Samsung’s Olympic Games Edition Note 8 is shiny in all the right places

No matter how you place in the Games this year, Samsung is sending Olympians home with gold.

Just in time for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games to get started in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Samsung offered me a look at the special version of the Note 8 being handed out to the participants this year. Take a quick look!

For those who already own a Note 8, the big things you’re missing out on here are the white backing with matching S-Pen, a nice silver band around the outside, and the Olympic Games branding all over the phone and UI. The special theme Samsung made for this phone is exclusive, but similar to many of the themes you can find in the Samsung store already.

It’s a nice $1000 souvenir for those participating in the Olympic Games this year, and a fun way to make sure your phone stands out in a crowd. Unless, or course, it’s a crowd of other Olympians.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

• Galaxy Note 8 review
• Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy S8+
• Which Note 8 color is best?
• Complete Galaxy Note 8 specs
• Join our Galaxy Note 8 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
Best Buy

Google prepares to turn Android Messages into a true iMessage competitor

A desktop client, texting over Wi-Fi, making payments to businesses, and more is in the works.

In the great debate of Android vs. iOS, one thing that iPhone users often tout is that they can’t imagine switching to a Galaxy Note 8 or Pixel 2 because Android doesn’t have iMessage. While Apple will likely never add an iMessage app to the Play Store, it looks like Google may be taking matters into its own hands.

The folks at Android Police recently conducted a teardown of v2.9 for Android Messages, and while doing so, discovered a heap of new features that are in the pipeline for the app. Most notably, it would appear that Android Messages will soon get its own desktop client so you can send and receive messages from your computer.

According to strings of code referencing this feature, users will go to a specified address on their computer, scan a QR code with their phone’s camera from the Android Messages app, and automatically be logged into their account to handle any texts they get. This will all be done through a web-browser rather than a standalone desktop app, and you can be logged into multiple computers (such as a home desktop and laptop) at once.

Android Message’s web client will look a lot like Allo’s.

This sounds awfully similar to what Google introduced last August with Allo’s web-based client, and while that may alienate dedicate Allo users, this is a huge upgrade for out-of-the-box texting on Android.

Google’s finally giving Android Messages the features it deserves.

In addition to this, other bits of code show that certain “chat features are powered by Google.” These features entail the ability to send texts over Wi-Fi, see when people are typing, send “high-quality” photos, and more.

A lot of these are things Google’s been pushing with RCS messaging, but seeing as how carriers are dragging their feet in its adoption process, Google might have found a way to take matters into its own hands. One line of code says that users can “Upgrade Now” to get access to these features, so Google may have found a way to provide RCS benefits without waiting for carriers to adopt the new standard.

Lastly, Android Messages might start allowing you to make payments for items from businesses. This is referred to with things like “Buy with Google”, “Payments Summary”, “Order summary”, and “CHECKOUT.” Unfortunately, there’s no mention as to what you’ll be able to buy, what merchants will be supported, etc.

There’s no ETA as to when these features will drop, but I’d imagine we see them rolled out by Google I/O this May at the latest. Of all the new goodies mentioned here, what are you most excited for?

Android Messages picks up Allo’s Smart Replies feature

Aukey’s two-port wall charger is down to just $6

Stay plugged in.

This Aukey two-port compact wall charger is down to $5.99 with code AUKEYU32 on Amazon. It’s normally $10, so you’re saving about 40% off the price with this deal.

Aukey’s two-port wall charger is so compact you can take it anywhere. Just throw it in your bag and pull it out when you need it, whether you’re at school, work, or waiting for your next flight. It’s small enough you won’t take up more than one outlet, and you can share with a friend who needs to charge up, too.

The adaptive charging means it will work with whatever is plugged in, regardless of the platform. It has built-in safeguards to keep your devices from overheating or overcharging. It also includes Aukey’s two-year warranty. Users give it 4.3 stars based on 1,746 reviews.

Grab an $8 AmazonBasics Lightning cable or $8 USB-C cable to plug into your new wall charger.

See on Amazon

Nest co-founder Matt Rogers is leaving the company after nine years

Rogers was the last of Nest’s two co-founders still working there.

On February 7, Nest announced that it was officially merging with Google’s hardware division in an effort to make the best possible smart home products that it could. One day after this, Nest co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Matt Rogers, is leaving the company.

Rogers made the announcement on Twitter, with his full statement reading as follows:

After almost nine incredible, intense years working to build Nest, I’ve decided to begin my transition to dedicate more of my time to Incite.org, as well as to start thinking about the next adventure. In the coming months, I’ll be working closely with Google’s Hardware leads to define the 2019 roadmap and to ensure a smooth integration of Nest into Google’s Hardware group.

Nest has been an amazing journey and the honor of my career to build. Together with the Nest team and our partners, we’ve helped save over 19 billion kWh of energy, helped save a number of lives — both human and pets — with Nest Protect, and helped families feel more safe at home with Nest Secure and Nest Cam. And along the way, we managed to build the leading brand in the connected home space. I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next for Nest.

As mentioned above, Rogers will be moving on to Incite.org – and investment firm he’s been involved with since last year. Rogers co-founded Nest back in 2011 with Tony Fadell, and seeing as how Fadell left in 2016, Rogers’ departure means that Nest’s two co-founders are both officially gone.

Nest officially merges with Google’s hardware division

Best cases for ASUS Chromebook Flip

What are the best cases for the ASUS Chromebook Flip?

Cases for your ASUS Chromebook Flip come in many styles, from travel bags for business to minimalist sleeves in stylish colors. Take your pick from the cream of the crop.

• iPearl mCover hard shell case
• VanGoddy Hydei shoulder bag sleeve
• Evecase Neoprene slim briefcase
• Navitech canvas laptop sleeve
• Case Star Neoprene sleeve
• AmazonBasics laptop and tablet bag

iPearl mCover hard shell case

This hard shell case from iPearl mCover is ideal for those who want a case for their ASUS Chromebook Flip but don’t want to deal with zippers, snaps, or sleeves. The translucent PC material comes in seven color options as well as a clear version.

This two-piece case is easy to snap on and off, and for a reasonable price, you can grab two covers and change up the look of your Chromebook on a regular basis.

iPearl mCover cases won’t add loads of bulk but do still act as great protection if you’re a little hard on your Chromebook or if your commute is a little less than smooth. Get yours for just $20 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

VanGoddy Hydei shoulder bag sleeve

Need a sleek bag for your Chromebook and a few essential accessories? Check out this compact shoulder bag from VanGoddy Hydei.

Made of nylon and neoprene this carrying bag will keep your laptop protected with additional zip-up comparments where you can store your charging accessories, earbuds, or maybe your ID and credit cards if you’re traveling. The shoulder strap is optional so you can use it as a standalone bag or as a sleeve to slip into a bigger backpack.

You can get yours in your choice of color for just $19.99.

See at Amazon

Evecase Neoprene slim briefcase

Handles are pretty handy. The slim briefcase from Evecase lets you quickly grab your laptop case by the handles when you’re in a hurry or lets you tuck them away when the case needs to fit into a larger bag. The Neoprene material keeps your ASUS Chromebook Flip safe from incidental spills or the occasional rainy jaunt.

The secure zipper closure and soft, cushioned interior keep your Chromebook protected, even if your day is keeping you on the run. The front pocket is ideal for cords, paperwork, or even your phone; just keep everything all in one place and you won’t waste your day searching for odds and ends.

The Evecase Neoprene slim briefcase comes in six solid colors, or six kid-friendly patterns that are too cute to pass up. Get yours starting at just $17.99.

See at Amazon

Navitech canvas laptop sleeve

Canvas is an excellent choice for laptop sleeve material; it’s durable and less flexible than other fabrics, so your ASUS Chromebook Flip will stay safe and sound. It comes in solid red, black, or the nautical blue and white stripe pattern pictured here.

It’s slim and lightweight enough to toss into another bag if you’re traveling or commuting. The secure snap closure won’t fly open and the interior pocket is a perfect storage spot for a cord and a USB. The soft fabric lining keeps the exterior of your Chromebook scratch-free, too.

Durable, simple in its design, and made just for the ASUS Chromebook Flip, the canvas laptop sleeve from Navitech is a solid choice. Get yours starting at $15 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

Case Star Neoprene sleeve

You want something simple, straightforward, and on the inexpensive side? Look no further than the Neoprene sleeve from Case Star. It comes in eight solid color options that fit like a glove on your ASUS Chromebook Flip.

The zippered closure is secure and the sleeve features just a little bit of extra interior space for bringing along a charging cord. The super slim design will let you tuck the sleeve easily into a backpack or your carry-on luggage and the Neoprene material adds a little barrier against accidental spills.

For a sleeve that’s easy on the wallet and an easy choice, Case Star’s Neoprene sleeve is it. Get yours for under $10!

See at Amazon

AmazonBasics laptop and tablet bag

If you need your ASUS Chromebook Flip to travel well with other accessories and gear, go for the AmazonBasics laptop and tablet bag. It comes in basic black with a removable long shoulder strap that’s awfully convenient for travel.

For good measure, go for the slightly larger size featured here; an extra inch or so means it’s easier to slide your Chromebook in and out of the bag. The large zippered front pocket holds cords, your phone, your wallet, you name it; the narrower third pocket is perfect for documents.

The AmazonBasics bag is inexpensive and carries your ASUS Chromebook Flip along with all of your essential accessories in safety and go-with-everything-style. Get yours for just $14.

See at Amazon

Best case scenario

Are you using one of our top picks for ASUS Chromebook Flip cases? Tell us all about it in the comments below, or shout out with your personal favorite.

Update February 2018: Revised our picks for the ASUS Chromebook Flip and updated the pricing information.

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Google Play is coming to Chromebooks
• Acer Chromebook 14 review
• Join our Chromebook forums

YouTube temporarily cuts off Logan Paul’s ad revenue

YouTube star Logan Paul is in hot water again with YouTube, following his suspension from the service’s Preferred Ad program for posting a video of a suicide victim in Japan. YouTube has temporarily suspended all ads on his channels, cutting off revenue estimated between $40,000 to $600,000 per month. On Twitter, YouTube Creators cited his “recent pattern of behavior,” as reason for the suspension. Paul posted an apology video following the first suspension, but has since gone back to his shock tactics, posting videos showing dead fish and the tasering of a dead rat.

You’d think Paul would have laid low, having lost ad revenue, been cut from YouTube Creators’ Originals series and lost a YouTube Red deal for a sequel to his film, The Thinning. Since issuing the apology video, however, Paul has recently suggested on Twitter that he’d swallow Tide Pods and tried to monetize a video that violated YouTube’s advertiser guidelines (YouTube didn’t say which).

In response to Logan Paul’s recent pattern of behavior, we’ve temporarily suspended ads on his channels.

— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) February 9, 2018

YouTube further elaborated in a statement. “This is not a decision we made lightly … we believe he has exhibited a pattern of behavior in his videos that makes his channel not only unsuitable for advertisers, but also potentially damaging to the broader creator community,” a spokesperson wrote.

The site has been under scrutiny of late for sketchy content, including creepy kids programs and Russian influence in the US presidential elections. It recently promised to enlist 10,000 human moderators to screen content, for one. And after saying Paul may face further consequences for the suicide video, YouTube said it would address “egregious” content from all creators.

Suspending ad payments for Paul is YouTube’s most serious sanction yet. However, he reportedly gains a big chunk of revenue from merchandise and clothing sales, so that isn’t kneecapping him completely. So far, YouTube has resisted suspending its biggest stars, including Paul and PewdiePie. However, with advertisers like Mars, HP and Smirnoff having dropped YouTube until it cleans up its act, the site might need to start wielding its banhammer.

Source: YouTube

Google explores texting from your browser

Google’s Android Messages app could soon get a dramatic makeover with some interesting new features, judging by an APK teardown by XDA Developers and Android Police. Most significantly, it looks like you’ll be able to pair your phone with a computer and text directly from a browser like Chrome, Firefox and Safari, much as you can with Google’s Allo messaging app.

Unlike Allo, however, Android Messages could allow you to send mobile SMSes rather than web messages, making texting a fair amount easier. To use it, you may have to scan a QR code on your PC or Mac, then pair your device each time you want to text. The feature appears to be partially implemented in the latest Android Messages 2.9 APK, but you can’t yet send an actual text.

The APK also hints at the ability to send and receive payments, likely via Google Pay, potentially opening that service up to many more users. There are also signs that something called Google Enhanced Messaging, probably similar Smart Replies for Gmail, Allo and Inbox, is coming to Android Messages.

All told, Google appears to be transforming Android Messages into an Allo-like app, except for mobile SMS texts instead of web-based ones. It could also be monetizing it to a degree via Google Pay. Considering the power it yields over the Android smartphone ecosystem, that could amount to a lot of dollars. Take all the changes with some salt, though, because APKs don’t necessarily mean features are set in stone, and some of the aforementioned features are still half-baked.

Source: XDA Developers, Android Police

The best vibrators

By Bianca Jarvis

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here.

Until the 14th, you can also follow Wirecutter’s special Valentine’s Day deals, covering everything from candles to high-end chocolates to NSFW items, on their Sweetest Deals page.

After 75 hours of research—including reading hundreds of reviews of 55 best-selling models, interviewing sex researcher Debra Herbenick and five other experts, crowdsourcing opinions from enthusiasts, and analyzing data from seven testers who tried eight different models—as well as six months of follow-up testing, we’ve concluded that the cordless Magic Wand Rechargeable is the best vibrator for most people.

Should you buy a clitoral vibrator?

Sex toys can be a godsend for people who are unable to reach orgasm easily from manual masturbation, oral sex, or penetrative intercourse alone. But buying sex toys can be an intimidating experience. High-quality sex toys are often expensive and nonreturnable, you have hundreds of models to choose from, and the criteria for what makes a good sex toy can be highly subjective. We looked for toys that will work well for most people, including beginners.

How we picked and tested

From left: the Womanizer W500, We-Vibe Tango, Magic Wand Rechargeable, Doxy Massager, and Tokidoki x Lovehoney Sugar Rush 7 Function Girl Power. Photo: Michael Hession

We identified several vibrator features that were most important to our experts, our testers, and a general sample of sex-toy owners:

• Sufficiently powerful stimulation to induce an orgasm
• Multiple or variable speeds
• High-quality, easy-to-clean, nonporous body-safe material like silicone or ABS plastic
• Long battery life
• User-friendliness and intuitive functions

If a toy was rechargeable, versatile, durable, small (most of our testers, though not all, preferred smaller toys), affordable, waterproof, easy to clean, or covered by a solid warranty, we considered those attributes to be bonuses. Many users also desired an aesthetically pleasing toy with multiple color options.

We considered 55 different models, and tested eight of them. Our test panel consisted of seven people with vaginas, of various ages and sexual orientations. We instructed our testers to use each toy at least once, preferably twice or more, and to incorporate these toys into partner play when possible.

In addition, we independently tested interactions with silicone lubricant (more about this topic in our full guide), evaluated battery life by cycling the devices on and off for 20 minutes until they died, assessed overheating by letting them run for extended periods, and tested the function of waterproof vibrators.

Our pick: Magic Wand Rechargeable

Photo: Michael Hession

We recommend the Magic Wand Rechargeable, an improved version of the ultrapowerful Magic Wand Original. The cordless Rechargeable is well worth the additional investment, as it offers twice as many levels of stimulation as the Original model, plus an assortment of vibration patterns, an easy-to-clean silicone head, and a rechargeable battery that works with or without the power cord.

Virtually all of our testers reported that the Magic Wand was the only toy in our test group that could consistently bring them to an intense climax quickly, intuitively, effectively, and predictably. It offers four strength settings, and converts into a vibrating insertable G-spot/P-spot stimulator or a penile-masturbation sleeve via an attachment.

A powerful corded option: Doxy Massager

Photo: Michael Hession

The Doxy Massager is similar to the Magic Wand in power, function, and price, but it offers several distinct advantages: It looks sleeker, and is available in four colors, as opposed to the Magic Wand’s clinical white. It also offers eight vibration speeds, twice as many as our top pick.

However, unlike the Magic Wand Rechargeable, the Doxy still needs to be plugged into the wall to operate. Also, the softer texture of the head has a tendency to reduce the perceived intensity of the vibrations, even though the Doxy Massager has a higher top speed.

A battery-operated vibrator for less than $30: Tokidoki x Lovehoney Sugar Rush 7 Function Girl Power Vibrator

Photo: Michael Hession

Our tester initially purchased the Girl Power Vibrator, from the British sex-toy retailer Lovehoney’s collaboration with Italian lifestyle brand Tokidoki, as a cheap and cheerful collector’s item. Toys this stylish tend not to be affordably priced and typically don’t work well, but this vibrator is the exception to that rule. Our tester loved the toy’s versatile shape and firm texture, and found that it was exceptionally powerful for a battery-operated model. It offers three speeds and four vibration patterns. The only major drawback is that it’s non-rechargeable, requiring two AA batteries to operate.

Lovehoney is discontinuing all four versions of the Tokidoki-branded vibrator that is our budget pick. As an alternative, consider the Fifty Shades of Grey Charlie Tango Classic Vibrator; it’s the same model, but with different branding.

For suction and vibration: Womanizer W500

Photo: Michael Hession

Despite its unsettling name, the Womanizer W500 is one of the few toys that actually live up to the hype surrounding their gimmick—in this case, a silicone nozzle that latches onto the clitoris, stimulating it with a combination of suction and vibration. Our tester reported that this toy felt unlike any other toy she’d tried, with a sensation that was focused, gentle, yet intense in a totally different way than a traditional vibrator, providing a sensation similar to oral sex. The biggest drawback of the Womanizer is the price tag: At $200-plus, it exceeds most people’s budget for a sex toy.

Also great: Zumio Classic

Photo: Bianca Jarvis

Though the Zumio Classic’s unusual shape resembles that of a thermometer or oral hygiene device, the toy’s narrow stem and rounded tip deliver sensations more precisely than any other vibrator we have tested. This toy is ideal for those who like to focus stimulation on a particular part of the clitoris or vulva, as the small surface area of the oscillating hard plastic tip causes the vibrations to feel more concentrated in the areas they come in contact with. This makes the Zumio excellent for partner play or solo use. However, it costs nearly as much as our top pick, the Magic Wand, and is largely unable to match its broad, deep internal clitoral stimulation.

This guide may have been updated by Wirecutter. To see the current recommendation, please go here.

Note from Wirecutter: When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn affiliate commissions that support our work.

Apple Discounts BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless by $30 to $60

Apple has discounted its BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones by $30 to $60 for a limited time in the United States.

• BeatsX — regular $149.95, now $119.95
• Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless — regular $199.95, now $159.95
• Beats Solo3 Wireless — regular $299.95, now $239.95

Apple’s discount on Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones also applies to the newer “Neighborhood Collection” colors.

Apple’s deals match those frequently offered by authorized resellers like B&H Photo Video, which has BeatsX and Solo3 Wireless on sale for the same prices, but even lower prices can be found on Amazon for select colors.

• BeatsX — regular $149.95, now $109
• Powerbeats3 Wireless — regular $199.95, now $134
• Solo3 Wireless — regular $299.95, now $219.99

Like AirPods, the BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless are equipped with Apple’s W1 chip for instant pairing with an iPhone. They can then simultaneously connect to an Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.

All three headphones feature Fast Fuel. Five minutes of charging provides up to three hours of playback for the Solo3 Wireless, two hours of playback for the BeatsX, and an hour of playback for the Powerbeats3 Wireless.

Apple’s special Beats prices are available in the United States only for a limited time.

Disclosure: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo Video and may get paid if you click one of the above links and make a purchase.

Related Roundup: Apple DealsTags: Beats, BeatsX
Discuss this article in our forums

How to Prevent Other HomePod Users From Affecting Your Apple Music Recommendations

Apple’s HomePod speaker is best enjoyed when linked to an Apple Music subscription, since this allows you to make the most of Siri’s enhanced music smarts and its DJ-like role as a personal music curator, or “mixologist”, as Apple calls it.

As Apple Music subscribers will know, the streaming service learns your music preferences based on what you say and play, which helps it populate the app’s “For You” section with new songs that you might like, and enables Siri to generate new playlists on the fly at your request.

If you’re concerned that other people in your household will skew your Apple Music recommendations by using HomePod to play songs that don’t align with your tastes, then there’s a setting you’ll want to disable as soon as possible. It’s called “Use Listening History”, and here’s how to find it.

How to Enable/Disable Your HomePod’s Listening History

Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Long press on the HomePod icon in your Accessories list.
Tap the Details button.
Under the “Music & Podcasts” section, toggle on/off Use Listening History.
And that’s it. By turning off the setting, HomePod will happily continue to play songs from Apple’s vast music catalog for anyone who asks, but the songs will be excluded from its personal curation algorithms.

Related Roundup: HomePodTags: HomeKit, Apple MusicBuyer’s Guide: HomePod (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums