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4
May

You can now finally purchase Dell’s refreshed XPS 15 laptop, starting at $999


After making its initial appearance at the beginning of April, Dell’s refreshed XPS 15 for 2018 is now available to purchase starting at $999. Technically, it’s the 9570 model now dubbed as the “new 15 inch” on Dell’s product page instead of the older 15-inch 9560 version. The fresher build sports eighth-generation Intel processors, discrete graphics on specific configurations, and a screen resolution up to 3,840 x 2,160 that’s perfect for a little PC gaming on the side. 

As usual, Dell provides a handful of starting points you can configure to please your wallet. You have two processor choice options — Intel’s Core i5-8300H or its Core i7-8750H – depending on your budget. You can also get a discrete Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics chip starting with the $1,399 configuration, which provides better PC gaming than relying on integrated graphics. 

Naturally, the more you’re willing to pay, the more memory and storage you can cram into Dell’s clamshell laptop. The two cheaper models pack 8GB of DDR4 system memory clocked at 2,666MHz, which is equal to two 4GB sticks. The $1,499 model provides 16GB (2x 8GB), whereas the meaty $2,549 includes 32GB (2x 16GB). Meanwhile, there are a range of storage options for all four starting points spanning from a 256GB M.2 SSD to a 1TB 5,400RPM hard drive. You can even get a 1TB M.2 SSD in the $2,549 model. 

The new XPS 15 refresh sports a 15.6-inch IPS screen with a 400-nit brightness, support for 100 percent of the Adobe RGB color space, and either a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, or the 3,840 x 2,160 resolution reserved for the highest-priced configuration. This screen is backed by a pair of two-watt Waves MaxxAudio Pro speakers, a 720p webcam, and dual array digital microphones. 

On the connectivity front, the port complement consists of two USB-A ports (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, one headphone/microphone combo jack, an SD card slot, and one Thunderbolt 3 port supporting up to 40Gbps data transfers (four PCI lanes). Wireless connectivity consists of Bluetooth 4.2 and Killer 1535 Wireless AC pushing 867Mbps (2×2). 

Powering all this hardware is a 56WHr battery in the $999 model, and a 97WHr battery in the remaining three models, with the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti discrete GPU. All four include a full-size, backlit chiclet keyboard and a precision touchpad with a seamless glass integrated button. We presume the models packed with Nvidia’s 1050 Ti chip will have a larger power supply given the GPU’s extra power requirement. 

Finally, the new Dell XPS 15 measures 14.06 inches x 9.27 inchess x 0.45 to 0.66 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds. According to Dell, it managed to cram a 15.6-inch display into a form factor that typically plays host to a 14-incxh screen. In other words, you get more display for your money and less of the surrounding, distracting frame. 

Here are your four starting points for the Dell XPS 9570: 

Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 1TB HDD: $999
Core i7 / GTX 1050 Ti / 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD: $1,399
Core i7 / GTX 1050 Ti / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD: $1,499
Core i7 / GTX 1050 Ti / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD: $2,549 

Editors’ Recommendations

  • Dell rebrands Inspiron gaming laptops to G Series, serves up four new models
  • Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Dell XPS 15
  • Acer Nitro 5 Spin vs. Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
  • Acer, Dell slash gaming laptop prices to make room for new Intel models
  • Asus ZenBook 13 vs. Dell XPS 13


4
May

You can now finally purchase Dell’s refreshed XPS 15 laptop, starting at $999


After making its initial appearance at the beginning of April, Dell’s refreshed XPS 15 for 2018 is now available to purchase starting at $999. Technically, it’s the 9570 model now dubbed as the “new 15 inch” on Dell’s product page instead of the older 15-inch 9560 version. The fresher build sports eighth-generation Intel processors, discrete graphics on specific configurations, and a screen resolution up to 3,840 x 2,160 that’s perfect for a little PC gaming on the side. 

As usual, Dell provides a handful of starting points you can configure to please your wallet. You have two processor choice options — Intel’s Core i5-8300H or its Core i7-8750H – depending on your budget. You can also get a discrete Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics chip starting with the $1,399 configuration, which provides better PC gaming than relying on integrated graphics. 

Naturally, the more you’re willing to pay, the more memory and storage you can cram into Dell’s clamshell laptop. The two cheaper models pack 8GB of DDR4 system memory clocked at 2,666MHz, which is equal to two 4GB sticks. The $1,499 model provides 16GB (2x 8GB), whereas the meaty $2,549 includes 32GB (2x 16GB). Meanwhile, there are a range of storage options for all four starting points spanning from a 256GB M.2 SSD to a 1TB 5,400RPM hard drive. You can even get a 1TB M.2 SSD in the $2,549 model. 

The new XPS 15 refresh sports a 15.6-inch IPS screen with a 400-nit brightness, support for 100 percent of the Adobe RGB color space, and either a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, or the 3,840 x 2,160 resolution reserved for the highest-priced configuration. This screen is backed by a pair of two-watt Waves MaxxAudio Pro speakers, a 720p webcam, and dual array digital microphones. 

On the connectivity front, the port complement consists of two USB-A ports (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, one headphone/microphone combo jack, an SD card slot, and one Thunderbolt 3 port supporting up to 40Gbps data transfers (four PCI lanes). Wireless connectivity consists of Bluetooth 4.2 and Killer 1535 Wireless AC pushing 867Mbps (2×2). 

Powering all this hardware is a 56WHr battery in the $999 model, and a 97WHr battery in the remaining three models, with the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti discrete GPU. All four include a full-size, backlit chiclet keyboard and a precision touchpad with a seamless glass integrated button. We presume the models packed with Nvidia’s 1050 Ti chip will have a larger power supply given the GPU’s extra power requirement. 

Finally, the new Dell XPS 15 measures 14.06 inches x 9.27 inchess x 0.45 to 0.66 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds. According to Dell, it managed to cram a 15.6-inch display into a form factor that typically plays host to a 14-incxh screen. In other words, you get more display for your money and less of the surrounding, distracting frame. 

Here are your four starting points for the Dell XPS 9570: 

Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 1TB HDD: $999
Core i7 / GTX 1050 Ti / 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD: $1,399
Core i7 / GTX 1050 Ti / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD: $1,499
Core i7 / GTX 1050 Ti / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD: $2,549 

Editors’ Recommendations

  • Dell rebrands Inspiron gaming laptops to G Series, serves up four new models
  • Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 vs. Dell XPS 15
  • Acer Nitro 5 Spin vs. Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
  • Acer, Dell slash gaming laptop prices to make room for new Intel models
  • Asus ZenBook 13 vs. Dell XPS 13


4
May

Intel reportedly gears up to patch 8 Spectre Next Generation CPU flaws


A report by C’T Magazine claims that eight new security flaws found in modern processors will be disclosed by Intel in the near future. Intel hasn’t directly addressed the vulnerabilities claimed in the report, but has confirmed the reservation of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) numbers, which is part of the investigation and mitigation of possible issues. 

“Protecting our customers’ data and ensuring the security of our products are critical priorities for us,” Intel’s Leslie Culbertson said in a statement on Thursday, May 3. “We routinely work closely with customers, partners, other chipmakers and researchers to understand and mitigate any issues that are identified, and part of this process involves reserving blocks of CVE numbers. We believe strongly in the value of coordinated disclosure and will share additional details on any potential issues as we finalize mitigations. As a best practice, we continue to encourage everyone to keep their systems up to date.” 

According to the report, Meltdown and Spectre weren’t the last of the flaws discovered in modern processor designs. Several research teams have reportedly already disclosed eight new security flaws to Intel, all of which stem from the same design problem. The details regarding these eight flaws are unknown, but they are currently dubbed as Spectre Next Generation. 

Don’t let the Star Trek-like name fool you, each flaw will have its own CVE number just like Meltdown and Spectre. Thus, Intel will be required to provide eight different patches.

The Spectre Next Generation patches will supposedly be provided in two waves: The first in May and the second in August. Intel classifies four as “high risk,” so we should expect to see those mitigations this month, while the “medium” vulnerabilities may be fixed this summer.

The flaws are reportedly similar to the original Spectre exploits, save for one that poses a higher risk than Spectre Variant 1 and Variant 2. It could allow a hacker to launch malicious code in a virtual machine, which is a software emulation of a fully functional PC. They are typically used in corporate environments to reduce hardware costs, and run on high-powered data center servers.

Still, the exploit could allow the hacker to attack the host server through a virtual machine, giving the individual access to all the information stored in the server’s memory. That is a problem when servers are running multiple virtual machines simultaneously. 

“Passwords and secret keys for secure data transmission are highly sought-after targets on cloud systems and are acutely endangered by this gap,” the report states. “Intel’s Software Guard Extensions (SGX), which are designed to protect sensitive data on cloud servers, are also not Spectre-safe.” 

Intel isn’t the only CPU maker facing additional patches. The report says some ARM-based processors are also vulnerable to the Spectre Next Generation flaws, while researchers are currently investigating AMD’s processor family for similar vulnerabilities. 

Editors’ Recommendations

  • Intel decides not to patch Spectre vulnerability for older processors
  • Intel starts rolling out new Spectre firmware fixes, Skylake goes first
  • Did I do that? Intel is going to make a killing fixing its own Meltdown
  • Microsoft’s Windows 7 Meltdown update granted access to all data in memory
  • First Spectre, now BranchScope — another vulnerability in Intel processors


4
May

Latest IDC report shows decrease in global tablet shipments in 2018


According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), numbers for global tablet shipments have decreased. With an 11.7 percent year-over-year decline, the shipments reached 31.7 million whereas 35.8 million units were shipped during the same quarter in 2017.

In the report, IDC’s results measure the total tablet market which includes slate tablets as well as detachable tablets. Traditional slate tablet specifically shipped 26.8 million units, bringing its shipments down by 13.9 percent from 2017.

While the overall number of global tablet shipments saw a decrease, preliminary data shows that the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro experienced more than 2.9 percent year-over-year growth. With Apple snagging the top spot for the most tablets shipped in the first quarter, Samsung took second place with Huawei in third.

IDC estimates that Apple shipped 9.1 million iPads — of those shipments, 1.8 million were iPad Pro tablets. This makes Apple the current leader in the detachable market. But its high numbers could be in part to the new 9.7-inch iPad the company released as part of its educational initiative, which launched right as the quarter was ending.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s shipments declined by 11.4 percent in comparison to last year. While it’s one of the only brands that offers premium Android tablets — such as its Tab S series — it could be tough for the company to keep its spot while running against companies like Apple and Microsoft.

Huawei, on the other hand, saw a 13 percent increase from last year which placed it back into the top three. While a majority of its shipments were from the Asia/Pacific region, it also saw substantial growth in Europe.

Within IDC’s list of the top five tablet companies, Lenovo and Amazon took fourth and fifth place, respectively. While Lenovo grew 1.8 percent since last year, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot as one of the top three companies.

As for Amazon, coming in last place is most likely tied to the fact that their tablets are more seasonal. During the first quarter, the company was instead focused on adding more features to its Alexa platform such as voice assistant for its Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 tablets.

But while the numbers of shipments are down, IDC points to Google’s entrance into the tablet world as a way to bring those numbers back up.

“Peak education buying season is approaching, and Chrome OS has resonated with administrators for its manageability where deployment is strong. Schools looking for that same environment but in tablet form — generally, students aren’t provisioned a device with a keyboard until older — could find favor with these new devices,” Linn Huang, IDC research director, said in a statement.

The company launched its first Chrome OS tablet — Acer Chromebook Tab 10 — back in March. While it doesn’t have a keyboard, it comes packaged with a Wacom-branded stylus.

Editors’ Recommendations

  • Apple takes top spot for wearables in 2017 as demand continues to grow
  • Apple leads tablet market as detachable devices continue their rise
  • Digital coin miners purchased more than 3 million graphics cards in 2017
  • Slow Chinese sales signal slump in global smartphone shipments
  • 125 million subscribers are paying to ‘Netflix and chill’ these days


4
May

Lifeproof wants to protect all your gadgets with its new backpack line


LifeProof, the company best known for making a line of rugged cases to protect your smartphone from unexpected disasters, has jumped into the backpack market. The company has announced the release of four new packs designed to not only carry all of our gear while hiking, traveling, and commuting, but to keep our precious devices well protected, too.

The new backpacks come in four different styles and range in price from $100 to $180. Each of the models includes a few similar features, including durable, water-resistant fabrics, fleece-lined tech pockets, and pass-through ports for earphones and charging cables. They also come equipped with side stash pockets for keeping important items – such as a passport or smartphone – close at hand, as well as dedicated 3-liter hydration reservoir pockets to make it easier to stay hydrated while on the trail.

The smallest of the four packs is the Quito, which is priced at $100 and offers 18 liters of storage capacity. This bag is built for short day hikes and commuting around town, and as such it is the only pack that doesn’t include a laptop sleeve. It does however come with a cinch-top with a hood flap and several interior pockets for keeping all of your gear well organized.

The three larger versions of the new LifeProof packs include the Squamish ($140), the Goa ($160), and the Squamish XL ($180), which offer carrying capacities of 20, 22, and 32 liters respectively. Each of these models comes equipped with a sealed, weather-resistant pocked designed just for laptops, with the Squamish accommodating a 13-inch model, while the other two packs offer room for 15-inch notebooks.

These bags also offer expandable front cinch pockets that provide additional carrying capacity, organizational interior-gear pockets, and dual water bottle pockets as well. The Goa also sports a total of four weather-resistant tech pocket for those who bring plenty of gadgets with them, while the Squamish XL includes load-lifter shoulder straps that should make it quite popular with serious hikers.

The bags are all available now and they come in three different colors – Stealth (black), Urban Coast (gray), and Rush (red). You can find out more on the LifeProof website.

Editors’ Recommendations

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  • The beginner’s guide to backpacking
  • The best backpacking sleeping pads
  • The best sleeping pads


4
May

Twitter urges its users to change their passwords due to a bug


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Twitter is urging its users to change their passwords following a bug that was identified on the social media platform. While the bug has since been fixed, the company assures users there were no signs of breach or misuse of the passwords by anyone.

In an effort to establish complete transparency, Twitter Chief Technical Officer Parag Agrawal took to Twitter’s blog to explain exactly what happened. When setting a password on your Twitter account, the platform uses technology that masks it so that no one else at the company can see it.

Twitter’s passwords are masked through a process called hashtag that uses a function known as bcrypt. This means that the passwords are replaced with a random set of numbers and letters stored within Twitter’s system. That way, the company can validate your account without giving away your password.

But due to the bug, passwords were written to an internal log before the hashtag process was completed — leaving them exposed. Twitter found the bug, removed the passwords from the log, and are planning ways to prevent this from occurring in the future.

While the company hasn’t found evidence the password information left Twitter’s systems, or was taken by anyone, it still recommends users to take the necessary precautions. Knowing its system can be accessed by its employees, it’s definitely best to change your password just in case.

When we opened our Twitter app, we were greeted by a notification briefly explaining news of the bug. We then had the option to either skip or go to our settings instead. This then allowed us to easily change and update our password — but you have to remember your old one, too.

If you choose to change your password later, swipe to the right on your app, tap Settings and privacy > Account > Change password, and type in your new password. Once you tap done, your password will automatically update.

For those that use the same password on a variety of services, Twitter recommends changing your password on those platforms as well. Other tips include using a password manager to make sure it’s unique and strong.

For an extra layer of protection, you can also enable login verification — also known as two-factor authentication. To toggle it on, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Security. Every time you log into your Twitter account, you will also be prompted to enter a code that will be sent to your phone.

Editors’ Recommendations

  • Ransomware shifts focus from holding passwords hostage to hijacking your PC
  • TaskRabbit back online after cyberattack, warns users to monitor their accounts
  • Microsoft Launcher beta update includes new features, bug fixes
  • How to reset your Apple ID password and gain control of your account
  • 8 sweet Android 8.0 Oreo tips and tricks to help get you started


4
May

Apple working on depth-sensing technology that could show up in a future iPhone


Depth-mapping appears to be one of the next major points of development for technology like virtual reality and immersion, and it looks like Apple won’t be left behind. The company has been awarded a patent for a so-called “scanning depth engine,” which includes the use of a transmitter that emits beams of light and a scanner that scans those beams to determine depth.

The patent is a continuation of a few different patents that date back to 2012, so it’s clear that Apple has been thinking about technology like this for a while. While the technology looks to be something that could be built into a Mac based on the images, it’s also easy to imagine it showing up in an iPhone — where it could potentially be much more useful.

Depth maps could prove helpful in a number of situations. Not only could they make for more immersive images on a phone, but they could also help in capturing virtual reality content, as well as immersive gaming. Along with the transmitter and scanner, the technology also uses a processor that helps generate the depth map using the information received.

Apple isn’t the only company working on depth maps. Qualcomm has a Spectra camera module that can capture a massive 10,000 points of depth and was included on the new Snapdragon 845 processor. Facebook is also working with Red to build a super high-end 360-degree camera that will support things like depth-sensing and six degrees of freedom. Rumors have also been gaining steam that Apple plans to launch new augmented reality devices, or at least include more augmented reality tech in future iterations of the iPhone, so the ability to sense depth could prove invaluable to the company.

Of course, it’s also possible that Apple won’t end up using the new tech at all. Large tech companies like Apple routinely file for patents that they ultimately don’t use, and it’s possible that this particular depth-sensing technology could fall into that category. Apple, however, has already been experimenting with depth-sensing tech in Face ID on the iPhone X, and we can expect that experimentation to continue.

Editors’ Recommendations

  • 8 Amazing accessories that could make virtual reality even more immersive
  • Oculus wants to stretch your skin to see what it feels like to be human
  • Apple’s wireless, mixed-reality glasses could launch in 2020
  • Apple AR glasses: News and rumors about ‘Project Mirrorshades’
  • Do you want to live forever? 6 ways tech could extend your life


4
May

Apple working on depth-sensing technology that could show up in a future iPhone


Depth-mapping appears to be one of the next major points of development for technology like virtual reality and immersion, and it looks like Apple won’t be left behind. The company has been awarded a patent for a so-called “scanning depth engine,” which includes the use of a transmitter that emits beams of light and a scanner that scans those beams to determine depth.

The patent is a continuation of a few different patents that date back to 2012, so it’s clear that Apple has been thinking about technology like this for a while. While the technology looks to be something that could be built into a Mac based on the images, it’s also easy to imagine it showing up in an iPhone — where it could potentially be much more useful.

Depth maps could prove helpful in a number of situations. Not only could they make for more immersive images on a phone, but they could also help in capturing virtual reality content, as well as immersive gaming. Along with the transmitter and scanner, the technology also uses a processor that helps generate the depth map using the information received.

Apple isn’t the only company working on depth maps. Qualcomm has a Spectra camera module that can capture a massive 10,000 points of depth and was included on the new Snapdragon 845 processor. Facebook is also working with Red to build a super high-end 360-degree camera that will support things like depth-sensing and six degrees of freedom. Rumors have also been gaining steam that Apple plans to launch new augmented reality devices, or at least include more augmented reality tech in future iterations of the iPhone, so the ability to sense depth could prove invaluable to the company.

Of course, it’s also possible that Apple won’t end up using the new tech at all. Large tech companies like Apple routinely file for patents that they ultimately don’t use, and it’s possible that this particular depth-sensing technology could fall into that category. Apple, however, has already been experimenting with depth-sensing tech in Face ID on the iPhone X, and we can expect that experimentation to continue.

Editors’ Recommendations

  • 8 Amazing accessories that could make virtual reality even more immersive
  • Oculus wants to stretch your skin to see what it feels like to be human
  • Apple’s wireless, mixed-reality glasses could launch in 2020
  • Apple AR glasses: News and rumors about ‘Project Mirrorshades’
  • Do you want to live forever? 6 ways tech could extend your life


4
May

Instagram begins trialing in-app payments feature for faster shopping


With more than a million advertisers and 25 million businesses now on Instagram, the latest feature to be trialed by the social media company will surprise few.

As per TechCrunch, a new feature for faster shopping is showing for select users. It lets you enter payment details into the app, along with a PIN for extra security. If you have the new tool, you’ll find it in your profile settings under “payment settings.”

Once set-up is complete, there are opportunities — very few at this stage, it appears — to use the feature to make advance payments for bookings at places like salons.

Instagram has confirmed the trial and says in future it could be used for a range of services, such as booking movie tickets.

While the popular photo- and video-sharing app already offers shopping opportunities via tagged items shown in an image, making a purchase currently involves navigating a pop-out page and completing various steps, including entering payment details for each new merchant.

But the new in-app feature is more integrated and keeps users within the app instead of losing them while they make payments via the merchant’s system. For users, staying in the app to complete a transaction will bring added convenience, and with payment details already stored, it’ll mean fewer purchasing steps with each business, paving the way for a more seamless shopping experience. Shoppers can also view a record of their purchases from multiple merchants in just a few taps.

Instagram signaled its intention in March last year to allow bookings for services directly from profiles, but at the time said nothing about native payments. And going by the company’s comments at the time, it seems that the testing of in-app payments has come a little later than expected.

But now that the trial is up and running, it might not be too long before it’s rolled out to the entire Instagram community, brands and businesses included.

Weaving commerce more deeply into social media apps offers potentially huge rewards for companies behind the apps, as well as those with products to sell.

Rival social media platform Snapchat recently started offering businesses the opportunity to sell products directly from a Snapchat filter.

Instagram says that more than 80 percent of its 800M-plus users follow a business on the social network. With numbers like that, the Facebook-owned company will be keen to build out its shopping services to draw in more advertisers and boost revenue even further.

Instagram hasn’t said when it plans to roll the service out more widely, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated with any developments.

Editors’ Recommendations

  • For deals or just the latest designs, these are the best shopping apps out there
  • The best ARCore apps to try out on your Android smartphone
  • Snap, then shop — Snapchat rolls out Shoppable AR filters
  • Buy a shirt, get a share. Bumped turns your purchases into investments
  • The best iPhone apps available right now (April 2018)


4
May

How to set up your Oculus Go


Do it right the first time, and you’ll be much happier with your Oculus Go experience!

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From the moment you take an Oculus Go out of the box, it invites you to immediately put it on your head and start having fun. And in theory, you could do exactly that. If you want the best possible experience from the headset, however, you’ll take a few and configure it the right way.

Here’s a quick look at how that works.

Don’t have an Oculus Go? Check out your options!

Out of the box

The first thing you need to do with your Oculus Go is take everything out of the box. Lifting the lid reveals the headset and controller right away, but there are a few things you need to do before powering this system up.

Remove the stickers

Your lenses are covered by a protective plastic coating, which needs to be removed or else everything will look blurry in the headset. Peel these stickers off and you’re good to go.

After this point, your lenses are exposed. Keep the lenses from direct sunlight in order to keep your display safe, and keep the lenses away from anything that could scratch the glass. You may consider keeping a microfiber cloth nearby in case you ever need to wipe a smudge from the headset in the future. Amazon has a few for $ if you don’t have one handy.

See at Amazon

Battery in the controller

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Your Oculus Go controller runs on a single AA battery, which is included in the box.

Pull down on the bottom half of the controller to remove the casing
Insert the AA battery so the flat part is pointed toward the trigger on the controller
Push the plastic casing back into place on the controller

This controller has no lights to confirm it has power, so the only way you know for sure is through the Oculus Go headset once you put it on. This battery is expected to last through at least six months of constant use, so it should not need to be replaced frequently.

Fit Oculus Go to your head

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Your VR headset has three adjustment straps to ensure a comfortable fit on your head. The two side straps connect across the back of your head, while the top strap slides into the back strap and can be adjusted separately. To get the best fit on this headset:

Pull the velcro on all three straps until they are fully open
Place the Oculus Go headset up to your eyes and pull the strap over your head
Pull on both side velcro straps at the same time until snug, then press the straps against the side of the headset to secure them
Pull on the top strap near the headset until you feel the bottom of the headset lift from your head just slightly, then press the velcro side down to secure
Grab the headset with both hands and slowly move it until the image on the screen is clear

An ideal fit for this headset had the two parts of the back strap wrapped around the knot in the back of your head (it’s called the occipital bone) while the top strap is tight between the front and back of the headset.

Setting up the software

To fully set up your Oculus Go, you need the Oculus app installed on your phone. It is available in the Google Play Store here if you haven’t installed it already. Once you have the app installed, you will be walked through the process of setting up your Oculus Go.

Inside the app

Once you are in the app, Oculus will ask you to log in. There’s a big Facebook button so you can log in with your Facebook account, but if you do not have a Facebook account or would prefer to use your existing Oculus account, you can find those options in much smaller text at the bottom of the login screen.

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If you have chosen to log in with Facebook, or if your Oculus account has a Facebook account attached, you’ll be asked to confirm your privacy settings inside of Oculus. This is a multi-step process, but it looks like there’s only one button to say yes and move on. Actually, each one of the four sections above that blue button are separate privacy settings for you Oculus account.

This includes a Real Name Policy, how you can be discovered to add as a friend in Oculus, whether your friends can see what you are doing with your headset, and who can see your friends list. It is very important you take a look at each of these options and confirm they are set up the way you want before you press the blue Continue button.

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Once your privacy settings have been confirmed, you’ll be asked to turn on Bluetooth so your phone can find the headset. Make sure your headset is close to the phone, especially if there is more than one Oculus Go in the room at the time. Once the Oculus Go has been found, you need to plug the Oculus Go headset in and turn it on using the oval power button on the front of the headset.

Once you have confirmed whether you are left or right handed, you’ll be shown a brief safety video on your phone and then invited to put the Oculus Go headset on for the first time.

Adding a payment method

If you’re going to install apps, chances are you need to pay for them. Oculus lets you add a payment method from within the Oculus Go app, and then create a pin number for rapid checkout when making purchases. To add a card:

Tap the Settings tab on the bottom of the Oculus Go app
Swipe down and tap on Payment Methods when you find it
Tap Add Payment Method

Once you have added a payment method, you will be asked to create a four digit pin. This pin can be entered on the app or in the headset for making purchases, instead of entering in your credit card information.

Installing apps on Oculus Go

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Your Oculus Go has access to basically ever app the Gear VR had access to, which is well over 1,000 apps. The Oculus Store is how you access those apps. You can access those apps from the store in the headset, or you can use the Oculus App on your phone. The purchase process for both is the same:

Tap on the app you want to install
Tap the blue purchase button to buy
Confirm your purchase with your Oculus Pin
Tap the blue Install button to send the app to your headset

If you have used Oculus apps before, either from a different Oculus Go on your account or a Samsung Gear VR, you can install your previous purchased only from inside the Oculus Go headset to find and install these games:

Click on the Library tab from the bottom navigation
Click on Not Installed from the Store navigation on the left
Click the app you want from this list to start the download

And that’s it! Your Oculus Go is now fully set up and ready for you to explore. Enjoy!