BlackBerry will pay Nokia $137 million to resolve contract dispute
Today, BlackBerry accepted an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) decision that the company pay Nokia $137 million due to a contract dispute. The latter allegedly accused the smartphone maker of failing to make payments on patent license contracts and brought the matter to the ICC’s arbitration panel. While BlackBerry bowed to the ICC’s ruling, the company affirmed that it is still bringing two patent infringement cases against Nokia in US and German courts.
“BlackBerry is disappointed that the Court of Arbitration did not agree with our arguments in the case but we accept their decision. This ruling does not change BlackBerry’s assertion that Nokia is infringing on our intellectual property and we are continuing to vigorously pursue legal remedies in both the U.S. and Germany,” BlackBerry said in a statement.
Both companies are attempting to bring their brands back into the consumer forefront. While BlackBerry started the year with effectively zero market share in smartphones, it’s been licensing out its name to more products. Likewise, this year Finnish company HMD started producing Android phones under the Nokia name, including a middling ‘flagship’ device released back in September. To complete the nostalgia train, Nokia also re-released its 3310 dumb phone in a slim(mer) package a few months ago.
Source: Market Wired
Uterus transplant recipient gives birth for the first time in the US
A woman who received a uterus transplant has given birth to a baby — a first in the US, Time reports. She is part of an ongoing uterine transplant clinical trial taking place at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and she, like the other women in the trial, has a nonfunctioning or nonexistent uterus. Her uterus was donated by another woman, Taylor Siler, who wanted to be able to give someone else the opportunity to have a child. The trial, which accepts both living donations, like Siler’s, and donations from deceased individuals, will complete 10 transplants. Eight have been completed already and while at least three have failed so far, a second trial participant is now pregnant following a successful transplant.
While this is a first for the US, it’s not the first ever. A group in Sweden achieved the very first post-transplant births, a total of eight, and the birth that just took place at Baylor is the first to replicate the Swedish team’s success.
The birth was a big moment for everyone involved in the trial. “We do transplants all day long,” Giuliano Testa, head of the clinical trial, told Time. “This is not the same thing. I totally underestimated what this type of transplant does for these women. What I’ve learned emotionally, I do not have the words to describe.” Gregory McKenna, a transplant surgeon at the hospital said, “Outside my own children, this is the most excited I’ve ever been about any baby being born. I just started to cry.”
Once a uterus is transplanted, the recipient must wait to achieve menstruation, which if the transplant is successful, usually occurs around four weeks later. Then, to get pregnant, they must go through in vitro fertilization since their uterus isn’t attached to their ovaries.
The Baylor team says that many more uterine transplants will need to be done before this can become an approved treatment, but these initial successes are promising. “For the girl who is getting the [infertility] diagnosis now, it’s not hopeless,” Kristin Wallis, a uterine transplant nurse at Baylor told Time. “There’s hope.”
Source: Time
Magnesium batteries could be safer and more efficient than lithium
It’s still early days for the promise of safer, energy-dense solid-state rechargeable batteries. However, a team of scientists at the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research have just discovered a fast magnesium-ion solid-state conductor that will go a long way towards making non-flammable batteries with more capacity.
In current commercial batteries, a liquid electrolyte transports the charge back and forth between cathode and anode. This is part of what can make them explode, according to the post from Berkeley Lab, where the discovery was made. The team was working on a magnesium battery, which can hold more charge than lithium-ion batteries, but they weren’t able to find a workable liquid electrolyte. “Magnesium is such a new technology, it doesn’t have any good liquid electrolytes,” said the lab’s senior scientist Gerbrand Ceder. “We thought, why not leapfrog and make a solid-state electrolyte?”
The researchers settled on magnesium scandium selenide spinel, which has an ion mobility comparable to electrolytes found in lithium ion batteries. The team included scientists from MIT and Argonne, who provided computing resources and experimental confirmation of the new solid electrolyte’s mobility, respectively.
Via: Berkeley Lab
Source: Nature
The best Xperia XZ1 cases to keep your Sony phone shiny and intact
Keeping a phone clean and protected can be tough. Our smartphones are with us through most of our daily lives; they accompany us to work, to the bathroom, and when we go shopping. Keeping your stalwart companion safe can be difficult when you whip it out multiple times a day, but it’s not impossible. Having a protective layer between your phone and the elements is one of the easiest ways you can protect it and keep it clean. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Xperia XZ1 cases that you can buy, so you can keep your new Sony Xperia XZ1 safe, clean, and as gorgeous as the day you bought it.
Olixar Ultra-Thin Gel Case ($8)
If you’re not too worried about heavy-duty drop protection, or don’t like the look of the some of the bulkier cases, then a clear gel case might be your bag. This gel case from newcomer Olixar is thin, adding barely any bulk to your phone, and protects against dirt and grit that would otherwise damage vulnerable areas. The shock-absorbing TPU is easy-to-clean, and has been treated with a non-slip coating, helping you to keep your grip on your fragile device. Inside the case is a series of dots that help to prevent inner moisture and the appearance of bubbles. A raised bezel helps to protect areas like the camera and display.
Buy one now from:
Mobile Fun
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear Case ($15)
Clear cases are among the most popular types of case — they offer protection against immediate bumps and scrapes, defend against dust and dirt, and they don’t obscure the view of your phone, or add any bulk to it. The Ultra Hybrid from veteran case-maker Spigen fulfils all of those needs, adding only 0.3 inches in width, and boasting raised edges that lift the camera and screen away from surfaces (and away from dirt and grit). A combination of TPU and polycarbonate (PC) defends your phone from drops and damage. The blend between hard and soft provides great protection. The extra grip it affords helps keep your phone in your hand, and Spigen’s usual high quality means that the price is a steal.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Niilkin Nonslip Case ($9)
There’s something to be said for the simple and stylish look of Niilkin’s nonslip case. Made from hard polycarbonate that clips onto the edges of your phone, it’s tough and protective, while also being slim and lightweight. A nonslip matte coating helps to keep your phone in your hand and away from the floor, and provides fingerprint, dust, and dirt resistance. It also looks good, with an understated and sleek style that’s perfect for any occasion.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Ringke Fusion Bumper Case ($11)
We’ve long been fans of Ringke’s stylish yet protective cases, and the Fusion case for the Xperia XZ1 is no exception. Like the Spigen Ultra Hybrid, the Fusion case is made of two layers that work together — a shock-absorbent TPU bumper is paired with a transparent polycarbonate shell that protects the device’s back. Ringke has stepped up this protection with MIL-STD 810G – 516.6 Certified Military Grade Drop Protection. Raised bezels protect your phone’s screen and camera, and it comes with dust covers for all of your ports, keeping those areas clean. We chose the rose gold option because it looks great, but you could also get the clear or smoke black options.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Roxfit Standing Touch Book Case ($30)
Folding folio cases offer double the protection of normal cases, thanks to the cover that folds around the front of your phone when not in use to protect your screen. It’s most useful when you don’t have a screen protector, but you can’t use your phone while it’s covered, right? This folio case from Roxfit actually does just that by using touch-sensitive material to allow you to use your phone through the front cover of the case. You can answer calls and texts, and browse the internet with the case still fully covering your phone. It also folds into a horizontal stand when uncovered — perfect for media viewing on the go — and it comes in colors that match your Xperia XZ1.
Buy one now from:
Amazon Roxfit
StilGut Genuine Leather Case ($40)
Nothing feels quite as luxurious and sumptuous as real leather. StilGut’s folio case is made from a fine-grain cow leather that’s durable and long-lasting. If well maintained, this case will age with your device, gaining a new beauty as it ages. A plastic shell holds your XZ1 inside the case, while an inner lining of microfiber protects it against dirt and scratches. Handmade in Germany by master crasftmen, this case is slim, light, utterly gorgeous, and adds a ton of elegant protection to your device. It’s expensive, but if you want a really luxurious case for your Xperia XZ1, then look no further.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Taitou Mirror Shell Case ($5)
This is something a little different. Made from hard and durable PC, this case has been polished to the point where it can be used as a mirror. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to check their hair at a moment’s notice, or who appreciates the reflective shine. This case is also slim, light, and the tough polycarbonate should keep your device protected against all but the worst drops. With a raised lip to protect the vulnerable areas of the device, it’s a bargain at this price.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Noreve Vertical Leather Flip Case ($65)
After something truly unique? Noreve’s cases tend to be on the expensive side, but its massive range of customization options ensures that you’re getting the perfect case for your needs. Do you want real leather, or a synthetic PU leather? Nubuck leather or Saffiano leather? How about adding a belt clip for extra utility? The choice is yours. These cases are amazingly luxurious, come in a huge range of different colors, will protect your device while looking really good doing it. Even if you don’t fancy buying one, playing with the case builder is fun in itself.
Buy one now from:
Noreve
MoKo Dinosaur Case ($10)
It might not have the major protective qualities of some of the other cases on this list, and it might not be as luxurious as a genuine leather case, but we just couldn’t say no to that adorable little dinosaur. If none of the other cases have tickled your fancy, and you have a flair for the cute, then this case might be right up your alley. It’s still protective — raised edges keep your phone from potentially hazardous surfaces, and the tough acrylic will keep it safe from bumps, scrapes, and drops — just not to the degree of some other options on this list.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Looking for ways to get your Xperia XZ1 up and running as soon as possible? Check out our lists of the best Android apps, and the best Android games you can grab this month. If you want some more smart technology to go with your new phone, check out our favorite Bluetooth speakers and our favorite smartwatches as well!
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Customize your smart thermostat with the sleek Lux Kono Smart
The temperature of your home is a personal preference and now the design of your smart thermostat can be as well. Meet the new Lux Kono Smart thermostat from Lux, which promises to be as affordable as it is aesthetically pleasing. Coming in at $149, the Kono Smart is about $100 cheaper than the original Nest thermostat (and $20 less than the new version), which may be enough to convince some customers to go with a different smart home system.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, the Kono Smart can be easily controlled regardless of what platform you may use in your home. Like other smart thermostats, the Lux thermostat comes with a companion app that allows users to set different temperatures depending on whether or not a home is occupied, switch between cooling and heating modes, and check current indoor and outdoor temperatures. Of course, if you’re at home, you can also talk to your thermostat to set the temperature. But if you’re on vacation and need to turn the AC on or the heat off, you can do that remotely, too. The app also sends seasonal tips to help folks save money on their energy bills.
But what Kono Smart hopes will serve as its differentiating factor is its Décor-snap cover design. These interchangeable decorative faceplates can be easily swapped out to match your unique interior. While the square-shaped Kono Smart comes with a standard lack stainless cover, there are five additional colors available for purchase, including hibiscus red, sea green, and deep blue. And if none of those strike your fancy, there is also a paintable cover option.
“Most smart device purchases are driven by price, value, and ease of use. Kono Smart is the trifecta of smart thermostats, and we’ve also focused on design,” Lux Products CEO Rob Munin said in a statement. “The Kono Smart’s simple knob interface, coupled with its sleek design, high-end finishes and on-the-mark features, offers homeowners a smart solution to their home comfort that is easy to use and great to look at. We’ve gone beyond affordability; we’ve added the element of personalization with our Décor-snap covers in a range of designer color options.”
You can buy the Kono Smart from Home Depot or the Lux website for $149.
Editors’ Recommendations
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- Rogers Smart Drive review
‘Settlers of Catan’ board game fans can sign up for the ‘Catan VR’ beta
In September, a version of the popular board game Settlers of Catan was announced for virtual reality headsets. Now, developers Asmodee Digital and Experiment 7 have released the first in-game visuals from the adaptation, alongside some new details of what fans can expect.
Catan VR will offer a faithful representation of the enormously popular board game, which can be played with distant friends online. It also offers computer opponents that players can use to hone their skills.
Opponents are represented by expressive character portraits, while the player can see a ghostly visualization of their own hands in order to help them pick up cards and perform other actions. The game’s user interface seems to be fairly clean, complementing the crisp game board and the sunny cabin where gameplay takes place.
The setting for Catan VR is a neat nod to the original board game. Outside the limits of the cabin, it is possible to see the winding road that graces its box art.
Experiment 7 has plenty of experience crafting this kind of experience, having previous released Magic Table Chess and Dungeon Chess, according to Road to VR. It’s very clear that the studio has made a real effort to capture the aesthetic of the physical board game, which should please its passionate fanbase.
VR offers the chance to explore new worlds in a more immersive way than ever before — but there is something to be said for a more sedate experience, like the chance to play a board game with friends. Donning a headset and sitting in a virtual room adds a different element to the overall experience when compared with earlier attempts to adapt Catan.
Anyone interested in trying out Catan VR for themselves ahead of its official release is encouraged to sign up for a closed beta via the Experiment 7 website.
Catan VR is scheduled to support both Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR headsets at launch and will offer cross-play functionality between the two sets of hardware. Experiment 7 indicated that further devices will be supported after its launch, but there are no further details on which headsets will be included.
Editors’ Recommendations
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- ‘Neko Atsume VR’ brings the cat-collecting sim to PlayStation VR in 2018
- Leap into more immersive VR feet first with ‘Mythbusters’ host’s Vortrex shoes
- Explore the land of the dead in Pixar’s virtual reality experience, ‘Coco VR’
- Killing friction: How Khronos’ OpenXR will standardize virtual reality
Microsoft job listing hints at Surface device with a Snapdragon 845 chip
A job listing now pulled from the DICE career explorer website suggests that Microsoft may be working on a device based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor. The listing sought after a qualified individual for the role of hardware test engineer, and/or manufacturing engineer. The job was posted by ABAL Technologies, who is known for providing human resource services for Microsoft.
According to the company, the job focuses on wireless connectivity. “Develop, design, and implement RF solutions for the product and collaborating with the system EE, EE team, and ME teams to achieve stated product goals,” the listing said. “Responsible for the RF performance of the product including compliance with international regulations.”
Microsoft requires applicants to have hands-on experience designing, developing, and launching a high-profile mainstream electronic product. They must also show system engineering ownership of “complex” devices like smartphones and Xbox consoles, and semi-complex devices like Blu-ray players and smart TVs. Potential employees will work in Building 85 on Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington-based campus.
The listing hints to the possibility that Microsoft may be retuning to first-party hardware manufacturing using ARM-based processors. We already know that third-party Windows 10 laptops using Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon 835 processor are just around the corner, but the fact that Redmond is hiring individuals to test hardware based on the Snapdragon 845 hints to a possible first-party Windows 10 device for 2018.
The job listing points to two interesting technologies — first, a listing of a processor Qualcomm has yet to officially announce. The company is expected to reveal this chip during its second annual Snapdragon Technology Summit beginning December 5. Qualcomm will broadcast the keynote live from Hawaii on that date at 10:30 a.m. PT (1:30 p.m. ET), and will showcase “the latest innovations built into Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile Platforms.”
Part of the reveal will likely be our first glance at the Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphones packing the as-yet-unannounced processor. The chip may be based on 7-nanometer (nm) process technology, a method of reducing transistors and components to squeeze them into small chips. The Snapdragon 835 is based on 10nm FinFET process technology, meaning the newer model will pack even more transistors and subsequently better performance.
The job listing also specifically calls out Wireless AX connectivity. Right now, the Wireless AC specification serves as the current standard for wireless connectivity. The next step up, Wireless AD, is slowly creeping into the mainstream market although it’s still heavily overshadowed by Wireless AC products. Wireless AX is still in its early stages, but that hasn’t stopped companies like Asus from jumping on the Wireless AX bandwagon and producing new hardware.
But with Microsoft embracing these two technologies, speculation points to new ARM-based Surface products in 2018. Microsoft returning to the phone arena seems unlikely given the company already acknowledged it will no longer build new devices based on Windows Phone. That leads to a possible Surface-branded 2-in-1 device with an ARM-based chip sold for a cheaper price than an identical unit packing one of Intel’s eighth-generation CPUs.
Editors’ Recommendations
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- Time to upgrade your gaming PC? These are the best processors to choose from
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- Weekly Rewind: The best Porsches ever, a new Nest security system, Google’s HTC acquisition
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Microsoft job listing hints at Surface device with a Snapdragon 845 chip
A job listing now pulled from the DICE career explorer website suggests that Microsoft may be working on a device based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor. The listing sought after a qualified individual for the role of hardware test engineer, and/or manufacturing engineer. The job was posted by ABAL Technologies, who is known for providing human resource services for Microsoft.
According to the company, the job focuses on wireless connectivity. “Develop, design, and implement RF solutions for the product and collaborating with the system EE, EE team, and ME teams to achieve stated product goals,” the listing said. “Responsible for the RF performance of the product including compliance with international regulations.”
Microsoft requires applicants to have hands-on experience designing, developing, and launching a high-profile mainstream electronic product. They must also show system engineering ownership of “complex” devices like smartphones and Xbox consoles, and semi-complex devices like Blu-ray players and smart TVs. Potential employees will work in Building 85 on Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington-based campus.
The listing hints to the possibility that Microsoft may be retuning to first-party hardware manufacturing using ARM-based processors. We already know that third-party Windows 10 laptops using Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon 835 processor are just around the corner, but the fact that Redmond is hiring individuals to test hardware based on the Snapdragon 845 hints to a possible first-party Windows 10 device for 2018.
The job listing points to two interesting technologies — first, a listing of a processor Qualcomm has yet to officially announce. The company is expected to reveal this chip during its second annual Snapdragon Technology Summit beginning December 5. Qualcomm will broadcast the keynote live from Hawaii on that date at 10:30 a.m. PT (1:30 p.m. ET), and will showcase “the latest innovations built into Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile Platforms.”
Part of the reveal will likely be our first glance at the Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphones packing the as-yet-unannounced processor. The chip may be based on 7-nanometer (nm) process technology, a method of reducing transistors and components to squeeze them into small chips. The Snapdragon 835 is based on 10nm FinFET process technology, meaning the newer model will pack even more transistors and subsequently better performance.
The job listing also specifically calls out Wireless AX connectivity. Right now, the Wireless AC specification serves as the current standard for wireless connectivity. The next step up, Wireless AD, is slowly creeping into the mainstream market although it’s still heavily overshadowed by Wireless AC products. Wireless AX is still in its early stages, but that hasn’t stopped companies like Asus from jumping on the Wireless AX bandwagon and producing new hardware.
But with Microsoft embracing these two technologies, speculation points to new ARM-based Surface products in 2018. Microsoft returning to the phone arena seems unlikely given the company already acknowledged it will no longer build new devices based on Windows Phone. That leads to a possible Surface-branded 2-in-1 device with an ARM-based chip sold for a cheaper price than an identical unit packing one of Intel’s eighth-generation CPUs.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Leaked benchmarks for new Windows 10 laptops show meager performance
- Time to upgrade your gaming PC? These are the best processors to choose from
- Ford’s EksoVest exoskeleton turns workers into assembly line superheroes
- Weekly Rewind: The best Porsches ever, a new Nest security system, Google’s HTC acquisition
- The 7 budget PCs that prove PC gaming is for everyone
A fracture-resistant cement could make mile-high skyscrapers possible
Imagine a fracture-resistant material that could be used to create a building 10 times as high as the world’s current tallest building, without being destroyed under its own weight. That is something that researchers from the University of Konstanz in Germany have been working on. They have developed a new type of cement with impressive anti-cracking properties that is capable of resisting the kind of fractures found in regular cement. Not only could it be used for constructing incredibly tall buildings, but also more earthquake-proof structures, and new thinner building developments that nonetheless retain an impressively high level of strength.
Oh, and did we mention that it is inspired by small spiny creatures which live underwater?
“We have changed the nanostructure of cement and made it more ordered by taking inspiration from the sea urchin spine structure,” Professor Helmut Cölfen told Digital Trends. “The main novelty of our work is that the fracture resistance of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) — the binder in cement and concrete — was significantly improved by the first reported ordered CSH nanostructure. The problem of CSH is that, although it shows good compressive strength, it presents a lack of elasticity and has a poor flexural strength. This problem is now overcome with our elastic [material].”
While next-generation cement and sea urchins spines aren’t a natural pairing, Cölfen explained that both operate on the same principle. Sea urchin spines are mostly made of a delicate brittle crystalline material called calcite. However, the spines are more durable than the raw material because of the brick wall-style architecture they employ. By synthesizing cement to resemble this structure at a nano level, the researchers were able to develop a material that is immune to cracking in the way that regular cement does.
It might not be used exactly in its current form, though. “Our work shows what is possible in principle if ordering of the nanoplatelets and interspacing with a soft material can be achieved,” Cölfen continued. “But our study does not yet have an application since the dimensions of our mesocrystals are small, and the polymer mortar would likely be too expensive to be used on a large scale. But it would be easy to simply mix the mesocrystals as an additive for improving cement as potential crack stoppers.”
In tests, the team found that the cement can be used to create concrete between 40 to 100 times stronger than current mixes.
A paper describing the work was recently published in the journal Materials Science.
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Hungry? These are the 9 best food-delivery apps that bring deliciousness to you
Who knew that ordering delivery could be such a hassle? It can be a real pain to call a restaurant and order a meal. You might get put on hold, and oftentimes you have to talk over the background noise of a busy restaurant. Besides, reading off your credit card number in the 21st century is incredibly tedious. Why do we have to interact with people when all we want is a pepperoni pizza and a liter of soda? Thankfully, in the age of apps, one can order food for delivery with just a few taps of a phone screen. While the delivery apps below may cut down on our human-to-human contact, they also open us up to trying new restaurants and foods. Simply input your location, and these apps will show you hundreds of restaurants in your area that you can try without ever leaving the couch. We’ve rounded up the best food delivery apps that will bring deliciousness straight to your doorstep.
Seamless
Seamless is probably the most aptly named piece of mobile software on this list. Not only does the app provide menus from thousands of restaurants and offer exclusive in-app discounts, but it foregoes a delivery fee and allows you to order with just a few clicks.
Availability: Seamless is available in more 600 cities in the United States.
Fee: There’s no fee to use the app, but there are often order minimums.
Download now for:
iOS Android
Grubhub
The Grubhub app is available for both iOS and Android. You simply enter your location and Grubhub will show you all of the restaurants in your area. You can search by cuisine (Italian) or by a specific menu item (cheeseburger), making it easy to find your next meal. You can also save delivery locations, such as work or home, to speed up the process.
Availability: Grubhub is available in more than 900 cities.
Fee: The app is free to use, though some restaurants may charge a delivery fee and have a minimum order amount.
Download now for:
iOS Android
Doordash
DoorDash isn’t as big as Seamless or Grubhub, but it does offer a few unique features, such as its “DoorDash Delight” scoring system. The “Delight Score” uses factors such as food quality, restaurant popularity, delivery time, and customer satisfaction in order to recommend the best restaurants in your area.
Availability: DoorDash is available in dozens of cities, including Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, New York, and Chicago, among others.
Fee: The fee varies by restaurant. The price typically includes the cost of your meal, as well as tax, delivery fees, and an optional tip. Some restaurants charge additional service fees.
Download now for:
iOS Android
UberEats
If you trust Uber to drive you safely around the city, maybe you’ll trust them to deliver your sandwiches. The UberEats App is a standalone delivery app that is currently available in major cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles. While UberEats and Uber are different apps, they share many of the same features, such as estimated delivery times and cashless transactions.
Availability: Amsterdam, Austin, Baltimore, Singapore, Tokyo, Canada, and a host of other locations peppered throughout the globe.
Fee: UberEats charges a $5 delivery fee.
Download now for:
iOS Android
Postmates
Postmates is a little different than the other food delivery services on our list. First off, you can get a lot more than just food. Postmates is a delivery service that will pick up just about anything from just about anywhere and deliver it to your doorstep, even alcohol. Since Postmates doesn’t partner with restaurants, the only thing you are limited by is your location.
Availability: Postmates is currently available in more than 90 cities throughout the U.S.
Fee: There’s a fee added to every order, and during peak delivery times there may be additional Blitz Pricing fees added as well. Postmates also offers a “Plus Unlimited” service for $10 a month, which lands you free delivery from select stores and restaurants on orders of more than $25.
Download now for:
iOS Android
Delivery.com
Delivery.com is another delivery service that goes beyond the menu. You can get lunch, groceries, a bottle of wine, or even get your laundry with this app. Similar to Grubhub and Seamless, Delivery.com doesn’t charge you a fee to use its service. Instead, the company makes their money by taking a small percentage of your pre-tip subtotal.
Availability: Dozens of major cities across the U.S.
Fee: The app is free to use, but restaurants may charge a delivery fee and have an order minimum.
Download now for:
iOS Android
Yelp Eat 24
All of the delivery service apps on this list have some form of rating system. Of course, none of those review systems are nearly as robust as the one provided by Yelp Eat 24. Built on years of restaurant reviews, Yelp Eat 24 may have a leg up on the competition. You’ve relied on Yelp for choosing restaurants; now you can rely on it to deliver your dinner.
Availability: Currently available in more than 1,500 U.S. cities.
Fee: The app is free to use, but restaurants may charge a delivery fee and have an order minimum.
Download now for:
iOS Android
Foodler
One of the great things about using a delivery app is that it typically provides a cashless transaction. Most of the aforementioned apps accept major credit cards, Paypal, and Apple Pay, but Foodler accepts two additional forms of payment: Bitcoins and Foodbler Bucks. In addition to being a delivery service, Foodler also has a built-in rewards program that allows you to earn free meals.
Availability: More than 4,000 U.S. cities. When we tried it in Seattle, there were only two restaurants on the list.
Fee: The app is free to use, but restaurants may charge a delivery fee.
Download now for:
iOS Android
goPuff
While many of the food-delivery apps on our roundup work as a middleman between restaurants and customers, goPuff operates more like a digital convenience store. GoPuff offers everything from phone chargers and bathroom tissue, to six-packs of your favorite adult beverages — it will even deliver vaporizers, for those so inclined. You can scroll through the service’s robust database of items here.
Availability: The goPuff app is currently available in Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, New York, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, Chicago, and several other locations throughout the United States. The service also plans on expanding to other cities in the near future.
Fee: The app is free to use, but goPuff charges $2 for delivery, assuming you fall within one of the 30-minute on-demand delivery zones. If your order totals more than $49, delivery is free.
Download now for:
iOS Android
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