC-powered VR headsets. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are still the main contenders, and while they haven’t seen any major hardware upgrades since last year, they’re both considerably cheaper than they were at launch. The Rift is now just $399 bundled with its excellent Touch Controllers. The HTC Vive costs $599, which is pricey, but still a solid discount from its original $799 MSRP.

While the Vive still has the advantage when it comes to room scale VR experiences, overall the Oculus Rift remains the better option for most gamers. It’s more comfortable, its controllers are far more compact and easy to hold, and it still works with SteamVR titles. You can always get room-scale performance later by adding another sensor.

The Oculus Rift is also easier to set up than the Vive, since its two sensors can be placed right around your monitor. The Vive’s tracking base stations, meanwhile, need to be placed high up in opposite corners of your room — which could involve drilling mounts into your walls if you don’t have bookcases nearby. And, of course, the fact that the Rift still costs $200 less than the Vive is worth keeping in mind.

Windows Mixed Reality headsets are yet another PC VR option, but they’re not worth the investment yet. While they were initially pitched as cheaper competitors to the Rift and Vive, they’ve ended up around $400 when paired with Microsoft’s motion controllers. Windows also needs more VR apps to be truly competitive with Oculus and the Vive. (Wisely, Microsoft also partnered with Valve to support SteamVR on its headsets, but they still don’t work with every title on that platform.)

Winner:

• Oculus Rift

The best headset for most consumers

Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

Sony’s PlayStation VR headset was a huge surprise. It delivers solid virtual reality performance without the need for a PC; it just plugs right into a PlayStation 4. While you won’t get the same level of immersion as you would with the Rift or Vive, it’s a much more accessible path to VR. Thanks to Sony’s consumer electronics know-how, the PlayStation VR is also incredibly comfortable to wear. Perhaps most importantly, Sony has managed to get over 100 VR games on its platform. That includes popular titles like Superhot, as well as exclusive experiences like Resident Evil VII, Ace Combat 7 and Until Dawn: Rush of Blood.

The PlayStation VR is also easier to set up in your living room than any other platform. It just requires a PlayStation Camera and two Move controllers. You’ll still have to deal with lengthy cables plugging everything in together, but that’s more manageable than configuring the Rift or Vive.

Winner:

• PlayStation VR

The road ahead

While it’s easier than it was a year ago to get into VR, it’s still not something meant for everyone. Over the next year, headsets will get cheaper, and there will be even more VR experiences to try out. Most folks would be better off waiting for the industry to mature. But if you’re eager to jump into immersive experiences, at least you have plenty of options.

Here’s How Apple Improves the iOS and Mac User Experience While Protecting Your Privacy

Apple has added a new entry to its Machine Learning Journal with in-depth technical details about how it uses differential privacy to gather anonymous usage insights from devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

At a high level, differential privacy allows Apple to crowdsource data from a large number of users without compromising the privacy of any individual.

There are two types of differential privacy: central and local. Apple has chosen to use the local setting, which means that data is randomized before being sent from devices, so that its servers never see or receive raw data from users.

When users set up their device, Apple explicitly asks users if they wish to provide usage information on an opt-in basis. If a user declines, no data is collected by Apple unless they choose to opt in at a later time.

The toggle for sending usage information can be found under Settings > Privacy > Analytics on iOS 10 and later and under System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Analytics on macOS Sierra and later.

Apple says the data it collects helps to, for example, improve the QuickType keyboard’s predictive words and emoji suggestions, and to help identify problematic websites that use excessive power or too much memory in Safari.

An opted-in user who types an emoji, for example, may trigger usage information to be collected based on the following process:

• The data is immediately privatized via local differential privacy.

• The data is temporarily stored on-device using a technology called Data Protection, which is explained on page 11 of Apple’s iOS Security Guide.

• After a delay, a random sample of the data is collected and sent to Apple’s server.

The data sent to Apple does not include device identifiers or timestamps of when the events in the usage information occurred. The communication between a device and Apple’s server is encrypted using TLS.

In iOS, information being shared with Apple for the categories of data that are protected using Differential Privacy is visible under Settings > Privacy > Analytics > Analytics Data, in entries that begin with “DifferentialPrivacy.”

In macOS, users can launch the Console app and view the information under the Differential Privacy category of System Reports.

On a side note, the blog post reveals that “Face With Tears of Joy” is the most popular emoji, used by more than 25 percent of English-speaking users of Apple devices. We saw this chart before, but now it’s labeled along the y-axis.

For a detailed explanation of the mathematical algorithms that Apple is using, the Learning with Privacy at Scale entry in its Machine Learning Journal is a worthwhile read.

Tag: Differential privacy
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Valve Reveals Portal Spin-Off ‘Bridge Constructor Portal’ Coming to macOS and iOS December 20

Valve, Headup Games, and ClockStone Software today announced that the next iteration of the popular Portal franchise is launching later this month, in the form of a spin-off game tied into the Bridge Constructor puzzle series (via TouchArcade). Bridge Constructor Portal will launch on December 20 for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, and then console versions will follow in 2018.

Image via TouchArcade
The companies said that the new game “fully embraces the Portal license” while primarily focusing on the puzzle and physics elements of Bridge Constructor. Similar to past Bridge Constructor games, players will have to build bridges to connect pathways and safely traverse across chasms without falling to their death.

“Hello and welcome back to the Aperture Science computer-aided enrichment center.”

We welcome all lucky applicants to Bridge Constructor Portal with our new vehicle-based test chambers, Quantum Tunnels and patented Aperture technology! For the last year we’ve been secretly working in our underground labs on the next iteration of the million-selling Bridge Constructor series. This new stand-alone title will release on PC, MacOS, Linux, mobile devices, and console, and fully embraces the Portal license, one of the most beloved video game franchises of the last decade.

The Portal elements come in with the gaming being set in Aperture Laboratories, as well as various in-game items that players can use to solve puzzles, like the companion cube and the repulsion and propulsion gels from Portal 2. GLaDOS will also narrate your progress and failure as you make your way through the new vehicle-based test chambers.

The price of Bridge Constructor Portal hasn’t yet been disclosed, but those interested can expect more information ahead of the game’s release. Bridge Constructor’s paid iOS app is currently priced at $1.99 [Direct Link], so players can likely expect a price point above $2, considering that the game will also be launching simultaneously on Mac and PC as well as eventually coming to consoles, like the Nintendo Switch.

Tag: Valve
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Apple’s Video Team Gains TV Programming Veteran Michelle Lee

The latest addition to Apple’s video team is Michelle Lee, who is taking on a role as a creative executive, reports Variety. Lee will report to Matt Cherniss, the former president and general manager of WGN America who now leads development of Apple’s worldwide video unit.

Prior to joining Apple, Lee worked with Jason Katims at the Universal Television-based True Jack Productions, where she helped develop and produce several series. “Rise,” “The Path,” “About a Boy,” and “Pure Genius” are some of the shows that she worked on. Prior to that, she worked with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci on “Sleepy Hollow” and “Fringe.”

Apple started building its new video division in June with the hiring of Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, two former Sony executives who now report to Apple senior vice president of internet software and services Eddy Cue. Erlicht and Van Amburg helped produce shows like “Breaking Bad,” “Better Caul Saul,” “The Crown,” and more.

Erlicht and Amburg have made several hires since then, bringing on Matt Cherniss in August and former Amazon Studios executive Morgan Wandell in October, along with other television executives.

Apple’s video team is currently pursuing two shows, including a reboot of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi series “Amazing Stories” and an untitled “morning show drama” that will star Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.

Related Roundup: Apple TVTag: Apple’s Hollywood ambitionsBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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Apple’s ‘The Rock x Siri’ Cracks Top 10 Most Watched Ads on YouTube in 2017

Apple’s short film “The Rock x Siri Dominate the Day” was the eighth most watched ad on YouTube around the world in 2017, according to Adweek.

Adweek says the ad has been viewed more than 25 million times, although that figure is based on Apple’s channel for India rather than the United States, where the video has amassed nearly 18 million views.

With the views from all of Apple’s regional YouTube channels combined, the ad has actually received over 80 million views to date, but that includes the possibility of some duplicate views from the same users.

“The Rock x Siri Dominate the Day” stars actor and professional wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who uses Siri throughout an eventful day in which he pilots an airplane, floats in space, prepares fine cuisine, acts on a set, and more.

The theme of the short film, released in July, is that Siri can be used for a wide variety of tasks, such as checking calendar appointments, setting reminders, starting a timer, reading emails, starting an Apple Music playlist, and more.

The ad was certainly unorthodox for Apple and had mixed reception, with some finding it funny and others feeling it was cringeworthy.

The most watched YouTube ad of the year came from Samsung, promoting its customer service vans in India, according to Adweek. The four-minute video has received over 150 million views on the Samsung India channel.

Other ads that made the top 10 were shared by brands such as Adidas, Budweiser, Levi’s, Mr. Clean, Oreo, Clash Royale, and Miss Dior.

Tag: Apple ads
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Apple Releases macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 With Compatibility Improvements for Third-Party USB Audio Devices

Apple today released macOS High Sierra 10.13.2, the second update for the macOS High Sierra operating system available for Apple’s Macs. macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 comes a little over a month after the release of macOS High Sierra 10.13.1, the first update to High Sierra.

macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 can be downloaded directly from the Mac App Store or through the Software Update function in the Mac App Store on all compatible Macs that are already running macOS High Sierra.

No major outward-facing changes were found in macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 during the beta testing period, but according to Apple’s release notes, it offers security and feature improvements. The update improves compatibility with third-party USB audio devices, it introduces better VoiceOver navigation when viewing PDF documents in Preview, and it improves the compatibility of Braille displays with Mail.

The macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 update improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, and is recommended for all users.

This update:

– Improves compatibility with certain third-party USB audio devices
– Improves VoiceOver navigation when viewing PDF documents in Preview
– Improves compatibility of Braille displays with Mail

For more information on the macOS High Sierra operating system, make sure to check out our dedicated macOS High Sierra roundup.

Related Roundup: macOS High Sierra
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Leagoo KIICAA MIX: a bezel-less smartphone for the budget-minded (Review)

We’ve seen some intriguing smartphone innovations for the past year, but if there’s one product that attracted the attention of customers from across the globe, it would be the original Xioami Mi MIX. The 6.4-inch phablet is basically responsible for starting the bezel-less trend which you see today spread across most Android OEMs.

Since the Mi MIX was launched, we’ve seen more and more smartphone makers thinning down bezels and maximizing the screen to body ratio. From premium models like the Samsung Galaxy S8, Essential Phone or LG G6 to extremely affordable models hailing from China, customers today have a wide range of choice if they want to go bezel-less.

After Xiaomi’s Mi MIX made a debut into the world, Chinese brands flocked to offer much cheaper alternatives, on which they also stamped the MIX moniker. It’s the case of the Leagoo KIICAA MIX, one of the cheapest bezel-less phones on the market today. In what follows we’re going to be taking a more in-depth look at this Xiaomi Mi MIX lookalike to see whether it’s worthy of attention or not.

Design and display

If, like me, you’ve gotten used to more compact smartphones, the Leagoo KIICAA MIX will feel a bit strange in hand. It’s a 5.5-inch handset in a body that has the height of a 5-incher but is a lot wider. As a result, the phone it’s a lot harder to maneuver in one hand, especially if you have smaller hands.

The front of the KIICA MIX is quite similar to the Xiaomi Mi MIX, although the bezels haven’t been shrunken down as much as in the case of other, more expensive phones currently available on the market. Nevertheless, you’ll get a phone with pretty slim upper, left and right bezels.

In contrast, the bottom one is pretty prominent as it also houses the physical home button which doubles as a fingerprint scanner. The multi-purpose button supports swipe gestures – swipe left for recent apps or swipe right for back. The scanner was usually quick to respond, although at times I had to try and authenticate more than once. Above the home button you’ll notice the on-screen navigation buttons, which can be hidden if preferred.

The back of the phone is made of sturdy plastic and houses the dual camera setup. Unfortunately, it’s quite prone to smudging, but Leagoo includes a clear protective case in the retail box, so that takes care of the problem (although that one gets pretty dirty pretty fast).

On the right side of the phone, we have the power button and volume rocker, while on the left lives the dual SIM hybrid slot (which also welcomes a microSD card slot). At the bottom of the device, there are two speaker grills which aren’t that loud and a USB Type-C port. While on most phones the earpiece is included in the front, Leagoo has moved it on the top of the phone in order to give the phone the bezel-less makeover. Turns out, this was a really bad decision.

Making calls has proven to be extremely frustrating, as you can barely hear what the other person is saying on the other end. Even if smartphones now come with myriad additional functionalities, their main function is still to place phone calls. So getting a phone that can’t properly do that, kind of defeats its purpose, doesn’t it? What’s more, the phone does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. It does ship with a pair of Type-C earphones in the box, but there’s no 3.5mm to Type-C connector included as well.

On the bright side of things, for a $110 device, the Leagoo KIICAA MIX impresses with its 5.5-inch IPS Sharp-made display which offers fullHD resolution and 400ppi. The brightness levels are satisfactory and outdoor visibility quite decent.  And at this price, you won’t be able to find a better display.

Performance

Don’t expect to find a Snapdragon 835 processor running the show on board of this phone. Nevertheless, the wallet-friendly KIICAA MIX is kept alive by a decent octa-core MediaTek 6750T processor clocked at 1.5GHz with Mali T860 GPU. The SoC is aided by a hefty 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage – a configuration which is often seen in upper middle-rangers.

With this processor on board, the KIICAA MIX runs pretty smooth. It can handle most of the tasks I’ve thrown at it including web browsing, social media, taking photos most of the day and playing games – although in the latter scenario the phone did get quite warm and started getting a bit sluggish. With prolonged use, some apps did freeze at times, but you can’t expect a budget handset to run absolutely flawlessly.

Photography

The Leagoo KIICAA MIX also follows the current trends in smartphone photography, so it includes a dual-camera setup on the back which pairs a 13-megapixel sensor with a 2-megapixel one. The much sought-after bokeh effect that focuses on the subject while blurring the background is available, although be warned that the focus is quite slow. Oh and you can manually play with ISO, although the results aren’t always great!

Colors tend to be a little dull, and in situations with lots of sunlight pictures will come out looking overexposed. The main camera can’t really handle movement, as there’s no optical image stabilization on board, so you’ll need to have a steady hand while shooting. Yet some shots came out looking pretty nice (as you’ll see in the gallery).

In dark scenarios, some results were better than expected, although expect to see a fair share of noise in them.

When it comes to selfies, the secondary camera has been awkwardly moved on the lower bezel which made it really hard to use. I found it easier to flip the phone upside down and use it in this position. Despite relying on a 13-megapixel sensor, the selfie snapper delivered pretty grainy self-portraits.

Software

The Leagoo KIICAA MIX runs on the company’s own FreeMe OS which is based on Android 7.0 Nougat. But while the overall UI performance is quite decent, it’s pretty different from vanilla Android. Some Chinese OEMs have been gravitating towards stock, but not Leagoo. On the KIICA MIX, you’ll get a customized launcher, which might not be to everyone’s taste. Moreover, there’s no app drawer. This launcher won’t probably be to your liking, but the good news is that this is an Android phone which means you can quickly head on to the Play Store and download the Google Now Launcher or whatever you prefer and bam! you’re in a familiar place. Oh, and by the way, Leagoo also offers access to its own App Store.

*Sidenote: A weird thing I experienced while using the Leagoo KIICAA MIX is random ads playing out of the blue even as the phone was off. I don’t believe the phenomenon was related to any additional apps I installed, but it was extremely annoying. At night, I had to turn off the phone to avoid being awakened by some guy who wanted to sell me pizza at 2:00 AM.

Battery

Leagoo KIICAA MIX relies on a 3,000 mAh battery which lasts about a day of moderate use without breaking a sweat. I took the phone out on a photo expedition which lasted for about half a day. When I returned home, I still had more than 40% left.

But on most days when I would browse, play a few games, respond to messages on social media and place few calls, I would normally end up with about 10-15% left by the time I went to bed. The phone also charges pretty fast. You can get up to 80% in an hour or so.

Wrap-up

For a budget smartphone, the Leagoo KIICAA MIX benefits from a pretty impressive display which adheres to the bezel-less trend. The panel is made by Sharp and offers 1080p resolution, Gorilla Glass 4 protection, and 90% screen-to-body ratio. Performance is quite smooth also, whether you’re playing games or chatting with your friends and you can snap some decent photos too.

But there are some disadvantages to consider: call quality is really subpar, the selfie snapper is weirdly positioned and it will get some time getting used to it and oh yeah, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack either.

Even so, if you want to give the whole bezel-less / dual-camera experience a try without paying premium, the Leagoo KIICAA MIX is certainly worth your buck.

Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes Apple apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

Flow

Flow presents your email as a continuous feed, allowing you to review and act on your email without ever losing context, and marking each email as read when it is scrolled above midscreen.

Available on:

iOS

Pic Scanner Gold

This app provides an easy way to scan photos and albums. It promises to be the only app with so many features for scanning, enhancing, sharing, and enjoying old pictures.

Available on:

iOS

PK Fitness

PK Fitness is an effort-based activity tracker. It’s a simple, easy-to-use workout journal and social network that helps you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Available on:

iOS

Resume Builder

Resume Builder transforms your iPhone and iPad into a portable CV designer. It allows you to create unique resumes in minutes.

Available on:

iOS

PureBlock

If you’re sick and tired of popup ads, unwanted page redirects, and many more annoying advertisements on the internet, PureBlock is the perfect solution for you.

Available on:

iOS

Coyn

Coyn is the most powerful tool for anyone who uses cash for daily expenses. Track your expenses and manage your money like it’s nobody’s business.

Available on:

iOS

Editors’ Recommendations

• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Easily settle your debts with these 11 money-transfer apps

We’ve all been there. You’re out to dinner with a group of friends, the check for the meal arrives, and to make things easier on the waitress, you put the whole tab on your credit card. While everyone agrees to pay you back “as soon as possible,” you realize a month later that you’ve seen nary a dime from your friends.

While we don’t blame you for wanting to send Italian mobsters to your friends’ homes to get your money back, there exists a far easier way to recoup your funds. In fact, all you need is access to an iOS, Android, or Windows-powered smartphone, and you won’t even need to go through the trouble of calling your pal, Vito.

Though, when it comes to money-transfer apps, there’s no doubt that there’s wide-reaching skepticism about security. It’s apparent the globe has no shortage of data and information breaches, so it’s incredibly easy to understand this fear. To help ease some of your doubts, and weed out potential frauds, we’ve found the absolute best ways to send and receive money via a smartphone. So no matter if you need to split a dinner tab, or have finally gotten around to paying your fantasy football dues, here are the ten best applications for settling your debts.

If you have a small business, check out our picks for the best payment processors for smartphones.

The Best

Venmo

More than just a new popular verb — Venmo me! — this app makes it incredibly easy to send and receive money from family and friends. Any payments made from your Venmo balance, most debit cards, or a bank account, cost nothing to execute, and Venmo charges just a 3 percent fee for credit cards. It boasts a “bank-grade” security system, so you won’t have to worry about any shady hackers getting ahold of your financial information, either.

If you love Venmo, read our take on its credit card beta program.

Download now for:

iOS Android

The Rest

Facebook Messenger

Facebook has enabled a feature in its Messenger app that allows any person in the United States to send money through the app. When you’re chatting with someone, simply tap the dollar sign located above the keyboard, directly beside the tools for sharing photos and stickers. If you don’t see it, tap the ellipsis on the right-hand side to bring up a list of additional options. Once you’ve set up your debit or credit card, just type the amount of money you want to send and tap pay in the top-right corner.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Apple Pay Cash

If you live in one of the countries that support Apple Pay, you’re in luck. With iOS 11.2 Apple set its aim squarely at Venmo and other payment apps to allow you to send money directly to your contacts through iMessage. For iPhone users, there’s no need to install a third-party app if your contacts also have an iPhone.

In a conversation, simply tap the A symbol next to the camera icon in iMessage and tap Pay. Select the amount and tap Pay. You can also use it to request an amount from the contact. Send the message just like you would any other, and it will ask you to confirm using FaceID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Apple Pay Cash is also compatible with iMessage on your Apple Watch, and you can even use Siri to send cash. While the money is available in your Apple Pay balance immediately, we should note it does take a few days for it to transfer to your bank account.

Google Wallet

Like a digital wallet in the palm of your hand, Google Wallet makes it easy to send and request money from friends within the U.S. You can use your fingerprint sensor to access the app. Google Wallet has a a minimal and easy-to-understand user interface, and money is transferred into the bank instantly.

Download now for:

iOS Android

PayPal

Venmo before Venmo existed, PayPal is one of the oldest money transfer applications available. Though receiving and sending funds takes a while longer, PayPal does offer the ability to use it to pay for purchases at various establishments.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Square Cash

With just a simple link to your debit card, Square Cash allows you to quickly send, receive, or request money from friends and family. Perhaps its most useful feature is how quick money deposits into your bank account once a transaction is complete.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Chase QuickPay

Though Chase customers have access to a slew of banking options within Chase’s smartphone application, non-customers with valid email addresses also have the ability to send and receive money using the bank’s QuickPay feature.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Snapcash via Snapchat

After a recent partnership with Square Cash, Snapchat now gives its users the ability to easily send money to anyone 18 and older. By entering the money ($) sign, followed by a numeric value, Snapchat sends money directly from your debit card or bank account.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Western Union

Not only does the Western Union app allow you to transfer money among friends and family, but it grants you the ability to send it to over 200 countries and territories. It also lets you know how much your money transfers should cost, and provides all Western Union branch listings.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Xoom Money Transfer

Like Western Union, Xoom allows users to send and receive money all over the globe. The app also features low transfer fees, locked-in exchange rates, status updates, and push notifications of any sent or received money.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Bank of America

Bank of America’s smartphone application not only cuts down on the amount of time you need to spend at a branch but allows you to securely send and receive money to anyone (non-customers, too) via a phone number or email address.

Download now for:

iOS Android

Update: We’ve checked all the apps and added a few more links to related articles for your convenience.

Editors’ Recommendations

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