Google Assistant should actually take some notes from Bixby

Google Assistant may be bigger and better than Samsung Bixby, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing Google could learn from it.

Bixby isn’t all bad. There, I said it.

Samsung’s take on the AI assistant has been widely panned since it debuted back on the Samsung Galaxy S8, and few things have been more hated on the last few Samsung flagships than Samsung Bixby and it’s dedicated and mostly useless Bixby button — which you can’t disable on the Galaxy Note 9. Sure, Bixby’s rollout was slow, its functions aren’t as consistent or as all-encompassing as Google Assistant, and since Bixby is limited to Samsung devices, it can’t be used in nearly as many places. But that doesn’t mean Bixby is worthless.

There are a few valuable lessons and features that bigger, better AIs like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa could stand to learn from the little button that can’t.

Give Assistant a makeover

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: dark themes should be the norm, not the exception on Android, and while manufacturers have been giving us dark themes more readily than Google the last 5 years, no one has done quite so many and quite so easily as Samsung. Galaxy Themes allow users to dye many Samsung apps black, and while those these don’t quite extend to Bixby, that’s okay. Bixby lets you choose from one of five background color themes that are used for Bixby’s voice popups and full-page dialogs.

The options available to users are somewhat repetitive — two are teal-based and two are purple-based — but the ability to give Bixby a darker look means it won’t blind you when it randomly wakes up in the middle of the night the way Assistant’s blinding white will. Changing the color of the Bixby prompt is a bit like changing the wallpaper on your phone: it’s not hard to do, and it makes the phone feel more personal.

Speaking of personalization, Bixby gives each of its three voices a distinct, human name, which in turn helps the choices feel more human and more casual for users who are supposed to carry on conversations and build trust with Bixby. Google Assistant’s voices have upgraded from Voices 1-8, but instead of human names, we have color names with no voice personality descriptions. Is Red more aggressive? Is Amber bright and cheerful like her color? The voice of a personal assistant needs to be personable; it needs personality and empathy for people to trust it more.

Upping your game

The problem with Bixby’s themes was that at Bixby’s debut, most of the good and dark themes were locked until you hit a certain level with your Bixby Points. Up until a few weeks ago, you got points for using Bixby, points that could be used to climb the leaderboards or redeemed for gift cards. More points were given when you used new commands or features, and if Bixby got something wrong, you could get extra points correcting what it misheard and/or telling it what you actually wanted it to do.

This isn’t an unheard of tactic: Tasker’s AutoApps plugins have used Google Play Games in the past to gamify their not-insignificant learning curves. Tying Google Assistant into Google Play Games and displaying achievements and leaderboards could encourage users to explore all the cool things Google Assistant can do. Sharing these achievements socially could also increase the visibility of what Assistant can do organically.

Even more than leaderboards, though, Google giving users Google Play credit for correcting a wrong answer or clarifying a misheard commands could also help Google’s AI learn even faster. These kinds of surveys already pop up in Google Opinion Rewards from time to time, but allowing it all to be handled within the Google Assistant app could increase the user pool Google gets feedback from — after all, Google Opinion Rewards is free money but not widely known. It would also encourage users to test Assistant’s limits more often in hopes of unlocking more credit for a new app or TV episode.

Touch me, touch me

When Bixby first arrived, there was something it could do that Google Assistant could not — interact with your screen as if you were tapping it. If you asked Bixby to “Open YouTube and Show me all the channels I’ve subscribed to,” it would open the YouTube app to the Subscriptions tab, and then tap the ALL option in the channel carousel. This kind of multi-step action would have been invaluable, if only it had consistently worked with most apps. As it was, Bixby’s complex actions like these didn’t always work with the apps that were supported, and not a lot of apps were supported to begin with.

Instead of trying to dial in precise tap commands for specific commands on its own — tap commands that could change when the app updates its layout — smart assistants like Google Assistant could instead try to emulate taps another way: Battleship. By using a pre-determined grid system for coordinates, it would be possible for Bixby or Google Assistant to navigate the screen however we want without needing us to touch the phone.

“OK Google, tap screen point B7.”

Allowing users to navigate their screen using their voice and standard coordinates would allow Assistant to interact with any app, letting users do just most smartphone tasks hands-free. Going beyond the coolness and convenience this could have for the everyday user, grid-based voice commands could be a huge boost to Accessibility navigation for those with mobility and dexterity problems.

What would you steal from Bixby?

Bixby may have ruined its reputation forever, but there’s a silver lining in everything. What other silver linings and bright spots would you pull from Bixby before sending it up to that great big uninstall bin in the sky?

Bixby’s reputation is tarnished beyond repair

The best exclusive games on PlayStation

• Best Horror
• Best Adventure
• Best Action RPG
• Best Story
• Best Action
• Best JRPG

Best Horror

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

See at Amazon

There is a reason that Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice received so many nominations at the 2017 Game Awards. Ninja Theory put out a game that is nothing short of stunning. With stellar voice acting a motion captured performances it takes elements of Norse mythology and weaves a fantastic narrative exploring the nature of psychosis.

The game blends hack and slash combat elements, horror, and puzzles in a way that provides excellent gameplay all on its own. When you add the surprisingly moving performances from first-time actor Melina Juergens, the powerful score, and tight writing you end up with a game that edges dangerously close to the realm of art.

Bottom line. Do yourself a favor and give this game a spin. I think it does a fantastic job of pushing the envelope of what a video game can be. It is to gaming what art films are to blockbuster cinema.

One more thing Play it with headphones. The clever use of binaural audio design gives you a small taste of psychosis and only serves to deepen the experience.

Best adventure game

Yakuza 0

See at PlayStation Store

The Yakuza series has been quietly plugging away at the construction of a vast gaming world since 2005. With a release nearly every year since its inception one might think that the series has done everything possible within its framework. However, Yakuza 0 released in Japan in 2015 and slipped onto western shores in 2017 and there is plenty of new stuff to keep you busy.

Yakuza 0 acts as a prequel to the Yakuza series. Set in the late 80’s you will follow Goro Majima and Kazuma Kirya as they find themselves wrapped up in a battle between various nefarious underworld entities for control of a small piece of property. This seemingly small issue is just a jumping off point for a winding and interesting plot which boasts all the earmarks of a great Yakuza film.

There is absolutely no dearth of things to keep you busy in the world of Yakuza 0. Aside from the quests directly related to the main storyline, there are plenty of fun and goofy side quests and a boatload of genuinely fun mini-games which have the potential to keep a player busy for hours.

Bottom line. Yakuza 0 has a ton to offer and makes for a fantastic addition to any PS4 library. If you are a fan of the series it is not to be missed.

One more thing. If you have ever wanted to run a cabaret club or own an ever-expanding real estate empire then Yakuza 0 is definitely the place to be.

Best Action RPG

Bloodborne

See at PlayStation Store

Thus far, From Software has done one thing and done it quite well. They have managed to relentlessly brutalize gamers and leave them begging for more. Bloodborne is not a sequel to the “Souls” series but more of a spiritual successor… Or blood successor if you will. Infused with a Lovecraftian-cum-Bram Stoker vibe Bloodborne feels similar to the “Souls” series but switches things up in a number of ways.

You will hack and slash your ways through the streets of Yharnam, a gothic analog for a 19th-century European city, which has been infested by a plague. As you battle your way deep into the city you will have to make strategic use of your wits and your arsenal. You will also die. A lot.

Bottom line. If you love a game that doesn’t hold your hand and rewards you for patience, persistence, and precision then you are going to have a great time in the world of Bloodborne.

One more thing. Bring a snack, those load times are brutal.

Best Story

Horizon Zero Dawn

See at Amazon

If you want a beautiful looking game with a great story, you should look no further than Horizon Zero Dawn. It is chock full of gorgeous visuals and the combat mechanics are intuitive while also managing to be incredibly satisfying. Guerilla Games managed to make a game that had me want to find every unexplored corner of its lush world.

Aside from being fun to play and really good looking they also managed to tell a rip-roaring story. The way the story plays out had me wanting to know more throughout my entire playthrough. As you progress through the game, the story builds and the world deepens. The universe of Horizon Zero dawn seems to be ripe for sequels but it also can stand up all on its own as an example of stellar storytelling and world building.

Bottom line. Horizon Zero Dawn has a lot going for it. It totally justifiably made a ton of 2017’s best-of list. It’s exclusives like this that can draw gamers to specific consoles.

One more thing. The main character is one of the best examples I have experienced in recent years of a well rounded, powerful female lead. I hope to see lots more characters like Aloy in the future.

Best Action

God of War 4

See at Amazon

The wait for the newest entry in the God of War franchise is finally over and it’s a real stunner. Eight games into the series and one might think that it’s gone a bit long in the tooth. However, developer, Santa Monica Games has managed to breathe a whole new life into the series.

Aside from some mechanics and camera changes, one of the biggest adjustments in God of War 4 is in the character of Kratos himself. Santa Monica Games actually managed to humanize a god and that is a herculean feat in and of itself. The humanity of Kratos is expressed in the very real feeling relationship with his son. Kratos intends to lead a normal life with his son. However, just like another famous father once said, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

Bottom line. It is still relatively early in 2018 and there are a lot of games on the schedule for the rest of the year, but you can be certain that God of War 4 will be making a few best of 2018 lists.

One more thing. I spoke a lot about characters in God of War 4. If you’re concerned that I didn’t mention combat and buckets of blood, rest easy. You will be hacking and slashing your way to glory and by the time you’re done, you will be absolutely coated in the viscera of anyone who stood in your way.

Best JRPG

Persona 5

See at Amazon

If you are a fan of JRPG games and you have never given yourself the gift that is Person 5, maybe it’s about time you did. Widely regarded as one of the most stellar JRPGs to ever come down the pike and garnering multitudes of awards and nominations, it is definitely worth your time.

It’s hard to go into exactly what makes this title so awesome in such a small amount of space. However, every element of Person 5 is damn near perfect. The characters and plot are tightly written, the art style is beautiful and engaging, and the music is fantastic in its own right. For my money, it is easily my favorite in the series and certainly stands in contention for one of my favorite JRPGs ever.

Bottom line. Persona 5 is an amazing game with fantastic depth and it is totally worth your $50

One more thing. If you haven’t played the previous games you won’t be lost so you don’t have to worry about that. However, they are all awesome games and are worth picking up in their own right

Conclusion

There are plenty of exclusive games on PlayStation, and these are just some of the best. As we move forward there are more excellent exclusives coming to the fore. As you begin to explore these games and the many others that can only be played on PlayStation there will be laughs, tears, and furious curses waiting for you. Is there a PlayStation exclusive that should have made our list? Are any of your favorites here? Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know about it!

Update, August 2018: Updated to include Best JRPG!

Pixel 3 XL wireless charging confirmed, camera samples shared on Instagram

Everything we know about what’ll likely be one of the year’s best phones.

Google first introduced its Pixel series in 2016, and since then, has been hard at work to establish itself as a serious player in the smartphone market. Google may be one of the most powerful and iconic companies in the world, but when it comes to hardware, is still very much a newcomer.

We saw vast improvements with the Pixel 2 compared to the original Pixel line, and we’re expecting to get that again with the Pixel 3. Google’s quickly learning what it takes to compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple, and seeing as how the Pixel 2 was one of 2017’s best phones, there’s a lot riding on this year’s entry.

Ladies and gentlemen, here’s everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 3.

The latest Pixel 3 news

August 22, 2018 — Leaked video confirms wireless charging on Pixel 3 XL; Camera samples shared on Instagram

Thanks to various hands-on photos, we’ve known for a while that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will come with all-glass backs. However, up until now, it’s been a mystery as to whether or not wireless charging will make its way to the phones.

At least for the larger Pixel 3 XL, a video that was shared by user @khoroshev on Twitter confirms that this feature is, in fact, present.

pic.twitter.com/XtAtAeWreH

— Максим Хорошев (@khoroshev) August 22, 2018

The video above shows the Pixel 3 XL being placed onto a wireless charging pad, and when it makes a contact, a small animation appears on the screen to show the current battery percentage and to indicate that charging has begun. Google’s obviously yet to confirm the legitimacy of this video, but it sure does seem like wireless charging is a go for the Pixel 3 lineup.

Along with the video, that same person also took to Instagram to share a heap of photos that he supposedly captured with the Pixel 3 XL. Just like the Pixel 2 before it, the pictures showcase great dynamic range, excellent colors, and more. We don’t have access to the full-resolution files seeing as how these were uploaded to Instagram, but even so, it’s a great early look at what’s to come.

You can check out all of the photos here and here.

August 17, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL and its unforgiving notch pop up in Toronto

Surprise, surprise — another Pixel 3 XL leak!

A reader of the Canadian tech site MobileSyrup recently snapped the above photo while riding a streetcar in Toronto. As you can see, the phone shown in the picture appears to be none other than the Google Pixel 3 XL.

While Google’s yet to formally unveil the phone, the device lines up with everything else we’ve seen so far. It’s running Android P, has a chin below the display, and its large notch is impossible to miss.

This photo doesn’t reveal anything we didn’t already know about the phone, but the fact that Google’s got people using these out in the wild confirms that we’re not too far off from an official launch.

August 10, 2018 — Another hands-on video shows the Pixel 3 XL in use while also confirming some specs

The same person that shared those Pixel 3 XL photos and unboxing video from a couple days ago has returned with yet another video that reveals even more about the phone.

In this video, we can see the Pixel 3 XL actually being used. It’s running Android 9 Pie (no surprise there) and appears to have the same UI of the Pixel and Pixel 2 running the new software.

A couple benchmarks results are also shown during the video, and as such, a handful of specs have been confirmed. They include:

• 1440 x 2960 screen resolution
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor w/ Adreno 630 GPU
• 3,430 mAh battery
• 12.2MP rear camera
• 8.1MP front-facing camera (x3)

The most interesting of those specs are the front-facing cameras. Antutu lists three 8.1MP sensors up front, although in the video we can only see two. This could be nothing more than a glitch in the app, or Google could have implemented some sort of mystery camera up there. We really aren’t sure about that one.

August 8, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL appears in more hands-on photos and unboxing video

Previous renders and real-world pictures have already given us a clear look at the Pixel 3 XL’s design, and to help make that image as clear as humanly possible, SlashLeaks recently shared three additional hands-on photos and an unboxing video of the phone.

One of the photos shows the back of the white Pixel 3 XL while the other two showcase the front. We once again see that Google will be sticking with just one rear camera and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and unfortunately, that notch hasn’t shrunk at all since the last time we saw it.

Moving over to the unboxing video, it’s apparent that Google’s using very similar packaging compared to the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. The box does contain a pair of wired USB-C earbuds in addition to the Pixel 3 XL, but seeing as how Google experimented with this idea for last year’s release, we aren’t entirely sure if the free buds will stick around for the final retail packaging.

August 6, 2018 — October 4 launch date leaked for the Pixel 3

While we’ve seen plenty of leaked renders and specs for the Pixel 3, talk about its release date has been fairly quiet. That is, up until now. As spotted by Brandon Lee from the YouTube channel This is Tech Today, the Pixel 3 is shown to be released on October 4 according to the website Famebit.

Famebit is a website that allows companies to connect with content creators and work out deals to create sponsored content for YouTube videos, Instagram posts, etc. An ad on the site was recently created by Google and asks for Canadian creators to switch to the Pixel 3 and then making a video talking about their experience.

In this listing, it’s stated that “The Pixel 3 phone is launching October 4, 2018.”

While there’s no way to confirm if this ad really was created by Google, that October 4 date is what we were previously expecting anyways. That’s the same day Google used to announce the Pixel and Pixel 2 before, so it makes sense that it’d keep the trend going this year.

July 30, 2018 — Clearly White Google Pixel 3 XL shows up in new leak

We just got our best look at the Google Pixel 3 XL courtesy of XDA. The images in question show off the Clearly White color option, and the live photos confirm a cutout at the front and a single rear camera. We can also make out a single speaker located below the display.

The XDA leak once again reaffirms the presence of a glass back on the Pixel 3 XL, with the finish alternating between glossy and matte. A glass back opens up the possibility for wireless charging, but for now there’s no further information as to whether the feature will make its way to the device.

July 28, 2018 — ‘Pixel Stand’ could be a wireless charger for the upcoming Pixels

A teardown of the Google app by the folks at XDA has served up interesting information. The code references something called a Pixel Stand, leading to suggestions that it will be a wireless charging dock for the upcoming Pixels.

According to XDA, the Pixel Stand will feature Assistant integration, and will be able to offer personalized suggestions and answer queries when the phone is docked.

June 27, 2018 — Pixel 3 and 3 XL renders show the phones from every possible angle

As if previous leaks of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL haven’t been revealing enough, MySmartPrice teamed up with OnLeaks to share a boatload of both photo and video renders of the two phones.

These renders confirm a lot of what we’ve previously seen, including things like an all-glass back for both phones, single rear cameras, and a notch on the larger Pixel 3 XL.

However, while earlier rumors suggested that only the 3 XL would have two front-facing cameras, these renders show that the regular Pixel 3 will have them, too.

The Pixel 3’s display is said to measure in at 5.4-inches with an 18:9 aspect ratio, whereas the Pixel 3 XL will have a 6.2-inch screen and 19:9 setup. As for the dimensions, we’re looking at 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9mm for the Pixel 3 and 158 x 76.6 x 7.9mm for the 3 XL.

June 18, 2018 — Case render confirms Pixel 3 XL design

Ice Universe on Twitter has built up a reputation for being pretty accurate about leaks/rumors in the mobile space, and on June 18, they shared a case render that further confirms the Pixel 3 XL’s design.

Like we saw with the hands-on photos on June 7 and 8, the Pixel 3 XL will have a notch in its screen, dual front-facing cameras, stereo speakers, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a single rear camera.

It’s peculiar that Google’s choosing to use two cameras on the front while keeping just one on the back, but based on how excellent the Pixel 2’s single rear camera is, I don’t expect this will be a downside at all.

June 8, 2018 — Pixel 3 XL shown off in six more hands-on pictures

Less than a day after those first two hands-on photos of the Pixel 3 XL surfaced, six more have appeared.

These additional photos showcase the Pixel 3 XL from every possible angle, and when XDA Developers reached out to their forum member that shared them, they were able to confirm that the phone has a full glass back. In other words, it’s possible this year’s Pixel line may finally adopt wireless charging.

The front and back photos are pretty similar compared to what we saw yesterday, but the other images showcase a reflective glass frame around the phone, volume rocker and power/lock button on the right side, and a USB-C port and SIM slot on the bottom.

Also, as 9to5Google pointed out, that mysterious logo on the back of the Pixel 3 XL was used previously with old Pixel 2 prototypes.

June 7, 2018 — Hands-on photos apparently showcase a Pixel 3 XL prototype

Out of the blue, XDA Senior Member meraz9000 shared two photos on the XDA Forums showing what’s supposed to be a prototype of the Pixel 3 XL. There’s obviously no way we can confirm whether or not this is the real deal, but it sure does line up with the display panels that were leaked last month.

The photos show the Pixel 3 XL from both the front and back, with the front reiterating the point that the 3 XL will more than likely have a notch in its screen. For what it’s worth, it does look like we’ll be getting two front-facing cameras and a chin at the bottom to retain stereo front-facing speakers.

Around back, this Pixel 3 XL prototype looks nearly identical to that of the Pixel 2 XL. The glass panel seems to be ever-so-slightly smaller, but that could just be the way the photo was taken.

In any case, what do you think about how the Pixel 3 XL is shaping up?

June 4, 2018 — Google’s apparently working on a mid-range Pixel phone

According to one tipster, Google’s in the process of developing a mid-range Pixel phone that’s codenamed “Bonito” and is powered by the Snapdragon 710 processor.

Rumors of a mid-range Pixel first popped up in April, but the old claim of it launching this July has since been replaced with a release scheduled for the first half of 2019.

That would suggest that Google may launch this new Pixel phone during I/O next year, but with so much discrepancy surrounding the release date, it’s entirely possible it’ll be announced alongside the Pixel 3 in October.

May 30, 2018 (part 2) — Verizon is said to be the exclusive carrier for the Pixel 3, again 😕

A report from Bloomberg recently surfaced confirming a few details about Google’s upcoming phones per a source that’s familiar with their production. According to the report:

• The Pixel 3 series will once again be exclusive to Verizon Wireless in the U.S.
• A notch will be present on the larger Pixel 3 XL
• Google will announce/launch the phones in October
• Foxconn will manufacture the Pixel 3/3 XL
• Stereo speakers will be present on both phones
• The Pixel 3 XL will have dual front-facing cameras
• “Both models will include upgraded, single-lens cameras on the back”

May 30, 2018 — LG will reportedly manufacture the Pixel 3 XL’s OLED display

Just a couple days after the Pixel 3 XL’s notched panel leaked, a report’s come out of Korea claiming that Google will once again use LG to manufacture and supply an OLED screen for the phone.

Furthermore, an official from LG Display that remains anonymous said, “We have maintained close ties with Google and the volume will not be much different from the previous one (the Pixel 2 XL).”

If this turns out to be true, one can only hope that LG’s improved the quality of its mobile panels since last year. The LG-made Pixel 2 XL display was the center of a lot of controversy for the phone’s first few weeks out in the wild, and Google really can’t afford to go through that again with gen-three.

What do you think about LG making the Pixel 3 XL’s display?

May 28, 2018 — The Pixel 3 goes 2:1 and the Pixel 3 XL gets a notch

Here’s an interesting leak that, while not necessarily all-telling, gives us an indication of where Google is taking the series in 2018. Specifically, the larger Pixel 3 XL looks to have a notch while the smaller Pixel 3, though moving to a 2:1 aspect ratio, will lack one. At the same time, we see some sensors that may indicate Google is adding either a second front camera to the phones or, more likely, some sort of dedicated biometric sensor for faster/more reliable face unlock.

The leak comes from Weibo (by way of Slashleaks) and reportedly shows two front glass panels for the new phones. Given that we’re almost in June, this would be the time for accessory makers to begin testing products for the final phone design. It’s also good to see Google maintaining dual front-facing speakers for the lineup.

What do you think of this latest leak?

May 10, 2018 — The Pixel 3 could be joined by second-gen Pixel Buds and a Pixel Watch

Google’s hardware events surround the Pixel phones with a heap of other product announcements, and this year, it’s reported that we’ll see a second-gen version of Pixel Buds and Google’s first Pixel-branded smartwatch.

Specifics on these gadgets are still up in the air, and as excited as I am to see how Google improves its wireless earbud game, I’m beyond ecstatic to see how the company’s first smartwatch turns out.

Wear OS is in an awkward stage right now, but a proper Pixel Watch and new silicon from Qualcomm could bring it back into the limelight. Assuming Google handles this right, the Apple Watch may soon be faced with some of its stiffest competition yet.

When will the Pixel 3 be released?

In 2016 and 2017, Google held its hardware event on October 4. We don’t have a concrete date for this year’s event quite yet, but there’s no reason to believe Google will deter from this pattern.

Another October 4 event isn’t out of the question seeing as how that falls on a Thursday this year, but at the very least, we should be looking at some point in early October.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 3 will likely open shortly after it’s announced that same day with shipments going out at least a couple of weeks later.

How much will the Pixel 3 cost?

Over the past couple years, pricing for Google’s Pixel phones has remained mostly the same. The MSRP for the Pixel and Pixel 2 series is as follows:

• Pixel w/ 32GB — $649
• Pixel w/ 128GB — $749
• Pixel 2 w/ 64GB — $649
• Pixel 2 w/ 128GB — $749
• Pixel XL w/ 32GB — $769
• Pixel XL w/ 128GB — $869
• Pixel 2 XL w/ 64GB —$849
• Pixel 2 XL w/ 128GB — $949

I imagine we’ll see similar numbers with the Pixel 3, but don’t be too surprised if we get a Pixel 3 XL variant that crosses the $1000 threshold.

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

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What’s new on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu in September 2018

Black Panther lands on Netflix on Sept. 4. (Image credit: Netflix)

Black Panther. King Lear. … And probably some other king things.

A new month is nearly upon us, and that means it’s time to take a look at what’s coming to some of your favorite streaming TV services. Three of them, in fact.

What’s new on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu? All kinds of things.

Black Panther hits Netflix on Sept. 4, so you can fight for the future of Wakanda all over again. And we’re absolutely looking forward to the trippy Netflix original Maniac as well. Amazon Prime Video has original series like Pete the Cat (it’s one groovy kids show) and family thriller Forever. And on Hulu, you’ll find some of your favorite series and movies, along with fresh live shows.

One way or another, there’s something for everyone in September.

What’s new on Netflix in September 2018What’s new on Amazon Prime Video in September 2018What’s new on Hulu in September 2018

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These are the best accessories for the Galaxy Note 9

The Note 9 is already an amazing phone, but it can be even better with a few extra accessories!

If you pre-ordered a Galaxy Note 9, you’re probably getting pretty excited by now — it should be arriving in just a couple of days, after all! You’re about to get right into one of the most powerful phones on the market, complete with its new Bluetooth-enabled S Pen and massive, beautiful display.

Believe it or not, though, even a $1000 superphone can be further improved with a few choice accessories.

• Whitestone Dome Glass
• Samsung Wireless Charger Duo
• Samsung Galaxy Watch
• AKG N60NC

Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector

Before you even think about taking your phone out of the box, you should have some kind of protection ready. There are a million cases to choose from, but for the screen, it’s hard to argue with Whitestone’s Dome Glass protector. It’s one of the few that wraps around the Note 9’s curved glass panel, and won’t affect S Pen functionality.

See at Amazon

If you’ve ever shopped for glass screen protectors for a Samsung device before, you know how difficult it is to find one that adheres properly to a curved display. Whitestone’s Dome Glass protector may be a bit pricey at $44.99 (or $59.99 for a two-pack), but it’s worth it for that alone — and let’s be honest, your $1000 phone deserves better than a cheap screen protector anyway.

Samsung Wireless Charger Duo

The Wireless Charger Duo is the latest in Samsung’s long line of fast wireless chargers, and as the name implies, it charges two devices at once. You can’t flatten the stand like with the Fast Charge Wireless Charging Convertible, but it’s a perfect desk setup for people with a second phone or a smartwatch.

See at Amazon

$120 is pretty steep for a wireless charger — especially when you can buy two of Samsung’s convertible chargers for less money — but the Wireless Charger Duo only occupies one spot on your desk, and it’s made specifically with the Galaxy Note 9 in mind. Not to mention, it looks pretty great on a desk.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

You need something to occupy the second spot on that wireless charger, right? The Galaxy Watch is perfect for managing notifications and tracking fitness, and its rotating bezel makes navigating through the Tizen interface a joy. It comes in two sizes, so you don’t have to settle for a watch that’s too big or too small.

See at Samsung

It may seem strange to call a $330 smartwatch an accessory, but … well, that’s exactly what it is. Depending on where you stand, the lack of WearOS is either the best or worst part of the Galaxy Watch, but either way, it’s hard to argue with its modern design and days-long battery life.

AKG N60NC Noise-Canceling Headphones

Some airline employees may still be wary of the Galaxy Note name, but rest assured — you can definitely fly with the Note 9. Of course, the best way to fly is with noise-canceling headphones, and the AKG N60NCs come bundled with the phone for pre-orders. It doesn’t get much better than that.

See at Best Buy

The N60NCs offer the audio quality you’d expect from a brand like AKG, along with active noise-canceling, long battery life, and a compact design that all amount to a great pair of headphones for travel. If you missed out on the pre-order bundle deal, you can still grab the N60NCs for a penny shy of $300.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

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Switch between devices wirelessly with Logitech’s $20 Bluetooth Keyboard

This compact keyboard can get the job done in no time.

Logitech’s Bluetooth Keyboard K480 is capable of connecting with up to three devices simultaneously, and right now Amazon has it available for just $19.99 for today only. That’s not only a match of its lowest price ever there, but it’s also a discount of $8 off what it sells for on average. This deal is part of a larger sale on Logitech PC accessories going on today.

This compact keyboard works with Bluetooth devices universally and has the ability to connect and switch between up to three devices. With that feature, you can easily fly between using the keyboard with a tablet to using it with your phone and then back again. It can connect to devices up to 33 feet away and also features an integrated cradle which can hold a phone or tablet in front of you while you’re typing.

It’s compatible with Windows and Mac computers, along with Android and iOS devices. You could connect it to a Chromebook too. Logitech includes a one-year warranty with its purchase. At Amazon, over 2,200 customers reviewed this keyboard resulting in a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

See at Amazon

Tim Cook Poised to Receive Around $120 Million in Apple Stock as Tenure and Performance Award

Apple CEO Tim Cook is poised to receive 560,000 shares of Apple stock on Friday, worth approximately $120.4 million based on Tuesday’s closing price of $215.04. The two-part award is tied to Cook’s continued service as CEO, and Apple’s relative performance on the stock market under his leadership.

The total includes the vesting of 280,000 restricted stock units for Cook remaining CEO over the past year, and the vesting of another 280,000 restricted stock units for Apple achieving a higher shareholder return than at least two-thirds of other companies in the S&P 500 over the past three years.

Apple’s total shareholder return was 119 percent from August 25, 2015 through Tuesday’s closing bell, outperforming more than 80 percent of firms in the S&P 500, according to Bloomberg. So, unless Apple suffers a major collapse on the stock market in the next 48 hours, Cook will receive all 560,000 shares.

Cook receives these annual awards as part of a grant he received upon succeeding the late Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple in 2011.

Cook will receive an additional 560,000 shares in each of the next three years if he remains CEO, and Apple’s total shareholder return continues to rank among the top-third of companies in the S&P 500. He is also set to receive a lump sum of 700,000 tenure-based shares on August 24, 2021, as part of his grant.

Cook also receives a $3 million salary and earned a $9.33 million cash bonus in 2017, according to Bloomberg.

Cook now has a net worth of around $700 million, according to Bloomberg, but has previously said he plans to give away most of his wealth. Just this week, an SEC filing revealed that Cook recently donated 23,215 shares of Apple stock to charity, worth nearly $5 million based on Tuesday’s closing price.

Apple became the world’s only trillion dollar publicly traded company, in terms of market capitalization, earlier this month.

Tags: Tim Cook, AAPL
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iOS Puzzle Game ‘Monument Valley’ Being Adapted Into Live Action/CG Film

Ustwo Games’ popular iOS and Android puzzle series “Monument Valley” is being turned into a movie, as reported this week by Deadline. Paramount Pictures and Weed Road Pictures have won the rights to the games, and Patrick Osborne has already been selected to develop and direct the first film.

Osborne won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short for his short film “Feast” in 2014, which was shown before “Big Hero 6” in theaters. He has also worked as an animator on Disney films including “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Bolt.” With Monument Valley, Paramount and Weed Road are hoping to launch a family-friendly franchise if the first film does well enough.

“Monument Valley is a one of a kind experience, at once small in its meditative, simple gameplay, as well as enormous in its sense of history,” Osborne said. “I’m privileged to be handed the reins to Ida’s mysterious kingdom, to play in her world of impossible architecture where seeing things differently is everything. I am thrilled to bring this unique world to theaters with the talented storytellers of Paramount and Weed Road.”

In the games, players guide Ida (in the original) and Ro and her child (in the sequel) through a series of mazes that present optical illusion challenges that the player must manipulate to solve. In the film, “contemporary live-action characters” will be sent into Monument Valley’s surreal world and have to figure out a way to get back home.

The original Monument Valley launched on iOS in 2014, and eventually won numerous awards including one of Apple’s Design Awards for that year. The game also went on to be a financial success thanks in part to its avoidance of a free-to-play structure, and four years later the sequel nearly doubled the first-year revenue of the original game.

The rumours are correct. There’s going to be a Monument Valley movie! In collaboration with Paramount Pictures and Patrick Osborne. We couldn’t be more excited. https://t.co/j2riIGZfru pic.twitter.com/XGPBabM3z5

— ustwo games (@ustwogames) August 22, 2018

Deadline’s report doesn’t provide a release window for the Monument Valley film. Currently, Osborne is working as director on an adaptation of the fantasy webcomic Nimona for 20th Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios, which is set for a February 2020 release date. If Osborne moves onto Monument Valley after Nimono, the adaptation of Ustwo’s puzzle game should be released sometime after 2020.

Tags: Monument Valley, Ustwo, Monument Valley 2
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Idle Android Devices Send Data to Google Nearly 10 Times More Often Than iOS Devices do to Apple, Research Finds

Idle Android devices typically send almost ten times as much data to Google as iOS devices send to Apple’s servers, according to new research shared by trade association Digital Content Next.

In a paper titled “Google Data Collection,” Douglas C. Schmidt, a computer science professor at Vanderbilt University, arrives at some stark conclusions regarding how much Google is collecting about consumers who use the company’s products, even when they aren’t interacting with their smartphones and tablets.

Among several findings, Schmidt’s experiments found that an idle Android phone with Chrome web browser active in the background communicated location information to Google 340 times during a 24-hour period. An equivalent experiment found that on an iOS device with Safari open but not Chrome, Google could not collect any appreciable data unless a user was interacting with the device.

In addition, he found that an idle Android phone running Chrome sends back to Google nearly fifty times as many data requests per hour as an idle iPhone running Safari. Overall, an idle Android device was found to communicate with Google nearly 10 times more often than an Apple device communicates with Apple servers.

As well as data transmission frequencies, Schmidt’s research also turned up some of the ways that Google can potentially tie together anonymous data collected through passive means with the personal information of its users.

For example, on an Android device, so-called “anonymous” advertising identifiers that collect activity data on apps and third-party web page visits can get associated with a user’s real Google identity by the passing of device-level identification information to Google servers.

The same goes for the supposedly user-anonymous DoubleClick cookie ID, which tracks a user’s activity on third-party web pages. According to Schmidt’s research, Google can associate the cookie to a user’s Google account when a user accesses a Google app in the same browser that a third-party web page was accessed.

The research follows a recent investigation conducted by the Associated Press which revealed that Google continues to track location data even after a consumer has turned off the setting in many of its apps, including Google Maps.

In response to a query about location history tracking, Google said that it is clear about its location policies, yet the company continues to collect data through app features that come under “My Activity” even when its “Location History” setting is turned off. The practice has since led to a class action lawsuit against the company by a user arguing breach of privacy.

Location information stored in “My Activity” is used for ad targeting purposes, which is still Google’s primary business model. In contrast, Apple uses differential privacy to gather anonymous usage insights from devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, allowing it to crowdsource data from a large number of users without compromising the privacy of any individual.

Apple says the data it collects off-device is used to improve services like Siri suggestions, and to help identify problematic websites that use excessive power or too much memory in Safari, but the data is randomized before being sent from devices, so that its servers never see or receive raw data from users.

When users set up their device, Apple explicitly asks users if they wish to provide usage information on an opt-in basis. If a user declines, no data is collected by Apple unless they choose to opt in at a later time.

Apple executives have said several times that Apple customers are not the company’s product, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has maintained that privacy is a fundamental human right. The company also has a dedicated privacy website that explains its approach to privacy, outlines tools available to customers to protect their privacy, and details government data requests.

Tags: Google, Android, privacy
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The New York Public Library Begins Posting Entire Novels to Instagram Stories

The New York Public Library today launched a new initiative it’s calling “Insta Novels,” in which it will post classic novels and short stories as Instagram Stories. You won’t need a NYPL card or have to live nearby to gain access to Insta Novels as the feature will be available to anyone who has an Instagram account (via The Wall Street Journal).

To start off, the library is offering Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” and plans to next highlight Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis.” The platform was built to “promote reading in general,” as well as expand the brand recognition of the NYPL and its ability to “adapt to the digital era.”

“We want people to understand that libraries aren’t just those brick-and-mortar places full of dusty books,” said Christopher Platt, the NYPL’s chief branch library officer.

Specifically, these novels and stories will be housed on the NYPL’s Instagram page as Story Highlights. The library is dividing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland up in multiple parts, and Part 1 is available to read today. Once you open up the “Alice Part 1” story, the library has created an area on the page to rest your thumb on the screen.

The way Instagram Stories work is that when you place a finger on the story, it pauses as long as you continue to interact with it. So, in order to ensure you can read a full page without the story progressing at a fast speed, you can rest your thumb on the screen, and then lift it to turn the page. Alice Part 1 extends to page 83 and the sixth chapter of Lewis Carroll’s novel, and Part 2 will be added as a Story Highlight tomorrow.

Unlike stories posted to the central area of Instagram, which disappear after 24 hours, stories that you add to your “Highlights” on your account page are permanent. This means that those reading Insta Novels don’t have to worry about finishing the books in under a day, although there doesn’t appear to be any way to save your progress if you don’t finish the story in one sitting.

The library worked with advertising agency Mother in New York to create Insta Novels, with Mother chief creative officer Corinna Falusi stating that the experience is “unmistakably like reading a paperback novel.”

Tag: Instagram
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