Six Fitbit employees have been charged with stealing Jawbone trade secrets

Jawbone initially sued Fitbit over the stolen data in 2015.

Fitbit, one of the world’s largest fitness-tracking/wearable companies, has found itself in hot water over a dispute that first reared its head in 2015. On June 14, six current and former employees from the company were charged with stealing trade secrets from Jawbone and giving them to Fitbit.

The six employees in question previously worked at Jawbone before moving to Fitbit, and while doing so, reportedly took more than 300,000 confidential files with them. Jawbone was a former competitor of Fitbit’s, but the company went out of business in July 2017 and is still in the liquidation process.

Jawbone initially sued Fitbit for the actions of these employees in 2015, but at that time, the suit was ruled in Fitbit’s favor. A while later in December of last year, Fitbit and Jawbone decided to settle.

In a statement released to The Verge, Fitbit said:

In a trade secret misappropriation case brought by Jawbone in the International Trade Commission in 2016 that involved these same individuals, a federal administrative law judge during a nine-day trial on the merits found that no Jawbone trade secrets were misappropriated or used in any Fitbit product, feature or technology.

It remains to be seen if the six employees will be convicted of these charges, but if they are, each could face as much as 10 years in prison.

What’s your take on all this?

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These are all the phones Samsung is releasing in 2018

Samsung does more than just the Note, you know.

If you own an Android phone, there’s a really good chance it’s got a Samsung logo on it. Samsung is the most popular Android OEM on the planet, and to achieve this, the company releases a ton of hardware every year.

Samsung’s highlight phones come from the S and Note lineups, but in between those, you’ll find a variety of mid-to-low-end gadgets, too.

To make sure you’re up to date with what Samsung’s got cooking, these are all the phones it’s releasing in 2018.

The phones that we’re still expecting

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

This August, Samsung’s expected to release its second big flagship phone for 2018 — the Galaxy Note 9.

Samsung’s Note is often a showcase for the best that the company has to offer, and this shouldn’t be any different. Early rumors are pointing to a design that’s very similar to last year’s entry, save for a slightly different layout on the back with the fingerprint sensor and dual camera setup.

The camera is said to be a big focus for Samsung with the Note 9, and after decreasing the battery capacity from the Note 7 to the Note 8, we’re happy to hear talk of the Note 9 coming with a giant 4,000 mAh battery.

Official pricing for the Galaxy Note 9 is unknown, but don’t be surprised if this one reaches beyond the $1000 marker.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 rumors: Release date, specs, price, and features!

The phones that have been released

Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ were announced in February, and although the two phones have a lot in common with the S8 series, they’re still two of the best Android handsets you can buy in 2018.

Highlights for the S9 and S9+ include Samsung’s always-great Super AMOLED displays, Snapdragon 845 processor, and radically improved cameras. Both phones have a physically-changing aperture that helps out tremendously with low-light photos, but only the larger S9+ has a second telephoto camera on the back.

While the starting price for the S9 and S9+ isn’t cheap at $720 and $800, respectively, the phones’ age means you can now find a lot of deals and promotions that help to cut costs.

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

Samsung Galaxy A6/A6+

As much as we love the S9 and S9+, we also understand that an upwards of $700 is way too much for some people to spend on a phone. If you want a good chunk of the S9 experience at a fraction of the price, that’s where the Galaxy A6 and A6+ come into play.

Both phones are touting Super AMOLED Infinity Displays with an 18:9 aspect ratio, and while the resolution is bumped down to HD+ and FHD+ for the A6 and A6+, the panels themselves are still great.

The A6+ comes with dual 16MP + 5MP cameras and a 3,500 mAh battery while the A6 has a single 16MP lens and a 3,000 mAh unit. The phones are available now in India, with the A6 starting out at $325 and the A6+ slapped with a price tag of nearly $385.

See at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy J6 and J8

The Galaxy J6 and J8 were announced alongside the A6/A6+ in late-May, and as expected, are decidedly less impressive compared to their A-series counterparts.

You’ll still find a Super AMOLED Infinity Display no matter if you choose the J6 or J8, but both have a resolution of just HD+. The J6 has a single 13MP camera on the back, the J8 has dual 16MP + 5MP rear cameras, and both come equipped with Android Oreo.

The J6 starts at around $207 with the J8 going for a bit more at $281.

See at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy J7 and J3

Although the J6 and J8 likely won’t be coming to the U.S. anytime soon, that’s exactly where the J7 and J3 are heading!

The lower-end Galaxy J3 has a 5-inch HD screen, 8MP rear-facing camera, and a 5MP selfie camera. As for the J7, you’ll find a 5.5-inch HD display, 13MP rear camera, and 13MP camera on the front.

Although further specs for the J7 remain unknown at this point, it’s been confirmed that the J3 has the Exynos 7570 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of storage, Android 8.0 Oreo, and a 2,600 mAh battery.

The J3 is already available on AT&T, and it carries a price of $209.

See at AT&T

Samsung Galaxy J4

The Samsung Galaxy J4 was launched in India in early June, and similar to the other J-series phones we’ve talked about so far, is yet another budget offering from Samsung.

Notable specs include a 5.5-inch HD display with the older 16:9 aspect ratio, the Exynos 7570 CPU, 2GB RAM, and 16GB of storage. If you want to spend a bit more cash, you can pick up a model that comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage.

As for the camera situation, you’re looking at a 13MP rear sensor and 5MP selfie camera. There’s also a 3,000 mAh battery.

The 2GB + 16GB model will set you back about $148 while the 3GB + 32GB variant is going for $177.

See at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S Light Luxury

A phone so nice they released it twice! This May, Samsung surprised us by releasing the Galaxy S Light Luxury — a rebranded and “lite” version of the 2017 Galaxy S8.

On the outside, the S Light Luxury looks nearly identical to the S8. It has an 18.5:9 Super AMOLED display that measures in at 5.8-inches with a resolution of FHD+. The back is made out of glass, the fingerprint sensor is to the right of the camera, and the Bixby button (for better or worse) is here, too.

Inside, however, Samsung swapped out the S8’s internals with a mid-range setup. You’ll find the Snapdragon 660, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of storage. The rear and front cameras are 16MP and 8MP, respectively, there’s a 3,000 mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and wireless charging.

You can buy the Galaxy S Light Luxury in China right now for around $626.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Star/A9 Star Lite

Last on our list is the Samsung Galaxy A9 Star series. Composed on the A9 Star and A9 Star Lite, both phones were announced for China in early June. While the A9 Star Lite is pretty much just a rebrand of the A6+, the regular A9 Star carves its own path.

Specs wise, the A9 Star has just about everything you’d expect from a mid-range 2018 Samsung phone. There’s a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ display, dual 16MP + 24MP rear cameras, 24MP selfie camera, Snapdragon 660 processor, 4GB RAM, and a pretty big 3,700 mAh battery.

Design wise, the A9 Star looks quite a bit different compared to Samsung’s other 2018 phones. The dual cameras on the back are positioned near the far left and the fingerprint sensor is placed farther up than usual. These aren’t huge changes, but when compared to the rest of Samsung’s portfolio, are pretty noticeable.

The Galaxy A9 Star costs around $570 while the A9 Star Lite goes for $310.

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

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HP Chromebook X2 review: Great Chromebook, better Android tablet

The first detachable Chromebook is here, and it’s more than worth your consideration.

Chromebooks — and Chrome OS as a whole — have been going through a growth spurt over the last few years. Conversely, Android tablets are still around, but it’s clear that Google is aiming for low-cost Chromebooks to take over this space. Convertible Chromebooks are already plentiful and inexpensive enough to fill this gap, but these don’t necessarily make good tablets.

Yes, you can spin them around and use them in portrait mode. Yes, Android applications on Chromebooks have come a long way — essentially feeling like native applications at this point.

But the extra weight that comes with a keyboard makes it hard to use them in tablet mode for hours and hours while you watch Netflix or read a book. And having your hand grip a keyboard deck instead of a smooth surface — as minor as this sounds — contributes to knowing you’re not actually using a tablet.

So what’s the solution? Read on.

HP Chromebook X2

Price: $599.99

Bottom line: This is the first detachable Chromebook, and it sets a high bar for competing devices.

The Good

• Lightweight in tablet mode
• Rock solid when used as a laptop
• More than powerful enough for most Chrome OS users
• Better than average battery life
• Gorgeous, vibrant display

The Bad

• No backlit keyboard
• Only 32GB of internal storage
• Higher-specced options are nowhere to be found

See at Best Buy

Acer announced (but has yet to release) the first Chrome OS tablet in March, and HP shortly followed with the first Chrome OS detachable: the HP Chromebook X2.

I’ve been using the HP Chromebook X2 as my main device since June 4, both with my personal account and the G Suite account for my day job. In this time, there has been one software update, but this was a minor bug fix update.

HP Chromebook X2 What’s included

Unlike competing devices like the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro, the Chromebook X2 includes everything you need in the box. The keyboard is attached to the screen when you remove it from the box, and the pen is packed in its own plastic packaging. Unscrew the battery housing for the pen, pop in the included AAAA battery, and start using the pen — no pairing required.

Also included is a 45-watt USB-C charger, though the X2 will gladly charge from any USB-PD charger or power bank. With a 45-watt charger, it can go from completely drained to full in about an hour and a half.

HP Chromebook X2 The insides

The Chromebook X2 is powered by a 7th generation Intel Core m3-7Y30 processor and 4GB of RAM, with 32GB of internal storage. The processor is a fanless, low-power model — perfect for Chromebooks. That storage is expandable via microSD, and you can always hook up a USB-C flash drive for portable storage. Since all of the ports are on the screen portion of the device, it’s too thin for USB-A ports. 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 are here to connect you to the net and your wireless accessories.

HP Chromebook X2 The outsides

The display is the exact same panel that’s been used in the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Pro and the Google Pixelbook. This is a 2400×1600 display — meaning it has the excellent 3:2 aspect ratio — and just like those earlier devices, the display is gorgeous. I have 20/20 vision, and I struggle to see any pixels, even when the display is close to my face. Colors are accurate and vibrant, making videos and comic art pop.

The HP Chromebook X2 next to the Google Pixelbook.

This display is surrounded by a healthy bezel — not as large as on the Pixelbook, but still enough to comfortably hold the tablet portion without accidentally touching the screen. Touch response is excellent; there’s no delay between tapping the screen and an action occurring. The reflective HP logo on the bottom bezel is a bit distracting at first, but I’ve since gotten used to it.

The side of the tablet portion is trimmed in reflective silver, while the back is stark white with a reflective HP logo. The white portion has already picked up a few faint blue marks from going into and out of my backpack, so be warned about scuffs. The keyboard is black on the bottom and blue on the top with a faux leather texture. This is the only color option currently, so if you want a different look, you’ll need to hope some company make a skin. There are two obnoxious stickers on the keyboard when first opening the device, but these are removed easily enough.

While I prefer plain designs — just see the skin on my Pixelbook — I have to say I don’t mind these colors. The design is distinct without being gaudy, and you wouldn’t confuse this for any other laptop.

HP Chromebook X2 What it’s like to use as a laptop

If you’ve ever used a Chromebook, the experience of setting up and using this will be very familiar. Even if you’ve never used a Chromebook, you’ll be able to pick up and use this without any issues. The whole unit is a bit top heavy since all of the components are inside the screen, but you’ll have no problems using it as a laptop. And I do mean a LAPtop: the hinge is stiff enough to hold the tablet portion upright, meaning you’ll be able to use it on your lap without any worry. Contrast this with the Surface Pro, which uses a kickstand for stability. The kickstand is fine on a table, less so in a lap. The hinge opens up to about 120-degrees, so you want the screen flat on a table, you’ll need to detach the screen.

The hinge is absolutely solid, making this natural to use in your lap.

The keyboard uses the same layout as every other Chromebook (minus the Pixelbook) — again making this familiar for return Chrome OS users. The keys themselves are well spaced with good travel, and after a few minutes to adjust to how much force the keys need, I was spitting out words like it was nobody’s business. The trackpad gives you enough space for navigation gestures, with great tracking and a satisfying click. There are precious few trackpads I can use without reaching for an external mouse, and the trackpad on the Chromebook X2 is one of them. The whole keyboard deck communicates with the rest of the components over the POGO pins, so no need to worry about pairing or interference from a Bluetooth connection.

This is the first Chromebook with a 7th-generation Intel Core m3 processor, but there aren’t drastic differences between that architecture and that of the 6th-generation processors. I was able to write, load up a bunch of web pages, drive an external monitor, all without any slowdowns. The Pixelbook may be a better match for those that are going to use hardcore Linux apps, but these specs will suffice for nearly every other Chromebook user.

The newer generation processors are a bit more battery efficient than previous ones, and that reflected in my use. I could comfortably get 10 to 12 hours of use from the Chromebook X2 with five or six tabs open, browsing web pages and typing up documents in Google Docs, and about 75% brightness. Video watching nets me about the same life, while the battery seems to last forever when reading books and comics. I compare this to seven or so hours of similar use on my Pixelbook, which is just low enough to necessitate a mid-day recharge.

HP Chromebook X2 What it’s like to use as a tablet

Getting rid of the weight of the keyboard goes a long way towards making this comfortable to use as a tablet.

As a detachable, the Chromebook X2 is much lighter when used as a tablet compared to every other Chromebook. The Pixelbook and Samsung Chromebook Plus and Pro weigh in at 2.4 lbs, while the screen of the HP Chromebook X2 comes in at 1.6 pounds. This may not sound like a huge difference, but after hours of comic-reading or in-bed Netflix, you’ll absolutely be able to tell a difference.

The lighter weight translates to being able to comfortably use the device as a tablet for longer periods of time. Reading books, doodling with the pen, or watching shows on Netflix are all super easy, and it’s great to be immersed in the 12.3-inch screen.

HP Chromebook X2 Other odds and ends

Both USB-C ports can be used for charging, display-out and transferring data. A USB-C port on each side is great, since it cuts down on cable clutter. The 3.5mm headphone jack is present and accounted for, and can be used for microphone input. The power button is thoughtfully placed on the top left edge, meaning you won’t accidentally press it when using the device in portrait orientation.

The cameras are… present. The camera interface on Chromebooks has improved a bit over the last year, adding the option for video recording and the ability to switch between front and rear cameras. But the camera interface on Android has grown a lot in the same time, with the addition of Motion Photos and Google Lens. You can use the Google Lens Android app, but this doesn’t present information in the camera viewfinder. Here’s hoping we see more capabilities for cameras in Chrome OS.

HP Chromebook X2 The bad parts

My main gripe with this device is that HP initially said it would have a backlit keyboard, but it doesn’t. As familiar as I am with the Chrome OS keyboard layout, I still need to look down at the keys sometimes. The lack of a backlit keyboard is a huge mark against this device, especially at this price. Both the Asus C302 and the refreshed Samsung Chromebook Pro offer a backlit keyboard for less money.

And while I’m fine with the 32GB of internal storage, others won’t be. Android apps can’t take advantage of microSD cards just yet, so this low amount of storage will be limiting for those that want to download Netflix shows offline or download large Android games.

I also wish there was an LTE option. Tethering from my phone’s Internet connection is fine, but having the option for integrated LTE would be nice to save my phone’s battery. Integrated LTE would also mean users could just open the device and get to work, rather than wait to connect to their phone or connect to unsafe public Wi-Fi points.

HP Chromebook X2 Alternatives

If you’re staying within the Chrome OS world, there aren’t any other detachables yet. If you don’t care about being able to detach this and use it as a tablet, you can either save money by buying the Samsung Chromebooks or new Acer Chromebooks, or get more power and storage with the Pixelbook.

If you’re not tied to Chrome OS, then the iPad Pro and Surface Pro are also excellent alternatives, with the iPad leaning more towards being a tablet and the Surface leaning more towards being a full laptop.

HP Chromebook X2 Should you buy it?

If you loved using high-end Android tablets like the Pixel C as an on-the-go productivity device, a detachable like this is a natural next step as high-end Android tablets fade away. A full desktop browser will go a long way to making you even more productive than a tablet could anyway, with all the Android apps you’ve been using.

If you want a Chrome OS tablet, this is the only option until Acer actually releases their tablet. Even then, this is a more complete device by including a keyboard in the box. This can be your one portable device by having the full keyboard, full desktop browser, and some productivity apps. At the same time, this can also be a great consumption device by removing the keyboard and curling up to read a book.

4.5
out of 5

Unless something comes along to drastically improve on this device (like a backlit keyboard), I can see this being my daily driver for a long time to come.

See at Best Buy

How to watch the World Cup in VR

Experience the game through your headset as if you’re there

World Cup soccer has taken over the world again, and the hype is real. Any fan who doesn’t have the ability to go the live games in person want to know what it feels like to be there and virtual reality can do that for you. By checking out any of the options below you can load the games into your headset and feel as if you are standing in the crowd just like everyone else.

Get ready to scream and cheer louder than ever before, the games are here!

BBC Sport VR 2018 FIFA World Cup app

The perspective of this VR footage is filmed from the stadium audience. You can get the full experience of being in the crowd from the comfort of your own couch! This is available for your Android, iOS, Oculus, PlayStation VR and Gear VR. BBC is allowing people to watch **all* the 2018 World Cup games for free, but this is at a first come first serve basis. It hasn’t been stated how many people will be able to watch in their app at the same time, but we do know the number is limited.

It also appears the app is only available for use from within the UK. Everyone outside of the UK are receiving regional errors when it comes time to download or launch the app. Furthermore, this app is not Daydream compatible. You can, however, tell the app you are using your cardboard and then use your Daydream headset anyway. You’ll lose the function of your controller, but you will still be able to navigate through the app.

See on Play Store
See on PlayStation Store
See on Oculus Store

Oculus Venues

This app won’t be showing all of the World Cup, but you can still get an experience of watching from the stadium for at least a few rounds. Oculus Venues also allows you to watch with other users watching in Venues. While there is a viewing solo mode, I recommend trying it out with fellow sports fans in the audience. This app works on your Oculus Go or your Gear VR and it is completely free to use!

The following games will be shown in venues

• Germany vs Mexico – June 17
• Portugal vs Morocco – June 20
• Brazil vs Costa Rica – June 22
• England vs Panama – June 24

See on Oculus

Watch the live stream in VR

Plenty of people still want to watch the games from their headset instead of their TVs or computer screens. This can make viewing the game even more comfortable because you can lay down on your bed with a headset strapped to your face and still get the same images. While the livestream for the World Cup 2018 won’t have 360-degree abilities to watch, you can still view it from any of your headsets through the YouTube app.

YouTube is live streaming the World cup here.. You won’t need to download the YouTube app for the Oculus devices because you can access the entirety of YouTube from any browser (including all VR content).

See on PlayStation Store
See on PlayStore

WSJ: Apple Expects Lower-Priced LCD Models to Represent Majority of iPhone Sales in Upcoming 2018 Lineup

Apple is widely rumored to introduce three new iPhone models in September, including a second-generation iPhone X, a larger version dubbed the iPhone X Plus, and a lower-priced but lesser-featured version.

Given the iPhone X Plus is expected to have an OLED display, like the iPhone X, it would be reasonable to assume that the majority of iPhones that Apple plans to manufacture in 2018 will be of the OLED variety. According to The Wall Street Journal, however, that might not be how things play out.

The report cites sources involved with Apple’s supply chain who claim that Apple now expects LCD models to make up the majority of iPhone sales in its upcoming lineup, expected to be released this fall.

Apple initially wanted roughly equal production of iPhone models with LCDs and OLED displays, but now plans to make more of the LCD model, referring to the rumored lower-priced, lesser-featured 6.1-inch iPhone, as it supposedly anticipates strong customer demand for the more affordable X-like model.

It’s not entirely clear if “LCD models” will include iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone SE models, which will likely remain for sale alongside the 2018 iPhones, and would certainly help tip the scale towards LCD.

The Wall Street Journal says Apple’s plans are a “sign of consumers’ sensitivity to the price of smartphones,” citing analysts who believe demand was weaker than their initial forecasts for the iPhone X “due mainly to its price tag.” The flagship device is priced from $999 in the United States.

The report adds that Apple will likely retain at least one lower-priced, LCD-based iPhone in its 2019 lineup too, rather than shift entirely to OLED, to ensure customers have an affordable option to choose from.

A report out of Korea last month said Apple will switch to OLED for all of its 2019 iPhones, a claim that some analysts had already cast doubts on.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, now with research firm TF International Securities, expects the next iPhone X to start at $800-$900, the so-called iPhone X Plus to start at $900-$1,000, and the 6.1-inch iPhone to start at $600-$700 in the United States, with orders for all three beginning in September.

Kuo has previously said the 6.1-inch iPhone will have a nearly edge to edge display, with a notch for Face ID, but with tradeoffs, including an LCD instead of OLED display, an aluminum frame rather than stainless steel, no 3D Touch, and a single-lens rather than dual-lens rear camera system.

If accurate, many customers may indeed opt for what is essentially a budget iPhone X, with a $300 to $400 cheaper price tag. That doesn’t mean the current iPhone X was too expensive, though, as in February, Apple said it was the “top selling iPhone” every week since it launched in early November.

Related Roundup: 2018 iPhonesTag: wsj.com
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Apple Teams Up With Oprah Winfrey to Create New TV Shows

Apple has formed a multi-year production partnership with Oprah Winfrey to create shows for a new video subscription service that is in the works, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Apple and Winfrey did not share details on the kind of content that she plans to create, but in a statement, Apple said it would team up with Winfrey to “create original programs.”

Apple today announced a unique, multi-year content partnership with Oprah Winfrey, the esteemed producer, actress, talk show host, philanthropist and CEO of OWN.

Together, Winfrey and Apple will create original programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world.

Winfrey’s projects will be released as part of a lineup of original content from Apple.

Apple has signed deals for dozens of original television shows, ranging from ranging from science fiction series “Amazing Stories” to podcast-based drama series “Are You Sleeping” to cartoon series “Central Park.” A full list of Apple’s TV shows can be found in our Apple TV roundup.

The first of Apple’s television shows may debut as early as 2019 and while Apple has not clarified how the shows will be distributed, today’s report from The Wall Street Journal suggests Apple is working on a streaming video service to deliver its content.

Related Roundup: Apple TVTag: Apple’s Hollywood ambitionsBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
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Check out these wacky designs in Boeing’s $2 million passenger drone contest

One day, in the not-too-distant future, we could well be zipping about the skies in our very own personal flying machines. It may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but Boeing, a company that knows a thing or two about keeping objects airborne, said in March that electric-powered passenger drones could be on the market within a decade.

Boeing is so confident that urban vehicles are about to transform the city landscape that last year the company sponsored the GoFly design contest to the tune of $2 million.

Aimed at encouraging innovative designs for ultra-compact personal flying vehicles, entries had to be able to take off and land vertically, and fly for at least 20 miles without recharging.

Teams from 30 countries submitted their efforts, and this week the organizers revealed the 10 winners who now have to transform their drawings into real, fully functional aircraft.

Chosen by an international panel of judges that included chief engineers, flight test engineers, pilots, and esteemed academics, the winning designs range from the familiar to the outright wacky.

Take, for example, Texas A&M University’s Harmony, described as a “compact rotorcraft designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency, safety, reliability, and flight experience.” It’s the only design among the winners where you seem to have to stand upright in a kind of pod, making for a different kind of flying experience.

Aeroxo LV from Latvia came up with the Era Aviabike, which looks like a cross between a plane and a motorbike, while Georgia Tech’s HummingBuzz appears to place the rider directly over one very large rotor blade. A protective grill serves to eliminate the chance of any troublesome decapitations during flight.

The multimillion-dollar prize fund will be handed out gradually over the next year — the 10 winners of this first stage of the contest have each collected $20,000 to help make their designs a reality.

Phase two of the contest, where teams build prototypes, is actually open to newcomers as well, so the winning design could be one we haven’t even seen yet.

The teams behind the best four prototypes will each pick up a further $50,000 next spring, and the overall winner will be announced at the Final Fly-off event in the fall of 2019.

Interest is clearly growing in the idea of small, electric-powered, urban-compatible aircraft that are quieter and easier to handle than a helicopter.

Airbus-backed Vahana, for example, is developing self-piloting air taxi, and you may have already seen the 184 flying machine from Chinese firm EHang. Uber is working on its own aerial vehicle, as are Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Kitty Hawk.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Kitty Hawk’s personal flying vehicle takes to the skies
• Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft graces the skies for the first time
• Southwest plane suffers in-flight engine failure, 1 fatality confirmed
• Uber’s flying cars get a boost from government assistance
• Airbus’ odd-looking BelugaXL aircraft is one step closer to its maiden flight

Rymek Typewriter Bluetooth Keyboard review: $200 of nerdy goodness

This is not the best keyboard I own, but it is the keyboard I will use until it breaks.

AC
Score
4

When it comes to keyboards, I am entirely without shame. I like my keyboards loud, comfortable, and unreasonably flashy. I can’t type on most of my keyboards during meetings or podcasts, because there is no way to type on them quietly. Quality mechanical switches are my happy place, and I refuse to apologize.

But there’s usually a disconnect between decent mechanical keyboards and decent Bluetooth keyboards. If I want a keyboard for my phone or tablet to use when I’m travelling, I usually can’t get the same experience I have at my desk. I’m familiar with this sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. And when the folks behind the Rymek keyboard promised an experience which worked great for desktops and mobile devices, I had to touch it for myself to see what this fuss was all about.

Oh, and the keyboard itself looks like a typewriter, with levers and knobs and lights which actually serve a purpose. I was hooked immediately, and two weeks later this keyboard now has a permanent place on my desk.

See at Indiegogo

Showing off, but also functional

This keyboard is more flashy gadget than actual keyboard. The keycaps are a matte bronze with backlight-friendly lettering, but the plasticky feel to the caps doesn’t lend itself well to feeling like a quality keyboard. The Cherry Blue switches under those caps work quite well, delivering quality response while typing while also being slightly quieter than most other Cherry switches.

It’s designed to switch back and forth between traditional PC input via USB and up to three different Bluetooth inputs, and to do so with style. I can dock my phone up on the thing that looks like a typewriter paper bar, and when I want to switch between typing on my PC and typing on my phone I just pull the typewriter arm on the left. When I want to control the volume on either my PC or my phone, the turn wheel on the right side of the bar actually rotates for volume controls.

Where you really get the feeling this keyboard is for showing off is the backlights. Rymek includes five different lighting options that are mostly animated. The lights on the keyboard will dance as you type, or light up with each individual button you press, or just stay lit everywhere. The brightness controls are nice and easy to use, but it couldn’t be more clear most of the settings for these lights are for filling your friends and coworkers with envy.

Good luck keeping it clean

This keyboard looks great at a distance, but a week into using this keyboard I started noticing dust and smudges. Everything that isn’t bronze colored is glossy black, and that material makes every speck of dust and every fingerprint show up when you are looking down at it.

Every keyboard gets dust and crumbs and junk in between the keys, but the spacing between these keys makes it very easy to see what lies beneath. As cool as it is for this keyboard to look like a typewriter, in order to keep it looking nice you need to clean it constantly.

The mobile device dock for Rymek is mostly a small rubbery stand, but you have to choose which way you want to prop your device up. Tablets, for example, fit better when tucked in between the stand and the bar. Phones, on the other hand, fit better when leaned against the bar. The difference seems small, but it’s significant when trying to find the right angle for your device to sit at for using alongside a PC monitor. Ideally, the bar on the back of the Rymek would be adjustable to fit a bunch of different sizes, but that’s not an option in the current model.

A little pricey, but so much fun

The Rymek is currently available for $199 via Indiegogo, with some Early Bird specials to get it for closer to $99. Coming from the excellent $150 CODE keyboard, it’s difficult to say Rymek is $50 better. What you are paying for instead is style and something vaguely resembling portability. While you technically can walk around with this keyboard and type on it wherever you are, it’s big and heavy enough to make that unlikely to be something you are going to do.

This is a decent mechanical keyboard, and having Bluetooth available on the same keyboard is excellent, but what you are really paying extra for here is the typewriter look and feel with the flashy lights. And, if I’m being totally honest, it’s worth it for nerds who appreciate this aesthetic.

See at IndieGoGo

How’s your OnePlus 6 battery life?

The phone’s 3,300 mAh battery manages to impress.

It’s hard to not like the OnePlus 6. Although the notch in the screen and glass back were thought to be controversial decisions, the phone ended up being our favorite OnePlus product to-date.

OnePlus makes a big deal about the 6’s power, design, and cameras, but how’s its 3,300 mAh battery working for early adopters?

A few of our forum users recently chimed in with their own experiences, and according to them, the OnePlus 6 is a battery champ.

mustang7757
06-10-2018 12:08 PM

“

7 hrs sot amolst 24 hours with 19% left

Reply

vwite
06-10-2018 12:39 PM

“

I agree, waaaay better than on my Note 8 with same size battery and better than my S9+ with bigger battery

Reply

bembol
06-10-2018 01:32 PM

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That’s the advantages of not having 1 Billion pixels. LOL

Having a solid OS helps too.

I was disappointed with my Samsung Galaxy S9+ battery life which is why I sold it after 2 months. That and I got $1,000 CAN for it. LOL

Reply

mchockeyvette27
06-10-2018 11:13 PM

“

Yeah I’m getting very good battery life so far too. not that good, but I’ve had a few 7 hr screen time days during my regular 16-18 hour days. I’m averaging about 5.5-6.5 hours of screen time during a normal day. Just as good as my pixel 2 XL.

Reply

What about you? How’s the battery life on your OnePlus 6?

Join the conversation in the forums!

OnePlus 6

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Every Limited Edition PlayStation 4 you can buy today

If you don’t want a generic PlayStation 4, then one of these limited editions models is the way to go!

Limited edition PlayStation 4s can be hard to find, but that’s no surprise – they’re limited, after all. These consoles tend to be on tap for the most hardcore of fans who will buy them day one to add them to their collection and ensure themselves a unit.

But if you happened to miss out and you just want yourself a limited edition PS4, you aren’t totally out of luck. Sony still offers a couple of these things at retail, while there are a few others you can snag from third-party merchants if you don’t mind going off the beaten path. Let’s take a look at them!

• Days of Play
• Star Wars Battlefront 2
• God of War
• Destiny
• PS4 Slim Gold
• Call of Duty WW2
• Final Fantasy XV
• Batman Arkham Knight
• Uncharted 4
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
• Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars

Days of Play

This is one of those special PlayStation 4 releases Sony likes to put out “just because.” Days of Play is their celebration of PlayStation gamers. It’s typically celebrated with a nice big corporate sale, but also with a limited edition PlayStation 4 release.

This 1TB base PlayStation 4 costs $299 and has a deep blue finish with PlayStation’s iconic DualShock controller icons in gold lettering on it. There’s also a PlayStation logo on the upper right corner. On the controller, you’ll find a matrix of golden controller icons across the faceplate, but otherwise, it’s a simple recolor.

See at Sony

Star Wars Battlefront 2

The Star Wars Battlefront 2 PS4 Pro is one of a kind with its iconic markings and Star Wars logos. The base of the console is the same Jet Black finish you’d find on an ordinary PS4 Pro, but that’s OK. The controller also gets some love here, with Star Wars-themed markings on the handles, as well as a trippy-looking Star Wars logo matrix on the touchpad.

You can get this 1TB console right now for $398. That figures to be a fantastic deal considering you’re getting a full copy of Star Wars Battlefront 2: Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition to go along with it. If you’re a fan of Star Wars and in need of a 4K gaming machine, this is all you’ll need.

See at Amazon

God of War

Of course the highest-rated game of this console generation has a limited edition model. Kratos leaves his mark on a God of War PS4 Pro that comes in a stunning silver finish. The markings on the console are inspired by the axe he uses throughout the game. The controller also comes in that same silver finish with a God of War-themed insignia and a tricked out trackpad.

While the console is not regularly available from Sony, there are still a few sellers on Amazon offering the 1TB model for $549. This is a $150 markup compared to its launch price, but you’ll be owning one of the coolest consoles and best games ever made.

See at Amazon

Destiny

While Destiny 2 has taken over as the hot new space shooter to get, the original limited edition Destiny PS4 console is still a hot find. Sony went with a white backdrop here with etchings depicting topographical space map to make it look busy. There’s a nice big Guardians’ banner up front, with a Destiny logo situated in the upper left corner.

This particular model is of the original PlayStation 4 500GB console and not the Slim or Pro models. If you’re OK with that then Amazon has it for a fair price of $329.

See at Amazon

PS4 Slim Gold

This is the only console on this list not associated with any particular game. The golden PS4 Slim goes for a look of sheer elegance. It’s not actual gold, mind you, but the shade used by Sony throughout the console and its controller is just stunning. Put this one beneath an OLED TV to really pull off that rich living room effect.

Amazon has the 1TB model as low as $424.

See at Amazon

Call of Duty WW2

Fans of the armed forces (or those who simply have an unhealthy obsession with camouflage) will love the Call of Duty WW2 PS4 Slim model. The forestry green chassis could sit inside a jungle undetected with how authentic this pattern is. But perhaps it’s better off just looking cool on your entertainment stand.

You’ll get the 1TB console, a solid green controller, and a copy of Call of Duty WW2, all for $365.

See at Amazon

Final Fantasy XV

The design on this limited edition PS4 Slim captures the essence of Final Fantasy XV quite successfully. A full moon blends into the Jet Black chassis of the console, and the Final Fantasy XV logo can be found square in the middle.

Perhaps the coolest thing is the lettering beneath the logo – the names of all four main protagonists. It’s a list that may seem insignificant now, but one that you’ll wholly appreciate by the end of your journey. The controller also has a neat XV logo on it.

The 1TB console costs $449 and comes with a copy of Final Fantasy XV Deluxe Edition, which itself comes with the animated film KINGSGLAIVE on Blu-Ray, the Royal Raiment in-game outfit, and the Masamune in-game weapon.

See at Amazon

Batman Arkham Knight

You either die a hero, or see yourself live long enough to become the villain. Well, we’re not sure if the few years that the Batman Arkham Knight PS4 has been around can be considered long, but it certainly is no villain. It’s a desirable gaming machine with one of the most iconic comic book characters ever created represented here.

Batman’s shadowy figure is imprinted on the gray finish. The controller takes after that color, but the sheen on it makes it look like more of a silver. Batman fanatics should be in love here. It’s $504 to own the 500GB console.

See at Amazon

Uncharted 4

It’s odd that there aren’t many blue PS4s considering that’s Sony’s signature color. As is always the case, though, Nathan Drake is here to save the day with a pretty interesting “Gray Blue” shade of it on this Uncharted 4 PS4. It features pretty cool silkscreened artwork and the Uncharted logo in gold lettering. The controller doesn’t have any extra etchings on it, but that unique color should make you a happy camper. The console and a copy of the game come bundled for $389.

See at Amazon

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

This is probably the most striking option yet. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3’s version of the PS4 goes all in on the Nuk3town orange highlights. The console itself cheekily shows the roman numeral three as it appears on the cover of the game, with other miscellaneous markings on the front edge of the console.

The controller offers a nice contrast of carbon gray and nuclear orange. It’s bound to make someone’s eyes hurt, but if you are in love with the colors, then it may be worth the risk. The console comes bundled with the game and the Nuk3town playable map for $591.

See at Amazon

Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars

Here’s another one for you Star Wars fans out there. This 500GB PS4 is more for those who identify with the Dark Side, with the Disney Infinity 3.0 model showing Darth Vader in all his ominous glory. Even if Disney Infinity isn’t your cup of tea, this is one desirable package as it comes with a few figurines to add to your collection. It’s available today for $429.

See at Amazon

Get one before it’s too late

As we’ve stressed, these are limited edition models, meaning they will someday be hard to find. Collectors or diehard fans will want to get their hands on these before they dry up, so go grab the one you like and game on!

Updated June 2018: Sony’s new Days of Play limited edition PS4 has been added to the list for those who are fans of deep blue and gold.

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