YouTube is replacing the green screen with an AI tool

Google is bringing pro-level video-editing techniques to your phone. The search juggernaut is using AI and machine learning (naturally) to make replacing the background of video you take as easy as adding an Instagram filter to a photo. There’s a lot of technical jargon explaining how it all works at the source link, but suffice to say, based on the results it looks pretty convincing. All without the need for an elaborate green screen setup, too.

The tech is only available in a limited beta, and even then, just for certain YouTube creators. To get just a little more limited, the feature is just for “stories” using the video service’s new video format. Yes, they look like Snapchat’s and Instagram’s video captures by the same name. Don’t trust me? Glance immediately below this paragraph.

The results aren’t perfect, of course — there are some halo-like artifacts around the edges of dark clothing, for example — but this looks like the next logical step after Google’s AI-powered portrait mode for still photos on the Pixel 2.

Source: Google

Nokia 8 Sirocco vs. Samsung Galaxy S9: Can new flagship return Nokia to form?

Nokia is back in the premium flagship game with the Nokia 8 Sirocco, a special edition of the Nokia 8 that joins the Nokia 7 Plus in bringing bezel-less design to Nokia phones. But with all eyes on the Samsung Galaxy S9, does the Nokia 8 Sirocco stand a chance in the marketplace? To find out, we took a look at both of these premium phones to help you determine which is best for you.

Specs

Nokia 8 Sirocco

 

Samsung Galaxy S9

 

Size
140.9 x 73 x 7.5 mm (5.55 x 2.87 x 0.30 inches)
147.6 x 68.7 x 8.4 mm (5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 in)

Weight
To be announced
163 grams (5.75 ounces)

Screen
5.5-inch pOLED display
5.8-inch AMOLED display

Resolution
2560 x 1440 pixels (534ppi)
2960 x 1440 pixels (568ppi)

OS
Android 8.0 Oreo
Android 8.0 Oreo

Storage
128GB
64GB

MicroSD card slot
No
Yes

NFC support
Yes
Yes

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

RAM
6GB
4GB

Connectivity
GSM, HSPA, LTE, CDMA, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
GSM, HSPA, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Camera
Dual 12MP & 13MP rear, 5MP front
12MP rear, 8MP front

Video
2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
2160p@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR

Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Audio
Bottom-firing speaker
Headphone jack, stereo speakers

Fingerprint sensor
Yes, rear-mounted
Yes, rear-mounted

Other sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2

Water resistance
IP67-rated
IP68-rated

Battery
3,260mAh

Fast charging — 50 percent in 30 minutes

Qi wireless charging

3,000mAh

Fast charging

Qi wireless charging

Charging port
USB-C
USB-C

Marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store

Colors
Black
Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple, Titanium Gray

Availability
Nokia

Samsung, Best Buy, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon

Price
Around $900
$720

DT review
Hands-on review
Hands-on review

Like the Nokia 8 before it, the Nokia 8 Sirocco is equipped with the Snapdragon 835 processor. This is the same powerful chip we saw in last year’s flagships, including the Galaxy S8, the LG V30, and the Galaxy Note 8. It’s an extremely powerful chip that should afford the Nokia 8 Sirocco good performance — during the time we spent with it for our hands-on review, the Sirocco was fast, responsive, and smooth. However, we do find it odd and a little disappointing that HMD Global (the company making Nokia’s phones) didn’t try a little harder to get ahold of new Snapdragon 845 for this luxury phone. By contrast, the Snapdragon 845 is the processor you’ll find in the Galaxy S9, and while we haven’t had chance to test its real-world performance yet, the benchmarks for the 845 put it a few stellar leaps ahead of the older 835 — and we expect that power puts the Galaxy S9 a tier above the Nokia 8 Sirocco.

It’s the opposite way around when we take a look at storage and RAM. The Galaxy S9’s internals are largely unchanged from the Galaxy S8 — 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM. They’re respectable numbers, but they’re up against the higher-end specs on the Nokia 8 Sirocco — 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM. That said, the Galaxy S9 still has an edge over the Nokia phone thanks to the option to expand the available storage by up to 256GB via MicroSD card. Despite being present in the Nokia 8, the feature is oddly lacking in the Sirocco. Similarly, we wouldn’t put too much weight on RAM either — RAM’s impact on smartphone performance is questionable, and simply having more RAM doesn’t guarantee better performance.

Finally, if you’re a fan of the headphone jack, you’ll be disappointed that the Nokia 8 Sirocco ditches the venerable port. Since the Galaxy S9 still rocks the 3.5mm jack, Samsung’s entry scores a few extra points.

The Nokia 8 Sirocco may arguably be the slightly more powerful package with the inclusion of a larger hard drive and more RAM, but the inclusion of the more powerful Snapdragon 845 in the Galaxy S9 is likely to have the bigger impact on performance in the longer term. With the addition of a headphone jack, the Samsung Galaxy S9 takes this category.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Design and display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Nokia 8 Sirocco is one of the first Nokia phones to embrace the bezel-less revolution by introducing a large 5.5-inch POLED display that dominates the front of the phone. Thanks to the slim bezels at the top and bottom of the phone and the screen edges that curve around the sides of the phone, the phone feels nicely compact in the hand. It’s also a superthin phone that’s just 2mm thick at the thinnest point. However, that does lead to some fairly sharp-feeling edges, but we’ll properly evaluate whether that is a serious issue after we’ve tested the phone for a while. That aside, the Nokia 8 Sirocco feels and looks luxurious enough to be worthy of its flagship status. The whole phone is encased with Gorilla Glass 5 over a stainless steel frame that adds to the luxury feel. The two camera lenses on the back of the phone are arranged vertically, with the fingerprint sensor located beneath them.

But outdoing Samsung on the style front is a tall order. Looking at the S9, you’d be forgiven for assuming it’s the same design as the S8 — and there has definitely been a refinement of ideas from the S8, rather than a full-on redesign. But that’s not a bad thing. The S8’s design isn’t one that’s out-of-date, so returning to the same will is forgiveable. The front of the S9 is basically identical to the S8 — a 5.8-inch AMOLED screen with slim top and bottom bezels that curves around the edges of the phone. The body is constructed the same way as the S8 as well, with an elegant glass over metal design that’s simply stunning. Flip the S9 over, and the fingerprint sensor has been moved to below the camera lens, fixing one of the major issues with its predecessor.

In terms of durability, you’re likely to see a similar level of physical endurance from both. Since each phone’s body is made of glass, you’ll probably be wanting a protective case for both of these devices — though it should be said that the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s stainless steel frame will likely prove more durable than the S9’s aluminum frame. The pendulum swings back the other way in regard to water resistance, with the S9’s IP68 rating trumping the Nokia’s IP67 rating.

It’s very difficult to differentiate these two handsets on this front. Both devices employ a similar design philosophy, and both come equipped with gorgeous OLED screens that make colors pop and really bring out the inky blackness of dark areas. Which design you prefer comes mostly down to personal preference, and we find the S9’s design to be the more attractive of the two — but not by much. Add the S9’s higher level of water resistance, and you have your winner.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Nokia 8 Sirocco is equipped with some fairly impressive rear-based snappers — a 12-megapixel lens and a 13MP 2x telephoto lens, both with Zeiss optics. We were impressed during the little time we had to play with the camera, and found it performed snappily and took solid shots. Time will tell whether it’s good enough to compete with other flagships, but we’re quietly confident it’ll do well enough. The front-facing selfie camera isn’t as impressive, sporting a relatively meager 5MP lens, but it works well enough for selfies and with Nokia’s “bothie” mode that takes a snap with both the front and back cameras at once.

The Galaxy S9’s cameras have seen significant improvement, and though the S9 still only comes with a single lens, Samsung’s dual-sensor tech means that the one lens can provide many of the cool tricks you’ll find in dual-camera systems. The biggest change here is the inclusion of a dual-aperture system, with the camera now coming with an f/2.4 aperture and a super-large f1.5 aperture — the largest yet seen on a smartphone. The larger the aperture, the lower the number, and a larger aperture means more light is let in, allowing for better snaps in low-light environments. The S9 will swap back and forth between the two as needed, ensuring great snaps regardless of the light. If you’re interested in hearing more about that, we’ve done a major test of the S9 Plus’ similar camera, but suffice it to say that we expect the S9 to outperform the solid camera on the Nokia phone.

In terms of video, it’s a similar story. Both devices can capture good video, but the S9 can capture it at a full 60fps, and can shoot super-slow-motion videos at 960fps — far beyond anything that the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s camera can manage.

The winner here is pretty clear. We’re expecting the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s camera setup to be good, but not good enough to take down the mighty S9.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Battery life and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It’s hard to judge battery life before we’ve had a real chance to get to know these phones, but we can make some estimations based on the specifications on offer. The Galaxy S9 takes another page out of the S8’s book by offering essentially the exact same 3,000mAh battery and charging package that we saw last year. Again, this isn’t really a bad thing — the S8’s battery life was good, QuickCharge 2.0 continues to be speedy, and wireless charging is a great way to keep your battery topped off. However, the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s 3,260mAh battery is larger, and Nokia’s fast charging seems to be faster than that offered by the S9, with Nokia claiming the Sirocco can charge from empty to 50 percent in 30 minutes. That’s pretty quick, and as if that wasn’t enough, Nokia’s phone also comes with wireless charging, so you can keep your phone topped off on a charge pad.

While we’d rather base this on real-world testing, for now it seems that Nokia’s phone, by dint of having a larger battery and possibly faster charge speeds, is superior in this round.

Winner: Nokia 8 Sirocco

Software

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

As you would hope for 2018 flagship phones, both the S9 and the Nokia 8 Sirocco are running the latest version of Android — Android 8.0 Oreo. However, they’re both exceptionally different takes on the same operating system.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 comes with Samsung’s own spin on Android, Samsung Experience. Samsung’s user interface (UI) has been much improved since it was known as TouchWiz, and has evolved to the point where it’s a worthy contender to most Android UIs on the market. It’s smooth, fast, and it offers some useful functions that we end up using more often than we’d imagine — Edge Panel’s various tools spring to mind here. Samsung has also added some new stuff just for the S9 — you can now create an AR emoji based on yourself that mimics your head and facial movement. there are also improvements to the Bixby virtual assistant and the always-on display. Any additional bloatware installed by Samsung can be easily removed, and it’s all tucked away into its own folder in any case, so you’re unlikely to see it unless you seek it out.

On the flipside, the Nokia 8 Sirocco runs stock Android — but not just any stock Android. HMD Global has seen fit to implement Google’s Android One program on the flagship phone, and that means the Nokia 8 Sirocco gets the smoothest, bloatware-free stock Android experience that you’re likely to get outside of a Google Pixel. While this means that the Nokia 8 Sirocco won’t get any fun additions the same way the S9 does, it does mean that Nokia’s handset benefits from security updates and patches straight from Google itself. Since Samsung has to alter every Android update from Google to fit its UI, updates for Samsung’s phones are often months late in implementation — something that Nokia 8 Sirocco owners won’t experience, as they will receive updates as soon as they’re pushed out.

Samsung’s UI may add a bunch of bells and whistles, but we love the stark beauty and slick smoothness of stock Android — and the promise of regular security updates is a massive point in the Nokia device’s favor. The Nokia 8 Sirocco takes this.

Winner: Nokia 8 Sirocco

Price and availability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is up for pre-order starting March 2, and U.S. customers can expect to see their new phones shipping March 16. Grabbing yourself a brand-new Galaxy S9 will set you back around $720, and we’ve compiled some of the best deals you can expect to find in our Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus buying guide. Like past Samsung flagships, it’ll be available on pretty much every network, so you shouldn’t have an issue getting ahold of Samsung’s latest device.

The Nokia 8 Sirocco has just been revealed at Mobile World Congress 2018, and we’re currently unsure whether the phone will reach U.S. shores or not. At the moment, we’re hearing that the device will cost a whopping 750 euros in Europe, which takes the price into the $900 range. That’s exceptionally expensive, even within the flagship realm. With that said, it is a special edition of the Nokia 8, so it’s likely this will be a limited run, so if you want it, you’d best grab one however you can.

However, for our money, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is the better bargain for the money. It’s not often that you get to say the latest Galaxy phone is a cheaper alternative — but here we are. The Samsung Galaxy S9 takes this final round.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Overall winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is the clear winner here — but the victory wasn’t exactly written in the stars. The Nokia 8 Sirocco put up one heck of a fight, and Nokia’s latest HMD Global-built beast is shaping up to be a fantastic smartphone, and a potential return to form for the Nokia name. However, the lack of a processor from the latest generation hobbled it, and a camera that doesn’t measure up to Samsung’s latest means that in this place, at this time, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is definitely the phone to pick up out of these two.

But we’d like to think this is an oracle of things to come. Samsung might best keep an eye on the Finnish heartlands, because a slumbering giant may be about to awaken.

Light Phone 2 adds texting to the phone that’s not meant to be used

The phone that isn’t meant to be used is back, with a crowdfunding campaign for the Light Phone 2, which adds texting and some other proposed features to the ultra-minimalistic phone range.

If you have a problem disconnecting from your smartphone, then it’s possible you followed the Light Phone’s crowdfunding campaign last year. The Light Phone, a simple credit card-sized block, was intended to allow users to disconnect from the rapidly interconnected networks woven into life, and focus on the world around them instead. To facilitate that, the Light Phone was meant to replace your phone during holidays, hiking trips, or whenever you needed to disconnect, and live with no internet connection, texting, or anything outside of a simple phone and options for quick dialling.

Now Light, the company behind the Light Phone, wants to introduce a second, slightly more advanced model. The Light Phone 2 will expand slightly on the original phone, adding an e-ink touchscreen, texting, an alarm, and an auto-reply function.

Doesn’t adding extra features take away from the minimalistic idea of the original Light Phone? Apparently not. According to the creators, the Light Phone 2 aims to increase what users can do with the phone, while still keeping them safely sheltered away from major social media, the news, and other such distractions that can draw people in. In Light’s eyes, being able to text your friends or wake up on time doesn’t take away from the original phone’s remit.

In addition to the extra features definitely being added to the Light Phone 2, Light has floated a few prospective ideas for inclusion that will apparently be discussed. These ideas include map navigation, voice commands, ride-sharing, and other options. The phone will run a modified version of Android, and will be built from aluminum. In terms of hardware, it will be powered by 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, and a Qualcomm MSM8909W processor. The 500mAh battery might seem small, but with these meager specs and an e-ink display it should hopefully be capable of decent battery life.

The original Light Phone was something of a success for Light, with the phone being shipped out to 10,000 users. However, the original phone’s price of entry was high for a phone that barely did anything, at $150. The Light Phone 2 starts at $250 — more expensive than the budget Honor 7X — so it’s expensive even considering the added features. Still, if you’re interested, you can back the phone on the IndieGoGo page, though as always, be aware of the potential pitfalls of crowdfunding.

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Wearables were scarce at Mobile World Congress, but a few piqued our interest

At this year’s Mobile World Congress, we couldn’t help but ask: Where were all the wearables? While there weren’t any groundbreaking innovations, the showroom still featured a few interesting devices throughout the floor, ranging from smartwatches to headphones.

Even though our options looked bleak, we did find a few that stood out among the noise. Here’s a roundup of five interesting wearables we saw.

LooK Watch

From far away, the LooK Watch resembles a hybrid smartwatch based on its analog watch face. But up close, you’ll find it actually has a large, round, AMOLED touchscreen display made of sapphire glass. The smartwatch comes in six different color combinations with stainless steel or 24K gold plating. There’s also customizable watch faces you can switch between by holding down on the touch screen.

The LooK Watch comes with 19 default apps and a SIM card holder, so you can use it for phone calls and text messages in the U.S. and internationally — since the device is unlocked. While the smartwatch can be used for fitness with its GPS and  heart rate sensor features,

But it seems to be geared more toward the elderly. Aside from a dedicated SOS button, you can also set alerts for medication reminders, watch removal, and falls. As for price, the LooK Watch will cost you $228 and $238 for the silver or gold version, respectively.

Omate x Nanoblock children’s smartwatch

In collaboration with Tata Communications, Omate unveiled its children’s smartwatch. The touch-screen watch face comes with a front-facing camera for two-way video chat, along with safety features like SOS alerts and location tracking. Using an accompanying app, parents can keep track of their children in real-time.

It also has a three-day battery life and comes equipped with a SIM card — from Tata Communications — for 3G connectivity. Created by Japanese toy manufacturer Nanoblock, the watch strap is made of micro-blocks that resemble Legos. It definitely makes for an extremely fun and unique look in comparison to other children’s smartwatches on the market.

Aside from a black watch strap, there’s also a white color variant as well. You’ll be able to pre-order the smartwatch in April an devices will start shipping in June — but it will only be available in the U.S. and Europe.

Haier Asu SmartwatchWorld

The Asu smartwatch by Haier might be the weirdest wearable we’ve seen, yet. From the front, it seems like your standard smartwatch — equipped with a touchscreen display, rubber watch strap, and two side buttons to navigate it. As long as you insert a SIM, you’ll be able to make phone calls and send text messages. Other features include tracking fitness and measuring your heart rate with a built-in sensor.

But on the right side is a projector that turns your hand into a display. You can project certain information such as phone numbers if you’re making a call, text messages, and activity tracking. While the software is still a bit glitchy, you’re essentially supposed to be able to tap on your hand in order to control the smartwatch rather than using the display.

As of now, the Haier doesn’t have any concrete plans of launching the Asu in the U.S. It will first be available in China before expanding to other markets.

Bubble Smartwatch For Kids

Similar to the Omate x Nanoblock, the Bubble Smartwatch is also meant for children. Rather than a toy-inspired watch strap, the Bubble Kids Smartwatch comes in silicone or nylon. Other colors include pink and green — with watch straps to match — along with quirky fabric printed ones as well. If your child doesn’t want to wear it as a smartwatch, they can opt for the necklace instead.

In terms of features, the smartwatch includes 4G connectivity with a SIM card, a GPS tracker, an SOS alert button, a front-facing camera, and more. Kids will also have the ability to make phone calls and send text messages to their parents. It can track activity such as steps, calories, and and distance as well. Using the Safe Alert feature, parents can be notified when their child enters the safe zone.

Sony Xperia Ear Duos

The Sony Xperia Ear Duo headphones allow you to drown out noise with music, while also still being able to hear what’s in the room around you. They’re controlled via gesture and touch — by swiping your finger along the device you’ll be able adjust the volume, tap to pause, and more.

Its unique design might make them look a bit intimidating to put on. Rather than the standard earbuds, the Sony Duo cradle your ear instead. Other features include its compatibility with Google Assistant and Siri, along with the ability to control the headphones through a smartphone app. You’ll also be able to charge them through its case, and can be used for up to 16 hours.

When it comes to color options, Sony’s Xperia Ear Duo headphones come in an all-black variant along with gold. The device will cost you $280, and will be available for purchase in the spring.

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Fight temptation and protect your Android against in-app purchases

The temptation to spend a few dollars on in-app purchases is always there — especially if you’re an avid gamer — but that small amount can rapidly snowball into a large sum of money if you’re not careful. Conversely, you might not be tempted, but if someone else often uses your Android phone or tablet, then it may also be wise to secure it from accidental (or purposeful) purchases that could back to bite you in the wallet.

Luckily, it’s easy to protect yourself against on Android devices and we put together a quick guide to help you better manage the dreaded in-app purchase. After all, little Johnny may want those extra lives in Candy Crush Saga, but your bank account certainly does not.

Activating Google’s account protection measures

Google has a good few ways of ensuring that your device is  protected against unintended purchases and the best way is requiring a password before any purchase can be made. There are a couple of options here, so the Play Store can be set to require a password for every purchase, every 30 minutes, or never. Obviously, we recommend setting it to every time and it’s super easy to get it set up.

• Open the Google Play Store on your device.
• Tap the hamburger menu (the three lines) on the left side of the search bar.
• Scroll down to Settings.
• Select the Require Authentication For Purchases option.
• Ensure the first option, indicating all purchases, is selected.

Find the Settings option under the Google Play Menu

Choose the “Require Authentication For Purchases” option

Select the first option for the highest level of protection

Even if you don’t activate this option, Google Play will always ask for your account password in apps with a 12-or-under age rating. This way, it will do the same for every in-app purchase.

How to use your fingerprint scanner for purchase authentication

This method is an even better way to ensure that your device stays secure, as you might sometimes share your password with close friends or relatives for the sake of convenience — but no one ever borrows your fingerprint. Getting your fingerprint sensor set up to act as your purchase authentication is easy.

• Open the Google Play Store on your device.
• Tap the hamburger menu (the three lines) on the left side of the search bar.
• Scroll down to Settings.
• Find the Fingerprint Authentication option, and check the box.
• Enter the password you used when you first entered your fingerprint on your device.

That’s it! Both your Google and bank account are now safe from ridiculous bills generated by overspending on items that don’t even exist in the real world. Now you have no one to blame but yourself when you read your bank statements. Just stay away from Pokémon Go, eh?

If you’re looking after young children, then you might want to take a look at the best parental control apps, or if you’re just looking for more security on your smartphone, check out our list of the best anti-virus and security apps.

Editors’ Recommendations

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August Home smart locks expand integration with Google Assistant

The appeal of a smart lock becomes evident the moment a user crawls into bed and realizes they forgot to lock the front door. With the addition of modern voice control platforms, this is even easier.

August Home, known for its smart locks and smart home access services, announced last year that its Smart Lock is compatible with the Google Assistant on Google Home, making August the first smart lock on the market to support all three major voice-control platforms. Whether a user prefers Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, the August Smart Lock will work alongside the platform. And now, August is making its integration with one of these AI helpers more useful still. At MWC 2018, August Home announced expanded support for the Google Assistant to include support for DoorSense, the company’s door sensor.

So what does this mean for you? Thanks to this latest feature, the new August Smart Lock and August Smart Lock Pro will actually tell you if your door is open or closed. If you have DoorSense installed on your door (along with one of these new locks), you can just say, “Hey Google, is my door closed?” Plus, August has made it easier to interact with your entryways via voice. If you want to lock your door or check if it’s open, simply say, “Hey Google, lock my front door” or “OK Google, is my front door locked?” You won’t have to add the “Ask August” portion of the command any longer.

“Voice control continues to be a significant driver of smart home adoption and the Google Assistant on Google Home is a key partner in delivering a great user experience,” August Home CEO Jason Johnson noted previously.

On its own, the August Smart Lock allows users to lock or unlock their door with their personal smartphone. Additionally, virtual keys can be created for guests and an activity log keeps track of anyone who activates the device all day, every day. By pairing it with the Smart Keypad, owners can come up with unique entry codes for family, friends, and service providers. Completing the ultimate home access setup is the Doorbell Cam. Whether at the home or not, users can see and speak with visitors at the door using their personal smartphone.

The August Smart Lock Pro and Connect package is now available for $279.

Updated on March 2: You can now ask Google if your door is open or closed with the August Smart Lock. 

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August Home smart locks expand integration with Google Assistant

The appeal of a smart lock becomes evident the moment a user crawls into bed and realizes they forgot to lock the front door. With the addition of modern voice control platforms, this is even easier.

August Home, known for its smart locks and smart home access services, announced last year that its Smart Lock is compatible with the Google Assistant on Google Home, making August the first smart lock on the market to support all three major voice-control platforms. Whether a user prefers Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, the August Smart Lock will work alongside the platform. And now, August is making its integration with one of these AI helpers more useful still. At MWC 2018, August Home announced expanded support for the Google Assistant to include support for DoorSense, the company’s door sensor.

So what does this mean for you? Thanks to this latest feature, the new August Smart Lock and August Smart Lock Pro will actually tell you if your door is open or closed. If you have DoorSense installed on your door (along with one of these new locks), you can just say, “Hey Google, is my door closed?” Plus, August has made it easier to interact with your entryways via voice. If you want to lock your door or check if it’s open, simply say, “Hey Google, lock my front door” or “OK Google, is my front door locked?” You won’t have to add the “Ask August” portion of the command any longer.

“Voice control continues to be a significant driver of smart home adoption and the Google Assistant on Google Home is a key partner in delivering a great user experience,” August Home CEO Jason Johnson noted previously.

On its own, the August Smart Lock allows users to lock or unlock their door with their personal smartphone. Additionally, virtual keys can be created for guests and an activity log keeps track of anyone who activates the device all day, every day. By pairing it with the Smart Keypad, owners can come up with unique entry codes for family, friends, and service providers. Completing the ultimate home access setup is the Doorbell Cam. Whether at the home or not, users can see and speak with visitors at the door using their personal smartphone.

The August Smart Lock Pro and Connect package is now available for $279.

Updated on March 2: You can now ask Google if your door is open or closed with the August Smart Lock. 

Editors’ Recommendations

• OK., Google, it’s time for you to work with the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
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Latest Microsoft patent hints at mobile device with hardware laptop mode

One of the most anticipated products, at least from PC giant Microsoft, is the long-rumored Surface Phone. We really don’t have any idea if such a product exists, or if it does what it will look like and when it will arrive. But there is enough noise that it’s safe to assume, at least, that Microsoft is working on something new. One good source if you’re wanting to make a guess is the American patent system and one recent filing hints that we might end up seeing a mobile device with a hardware-based laptop mode.

The information comes from internet leaker WalkingCat, via Twitter:

weird thing https://t.co/ZTL6YraK1Q pic.twitter.com/HKRiMdTVK3

— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) March 1, 2018

We’re looking here at U.S. patent application US20180059735, which includes images and descriptions that indicate a laptop mode for what’s assumed is a “Project Andromeda” device. So far, the best bet is that the Surface Phone will end up being a pen-enabled, dual-screen device with cellular capabilities and that it will run Microsoft’s upcoming version of Windows 10 that morphs the user interface base on device design and capabilities.

WalkingCat

If you follow along with all of the various rumors, you will likely notice that this patent filing is quite similar to some others. And, it makes some sense that a dual-screen device will incorporate a virtual keyboard allowing work to be viewed on one of the displays and data to be entered on another. That is nothing new.

What seems to be different here is the use of a “determinative hinge assembly” that can either allow the two panels to lay flat and create one large display or to hold the display at an angle and thus mimic a laptop PC. Building such a capability into the machine on a hardware level indicates Microsoft would have specific plans for a distinct laptop mode — assuming that this product is actually in development.

That is the crux of the matter, of course. Companies apply for hundreds (or thousands) of patents for ideas that never make it into shipping products. What makes this patent most interesting is that it’s so consistent with many others that have surfaced over the last several months. Given Microsoft’s work on developing Windows 10 functionality that would support such a device, it’s reasonable to assume that something is on the way.

The company gets a ton of grief for exiting the smartphone market, as well as for being so late to the game. This device, should it see the light of day, would represent a new approach to attacking the mobile market — something that the Surface line has accomplished quite well for Microsoft in other areas.

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Latest Microsoft patent hints at mobile device with hardware laptop mode

One of the most anticipated products, at least from PC giant Microsoft, is the long-rumored Surface Phone. We really don’t have any idea if such a product exists, or if it does what it will look like and when it will arrive. But there is enough noise that it’s safe to assume, at least, that Microsoft is working on something new. One good source if you’re wanting to make a guess is the American patent system and one recent filing hints that we might end up seeing a mobile device with a hardware-based laptop mode.

The information comes from internet leaker WalkingCat, via Twitter:

weird thing https://t.co/ZTL6YraK1Q pic.twitter.com/HKRiMdTVK3

— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) March 1, 2018

We’re looking here at U.S. patent application US20180059735, which includes images and descriptions that indicate a laptop mode for what’s assumed is a “Project Andromeda” device. So far, the best bet is that the Surface Phone will end up being a pen-enabled, dual-screen device with cellular capabilities and that it will run Microsoft’s upcoming version of Windows 10 that morphs the user interface base on device design and capabilities.

WalkingCat

If you follow along with all of the various rumors, you will likely notice that this patent filing is quite similar to some others. And, it makes some sense that a dual-screen device will incorporate a virtual keyboard allowing work to be viewed on one of the displays and data to be entered on another. That is nothing new.

What seems to be different here is the use of a “determinative hinge assembly” that can either allow the two panels to lay flat and create one large display or to hold the display at an angle and thus mimic a laptop PC. Building such a capability into the machine on a hardware level indicates Microsoft would have specific plans for a distinct laptop mode — assuming that this product is actually in development.

That is the crux of the matter, of course. Companies apply for hundreds (or thousands) of patents for ideas that never make it into shipping products. What makes this patent most interesting is that it’s so consistent with many others that have surfaced over the last several months. Given Microsoft’s work on developing Windows 10 functionality that would support such a device, it’s reasonable to assume that something is on the way.

The company gets a ton of grief for exiting the smartphone market, as well as for being so late to the game. This device, should it see the light of day, would represent a new approach to attacking the mobile market — something that the Surface line has accomplished quite well for Microsoft in other areas.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Microsoft hints at a modular Windows 10, new mobile device category
• New Microsoft patent hints at potential design of Surface Phone
• Most Windows 10 devices across the globe now have Fall Creators Update
• Google’s idea for radar-based gesture control could change the remote forever
• How to mirror your smartphone or tablet on your TV

The LineRanger robot has the dangerous job of checking live power lines

There are a growing number of inspection robots from bridge inspectors to ones used in agriculture to keep tabs on large numbers of crops. A new robot with the brilliant name “the LineRanger” has a different area of expertise, however: Inspecting power lines.

Created by the Montreal-based company Hydro-Québec, the LineRanger is a newly unveiled functional prototype for a robot designed to inspect the conductor bundles on high-voltage transmission lines. It is the first such robot to be designed with this task in mind. To carry its inspection out, it attaches to the power line and then uses a smart mechanism to essentially “hop” any obstacles it encounters by momentarily decoupling its connections.

It is able to work quickly and can cover around 12 miles of line every day, operating on a live line, which means that it doesn’t need to interfere with power transmission. As it is making its inspection rounds, the LineRanger can record video footage of any potential damage on the lines and send this information to a ground crew who can then arrange to have the line fixed.

This isn’t the only technology that Hydro-Québec has created for the task of transmission line inspection and maintenance. It previously developed a drone for the non-destructive evaluation of power transmission systems. The company’s drone is equipped with a smart sensor that is able to detect the earliest signs of corrosion in conductors. It’s also able to land on a live wire without causing damage to the drone or wire itself. Unlike the drone, however, the LineRanger doesn’t have the same challenges regarding short battery life. That means that it could be deployed as a more in-depth inspector able to travel along large lengths of line spotting damage.

There is no word from Hydro-Québec on when the technology is being rolled out, or whether any companies or states have adopted it yet. Considering the possible risk of a human getting too near to power lines, however, we have to say that this is one dangerous job that we’re more than happy to hand over to the machines — especially one that looks as ingenious as this.

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