Maybe private ‘Black Mirror’ messages weren’t a good idea, Netflix
‘Tis the season for ominous, intrusive internet promotional campaigns. Netflix has spooked users on a Turkish equivalent to Reddit, Ekşi Sözlük, by sending them promotional direct messages meant to hype up the debut of Black Mirror’s fourth season. The messages from “iamwaldo” (a reference to Black Mirror season two’s “The Waldo Moment”) came in the middle of the night and sounded almost like a threat: “we know what you’re up to,” they read, “watch and see what we will do.”
Netflix has declined comment, but both Engadget and Gizmodo have learned that the streaming service is responsible for the campaign.
Many users quickly picked up on the Black Mirror references and thought this was clever. It certainly fits with Black Mirror’s “technology gone horrifically wrong” theme. However, others point out that this could easily have created serious problems. If you suffer from panic attacks and didn’t catch the reference, this could well have triggered a crisis. And remember, this is Turkey we’re talking about. Its current authoritarian leadership is fond of spying on social network users and suppressing political opposition, so those who missed the Black Mirror nod might have thought they really were being watched.
The damage is likely to be low, to be clear. However, this and Mozilla’s Mr. Robot Firefox promo (where it injected an add-on without permission) suggest that tech companies are pushing a little too hard in their attempts at viral marketing. The surprises certainly get attention, but they could also trigger a backlash from users who see the unsolicited ads as a reason to avoid services.
Via: Gizmodo
Source: Daily Sabah
MacRumors Giveaway: Win a Pair of Nova True Wireless Earbuds From TRNDlabs
For this week’s giveaway, we’ve teamed up with TRNDlabs to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a pair of NOVA True Wireless Earbuds, which are a wireless alternative to the AirPods.
Available for $70 as part of a New Year sale, the NOVA True Wireless Earbuds connect to an iPhone or other Apple device using Bluetooth 4.1, and there are no wires connecting the two earbuds together. Several different tips are available for the NOVA to ensure a comfortable fit.
Like other earbuds of this type, the NOVA Earbuds come with a Power Case for storage and charging purposes. With the built-in battery, the earbuds offer three hours of continuous music playback, with another 60 hours provided by the Power Case.
It takes about an hour to charge the earbuds using the case, and the case itself is charged using a microUSB cable, which comes in the box. As an added bonus, the Power Case can be used as a backup battery for your phone as well.
With an included microphone, the NOVA can be used to make phone calls, and there are touch controls for playing/pausing music, ending a call, and redialing a phone number.
We have five of the NOVA True Wireless Earbuds to give away to MacRumors readers. To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
a Rafflecopter giveawayThe contest will run from today (December 29) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 5. The winners will be chosen randomly on January 5 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
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What to Expect From Apple in 2018: Three New iPhones and iPad Pro With Face ID, HomePod, Refreshed Macs, and More
Like 2017, 2018 promises to be a major year for Apple, with many new products on the horizon. We’ll get Apple’s first smart speaker — the HomePod — this year, along with a second-generation version of the iPhone X accompanied by a larger-screened version for those who want to go even bigger.
A new iPad Pro with Face ID is said to be in the works, and this is also the year when Apple’s AirPower wireless charging mat will debut. Beyond that, we can expect Mac refreshes, new software, a new Apple Watch, and maybe that new modular Mac Pro.
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Below, we’ve rounded up all of the products we’re expecting to see from Apple in 2018 based on both current rumors that we’ve heard so far and past release information.
HomePod – Early 2018
HomePod is Apple’s first Wi-Fi connected smart speaker, designed to compete with existing smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and the Google Home. It was originally meant to debut in December, but Apple delayed its launch to an unspecified date in “early 2018.”
With HomePod, Apple focused on sound quality, with a 7 tweeter array, each with its own driver, and a 4-inch upward-facing woofer for crisp, distortion free sound. An A8 chip powers spatial awareness features, allowing the HomePod to analyze a room and then adjust the sound accordingly.
Siri is built into HomePod, and there’s integration with Apple Music for Apple Music subscribers. Using a six-microphone array, HomePod can detect Siri commands from anywhere in a room, so Siri can be used to play music, answer queries, and more.
We don’t know exactly when HomePod will be released, but it should come out in the first few months of 2018. Apple plans to charge $349 for the speaker.
Read more about HomePod in our HomePod roundup.
Three New iPhones – September 2018
Apple introduced three iPhones in 2017 — the iPhone X, the iPhone 8, and the iPhone 8 Plus — and current rumors suggest we’ll also see three new models in 2018.
The first iPhone we’re expecting will be a followup to the iPhone X with the same 5.8-inch OLED display. Rumors suggest it will be accompanied by a second OLED iPhone, this one measuring in at 6.5 inches, which means it can be thought of as an “iPhone X Plus.”
Alongside these two OLED iPhones, Apple is also said to be planning to introduce a 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display, positioned as a more affordable device targeting the low-end and midrange markets with a starting price of $649 to $749 in the United States.
Apple’s planned 2018 iPhone lineup, via Ming-Chi Kuo
According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all three of these iPhones will feature edge-to-edge displays, Face ID, and TrueDepth camera systems, which means the end of both the Home button and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in new iPhone models for the time being.
Kuo believes the 5.8-inch model will have a display with 458 pixels per inch, indicating the same 1125 x 2436 resolution as the iPhone X, while the larger 6.5-inch OLED model will offer 480 to 500 pixels per inch. The LCD model, which, as mentioned, will be positioned as a lower cost device, will have a lower-resolution LCD display with 320 to 330 pixels per inch.
Kuo’s predictions are often accurate, and he was able to share many details on the iPhone X ahead of its launch, so the three-iPhone rumor is credible.
It’s not clear what other features we may see in the 2018 iPhones aside from Face ID and edge-to-edge displays across the board, but a faster processor is a guarantee, and Apple may also adopt improved battery technology to offer longer battery life. New LTE modems are also in the works, which will allow for faster LTE connections.
All of the new iPhones are likely to use the same general design as the iPhone X, with glass bodies to support wireless charging, though one unsubstantiated rumor has suggested the lower-end device might instead include a metal frame.
With the iPhone X, Apple changed its naming scheme for the iPhone, so it’s anyone’s guess what. the 2018 devices will be called. Apple could name the next-generation iPhone X and its larger sibling the iPhone XI and the XI Plus, but it’s not clear if that’s what the company plans to do.
Read more about what’s coming in the 2018 iPhones in our iPhone X roundup.
iPad Pro – September 2018?
Face ID has been well-received in the iPhone X, and rumors suggest Apple is planning to deploy it to additional devices, including the iPad Pro.
A high-end 2018 iPad Pro could adopt many of the design elements of the iPhone X, with slimmer bezels, no Home button, and Face ID powered through the same TrueDepth camera system introduced in the iPhone X, according to Bloomberg.
iPad Pro render via Benjamin Geskin
A faster processor and custom Apple-built GPU are also rumored for the new tablet, but it’s not expected to gain an OLED display, with Apple continuing to use an LCD because of technical and financial constraints.
We haven’t heard rumors on the size of this updated tablet, but Apple is likely to stick with the 10.5-inch form factor. Whether we’ll also see a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with slimmer bezels and no Home button remains to be seen, but a separate rumor has said all 2018 iPad Pro models will feature Face ID and a TrueDepth camera.
Apple may also have a new version of the Apple Pencil in the works, but what improvements might be included aren’t known at this time.
Rumors suggest Apple may introduce the iPad Pro “a little more than a year” after the prior iPad Pro update, which was in June, so we may see the 2018 iPad sometime around September.
Read more about the next-generation iPad Pro in our iPad Pro roundup.
Low-cost iPad – Early 2018?
In 2017, Apple introduced a new 5th-generation 9.7-inch iPad with the lowest price we’ve seen yet – $329 for the 32GB model. Though not as thin as the iPad Pro, and missing features like Apple Pencil support and ProMotion display technology, the iPad has an A9 processor and is a capable, powerful device.
Rumors suggest Apple could introduce an even lower-cost iPad in 2018, with a price tag that starts at $259. That would allow Apple to better compete in the lower cost tablet market. This rumor comes from DigiTimes, though, a source that’s not always entirely reliable, so it’s not yet clear if Apple does indeed have an even more affordable iPad in the works.
If there is a new iPad coming, it could be introduced in early 2018, a year after the March 2018 debut of the fifth-generation iPad.
Read more about what’s next for the iPad in our iPad roundup.
Apple Watch Series 4 – September 2018
Apple has been updating the Apple Watch on an annual basis, so we’re expecting to see a fourth-generation model in 2018. These updates have come in September alongside the iPhone for the last two years, and Apple will likely follow the same schedule for 2018.
The Apple Watch has not seen a redesign since it was first introduced in 2015, so 2018 could be the year that Apple introduces a new look for the wrist-worn device. We haven’t heard rumors about a redesigned fourth-generation model, but there was some talk about a redesign for the Apple Watch Series 3.
That didn’t happen, but there’s a possibility that info was referring to an Apple Watch coming at a later date because it did come from a reliable source – Daring Fireball’s John Gruber.
Rumors have suggested Apple will perhaps use micro-LED displays for the 2018 Apple Watch, which would allow for a thinner, lighter display with improved color gamut and brightness.
New sensors could also be in store, as Apple has been testing EKG functionality for the Apple Watch. The feature would require users to place two fingers on either side of the Apple Watch to record the electrical activity of the heart to better detect irregularities. It’s not known if this functionality will be ready to debut in 2018.
Other sensors could be in the works, as could accessories that add new health-related capabilities to the device. Apple has been testing non-invasive blood glucose monitoring techniques, but it’s not likely this is something ready to debut in a product, and while Apple has patented bands that have built-in sensors, it’s also not clear if this is something that will come to fruition. Both are possibilities, though.
Read more about the next Apple Watch in our Apple Watch roundup.
AirPower Charging Mat
The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X introduce support for Qi-based inductive charging for the first time, allowing them to work with Qi-certified chargers. There’s no Apple designed charger on the market yet, but as Apple announced in September, an accessory is in the works.
Called the AirPower, Apple’s wireless charging device is designed to charge the Apple Watch, the AirPods, and the iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus all at the same time. It will work with the three newest iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 3, and the AirPods with a new inductive charging case that’s in the works.
Apple has not announced pricing or a launch date beyond the nebulous “2018” for the AirPower, but rumors suggest it could cost somewhere around $199 in the United States.
Next-Generation AirPods – Mid to Late 2018
Apple in September introduced a second-generation AirPods case that’s coming out in 2018 alongside the AirPower charging mat, which is designed to allow the AirPods to charge wirelessly.
In addition to this inductive charging case, Apple is also said to be planning to debut an upgraded version of the AirPods themselves in the second half of 2018. There’s no real word on what improvements might be made to the AirPods in 2018, but a “smaller quartz” component is one prediction from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the source of the rumor.
Better Bluetooth connectivity, an upgraded W1 chip, and new color options are all possible features Apple could introduce in updated 2018 AirPods, but nothing is confirmed at this point.
iMac and iMac Pro – Mid-to-Late 2018?
Apple refreshes the iMac on a yearly basis, so we’re likely to see updated 21.5 and 27-inch machines with 8th-generation Coffee Lake chips from Intel. The bump to Coffee Lake should introduce some nice speed improvements, as Intel says they’re up to 32 percent faster than previous-generation chips.
The iMac hasn’t seen a design refresh since 2012, but it’s not yet clear if other changes are in store beyond updated internals.
As for the iMac Pro, it’s a new product that was just introduced in December of 2017, so we don’t yet know its refresh schedule. In the past, Apple has not updated its pro machines on a yearly basis, so it’s not yet clear if it will be refreshed with updated components in 2018.
Read more about iMac and iMac Pro in our iMac and iMac Pro roundups.
MacBook Pro – June?
The MacBook Pro is typically refreshed on an annual basis, and 2018 should be no different. We’re expecting a minor spec bump with 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh chips, and perhaps some other improvements that include faster RAM and SSDs.
In 2017, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple was working on a higher-end MacBook Pro machine for professional users with 32GB RAM, set for a 2017 launch, but no such machine materialized. Whether there’s actually such a product in the works remains to be seen.
Given that the MacBook Pro’s design was just updated in 2016, we’re not expecting any design changes in 2018. The last refresh was in June of 2017, so a 2018 refresh could also happen in June following the Worldwide Developers Conference.
Read more about the MacBook Pro in our MacBook Pro roundup.
MacBook – June?
The MacBook is another machine that Apple normally updates on an annual basis, and this year’s refresh is likely to introduce 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh chips for speed and efficiency improvements.
Other internal components could also be updated, but no external design changes are expected as it’s only been two years since the MacBook came out.
Read more about the MacBook in our MacBook roundup.
New Software – June Preview, September Release
Apple in 2018 is expected to introduce new versions of the software that runs on iOS devices, Macs, the Apple Watch, and the Apple TV. In 2018, we expect to see iOS 12, macOS 10.14, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12.
As it does every year, Apple is likely to introduce these new software updates at the Worldwide Developers Conference, typically held in June. Following WWDC, beta versions will be provided to developers and eventually public beta testers for testing purposes ahead of an eventual September release alongside new iPhones and other new products.
We haven’t heard a lot about what we can expect to see in iOS 12, macOS 10.14, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12, but Bloomberg has suggested Apple is working on a universal app solution that would allow developers to create apps that work across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Currently, developers must develop apps for iOS and macOS separately.
A unified app system would mean developers could create a single app able to run on iPads, iPhones, Macs, the Apple Watch, and the Apple TV with less effort, as currently, iOS apps can already be extended to the Apple Watch and the Apple TV.
Apple is tentatively planning to introduce this universal app change in iOS 12 and macOS 10.14.
No other hints on what we can expect in next year’s software updates have surfaced as of yet, but we’re likely to learn more as the next Worldwide Developers Conference approaches.
Products We Might See
Apple TV Shows
Apple is delving into original television programming in a big way, and it’s possible the first of the company’s new TV shows could launch in 2018.
So far, Apple has purchased the rights to three new TV series: an “Amazing Stories” reboot with Steven Spielberg based on the original sci-fi show that ran from 1985 to 1987, an untitled “morning show drama” starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, and an untitled space drama developed by Ronald D. Moore, best known for creating the 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica.
Amazing Stories from 1985
The morning show drama is described as an “inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning,” while the space drama “explores what would have happened if the global space race had never ended.”
Apple just recently purchased all three of these shows and none of them are in production, so it’s not entirely clear when exactly each one will debut.
Read more about Apple’s original content plans in our Apple TV roundup.
Mac mini
The Mac mini, which hasn’t been updated since 2014, is in dire need of a refresh. We’ve heard no real word about work on a new Mac mini machine, but in October of 2017, Apple CEO Tim Cook said Apple plans for Mac mini to be “an important part” of the Mac product lineup going forward.
We don’t know if 2018 is the year when the Mac mini will finally be overhauled and updated, but it’s a possibility. If Apple does plan on introducing a Mac mini update at some point, it could come in June or September, and it could include 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh processors from Intel and Thunderbolt 3 support.
Read more about the Mac mini in our Mac mini roundup.
Mac Pro and Display
Apple in April announced plans to introduce a next-generation high-end high-throughput modular Mac Pro that will facilitate regular upgrades to meet the needs of the company’s pro user base. Apple plans to ship the machine alongside an upcoming Apple-branded pro display.
Work on the new Mac Pro didn’t commence until spring of 2017, and all Apple said about a release date is that it wouldn’t be ready in 2017. Apple’s made no mention of 2018, but it’s possible the Mac Pro will come late in the year. We may, in fact, hear more about it at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which will likely take place in June.
Modular Mac Pro concept image from CURVED/labs.
Apple has a dedicated team working on the Mac Pro, designed specifically for “demanding pro customers.” Apple is committed to making the Mac Pro the highest-end desktop system able to accommodate VR and high-end cinema production.
Read more about the Mac Pro in our Mac Pro roundup.
New iPhone SE
People who prefer smaller 4-inch iPhones are undoubtedly hoping for a new version of the iPhone SE, the updated 4-inch device Apple introduced in the spring of 2016. We really haven’t heard any concrete, reliable rumors suggesting another version of the iPhone SE is in the works, but there have been some less credible hints.
Supply chain sources told Taiwan’s Economic Daily News that a second-generation iPhone SE is in the works for the first half of 2018, with the device to be assembled by Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron at its factory in Bangalore, India.
An entirely questionable and unverified rumor from Indian site Tekz24 has said the next iPhone SE will include an A10 chip, 10GB RAM, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and thinner side bezels, but we’re not sure that’s accurate information.
Read more about what’s next for the iPhone SE in our iPhone SE roundup.
What’s Not Likely in 2018
New Apple TV
The Apple TV 4K was released in September of 2017, and so far, Apple hasn’t been doing yearly Apple TV updates. Prior to the 2017 release of the Apple TV 4K, there was an updated model released in 2015, but no 2016 refresh.
With an A10X processor in the Apple TV 4K, it’s fast enough to hold up for a few years, so we’re not expecting to see a new Apple TV in 2018.
Read more about the Apple TV in our Apple TV roundup.
MacBook Air
Apple refreshed the MacBook Air in 2017 with slightly faster Broadwell processors, but aside from that, the device, which is Apple’s most affordable laptop, has not been updated since 2015.
Apple is likely phasing the MacBook Air out in favor of the MacBook and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, both of which make the “Air” moniker antiquated with their slimmer bodies. The MacBook and the 13-inch MacBook Pro are still not machines Apple is able to sell for under $1,000, so the MacBook Air may stick around for another year or two in its current incarnation. No upgrades are expected, though.
Read more about the MacBook Air in our MacBook Air roundup.
AR Smart Glasses
We’ve heard multiple rumors suggesting Apple is prototyping augmented reality smart glasses and virtual reality headsets, but while these products are in development, a release is not expected for a couple of years yet.
An AR/VR headset built by VRvana, a company Apple purchased in late 2017
According to the most recent rumors, Apple is working on an augmented reality headset with a dedicated display, built-in processor, and a new “rOS” operating system based on iOS, with the “r” standing for reality. Apple is said to be aiming to finish work on an augmented reality headset by 2019 ahead of a launch it hopes will come in 2020.
A new version of ARKit is rumored to be in development, though, and that could come as soon as 2018. New ARKit functionality could include multi-player game support and support for persistent tracking. Apple in November bought its first VR/AR hardware company, VRvana. VRvana developed a virtual reality headset called Totem, which was designed to combine both augmented and virtual reality technologies in a single headset.
Read more about Apple’s work on augmented reality in our AR/VR roundup.
Apple Car Software
Apple is working on an autonomous driving system, but development on the software is still in the early stages and it’s not likely we’ll see any kind of finished product in 2018. Testing is ongoing on the roads around Apple’s Cupertino offices using autonomous driving software and specialized equipment installed in Lexus SUVs.
One of the Lexus SUVs Apple is using to test its autonomous driving software
While no finished products are expected, we may hear more about Apple’s work on autonomous software throughout the year. It’s not really clear when something will come of Apple’s efforts.
Read more about Apple’s work on autonomous software in our Apple Car roundup.
Related Roundups: iPad Pro, iMac, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, watchOS 4, iPad (2017), HomePod, iMac Pro, iPhone XBuyer’s Guide: 10.5″ iPad Pro (Neutral), iMac (Neutral), MacBook Pro (Caution), Apple Watch (Buy Now), 12.9″ iPad Pro (Neutral), iPad (Caution), iMac Pro (Buy Now), iPhone X (Buy Now)
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The 10 most stylish iPhone X cases
10 Best iPhone X Cases to Keep Your New Device Safe and Stylish | The Manual
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10 Best iPhone X Cases to Keep Your New Device Safe and Stylish
If the iPhone X was in your stocking, then you had better get an iPhone X case. Gone are the days when you could rock your iPhone without a case because a) you should protect your investment — this phone isn’t cheap — and b) choosing not to shows a lack of good judgment to your friends and colleagues.
Good news for you: There are already a variety of cases out there to fit your style. Even better news: We at The Manual pulled together a list of the best iPhone X cases.
For the Slim and Strong: OtterBox Symmetry Series – $26
This case is a great option that provides higher-than-average protection for your iPhone with minimal bulk, all at a reasonable price. It absorbs shocks and has raised edges to help protect your screen — which is now bigger than ever. With color options from fine port (aka dark red) to clear to regular ol’ black, there is something for everyone.
For Elegant Protection: Grovemade Minimalist Cases – $59-plus
Grovemade brings us a case with an aluminum frame, a shock resistant bumper, and an attractive walnut backing. This lightweight frame mixes functionality and looks to cover all of your bases — not to mention the company hails from The Manual’s hometown of Portland, Oregon.
For More Padding: Speck Presidio Ultra – $50
Looking for additional protection and willing to add just a little bit of bulk? Check out the this ultra-sturdy iPhone case. Sporting four layers of protection, this case can cushion your phone for drops up to 15 feet, according to Speck.
For a Cash/Call Combo: Silk Wallet Case – $25
With a fashionable card slot that holds up to three cards or cash, this case provides both protection and efficiency for your daily, on-hand accessories. The phone comes in a sophisticated blue, black or red. The best part? The price tag is light on the wallet.
For a Classic Wallet Case: Lumion Slim Wallet – $17
This vintage leather case (that isn’t actually leather) has a cover to protect your screen, which also holds three card slots and a pocket to carry extra cards, cash, and any other slim items you want to keep handy. Choose between brown and black to match with your belt and Clarks.
For the Future: Lumion Hybrid Case – $20
The futuristic-looking Hybrid case from Lumion provides looks, protection, and a hidden compartment to store cash and cards. All exposed areas — including the screen, camera, and cut outs — are shielded by raised edges and a dual protective layer for shock protection. With a bunch of different color options to choose from, including a neon orange that brings to mind the movie Chappie, this case will definitely catch some attention from your peers.
For Your Bike or Hike: Armor-X Shockproof Rugged Case –$30
Armor-X offers an iPhone X case with a built-in system — complete with clip and carabiner — that can attach to 40 different mounts. Incorporate your phone’s GPS or a fitness app when you jump on your bike, motorcycle, or snow mobile (or simply go for a run). Additional mounts allow for ease of use in cars, in the office, or just about anywhere you can go.
For the Minimalist: Tozo Clear Gel Skin – $10
If you don’t want something bulky first place, this is the choice for you. This gel case provides decent protection with covered corners and a raised edge to protect the screen. It’s also thin and see-through, so it’s almost like it’s not even there!
For a Power Up: ZeroLemon SlimJuicer – $4o
This bad boy is a protective case and portable phone charger all in one. The SlimJuicer can provide one full recharge for your iPhone X. Note that it adds 4.4 oz to your phone’s overall weight, which is worth its weight in gold if you rely on your phone for business, life, or gaming.
For the OG: Apple’s Leather Case – $49
If you want to stick with the folks that started it all, you can always go with a case from Apple. The company offers a simple design with multiple color options, and (of course) an apple logo on the back. With European leather, machined aluminum buttons, and a snug fit, this case looks good.
Regardless of which case you decide on, you’ll be happy that you got one — especially after that first drop as you walk out of the Apple store. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry … even if it’s just in case.
Want more options? Our brother site, Digital Trends, has rounded up their top picks for iPhone X cases, and their list of the best iPhone 8 cases might also inspire you.
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Google finally killed the Pixel-C, but the Pixelbook has all the same problems
On December 28, Google announced that it would finally be discontinuing the Pixel-C and no longer selling it online. Android tablets have been on life support for years now, but this puts the final nail in the coffin. So what happened?
The Pixel-C was a gorgeous device in its own right — a 2-in-1 tablet meant to bridge the gap between tablets and laptops. It was beautifully made, with top-of-the-line hardware and materials. Its fancy magnetic hinge was an engineering wonder, too.
But in many ways, it was a failed experiment. It came at a time when Android didn’t have much in the way of multitasking or mouse support, yet it was bizarrely positioned as a (sorta-kinda) successor to the Chromebook Pixel. While it did eventually get some of that, Android apps were still far behind in terms of being optimized for full screen usage. It was too little, too late.
To put it over the edge, the Pixel-C was way too expensive for what it was. At an original price of $499 (plus an extra $150 for the keyboard), it was attempting to compete with the iPad rather than the cheaper Android tablets that inhabited the space at the time. It might look affordable if you bought Google’s argument that the Pixel-C could serve as a laptop replacement, but its capabilities never fulfilled that promise.
In other words, it was a over-priced, beautiful product that tried to do a little bit of everything — and failed. Remind you of anything?
In the post that addressed why the Pixel-C was removed, Google stated “As is common when a device has been out for a few years, we’re now retiring Pixel C, and it is no longer available for sale. […] Our newly launched Google Pixelbook combines the best parts of a laptop and a tablet for those looking for a versatile device.”
Google wants you to think its new Pixelbook builds the bridge between laptop and tablet in a different way. Funny enough, the link to the Pixel-C even redirects you to the Pixelbook product page. Yet the Pixelbook doesn’t solve any of the problems the Pixel-C had. It makes them worse.
Similar to the Pixel-C, the hardware of the Pixelbook is built with style and high- quality materials. It’s thin, sleek, and easily stands out from the crowds of MacBook imitators. In many ways, it’s the Chromebook I’ve always wanted to use.
The user experience, however, is plagued with a lot of the same software inconsistencies the Pixel-C had. Apps still aren’t optimized for full-screen mode, but now they also aren’t made for Google’s Pixel Pen, either. Multitasking doesn’t work well, with Google only now attempting to fix the basic problems of Android apps not being able to run in the background, and adding split-screen support. At times, the Pixelbook feels like a device built by engineers that never used the software it runs.
Windows 2-in-1s and iPad Pros aren’t perfect either but, over the years, these products have done more to bridge the gap between mobile and PC than any other device. They’ve done it by picking a strategy and sticking with it. Everyone made fun of Windows 8 when it came out, but its key premise has been refined into a truly multi-purpose OS in Windows 10. The iPad also caught flak, but no one’s laughing at the plus-size iPhone now.
The only hope for the Pixelbook is that Google learns lessons from what Microsoft and Apple have done, rather than repeat the mistakes of the Pixel-C. Either that, or it’s time to throw everything out and start from scratch.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Google retires Pixel C tablet, wants you to buy the Pixelbook instead
- The Pixelbook nearly doubles Samsung’s Chromebook Pro in price. Is it justified?
- The best Chromebooks you can buy right now
- Chromebook multitasking to improve with ‘split view’ (with one big catch)
- Google Pixelbook Review
Thanks to renewable energy, German factories got paid to use power last weekend
Over the holiday weekend, customers in Germany were paid to consume power, as a surplus of electricity from wind generators pushed electricity prices below zero. It’s not an unusual occurrence, as the New York Times reports. Germany’s massive investment in renewable energy sources — more than $200 billion over the past 20 years — has resulted in regular excess of electricity due to the unpredictable nature of wind and solar power.
Germany got 35% of its energy from renewable sources in 2017, and some days that figure peaked as high as 85% depending on the sun and wind. Over the holiday weekend, a combination of low demand, strong winds, and warm weather combined for a surge in power generation.
The country’s nuclear and coal plants were unable to scale down their output quickly enough, leading to a bounty of about $60 per megawatt-hour for high-volume consumers such as factories.
These paybacks don’t filter down to everyday households, as utility prices are calculated quite differently in Germany than the U.S. However, the government is considering programs for individuals such as incentives to use more power at certain times to relieve stress on the power grid.
Germany can export some of its surplus energy to neighboring companies, but they’ve already experienced price dips below zero more than 100 times in 2017. With plans to begin phasing out their nuclear program by 2022, reliable weather forecasting is essential for consistent power production.
Many European countries, as well as other countries around the world, also deal with occasional surplus power problems, but Germany’s reliance on variable renewable sources presents some unique challenges. At one point during October, prices were below zero for a 31-hour period. As a result, large-scale consumers were paid as much as $98 per megawatt-hour to consume electricity during that period.
Batteries to absorb the excess power during peak production is an obvious solution, but current technology is not advanced enough to store all the excess energy. Still, they’re adapting to the new reality of renewable energy. “We now have technology that cannot produce according to the demand, but is producing according to the weather,” said German energy consultant Tobias Kurth. “[It’s] one of the key challenges in the whole transition of the energy market to renewable power.”
Editors’ Recommendations
- Eve Technology Eve V review
- Black Friday wasn’t the end, check out the best Cyber Week tech deals
- These are the 8 best games we saw at PlayStation Experience 2017
- Stay powered up on the go with the best portable power stations
- From CERN to the ISS, here are 9 big tech projects that changed the world
Here are all the Snapdragon 845-powered devices coming in 2018
Devices include the LG G7, Galaxy S9, Google Pixel 3, and more.
Qualcomm officially took the wraps off the Snapdragon 845 in early December, and as we previously mentioned, there are a lot of reasons why you should be excited about it. Every new processor brings increased speed and better battery life, and while the 845 offers both of these things, it also has serious improvements for cameras, support for ultra-fast gigabit LTE, and plenty more.
We’re expecting a lot of phones in 2018 to be powered by the Snapdragon 845, but according to a list that was recently shared on Chinese social network Weibo, we now have a fairly detailed roadmap for every single phone that’ll be released with this new silicon.
We advise taking this information with a grain of salt, but in any case, here’s what we could be looking forward to in 2018.
- February – Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+, LG G7/G7+
- April – Xiaomi Mi 7
- May – HTC U12
- June – OnePlus 6, Sony Xperia XZ Pro, ZTE Nubia Z18
- August – Nokia 10
- September – Samsung Galaxy Note 9, LG V40, Xiaomi Mi MIX 3
- October – Google Pixel 3/3 XL, Sony Xperia XZ2, HTC U12+, ZTE Nubia Z18S
- November – Moto Z (2019)
- December – OnePlus 6T, Samsung W2019
We were already expecting most of the phones on this list to use the 845, but there are a couple handsets that stick out. For starters, we aren’t all that certain about the LG G7/G7+. Last year’s G6 shipped with the 821 versus the 835 due to Samsung hogging up the latter of the two for the S8, but then again, reports back in May suggested that LG was working with Qualcomm this time around to make sure the 845 gets in the G7. Right now, we’d consider this one to be a toss-up.
Secondly, it’s unclear what Motorola is planning for the Moto Z in November. The Moto Z2 Force was released in July of 2017, and while we aren’t doubting that next year’s Moto Z will use the 845, it’s odd that Motorola is pushing the release date so much further back than it did this year.
If you had to choose a phone off this list to buy in 2018, which would you pick and why?
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 might make its way to Chromebooks
Control your devices anywhere with a $40 two-pack of TP-Link Smart Plugs
Buy smart accessories smartly.
The TP-Link HS110 Smart Plug two-pack is now on sale at Amazon for just $39.99. Other than when it was $35 at B&H Photo on Black Friday, this looks to be the lowest price ever for these smart plugs. At just $5 above the Black Friday pricing, it’s nothing to scoff at. A single one of these plugs is currently selling for $35 on its own, so this is a really smart way to save some cash.
These smart plugs come with energy monitoring, allowing you to track real-time and historical energy use.
Features include:
- Amazon Echo voice control – Amazon Echo (sold separately) lets you control devices connected to the smart plugs just using your voice
- Easy to use and install – Just plug a device into the Smart Plug and connect to your Wi-Fi network. No hub required
- Scheduling – Schedule the Smart Plug to automatically power electronics on and off as needed, like setting lights to come on at dusk or turn off at sunrise
- Remote access – control devices connected to the smart plug wherever you have internet using the free Kasa app on your smartphone
- Away mode – turns your devices on and off at different times to give the appearance that someone is home
These plugs have a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars with over 1,600 reviews.
See at Amazon
Top 5 tips and tricks for getting the most out of EMUI 8
Getting started with EMUI 8 is easy, and it’s because it’s based on Android 8.0 Oreo. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the new platform.
EMUI 8 is the software running on the Huawei Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro and Honor View 10, and it will soon be coming to a bunch of Honor and Huawei devices being upgraded from EMUI 5.x.
While not a huge evolution in design or features, EMUI 8.0 has a number of advantages over its predecessor, including optimizations for AI and machine learning, and an underlying layer of Android 8.0 Oreo that brings a bunch of cool new things. Whether you’re waiting for that all-important software update or are just looking to get apprised of Huawei’s latest and greatest, here’s what you need to know about EMUI 8.0.
Change that launcher
If you’re using a phone running EMUI 8.0, such as the Huawei Mate 10 or Honor View 10, you’re going to have to contend with the default launcher, an experience that may be jarring coming from another phone. First, the launcher lacks an app drawer, which forces you to throw your app icons and widgets, iPhone-style, into a series of pages. It can get messy.
Make that change by going into Settings —> Display —> Home screen style and changing it from Standard to Drawer. If you’re still not satisfied (as I wasn’t), download an alternative like Action Launcher or Nova Launcher, which seem to do the job quite well.
Accept that notifications aren’t quirky but solid
The fastest way to loving a device like the Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro or View 10 is to accept that EMUI 8 has some idiosyncracies, particularly in the way it handles notifications. While the behavior is different depending on the product, they all share Huawei’s love for blue accents, curved boxes and oversized text. With the Mate 10 series, lockscreen notifications don’t expand; on the View 10, they do.
But given that EMUI 8 is based on Oreo, the main thing you need to know is that notifications, while quirky in places, are solid. They support snoozing and in-line replies and, for system apps, get really small and all that good stuff.
Dive into the display settings
Like any Samsung or LG phone today, Huawei phones have a bunch of display settings to tweak not only the color temperature but the resolution, text size, the presence of a blue light filter and more. It’s a lot.
The good news is that EMUI 8 cleans this up considerably from previous versions, making it easy to find exactly what you want. See whether you’re OK with your phone running at its full resolution or, to save a bit of battery, lower it to HD+. Even better, enable “Smart resolution” which does the decision-making for you.
For phones with 2:1 displays running EMUI 8, like the Mate 10 Pro and View 10, there’s also a setting in the Display area to force all apps to stretch to run within the taller aspect ratio. It’s quite handy.
Play with navigation
All phones running EMUI 8 utilize an optional on-screen navigation dock in lieu of permanent navigation buttons. The gesture area can be moved around, and the tap/hold/swipe dynamic is easy enough to learn that, before long, you won’t need the navigation keys at all. Or, if you want to use both you can do so easily. EMUI 8 is customizable without feeling bogged down by the choices.
Find the right theme
Phone theming is so hot right now, but Huawei has been there from the beginning with free downloadable themes to make your home screen and navigation areas look great. EMUI 8 comes with a native Themes app that, in one tap, applies new colors and icons to your whole phone. Feeling particularly festive? Grab a limited-time seasonal theme to celebrate Christmas or Easter (or Halloween or…) or just search through the myriad creative submissions from Huawei designers and creative fans alike.
How are you thinking about EMUI 8? Looking forward to the update? Let us know in the comments!
Huawei Mate 10
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro review
- Huawei Mate 10 series specs
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro U.S. review: Close to greatness
- Join the discussion in the forums
- More on 2016’s Mate 9
It looks like you can unlock the bootloader on the Verizon Pixel 2
You better act fast.
If you’re in the market for a Google Pixel 2, you have only two options of how to buy it – either unlocked from the Google Store or through Verizon Wireless. The Verizon Pixel 2 is the exact same phone as the unlocked model, but there’s one area where it’s different – it’s bootloader can’t be unlocked. Or can it?
Google Pixel 2s sold through Verizon are supposed to have a bootloader that’s not unlockable, but some users on the XDA Developers Forum are proving just the contrary. A handful of users have reported that they’ve been able to unlock the bootloader of the Verizon Pixel 2 (not the 2 XL) by using the basic adb reboot bootloader and fastboot flashing lock_critical commands without any sort of hack or exploit required.
One of the users that was able to do this says they bought the phone at a corporate Verizon store, whereas another one reports having purchased theirs at a local Best Buy.
Most people interested in this sort of thing likely bought the unlocked Pixel 2, but if you have a Verizon unit and want to give this a shot, we’d recommend doing it sooner rather than later. Once Verizon catches wind of what’s going on, a software update will likely be pushed to prevent this from happening in the future.
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
- Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
- Google Pixel 2 specs
- Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
- Join our Pixel 2 forums
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