Forget Roomba, your most important house robot could be the one that hugs you

Sure, so Alexa can play you the right song at the right time, and Google’s Duplex tech means you never need to phone up and book a restaurant again, but our relationship with machines still has the non-tactile frigidity of an unhappy marriage. However, that could all change thanks to work coming out of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany. Researchers there have been developing a robot that is designed for giving you a hug. And, far from an amusing gimmick, they are convinced that it’s really important.

“A robot hugging a person is a good idea because people may crave the benefits that come from a hug at a time when they can’t get a hug from a person, due to factors such as distance, timing, and health,” Alexis Block, one of the lead researchers on the HuggieBot project, told Digital Trends. “We think a hugging robot could be beneficial in this case because a person can get the support they need without feeling self-conscious.”

The team’s HuggieBot is no diminutive robot beavering away, unnoticed, in the background like a Roomba vacuum cleaner. Instead, it’s a modified PR2 robot that stands as tall as an average human, which can be configured to be made extra soft using layers of foam, polyester, and other materials. Its hugs can be further modified according to the firmness of hug you desire (thanks to a pressure sensor) and even the option of having them heated.

Block and colleagues were interested to test people’s response to the robot. Thirty participants were involved in the study, each of whom received 12 different machine hugs, which they then gave their feedback on. In addition to narrowing down the robo-hugs that people enjoy (really tight, slightly squeezy, soft, and warm), the researchers found that receiving a hug makes people feel a bit more fondly toward robots. Hey, maybe that is one way to break the imminent news that a robot has stolen your job!

“We are currently building a new robotic platform that will be better suited for this specific type of social-physical human-robot interaction — [meaning that] it will be able to give even better hugs,” Block continued. “Once this new platform is complete, we plan to investigate how hugging a robot compares to hugging another person. We’d like our future robot to autonomously determine when to lift its arms and ask for a hug, rather than be prompted by the experimenter, and to match the approaching user’s arm positions. We are also interested in enabling people to send customized hugs to each other, and teaching a robot to determine how a person is feeling and try to autonomously provide the appropriate emotional support.”

How does Uber work?

junce/123RF

Uber has changed the way we move, and that’s not a hyperbole. The California-based company invented a brand-new concept that makes spending 10 minutes hailing a cab in the rain a thing of the past while letting just about anyone earn money in their spare time by moonlighting as a taxi driver.

The young company has been through more than its fair share of controversies in recent months but the free Uber application remains one of the best mobility tools on the market, especially if you find yourself without a car in a big city. Are you ready to start riding, driving, or both? Read on for everything you need to know.

For riders

The first step is to download the app on your Android or Apple device and provide basic information including your name, phone number, and credit card number. Once everything is set up, you need to enter the destination address into the box labeled “where to?” near the top of the screen. Don’t worry if you don’t know the exact address; you can find where you need to go by entering the name of a business, like “Starbucks” or “GameStop.” Uber also lets users add short stops to each trip.

Confirm your destination, confirm your exact pickup point by dropping a blue pin on the map, and the app will tell you approximately how long it will take to get there. It also provides the estimated cost of each service to ensure transparency, a feature appreciated by travelers who have gotten all too used to getting overcharged by taxi drivers claiming not to have a meter. The cost of a ride depends on which service you choose, and at what time of day. The more people request an Uber ride at the same time, the more expensive a fare gets. Uber calls this “surge pricing.”

The basic services are called UberX, UberXL, and UberSelect, respectively. The difference lies in the price, and the type of car that will pick you up. UberX drivers are normally in a standard passenger car (e.g., a Honda Accord) capable of carrying up to four riders. UberXL operators have a bigger model (such as a Chrysler Pacifica) that can carry up to six passengers. Finally, UberSelect is a more upscale service Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW drivers can participate in.

Are you moving up in life? Uber has you covered with UberBlack and UberSUV services that offer even nicer vehicles. You might hitch a ride in a Cadillac Escalade, a BMW 7 Series, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or a top-spec Chevrolet Suburban. UberBlack and UberSUV drivers must be commercially registered. A handful of cities around the world also offer UberLux, the company’s flagship service. It’s expensive, but you’re guaranteed to arrive at your destination in an Audi A8, a Land Rover Range Rover, or a comparable high-end model. Talk about making an entrance!

Uber

Uber also offers a separate service for riders who need wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and a low-cost service named UberPool. As its name implies, UberPool is a carpooling service that lets users share the same ride. Imagine you’re traveling from downtown Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, Virginia. Your Uber could stop and pick up a passenger traveling in roughly the same direction as you; from the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington, for example. It takes longer because you’re getting from point A to point B via points C and D, but it’s also the cheapest option.

User beware: there’s no way of knowing in advance who you’ll ride with when using UberPool. You could luck out and share a car with a quiet, discreet stranger, but you could also spend 15 minutes sitting next to a queasy student who is hungover from the night before. Or parents who think their kid screaming is adorable. In our experience, using UberPool is like playing society’s Russian roulette, and the risk of a hellish ride isn’t worth saving $2.50 on your fare. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Pick a fare, and you’ll soon get a message informing you that a car is on its way. The app provides the name of the driver and his or her rating ahead of time. It also lists the car’s make, model, color, and registration number, plus approximately how many minutes until it arrives at the pickup point. You can tell your Uber is on your way by looking at the location of the car-shaped icon on the map.

Hop in, greet the driver, and you’re on your way. Regardless of which service you choose, there’s a bar at the top of the application that tracks the trip’s progress and the estimated time of arrival. There is the option of sharing trip progress via a number of communication channels, including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Gmail, and an old-fashioned text message.

The great part about Uber is there’s no need to pay with cash; the app automatically pays the driver using the credit or debit card on file. Upon reaching their destination, passengers simply get out of the car and get on with their day. Users are asked to rate the driver after reach ride, and they’re given the option to leave a tip. Both are optional. Note drivers are asked to rate users on a zero-to-five scale, too. Keep in mind your rating is your reputation in the Uber community; few people have a perfect rating, but having one that’s unusually low might make finding a ride unusually complicated.

Uber aims to make every ride as smooth as possible. It recently rolled out a panic button for customers, too, providing users with extra peace of mind. If something goes wrong, simply swipe up on the safety center icon and tap “911 assistance,” before tapping again to confirm the call. The extra tap is required to minimize accidental 911 calls, according to the company.

For drivers

To drive, start by downloading a free application named Uber Driver and filling out information about yourself (including your social security number, for a simple background check) and your car. Note not everyone is eligible to drive an Uber, and not every car is accepted by the company.

Drivers must be at least 21 years old, and they must have an in-state driver’s license. You need at least three years of driving experience if you’re under 23 years old, and at least a year of experience if you’re 24 or older. You need to be insured, and you need to pass both a background check and a criminal history check. You’ll be fine if you’ve received the occasional speeding ticket, but don’t count on driving for Uber if you’ve been convicted of a DUI or if you have any kind of criminal history.

The other requirements apply to the car. To drive, you must own a car no older than a 2008 model year, with four doors, and one that’s not salvaged. It needs to be insured and registered, and it needs to get pass an Uber vehicle inspection that covers basic items like brakes, tires, lights, and seat belts. Submit everything, meet all of the requirements, and you’re ready to give your first ride.

Simply turn on the app to receive notifications from riders who need a lift. With Uber, you can decide how many hours you work per day. There’s no minimum or maximum. The amount you make will depend on how much you drive, and when you drive; the surge pricing we mentioned in the rider section is beneficial to drivers because they earn more during busy hours. Uber usually provides drivers with a list of the busiest hours in their area.

Several factors gnaw at your earnings. Drivers aren’t employed by Uber — they’re independent contractors, so gasoline, maintenance (tires, oil changes, etc), and depreciation fall on the driver’s lap. Drivers keep 75 percent of the fare, while Uber takes the remaining 25 percent, and money earned through the application must be reported to the IRS as income.

You’ll need a data connection to use the Uber Driver app, and Uber warns it typically uses about 2GB of data per month. The app also reduces battery life, so we recommend getting a quality phone charger to ensure you don’t have to ask your passengers to turn on Google Maps. A solid car mount is a must-have, too.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Uber vs. Lyft: Which ridesharing app goes the distance?
• How to password protect a PDF
• How to choose a smartphone
• How to mine Bitcoin
• How to factory reset a PS4

Apple patents hint at smarter iPhone camera, blood pressure-sensing Watch band

Another week, another series of Apple patents. This week, Apple has been awarded a number of mobile-related patents, including one that could help make the iPhone’s camera a whole lot smarter — a little like what Google has done with the camera on the Google Pixel.

Here’s a rundown of the new mobile-related patents Apple has been awarded this week.

A camera with in-pixel depth sensing

Perhaps the most interesting new patent is one called “Image sensing with in-pixel depth sensing,” and it could help make the iPhone’s camera imitate dual-lens camera features with only one sensor. Sound familiar? Well, that’s because it’s what Google has done with the Google Pixel. The patent highlights that the image sensor can work in a few different modes — one depth-of-field mode, one HDR mode, and one charge-summing mode. This is done with photo detectors in pixels — which can be combined to form a pair of photo detectors in two pixels, and then used to gather information like depth.

Perhaps the most interesting application could be the depth-sensing mode, as it could help a single-lens camera better create Portrait Mode effects without needing that extra data from another sensor.

The patent is a continuation of previous patents — which date back to 2013. Still, it’s nice to see Apple still thinking about improving its camera tech, especially in the light of increased competition from the likes of Google.

A concave display

The next patent relates to keeping an iPhone safe and sound in the event of a drop. The patent highlights the use of a concave display on an iPhone or iPad, which would reduce the risk of the display smashing or cracking when the device is dropped.

Of course, for technology like this the phone would need to have a flexible display — though of course that’s a little more common these days on devices with edges.

The patent is a continuation of patents dating back to 2011, so it’s interesting to see it pop up again. It means that perhaps Apple is considering implementing the patent now that flexible displays are a little more common.

A new Apple Watch blood pressure cuff

The last patent highlights technology that could help make the iPhone even better at tracking your health than it already is. The patent basically describes the use of an inflatable Apple Watch band that could be used to track blood pressure. Apple has been working on ways to track blood pressure for some time now, and it certainly wouldn’t be surprising to see the band be available in the near future. We know that the company has been working on the tech for some time now, too — the patent follows a provisional application from 2015.

Editors’ Recommendations

• New patents suggest Microsoft Band fitness tracker may still be on track
• Can Google’s Pixel 2 ace conventional cameras? We spent a week finding out
• LightCam is a smart light bulb that is also a security camera
• The iPhone’s viewfinder might soon let you see both cameras simultaneously
• DJI Inspire 2 review (updated for 2018)

Congress has until Monday to save net neutrality and keep the internet open

Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images

Despite efforts last month by Democrats in the United States Senate to pass legislation to preserve the rules governing an open and free internet, net neutrality may still be coming to an end on Monday. The Senate passed its version of a bill to retain rules that were recently reversed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), thus saving net neutrality, in a 52 to 47 vote, with all Democrats in favor and several Republicans crossing the aisle. However, in order for the House of Representatives to take action, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan must call for a vote on the issue.

“The rules that this resolution would restore were enacted by the FCC in 2015 to prevent broadband providers from blocking, slowing down, prioritizing, or otherwise unfairly discriminating against internet traffic that flows across their networks,” Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer of New York, Bill Nelson of Florida, and Brian Schatz of Hawaii wrote in a letter to Ryan urging him to call for a vote. “Without these protections, broadband providers can decide what content gets through to consumers at what speeds and could use this power to discriminate against their competitors or other content.”

Although the bill proposed by Democrats would retain the full spirit of net neutrality, competing bills sponsored by Republicans would only keep portions of the net neutrality rules intact, with one version still allowing for data prioritization.

The FCC voted in December to repeal net neutrality, which will take place on June 11 unless congressional leaders intervene. In order for Congress to reinstate net neutrality, the bill must be passed by both chambers of Congress and gain the signature of President Donald Trump.

In the House, net neutrality faces an uphill battle. The House could still force a vote on the issue even without Ryan’s help or intervention by obtaining a discharge petition. Given that Republicans hold a 223 to 193 majority in the house, getting the 218 signatures needed for the discharge petition to force a vote would be a challenging feat. This means that 25 Republicans would need to cross the aisle to join House Democrats, The Hill said. In the past, only 170 members of the House had publicly declared their support for preserving the principles of net neutrality.

Speaker Ryan declined to offer any comment about the issue, Ars Technica reported.

Even without federal laws governing net neutrality, a few states have passed their own legislation to protect an open internet. Montana, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey and Vermont have state laws to protect net neutrality, and California is working on such legislation.

Editors’ Recommendations

• U.S. Senate votes to overturn FCC’s repeal of net neutrality protections
• FCC puts a date on net neutrality’s tombstone ahead of Senate vote
• U.S. Senate forces a vote that could restore net neutrality
• California’s pro-net neutrality bill passes the Senate
• Net Neutrality remains on life support as senators rally to save it

Best microSD Cards for Samsung Galaxy S9

64GB is a lot of onboard storage, but sometimes you need a little more!

I know, I know. Onboard phone storage has grown a ton in the last few years, but I still prefer to have all my contacts, physical music, and app files on a microSD card. That way when I inevitably upgrade phones, I can have everything come along for the ride. If you’re upgrading to the Galaxy S9, then pick up one of these SD cards and broaden your storage horizons.

Let’s take a look at things in terms of performance and value.

• Performance options
• Value options

Performance options

These selections all have a U3 rating, which offers a minimum sequential write speed of 30MB/s. This way your Galaxy S9 can record 4K video to an external card.

Side note: Even if your S9 technically allows the new 960FPS slow-mo footage to be recorded to a card, I wouldn’t trust that much data throughput to the SD card. It just can’t handle it, captain!

SanDisk Extreme 64GB

SanDisk’s microSD cards are just great. I’ve been using them for years and they’ve never failed me. The Extreme line boasts read speeds of up to 90MB/s and write speeds of up to 60MB/s, which is exactly what you want if you’re recording video directly to the card. As mentioned above, this one has the UHS-3 speed class rating and even comes with a lifetime warranty from SanDisk.

The best part is the price. A 64GB card starts around just $33. You could go down to 32GB for about $20, but why not double your storage? This card also happens to be the Wirecutter’s top pick for the best microSD card.

See at Amazon

Samsung EVO Select 64GB

This is another card that’ll obviously double your Galaxy S9’s storage, and it features transfer speeds of up to 100MB/s. I’ve been using one of these in my phones since my Galaxy S5 and love it. This particular card even comes with a full-size adapter so you can easily transfer data between your phone and computer.

Pricing here is excellent, with the 64GB option at roughly $20 (and you can drop to 32GB for only $13).

See at Amazon

Samsung EVO Plus 256GB

If you need a ton of space and performance, then Samsung’s EVO Plus line is one of the best around. You get read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s, and at roughly $90 for 256GB, it’s not a bad deal. These cards are water-resistant, heat- and cold-resistant, and awesome if you’re looking to record all the 4K video. You’ll also get the full-size adapter in this pack — perfect for offloading video and photos on the go.

See at Amazon

Value options

If you simply want more bang for your buck and aren’t terribly concerned with recording 4K video directly to an external card, then consider these options and just try to fill up both your phone and the card. I dare you.

SanDisk Ultra 200GB

Boom, out of the gate, this 200GB microSD card is only about $60 on Amazon. That works out to only 35 cents per GB. You’ll still get read speeds of up to 100MB/s, but being a U1 rating, you won’t get write speeds that fast. This is still, however, a class 10, so full HD video shouldn’t be much of a problem.

See at Amazon

Samsung EVO Select 128GB

I mean, what can I say, prices are awesome at the time of this writing. The 128GB EVO Select from Samsung is only $40 right now on Amazon. That’s roughly 31 cents per GB. And with that you get a UHS 3 speed class rating, transfer speeds of up to 100MB/s and a whole whack of space that you’ll likely never use up. You get the full-size adapter and a 10-year limited warranty. As frugal as I am, I’d probably grab a couple of these just because SO MUCH SPACE. In terms of bang for your buck, a high performance, large storage card like this doesn’t get much better.

See at Amazon

SanDisk Ultra 256GB

SanDisk’s 256GB Ultra card is about the same price as Samsung’s EVO Plus at about $90 (though the EVO Plus regularly retails for more), but that does come with some compromise in speed. You’ll get read speeds of up to 100MB/s, but write speeds will be slower, and you’re only getting a UHS 1 speed class rating here, so full HD video should be fine, but forget about writing 4K video directly to the card. That being said, you’ll have all the space you’ll probably need forever.

See at Amazon

What’s your go-to?

Do you have a favorite microSD card that you use with every phone you buy? Sound off in the comments below!

Updated June 2018: Updated pricing for each card. These are still the best microSD cards you can buy to expand your Galaxy S9’s storage.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint

Future Chromebooks may come with eSIMs and Project Fi support

This would allow Chromebooks to stay connected even without Wi-Fi.

As excellent as devices like the Pixelbook and Samsung Chromebook Pro are, there’s one thing that’s been missing for quite some time — LTE support. According to new code found within the Chromium Gerrit, that could be changing in the near future.

Spotted by XDA Developers , something referred to as “Project Hermes” is described as follows:

Hermes is the codename for the project of implementing eSIM support for Chrome OS. Hermes will be responsible for delivering messages between devices with eSIM chips and carrier servers through profile downloads as well as service discovery for new carriers. Hermes aims to provide seamless integration with Project Fi and an easily portable API to be used on different hardware.

It’s worth noting that the reference of Project Fi was later removed from the above description, but I find it hard to believe Google would spend the time adding eSIM support to Chrome OS and not integrate it with its own MVNO.

If you recall, LTE on Chromebooks isn’t new. The original Google Chromebook Pixel from 2013 had an LTE model, but recent releases over the past couple years have failed to adopt this feature.

We should get more information on Project Hermes over the coming months, but in the meantime, I want to know — Would you use an always-connected/LTE Chromebook?

These are the Chromebooks that can run Android and Linux apps

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Chromebook Buyers Guide
• Google Pixelbook review
• Join our Chromebook forums

Amazon’s new Fire TV Cube, a Roomba vacuum cleaner, and more are all discounted today

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

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on Amazon’s new Fire TV Cube, a Roomba vacuum cleaner, Anker wireless earbuds, and more! Time’s running out to take advantage of these prices, so hurry!

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

The effect of the Sprint + T-Mobile merger on MVNOs will soon be discovered

The Justice Department is questioning smaller brands right now.

It’s clear that the T-Mobile and Sprint merger will have a huge impact on the wireless space in the U.S., meaning that every nook and cranny needs to be checked before the deal can go through. As part of the latest step in this process, the Justice Department is now reportedly asking smaller MVNOs about how the merger will impact them.

According to Reuters, the Justice Department is specifically interested in whether or not the merger will affect prices of MVNOs that purchase network access from T-Mobile and Sprint.

It’s noted that:

The Justice Department, which is evaluating T-Mobile’s $26 billion deal to buy Sprint, has been speaking with small wireless operators that buy access to the major wireless networks at wholesale rates, and is seeking their opinions about the merger, the people said, who declined to be named because the talks are confidential.

How are these smaller MVNOs responding? So far, it’s a mixed bag.

David Glickman of Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile was told the Justice Department wanted to talk with him, but “said he was not given additional details about what the department wanted to discuss.”

On the other hand, Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton has previously stated that “A merger between T-Mobile and Sprint without any concessions would be bad for consumers.”

Earlier this week, the Antitrust Chief with the DOJ commented that the U.S. going from four to three major network operators as a result of the merger wouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

The T-Mobile / Sprint merger could be great for consumers, but it probably won’t be

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

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!

Samsung once again has a fantastic pair of flagships.

Samsung’s new Galaxy S9 and S9+ are definitely iterative updates over last year’s dramatically redesigned Galaxy S8 series, but that’s not a problem. Instead of going back to the drawing board altogether, Samsung focused on fixing a lot of the issues while making drastic improvements to the camera experience and retaining everything that made the last generation so great.

Whether you’re looking to buy or make the most of your new Galaxy S9, we have all of the information you need right here.

May 16, 2018 — Samsung announces two new colors and ARCore is finally available

The S9 series launched in a handful of stunning colors and Samsung’s now adding two more to the list with Sunrise Gold and Burgundy Red.

If you’re interested in the Sunrise Gold variant, you’ll be able to pick it up starting this June in Australia, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. The eye-catching Burgundy Red will, unfortunately, see a much more limited release, with availability only planned for China and Korea later this month.

In addition to the new colors, it was also discovered that both the S9 and S9+ finally support Google’s ARCore!

What are the big changes over the Galaxy S8 series?

In a word, the camera. Samsung has kept the primary sensor at 12 megapixels, but that’s where the similarities end. The S9 and S9+ have adjustable apertures, switching seamlessly between f/1.5 and f/2.4, sitting in front of an all-new sensor that is great in low light. The Galaxy S9+ also gets a second 12MP sensor with a “telephoto” lens that provides 2X zoom and facilitates Live Focus, Samsung’s version of portrait mode that debuted with the Galaxy Note 8.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs

In terms of specs, the Galaxy S9+ (but only the S9+) has two more gigabytes of RAM than last year’s models. And let’s not downplay the importance of the fingerprint sensor being relocated to a much more sensible place on the back of the phone — below the now-vertical camera module.

Samsung Galaxy S9 review: A fantastic phone for the masses

Samsung Galaxy S9 India review: As good as it gets

Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S9?

This is the big question — and as always, it depends. If you’re running a Galaxy S6 or S7, and want to move to something new in the Samsung world, the answer is absolutely. If you’re rocking a still-new Galaxy S8 or Note 8, the answer is no. While there are substantial differences that clearly make the Galaxy S9 a better phone, the S8 is just a year old at this point, and has most of the Galaxy S9’s features thanks to its Android 8.0 Oreo update.

Samsung Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?

Samsung Galaxy S9+ vs. Galaxy Note 8: Which should you buy?

Is the Galaxy S9 better than the competition?

There are so many great phones on the market right now — how do you decide which one to buy? Here are our looks at the new phones compared to some of the best devices on the market.

The Galaxy S9 is the smaller of the flagships, and here’s how it compares to some of the other major phones on the market.

Samsung Galaxy S9 vs. iPhone X: The best of metal and glass

Samsung Galaxy S9 vs. Google Pixel 2: Which should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy S9 vs. Honor View 10

And how about the larger Galaxy S9+?

LG G7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S9+: Which should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy S9+ vs. Google Pixel 2 XL: The true flagships

OnePlus 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy S9+: Which should you buy?

Should you buy the Galaxy S9 or larger S9+?

OK, so you’ve made up your mind to buy the Galaxy S9 — but wait, should you get the S9 or the larger S9+?

Unlike last year, the Galaxy S9+ feels like more of the “default” choice of the two. It has extra RAM and a secondary rear camera in addition to its overall larger screen and bigger battery — yet the price delta between the two hasn’t changed. If you can handle the size difference and would like the extra battery life, go for the Galaxy S9+.

Here’s why the Galaxy S9+ is worth the extra money over the GS9

What colors are available?

Like last year, there are multiple colors of the Galaxy S9 series to purchase: Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue and Titanium Gray. U.S. buyers only get access to three of the four — silver is only available internationally — and both blue and purple are slight updates over last year.

A few months after the S9’s release, Samsung introduced two new colors in the form of Sunrise Gold and Burgundy Red.

Burgundy Red is already available in both China and Korea with Sunrise Gold rolling out in June to Australia, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. There aren’t currently any official plans to launch either color in the U.S., but it looks like Sunrise Gold could make an appearance sooner or later.

What color Galaxy S9 should I buy: Black, blue, purple, or silver?

Galaxy S9 and S9+ get Sunrise Gold and Burgundy Red color options; ARCore support

You can get as much as 256GB of internal storage

No matter where you decide to buy the Galaxy S9, 64GB is the default storage space that’s available with the phone. 64GB should be more than enough for most people, but if you want, you can always expand it with a microSD card.

However, if you’re someone who has a lot of local files and goes through GB like nothing, you may want to consider upgrading to a 128GB or even a 256GB model.

These larger configurations are sold exclusively on Samsung’s website and you’ll spend an extra $50 per each storage upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy S9: Which storage size should I buy?

Where can I get the best deal on a Galaxy S9?

The Galaxy S9 is now available worldwide, both from carriers and also unlocked.

In the U.S., the Galaxy S9 costs between $720 and $800, while the Galaxy S9+ goes for between $870 and $915. For all the details, take a look at our roundup of the best Galaxy S9 deals.

Where to buy the Galaxy S9: Best deals for your new phone

See at Verizon

Getting started with the Galaxy S9

Once you pick up your new phone, there are a few things you should do immediately. Here’s how to make your GS9 experience great!

The first 9 things to do with your Galaxy S9

The first 5 things to turn off in the Galaxy S9’s software

What’s this about bad battery life with the Exynos processor?

Samsung has regularly used both its own processors and Qualcomm’s latest chips in different markets, and it’s regularly been a point of discussion between enthusiasts as to which one is “better” overall.

In the Galaxy S9 and S9+, there’s a clear differentiation in that the Exynos versions of the phone have been getting much shorter battery life. To make things worse, the Qualcomm models are also outperforming Exynos in many synthetic benchmark tests.

So what can you do? Well, not much — Samsung doesn’t sell both versions of the phones in the same markets, so you can’t exactly cross-shop the two processors. The hope is that Samsung could update the firmware on the Exynos models to improve processor efficiency a bit.

Samsung Galaxy S9 battery problems, explained: Exynos vs. Snapdragon

Help me get started with accessories!

Once you have your Galaxy S9 or S9+, you’ll want to look into accessories like cases and screen protectors that make the phone even better. We’ve rounded up our favorites for you.

The best Galaxy S9 accessories

The best cases for the Galaxy S9

Updated June 6, 2018: Added links to more recent comparisons, new details about the available colors, and a section highlighting the 128GB and 256GB models.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint

Nest’s outdoor security camera is down to a low price of $149 right now

This outdoor home security cam is wired and weather-resistant.

The Nest outdoor security camera is down to $149 on Amazon. Over the last few months, this camera has sold regularly around $175 and as high as $200 at times. It hasn’t gone as low as this deal since January and late November before that. This is a rare price and one of the best we’ve ever seen.

This is a wired camera, so it will need access to an outdoor outlet, but that just means never worrying about the batteries. It’s weather-resistant and records in 1080p. It has motion and sound detection so it can respond to a window breaking or someone coming up to the door, take pictures of the event, and save them in your Nest app for up to three hours. It has a built-in speaker and mic so you can talk to visitors (or scare them off). This Nest camera will work with other Nest devices around your house, and it is also compatible with Amazon Alexa.

See at Amazon