Things 3.5 Update Brings Layout and Tagging Tweaks, New Clipboard Features, and More

Popular to-do app Things received a “spit and polish” update today for both macOS and iOS. Version 3.5 of the software bundles in 29 features and improvements based on user feedback, including performance tweaks, tagging enhancements, and more.

Collapsible areas in Things has been one of the most requested features, according to the developers, which is why Things 3.5 enables users with particularly long project lists to collapse or hide them using new chevron buttons alongside project titles.

On iOS, users should be able to find and add tags more quickly, now that the tag window is searchable. App-wide tag searches have also been made more broad, so that if a user searches for a tag, they’ll see not only items with that tag, but also items with the tag nested under them. Additionally, the “No Tag” filter has been reinstated, due to popular demand.

Things 3.5 introduces some helpful copy/paste features for bringing content into the app, too. For example, if a user copies text from another app then switches to Things and pastes that text, a new to-do is automatically created containing the clipboard data. On top of that, several new to-dos are created when pasting multiple lines of text.

The same thing works with Universal Clipboard, allowing you to copy some text on your Mac and paste it in Things on an iPhone to auto-create new to-dos. You can also drag text from another app into Things to achieve the same thing.

Elsewhere, thanks to a new “update” command it’s now possible to edit workflows that make use of the recently launched Things URLs feature (for creating to-dos in Things from outside the app). The Today widget has also received a few tweaks, and now shows icons for checklists and reminders, as well as a moon icon for items in This Evening, and progress pies for projects.

In other notable changes, link and data handling in Things is now more consistent across the app, the iOS settings screen has been redesigned for clarity, and the Things MacBook Pro Touch Bar is now customizable. Lastly, the layout in fullscreen mode on Mac has also been tweaked, numerous bugs have been fixed, and a number of workflows for using Things in business tools are now available.

Things 3.5 can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $49.99 and from the iOS App Store. The iPad version is priced at $19.99 [Direct Link] while the iPhone version (which includes Apple watch support) is priced at $9.99. [Direct Link] A 15-day trial of Things for Mac is available on the Cultured Code website.

Tags: Things, Cultured Code
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Apple Registers Several New Unreleased iPhone Models in Eurasia Ahead of WWDC

French website Consomac has discovered a new Russian-language regulatory filing in the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) database pointing towards several unreleased iPhone models that Apple could be launching relatively soon.

Versions of iPhone running iOS 11 are listed with the model numbers A1920, A1921, A1984, A2097, A2098, A2099, A2101, A2103, A2104, A2105 and A2106. None of the numbers correspond to Apple’s existing smartphone lineup.

The EEC filing, published on Tuesday, satisfies Russia’s requirement for companies to register all products containing encryption and/or cryptographic tools. On February 19, the EEC revealed the existence of two new models of iPad, which proved to be the Wi-Fi and cellular versions of Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad unveiled on March 27, so there’s a decent chance the new model numbers identify iPhones tipped for a May or June launch. Several new models of MacBook were also registered with the EEC in May of last year, and those laptops were announced at WWDC 2017.

Apple is rumored to be introducing three flagship iPhones in 2018: Two OLED models measuring in at 5.8 and 6.5 inches and a 6.1-inch lower-cost LCD model. All three will feature Face ID and edge-to-edge displays, but none are expected to arrive before the usual September timeframe when Apple’s major annual iPhone event typically takes place.

However, rumors suggest Apple will bring a new entry-level smartphone model to market similar to the iPhone SE that will support wireless charging and be released in time for summer 2018.

Apple hasn’t properly refreshed the iPhone SE since it launched back in March 2016, although it did double the available storage capacities to 64GB and 128GB in March 2017. A May/June launch would put it within touching distance of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which starts on June 8, although Apple hasn’t launched an iPhone at WWDC in the last seven years. The last announcement being the iPhone 4 in 2010.

Related Roundups: iPhone SE, 2018 iPhonesTag: EECBuyer’s Guide: iPhone SE (Don’t Buy)
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Facebook explains how it will comply with the EU’s GDPR

After a lot of scandal and a great deal of confusion, Facebook has finally made clear what its privacy settings will look like in the wake of Europe’s forthcoming GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation). In a news release, the company said that everyone, no matter where they live, will be asked to review information on the way Facebook uses their data. The options will roll out in Europe first, ahead of GDPR implementation on May 25.

On the face of it, the options seem comprehensive enough. Facebook will ask you to make choices about adverts, sensitive information and face recognition technology, and claims that it’s developed better tools to access, delete and download information. It also says it’s making tweaks for younger users, since GDPR demands stricter privacy controls for teenagers.

But there are a number of issues with the way Facebook has presented these choices. The text-heavy consent screens give you two options: ‘accept and continue’, which is accessed by a big blue button, or ‘manage settings’, accessed via a smaller gray box. And before you can start tweaking your settings, you’ll be presented with a spiel where Facebook tries to dissuade you from removing your information. It’s a tedious process, designed no doubt to encourage the user to whizz through clicking ‘accept’ to all.

Targeted advertising is still non-negotiable, although the settings give the illusion of personal control by asking what types of advertising you want to receive. Advertisers aren’t allowed to target you based on sensitive info, such as sexual identity, religion or political views, which is obviously a good thing. However, in the US, advertisers can tap into your political views via political pages and events you interact with. You can opt out of this, but doing so means removing all the information you’ve shared in these categories. There’s no way to keep it on your page without letting Facebook use it.

Finally, Facebook’s new terms of service have been updated so they’re easier to read. No significant changes were made, but like the privacy consent flow, its interface isn’t great either. You can either accept the terms via the big ‘I Accept’ button, or look at your alternatives via a tiny ‘see your options’ hyperlink, which takes you to a page brandishing a very final ‘delete my account’ option.

These settings are the bare minimum Facebook could have conjured. Given the furore around its privacy agenda in recent times, many assumed they’d do more in a bid to get the whole world back onside. Sure, many of the consent options give users the illusion of control, but as the interface suggests, it’s clear Facebook still holds the reins when it comes to your personal data.

Source: Facebook

There’s a bit of a problem with the Waze navigation app, L.A. official claims

Community-driven navigation app Waze may be a great tool for finding your way and avoiding traffic jams, but a Los Angeles official claims it’s also causing serious traffic issues in the city.

Councilmember David Ryu points to the situation in his own area, L.A. City Council District 4, which he believes has worsened because the app’s algorithm is sending drivers along streets that aren’t designed to take so many vehicles. He says the neighborhood has become overrun with rush-hour traffic, with one narrow street built for local use taking 679 vehicles an hour, leading to a number of accidents.

Ryu claims the problem is so bad that he’s written to the City Attorney suggesting its office considers taking legal action against the Google-owned company.

“Waze has upended our City’s traffic plans, residential neighborhoods, and public safety for far too long,” Ryu said in a release posted on Tuesday. “Their responses have been inadequate and their solutions non-existent. They say the crises of congestion they cause is the price for innovation — I say that’s a false choice.”

“If we do nothing, Waze will lead us on a race to the bottom — where traffic plans are ignored and every street is gridlocked,” the councilmember said.

The official insists he’s made “numerous attempts” to resolve the issue with Waze, but concludes, “It has become clear that any and all legal options should be considered.”

Another L.A. councilmember, Paul Krekorian, recently made similar complaints about navigation apps disrupting quiet neighborhoods, telling the L.A. Times, “The use of apps to save 90 seconds of travel time not only is destroying the qualify of life in neighborhoods all over, but also endangering public safety.”

Waze is yet to offer any official response to Ryu’s claims, but insisted to the L.A. Times that it’s helping cities to address “their toughest transportation challenges” by working to ease congestion on their busiest roads.

But the problem, it seems, is not a recent development. A GQ analysis a couple of years back, while praising Waze as “an amazing navigation app,” pointed out that it “doesn’t seem to care if the street it’s sending people down is a huge boulevard or a tiny side street.” The report explains that with so many people turning to Waze to make their drive a little less stressful on L.A.’s congested roads, the way the algorithm creates routes really does matter. “In a world where 1.7 million people are using Waze in Los Angeles each month, what you’re left with is countless people trying to take the same short cut. So suddenly, a quiet street is constantly full of drivers. Traffic’s not being avoided so much as it’s being moved to a collection of streets that were not designed for it.”

Ryu has clearly had enough of the issue, and is now turning to the City Attorney in the hope of finally resolving it.

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Xiaomi Mi LED Smart TV review: Two months on, the best budget TV you can buy today

Xiaomi’s 55-inch Mi TV 4 offers a fantastic 4K HDR panel for the asking price.

For years now, Xiaomi fans in India have been clamoring for the Mi TV to make its debut in the country. Xiaomi finally introduced its TV range back in February starting with the 55-inch Mi TV 4, rebranded as the Mi LED Smart TV for the Indian market.

It’s easy to see why there’s such a massive amount of interest in the Mi TV: there aren’t many decent affordable TVs, and while the likes of Vu have rolled out 4K-enabled models that sell for under ₹50,000, there have been questions regarding long-term reliability.

That’s where Xiaomi comes into the picture. The Mi TV offers the same sturdy build quality as the manufacturer’s phones, and it offers features that are limited to premium TVs from Sony, LG, and Samsung. With a 10-bit 4K panel and HDR10 compatibility for just ₹39,999, the Mi TV offers unmatched value for money. Here’s what it’s like to use the TV for two months.

Xiaomi Mi TV What you’ll love

The most striking aspect of the Mi TV is just how sleek it is. The TV tapers to a thickness of just 4.9mm, making it one of the thinnest TVs in the world. The TV does get noticeably thicker at the base — where the internals are housed — but overall it is one of the better designs in this category. It’s the little things that make all the difference, and the Mi TV has a brushed metal back and a dark blue accent around the frame that makes it stand out.

The Mi TV also has minimal bezels, and overall the design and build quality are top-notch: the TV conveys an upmarket feel without the exorbitant price tag.

Most TVs in this price point feature a lackluster panel to cut costs, but that’s thankfully not the case with the Mi TV. The 55-inch TV offers a 10-bit 4K Samsung-made VA display that’s calibrated by Xiaomi. What’s of particular interest is that it also comes with HDR10 compatibility, as well as the ability to handle 4K at 60Hz.

The 4K panel offers saturated colors, and the display is calibrated out of the box. But if you’re using the TV in a well-lit room, you can boost the backlight levels from the settings. You’ll also be able to tweak the colors to your liking. I’ll talk more about the software side of things below, but for the most part, I used the Mi TV with a Chromecast Ultra, and it was an enjoyable experience.

The Mi TV lowers the barrier for 4K HDR in India.

The Mi TV has three HDMI ports (including an ARC port), one USB 3.0 port, and a USB 2.0 port, along with Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi ac, and an Ethernet port. The internal hardware is also impressive — the TV is powered by an Amlogic T968 chipset with four Cortex A53 cores at 1.8GHz, along with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.

The RAM may not seem like much, but it’s more than enough to navigate the interface of the Mi TV. Talking about the interface, the PatchWall skin is customized for the Indian market, and I particularly like the content recommendation engine that’s on offer. It’ll tailor recommendations based on your viewing history, and it does a great job of suggesting similar TV shows and movies. The best feature though, has to be the universal search: the ability to search your DTH box’s programming library is a game-changer.

Xiaomi Mi TV What you won’t

The main issue with the Mi TV right now is the content ecosystem. With Xiaomi being a new entrant into the market in India, there’s not a whole lot in the way of content partnerships. You don’t get Netflix on the Mi TV, nor Hotstar, Prime Video, or even YouTube.

For what it’s worth, Xiaomi rolled out a YouTube app that mimics the web interface, but using it is clunky, and it doesn’t let you stream 4K videos. And although the Mi TV has enough HDMI ports, it’s missing a 3.5mm jack.

There’s no Netflix, Hotstar, or Prime Video, and that’s a problem.

For Xiaomi, the primary goal with the Mi TV was to elevate the user experience when pairing the TV with a DTH box. In that context, the Mi TV performs magnificently. The ability to seamlessly integrate the DTH is a novel addition, and those that are looking to stream content from the likes of Netflix or Hotstar can always pick up a Chromecast. Even factoring in the cost of a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick, the Mi TV is a stellar deal.

Another area where the Mi TV falls short is availability. Two months after its release, it’s still incredibly hard to get a hold of one, either online or from Mi Home stores.

The lack of availability is largely attributed to the fact that these TVs have to be brought in em masse from China, as there is no local manufacturing facility yet. Xiaomi said during the launch that because of the sleekness of the Mi TV, there are a limited number of factories in the world that possess the technical know-how to manufacture the panel — currently, the Mi TV is made in the same factory that manufactures iMacs.

Whether the brand will be able to set up a facility to get the TV assembled locally is an unknown at this point, but doing so would undoubtedly bring down costs for what is already a stellar bargain.

Xiaomi Mi TV Bottom line

The Mi TV is ideal if you’re looking for a budget TV with a great panel. Sure, you’re missing basic content streaming services, but that can be fixed with a Chromecast. The panel is one of the best in this category, and the Mi TV is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to pick up an Xbox One X or PlayStation 4 Pro for 4K HDR gaming.

Following the launch of the 55-inch Mi TV, Xiaomi also rolled out two variants in the 1080p Mi TV 4A series in India: a 32-inch model that costs just ₹13,999 and a 43-inch version for ₹22,999. The 32-inch model is also enticing as it offers Wi-Fi connectivity and comes with the PatchWall interface, while retailing for less than the price of the Redmi Note 5 Pro.

By making three models available across price points, Xiaomi is catering to the needs of a mass-market audience. The 55-inch model, in particular, sets the benchmark for its segment, and the quality of the panel alone justifies the ₹39,999 price tag. The rest is a bonus. If you can get your hands on the Mi TV, you should absolutely go for it.

See at Flipkart

AMD calls out NVIDIA’s partner program, G-Sync ‘gamer taxes’

A promotional push by NVIDIA has apparently tied up PC builders, and raised the ire of its competitor AMD. The current leader in the graphics card market, NVIDIA has apparently developed a GeForce Partner Program (GPP) that it claims exists to “ensure that gamers have full transparency into the GPU platform and software they’re being sold, and can confidently select products that carry the NVIDIA GeForce promise.”

But according to AMD, that vague explanation hides an attempt to elbow competition out of high-profile system lines. A recent report by HardOCP suggests that for PC builders to be a part of the program (with access to combined marketing efforts, bundles and rebate offers) they have to exclusively align their gaming brand with NVIDIA’s GeForce hardware (and not AMD’s Radeon). Things came to a head yesterday when ASUS suddenly announced a new gaming line, AREZ, that apparently exists only to keep AMD Radeon-powered PCs out of its well-known ROG gaming equipment. With AMD out of the way, the ROG line can join NVIDIA’s GPP.

Meanwhile, AMD has taken the opportunity to go all William Wallace, proclaiming that “Freedom of choice is a staple of PC gaming.” Its screed never mentions NVIDIA, the GPP or any of its proprietary tech like G-Sync or GameWorks, but reading between the lines makes things clear. From AMD’s side, it claims that tech like FreeSync and Vulkan improvements it has developed move the industry forward without harming the competition.

We’re not sure if that will convince anyone when it’s time to upgrade their graphics card or build a new PC, but it’s worth knowing where the sides stand. Asked about the situation, NVIDIA pointed to its March 1st blog post making the case that GPP is simply about consumer education.

Via: HotHardware

Source: AMD

Google’s Safe Browsing now comes integrated into Android apps

Google’s Safe Browsing can now protect you from phishing attempts and harmful programs even if you’re not visiting websites on Chrome. Google Play Protect has added Safe Browsing to WebView, the component that allows Android apps to display web content, by default. Since developers don’t have to do anything to activate the feature, their apps will come integrated with the ability to warn you if you’re visiting a URL with potentially malicious content.

The capability is powered by the same underlying technology as Chrome on Android and will trigger the same red screen warning and network error. It can tell you if a website will prompt you to install dangerous software or to reveal sensitive info. Some developers will be able to customize the behavior, as well, but bottom line is that you might see the Safe Browsing screen more frequently in the future.

Source: Chromium Blog

Best Buy Offering Up to $350 Off MacBook Air Models

Best Buy is continuing its recent string of solid deals with a new discount offering up to $300 off select MacBook Air models, bringing the cost of the entry-level model down to just $699.99. Students and parents of students can sign up for Best Buy’s Student Deals program to knock an additional $50 off on all eligible models.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

• 1.8 GHz Core i5 with 128 GB storage – $699.99 / $649.99 with Student Deals
• 1.8 GHz Core i5 with 256 GB storage – $899.99 / $849.99 with Student Deals
• 2.2 GHz Core i7 with 512 GB storage – $1,249.99 / $1,199.99 with Student Deals

This is likely a very short-term deal, so be sure to take advantage of it quickly if you’re interested in picking up a MacBook Air. It’s part of Best Buy’s larger Computing Savings Event that runs through Saturday with a rotating selection of deals.

Best Buy’s other weekly deals are still ongoing, including up to $200 off MacBook Pro models (up to $250 off with Student Deals), discounts on iPhone 7 and 6s models, and an iPad trade-in program. And as always, head over to our full Deals Roundup for even more deals.

Related Roundup: Apple DealsTag: Best Buy
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Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra review

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Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra

Sony is in the middle of some major changes with its smartphones. The Japanese company announced an all new redesign debuting on its flagship Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact smartphones at Mobile World Congress. But the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact aren’t the first Sony phones in 2018 — at CES, Sony unveiled the Xperia XA2 Ultra, a mid-range device that’s a blend of Sony’s old and new design philosophies.

But just because the phone doesn’t feature Sony’s new design style, that doesn’t mean it has no merits. We’ve found it to offer solid performance, good battery life, and it has a capable camera. Still, those features alone may not be enough to make the device worth it at its $450 price tag. Let’s take a closer look.

Still an outdated design

Sony hasn’t changed its smartphone design for the past four years. It’s finally happening with the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, but the XA2 Ultra largely conforms to its old standards. The phone is chunky, heavy, and has sharp corners that aren’t inviting. Its 6-inch screen makes it a monster when it comes to size, especially since it doesn’t follow the modern “bezel-less trend” we’ve seen on other phones.

On the back of the XA2 Ultra, you’ll find a single camera, along with a fingerprint sensor. That’s right, there’s a working fingerprint sensor on this phone. Why’s that surprising? Sony has been notorious for deactivating the fingerprint sensor on previous devices — only for the U.S. market. The company routinely said it was due to business decisions. We’re happy to see it present, but the sensor placement is a little too high for our liking, making it tough to reach.

Unlike most smartphones coming out these days, there’s no technology on board to unlock the phone with your face beyond Android’s Smart Lock, but hey, we’re just glad the fingerprint sensor works.

On the right edge of the phone is where you’ll find a power button and volume rocker, as well as a dedicated camera shutter button. You can hold down the camera button to launch the camera when you’re not in the camera app, and you can then use it to snap a photo.

We’re over Sony’s outdated design.

On the top there’s a headphone jack, which won’t be present on the company’s upcoming XZ2 and XZ2 Compact flagships, while the bottom is where you’ll find the USB Type-C port and a bottom-firing speaker.

Plenty of other phones have 6-inch displays these days – but generally those displays come out to the very edges of the phone’s frame. The benefit here is you get a large screen, and a smaller footprint. For example, the iPhone X has a 5.8-inch screen, but it’s physically smaller than the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus. Not Sony. You get the old-school large screen with thick bezels surrounding it. It just looks so outdated.

There’s still something interesting in the top bezel, however. Most modern smartphones launch with dual-camera systems (sometimes even three) on the rear. Sony’s differentiating itself with the XA2 Ultra by adding a dual-camera system on the front of the phone instead, and there’s even a flash. We’ll dive into what that means a little later.

Christian de Looper/Digital Trends

Then there’s the LCD screen, its size makes it a joy to play games on, or watch shows on Netflix. The 1,920 x 1,080 pixel screen resolution isn’t as sharp as we’d like, but we didn’t find any problems with it. The colors are a little dull, but the phone gets bright enough for use in direct sunlight.

We’re over Sony’s outdated design. The XA2 Ultra is not a good-looking phone, and we’re not fans of its bulk and weight. The display is satisfactory, but nothing to write home about, and we’re largely just happy to have a working fingerprint sensor.

Under the hood

The Xperia XA2 Ultra is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and your choice of 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. There is a MicroSD card slot if you need more space.

In day-to-day use, the XA2 Ultra hums along without any problems. Even when we put it under stress with a lot of multi-tasking and mobile gaming, the phone hardly showed any signs of slowdown. Asphalt 8 only stuttered a little here and there, while Oceanhorn ran smoothly. Most people will be satisfied with the performance this phone offers.

Here are a few benchmark results:

• Geekbench 4: 868 single-core; 4,196 multi-core
• AnTuTu: 88,204
• 3DMark Slingshot Extreme: 825

Benchmarks aren’t the final word on performance, but the scores we achieved are in-line with other sub-$450 phones. But the problem with the Xperia XA2 Ultra is the competition. If you’re willing to shell out an extra $50, you can get a much more powerful device, such as the Essential Phone. The $500 phone from the creator of Android scored a massive 157,705 on AnTuTu, and the OnePlus 5T, which also costs $500, comes in even-better with a score of 180,588. Both phones use a significantly more powerful processor, the Snapdragon 835.

If you have $450 to spend and no more, then the XA2 Ultra may well be the phone to get. We think it’s worth shelling out just a little bit more for the upcoming OnePlus 6, which should cost the same $500 as its predecessor.

Mediocre camera

Like the camera on most budget phones, the XA2 Ultra needs very good lighting to produce decent photos. The 23-megapixel rear-facing camera struggles to capture a good amount of detail, photos look very flat — with not much depth to them — and colors look a little dull. Photos in general do not look sharp, and the camera constantly struggles with HDR: If the sky is too bright, the foreground is too dark, and vice versa. We’re honestly far more impressed with the camera from the $200 Honor 7X.

In lower light, results are a less than ideal. Shots taken at dusk were dark and underexposed, and in general we stayed away from bothering to take more photos in these kinds of environments. A Pro mode is available if you want to take greater control of the camera to make it work in varying lighting conditions.

Unlike some older Sony devices, there’s no 960 frames-per-second (FPS) super slow motion feature on the XA2 Ultra. If you do want slow motion capture, the phone is capable of handling it at 120fps, which looks great. Video can be shot at up to 4K resolution, though if you turn that option on you’ll get a warning saying the phone’s temperature may go up and the app may shut down.

The most interesting feature on this phone is the front-facing camera, which is a dual-sensor camera with one 16-megapixel and one 8-megapixel wide-angle sensor. You might think that the two sensors work together to create effects like a selfie Portrait Mode — they don’t. Instead, the phone uses the main camera for standard selfies, but you can switch to the other camera for a 120-degree wide-angle lens to capture group selfies. We wish this dual front-facing setup did something a little more interesting, but the group selfie mode is certainly handy when you need it.

With the lights off and blinds closed in my office, the phone did a stellar job at illuminating both my background and my face.

The front-facing flash is quite unique as well. It uses a feature called Slow Sync Flash, which doesn’t just illuminate your face, but the background environment too. Most selfie flashes light up your face and hides the background in darkness, but the XA2 Ultra doesn’t. The feature works well, even in zero-light situations. With the lights off and blinds closed in my office, the phone did a stellar job at illuminating both my background and my face.

Overall, the camera is not worth the $450 price tag. We’re not fans of most camera phones under this price range, except perhaps the $200 Honor 7X, but your best bet is the OnePlus 5T or the upcoming OnePlus 6 for a far superior camera experience at a similar price range.

Software

The Xperia XA2 Ultra runs Android 8.0 Oreo, but it’s plastered over with a Sony Android skin. It doesn’t look as clean or minimal as stock Android, but there’s certainly nothing terribly wrong about it.

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra Compared To

Nuu G3

Nokia 7 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S9

Cat S61

OnePlus 5T

HTC U11 Life

Google Pixel 2 XL

ZTE Blade Z Max

ZTE Max XL

Meizu M3 Max

ZTE ZMax Pro

Blu Pure XL

Huawei Mate 8

ZTE Grand X Max+

LG G Flex

What we strongly dislike, however, is the amount of bloatware pre-installed on this phone. Not only does it add to the clutter, but it also takes up a fair amount of storage space. In the 32GB available on our phone, we can only use around 19GB thanks to all the bloatware.

Not all of the included software is bad, however. For example, there’s an included FM Radio app to listen to the radio, and if you’re an avid PlayStation gamer, then the PlayStation app may be of use to you.

A full day of battery life

Perhaps the best thing about this phone is the battery life it offers. The battery comes in at 3,580mAh, and even with relatively heavy usage, we ended a full day with at least 20 percent charge remaining.

The phone easily lasts through a normal weekday.

We took the phone off of its charger at 9 a.m., and by 7 p.m. the phone still had around 41 percent charge left. That’s with heavy use during the day, including browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, and playing games. That’s better than some flagship phones, and you should have no problems going through an average work day.

The battery charges pretty quickly too, largely thanks to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 technology. In our testing, we were able to get 50 percent charge in a little more than 35 minutes of charging.

Price, availability, and warranty

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra is available now unlocked from Amazon and Best Buy, where it’ll set you back $450.

You get a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturer defects and failure under normal use. Safe to say, if you’re someone that tends to drop your phone a lot, you’ll still want to get a good case for it.

Our Take

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra is a solid mid-range phone that’s pushed lower down the ladder because of the competition. You get good performance for the price, and day-long battery life. It also has an outdated and boring design, a mediocre camera, and the software isn’t pleasing to use.

Is there a better alternative?

If your budget is a strict $450, then the XA2 Ultra may be your best choice. You may want to take a look at the HTC U11 Life, which has only slightly worse performance, but offers a much nicer design and has features like Bluetooth 5 and IP67 water resistance.

We strongly recommend you think about the $500 Essential Phone (which is currently on discount for $400). It has a beautiful design, excellent build quality, and clean and speedy software. The camera isn’t as strong as other flagships, but it has improved over software updates. Your best option is to wait for the OnePlus 6, which will debut in May. It will likely carry a $500 price tag, but it will be superior to the XA2 Ultra in almost every single way.

How long will it last?

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra should last a standard two-year smartphone cycle at least, though if you’re careful with it you could get even more use out of it. Sony does a solid job delivering software updates, and we assume the XA2 Ultra should receive them for the next two years.

Should you buy it?

No. We recommend waiting for the OnePlus 6. If you’d rather not wait or you have a strict budget, the Essential Phone is our second favorite pick.

Putting Kim’s face on your phone case might make you a true Kardashian

On Tuesday, April 17, LuMee officially launched its Kimoji X LuMee iPhone case collection in collaboration with celebrity Kim Kardashian West. As the self-proclaimed “Queen of Selfies,” it only makes sense that she partners with the one company that specifically sets out to make your selfies even better.

Available for iPhone 6 and later, each phone case features a variety of different emojis you would find in the Kimoji sticker packs. To kick off the collection, the first case available for purchase has Kardashian West’s infamous crying face plastered all over it. Let’s just say it’s a great alternative to googling Kim Kardashian’s best ugly crying scenes — but we recommend that too.

If an extremely upset Kim Kardashian isn’t your vibe, you’re in luck because there are three other designs the collection has to offer. You can instead opt for a case with the word “Lit” sprinkled all over it. For those having trouble deciding on just one Kimoji to flaunt on their iPhone, there is also a case that includes a collage of them — available in either pink or black.

As part of its Duo lineup, Kimoji x LuMee cases include front and back LCD lights — allowing you to add light to your photos regardless of whether you’re using the front-facing or rear-facing camera on your smartphone. With lights on both sides of the case, the company says you will have a light that isn’t as harsh as a camera flash which could reduce red-eye in photos.

In terms of protecting your phone, LuMee cases are made of durable plastic and have soft, rubberized edges on the front. The cushioned corners act as somewhat of a bumper should you drop your precious Kimoji case.

Each Kimoji x LuMee case will cost you $80 — which seems like a lot for a smartphone case. But in comparison to the standard LuMee Duo case, you are only spending about $10 more.

While the “Kim Crying” case is now available for purchase exclusively on Kimoji.com, you will have to wait for the rest. But if you want to get a headstart, you can pre-order the other designs on LuMee’s site. The entire Kimoji x LuMee collection will officially be on sale starting May 3.

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