South Park: Phone Destroyer review – a raunchy card game based on the super popular show

These days almost every popular franchise has a mobile app or two. And South Park, the low-fi animated series about a group of prepubescent misfits living in Colorado, is no different.

The raunchy cartoon series has been recently turned into a mobile game. Called South Park: Phone Destroyer, this is a card-based strategy game set in the South Park universe, complete with tons of inappropriate content.

It’s a freemium game, which means you’ll be able to continually play the game, although you’ll encounter a fair share of pay-to-win opportunities and skill/pay walls.

How to get started

Download the app from the Google Play Store. It’s free to get and install on your device. Launch the game and start playing.

Impressions

The South Park kids have gathered to play Cowboys and Indians. You are the New Kid, who has been recruited by Cartman to join the forces against Stan’s unbeatable team. And as the New Kid you quickly learn the drill.

You start off by playing some solo campaign stages that are classic card-based strategy. Basically you’ll have to battle your way to the end of the stage to see what type of boss Stan summons. And defeat other characters in the process.

Ok, so everyone is dressed up in costumes (which range from Cowboys and Indians to Wizards, Aliens, and Pirates) and fight each other. The team chats with each other via texts.

The battles are mostly automatic. You have a deck of cards you use to summon characters onto the battlefield. There’s also an energy bar and as you automatically regenerate energy, you get to pull out cards onto the playground. The main goal is to defeat the boss each level, but if the New Kid dies first, you will have to start over.

The cards come in five categories: tank, ranged, fighter, assassin, and spell. Obviously, they come with their own customary strengths and weaknesses.

South Park fans will certainly appreciate all the familiar faces and voices, as well as the brand of dark humor that kept the TV show going for as long as it did.

Phone Destroyer is also peppered with PvP (player-versus-player). This mode works pretty similarly although this time you’re on a timer. So you could end up losing by having less health than your opponent when the time runs out.

With year completed mission or PvP battle, you get to open three lockers and uncover some loot like in-game dollars, gold coins or cards needed to upgrade my characters. As you accumulate things like in-game dollars you can spend them to purchase more upgrades or to open my lockers and get the loot you need.

As I mentioned above, Phone Destroyer does feature some additional themes beyond Cowboys and Indians. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of playing through solo stages and PvP to unlock them. And I mean a lot!

Then you’ll need to go back through the solo stages on a harder difficulty or play even more PvP matches, if you want to upgrade your cards or to progress at all. As you make headway, you’ll find the PvP maestro Don King Buttons, might not let you go any further unless you complete the required amount of PvP matches. Being forced into these PvP matches quickly become quite irritating.

I get it, it really pays to have the most powerful cards, so I understand why the game encourages grinding, but playing the same missions and PvP battles becomes extremely dull after a while.  It actually made me abandon the game for a few days, but I eventually returned with renewed strength (of mind).

The game also ends up eating a lot of your time. It’s not a game you pick up when you have a few minutes to spare and leave at any time. No, you’ll have to come back to it over and over again. That is if you want to unlock certain themes or advanced to more advanced stages.

Another thing that becomes apparent after spending some time with the game: tactical prowess doesn’t seem to matter that much. Most of the time, scattering as many units as you can on the battlefield tends to have the desired effect. No artifices needed.

To be frank, for the most part, I was only half-playing battles. Meaning I was paying attention occasionally while making sure I was dropping my best cards when things got nasty. You can change the course of the characters who advance in a similar pattern.

What about this New Kid character? Well, you get to customize him or her by changing their appearance (skin color, hair) and outfit (headgear and clothes). Unfortunately, although your character levels up, it has no actual bearing on gameplay. You get no additional development that affects the overall story.

Conclusion

Phone Destroyer is a challenging game which draws you in and gets you excited quite fast. However, it doesn’t do such a great job at converting this initial enthusiasm into addiction. It’s heavily focused on grinding, so if you don’t like doing pretty much the same thing over and over again to get upgrades, you will get disheartened fast. Additionally, I wish there was some added complexity to the overall story, which often feels flat.

tvOS 12 Wishlist: Features MacRumors Readers Want to See Added to the Apple TV in 2018

At the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple will introduce new versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, and for those latter two updates, we have no idea what to expect.

Historically, Apple hasn’t introduced major changes in its tvOS updates, but the operating system is still new and there could be some larger scale changes in the works for 2018. We’ve asked MacRumors readers what they’d most like to see in tvOS 12, and this is what they had to say.

• Atmos support – Apple promised to add Dolby Atmos support to the Apple TV, and has yet to do so. tvOS 12 would be the ideal time to do so, and it’s certainly a feature many MacRumors readers want.
• Audio passthrough – Along those same lines, MacRumors readers would also like to see support for digital audio passthrough.
• Picture-in-picture – A classic feature on a lot of television sets, picture-in-picture mode is not supported on the Apple TV. MacRumors reader Bbednarz would like to see picture-in-picture added for watching multiple shows, watching a show while using an app, and more.
• Safari – Apple isn’t likely to add Safari to the Apple TV to allow for web browsing, but it’s still a feature at least one MacRumors reader would like to see available as an option.
• Open screensavers – The Apple TV can only display screensavers that are sourced from Apple, but it would be nice to be able to add non-Apple screensaver options if desired.
• tvOS App Store access via computer – MacRumors reader HobeSoundDarryl has a long wishlist for tvOS 12, including a suggestion for an option to browse through tvOS apps on a Mac or PC to make it easier to discover tvOS apps.
• iCloud playlists for movies and TV shows – You can create playlists for Apple Music, and Leon1988 would like to see that same functionality made available for television shows and movies on the Apple TV.
• Multi-user support – Each Apple TV is limited to a single iCloud and iTunes account, but multi-user support, as suggested by MacRumors reader The 12th Man, would make it easier for different family members to have access to their favorite apps and channels and suggestions through the TV app without having to mix content.

What do you want to see added to the Apple TV with tvOS 12? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to check out the full tvOS 12 wishlist thread.

Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple’s macOS reaches a historic milestone in its life span

Apple

Happy anniversary Mac OS X! It’s not quite an annual anniversary, but Thursday, May 24, is a big milestone for Apple’s desktop operating system. Mac OS X — which Apple has since rebranded to just MacOS — has been in service for as long as the classic Mac operating system was until Apple retired it.

Apple released its Mac OS X 10.0 operating system on March 24, 2001, which means that the OS has been in service for 17 years and 29 days, or the exact same number of days that the original classic Mac operating system on the Macintosh, which launched on January 24, 1984 and was kept in service until Mac OS X replaced it in 2001.

“Today the Mac’s second operating system era, powered by Mac OS X (now MacOS) has been in existence as long as the first era was,” Six Colors wrote of the news, noting a few caveats that may affect the timing. “There was a Mac OS X public beta. The funeral for Mac OS 9 wasn’t held until 2002. Classic Mode continued to function within Mac OS X until it was removed in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.”

The MacOS operating system was created when Apple co-founder Steve Jobs returned to Apple. After Jobs left Apple, he founded a new company called Next, and when he returned, Apple bought Next and merged Next’s software into Apple’s operating system development efforts, resulting in MacOS. Today, the roots of Next’s software code could be found across Apple’s various operating systems, like iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, powering smartphones and tablets, televisions, and smartwatches, respectively.

This new milestone arrives ahead of Apple’s planned developer conference in June. The company is expected to unveil updates to its software platforms, and it’s widely anticipated that Apple will announce its next version of MacOS and iOS on stage at its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote. Though those updates won’t mark a monumental transition — like the switch from the classic Mac operating system to Mac OS X — there have been rumors that Apple could be exploring new processors to power its Macs.

Apple is not one to shy away from embracing new technologies. In 2005, Apple embraced Intel and used the company’s x86 processor — Intel’s seventh-generation processors power Apple’s latest computing products today — in a dramatic switch away from the PowerPC architecture made by Intel rivals IBM and Motorola. After Apple launched the iPhone, it made its own A-series processors based on designs from ARM Holdings, and the iPhone X’s A11 Bionic chip outperformed Intel’s laptop processors in synthetic benchmark tests. Those rumors fueled further speculations that Apple could explore options to replace Intel as its silicon supplier in laptops, and Apple could move to a custom ARM-based processor in its MacBook.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Games on MacOS, iOS will get a graphical boost that even Mr. Spock should admire
• Here’s what we want from MacOS in 2018
• Support for external graphics on MacOS finally arrives, but on select devices
• Tim Cook doesn’t believe customers want MacOS and iOS combined
• Tim Cook says people don’t want iOS and MacOS to merge. What do you say?

These are the best Nokia 6.1 cases to keep your fantastic phone beautiful

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

So you’ve bought a Nokia 6.1 (2018), and despite the tank-like build quality, you’re worried about keeping it in one piece before your next upgrade. That makes sense — budget handsets should last a good amount of time, and you don’t want a slip or tumble to affect that.

One of the easiest ways to put your mind at rest is to wrap your Nokia 6.1 in a protective case — but which one is best for you? We’ve done the hard work for you, narrowing down some of the best Nokia 6.1 cases that you can grab to protect your phone from the elements, bumps, and scratches.

Yiakeng Clear Case ($8)

So you want to slap a bit of protection on your phone, but you’re not keen on obscuring it from view. That’s fine — that’s exactly why clear cases are useful. Made from durable and soft-feeling thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), this clear case from Yiakeng wraps around your phone and helps to shield it by providing extra resistance — the shock-absorbent TPU mitigates harsh jolts that might otherwise cripple your phone. There’s also a raised lip around the camera lens and the display to stop those areas from resting on surfaces and it adds a good amount of grip, too. It’s not going to be the most protective case in the world but it will provide a decent level of protection while still allowing you to show off your phone.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Suesan Reinforced Clear Case ($8)

Looking for a clear case with a bit more protection? Suesan’s reinforced clear case could be the one for you. It’s also made from TPU, which means it has similar shock-absorbing qualities to other clear TPU cases on the market, as well as providing additional grip on your device. What really sets this case apart from other clear cases though, is the inclusion of some additional reinforcements that help to bolster your device against drops. It’s known that the corners of a device will usually be the part that takes the brunt of a drop, so Suesan added airbags to each corner of this case, effectively dispersing some of the damage before it reaches your phone. It’s bulkier than your usual clear case, but it does the job pretty well.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Vinve Anti-Scratch Case ($5)

Your Nokia 6.1 has an attractive, all-metal style, but what if you want to give it a new look? Cases aren’t just for protection, they can be used to completely change the look of your phone. This case from Vinve has a leather and brushed metal look that gives your phone a subtle executive style, while also offering some great protection. It’s obviously not brushed metal and leather (not at this price), instead, it’s made from specially textured TPU that also boosts grip and gives some good drop protection. There is a hardened TPU edge forming a bumper around the sides of your phone, helping to stop scratches and other damage, while the thin design means it adds barely any bulk to your phone.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Dretal Carbon Fiber-Style Case ($8)

Do your tastes run a bit more towards futuristic and sci-fi? Then check out this case from Dretal. Again made from our old friend TPU, this case has been styled into a duo of brushed metal and carbon fiber, with a look that is more than a bit science-fiction, and rather cool. The shock-absorbent TPU also comes with a hardened bumper edge and airbags at each of the corners, in order to help resist damage from falls and knocks, while the additional brushed metal textures and panels at either end help grip. It’s light, slim, and provides great protection and style for a bargain price.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Osophter Leather-Style Wallet Case ($10)

A bit of class never goes amiss and there is no reason not to look classy even if you’re on a budget, thanks to this wallet case from Osophter. It’s not made from real leather, but most people will be hard-pressed to tell the difference when they see it. The PU leather used to make the outside of the case is durable, easy-to-maintain, and exudes an air of business executive. Best of all, wallet cases never look out of place in any environment, so this is definitely a case you don’t need to swap out for another one in a different situation. Your phone is held in place with a TPU inner shell, which provides all the usual protection you expect, while the wallet cover flips over your display when not in use, protecting your screen.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Noreve Leather Wallet Case ($69+)

Your Nokia 6.1 deserves the best, and if you’re looking for luxury then you just found it. Noreve offers a massive range of leather cases for phones, and you would be hard-pressed to find many manufacturers that can top Noreve. While $69 for a case is a lot, especially when compared to other cases in this list, you get a whole lot for your money. The case is made of gorgeous genuine leather and a soft inner lining that nestles your phone and keeps it safe. If the smooth leather isn’t grabbing you, then you have the choice of many other materials and colors, from grained leather, all the way to the super-premium aged patine leather, so you can tailor your choice to fit your taste and budget. There is also the option to add a belt clip, and each wallet case comes with space for two credit cards.

Buy it now from:

Noreve

Maikezi Hybrid Kickstand Case ($8)

If you need something that can take a little rough and tumble, then you’re probably interested in a more rugged case. This case from Maikezi is a dual-layer case, which means it uses soft and non-absorbent TPU as well as the harder material polycarbonate (PC). What does that mean for you? It means this case comes with all the shock-absorbency of TPU, paired with the durability and lightness of PC — a great combination that works well together in protective cases. The PC outer shell has been molded to add grip, and the back also comes with a horizontal kickstand that is perfect for watching media on the go. While the kickstand is a little flimsy, the case really isn’t and should protect well.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best Nokia 7 Plus cases to keep your noteworthy Nokia untarnished
• Nokia 6.1 has Android One, takes funky ‘Bothie’ pictures, and is yours for $270
• Don’t live on the edge, get one of the best Galaxy S7 Edge cases
• The best LG G7 ThinQ cases to keep your LG phone looking new
• These are the best iPhone X cases to protect your new Apple investment

Microsoft patent could make playing ‘NBA 2K18’ in VR feel more realistic

Microsoft’s patent for an augmented and virtual reality accessory could make interacting with the virtual world feel more realistic by giving users more tactile feedback in the real world. The patent for a device called an electrostatic side clutch was originally filed in 2017 and was recently only publicly published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The side clutch, which Microsoft illustrated as an arm-worn accessory with haptic feedback motors, allows users to feel resistance when interacting in a virtual environment.

“While mixed reality and virtual reality systems may provide an immersive visual and auditory experience, such systems may not provide a satisfying tactile experience for the user, in which virtual objects feel like real objects,” Microsoft said, noting that its electrostatic side clutches “may be used for tactile feedback in mixed reality and virtual reality settings.”

If you’re playing a basketball game, for example, wearing the side clutch device on your wrist could allow the game to mimic drag as you’re attempting to make a free throw shot in NBA 2K18. “In particular, haptic device may be configured to provide resistive contact sensation in response to detection of contact between the body of the user in a virtual display object projected into a field of view,” Microsoft wrote in its patent filing. Potentially, the system could even allow you to feel if you’ve been illegally hand-checked in a game of virtual hoops.

In addition to the arm sleeve, a glove may also be worn to replicate the real-world resistive sensation. Microsoft detailed different configurations for how its side clutch, sleeves, and gloves would work, but in essence, the side clutch is coupled to the headset to allow the device to apply the resistive force at the appropriate time in VR or AR gameplay. The electrodes are placed on regions of the body that could move, like your hands, arms, or legs.

Since Microsoft officially entered the mixed reality space with the debut of HoloLens, it has been researching different ways users could interact with the virtual environments. A recent Microsoft patent hinted at using a wand to control the virtual world, and the company showed off some of its work in the augmented reality space at its Build developer conference.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Haptic VR surgery isn’t for the faint of heart, but it could help surgeons
• 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
• Oculus could be aiming to make VR a bit more real with these haptic gloves
• Facebook wants to make your virtual self appear as real as possible in VR

The latest Asus gaming monitor will be insanely expensive

The Asus Republic of Gamers-branded Swift PG27UQ desktop display for gamers will finally ship in late June. But hold on to your seat for the price — it’s $2,000. For that amount, you can buy a decent gaming desktop or laptop, or even a large, curved 4K HDR TV for your entire family can enjoy.  

Key specs

Screen size: 27 inches

Panel type: IPS

Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160

Typical brightness: 300 nits

Max brightness: 1,000 nits

Typical contrast ratio: 1,000:1

HDR contrast ratio: 20,000:1

Response time: 4ms

Display colors: 1.07 billion

Max refresh rate: 144Hz 

The ROG Swift PG27UQ is based on Nvidia’s G-Sync HDR reference design originally introduced in January 2017 to launch in products toward the end of the year. That never happened, given both Asus and Acer delayed their products. But Nvidia said in March that it was confident solutions would launch by the end of April. 

Nvidia’s design focuses on increasing four key areas: brightness, contrast, color gamut, and refresh rate. In the case of the new ROG Swift panel, it has a typical brightness of 300 nits but a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, qualifying it as a certified DisplayHDR 1000 product. It also has an HDR contrast ratio of 20,000:1 and a typical contrast ratio of 1,000:1, support for 1.07 billion colors, and a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz at a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution. 

The display relies on an in-plane switching quantum-dot panel, meaning you get rich colors and wide viewing angles. The quantum dot aspect means the panel relies on nano-sized crystals that absorb and emit specific shades of color, depending on the size of their core. Ultimately, quantum dots provide “precise” colors whereas a color generated by a single pixel in a typical LCD panel will bleed into the color of a neighboring pixel. 

“With local dimming, its LED backlight is dynamically controlled across 384 zones, providing very high contrast for richer, more natural-looking dark scenes,” the company says. “It can selectively turn LEDs on and off to create a wide range of dynamic luminance.” 

The new display includes a built-in ROG Light Signal in its stand to display the logo on a wall or backdrop. There is also a Light Signature projection kit to create and customize light effects to beam on your desktop surface, such as an illuminated custom logo. The panel supports the Aura Sync platform so you can synchronize the illuminated logo with the colors and effects assigned to your other supported devices. 

On the connectivity front, the new G-Sync HDR display includes one HDMI 2.0 port, a headphone jack, two USB-A ports, and one USB-B port that connects to your PC. It also provides a five-way OSD Navigation joystick to manage the settings and a built-in ambient light sensor that adjusts the brightness levels of the display based on your current lighting conditions. 

If you think the ROG Swift PG27UQ is crazy expensive, it’s no different than the other monitor in the G-Sync HDR duo: The $2,000 Acer Predator X27. It’s out of stock on Newegg and won’t return until the beginning of June. 

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best HDR monitors
• Nvidia ‘confident’ monitors using its G-Sync HDR tech will arrive in April
• Philips claims a ‘world’s first’ with a 4K HDR display for PC arriving this summer
• Acer’s new 4K, HDR, 144Hz G-Sync gaming monitor will cost $2,000
• HP targets gamers on a budget with new Pavilion notebooks, desktops, and more

Best Cases for Galaxy Note 8 in 2018

Keep your Note 8 protected from day one on with a quality case.

The Galaxy Note 8 is one of the best phones available right now, and now that it’s been out for a while, it’s the perfect time to pick up a case at a discount!

We’ve broken things down by the manufacturer and offered direct links to some of our favorite styles. But ultimately the choice is yours, and there are a ton of cases to choose from. Here are some of the best!

• Samsung LED Cover case
• OtterBox Commuter Series case
• Speck Presido Grip case
• Ringke Wave case
• Spigen Rugged Armor case
• Incipio Dual Pro case
• RhinoShield CrashGuard Bumper case
• UAG Monarch
• Seidio Surface Case w/ Holster
• Caseology Parallax Series

Samsung LED Wallet Cover case

Samsung is always good for creating cases that feature some awesomely unique features for its phones, and few are as cool as the LED Wallet Cover.

This brilliantly-designed case blends screen protection with functionality, allowing you to see the current time and view notifications via LEDs without exposing the screen — all you do is press the power button and presto! This case also features an interior pocket for storing your cash or cards, which can help you cut down on your pocket carry.

You can get yours for $45, or check out Samsung’s website to learn about the other cases they offer, too.

See at Samsung

OtterBox cases

The Note 8 was among the most expensive flagship phones released in 2017, so you’re going to want to keep it protected. When it comes to the best cases, many people instantly think of OtterBox. It has built a solid reputation of making great cases backed by outstanding customer service.

We’ll recommend the Commuter Series case since it’s a great combination of the rugged protection that OtterBox is known for and a slimmer design so it’s easier to slip into a pocket or purse. The Note 8 is already a massive phone so anything that can offer outstanding protection without adding unnecessary bulk. OtterBox cases are also pretty expensive — the Commuter case is $50.

However, you really get what you pay for from OtterBox, which includes the aforementioned customer service that’s there to help if any issues pop up.

See at OtterBox

Speck Presido Grip

Speck cases offer cases that stylish-yet-functional design options for those who want to add a bit of glitz and glamor to their phone.

Consider the Speck Presido Grip, a case that’s designed to prevent phone drops by giving you a case with a stylish and grippy exterior. On the inside, Speck says this case is made with Impactium polycarbonate material, which was specifically designed to absorb impacts from drops. But the main reason you’ll love this case is for those stylish angled ridges on the back. Combined with the matte finish of this case, your fingers are sure to love the feel of this case. It can be yours for $30.

See at Amazon

Ringke cases

Ringke is known for making more flashy cases with interesting designs and patterns to help make your phone stand out from the rest of the pack.

Just check out the Wave case in Coastal Blue, pictured on the right. It’s a stylish two-piece case that combines a soft TPU layer with a hard PC shell that’s designed brilliantly. The exposed TPU on the back features waves that will feel great in your hands. You can get this case in a number of color combinations, but the best value is the Coastal Blue version which you can get for just $13 on Amazon. The other versions are $15, so you can save a few bucks and get arguably the best-looking version of this case from Ringke.

If you love the design of Ringke’s cases, you can check out their full line for the Note 8 on their website.

See at Amazon

Spigen Rugged Armor case

For those who don’t want to sacrifice pocket space for protection, Spigen’s Rugged Armor case is a great option.

This sleek, one-piece case is rugged and sleek with carbon fiber accents that looks really nice on taller devices like the Note 8. It’s made of rugged TPU material so it’s easy to install and features a matte finish for a great look and feel. It’s a really slim case, too, so you won’t be adding a ton of bulk in exchange for a case that will provide rugged protection. Best of all is the price — you can get this reliable case for just $11 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

Incipio Carnaby Esquire Series case

Incipio has a number of cases available for the Note 8, but we’re inclined to recommend the exceptionally stylish Incipio Carnaby Esquire Series case.

The Carnaby Esquire Series case is just $18 in Gray or $35 in Blue and stands out from all other cases on this list with its unique cotton-based outer layer. It features a TPU frame that helps disperse the shock from drops and the button covers and port cutouts are precise. It’s an elegant solution to keeping your Note 8 protected and available in three subtle shades of grey on Amazon.

See at Amazon

RhinoShield CrashGuard Bumper case

Alright, I know what a lot of you are thinking: I need a case that’s going to provide maximum protection for my Note 8; a bumper case just won’t cut it!

But as I learned from reviewing the RhinoShield CrashGuard for the Galaxy S8, this isn’t your average bumper. RhinoShield has developed a bumper case that offers truly rugged protection where your phone needs it most — in the corners, around the edges, and lips that come up around the front and back panels of glass.

It might be one of those instances where you need to actually try it before you’re fully convinced, but if you love being able to show off your brilliant new phone but also want to keep it protected from drop damage, you really can’t beat the RhinoShield CrashGuard. You can get yours for just $25.

See at Rhinoshield

UAG Monarch

Urban Armor Gear is one of those ubiquitous brands for smartphone cases that delivers rugged protection while remaining relatively slim and lightweight. The UAG Monarch for the Note 8 is a great option, featuring a really grippy back panel that feels great in you hand.

There are some really smart design decisions here, including a soft rubber screen lip around the display and skid pads on the back, so your phone won’t be prone to slip and slide off any surfaces. These are also slim enough to not impede Samsung or Android Pay functionality and also allow you to wirelessly charge your phone without removing the case.

These cases start as low as $23 and are available in a selection of colors and styles — although if you want it in classic black, it’ll set you back $55.

See at Amazon

Seidio Surface Case w/ Holster

Thin cases don’t need to be so bland and featureless. The Seidio Surface case is about as thin and slim a case as you’ll find, providing great scratch resistance around the back, a nice protective lip around the screen, and a pop-out kickstand on the back. It’s a dual layer case, too, so you should get ample coverage for drops, too. Cutouts around the ports and buttons mean your phone will be as accessible as it is with no case on.

It’s also thin enough to be compatible with wireless charging and is available in four stylish color options.

Get yours for $28, or $39 if you’re also interested in the optional hip holster.

See at Amazon

Caseology Parallax Series

If you want the best protection for your phone you want a case with two layers of protection. The Caseology Parallax series case offers just that, along with a very stylish geometric design along the back plate.

This case is designed around a TPU sleeve and a rigid polycarbonate frame which work together to offer superb protection. And that pattern on the back isn’t just for looks, the little grooves and ridges also help with grip for your finger tips.

Available in five unique colors, you can get yours for just $15.99.

See at Amazon

Which cases are you going to buy?

There’s going to be a ton of accessories released for the Galaxy Note 8, but we want to know which are your favorites. Let us know in the comments!

Updated May 2018: Updated the pricing. These are still the best cases available for the Note 8!

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

• Galaxy Note 8 review
• Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy S8+
• Which Note 8 color is best?
• Complete Galaxy Note 8 specs
• Join our Galaxy Note 8 forums

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An Amazon Echo sent someone’s private conversation to one of their contacts

Time to bust out the tinfoil hats.

Amazon’s Echo gadgets have exploded in popularity over the past couple years, but some folks have been reluctant about the idea of having an always-listening speaker in their home. Thanks to a report out of Seattle, a lot more people might switch to that mindset.

According to KIRO 7 News, an Echo Dot recorded the private conversation of a husband and wife in Portland, Oregon and sent it to the husband’s colleague all the way in Seattle. The colleague then called Danielle (the woman involved) and told her to immediately unplug all of her Echo speakers.

Per KIRO 7 —

“We unplugged all of them and he proceeded to tell us that he had received audio files of recordings from inside our house,” she said. “At first, my husband was, like, ‘no you didn’t!’ And the (recipient of the message) said ‘You sat there talking about hardwood floors.’ And we said, ‘oh gosh, you really did hear us.’”

Danielle proceeded to call Amazon about why this had happened, and according to a representative she spoke with, “He told us that the device just guessed what we were saying.” However, Danielle says that her Echo never gave off any indication that it was recording/sending the message.

KIRO 7 later reached out to Amazon for comment, and this is what the company had to say:

Amazon takes privacy very seriously. We investigated what happened and determined this was an extremely rare occurrence. We are taking steps to avoid this from happening in the future.

Even if this is a “rare occurrence,” it begs the question of how in the world this was allowed to happen in the first place. Not only that, but has this happened to any other Echo users? What about Google’s Home speakers?

If you use an Amazon Echo or Google Home, will you continue to do so in spite of this story? Let us know in the comments below.

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Echo Spot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Smartphone cases, air conditioners, lightsabers and more are on sale today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

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Moto G6, G6 Play, and G6 Plus: Everything you need to know!

It has six Gs. Count ’em.

Motorola’s new Moto G6 series isn’t a reinvention of the product line exactly, but it moves the brand further in that luxury budget category so many companies, from Honor to Xiaomi, are vying to win.

There are three new phones in the series — the Moto G6, G6 Plus and G6 Play — and they’re all intriguing in their own ways. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

Read our preview, and read our review

If you want to lust after the G6 series on video, we have a hearty preview for you. If you’re ready for the full review of the G6 Plus, we have that as well. Be sure to check these out!

Moto G6 series hands-on: Hello photo

Moto G6 Plus review: Motorola still masters the art of the mid-range phone

There are three to choose from

The Moto G6 isn’t a single phone, but three (so far), each aimed at a different segment of the budget market.

The Moto G6 Play is the cheapest, and forgoes some of the camera fanciness for a $199 price point. It’s also made of shiny plastic instead of shiny glass. Its 720p display isn’t great, but it’s good enough in its 5.7-inch, 2:1 aspect ratio. Its rear fingerprint sensor is tucked into the Motorola batwing symbol, which is awesome.

In the middle, the Moto G6 is the one that most people will be interested in. Made of curved Gorilla Glass 3 and adorned with two rear cameras and the ability to wake and respond to voice commands without turning on the screen first. The 5.7-inch 1080p panel is bright and gorgeous, and there’s a front-facing fingerprint sensor. At $249, it’s going to be tough to beat in the budget segment.

The Moto G6 Plus, which isn’t available in North America, adds a more powerful Snapdragon processor to the mix. It’s also got a bigger 5.9-inch 1080p screen than the Moto G6, and features a slightly better camera combo, front and rear.

Moto G6, G6 Play, and G6 Plus specs

Let’s take it to 11 2:1

Every model in this year’s Moto G6 series has a 2:1 (aka 18:9) screen aspect ratio, aligning it with popular budget models like the Honor 7X and the new Nokia 6 as well as most high-end phones today.

That means the phones are each taller and narrower than their Moto G5 predecessors, but despite the significantly larger screen size on paper, there isn’t much additional usable space on the 5.7-inch Moto G6 than compared to, say, the 5.2-inch Moto G5 Plus, which has a more traditional 16:9 screen.

A glass house

In addition to elongating each phone, Motorola has swapped out the metal enclosures of last year’s G5 for glass — at least on the two higher-end Moto G6 phones (the G6 Play is made of a shiny plastic resin, much like the Moto E5).

The Gorilla Glass outer layer is surely more slippery and prone to picking up fingerprints, but its curves also shimmer in the light and feel more substantial, making the new Moto series much more attractive and premium-looking than their predecessors. Motorola also includes a simple clear rubberized case in the box to keep that glass looking pristine when you’re expecting to be a bit rough on the phone.

Go out and Play

The Moto G6 Play has a 4000mAh battery which, despite the phone’s last-generation Snapdragon 427 processor, ensures that it should have multi-day battery life. More importantly, it seems to be a great phone for people who just want a no-frills Android Oreo experience.

The 13MP camera isn’t going to change the game, but in our brief time with it, it worked very well, and launched quickly.

The G6 is the G5 Plus sequel

It may not seem like it on paper, but the Moto G6 is the real sequel to last year’s Moto G5 Plus. It has a Snapdragon 450 platform, which seems on paper to be a step down from the G5 Plus’s Snapdragon 625, but it’s basically the same chip with only a few minor regressions, like maximum clock speed.

For U.S. buyers, the Moto G6 is actually a pretty big upgrade, owing most to the…

Camera, man

The Moto G6 has a dual camera setup: a main 12MP sensor with an f/1.8 lens and a secondary 5MP sensor that facilitates portrait mode and a few other niceties.

Motorola is also taking the camera experience a lot more seriously than in previous generations, with an interesting Smart Camera mode that identifies objects and landmarks.

The Moto G6 Plus also has a dual camera, but its 12MP sensor has a slightly wider f/1.7 lens, and its front-facing camera has a special low-light mode that uses pixel binning to get more light from every one of its 16 megapixels.

Say it, don’t spray it

On the Moto G6 and G6 Plus, Motorola has improved the popular Moto Voice functionality, allowing users to perform actions on the device itself (like turning off Bluetooth or starting to play a specific movie on Netflix) in addition to activating Google Assistant when necessary. The phones can also be activated by voice without turning on the screen first.

It’s a nice compromise and something that will be quite useful for those who use their phone in the car or when it’s across the room.

Get on the beta train

If you’re looking to be on the forefront of Motorola innovation, you’ll soon be able to sign up for the company’s new Beta Experiences program, which promises to allow users to sign up for beta versions of Motorola’s new and upcoming software and apps. We don’t know a whole lot yet about the particulars, but it’s good to know that Motorola is taking software experiences more seriously than before.

Motorola’s new Beta Experiences program will let you test new Moto features before they’re public

Where and when can you buy them?

The reality is that Motorola approaches each market in which it sells like a separate business, and caters the release schedule for each product to various market demographics.

The Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 is available in almost every market that Motorola operates, including the U.S. and Canada.

Unfortunately, because the Moto X4 is already so close in style and specs to the Moto G6 Plus, Motorola is choosing not to sell it in the U.S.

Where to buy the Moto G6 series in the U.S. and Canada

Should you upgrade to the Moto G6 or another phone?

There are so many great budget phones to choose from, and Motorola has some stiff competition. At the same time, if you already have a Moto G5 series phone, should you upgrade?

• Moto G6 Plus vs. Moto G5 Plus: Should you upgrade?
• Moto G6 Plus vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro: Spec comparison

Grab some accessories!

The G6 you buy will already include a basic case, but you can always go a step further. There are already great accessories like cases, power banks, car chargers and more available. Be sure to check them out!

More: Best Moto G6 screen protectors

More: Best Moto G6 accessories

What’s on your priority list?

Let us know what you think about the Moto G6 series? Let us know in the comments below!

Updated May 2018: Added information regarding where to buy the G6 series, as well as links to great accessories.