Solar-powered nanoscale coating could defrost frozen car windows

We love cars here at Digital Trends, but we don’t love everything about them. Something that’s right at the top of every car owner’s list of things they despise about car ownership? Defrosting a vehicle’s windows on cold winter mornings.

Fortunately, researchers from ETH Zurich in Switzerland are on the case — and their solution involves some pretty darn cool tech. What they have developed is a solar-activated nanoscale-thick coating consisting of two different materials, gold and titanium dioxide. Together these materials have a unique sunlight-absorbing property, rendering them capable of defrosting frozen windows rapidly. The combined material can do this without affecting the transparency of the glass in the windows.

“Our so-called ‘metasurafaces’ can inhibit or remove frost by absorbing sunlight, a renewable energy source, and heating,” Efstratios Mitridis, a PhD candidate in the Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies, told Digital Trends. “By tuning the coating thickness, we can render them transparent at the same time. These metasurfaces can be deposited on a variety of commercially important substrates, including glass and acrylics. Balancing transparency and absorption is the key to effective icing prevention and deicing for applications requiring visibility.”

The researchers have so far tested their ultra-thin absorbent nanocoating on commercial materials. However, Dr. Hadi Eghlidi, another researcher on the project, told us that commercializing the coating will pose additional challenges going forward. “[This will require] large-scale and cost-effective fabrication of the coating, a milestone which we are currently working hard to achieve,” Eghlidi said. “In parallel, we are working on new designs and materials to improve the performance of the coating — for example, to achieve more transparency or a higher temperature increase.”

ETH Zurich isn’t the only research lab working on a solution to this problem. Last year, we wrote about another innovative research project coming out of Virginia Tech, where investigators developed a special water-repellent aluminum surface that traps millions of tiny air pockets underneath a sheet of frost growing on the surface. This also speeds up the rate of thawing significantly.

A paper describing the new ETH Zurich work, titled “Metasurfaces Leveraging Solar Energy for Icephobicity,” was recently published in the journal ACS Nano.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Drone propellors are great at slicing fingers — this $20 sensor prevents that
• Nintendo Labo review
• Google Pixelbook review
• From the doctor to the DMV, blockchain can make governments swift and secure
• 8 Amazing accessories that could make virtual reality even more immersive

Apple is leaving non-Touch Bar MacBook Pros to die — and that sucks

Apple surprised the world this morning by releasing the much-anticipated update to the MacBook Pros online. It’s a minor refresh that brings 8th-gen Intel Core processors and updated keyboards to some MacBook Pro models. It’s not a game-changer, but it addressed two common complaints with the current options for some MacBook Pros.

But there’s a problem. A big problem.

Rather than refreshing the entire lineup of MacBook Pros to 8th-gen processors like every other laptop manufacturer, Apple has decided to offer the six-core update for only its top-tier laptops. That means if you want an up-to-date MacBook Pro, you’ll be spending at least $1,800 on one. That also means you’ll be paying the premium for the Touch Bar, a feature that the average MacBook user will either actively dislike or completely ignore.

Our favorite version of the MacBook Pro — the $1,300 entry-level version without the Touch Bar — has been left in the dust. Any hope that Apple would pull back on its experiment with the Touch Bar (and possibly even sell a non-Touch Bar 15-inch version) is all but lost. Because it wasn’t included in the update, that version of the MacBook Pro will probably never get touched again. It will just be sold to hapless customers looking for an affordable way of buying into the Mac ecosystem. It’s the same sad position the MacBook Air has been in for years.

The problem worsens when you consider the keyboard issues surrounding the MacBook Pro. Apple finally admitted to the problem of sticking keys by offering replacements and repairs, but it also introduced a “3rd-generation” butterfly mechanism to the refreshed MacBook Pros. These new keyboards promise to be quieter, and we’re assuming they’re less prone to breaking. Unfortunately, the lower-end MacBooks Pros are again left out of the equation.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy Apple finally brought its MacBook Pros into the modern age of six-core CPUs. It was a bit late, but I’ll chalk that up to the keyboard replacement. I’m just annoyed that Apple is once again taking advantage of entry-level Apple fans who will undoubtedly buy outdated computers because they don’t know any better. The only real hope now is that Apple actually releases the rumored $1,000 MacBook Air redesign later this year. Until then, keep saving your pennies.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Cheap plastic perfection: An ode to the MacBook that started it all
• The best MacBook
• MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar review
• From Elder Scrolls to Resident Evil, these were the biggest surprises at E3 2018
• The fastest cars in the world

CLAD Certification: an Insight

What is clad certification

CLAD stands for certified LabView associated developer issued by National Instruments (NI). It is basically a first level certification linked to the LabView programming. The certification covers three areas namely:

• The automated test
• Data acquisition (High Channel)
• Data logging and measurement for domain experts

The certification represents a certain level of LabView mastery. A person having this certification can utilize LabView to do the following:

• Contribute elements to projects and large Vis
• Interpret and acquire the data
• Editing of medium-sized Vis
• Developing of small Vis

How to Prepare

To prepare for this exam, the best way is to go for a ‘LabView programming experience’. The experience will allow you to apply different concepts that have been presented in core 2 and core 1 courses. Mere class attendance will not suffice. You need to undertake NI’s LabView Core 1 as well as core 2 course. You should also be having an experience of at least 6 to 9 months of utilizing LabView.

Prepare for exam using AioTestking: https://www.aiotestking.com/clad-exam-dumps.html

CLAD Exam: Logistics

Exam Format

CLAD exam consists of 42 questions. All the questions are in the form of multiple choices. You will be provided with 4 different options and you need to choose anyone. There may arise a case where you may think that 2 answers are correct, under such a scenario select the answer which you think is the best.

Exam Scoring

To clear the exam, you need to score 70% marks. The score is given on the basis of 40 answers. 2 pre-deployment questions are very much there in the exam, however, they have no impact on the overall scoring.

Scheduling

You can take CLAD exam at any testing center (PearsonVUE). You can schedule your exam from http://www.pearsonvue.com/ni/. While scheduling the exam, do not forget to specify your exam format i.e. whether you wish to give the exam using LabView 20xx or LabView NXG. The exam terminology will actually reflect the LabView editor which you will select, however, the exam content will be same. Select the LabView editor with which you are comfortable. Regardless of what editor you choose, the certification at the end of the day will be the same.

It is not allowed to use LabView or any other resource once the exam has started. CLAD exam provides you the necessary screenshots from the LabView help and the environment where appropriate. You cannot take this exam, unless you sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). The NDA says that you will not reproduce, communicate or copy any part of the exam whether electronic or verbal. You need to sign the NDA, and failure to do so will result in the exam failure.

What is tested

CLAD exam is ideal for individuals who are seeking jobs that require programmings such as domain support, automated test,and high channel count data acquisition. The majority of these jobs include processing and collecting of data in the form of signals that come from sensors. To judge the knowledge, abilities,and skills of the candidate, CLAD utilizes an NI-DAQmx system. The system was chosen because of its ability to get simulated on all the versions of LabView. Lastly, if it is possible for you to access the LabView, then in such a case, you have all the resources that are required for the preparation of the exam. You do not need to buy any specific hardware.

The exam does not test the settings which are DAQmx function-specific. The questions utilize NI-DAQmx to test skills and knowledge which is mandatory for normal data acquisition tasks such as determining operation order and calculating of sample rates etc.

What does CLAD Certification mean

Having this particular certification means that:

• You can utilize software architectures from a single Vi to Event-Driven UI handler
• You can collect data from the sensors utilizing NI Hardware
• You can utilize array functions to manipulate and extract a single channel data from a data which is multi-channeled in nature
• You can utilize loops in order to run a test more than once in order get the voltage ramp established

True Master

Getting CLAD certification makes you an expert in several different areas. Some of these areas which this exam covers are as follows:

Hardware

• 10% of the questions in the exam are covered by hardware
• Validating and acquiring a signal
• Processing of signals
• Utilization of optimum sample rates

LabView Programming Environment

• The section covers 25% of exam questions
• Move, add and delete elements
• Utilize right folders and libraries
• Try to avoid any kind of cross-linking

Data Type

• Identify the data types on panel which is on the front
• Identify the data types present on the block diagram
• Select appropriate functions, controls, data types and indicators

Order of Execution

• A normal state machine
• A UI handler which is event-driven
• Parallel loops that are without lines
• Utilizing basic functions to develop a simple visualize application

Programming Fundamentals

• This section covers 50% of the exam questions
• The section covers loops
• Utilizing the loop type effectively
• For the while loops and for loops perfectly
• The section also covers arrays

Best Practices

• The section covers SubVIs while reusing the code
• The section covers clusters, i.e. grouping of the data
• The section also covers the data type changes

Conclusion

Yes, the topic covered requires a lot of practice which means that you cannot take this exam lightly at all. If possible, try to prepare at least 6 months before the exam. It is also recommended that you should seek help from an individual who has previously given this exam and has been successful. There are a lot of forums on the internet from where you can get the relevant preparation material. Give some practice exams before you actually go for the real exam.

Make your move! And acquire this exceptional certification.

Best Google Pixel 2 XL Cases

What are the best cases for the Google Pixel 2 XL?

The Google Pixel 2 XL is a beautifully designed phone — especially if you snagged the panda/Stormtrooper Black and White edition. But as much as you’ll want to show it off, you’re also going to want to protect a phone that cost you close to $1000.

We’ve rounded up the best case options specifically for the Pixel 2 XL.

• Google Live Cases
• Google Fabric Cases
• Bellroy leather case
• Incipio Esquire Series
• Spigen Tough Armor
• Spigen Thin Fit
• Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro
• Ringke Fusion
• Caseology Vault Series
• i-Blason Ares
• Vena vCommute wallet case
• Carved wooden cases
• Lifeprooof FRE case

Google Live Cases

Best for Added Features

Just like the smaller Pixel 2, Google offers its customizable Google Live Cases for the Pixel 2 XL with a personal photo or a wide range of styles curated by Google.

Maybe you’ll decide on a gorgeous satellite photo from Google Earth which also pairs with a matching live wallpaper for a cohesive look around your device. Looking to add a bit more of an artistic flair to your case? Check out the Artworks Live Case and find something that matches your style.

Google has curated a great selection of cases that feature artwork, photos from space, and naturally beautiful images that are really quite stunning. Prices start around $50 depending on whether you choose a minimalist shell or a more rugged dual-layer case. Create and customize your own case via the Google Store.

See at Google Store

Google Fabric Cases

Premium Pick

If you prefer your phone case to have some texture for grip, you’re probably going to love the Google Fabric Case. It features the same fabric finish look found on other recent Google products such as the Google Home Mini.

Designed in-house by Google, you can be sure of the build quality and fit for your Pixel 2 XL. These cases offer a premium microfiber liner to ensure your device stays scuff-free and your choice of four color combinations for $40.

See at Google Store

Bellroy leather case

Upscale Option

Another great option offered by Google itself is the Bellroy leather case. This is a premium case that combines leather, flexible polymer, and a microfibre lining on the interior to create a great case that looks great with a streamlined design to keep things sleek in your hand.

It’s available in four color choices — Black, Navy, Caramel, and Stone — and is backed by a 3-year warranty from Bellroy. You can get this premium leather case for your Pixel 2 XL for $45.

See at Google Store

Incipio Esquire Series

Best Value

Like the concept of the Google Fabric Case but don’t like the idea of spending $50 for it? You’ll definitely want to check out the Incipio Esquire series case.

This case is made of an impact-resistant TPU frame that will keep your phone protected, but the real eye-catching feature here is the ultra-soft fabric finish on the exterior of the case. There is a nice-sized cutout around the fingerprint sensor and camera on the back but it’s otherwise a very sleek and minimalist design.

You can get yours from Amazon for roughly $21.

See at Amazon

Spigen Tough Armor case

Best Protection

Spigen has a very solid lineup of cases for the Pixel 2 XL, but one of the more rugged and functional cases they sell is the Tough Armor style. The combination of a flexible TPU sleeve and a rugged outer shell provides great dual-layer protection for your phone, with Spigen’s air cushion technology offering support in the corners. Despite its rugged design, the Tough Armor case is still mightly slim adding just 2.5 mm of thickness.

Another great feature is the pop-out kickstand built into the shell. There are so many handy reasons to have your phone propped up, and having this feature built right into the case means you don’t need to add a pop socket or style ring. For all its durability and functionality, the Tough Armor case is just $17 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

Spigen Thin Fit

Thinnest Option

It can be an issue finding a case for larger phones like the Google Pixel 2 XL that doesn’t add too much bulk to your phone. The Spigen Thin Fit case is about as minimalist as phone cases get.

Available in black, this case will match the look of the Pixel 2 XL and features precise cutouts around the fingerprint scanner and camera on the back. It’s thin enough to keep the Active Edge compatibility fully intact and yet still features Spigen’s Air Cushion technology in the corners for added drop protection.

Keep your Pixel 2 XL safe from scuffs and scratches without sacrificing the slim design with the Thin Fit case for just $12.

See at Amazon

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro case

Most Resistant

When you name your phone case after the Unicorn Beetle — one of the gnarliest looking armored bugs in the natural world — you better back it up with a rugged case. Combining a polycarbonate outer shell with a flexible and shock-absorbing TPU sleeve around back, the Unicorn Beetle Pro goes an extra step further by including a built-in screen protector to provide maximum protection for your Pixel 2 XL. There’s also an optional belt clip holster if it’s convenient for you.

It’s otherwise a pretty standard design for a rugged case: beefy in the corners where it needs to be yet slim and sporty enough as to not turn your phone into a thick brick of plastic. You can get yours from Amazon starting at $18 for the black style, with three other styles available for $20.

See at Amazon

Ringke Fusion

Value Option

Looking for a reliable clear case for the Pixel 2 XL at a very reasonable price? Check out the Ringke Fusion case.

Starting at just $10 for a crystal clear version, these cases offer two layers of protection for your phone — a rugged and shock-resistant TPU bumper combined with a ridged PC panel covering the back. There’s a protective lip around the front to save the display glass from harm, and there are precise cutouts around the fingerprint sensor, camera, and USB-C charging port.

Get the clear version if you want to preserve the original look of the Pixel 2 XL, or opt to spend $11 on the Rose Gold or Smoke Black versions.

See at Amazon

Caseology Vault Series

Most Stylish

Caseology has a couple different cases available for the Pixel 2 XL. We recommend the Vault Series ($8) because it’s got a classic design. Made of flexible TPU, it features a sleek finish along the back and textured grip around the edges. It’s available in black and should look great whether you went with the Just Black or Black and White Pixel 2 XL.

If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, check out the Parallax Series ($16) which offers a slim, two-piece design to keep your Pixel well-protected. It’s also available in some really cool color combinations. Or consider the Legion Series ($14), which offers a more rugged matte shell around the back of the case.

See at Amazon

i-Blason Ares

Best for Drops

If you’re looking for a solid case that provides optimum protection for your Pixel 2 XL, and you’re ok with adding a little bit of bulk to your already large phone, then i-Blason’s Ares case is the one you want. It has extra reinforcement in the corners to provide superior drop protection, has a built-in screen protector, and a transparent back so you can still enjoy the look of your phone.

Pricing starts around $18 for the black version, but you can also snag four other color combinations for around $20 apiece.

See at Amazon

Vena vCommute wallet case

Best Wallet

Vena’s sleek wallet case isn’t your typical folio-style wallet case, and it’s the perfect way to cut down on pocket carry with your Pixel 2 XL. This case features a magnetic flap on the back that covers a slot big enough for about three cards or a couple cards and some cash. There’s a raised lip in the card slot, so even if you only have on card, you can still slide it out easily.

The folding magnetic flap doubles as a kickstand so you can watch video hands-free and can be yours for just $20. If you don’t need the kickstand feature but still want a wallet case, they offer a sleeker credit card slot holder case%7B.cta.shop.nofollow&th=1) for just $12 on the same listing.

See at Amazon

Carved wooden cases

Best Wood Case

Carved has a bunch of great case options available for phones like the Pixel 2 XL, including 52 stylish pre-made option featuring a mix of cool prints and fancy cut wood designs with prices ranging from $29 to $55, along with a selection of classic wood grain cases for just $24.

Carved also allows you to create your own custom case using an online case designer. They also offer the option to get a section of a map engraved or printed onto the case. With the right eye for design, you could design a case that uses the fingerprint scanner as part of your case’s decoration.

See at Carved

Lifeproof FRE case

Best Rugged Case

I suppose you could say we’re saving the best for last. The Lifeproof FRE case is a go-to option for anyone who loves to stay connected while exploring the outdoors and never wants to worry about their phone getting wet or damaged while hiking, biking, or kayaking.

This case is designed to be form-fitting and lightweight while providing 360-degree protection that keeps all water and dust out while also providing great drop protection. It’s also designed to work with Lifeproof’s accessory mounts, which let you attach your phone to your car’s dashboard, an armband for running and hiking, and a bike mounts for riding the trails. This is marketed and sold as a premium case and that’s reflected in the price — at $89, it’s by far the most expensive case on this list. But it’s arguably the most rugged, too, so if you need a case that will live up to your rough and tumble lifestyle, this is the one.

See at Lifeproof

How will you keep your phone protected?

Are you going to be picking up a case for your Pixel 2 XL? Let us know if you’re getting one off our list or opting for a different option in the comments below!

Updated July 2018: Added the Lifeproof FRE case to our list and updated pricing info and buy links!

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

Best Buy
Verizon
Google Store
Project Fi

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

The Galaxy Watch could be Samsung’s best and boldest smartwatch yet — here’s why.

It’s been a hot minute since Samsung released the Gear S3, and while the Gear Sport did a nice job at holding us over for a while longer, it’s time we get a proper sequel to one of 2016’s best smartwatches.

The rumor mill suggests that this year will see Samsung release the successor we’ve been longing for, but instead of a traditional Gear S4, reports are coming out that the new gadget will be called the “Galaxy Watch” and use an operating system Samsung hasn’t dabbled with since 2014.

What is the Galaxy Watch and why should you care about it? Here’s everything you need to know!

The latest Galaxy Watch news

July 10, 2018 — New logo confirms the Galaxy Watch name

Looks like that Galaxy Watch branding is the real deal.

A few short days after that name popped up for the first time, the above logo was spotted going through the Korean Intellectual Property Office — essentially confirming that Samsung’s next watch will be called the Galaxy Watch and not the Gear S4.

July 6, 2018 — Samsung’s next smartwatch might be called Galaxy Watch and use Wear OS after all

The back and forth continues! About a month after Evan Blass put the Wear OS rumors to rest, reliable Samsung tipster Ice Universe shared on Twitter that Samsung’s next smartwatch — named the Galaxy Watch — will run Wear OS after all.

Additionally, it’s also noted that the Galaxy Watch will have a 470 mAh battery, a blood pressure measurement system, and will utilize “new UX interaction” — possibly something to replace the rotating bezel we’ve had since the Gear S2.

All the big details

What’s with this talk about Wear OS?

Almost all of Samsung’s wearable products have used the company’s own Tizen operating system, but with the Galaxy Watch, that could be changing.

Back in late May, it was reported that some Samsung employees had been seen wearing Gear watches running Google’s Wear OS (previously called Android Wear). That rumor was put to rest a couple weeks later, but then on July 6, another tipster stated that the Galaxy Watch will, in fact, use Wear OS instead of Tizen.

While that may seem like a ball out of left field, this wouldn’t be unheard of for Samsung. In 2014, one of the very first Android Wear watches to come out was the Samsung Gear Live.

We’re still not entirely sure what’s going to happen here, but a Wear OS watch from Samsung would be a huge win for the platform as a whole. Google needs big names to back Wear OS, and who better to support it than one of the largest companies on the planet?

When will the Galaxy Watch be released?

Samsung’s yet to release any teasers or press invites for the Galaxy Watch, but even so, we have a couple ideas in mind as to when we’ll get our first official look at it.

The Galaxy Watch will likely be announced in August or September.

Right now, IFA 2018 seems like the most logical place for Samsung to announce its new wearable. IFA is one of the largest mobile trade shows of the year, and if this turns out to be the case, that’ll see the Galaxy Watch get announced between August 31 and September 5.

Secondly, it’s possible that the Galaxy Watch will be announced during Samsung’s Note 9 event on August 9. This seems more unlikely as the press invite shows no reference to the Galaxy Watch, and with the Note being one of Samsung’s biggest products of the year, it probably doesn’t want to have anything draw attention away from it.

How much will the Galaxy Watch cost?

Now, most importantly, let’s talk price.

As much as we loved the Gear S3, its price tag wasn’t the easiest to swallow at the time at $349. However, compared to today’s market, that’s not really unheard of.

A Series 3 Apple Watch with GPS and LTE will set you back at least $399. If you get the model without LTE, you’re still looking at a minimum of $329.

With that in mind, we’ll probably see the Galaxy Watch sell for around $300 – $350 depending on whether or not it has LTE.

That’s certainly not cheap, but if Samsung knocks it out of the park with its design and features, it should be able to hold its over (if not trump) what Apple’s currently offering.

Android Wear

• Everything you need to know about Android Wear 2.0
• LG Watch Sport review
• LG Watch Style review
• These watches will get Android Wear 2.0
• Discuss Android Wear in the forums!

All-in-one remotes, rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth speakers, 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 the Logitech Harmony Ultimate remote control, Eneloop rechargeable batteries, the UE Wonderboom Bluetooth speaker, 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!

Mujjo leather wallet case for Galaxy S9 review: Cut down on your pocket carry

If you’ve been looking to ditch your wallet, this is about as good as it gets.

I’ve gone through a few cases for my Galaxy S9, from Samsung’s delightful Alcantara case to the simple Spigen Liquid Crystal case, and a case from Poetic that ended up falling apart less than half an hour after I unboxed it — don’t buy that one.

Until recently, I always steered clear of cases because I didn’t want to detract from the design and in-hand feel of my phones, particularly when they were made with high-end materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or glass. It’s not the smartest idea, I’ll grant that, and these days I’ve wisened up a bit and started using cases more frequently, but I still go for slim ones that utilize interesting materials — that’s why I’ve been so keen on the Alcantara case that admittedly doesn’t provide much shock absorption. After getting spoiled on the leather case for my iPhone X, I decided I wanted the same material for my S9, and with a bit of searching I came across Mujjo.

Mujjo leather wallet case for Galaxy S9

Price: $49.95

Bottom line: This is the perfect solution for Galaxy S9 users looking to ditch their wallet in style.

The Good

• High-quality, vegetable tanned leather
• Slim design with open access to buttons and ports
• Card slot helps you ditch your wallet
• Available in black and olive

The Bad:

• Not much protection around the sides or bottom
• Card slot doesn’t hold as many cards as advertised
• Not available in the U.S.

See at Amazon

Premium look and feel

Mujjo leather wallet case What I like

It’s extremely hard to find a good wallet case for an Android phone that isn’t just a slotted folio, my absolute least favorite form factor. In fact, even Mujjo only recently started making Android cases — this leather case for the Galaxy S9 is the company’s first, with previous models only available for the iPhone.

This case is terrifically well-made. Mujjo uses vegetable tanned leather for its wallet cases, traded with aniline oil that creates a deeper, richer color that wears into a nice patina over time. Though I haven’t had my case long enough to see that patina form, it’s easy to find dozens of users’ worn cases with a quick search on Instagram. Taking a closer look at the case, there’s a great-looking full grain, and yes, it even has that desirable leather smell.

On the inside of the case, there’s a thin lining of Japanese satin microfiber, which protects the Galaxy S9’s glass backing and provides a bit of extra padding. The Mujjo logo is etched inside near the bottom, which is a nice touch of craftsmanship. At every turn, this is a premium, high-end case that looks and feels every bit worth its cost.

Around the back is the highlight feature of the case, its wallet pouch, which Mujjo says will hold two to three bank cards. I love the idea of this, especially for a phone like the Galaxy S9 that features Samsung Pay. In theory, you can carry your driver’s license and your primary credit or debit card, then store any other cards you might want to use digitally and leave your actual wallet behind. In fact, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing, and it’s been great to have a free pocket for once.

Stiff pocket

Mujjo leather wallet case What could improve

That wallet pouch is the cause of some disappointment too, however. Again, Mujjo says the case can hold two to three cards, but in my experience, even two can be a struggle. Sliding cards into the pouch is just as difficult at first as taking them back out; you can alleviate this a bit by inserting one too many cards and letting the leather stretch out.

After forcing three cards into the case and leaving it overnight, it’s now much easier, albeit still a challenge, to work with two cards. You’ll run into the most trouble when storing cards that feature raised text, which obviously adds a bit of thickness to the stack. I found that gift cards and flat cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred work best with this case, though I still wish Mujjo would’ve just used two slots like the excellent Twelve South RelaxedLeather case for the iPhone X.

The Mujjo leather wallet case also isn’t necessarily the most protective. In addition to being as thin as it is, there are fairly large cutouts around the hardware buttons and all along the bottom of the phone. I actually prefer this, since a lot of otherwise great cases end up with soft and mushy buttons that make the phone a pain to use, but it likely won’t keep the buttons safe in the event of a drop.

You should also be aware that wireless charging can negatively affect the magnetic strips in certain cards. Mujjo tests against this, and the cards that I’ve stored in the case have been fine after placing the Galaxy S9 on Samsung’s Fast Charge Wireless Charging Convertible Stand, but there’s the possibility that your card may no longer work at payment terminals, so it may be best to take the case off of your phone before placing it on a wireless charger.

Worth importing

Mujjo leather wallet case for Galaxy S9

I had high hopes for the Mujjo case, and to my delight, it lived up to almost all of them. I definitely wish the wallet slot were a bit less stiff, since I really can’t imagine the case holding three bank cards as advertised, but it’s good enough to hold two cards with relative ease (after a bit of stretching), and the vegetable tanned leather looks, feels, and even smells fantastic.

4.5
out of 5

If you’re looking for the most protective case on the market, this definitely isn’t it, but you know that going in. Instead, this case is the perfect companion to the Galaxy S9, allowing you to replace your wallet with digital cards and a backup for when Samsung Pay doesn’t work. If that’s your thing, I can’t recommend this case enough.

See at Amazon

PSA: If You Recently Bought a 2017 MacBook Pro, You Might Be Able to Get a Refund

If you recently purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro prior to today’s announcement of the new 2018 models, it’s possible that Apple might allow you to return the machine for one of the updated 2018 MacBook Pros.

There’s a two-week return policy on all Apple products, so if your 2017 MacBook Pro was purchased within the last 14 calendar days, you can return it no questions asked to purchase a new 2018 MacBook Pro instead.

If it’s been longer than two weeks, there’s still a chance Apple will let you make an exchange. A Reddit user purchased a new 2017 MacBook Pro a month ago, and took it to the Apple Store to see if he could return it to purchase a new model and to take advantage of the current Back to School sale offering free Beats headphones.

The Apple employee he spoke with did indeed let him return the 2017 machine that was purchased 30 days ago.

I explained my situation and how I saw that they just released the new machines today along with the Beats deal and asked if they might have some mercy for me and let me exchange it for the new one or at least get free Beats. The guy I spoke too said he completely understood my situation and had been there himself, he let me refund my 2017 MBP completely on the spot without even a receipt and told me the cash will be back to me in 2-3 days, at which point I can reorder the new one from the education store for the same price I did before and get my Beats.

In the past, Apple has been generous with returns when new Mac models are released, so it’s no surprise that at least one person has been able to exchange a month-old machine for the newer 2018 model.

It’s not store policy to allow for exchanges after 14 calendar days though, so while it’s absolutely worth visiting an Apple Store to plead your case for a return if you purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro in the last month or so, there’s no guarantee that your local store will allow it.

In situations like these, the decisions are left up to the employees at each individual store, so your experience may differ than the Reddit user who was able to get a refund.

The new 2018 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors from Intel which bring major speed improvements, up to 32GB RAM (15-inch MacBook Pro), up to 4TB of solid state storage, Retina displays with True Tone, revamped keyboards with quieter keys, and a T2 chip for improved security and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality.

Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer’s Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

Key Takeaways of 2018 MacBook Pro vs. 2017 MacBook Pro

Apple today introduced new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar models, now available to order from its online store.

As with any new product launch, there is a wealth of information to sift through, so we’ve created a list of key takeaways about the 2018 MacBook Pro lineup, particularly as it compares to the 2017 MacBook Pro lineup.

• 2018 MacBook Pros feature eighth-generation Intel Core processors. Apple says the 15-inch model is up to 70 percent faster, and the 13-inch model is up to two times faster, than the equivalent 2017 models with seventh-generation Intel Core processors in benchmarks.

  15-inch models can now be maxed out with a 2.9GHz six-core Core i9 processor, while the previous generation topped out at a 3.1GHz quad-core Core i7. Quad-core 13-inch models with the Touch Bar are now available, up to 2.7GHz, while 2017 models were dual-core up to 3.5GHz.

• 15-inch models have much-requested support for up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, compared to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM on 2017 models, accommodated by a 10 percent increase in the battery‘s watt-hour rating. Overall battery life remains up to 10 hours per full charge.
• AMD’s Radeon Pro graphics cards now come with 4GB of GDDR5 memory standard on 15-inch models, while 13-inch models now have 128MB of embedded DRAM, compared to 64MB on 2017 models.
• 2018 MacBook Pros have an Apple T2 chip with “Hey Siri” support, versus an Apple T1 chip in 2017 models. The T2 chip integrates several previously separate components, including the system management controller, image signal processor, audio controller, and SSD controller.
• Apple now offers doubled SSD storage capacities of up to 2TB for 13-inch models and up to 4TB for 15-inch models, compared to up to 1TB for 13-inch models and up to 2TB for 15-inch models in 2017.
• 2018 MacBook Pros now feature True Tone displays, including the Touch Bar, on 13-inch and 15-inch models. Like the latest iPhone and iPad displays, the white balance automatically adjusts to match the color temperature of the light around you for a more natural viewing experience.
• 2018 MacBook Pros now feature an “improved third-generation keyboard for quieter typing,” but they still use butterfly switches, and it’s unclear if the new keyboard addresses the issues with sticky, repeating, or unresponsive keys that prompted Apple’s new service program.
• 2018 MacBook Pros feature Bluetooth 5.0, up from Bluetooth 4.2. 802.11ac Wi-Fi remains unchanged.
• 2018 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar models have the same overall design as their 2017 equivalents, with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Space Gray or Silver finishes, and so forth. The 13-inch model still weighs three pounds, and the 15-inch model still weighs four pounds.
• 13-inch models start at $1,799 and 15-inch models start at $2,399 in the United States, the same pricing as 2017 models. However, configure-to-order prices top out higher, primarily due to larger storage options.
• 13-inch MacBook Pro models without the Touch Bar were not refreshed today.

MacRumors will have continued coverage of the new MacBook Pro lineup throughout the week, so keep checking back.

Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer’s Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

U.S. Department of Justice Files Appeal to Block AT&T and Time Warner Merger

A month after a judge approved AT&T’s $85.4 billion purchase of Time Warner with no conditions, the United States Department of Justice has announced plans to appeal the merger’s approval.

In a court document filed with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the DoJ announced its formal appeal. No additional data was included in the initial document.

Notice is hereby given that the United States of America, plaintiff in the above named case, appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from the final judgment entered in this action on June 12, 2018.

AT&T first announced its plan to purchase Time Warner in late 2017, but the acquisition was put on hold when the DoJ filed a lawsuit to put a stop to the merger based on the grounds that it would result in higher bills and fewer options for consumers.

A judge in June, however, ruled that the merger was legal, and while the Justice Department said it was disappointed in the court’s ruling and would consider its next steps “in light of [its] commitment to preserving competition for the benefit of American consumers,” it ultimately decided not to interfere with a stay at the time that the ruling was announced.

Just days after the judge’s approval, AT&T completed its acquisition of Time Warner, but the DoJ is still able to appeal the decision even after the completion of the merger.

Shortly after the acquisition, AT&T announced a new WatchTV service that offers AT&T wireless subscribers under the new “AT&T Unlimited &More” and “AT&T Unlimited &More Premium” plans access to more than 30 live channels and 15,000 TV shows and movies on demand. These new plans are more expensive than AT&T’s previous unlimited wireless plans, but includes WatchTV. On a standalone basis, WatchTV is $15 per month.

While AT&T said that its prices would not increase following the merger, it raised prices on its DirecTV Now plans by $5. AT&T also recently raised its administrative fees for postpaid wireless subscribers to $1.99, which some analysts have speculated is to make up for the expense of the Time Warner purchase.

Tags: AT&T, Time Warner
Discuss this article in our forums