Apple Seeds First Beta of tvOS 11.3 to Developers

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 11.3 update to developers for testing purposes, just a day after releasing the tvOS 11.2.5 update.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, the tvOS 11.3 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that’s installed using Xcode.

According to Apple’s release notes, tvOS 11.3 includes bug fixes, new features, and security improvements, with a list available below:

– Enhancements to Match Content support.
– Automatic frame rate switching on Apple TV 4th Generation.
– Automatic mode switching for AirPlay video sessions.

tvOS 11.2.5, the previous tvOS update, featured no major outward-facing changes that were noticed by Apple TV users, appearing to instead include minor under-the-hood updates.

Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

iCloud Messages Returns to iOS in First Beta of iOS 11.3

Apple in iOS 11 promised a new Messages in iCloud feature that will allow customers to save their iMessages in iCloud and sync them across devices. Messages in iCloud was pulled from iOS 11 during the beta testing period, with Apple promising to reintroduce it at a later date.

It was not clear if and when the feature was actually going to be implemented, though, as Apple stripped all mentions of it from the iOS 11 website.

As of iOS 11.3, Messages in iCloud is back and is available for “testing and evaluation purposes,” marking the official return of the feature. According to Apple’s release notes, once iOS 11.3 beta 1 is installed, Messages will prompt users to turn on Messages in the Cloud when it is first launched.

Messages in the Cloud is automatically enabled for users who have two-factor authentication and iCloud Backup enabled, says Apple.

The new Messages in iCloud feature will be a welcome change for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users who prefer not to delete their messages. Over the course of several years, Messages can take up a lot of space. That space can now be freed up with the bulk of older messages stored directly in iCloud rather than on-device.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
Discuss this article in our forums

Qualcomm fined $1.2 billion for paying Apple to use its mobile chips

Qualcomm has been hit with a $1.23 billion fine by antitrust regulators in Europe, after an investigation concluded it paid Apple to use its chips over those from competitors. The EU investigation began in 2015 and examined Qualcomm’s actions between 2011 and 2016. While Qualcomm is best known for the Snapdragon mobile processor, this is not the chip in question here. It’s a baseband chip that controls network connectivity, linking your phone to 4G LTE signals.

The EU antitrust commission says Qualcomm paid “billions of dollars” to Apple, and its actions “illegally shut out rivals from the market for LTE baseband chipsets for over five years, thereby cementing its market dominance.” The statement goes on to say, “no rival could effectively challenge Qualcomm in this market, no matter how good its products were.” While Qualcomm is the largest supplier of baseband chips, other manufacturers include Intel and MediaTek.

It’s revealed Apple signed an agreement with Qualcomm in 2011 to accept payments if it used Qualcomm chips exclusively in the iPhone and the iPad. If either device was launched with a competing chip in place, the payments would stop and Apple would have to return a percentage of payments already made. EU antitrust commissioner Margrethe Vestager said, “This is illegal under EU antitrust rules and why we have taken today’s decision.”

The resulting fine of 997,439,000 euros, or about $1.23 billion, represents 4.9 percent of the turnover made by Qualcomm in 2017. Qualcomm has been told it cannot enter into such agreements with companies again.

In a statement of its own, Qualcomm says it will appeal and, “Strongly disagrees with the decision.” Executive vice president and general counsel Don Rosenberg said, “We are confident this agreement did not violate EU competition rules or adversely affect market competition or European consumers.”

Qualcomm faces a similar challenge in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Qualcomm in January 2017 over anticompetitive tactics related to baseband chips in smartphones. Qualcomm denies wrongdoing. The case is ongoing, and at the end of December, Apple was fined for not producing required documents to the FTC in a timely manner, so the case drags on. In 2017, Apple launched some iPhone 7 models with Intel baseband chips inside, a move that has become a point of contention in the ongoing, and separate legal battle between Qualcomm and Apple.

Update: Added statement from Qualcomm.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple vs. Qualcomm: Everything you need to know
• Apple agrees to cough up 137 million pounds ($185 million) in extra taxes
• Apple is paying the $16 billion in back taxes it owes in Ireland
• If the huge Broadcom/Qualcomm merger deal happens, who are the big winners?
• FCC officially repeals 2015 Net Neutrality regulations by a narrow margin

Hidden clues uncover date and location of Google’s I/O 2018 conference

Google’s annual I/O Conference will run from May 8-10, and will be held in the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.

That announcement didn’t come easy, though. In Google’s usual, eclectic fashion, the location and date were only unearthed after a series of clues, laid out breadcrumb-style, led intrepid adventurers to the correct location.

It all began with a tweet from the Google Developers Twitter account, which posted a mysterious image. Amateur-detectives were quick to identify the image as binary code, and were able to translate the code into a URL for Google’s I/O website.

Plans are coming along for #io18… pic.twitter.com/48VpqvVqWU

— Google Developers (@googledevs) January 24, 2018

The website takes users into street view for what is most likely a Google Developers office, and into an escape room-style puzzle that needs to be solved before the next door can be opened. By all accounts, it was a fun puzzle, and The Verge is taking credit for cracking it first, working alongside a Discord server of other adventurers.

The full solution isn’t something that we’re going to spoil here, since although the final outcome is known, there’s nothing stopping you from tackling the puzzles yourself for fun. Among the hints and clues that The Verge came across, perhaps the most tantalizing is this image of an upside-down pineapple cake.

The Verge

For those who aren’t immediately struck by the significance of the image, remember that Google tends to add a letter to each of the major new versions of Android. Android 8.0 Oreo has been out for a while, which means the letter “P” is highly likely to be the next significant version of Android — Android 9.0 P.

Whether or not Android P will be named “Pineapple” remains to be seen. Our very own Julian Chokkattu was handed a peppermint cookie by Google at CES 2018, and “Peppermint” would also be a viable name for the next Android version. Could the cake — dare we say it– be a lie?

I just got a peppermint cookie from @Google and I'm convinced it's a teaser. Android Peppermint? #DTCES #CES2018

— Julian Chokkattu (@JulianChokkattu) January 10, 2018

Regardless of the naming convention, it’s highly likely that Google will use its I/O conference to discuss the future of Android, and maybe even reveal the new version right there. With the emphasis on Google Assistant at CES 2018, we would also expect to see much more from Google on that very subject. Past Google I/O conferences have been packed with new innovations, and we’re expecting this year’s to be exactly the same.

Editors’ Recommendations

• ‘Avengers: Infinity War’: Everything we know so far
• Samsung Galaxy X: Rumors and news leaks
• Google is finally fixing its ghastly cheeseburger emoji
• Everything you need to know about the Essential PH-1 phone
• How to use Google Lens to identify objects on your Pixel smartphone

The best laptops for video editing

Whether you’re making a quick video about your cat’s latest antics, or you’re a professional videographer producing ads for major corporations, there are likely times when you’ll want to edit a video while you’re on the road. Video editing has some very specific requirements, however, and calls for a specific set of features and capabilities if it’s going to be done efficiently and with acceptable performance. That’s why we surveyed the Digital Trends videographers and put together this list of the best laptops for video editing.

Our Pick

Dell XPS 15

Key Specs

Display: 1080p or 4K UHD

CPU: Up to Core i7-7700HQ

GPU: Up to Nvidia GTX 1050

RAM: Up to 32GB

Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe SSD

Price: Starting at $1,000

Dell’s XPS 15 clamshell laptop has been one of our favorite portable workhorses for a couple of years. It’s incredibly well-built, with a solid aluminum chassis and comfortable carbon fiber keyboard deck. It also provides some serious power, with up to Intel’s seventh-generation quad-core i7-7700HQ CPU. This is a fast, full-power (45-watt) processor that can provide some serious power for things like encoding video. The XPS 15 is also available with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU that should help considerably with live editing and encoding performance. Even with all of that power, Dell offers a huge 97 watt-hour battery option to keep you going away from a plug.

Dell also offers the XPS 15 with a very high-quality 15.6-inch 4K UHD display using IGZO panel technology. That means that not only is it sharp and bright, but it also provides high performance along with close to full coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, good accuracy, and great viewing angles. If you want to stick with a Full HD display, then Dell has you covered there as well with solid quality. The 4K UHD display also supports touch, which is a nice convenience.

You can configure the XPS 15 all the way from an entry level model with an entry-level i3-7100H CPU all the way up to the aforementioned i7-7700HQ, up to 32GB of RAM, up to 1TB of very fast PCIe solid state drive (SSD) storage, and up to that gorgeous 4K UHD display. You’ll get a machine that also provides tons of high-speed connectivity, including a USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 support, along with a solid keyboard and touchpad with the option of a fingerprint scanner for secure login via Windows 10 Hello.

Note: The Dell XPS 15 will be replaced by the XPS 15 2-in-1 in March. The new model will have similar specifications overall, so we expect it too will be good for video editing. Check out our hands-on here.

Check out our full review of the Dell XPS 15 laptop.

See on Dell

Blizzard patches security hole to block hackers from sending fake updates

Blizzard is currently fixing a security hole in its desktop software that could allow any website to install browser-based software libraries, gain access to network-attached storage devices, and more. The company introduced a temporary fix to prevent any immediate exploits, but plans to release a “more comprehensive” fix in the near future. 

Blizzard’s Desktop App includes a component called Blizzard Update Agent that installs, uninstalls, and updates associated Blizzard games such as Diablo III, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, StarCraft II, Hearthstone, and more. This component creates a server that listens for encoded commands sent from Blizzard through a local network port on the PC. This update platform relies on a specific authentication token system to determine that these commands are legitimate.  

But Google security researcher Tavis Ormandy revealed that hackers could infiltrate this setup using an attack called “DNS rebinding.” Theoretically, a hacker and/or website could create a domain name, and assign that name to the IP address and port where the Update Agent resides on the target PC. From there, hackers could bypass Blizzard’s authentication system to install malicious software and perform other dirty deeds. 

Ormandy originally disclosed the issue on December 8, and communicated with Blizzard until the company went quiet on December 22. By then, he noted that Blizzard quietly updated the client – v5996 – with a temporary fix he deemed a “bizarre solution,” and that used a three-step verification process. He previously proposed using a whitelist for valid hostnames, but based on Blizzard’s fix, figured the company thought his solution was “too elegant and simple.” 

Finally, on January 23, Blizzard resumed communication with Ormandy. “We have a more robust Host header whitelist fix in QA now and will deploy soon. The executable blacklisting code is actually old and wasn’t intended to be a resolution to this issue,” a representative said. 

A DNS rebinding attack typically targets more than one machine on a network. Attackers will register a domain name, assign it to a Domain Name System server under their control, and create a webpage with malicious JavaScript. When victims land on the page, hackers acquire their IP address and tie it to one of their subdomains to execute a Cross-Site Request Forgery attack. Ultimately, hackers gain control of the victim’s router, and can attack other machines on the network. 

In the case of the Blizzard Update Agent, hackers could create a fake update server to deliver goods not associated with Blizzard’s games. The company likely went silent for a few weeks while it replicated the problem, created a temporary fix, and set course for an official update prior to providing additional responses. Meanwhile, Ormandy provides a “simple” demo of the Blizzard DNS rebinding testcase here. 

“Note that this attack can take up to five minutes to work, this would be happening while you read a website in the background and you would see nothing on the screen,” Ormandy explains. 

Outside of Blizzard’s response on Ormandy’s disclosure, the company has yet to make an official public announcement regarding his findings. 

Editors’ Recommendations

• MacOS High Sierra 10.13.1 adds 70 new emojis for more expressive conversations
• Anyone can log into your Mac without your password — here’s how to fix it
• Still using Windows 8.1? You’re on your own now
• Sony A7R II review
• Do more while doing less with the best Mac keyboard shortcuts

A.I. email assistant Astro includes a built-in calendar feature in update

On Wednesday, January 24, Astro launched version  3.0 — a new version of its email assistant app for iOS, Mac, Android, and Slack. Aside from a redesigned interface, the update also brings a variety of new features such as a built-in calendar, an extended list of Astrobot commands, and more.

With Astro, you can use common email features to help you manage your inbox such as setting reminders to answer them later, tracking emails you have opened, along with scheduling ones as well. In comparison to other email clients on the market, Astro uses artificial intelligence to track your behavior and create a more personalized experience.

The app also includes a personal built-in assistant known as Astrobot. It can detect questions from your emails, send you reminders, and offer suggestions for emails to get rid of.

In its latest update, users can now improve their workflow by adding their Gmail and Office 365 calendars. After selecting which accounts you like to use, you can then add or update events within Astro.

Your calendar will also keep track of your other activity throughout the app. If you schedule an email to be sent later or send a reminder through Astrobot, it will be added to your Calendar so that you can easily see what is on the agenda for the day.

Last summer, Astro introduced its Slack integration — allowing Astro to send emails in the form of a direct message between you and Astrobot. You’re able to reply to emails, delete them, or archive them without having to leave the messaging platform. With Calendar, you can now ask Astrobot specific commands like “When am I free tomorrow?” straight from Slack.

Astro 3.0 also brings improvements to Astrobot’s capabilities when it comes to its Insights, which you can now view separately. In addition to following up on emails and questions, the app’s A.I. will identify times or due dates when it comes to events and tasks.

With its new mentions feature, you will be able to reference a teammate in an email. By tagging them the same way you would on social media or Slack, they receive the notification in their Insights.

Other new features include Astrobot’s ability to respond to more commands such as create new folders, search emails by name or subject. With the Zap command, you will also be able to unsubscribe from, archive, or delete emails from a specific folder, mark and move emails, as well as empty your junk folder.

To accompany all the new features, Astro received a revamp. The mobile app now includes a bottom bar with five tabs — to simplify navigation for Astrobot Insights and the Calendar — along with additional filters to the top of your inbox, and the option to add a photo avatar. As for the Mac, you will find Ask Astrobot on the bottom left sidebar and Insights on the top.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Sticky Notes get stickier with a new update squashing bugs and packing bullets
• Will your watch get Android Wear 2.0? Read our guide to find out
• The latest Firefox revs up browsing by stitching more threads into your CPU
• HDMI 2.1 is coming: Here’s what you need to know
• Buried under emails? The best email clients can help you dig out

7 super cool tech toys we saw at the London Toy Fair 2018

Technology and toys go together like, well, kids and toys, so it’s no surprise to find the London Toy Fair 2018 brimming with tech-infused, interactive toys for young ones to enjoy. We visited the show — for journalistic purposes only, of course, not to play with stuff — to see what was new, and bring you a round-up of our favorites. From smart piggy banks and kid-friendly phones, to newly updated classic toys, here’s what caught our attention.

KidiBuzz/KidiCom Max

Your kid wants a smartphone, but you don’t want to give them something expensive, or very breakable. VTech has the KidiBuzz, or KidiCom Max in the U.K., an actual Android smartphone wrapped up in a tough package, and locked down so they don’t have access to anything they shouldn’t. Aimed at three to seven year-olds, the KidiBuzz has a 5-inch touchscreen, a camera mounted in a rotating module so it takes both regular and selfie photos, plus a selection of educational apps. It doesn’t have a cellular connection and works only on Wi-Fi, but kids can still send text and voice messages to a select group of people through VTech’s own KidConnect platform.

Even if you drop the phone, there’s plenty of protection to prevent major damage, and the oversize body makes it easy for small hands to grip. Because it runs Android, other apps can be installed by parents, and there’s a secure passcode stopping kids from running rampant in the Google Play Store. It even has 8GB of internal memory, a MicroSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone socket for music playback. The KidiBuzz was released at the end of 2017 and costs $100 or 110 British pounds.

Leapfrog Leapstart 3D

The latest model in Leapfrog’s Leapstart range of interactive books has a holographic image viewer built in, adding a cool visual element to these clever devices. The idea behind Leapstart is getting kids to interact with both physical toys, and tech. It opens up like a laptop, but there’s a storybook inside that reacts to the touch of a special pen. The books range from Disney stories to educational books, with the latest range being enhanced for the 3D holographic display.

We saw a demonstration where we had to count butterflies on the page, and each time we tapped on one, it “flew” up into the holographic screen. It’s fun, and will help hold kid’s attention. All previous Leapstart books are compatible with the new model, and some will be updated to make use of the new display. When you’re done, it folds up and has a little handle for easy transportation. Leapfrog will release the Leapstart 3D soon — the above photos are of a prototype — and it will cost 50 British pounds, or around $70.

Hot Wheels Bladez DRX X-Terrain Monster Drone

The Hot Wheels Bladez DRX X-Terrain is without a doubt the coolest drone we saw at the London Toy Fair 2018. It’s not the most technical or the most feature packed drone; but we had a lot of fun playing around with it. The Bladez DRX is the latest model in Hot Wheels Bladez drone range, and everything is bigger and better. A set of movable drone blades are fixed to a vehicle, powering it around on the ground. But it’s powerful enough to lift the whole thing off the ground, turning it into a wheeled drone. It doesn’t stop there. The wheels are made from polystyrene, so you can land the Blades DRX on water, where the rotors make it work like a hovercraft.

It can be used indoors or out, and is designed for racing so you can use it alongside other DRX drones. We love the versatility of the Bladez DRX, and the relative simplicity of the control system. It’s easy to see how much fun kids would have with this. In the U.K., you’ll pay 50 British pounds, or about $70, for one.

Scalextric ARC Pro

A classic racing toy updated for the Gran Turismo age. The Scalextric Arc Pro uses a smartphone or tablet app to bring a level or realism previously unavailable to racers, by recreating the type of conditions we’re used to in console games. The ARC (which stands for App Race Control) app controls the race, from the grid line-up to the amount of fuel you have on-board, and tire wear. It tells you when to pit, and if your car has a problem. The wireless controllers vibrate when one of these alerts shows up. It adds another dimension to the racing, combined with the ability to use up to six cars — three per lane — and to overtake.

While ARC Pro components and cheaper sets are available, the major Pro Platinum GT system, with controllers, cars, and plenty of track costs $690, or 600 British pounds. Then you need the space to put the track out, and likely the patience to pack it all up again when you’re done. We think the effort is worth it though, and the cars have considerable collectible value.

Razor E Prime

This is Razor’s latest electric scooter, and one of its most powerful and advanced. Designed for commuters rather than kids, it’s capable of up to 15mph and has dual brakes so it’s legal for road use. The battery is good for around 40 minutes use, and takes a couple of hours to charge up. The scooter is light and folds neatly. It’s joined by the Razor Power A, a smaller kid-friendly version that’ll reach 10mph. Both will be out in July, with the E Prime costing around $400 or 400 British pounds, and the Power A costing around $300 or 230 British pounds.

Money Monster

Teaching kids about fiscal responsibility is often a necessary but thankless, and boring task. With cash taking a back seat to credit and debit cards, and even contact-less payment methods, the concept of a piggy bank is outdated. That’s where the Money Monster comes in. It’s a digital money box linked with a contact-less cash card, which is controlled and monitored by parents. Money is transferred to the Money Monster account — it’s partnered with Santander — and its eyes light up to tell the owner there’s money inside. Tilt the monster to the side, and the balance shows up on the little screen.

The contactless payment card works like a debit card, as it’s loaded up with the money that can be used in stores. The statements are sent to the app controlled by the parents. Other messages related to money and spending appear on the screen. The target price is around $40, or 30 British pounds, and it’s expected to be released later in 2018.

Teddybots

The Teddybot robot is a traditional, if modern-looking, soft-toy, which is accompanied by a smartphone app where the ‘bot can be named and “adopted.” The app’s real job is to help manage time spent on the phone, along with activities that promote cognitive skills. Games inside the app are linked with painting, puzzles, and story telling, and encourage kids to put down the phone for a while. Teddybots call this “On and off” activities, all of which are built around the fun world featuring the robots. The Adopt-a-bot you see above costs 30 British pounds, or about $40, and comes with a beta version of the app for early adopters.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Need a last-minute gift idea? Check out the hottest toys of 2017
• The 20 best tech toys for kids will make you wish you were 10 again
• These ridiculously fun remote-control toys will make you feel like a kid again
• The Turtlebacker Trailer lets you go camping with all of your outdoor toys
• This remote-control sex toy app is secretly recording your intimate adventures

7 super cool tech toys we saw at the London Toy Fair 2018

Technology and toys go together like, well, kids and toys, so it’s no surprise to find the London Toy Fair 2018 brimming with tech-infused, interactive toys for young ones to enjoy. We visited the show — for journalistic purposes only, of course, not to play with stuff — to see what was new, and bring you a round-up of our favorites. From smart piggy banks and kid-friendly phones, to newly updated classic toys, here’s what caught our attention.

KidiBuzz/KidiCom Max

Your kid wants a smartphone, but you don’t want to give them something expensive, or very breakable. VTech has the KidiBuzz, or KidiCom Max in the U.K., an actual Android smartphone wrapped up in a tough package, and locked down so they don’t have access to anything they shouldn’t. Aimed at three to seven year-olds, the KidiBuzz has a 5-inch touchscreen, a camera mounted in a rotating module so it takes both regular and selfie photos, plus a selection of educational apps. It doesn’t have a cellular connection and works only on Wi-Fi, but kids can still send text and voice messages to a select group of people through VTech’s own KidConnect platform.

Even if you drop the phone, there’s plenty of protection to prevent major damage, and the oversize body makes it easy for small hands to grip. Because it runs Android, other apps can be installed by parents, and there’s a secure passcode stopping kids from running rampant in the Google Play Store. It even has 8GB of internal memory, a MicroSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone socket for music playback. The KidiBuzz was released at the end of 2017 and costs $100 or 110 British pounds.

Leapfrog Leapstart 3D

The latest model in Leapfrog’s Leapstart range of interactive books has a holographic image viewer built in, adding a cool visual element to these clever devices. The idea behind Leapstart is getting kids to interact with both physical toys, and tech. It opens up like a laptop, but there’s a storybook inside that reacts to the touch of a special pen. The books range from Disney stories to educational books, with the latest range being enhanced for the 3D holographic display.

We saw a demonstration where we had to count butterflies on the page, and each time we tapped on one, it “flew” up into the holographic screen. It’s fun, and will help hold kid’s attention. All previous Leapstart books are compatible with the new model, and some will be updated to make use of the new display. When you’re done, it folds up and has a little handle for easy transportation. Leapfrog will release the Leapstart 3D soon — the above photos are of a prototype — and it will cost 50 British pounds, or around $70.

Hot Wheels Bladez DRX X-Terrain Monster Drone

The Hot Wheels Bladez DRX X-Terrain is without a doubt the coolest drone we saw at the London Toy Fair 2018. It’s not the most technical or the most feature packed drone; but we had a lot of fun playing around with it. The Bladez DRX is the latest model in Hot Wheels Bladez drone range, and everything is bigger and better. A set of movable drone blades are fixed to a vehicle, powering it around on the ground. But it’s powerful enough to lift the whole thing off the ground, turning it into a wheeled drone. It doesn’t stop there. The wheels are made from polystyrene, so you can land the Blades DRX on water, where the rotors make it work like a hovercraft.

It can be used indoors or out, and is designed for racing so you can use it alongside other DRX drones. We love the versatility of the Bladez DRX, and the relative simplicity of the control system. It’s easy to see how much fun kids would have with this. In the U.K., you’ll pay 50 British pounds, or about $70, for one.

Scalextric ARC Pro

A classic racing toy updated for the Gran Turismo age. The Scalextric Arc Pro uses a smartphone or tablet app to bring a level or realism previously unavailable to racers, by recreating the type of conditions we’re used to in console games. The ARC (which stands for App Race Control) app controls the race, from the grid line-up to the amount of fuel you have on-board, and tire wear. It tells you when to pit, and if your car has a problem. The wireless controllers vibrate when one of these alerts shows up. It adds another dimension to the racing, combined with the ability to use up to six cars — three per lane — and to overtake.

While ARC Pro components and cheaper sets are available, the major Pro Platinum GT system, with controllers, cars, and plenty of track costs $690, or 600 British pounds. Then you need the space to put the track out, and likely the patience to pack it all up again when you’re done. We think the effort is worth it though, and the cars have considerable collectible value.

Razor E Prime

This is Razor’s latest electric scooter, and one of its most powerful and advanced. Designed for commuters rather than kids, it’s capable of up to 15mph and has dual brakes so it’s legal for road use. The battery is good for around 40 minutes use, and takes a couple of hours to charge up. The scooter is light and folds neatly. It’s joined by the Razor Power A, a smaller kid-friendly version that’ll reach 10mph. Both will be out in July, with the E Prime costing around $400 or 400 British pounds, and the Power A costing around $300 or 230 British pounds.

Money Monster

Teaching kids about fiscal responsibility is often a necessary but thankless, and boring task. With cash taking a back seat to credit and debit cards, and even contact-less payment methods, the concept of a piggy bank is outdated. That’s where the Money Monster comes in. It’s a digital money box linked with a contact-less cash card, which is controlled and monitored by parents. Money is transferred to the Money Monster account — it’s partnered with Santander — and its eyes light up to tell the owner there’s money inside. Tilt the monster to the side, and the balance shows up on the little screen.

The contactless payment card works like a debit card, as it’s loaded up with the money that can be used in stores. The statements are sent to the app controlled by the parents. Other messages related to money and spending appear on the screen. The target price is around $40, or 30 British pounds, and it’s expected to be released later in 2018.

Teddybots

The Teddybot robot is a traditional, if modern-looking, soft-toy, which is accompanied by a smartphone app where the ‘bot can be named and “adopted.” The app’s real job is to help manage time spent on the phone, along with activities that promote cognitive skills. Games inside the app are linked with painting, puzzles, and story telling, and encourage kids to put down the phone for a while. Teddybots call this “On and off” activities, all of which are built around the fun world featuring the robots. The Adopt-a-bot you see above costs 30 British pounds, or about $40, and comes with a beta version of the app for early adopters.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Need a last-minute gift idea? Check out the hottest toys of 2017
• The 20 best tech toys for kids will make you wish you were 10 again
• These ridiculously fun remote-control toys will make you feel like a kid again
• The Turtlebacker Trailer lets you go camping with all of your outdoor toys
• This remote-control sex toy app is secretly recording your intimate adventures

The DroNet algorithm teaches drones to navigate city streets like cars

Drones can be dangerous. From hacking unprotected devices to falling from the sky, drones can cause a lot of digital and physical damage. As these little flying machines become commonplace in public spaces, researchers have even intentionally crashed them into mannequins and uncooked pork to study just how dangerous they can be. The result isn’t pretty, so pedestrians would be wise to be weary when they see one zipping toward them on a city street.

But a research team at the University of Zurich and the National Centre of Competence in Research Robotics in Switzerland may help put a little more consistency and certainty into how drones will move around us in the future. The researchers have developed a system that allows drones to navigate autonomously around obstacles and through unstructured streets by teaching the drone to act more like cars and bicycles.

“We have developed an algorithm that can safely drive a drone through the streets of a city and react promptly to unforeseen obstacles, such as other vehicles and pedestrians,” Davide Scaramuzza, head of the University of Zurich’s Robotics and Perception Group that developed the system, told Digital Trends.

Scaramuzza and his colleagues have called the training algorithm DroNet, short of Drone Network, a nod to the deep neural network that makes its magic happen. By observing and learning how cars and bicycles react to the dynamic environment of a city street, the DroNet algorithm lets the drones recognize static and moving obstacles, triggering it to slow down and avoid crashes.

“With this algorithm, we have taken a step forward toward integrating autonomous drones into our ‘everyday life,’” Scaramuzza said. “Instead of relying on sophisticated sensors, DroNet only requires a single camera — very much like that of every smartphone — on a drone.”

Most of today’s drones use GPS to navigate, which is great if they’re traveling above buildings but complicated if they are flying at low altitudes in densely populated streets. So, in order to teach the drone to navigate city streets safely, Scaramuzza and his team collected data from cars and bicycles in urban settings, and fed that data into the DroNet algorithm, which used the data to learn street etiquette — like staying in one’s own lane and decelerating when approaching obstacles.

Such a common sense system could become valuable as drones take up tasks like delivery and search and rescue. However, Scaramuzza and his team will first have to refine the algorithm to enable faster and more agile flying.

A paper detailing the study was published this week in the journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.

Editors’ Recommendations

• During the Drone Rodeo at CES, the fastest pilots race for aerial supremacy
• Watch NASA’s A.I. race a pro drone pilot — you’ll never guess who wins
• Yuneec unveils three new drones, including an updated Typhoon H Plus
• Drone-owning Brits face clampdown as government moves to make skies safer
• Watch this coordinated drone swarm fly in tight formation — without GPS