New Images Reveal Fitbit’s Upcoming ‘Mass Appeal’ Smartwatch

Images of Fitbit’s next smartwatch have been obtained by Wearable, following the fitness firm’s recent confirmation of a new device launch later this year.

During an investor’s call yesterday revealing weaker-than-expected results, Fitbit CEO James Park said the company will introduce a smartwatch in 2018 that will have “mass appeal”, seemingly confirming lackluster sales of its Ionic smartwatch (reviewed here).

According to Wearable, the new device will be the successor to the two-year-old Fitbit Blaze and will run the same Fitbit OS that first showed up on the Ionic – software that was largely the result of Fitbit’s acquisition of Pebble back in 2016.

The actual name of the new smartwatch remains unclear, but Fitbit is said to want to appeal more to the female market, which is one reason why this device will be smaller than the Ionic and closer to the dimensions of the original Blaze.

Otherwise, the new smartwatch is said to be water resistant to 50 meters and will have an Sp02 sensor for monitoring sleep apnea, but GPS won’t be included. The watch will be more affordable than the Ionic, according to Wareable’s sources, and will come in four colors: black, silver, rose gold, and charcoal, with a range of straps available.

Tags: Fitbit, Fitbit Ionic
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Fitbit’s cheaper, smaller smartwatch leaks out

It’s crunch time for Fitbit as it searches for a way to get plenty more folks buying its smartwatches. On Monday, the company said that it was planning a “family” of devices for 2018, including a watch that was cheaper than the Ionic and aimed at the mass-market. Now, Wareable believes that it has renders of the device, which is set to launch in the Spring.

The render shows a timepiece with the same one-and-two pusher design as on Fitbit’s flagship, but a narrower, square-circle case. According to people familiar with the matter, the company was concerned that the Ionic wasn’t a hit with women, who found it unstylish. Consequently, the device has been designed with an eye on making it smaller, thinner and with more color options. You can also see this strategy feeding back to the Ionic, which will soon be available in an Adidas-branded variant.

It’s also thought that the watch is intended to replace the Blaze in Fitbit’s product lineup, and could be called the Blaze 2. Alternatively, since it runs on the same platform as the Ionic, it will get a new name that signifies the shift. As for the hardware itself, which comes in black, silver, rose gold and charcoal, it will be water-resistant to 50 meters and will, to save costs, not have a GPS module included.

The timepiece will also come with the same blood oxygen sensor that ships in the Ionic, but has yet to be activated by the company. When it is, the system will be able to track sleep apnea, although it’s not yet clear when it’s rolling out. We’ve reached out to Fitbit for comment, although it has already issued a non-committal response to Wareable, but all of this certainly smells true enough.

Source: Wareable

Amazon Music is the latest addition to your Prime subscription in India

Amazon Music offers a vast catalog of regional and international content to Prime subscribers in India.

Amazon soft-launched Prime Music alongside the Echo family last November, with the service accessible to anyone with an Echo device. The music streaming service is now going live for all Prime subscribers in India, and you’ll be able to access the vast catalog of tunes by hitting up the web player or downloading the Amazon Music app.

The timing makes sense, as Amazon recently signed a deal with T-Series — India’s largest music label — to bring its catalog of 150,000 songs to the streaming service. Like Prime Video, Amazon is focusing on regional content as the main differentiator with Amazon Music.

The retailer has inked deals with major labels in the country, including the likes of Sony Music, Saregama, Times Music, Tips Music, Zee Music, Venus Music, and Warner Music Group, so there’s no shortage of Bollywood and regional music on the music streaming service. When you first start using the service, you’ll be able to choose your preferred language from Hindi, English, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati and Rajasthani.

Amazon Music will use that information to serve up curated playlists and music recommendations. The Amazon Music app allows you to take your tunes offline, and the service seamlessly integrates with your Echo device. It’s not just regional music either, as I was able to find most class rock and heavy metal albums I usually listen to on the service.

Download Amazon Music from the Play Store

There’s a lot of competition in the music streaming segment in India, which sees local players Gaana, Saavn, Wynk, and Hungama go up against the likes of Google Play Music All Access and Apple Music. Play Music All Access is available for ₹99 ($1.50) a month, whereas Apple Music is available for ₹120 ($1.80) a month.

For its part, Amazon is bundling its music streaming service into the Prime subscription, which costs just ₹999 ($15) in India annually, or ₹83.50 ($1.275) per month.

For that price, you also get unlimited access to Prime Video, as well as free same-day and two-day delivery options on hundreds of thousands of products on Amazon. The Prime subscription is the best deal in Indian e-commerce today, and Amazon Music’s addition makes it an even more compelling option.

If you haven’t already, you should subscribe. Amazon offers a 30-day trial as well, so you can take a look at what’s on offer with the subscription before you commit to the annual fee.

See at Amazon India

Google beta tests Flutter toolkit for better cross-platform apps

Building apps for both Android and iOS can be a pretty time-intensive task, so it’s no wonder that many developers often build for one platform first, followed by the other. There are workarounds to this, such as using Facebook’s React Native that lets you build apps just with Javascript. Last year, however, Google introduced its own solution called Flutter. First revealed at I/O, Flutter is an open-source toolkit that lets devs create native apps for both platforms quickly and easily. Plus, it’s also compatible with Fuchsia, Google’s upcoming OS. Now, at Mobile World Congress, Google has announced that Flutter is officially in beta and is thus ready for wider adoption.

It’s only been a few months, but Google has made a lot of improvements to Flutter since then. It’s now compatible with the iPhone X for one thing, and it also has screen reader support, right-to-left text, localization, inline video support and more. It also has improved integration with Dart 2, Google’s own programming language. According to Google, Flutter has already been in use with production apps as well as apps that were featured on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. One such example is the popular Hamilton app.

As you might expect, Google is releasing the beta at Mobile World Congress partly to entice developers. It’s working on stabilization and is planning on adding more features like inline WebView, inline maps, and more. If you’re a developer, you can check out more information here. And if you’re a user like everyone else, well, hopefully this means better apps for everyone.

Catch up on the latest news from MWC 2018 right here.

Waymo’s 360-degree demo ride shows what self-driving cars ‘see’

One of the big steps necessary to roll out self-driving cars is getting the public to trust them, and Waymo’s latest attempt to achieve that is with a new 360-degree experience. Viewable on a computer, your phone or a VR headset, it feeds a simulation of mixed video and sensor data (LiDAR, radar and cameras) from one of the company’s Pacifica Hybrid minivans to give you a feeling of what it “sees” while driving along.

For many people, this is the first time they’ll be able to experience a ride in a self-driving car, and perhaps begin to trust that it’s at least as attentive as human drivers. The Alphabet (and formerly Google) company has big plans to launch a taxi service this year with thousands of these vans, and 360-degree video provides a preview of what it will be like.

After taking five years to accumulate one million miles driven, Waymo says its cars have racked up a million in the last three months (to with 2.7 billion virtual miles last year). That brings their total real-world mileage to five million across 25 test cities, adding as much mileage every day as the average person does in a year. Expect more “public education and awareness” advertising to follow, but for now, just take a peek around as Waymo does the driving.

Source: Waymo (YouTube), Waymo Blog

‘My Tamagotchi Forever’ app arrives on March 15th

You ready to give a cute virtual pal some food, bath and TLC? If you miss your Neopets and Tamagotchi days, then keep an eye out for My Tamagotchi Forever, which will be available for Android and iOS devices on March 15th, 2018. Bandai Namco is bringing its beloved virtual pets to smartphones for their 20th birthday, and this time, they’re no longer pixelated blobs asking for attention. In this new version, the pets looks more like the villagers in Animal Crossing and is even set in a town with other inhabitants they can make friends with.

You’ll still have to take care of your pet like old times, though, play mini games with it and evolve it when it’s ready to grow. But since this is the age of social media, you’ll also be able to share moments and compare your progress with friends. You can also tickle your pets now, thanks to the magic of touchscreen displays. While the app won’t be available until March 15th, you can now pre-register on Google Play to be notified when you can download the app and get a critter to dote on. For now, you can register at the game’s website to get the chance to become the inspiration for a brand new Tamagotchi character.

Source: My Tamagotchi Forever

How to Use Control Center’s Apple TV Remote in iOS 11

In iOS 11, it’s possible to add an Apple TV Remote interface to the Control Center that will allow you to quickly navigate and control playback on your 4K Apple TV or fourth-generation Apple TV using your iPhone or iPad. It’s a great solution if you just can’t get on with Apple’s Siri Remote, and doesn’t require you to install an app. In this article, we’ll show you how to set up the Apple TV Remote on your iOS device and explain how to use it once you’ve done so.

Remember, if you own a second- or third-generation Apple TV, you can still use your iOS device as a remote, but you’ll need to download the dedicated Apple TV Remote app from the App Store.

Before continuing, make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is updated to iOS 11: Open the Settings app, tap General -> About, and look for the version number. If you need to update, tap back to Settings, select Software Update, and follow the onscreen instructions, then meet us back here when installation is complete.

How to Set Up Apple TV Remote in iOS 11’s Control Center

Turn on your Apple TV and the TV/monitor connected to it, and make sure your iOS device and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.

Select Control Center from the options list.

Tap Customize Controls.

In the More Controls list, tap the entry called Apple TV Remote.

Next, launch the Control Center on your iOS device in the following manner: On iPad, double-tap the Home button; on iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen; or on iPhone X, swipe down from the upper right “ear”.

Tap the Apple TV button that now appears in the Control Center grid of options.

In the Remote overlay that appears, choose the Apple TV that you want to connect to from the list.

Enter the four-digit passcode that appears on your Apple TV’s display to connect.

The touch interface that appears on your iPhone or iPad screen will replicate the function of the original Apple TV Remote except for the volume buttons. If your Apple TV is set up to stream audio to an AirPlay/Bluetooth speaker or headset, then you can use the volume buttons on your iOS device to adjust the output volume. Otherwise, you’ll have to continue to adjust sound levels using the dedicated remote, your television, or any hi-fi equipment your Apple TV is connected to. With that in mind, here’s a quick breakdown of the touchscreen controls that are available to you.

How to Use the Apple TV Remote in iOS 11’s Control Center

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• The large gray space in the middle of the onscreen interface acts as the touchpad. You can swipe it to move through Apple TV menus, tap it to select items, and use both actions to rewind and fast-forward media during playback.
• The big Menu button can be used to go back a level in menu screens. A quick double tap on it will also activate the Apple TV screensaver.
• During playback, two buttons will appear on either side of the Menu button that allow you to jump forward and back 10 seconds.
• The Play/Pause button in the lower left of the interface can be used to start the selected item straight away, bypassing any associated content info screens.
• The Home button (the one with the TV icon) takes you to the Home screen where all your installed Apple TV apps live in a grid formation. It may also take you to the TV app, depending on your settings.
• The Microphone button activates Siri input, allowing you to perform a variety of voice commands from anywhere in the system. Activating a search field will also bring up a pop-up window that lets you either type using your iOS device’s keyboard or dictate your search term. Either of these options is significantly easier than navigating the Apple TV’s onscreen keyboard.

For more details on the functions you can perform using the Apple TV Remote’s controls, be sure to check out our dedicated tips and tricks guide.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, iOS 11Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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Xiaomi made a $100 mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches, and it’s fantastic

Black color scheme. Red LEDs. Cherry MX Blue switches. Xiaomi’s mechanical keyboard ticks all the right boxes.

Xiaomi sells over 2,000 products in its home market, collaborating with local vendors to create a vast ecosystem of lifestyle products. The list of products on sale at Mi Home stores in China include the likes of robot vacuums, smart shoes, affordable smart lights, smart weighing scales, and even luggage.

A more recent entrant to the list is the mechanical keyboard, which is notable for its styling. The official name of the keyboard is the Yuemi MK01B, and like the rest of the products in Xiaomi’s portfolio, there’s plenty to like here.

How are mechanical keyboards different?

Most keyboards sold today come with rubber dome switches, which use a membrane and have to be pressed all the way down for a keystroke to register. Mechanical keyboards, however, have a physical switch underneath the keycap, leading to a higher actuation point. What that essentially means is that you don’t have to press the key all the way down on a mechanical keyboard.

As such, mechanical keyboards let you type faster and more accurately, and you get a much better tactile feedback. There are a wide variety of switches available as well, and you can tailor your tying experience based on your preferences. Furthermore, mechanical keyboards last much longer than regular membrane keyboards, with the average Cherry MX switch rated for up to 50 million keystrokes.

Xiaomi mechanical keyboard review

The Yuemi MK01B features 87 keys, and the minimalist design makes it seem like a product designed by Apple and not a Chinese brand. In fact, Xiaomi sells a white version of the keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches that pairs very well with an iMac or MacBook.

The compact design and sturdy build quality, coupled with the matte black color scheme and red LEDs make the MK01B a great addition to your gaming setup. Every key has a red LED above the switch, and you can adjust the level of the LEDs with the Fn key located at the lower right corner (there are six presets available).

Three keys — Windows button, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock — also have a blue LED that toggles the color to blue when enabled, giving you a quick visual indicator that the key is active. The white variant comes with white LEDs, and the three keys as mentioned above feature a red LED.

There are barely any bezels on the sides, making the keyboard great for portability. With dimensions of 35.80 x 12.80 x 3.16cm, it should easily fit into most gear bags. Round the back, the design is reinforced by an aluminum backplate that adds rigidity, with the overall weight at 940g. There are rubber feet at the back that prevent the keyboard from sliding around on your desk, and the two rubber feet raise the keys by 4cm.

It has a six-layer design, and the keys themselves are made out of polycarbonate and ABS resin. The MK01B is a wired keyboard, but it comes with a detachable braided cable that connects to the microUSB cable on the top left corner. The keyboard itself doesn’t need any drivers, and installation is as easy as plugging in the microUSB cable and connecting the USB port to your computer.

Earlier variants of the keyboard came with a TTC Red switch, which was a Cherry MX Red knockoff. Thankfully, with the MK01B Yuemi has started offering authentic Cherry MX switches. The black variant of the board comes with Cherry MX Blue switches, and the white version offers MX Red switches.

I’ve been using MX Blue switches for over six years, and they’re a delight to use. The tactile feedback is unmatched, and it’s just a lot of fun tying away on the keyboard. The one downside with Blue switches is that they get very loud, so if you’re working in an office environment, you do run the risk of pissing off your co-workers.

The Blue switches require an actuation force of 50cN, but the Reds are relatively lighter and bottom out at 45cN. As such, the latter keys are preferred for gaming. Cherry makes a variety of switches for different use cases, so if you’re interested in reading more, head here.

It would’ve made more sense for Xiaomi to offer MX Red switches with the black color option, as most gaming keyboards prefer the Red switch for its low actuation force. However, the black version is available with the MX Blue switches by default, and the white model is the only one with MX Red switches.

It takes a few days to get acclimated to a mechanical keyboard — particularly if you’re coming from a membrane board — but once you get going, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner. At $100, The MK01B isn’t certainly an affordable keyboard, but the build quality combined with the red LEDs and the MX Blue switches make it one of the better options out there.

See at GearBest

Samsung is launching the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in India on Mar. 6

Samsung’s latest flagships will be making their debut in India just one week after the global unveil.

Samsung will launch the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in India on March 6. The South Korean manufacturer sent out invites to the media for the launch event, which is scheduled to take place in New Delhi. This is the fastest Samsung has introduced its flagships in the Indian market, with both models already up for pre-booking in the country.

We’ll have to wait until next week to know the official pricing information, but a recent leak suggests the Galaxy S9 series could start off at ₹62,500 — ₹4,500 more than last year’s Galaxy S8. The Galaxy S9+, meanwhile, is set to be available for ₹70,000.

As a refresher, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ share the same design aesthetic as last year’s phones, but they do offer a more sensible location for the fingerprint sensor, which is now located underneath the camera module. Both cameras come with new imaging sensors that feature variable aperture, and the S9+ gets a secondary telephoto lens, much like the Galaxy Note 8.

The S9+ also has 6GB of RAM — 2GB more than the standard S9 — and both variants will be available with 64GB as well as 256GB storage configurations. Samsung is also making three color variants available at launch — Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, and Coral Blue. As we’ve seen with the launch of the Galaxy S8+, Samsung is getting aggressive in the Indian market in a bid to reclaim the top spot.

As for availability, it is possible Samsung may kick off retail sales as early as March 16, the same day as the U.S. We should have more details next Tuesday, but in the meantime, let me know what you think of the pricing of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in the comments below.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. iPhone X: Metal and glass sandwiches
• Galaxy S9 vs. Google Pixel 2: Which should you buy?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

Formula 1 launching F1 TV streaming service for 2018 season

Formula 1 is set to put the pedal to the metal with a new streaming service, F1 TV.

Tuning in to Formula 1 races can be a difficult prospect depending on where you’re located, but things are set to get quite a bit easier starting with the upcoming 2018 season. Formula 1 has announced F1 TV, a new streaming service that will offer up a one-stop shop to stream live races and more (via Engadget).

Launching with the 2018 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season, F1 TV will cost between $8 and $12 per month and include commercial-free live streams of each race with commentary in multiple languages. All 20 driver on-board cameras will be available to view, and F1 TV Pro subscribers will get access to unique feeds not available elsewhere.

Formula 1 says that alongside races, subscribers will also get access to press conferences and interviews before and after each race, as well as practice and qualifying sessions. That’s in addition to live statistics available at a glance for each race.

Here’s what the F1 TV service will look like #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZXFm3yWCCr

— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) February 27, 2018

At first, F1 TV will be available “through desktop and web,” but mobile apps and TV apps for Apple, Android, and Amazon devices will be “phased in” later. F1 TV Pro will launch in English, French, German, and Spanish in the U.S., Mexico, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, and “much of Latin America.” A cheaper, non-live option dubbed F1 TV Access will also be available with access to timing data and radio commentary, along with access to archive video content.

If you’re a Formula 1 fan, F1 TV definitely looks to be an interesting prospect. The service is expected to launch early in the 2018 season, and you can sign up to register your interest at Formula 1 now.