Vimeo’s new Final Cut Pro app cuts the distractions, expands export tools

Vimeo wants to help video editors cut the clutter and speed up their workflow by integrating a tool for less back and forth between software and web browsers. On Tuesday, April 10, Vimeo launched a new app by the same name for MacOS. Vimeo for MacOS is a free app that offers tools for Final Cut Pro users (Adobe Premiere Pro users can access expanded tools from an extension instead).

The desktop app expands on Final Cut Pro’s existing options to export to Vimeo, adding more file formats and video codecs. The software, unlike the Final Cut Pro integration, also allows for multiple uploads simultaneously. The program also allows videographers to easily find links and embed codes, along with review page links. With the app, Vimeo users can also turn on notifications on video activity.

Vimeo says the software is designed to help users focus “like a microscope” by eliminating the back and forth between Final Cut Pro and a web browser, which of course is also home to endless distractions from actual editing work.

With the Vimeo desktop app, creatives can also export the new ProRes file format from Final Cut Pro. The tool also allows users to add captions, titles, descriptions, and privacy settings to the video all without the web browser. The app also plays videos without a browser. Inside the desktop app, users can also go back and adjust privacy and collaboration settings even after the video is uploaded on Vimeo.

After installation, video editors need to link the app with their Final Cut Pro account. After restarting the program, Final Cut Pro will have a new share option listed as Vimeo (Advanced) that will switch over to the Vimeo app.

Final Cut Pro could already export directly to Vimeo, but the app directly from Vimeo itself opens additional tools for multiple uploads and adding title data. Vimeo says it will continue to refine the desktop program, welcoming user feedback on other features to add to the desktop app.

Vimeo already has an extension for Adobe Premiere Pro, available for Mac and Windows platforms.

The new desktop app trails Vimeo’s National Association of Broadcasters announcement yesterday, April 9, that brought live video to the Vimeo OTT, a program that allows users to monetize through subscriptions.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Live-streaming arrives on Vimeo’s subscription service
• Cord-cutting 101: How to quit cable for online streaming video
• Apple ProRes RAW promises faster RAW video workflows for Final Cut Pro X
• Cutting the cord? Let us help you find the best service for live-streaming TV
• Looking to cut cable? Here’s everything you need to know about Pluto TV

Upgrade your storage space with the $80 WD Elements 4TB desktop hard drive

Save all the data!

The WD Elements 4TB desktop hard drive is down to $79.99 on Amazon. That’s $20 off its normal price and a match for the lowest we’ve ever seen.

If 4TB is too much or you need something to take out and about, you can get the 2TB drive for just $58.49 right now. That’s the portable version and a great deal.

The desktop drive is simply plug-and-play. It uses USB 3.0 ports, so all you have to do is connect it and begin transferring whatever you want. It is compatible with Windows and Mac, but you’ll need to reformat it for the latter. Users give this series 4.3 stars based on 698 reviews.

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Best Waterproof Phone in 2018

• Best overall
• Best for photography
• Best for clean experience
• Best for features

Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy S9

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Last year’s best waterproof phone was the Galaxy S8, so it’s no surprise this year’s would be its sequel. Samsung made small changes to the new Galaxy model that make a meaningful difference, but it also left alone what matters here: the phone’s IP68 rating. That means it is safe to be immersed in more than a meter of water for a pretty good length of time and — more importantly — you can take photos and video underwater without worrying about covering it with a bulky case.

Bottom line: The Galaxy S9 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you’re looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.

One more thing: Both the Galaxy S9 and the larger S9+ have the same waterproofing, but the regular S9 may be the better fit since it’s more manageable in one hand.

Why the Galaxy S9 is the best

Samsung knows that customers want to be able to use their phone anytime and at any place. It also knows that we don’t want silly rubber flaps or sliding gizmos that get in the way. The Galaxy S9 not only withstands wind, rain, snow, and other torrents, but it doesn’t have to cover anything to do so; its USB-C port, speaker, and headphone jack are fully exposed and don’t need any silly covers.

We also want our waterproof phone to be a phone we love to use, and the Galaxy S9 fits the bill here, too. It comes with the latest Snapdragon 845 processor, along with 64GB of memory standard, and has a beautiful display that practically does away with bezels. And it has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Few other phones can boast these specs, waterproof or not.

Best for photography

LG V30

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The V30 is LG’s best phone, period. The LG V30 does it all and adds IP68 water ingress protection to its already enviable spec sheet, which is the same everywhere this year.

Besides being “waterproof” the V30 has some other really great features. The video capture is second to none with LG Cine Log mode, top-shelf mobile audio components make the V30 sound as good (or better) than your stereo at home, and it’s the first phone to support T-Mobile’s 600Mhz network.

Bottom line: The LG V30 is a great phone on its own, but if waterproofing is what you want, it’s a fantastic option for those who don’t want to go Samsung.

One more thing: The LG V30 also captures audio in finer detail while you’re shooting video. That’s awesome!

Best for clean software

Google Pixel 2

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Google says they listened to user feedback and decided to make the Pixel 2 “waterproof” with an IP67 rating, and that’s awesome.

The Pixel 2 delivers Google’s Android software as intended, with fast updates for the latest features and security issues for a full three years. Many have said the Pixel takes Apple’s iPhone approach and keeps things simple and running smoothly, and we have to agree.

The hardware is no slouch, either. That IP67-rated exterior holds the same muscle as most every other high-end Android phone with a Snapdragon 835 chip and 4GB of RAM. Add in front facing speakers and the best camera on any phone you can buy today for a great water-resistant experience! It lacks the IP68 rating of the Galaxy S8, but it comes close.

Bottom line: The Pixel 2 in either size is a great waterproof Android phone if you value a simple software experience.

One more thing: The Pixel 2 is the first waterproof phone to come from Google.

Best for features

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

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When it comes to features, nothing beats Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8. The pinnacle of utility, the Note 8 includes everything you need to sdtay organized including Samsung’s S Pen, but it can also be a lot of fun with it’s gorgeous 6.3-inch QHD display and specs to drive it all. And it’s also “waterproof!”

The Note 8 is truly one of the best smartphones to every come down an assembly line, and the only thing that keeps it from topping every list is its price. But this is truly a case of getting what you pay for and there is a reason the Note 8 is such a popular model despite that price.

Bottom line: The Galaxy Note 8 is an amazing phone made even better for its IP68 water resistance rating.

One more thing: The Note 8 uses a separate camera lens and sensor to take amazing portrait photos!

Conclusion

The Galaxy S line continues to reign supreme when it comes to waterproofing. This is Samsung’s fourth waterproof flagship (after the misstep that was the Galaxy S6) and it shows: there are no port covers or seams anywhere here. But thanks to some innovative design, LG and HTC are nipping at Samsung’s proverbial heels, and that’s good news for anyone in the market for a waterproof phone.

Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy S9

See at Verizon
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
See at Sprint
See at Best Buy

Last year’s best waterproof phone was the Galaxy S8, so it’s no surprise this year’s would be its sequel. Samsung made small changes to the new Galaxy model that make a meaningful difference, but it also left alone what matters here: the phone’s IP68 rating. That means it is safe to be immersed in more than a meter of water for a pretty good length of time and — more importantly — you can take photos and video underwater without worrying about covering it with a bulky case.

Bottom line: The Galaxy S9 is an all-around great phone that is a no-brainer if you’re looking for the ultimate in waterproofing.

One more thing: Both the Galaxy S9 and the larger S9+ have the same waterproofing, but the regular S9 may be the better fit since it’s more manageable in one hand.

Updated April 2018: The Galaxy S9 is now the best overall waterproof phone you can buy, but it shares the podium with some other awesome phones. You really can’t go wrong here!

Don’t miss out on this discounted Spotify gift card at Amazon

This 15% discount is a Lightning deal, so you better move lightning fast.

While supplies last, Amazon is offering the $60 Spotify gift card on sale today for only $51. We hardly ever see discounts on Spotify gift cards, unless it comes via a rare BOGO offer or 10% off. This is a Lightning deal however, so there is a limited amount of cards available for sale and only for a limited time… a.k.a. buy yours now.

This gift card looks to only be valid for individual accounts; Student and Family plans are excluded.

My favorite aspect of Spotify comes after you’ve been listening for a week or two. Once the site has discovered some of your music tastes, it will start spitting out recommendations and playlists designed for you which actually hit the mark pretty well, at least for me. It’s a great way to discover music and also relisten to your favorite jams.

See at Amazon

The iOttie Wireless Plus is the most stylish charging pad you can buy!

For those who love that fabric look for their tech accessories!

Wireless charging has been around long enough now that we’ve long surpassed the utilitarian design of those early wireless chargers. You’ve seen the ones that looked like miniaturized UFOs and stood out like a bizarre plug-in coaster on your desk.

iOttie has been one brand leading the way on innovative new designs for wireless chargers — whether for in your car or around the home or office. This year, the iON Wireless charging pad got a trendy makeover to include a stylish heather fabric finish as you would find on smart speakers such as the Google Home Mini or the latest Amazon Echo.

In the same way that Amazon and Google are trying to design smart speakers that don’t look as out of place among your home decor, the iOttie hopes to do the same with iON Wireless Plus Fast Charger. It’s Qi certified, of course, and compatible to deliver the best fast charging speeds for whichever device your drop onto it. Due to the 18W USB-C input, you can simultaneously charge a Galaxy S8, Note 8, or S9 at fast charging speeds while also using the included USB-A port to charge a second device.

It’s thoughtfully designed with an internal air vent structure to prevent overheating and maximize charging efficiency, and the LED status light is easy to see at a glance without being distractingly bright if you like to charge your phone on your bedside table.

You can snag yourself a stylish new wireless charger for just $50, available in Ruby red, Ash gray, or Ivory white so you can get the one that best fits into your office or home decor.

See at Amazon

T-Mobile and Sprint are once again talking about a possible merger

A merger could finally be happening, or this will be another road to nowhere.

Last year saw T-Mobile and Sprint get deep into talks about a potential merger, but at the last second, the deal fell through. This partnership between the two carriers is something that’s been talked about for years, and for the third time over the last four years, it looks like that conversation is being rekindled once more.

According to The Wall Street Journal, T-Mobile and Sprint are currently “at the preliminary stage” regarding the deal. As such, even if something does come of this, we’re still a ways off before any big decisions are officially made.

It was reported in early October of last year that the two carriers were talking about merging their operations together, but T-Mobile eventually issued a press release the following month saying that the deal was dead as they “were unable to find mutually agreeable terms.”

Should T-Mobile and Sprint actually go all the way this year, that would see the combined subscriber base reach over 100 million and put it well ahead of AT&T’s 93 million customers. However, it would also mean less choice for United States consumers who are in the market to switch carriers.

I wouldn’t hold my breath too much since we’ve been here multiple times before, but we’ll still keep an eye on things to see where we go from here.

Would you like to see a merger between T-Mobile and Sprint?

Unpacking the doomed T-Mobile / Sprint merger

Carriers

• Which unlimited plan should you buy?
• Verizon’s Unlimited plans: Everything you need to know
• Everything you need to know about the T-Mobile ONE unlimited plan
• Everything you need to know about the AT&T Unlimited plan
• Everything you need to know about Sprint’s Unlimited Freedom plan
• Join the Discussion

Best Cases for the Moto G5 Plus

What are the best cases available for the Moto G5 Plus?

Motorola’s budget phone, the Moto G5 Plus, is our favorite cheap phone right now — at least until the Moto G6 Plus comes along.

If you recently bought a Moto G5 Plus at a discount, you should reinvest some of that money you saved on a case to keep it in tip-top condition. We’ve rounded up a wide variety of cases here —from heavy duty and rugged to slim and sleek — so you can find the one that fits your lifestyle best!

• Ringke FUSION case
• Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro
• Spigen Rugged Armor case
• Incipio NGP case
• TUDIA Ultra Slim case
• Cimo clear case
• Poetic Revolution rugged case
• LK Leather Wallet Flip case

Ringke FUSION case

Ringke has a good reputation as a solid case manufacturer, and for good reason: its Fusion series always fits and protects well without adding too much bulk.

The Moto G5 Plus version, available in Clear, Rose Gold Crystal, or Smoke Black colors, is no exception. All versions leave a clear back while the two colored options merely accentuate the sides of the phone. The case covers the ports with little flaps, preventing water from getting inside, and the TPU covering is reinforced at the corners to ensure MIL-STD 810G drop protection. Grab it for just $10!

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Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro with Built-in Screen Protector

Do you regularly head out into the great outdoors with your phone and need a case that’s rugged enough to take on the elements? Supcase offers its Unicorn Beetle Pro case, which features rugged, dual-layer protection and a built-in screen protector.

It combines a rugged polycarbonate shell with soft TPU to create a durable case with a sporty design. Supcase brags that this case exceeded military shock standards by surviving a 4-foot drop test 26 times so if you’re prone to dropping your phone this is the case for you. All the ports are covered to keep out dirt and lint with access to the phone’s ports and buttons, and also comes with an optional swiveling belt clip holster. It’s come in sleek all black, or premium color cases. You can get this one for as little as $18.

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Spigen Rugged Armor case

Spigen makes some of the best cases you can buy, with their Rugged Armor lineup offering a great balance between style and functionality without adding a ton of bulk to your phone.

This one-piece case is made from flexible TPU with an internal spider-web pattern to help disperse the shock from drops along with Spigen’s Air Cushion technology in the corners. The screen is protected with a raised lip around the front, and on the back, you’ll find a precise cutout around the camera along with glossy, carbon fiber textures at the top and bottom of the case which increases your ability to maintain a solid grip on your phone.

Precise cutouts around the ports and raised tactile buttons ensure the functionality of your phone is never impeded. For a great, lightweight case that offers rugged protection, you really can’t go wrong with Spigen. Get this awesome case for around $12.

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Incipio NGP case

If you’re looking for a lightweight rugged case, Incipio’s NGP case is the right voice for you.

Featuring a textured back and bumper to ensure you maintain a solid grip, this one-piece polymer case is designed with enhanced drop protection — you’ll notice the honeycombed interior which helps to disperse the shock when your phone inevitably hits a table or floor.

Precise cutouts mean you’ll have full access to the charging port and headphone jack as well as the volume and power button on the side.

Choose between black and berry pink and keep your Moto G5 Plus protected — for just $16 from Amazon!

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Tudia Ultra Slim case

Tudio’s Ultra Slim case for the Moto G5 Plus is a very stylish option for protecting your phone. it features stylish carbon fiber designs at the top and the bottom of the backplate, which both looks great and helps with grip.

Made with high quality TPU, this sleek case won’t add much bulk to your phone, while the raised edge around the screen help keep your phone protected when it’s face down on a surface. It’s available in three color options: black, grey and navy blue.

For a really stylish and slim option for protecting your Moto G5 Plus, the Tudia Ultra Slim case can’t be beat — especially at its price of $11.

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Cimo clear case

Cimo’s cases always fit really well and their clarity is excellent. Made from flexible TPU, these cases have a great in-hand feel that’s not slippery, so you won’t be fumbling your Moto G5 Plus all the time.

There’s a raised bezel around the front of the case to protect your phone’s screen when you lay it face-down, and the ports and buttons are cut out precisely.

It’s important to note that clear TPU will almost always yellow after some time due to the way it absorbs sunlight. But for around $8, you might as well grab a few.

Interested in checking out other clear case options? Check out the best clear cases for the Moto G5 Plus!

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Poetic Revolution

If rugged protection is the name of the game for you, you’ll want to consider this Poetic Revolution case for the Moto G5 Plus. It offers full protection for your phone, including a front plate with a built-in screen protector that also adds water resistance to the mix.

This two-piece case combines polycarbonate and TPU on the back to provide a balance of shock absorption and scratch protection, while the front plate is made of solid PC and includes a screen protector to keep your screen protected better than any other case on this list.

There’s a lot of smart design elements in play here, including grippy textures along the side edges of the phone, lint/dust flaps over the ports at the bottom, and ‘edgy’ corners that give the phone a fresh and unique look. Despite all the features and protection built into this case, the profile remains relatively slim so you’re not carrying around a plastic brick in your pocket. Grab this awesome case for as little as $15!

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LK Leather Wallet Flip case

If you’re looking to keep your phone, ID, credit cards and cash all in one place when you’re heading out for a night on the town, the LK wallet case is your best bet.

Available in both black and brown color options, this case features three card slots on the inside cover, including a windowed slot that’s perfect for your ID, and also includes a pocket for carrying cash as well. Your phone is held in place via a soft TPU shell that offers quality protection in the spots you need it most: the corners. Fold over the front cover to use it as a kickstand for viewing, then use the magnetic clasp to keep your screen protected in your pocket.

Do note that some of the Moto G5 Plus’ functionality may be impeded when the front cover is closed, including the twist and chop gestures for launching the camera and flashlight respectively. Those require the infrared sensor to work properly which is covered by the case when closed. It certainly shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most, but it’s worth mentioning before you make the purchase. Pick it up for just $8!

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Which case will you pick?

We want to know which cases work best for you, so let us know in the comments below!

Updated April 2018: Updated pricing for these awesome cases.

Moto G5

• Moto G5 Plus review
• Moto G5 Specs
• Top 10 things to know about the Moto G5 + G5 Plus
• Moto G5 Plus vs Moto G4 Plus
• Join our Moto G5 forums!

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Cambridge Analytica might have accessed private Facebook messages

Facebook just began notifying people if their information was accessed by Cambridge Analytica today. Soon after, the social media company created a Help Center page that you can check to see if you were one of the affected members who logged into quiz app This Is Your Digital Life. Apparently, doing so not only shared your News Feed, timeline and posts, but also your private messages.

Facebook confirmed to Wired that the app used a read_mailbox permission, which, unlike other sensitive permissions that Facebook phased out a in April of 2015, didn’t fully deprecate until October of that same year.

Wired reports that while users would have needed to give their permission for the app (and hence Cambridge Analytica) to access their message inboxes, the request would have likely been hidden in with a bunch of other permission requests, which users may have missed when “agreeing” to share their data. Facebook says that a total of 1,500 people gave This Is Your Digital Life permission, though the total of actual users affected is unknown. The problem goes beyond those that granted permission to share; if you in some way messaged with any of those users, you might be also impacted.

Source: Wired

Two ‘Mega Man X’ collections are coming July 24th

To celebrate Mega Man’s 30th anniversary and Mega Man 11 coming out this year, Capcom planned a re-release of two bundles collecting the first ten games for the Switch. But the company must have heard fans crying out to play titles from the franchise’s sister series, Mega Man X, set in a grim alternate future. Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 & 2 will be released simultaneously on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC on July 24th.

Get ready to roll out, Maverick hunters! Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 and 2 are coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC July 24th!

▶️ https://t.co/jZPIBTSY8P pic.twitter.com/MN8kut9IKo

— Mega Man (@MegaMan) April 10, 2018

The original Mega Man X debuted on the SNES in 1994 with a new take on the classic formula, featuring a sleek sci-fi aesthetic, post-apocalyptic setting and aged-up Mega Man with a dash feature. Later games for transitioned to Sony’s PS1 and PS2, introducing other protagonists like sword-wielding Zero and hot-headed Axl. Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 contains the first four games, while 2 contains five through eight. Each will be available digitally or retail in a two-disc bundle, with trailers, a two-boss challenge mode and a CRT filter to give the 16-bit games an old-school sheen on new screens.

Source: Capcom

Facebook’s bounty program offers rewards for reporting data abuse

It’s an understatement that Facebook has found itself in some hot water lately in regard to data privacy, thanks to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg is testifying in front of Congress today and tomorrow in regard to the company’s actions and the ways it has used personal data. Today, Facebook introduced the Data Abuse Bounty program, which will reward the social network’s users for reporting apps that misuse data.

If someone has proof or first-hand knowledge about an app violating Facebook’s terms of service by collecting and transferring people’s data to another party, whether for money, political influence or scams, they can notify Facebook through this program. If the tip pans out, Facebook will “shut down the offending app and take legal action against the company selling or buying the data, if necessary.” The person who reported the tip will also get paid: The reward could be as high as $40,000, though Facebook notes that there is no maximum payout.

You can check out the Data Abuse Bounty Program on Facebook, but it’s not a surprise that Facebook would turn to its users to help police the social network. It’s proven to be too big and complex for Facebook’ security to handle, and while the company is increasing the number of employees it has to monitor the service, incentivizing its user base to report on these issues makes a lot of sense.

Source: Facebook