Apple patent taps VR to ease motion sickness in self-driving cars

The US Patent and Trademark Office has published an Apple patent application that details a pretty neat VR system. Spotted by Patently Apple, it’s meant to be used in vehicles — including self-driving vehicles — and Apple pitches it as a way to mitigate motion sickness. But the company also describes a lot of other interesting applications, many of which could be used to turn a standard ride in an autonomous car into a business meeting, a concert or an exciting, zombie-filled adventure.

The application says that the system could include a VR headset or a projector that would display the images on interior walls of the vehicle. In regards to motion sickness, the system could include a variety of sensors that could monitor the passenger and determine when they might start feeling ill. Sensors that can detect sweating, pulse rate, fidgeting and swallowing, for example, could be used to pick up when the passenger is beginning to show signs of motion sickness and the VR experience could be adjusted to mitigate that response. The system could adjust to make sure all real-life movement and acceleration experienced by the rider matches up with what’s being displayed to them in VR. Visual anchors, displaying a virtual platform below the user or providing visual cues ahead of turns and stops, could all be used to ease a rider’s discomfort.

But beyond motion sickness prevention, the VR system could also be used to entertain the rider. Apple describes introducing virtual riders into the car, like authors who can read their book to the passenger, as well as coworkers who can all virtually meet for a conference in any number of virtual environments.

Riders could also choose to experience fun activities, such as floating down a river, hang gliding or chasing down zombies. Vehicle features like the heating and air system as well as the audio setup could be used to enhance the experience. And car motion could be incorporated into the virtual environment. For example, stopping at a light could trigger your virtual car to stall as zombies approach you and going over a speedbump could be translated into running over one of the zombies in VR.

Keep in mind, this is only a patent and it doesn’t mean these concepts will ever come to fruition. But it’s certainly a cool idea. And this isn’t the only VR-focused patent from Apple — which also recently bought an AR/VR-focused startup — to surface recently, so it seems as though the company has its eye on this sort of technology.

Via: VentureBeat

Source: USPTO

MacRumors Giveaway: Win Custom-Painted AirPods From BlackPods

For this week’s giveaway, we’ve once again teamed up with BlackPods to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a AirPods that have been custom-painted in black or space gray. We’ve partnered with BlackPods to give away several sets of AirPods, and they’re always our most popular giveaways.

If you haven’t come across BlackPods before, the company takes a regular set of boring white AirPods and then paints them in one of three sleek, unique shades of black or gray using a proprietary painting system.

BlackPods uses a multi-phase painting process for a high-quality coating of paint that’s not going to chip, fade, scuff, or otherwise get damaged from regular usage. Each set of BlackPods is completed by hand and given a rigorous inspection to ensure a flawless finish.

When BlackPods first launched, there were two colors — the BlackPods Classic with a high-gloss finish and the BlackPods Stealth, with a matte satin finish — but BlackPods this year introduced a stylish new Space Gray shade that has an iPhone-style metallic finish.

BlackPods cost $279 for the original high gloss finish or $299 for matte black or space gray, which is a $120+ premium over standard AirPods, but it’s one of the only ways to get AirPods in a darker shade that better matches Apple’s Space Gray iPhones.

If you already have AirPods, BlackPods has a service for the painting process alone. You can send in your AirPods and BlackPods will paint them for you. It takes about 10 days and it costs $99 to $119, with that price covering the cost of both the AirPods and the AirPods Charging Case.

BlackPods are repainted AirPods, so the full AirPods functionality remains intact, with a W1 chip for simple pairing, a long battery life, a built-in accelerometer for ear detection, iCloud support for device switching, and gesture support.

We have one set of BlackPods to give away to a MacRumors reader, with the winner able to choose a Stealth, Classic, or Space gray finish. 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 winners and send 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 (March 30) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on April 6. The winner will be chosen randomly on April 6 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

Related Roundup: AirPodsTag: giveawayBuyer’s Guide: AirPods (Caution)
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Griffin’s PowerBlock Wireless Charging Pad Now Available for Purchase

Griffin has a new wireless charging accessory available for purchase as of today, the Griffin PowerBlock Wireless Charging Pad.

Designed for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and Android devices that support wireless charging, the PowerBlock Wireless Charging Pad offers up to 15W of charging power. Griffin says Qi-enabled devices will charge faster with the PowerBlock than with a standard 5W wireless charger.

While the PowerBlock supports up to 15W, the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus support a maximum of 7.5W of charging power. Griffin says the PowerBlock supports Samsung fast wireless charging, but it does not specifically mention faster 7.5W wireless charging on the iPhone. We’ve reached out to Griffin for clarification and will update this post when we hear back.

Like most wireless chargers, the PowerBlock is a simple square-shaped puck with a Qi-based wireless charging coil inside. It features a felt top to keep your iPhone in place while it’s charging and looks stylish when it’s not in use. LEDs on the device let you know when your iPhone is charging and when it’s done.

At $60 the Griffin PowerBlock is comparable in price to options from Belkin and Mophie, but more expensive than other wireless charging options from companies like Anker and Ravpower.

We took a look at dozens of wireless chargers in our wireless charging guide, which is well worth checking out to see all of the available options.

Though the normal price of the PowerBlock Wireless Charging Pad is $59.99, customers can save 15 percent through April 2 by using the promo code WIRELESS when checking out.

We’ve got additional deals on other wireless charging pads available in our Deals roundup.

Tag: Griffin
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Apple Outlines Developer Tools Available for Complying With the EU’s New Data Regulation Rules

Apple today told developers that it is offering a set of tools to help them fulfill data requests made by users in the European Union or other places around the world to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that goes into effect in May.

Following the implementation of the GDPR developers will need to comply with customer requests for accessing, managing, restricting, and deleting data. To facilitate this, Apple says developers can let users manage data that’s associated with an app and stored in iCloud by using native APIs and Web APIs.

You can let users manage data that’s associated with your app and stored in iCloud by using native APIs and Web APIs.

Providing User Access to CloudKit Data
Give users access to the data stored by your app on their behalf.
When a user requests a copy of the data associated with their Apple ID, it includes only the data that Apple maintains directly, such as documents in iCloud Drive. Data stored in third-party CloudKit containers are not included in any export that Apple provides. Developers should provide their own method for users to get a copy of data stored in their CloudKit containers.

Responding to Requests to Delete Data
Provide options for users to delete their CloudKit data from your app.

Apple too will be implementing new features to comply with the new European regulations. Starting in Early May, the company will introduce an updated Apple ID website that will allow users to download all of their data stored with the company.

Apple also plans to allow customers to use the site to correct personal information, disable Apple ID accounts, and permanently delete an Apple ID. These tools will be available in Europe first before expanding to other areas of the world.

Tags: App Store, Apple Developer Program
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Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 review: Still worth it in 2018?

Xiaomi is a name that many Americans don’t know. The Chinese company is one of the biggest phone manufactures in the world. But despite its success, it doesn’t have much of a presence here in the states. And that’s true for a fair number of companies who make Android devices. OEMs like Huawei, Doogee, Leagoo, Elephone, Ulephone, and others all make some pretty high-quality devices, but none of them are officially sold here in the US. The best you can do is import them from sites like GearBest and hope they work on your network.

But, that could all be changing soon. Xiaomi has its eye on the US and could enter the market sometime this year. It released a test balloon of sorts in 2017 with the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2. The phone offers fantastic specs, an amazing design, and support for pretty much LTE band in the world. Where other Chinese phones suffer, the Mi Mix 2 thrives. So, that got us thinking. With the wave of new phones on the horizon, is the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 still a good buy? Should you wait for something new on the horizon?

We spent four weeks with the device and here’s what we found out.

Editor’s note: The Xioami Mi Mix 2 review device was supplied to us via GearBest.com for our honest review.

Key Specs

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128 GB
• Display: 5.99-inch 2160 x 1080p IPS LCD
• Battery: 3400 mAh
• Dimensions: 5.98 x 2.97 x 0.30 inches
• Main camera: single 12 MP f/2.0 with 4-axis OIS and dual-LED dual-tone flash
• Front-facing camera: 5 MP f/2.0
• Software: Android 7.0 Nougat with MUIU 9
• LTE bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41

General impressions

Xiaomi has positioned the Mi Mix 2 to be a luxury phone without the luxury price tag. This is apparent from the very first time you open the box. Before you’re greeted by the phone, you find an insert with a quote from Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi. The quote paints a pretty good picture of what Xiaomi was aiming for with the Mi Mix 2

To truly explore is to exhaust countless possibilities. for an inch of progress, we’re willing to walk miles.

Xiaomi wanted to make the Mi Mix 2 a work of art, perfect in their eyes. When you pick the phone up for the first time, you have to admire how close they got. The phone is impressive in the hand and to the eye. It feels soft and smooth with a coldness normally reserved for steel. But, this is isn’t steel. Instead, the phone is wrapped in ceramic that melts over the sides to the back of the device. I spent time with both the black and white versions of the device. But, I have to say the latter is the most attractive phone I’ve ever seen.

Moving beyond the phone, the box holds a cable, charging brick, books, SIM card removal tool and a USB type-C to 3.5mm adapter. Yes, the Mi Mix 2 joined the chorus of devices to drop the headphone jack. My personal opinion is that this is a terrible idea, but I have no idea what sacrifices Xiaomi would’ve had to make to keep it. You’ll also notice that the charging brick is almost certainly for a European or Asian socket. That’s something you’ll need to keep in mind when purchasing the device. You either need to have your own wall brick or have an adapter on hand.

Hardware

The outside of the device is a work of art. The front of the phone holds an almost 6-inch display in a frame that isn’t much larger. The Mi Mix 2 shares a similar design to the Essential Phone where it has almost no bezel on three sides of the device with a decent size chin down below. Unlike the Essential Phone, there’s no notch here. Instead, Xiaomi chose to put the front-facing camera in that chin below the screen. It’s an interesting design choice and one that will make you cock your head to the side a bit and wonder what they were thinking, but in practice, it does the job just fine.

The rear of the device houses a single 12 MP camera outlined by a gold ring to give it a subtle hint of class. Just under the camera is the fingerprint sensor and… that’s it. There’s no branding, no logos or anything else on the rear of the device. It’s clean and it’s beautiful. The right side of the device houses the incredibly click volume rocker and power button, whereas the left side of the device houses the SIM card tray.

If I had to pick one word to describe the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, it would be “clean.” Everything on the device is clean. The lines are perfect, there’s nothing to distract the eye and no flashy gimmicks. It looks simply fantastic.

Internals

One of the key aspects of picking a phone today is longevity. That longevity normally comes down to whats inside the device. Pick a phone with an old processor and without much RAM, and you could be upgrading before you really want.

Luckily, the Xioami Mi Mix 2 has fantastic specs. We’re reviewing the special edition of the device that comes with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, but the Mi Mix 2 normally comes with 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Those are on the high end of what you can expect from a flagship in 2017-2018 and should be sufficient for years to come.

The processor of choice is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. This is 2017’s flagship processor, but as we enter 2018 and devices with the SD845, one is left to wonder if you should really be picking up a phone with an older processor. I haven’t gotten my hands on a phone with a Snapdragon 845 yet, but I do know the Mi Mix 2 absolutely flies through tasks with no hint of slowing down. I believe that the Mi Mix 2 will be powerful enough to last for many many years.

One of the often overlooked internal components is the modem. We normally don’t have to worry about phones working on our carrier of choice, but being that the Mi Mix 2 is a Chinese phone, this a very real fear. There’s a wide swath of devices that simply won’t get service on American carriers, or at best will get 2G speeds. Luckily, Xiaomi included a top of the line modem that picks up on virtually every LTE band around the world. I never once had an issue connecting to T-Mobile’s network in the month that I’ve used the phone and data speeds have been great.

Display

I have to admit, I’m an AMOLED fanboy. The deep blacks and colors that pop on AMOLED displays are truly a thing of beauty. I try to stay away from devices with IPS LCDs as much as possible, but I was honestly surprised by the Mi Mix 2. The device has a 5.99-inch IPS LCD that has a 2160 x 1080p resolution. It has the 18:9 aspect ration that Xiaomi first popularized last year in the Mi Mix and it just looks fantastic.

The colors are warm and beautiful, while dark areas are closer to black than gray. Peak brightness is very good and the phone will be viewable during all but the brightest of days. One word of warning though: the display is invisible when turned sideways when you’re wearing sunglasses. This isn’t the first display we’ve seen with this and it surely won’t be the last. This can cause issues if you plan to use the device in landscape mode for turn-by-turn navigation so keep that in mind.

While most displays are now QHD, Xiaomi decided to stick with a 1080p panel on the Mi Mix 2. The law of big numbers says that a 2560p display will always be better than a 1080p display, but I don’t think that’s the case any longer. Once you hit 1080p, I feel like the quality of the panel matters more than resolution. That’s where the Mi Mix 2 wins. The display looks excellent while saving battery life. It’s a win-win.

Camera

In a world of dual-camera smartphones, it’s almost a surprise to see a single camera setup. But that’s what Xiaomi has here on the Mi Mix 2. The single 12 MP shooter has four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) and is flanked by a dual-tone flash.

While others like HTC and Google are able to produce top-of-the-line pictures with just one lens, Xiaomi cannot follow suit. While most of your shots will be fine for sharing with friends through social media and messaging services, that’s about all they’re good for. In good lighting, the Mi Mix 2 is able to produce compelling shots, but it falls flat in low light situations.

The included HDR mode does a lot to help in low-light, but it slows the camera shutter down drastically. This seems to have been helped with software updates of the course of our review period, but we still feel its pretty subpar compared to other flagship devices on the market today.

The front-facing camera is… interesting. The placement at the bottom of the phone is unconventional, to say the least. We understand that Xiaomi didn’t have room up top, but this still feels like an odd solution to that problem. When you switch to the front-facing camera, you’re prompted to flip your phone upside down so the camera is now placed at the top where you’d normally see it. That’s great for shots with the camera app, but if you’re using a video chatting app or taking pictures through a third-party camera like Snapchat, your camera will be at the bottom of your phone looking up at you. It’s a pretty odd situation.

The camera app itself is also just fine. There are plenty of modes to choose from but as we stated earlier, the shutter takes forever when using HDR and that can freeze up the app from time to time. It’s not all bad news here as there are plenty of modes to choose from and a manual mode to get shots exactly as you’d like them. Now as for the design of the camera app…

Software

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is running the latest version of MIUI, Xiaomi’s heavy Android skin. While there are some great features of MIUI, one of the things you’ll need to get used to is the “iOSification” of Android. From the camera app to the share menu and beyond, Xioami has taken great pains to make its skin look a lot like iOS.

And honestly, we’re not sure why. Apple doesn’t have the prettiest software in the world and its kind of strange to us that anyone would want to try and copy it. Places like the share menu are vastly superior on Android and nerfing it just to appeal to some iOS fans seems utterly silly. While many people call the Pixel 2 Google’s iPhone, I think the Mi Mix 2 is closer to that title than anyone else.

Despite that drawback, MIUI can be really attractive if you’re not in love with stock Android. There are excellent features here like Quick Ball which lets you quickly navigate the phone without using soft keys, dual apps which allows you to have multiple instances of an app open and second space that allows you to set up an entirely different instance of your phone. We love second space because we’re able to set up separate instances for work and personal apps and switch between them whenever we need. It’s great for leaving work at work.

One of the hallmarks of MIUI is very strict background restrictions. Xiaomi maximizes battery life by letting almost nothing suck your battery in the background while you’re not using your phone. This is fantastic for battery life but can cause issues with some apps updating when they’re not being used. I’d often open up my email app after several hours of inactivity to find many unread messages. I never experienced this with something like the phone or messaging app, but it can be frustrating if you’re waiting for an important work email to come through.

MIUI has certainly improved since we took a look at the Xioami Mi 6 earlier in 2017, but we feel that Xiaomi can keep improving the software. There are definitely some refinements to be made before the company considers entering the US market.

Conclusion

So, should you go out and buy the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2? I think if you’re looking for top-notch design and hardware, the answer is yes. While you’ll have to put up with some quirks (mainly due to MIUI), the Mi Mix 2 delivers a fantastic experience overall. Again, I’ve never seen a more striking phone in my life. The white ceramic version is simply a work of art in every way. If I were choosing my daily driver based on looks alone, I’d definitely go with the Mi Mix 2.

I haven’t seen a lot of reviewers give the device praise for being easy to handle and I think that’s a shame. Sure, the ceramic is slippery and the curved edges don’t exactly help, but the overall size of the device makes it incredibly easy to operate. Reaching the top of the display to reveal the notification shade was a breeze and I never felt in danger of dropping the phone while I was using it.

I do wish the camera performance was a little bitter. As you can tell in the samples above, it’s just not a top tier camera in any way. Camera hounds will surely choose something like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 or Pixel 2 instead. While you can get good pictures out of the Mi Mix 2, it’s a hassle. Not only is it difficult, but you have to have perfect conditions to do so.

There’s only going be a small subset of customers for this device outside of the few countries where it’s officially sold. That’s really a shame because I believe that this was one of the best devices of 2017 and still remains a solid buy in 2018. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is coming soon, but it’s only a relatively small change and I think you could save the money and pick up the Mi Mix 2 and be just as happy.

You can pick up the Xioami Mi Mix 2 from GearBest right now

The Galaxy Note 8 has been updated to Oreo on these U.S. carriers

The waiting game is over!

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 is still one of the most powerful Android phones on the market, and now that Android Oreo is making its way to the device on U.S. carriers, it’s about to get even better for a lot of users.

The Oreo update is still in its early days for the Note 8, but in any case, these are the carriers that have updated it so far.

AT&T

AT&T is the first network to start updating the Galaxy Note 8 to Oreo, and the update was first spotted by XDA user jetman5843 (Thanks, Nick!). The update weighs in at 1407.35MB, and it changes the build number of the Note 8 to R16NW.N950USQU3CRC2.

Oreo for the Note 8 brings the March 2018 security patch, and all of the features you’d expect to see are included – such as picture-in-picture, notification dots, and smoother performance across the board.

Sprint

@androidcentral hey y’all… #AndroidOreo for @sprint #samsungnote8 is live! pic.twitter.com/0B70sa5tXO

— Eliezer Wagner (@Admiral_EliW) March 30, 2018

Sprint has also begun updating the Note 8 to Oreo. At 1330MB, it’s not small, but it brings all of the features one would expect to the game.

Verizon

@androidcentral Verizon is on board pic.twitter.com/Ex6EeFpEhi

— Harlen Marks (@HarlenM) March 30, 2018

Verizon also seems to be in the early stages of rolling out Android Oreo to Note 8 users. The company’s official update tracker hasn’t been updated just yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

T-Mobile

No official word from T-Mobile just yet, but the Note 8’s Oreo update shouldn’t take longer than a few days to follow suit.

Update, March 30, 2018: This tracker has been updated to reflect Sprint’s and Verizon’s rollouts.

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

Best Cases for Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6

Keep your Samsung tablet safe and secure with a quality case!

The Samsung Galaxy Tab E (9.6-inch) is a full-featured tablet at a budget price. You’ll be able to get more done with the massive 7,300mAh battery, but you’ll want to be sure to keep your tablet safe with a case while you’re working (or playing) on the go.

These are the best cases you should consider. Let’s dive in!

• ProCase Vintage Folio Case Cover
• Color Our Life Shock Proof Convertible Cover for Kids
• Fintie Slim Stand Cover
• Fintie Leather Keyboard Case
• Leafbook Ultra Slim Folding Cover Case

ProCase Vintage Folio Case Cover

ProCase is one of the more trusted brands that offers a case for the Galaxy Tab E, and it’s a pretty standard folio case. Featuring a classic and professional design with a PU leather exterior and includes a bonus ProCase stylus pen along with a stylus holder built right into the case.

Like any folio case worth its weight, you can fold over the front flap to create a kickstand for watching media and there’s a magnetic closure to keep things secure when the case is closed.

Starting as low as $17 for the all-black case or $20 for a stylish pattern like the one pictured to the right. Check out all the styles on Amazon!

See at Amazon

Color Our Life Shock Proof Convertible Cover for Kids

If you’re planning to let a younger kid use your tablet, you should absolutely invest in a shockproof case that’s specifically designed with kids in mind.

This heavy-duty case adds a ton of bulk to your tablet along, but the built-in handle also converts into a stand making this a pretty versatile case option. But if you’re really worried about your tablet getting dropped by your young ones this case will give you some much-needed peace of mind.

You can get one in your choice of seven colors for just $15.

See at Amazon

Fintie Slim Stand Cover

The first of two Fintie cases on this list, this is the more traditional folio case that has a really stylish exterior that includes a functional pocket for storing whatever you need on the go.

The interior cover includes three anti-slip strips that work as a kickstand for hands-free viewing. If you struggle with the fold-over folio cases, this is the one you want!

Priced from $13 to $17, there are four styles to choose from here.

See at Amazon

Fintie Leather Keyboard Case

Looking for a case with a built-in keyboard? Fintie has you covered with this stylish leather case that includes a built-in Bluetooth keyboard so you can type up documents or emails more efficiently.

Made with high-end ABS materials, each key has a spring mechanism to give you that tactile response you get typing on a typical laptop keyboard that should help you cut down on typing errors versus typing on a touchscreen.

This case also includes a look for holding a stylus pen (not included).Starting at just $31, there are some pretty stylish options available so check them out.

See at Amazon

Leafbook Ultra Slim Folding Cover Case

These Leafbook cases are both the most stylish cases on this list and also the cheapest so they might be worth checking out. With styles priced as low as $7, that’s a bargain for something this stylish.

I’ve highlighted the “composition book” cover ($11) which I found to be the most clever option available, but there are six styles to choose from and they all look pretty decent. Each case is designed with a PU leather exterior and a microfiber interior. Designed to be ultra-slim and lightweight, the hard back design will keep your tablet safe from drops — which is your main reason for buying a case, right?

Leafbook stands behind its products and offers a 12-month warranty on its products, so you can buy with confidence.

See at Amazon

Which do you prefer?

There’s a bunch of styles available — do you opt for a classic black look or something a bit more colorful? Let us know in the comments below!

This TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi range extender is only $19 today

Them dead zones feel alive again.

This TP-Link AC750 Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender is down to $18.99 on Amazon. It normally sells for $30, and this price is a match for the lowest we’ve seen. This is a one-day only deal as part of Amazon’s Gold Box sale on TP-Link gear.

Make sure you don’t have any dead zones in your house with this simple range extender. It can help you get that signal to the lamp in the corner you want to add a smart bulb to, for example. It will work with most routers and gateways with dual-band speeds up to 750 Mbps. The smart signal indicator shows you the best location for optimal coverage. After initial setup, it can be moved to any outlet. TP-Link backs it up with a two-year warranty.

See on Amazon

Put some Spring in your step with these wallpapers!

April showers bring spring flowers.

Spring has been sprung, and Easter Sunday is coming — and so are the Monday-after candy sales! The world is showing the beauty of nature around us as the wildflowers bloom, the gardens grow, and the whole world outside your window seems to be green with new life. As most of us can’t spend these spring days frolicking in a field, we’ll have to get that burst of spring energy somewhere else — like our home screen. These wallpapers are sure to put some spring in your step.

Spring brings many, many wildflowers come out to shine during the spring, but few have the reputation or the raw, elusive beauty of the Texas Bluebonnet. Trying to plant bluebonnets and have them come up in the same place year after year is like trying to herd cats, but they’ll be there year after year along country roads and bustling freeways. Driving from Austin to Dallas or even out into country towns like Fredericksburg right now is an exercise in distraction from the sheer beauty of all the blooms along your path. Bluebonnets are a state flower, a state treasure, and they’ll put some majesty on your home screen.

Bluebonnets by dashedandshattered

They’re back! They’re back for our souls! The peeps will consume us all… unless we eat them first. Peeps may be the most iconic holiday candy on the planet that people actually like eating, and it’s hard to deny marshmallow fluff that’s been coated in even more sugar. What I really love about this wallpaper is that under all that sugar, it’s reminding us that we can stand out from the pack and find happiness being ourselves instead of just blending in.

Peeps

You didn’t think I was going to do an Easter roundup without a Jelly Bean wallpaper, did you? Jelly Bean may still be on 5% of devices, but its wallpapers have mostly vanished from memory, a shame because they had some beauties. From geometric madness to a subtly subdued Nexus wallpaper, there’s still plenty of jelly beany goodness to be had, and you can get your nostalgia on with these fabulous wallpapers

Android Jelly Bean Wallpapers

All joking aside, how about a real jelly bean wallpaper? This pastel illustration makes a great desktop, even if it makes me hungry every time I open my phone. This wallpaper comes in two flavors: white and pink, with a rainbow of jelly beans adorning each in a orderly grid pattern.

Jelly Bean Desktop by Ann Kelle

Painted Easter eggs are quite a lovely tradition, even if they’re not quite as delicious as finding ones filled with chocolate. These eggs are lovingly painted with painstaking detail, and they make an wallpaper that brings old-school to your cutting-edge phone.

Hand Painted Easter Eggs by Kitteh-Pawz

Spring means many things to many people, but to the people of Japan — and the people of Washington DC — spring means cherry blossoms! Deviantart user WindyLife has a variety of knockout shots of cherry blossoms, but this shot spoke to me. As did the black cat running through the petals. This wallpaper works best with minimal home screens and light icon packs, as pink icons get lost in those adorable petals.

Cherry Blossoms Wallpaper by WindyLyfe

Tell the truth, you wish you could plop down in a flowering field for a nap with them. Heck, after dealing with severe weather most of the night, I could use a nap in a sunny — but not too sunny — square. Judy and Nick seem to have let their guard down as they carelessly nap amongst the blooms… or are they just lying in wait, carrot recorder stashed just out of sight. Either way, this is a spring wallpaper that can reminder that no matter how much you have to do, there’s always time for a nap.

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps by TheDracoJayProject

Updated March 2018: Another spring, another spring cleaning. We’ve also added an extra few wallpapers for this Easter.

Best Unlocked Android Phones of 2018

• Best overall
• Best for features
• Best for battery life

Best overall

Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL

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Google’s Pixel 2 and 2 XL give you sleek and robust hardware, all of the requisite specs inside, and intuitive software at a breakneck pace. They aren’t flashy, but they’re beautifully efficient — and also IP67 water-resistant. The big hardware downside is a lack of a headphone jack.

The software features and Google’s apps aren’t numerous, but they’re delightfully useful without being bothersome. And with three years of guaranteed updates, you don’t have to worry about the future — Google’s phones are well-known for holding onto their performance longer than most.

Google has once again set the standard for Android cameras, with great hardware buoyed by the “HDR+” processing that can create amazing images. Photos are accurate with an extra punch of color, and can manage tough scenes with little issue. And with Android 8.1, the Pixel Visual Core enables dramatically better photos in third-party apps.

Bottom line: The best Android experience comes straight from Google with the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Great hardware and amazing software support a top-notch camera anyone can enjoy.

One more thing: Verizon will tout the Pixel 2 is “exclusive” to the carrier, know that you can buy the phone unlocked from a variety of sources and use it on your carrier of choice.

Why the Google Pixel 2 is the best

If you want the best possible Android experience, you go straight to the source: Google. The company has gotten serious about user experience and interface design, and it really shows with Android Oreo on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Everything is blazing fast, smooth, consistent and intuitive throughout the interface. It’s a core competency that separates the Pixel 2 and 2 XL from the competition, and it’s something that any smartphone user can appreciate.

Google is really good at user experience and interface design, and Oreo is magnificent.

And it’s not just software customization that makes it happen — Google has included a Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB (optionally, 128GB) of storage to make sure your phone has plenty of room to run. A 2700mAh battery in the Pixel 2 seems small (well, normally, it is), but it manages to get you a full day of use without worry. The 2 XL has plenty of battery for even a heavy day. Both phones have front-facing stereo speakers, which are an expected feature in flagships.

For the smaller Pixel 2, Google sourced a quality 5-inch 1080p panel that looks good for its $649 price point. Because of that smaller display, despite its big top and bottom bezels the Pixel 2 is quite comfortable to hold and reach to all four corners of the screen without the help of a second hand. The Pixel 2’s taller and larger 6-inch display is the weakest point of the phone, struggling with colors and brightness compared to rivals — but that’s something many people will be able to look past as it’s still a “good enough” screen for most.

The Pixel 2 doesn’t focus on the number of features; it focuses on the impact of each one.

If there’s one knock on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, it’s that they doesn’t have the sheer volume of features in its hardware or software that some of the competition does. It doesn’t have a headphone jack, wireless charging, or an SD card slot; and if you’re used to having a bunch of specialized software features on your Samsung, LG or Huawei phone you won’t find them here.

But for most people, those are relatively small prices to pay to get a daily experience of using a phone that’s fast, intuitive, smart and filled with a core set of features that can actually wow you. That’s what you get from the Pixel 2 and 2 XL.

Best for features

Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9+

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The Galaxy S9 and S9+ aren’t much different from their predecessors, but seeing as those were Samsung’s best-ever-selling phones that’s not a bad thing. These phones are all about giving you the most features in the most beautiful package. You get top-end specs across the board, plus all of the hardware features you expect: waterproofing, wireless charging, an SD card slot, a headphone jack and more.

The camera is all-new this year, with a sensor that does fantastic processing to remove noise and sharpen fine detail. It’s aided by a dual-aperture lens to get the best combination of light and detail in different shots, and in the case of the Galaxy S9+ is paired with a secondary telephoto lens for zoom and portrait mode shooting.

You don’t get the clean and simple software experience of the Pixel 2, which may take some extra customization and tweaking on your part, but the Galaxy S9 is far less polarizing overall — just about anyone looking for a high-end phone will love using the Galaxy S9 or S9+.

Bottom line: The Galaxy S9 and S9+ don’t require much thought — they can do everything, and look great doing it, with few real downsides.

One more thing: Consider paying the extra $120 for the Galaxy S9+, where you get more RAM, a bigger screen and longer battery life. It’s worth it for most people.

Best for battery life

Huawei Mate 10 Pro

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Unlike its predecessor the Mate 9, Huawei’s Mate 10 Pro is an absolute looker — and it clearly positions itself right next to the flagship competition. Metal and glass are finely crafted and filled with top-notch specs, and its Leica-tuned dual cameras are capable of some wonderful shots with the help of the Kirin processor inside.

Alongside all of that, the Mate 10 Pro hits it out of the park with battery life. The combination of a 4000mAh battery, efficient processor, somewhat-restrictive software and a 1080p display make this a true two-day flagship for many people, and that’s rare today.

The only downside, as ever, is Huawei’s EMUI software. Though it has gotten better with Oreo, it still has many areas that are rough on the eyes, not very functional or inexplicably broken when it comes to integrating with third-party apps.

Bottom line: It’s a true flagship with all of the best specs, and incredible battery life. You just have to give a little in terms of software experience.

One more thing: When searching for a Mate 10 Pro, make sure you’re getting the U.S. unlocked model so that you have proper network bands and warranty support.

Conclusion

When you want an unlocked phone, our recommendation remains unchanged from our general “Best Android Phones” list: it’s the Google Pixel 2 or 2 XL. They offer an amazing software experience, a top-notch camera, great hardware and guaranteed software updates. For those who want more features and a more striking design, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer a great balance of everything.

Best overall

Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL

Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL
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Google’s Pixel 2 and 2 XL give you sleek and robust hardware, all of the requisite specs inside, and intuitive software at a breakneck pace. They aren’t flashy, but they’re beautifully efficient — and also IP67 water-resistant. The big hardware downside is a lack of a headphone jack.

The software features and Google’s apps aren’t numerous, but they’re delightfully useful without being bothersome. And with three years of guaranteed updates, you don’t have to worry about the future — Google’s phones are well-known for holding onto their performance longer than most.

Google has once again set the standard for Android cameras, with great hardware buoyed by the “HDR+” processing that can create amazing images. Photos are accurate with an extra punch of color, and can manage tough scenes with little issue. And with Android 8.1, the Pixel Visual Core enables dramatically better photos in third-party apps.

Bottom line: The best Android experience comes straight from Google with the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Great hardware and amazing software support a top-notch camera anyone can enjoy.

One more thing: Verizon will tout the Pixel 2 is “exclusive” to the carrier, know that you can buy the phone unlocked from a variety of sources and use it on your carrier of choice.

Update, March 2018: The Pixel 2 and 2 XL remain in our top spot. The Galaxy S8 and Note 8 have been removed for the combination of the Galaxy S9 and S9+. The OnePlus 5T is no longer on sale, and has been replaced by the Huawei Mate 10 Pro for those who want long battery life.