Google ‘inadvertently’ added a government helpline number to contact lists of all Android phones in India

Google apologizes for coding a government agency’s number into all Android phones in India.

Over the course of this week, several Android users in India took to Twitter over the mysterious appearance of a government helpline number on their devices. The number in question is the toll-free helpline (1-800-300-1947) for the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the government agency that oversees the Aadhaar biometric identity program.

The agency’s number seemingly popped up on all Android phones in the country, irrespective of manufacturer or platform version. The initial blame was put on UIDAI, which isn’t having the easiest time of late after several security vulnerabilities were found in the way it handled the Aadhaar database. The Aadhaar initiative launched as a way to provide a 12-digit unique identifier that relies on biometric data (retinal and fingerprint scans), but in recent months the program was plagued by security leaks that exposed data of hundreds of millions of users.

For its part, UIDAI denied any involvement in the appearance of its number on contact lists of Android users all over the country, and said that the particular toll-free number wasn’t even in use anymore. I noticed the number on my contacts list a few years ago, but I assumed it was added by my carrier (Airtel) as it showed up at the same time as the numbers for Airtel’s value-added services.

That isn’t the case here, as Google admitted that it was the one that coded UIDAI’s helpline number as well as a distress number (112) to the Android setup wizard back in 2014, which was subsequently released to EOMs. As a result, all users that set up their Android devices in the country had those numbers automatically added to their contact lists.

Google didn’t go into detail as to why it added those numbers in the first place, only stating that it was done so “inadvertently.” In a statement, Google has apologized for the issue, and said that it will roll out an updated setup wizard to device makers in the country that doesn’t include these numbers.

We would like to assure everyone that this is not a situation of an unauthorised access of their Android devices. Users can manually delete the number from their devices.

We will work towards fixing this in an upcoming release of SetUp wizard which will be made available to OEMs over the next few weeks.

MrMobile goes hands-on with Motorola’s “5G” smartphone

Before yesterday, I did not care one lick about the coming 5G smartphone revolution. After all, 4G speeds were plenty for my needs – and more importantly, I’d been there for the early days of 4G. Not LTE, mind you, but Sprint-served WiMAX: the wireless world’s worst case of over-promising and under-delivering. The notion of going through that mess again seemed deeply unappealing.

That’s probably a big part of why Motorola flew a bunch of press out to the company headquarters in Chicago this week. The company that essentially invented the cellular phone just announced the first “5G-upgradable” smartphone thanks to the magic of Moto Mods, and it wanted to drum up some excitement. With lab tours showcasing RF testing and guests from Verizon and Qualcomm answering in-depth tech questions, it had the desired effect on this geeky YouTuber: I’m much more excited for 5G than ever before.

That’s not to say I’m totally sold, though. The Moto Z3 that serves as the platform for the 5G Moto Mod is one of the most forgettable phones of 2018; the Moto Mod itself is big and bulky and won’t launch for another few months; and the 5G network that powers all this buzzworthy stuff is still in the very early stages of rollout. Add in some lingering disappointment about the launch event not quite living up to the hype that Motorola initially whipped up, and you’ll understand why my tone toward the tail end of the above video leans more conservative than usual.

Click on through to that video to go hands-on with the Moto Z3 and the first 5G Moto Mod, make sure you take in Daniel Bader’s in-depth take here at AC – and be sure you’re subscribed to theMrMobile on YouTube so you don’t miss the true 5G smartphone test when the time comes!

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Surface Go has one of the lowest manual repair scores on the planet

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If you purchase Microsoft’s new Surface Go thinking you will be able to manually repair the device if something happens, think again. The iFixit website, which thrives on tearing apart devices and scoring their reparability, gives the Surface Go an extremely low 1 out of 10 rating. Simply put, you’re not going to repair this device without going postal.

If you’re not familiar with the Surface Go, it’s Microsoft’s latest tablet/detachable with a starting price of $400. It sports a 10-inch PixelSense screen with a decent 1,800 x 1,200 resolution powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, integrated graphics, up to 8GB of system memory, and Windows 10 in S Mode.

As for ports and networking, the Surface Go includes one USB-C port, a Micro SD card reader, a headphone jack, a Surface Connect port and a Surface Type Cover port. You also get a front-facing camera that supports facial recognition (Windows Hello), another 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 4.1 and Wireless AC.

Now imagine trying to tear into all that to fix a specific component. The device itself is only 0.33 inches thick and requires heat to loosen the adhesive around the screen to pull it off the main body. iFixit uses the $13 iOpener kit that includes a heating pad, suction cups, and various other tools to pry the screen off the main Surface enclosure.

“To our great surprise, the Surface Go has an immediately disconnectable battery!” the report states after the site fully removes the screen. “With no need to fully remove the motherboard, repairability is looking up. Or is it?”

If you were looking to extend the Surface Go’s life by replacing a faulty battery, two giant pads of adhesive will be a massive roadblock. They are apparently hard to remove even when using the site’s $20 adhesive remover kit and plastic cards. iFixit notes that the battery is rather small in regard to longevity at 26.12WHr versus the similarly sized 32.9WHr battery packed into the iPad 6.

Meanwhile, actually removing the motherboard requires pulling out “seemingly endless layers” of shields, tape, and hidden screws. But in order to get to the actual components, you still need to remove additional shielding and fabric stickers. Underneath the surface you will see the Pentium processor, two memory chips, Qualcomm’s Wireless AC / Bluetooth chip, and more.

Despite all the hardware crammed into the 0.33-inch thick enclosure, there are no fans or heat pipes to keep the chips cool. Instead, the Surface Go removes heat using a thin copper shield and thermal paste. It’s a radically different design than the thick copper “tentacles” used to dissipate heat in the latest Surface Pro.

The bottom line with this teardown is that if you encounter a hardware problem with the Surface Go, making repairs is no simple feat outside Microsoft’s own facilities. Repairs will likely be “unnecessarily expensive” unless you have lots of patience, tolerance for extremely small parts and possibly a few stiff drinks on hand to dull the mental pain.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Surface Go vs. Surface Pro
• The Surface Go tablet unofficially leaks online
• Microsoft’s Surface Mobile Mouse is the ideal companion for your Surface Go
• Microsoft Surface Go review
• Microsoft Surface Laptop review

The Best DJI Spark Accessories

While most of DJI’s drone lineup is aimed at more experienced pilots, the DJI Spark is aimed squarely at amateurs and first-time fliers. But what happens after you’ve gotten the hang of your Spark and want more? Don’t go shopping for a bigger and badder drone just yet.

A fairly vibrant third-party accessory and modification community has sprung up around the Spark, giving owners the capability to improve what’s already an outstanding drone. While there’s a ton of options, there are a few in particular that are especially useful. We think these ten accessories are a great starting point to get the most out of your DJI Spark.

Improve Your Photos and Videos

Let’s be honest: the Spark’s biggest limitation is its camera. While the 1080p camera is by no means a slouch and is of pretty high quality, you can only film at 30 frames per second, which results in video that might look choppy to the eye because of the lack of what’s called “motion blur.” To get that cinematic look, the Spark needs a little bit of help.

We recommend picking up PolarPro’s 6-Pack of Standard Series Filters. While a bit pricey at $100, if your main use for drones is photography, these certainly are a must. Think of them as sunglasses for your Spark: each level of filter will reduce your shutter speed more and more. You get two types of filters in this package, either polarized or non-polarized, and they easily fit on your camera’s gimbal and have no negative effect on its operation.

For truly serious drone photographers, you might also want to consider picking up PolarPro’s UV Filter too ($25). While it won’t reduce shutter speed, a UV filter will help eliminate haze from your photos and also protect your lens.

Improve Your Landing and Take Off

Not all of us will have perfect conditions in which to fly, so picking up accessories that make it easier to fly in less than optimal conditions is a good idea. One of our favorites is the PGYTech Landing Pad ($17). This pad can be placed on top of the ground and secured by three plastic pegs to land your drone safely when a flat, smooth surface isn’t available. Measuring in at four feet across, it’s also an accessory that can be used with much larger drones too.

Even if you plan to always land your drone on a flat surface, you might also want to consider PolarTech’s DJI Spark Landing Gear ($25). By lifting the drone about 3/4″ off the ground, this accessory keeps your camera and gimbal out of dust, dirt, and sand. Plus, if the unfortunate hard landing occurs, these things will absorb the shock and lessen the possibility of damage to your drone.

Improve Your Flying

Are you still flying your Spark using only your phone? That’s unfortunate! What you really need to invest your money in is DJI’s Spark Controller ($119). While pricey, you’ll increase your flight range up to 1.2 miles thanks to its much better Wi-Fi. You’ll also gain the capability to use faster speeds in Sport mode — up to 31 miles per hour!

Once you have the controller though, to really do it right we recommend grabbing an old tablet and picking up PGYTech’s Tablet Holder ($25). The base fits into the phone holder of the Spark Controller (it’s also compatible with the Mavic Controller, too), and the adjustable clamp can hold tablets as big as the standard iPad. We typically fly with a tablet rather than a phone, and believe us: the experience is so much better.

Improve Your Safety

Drone flying is generally pretty safe as long as you’re careful about it. But accidents do happen, and many of these accidents occur as a result of the drone’s fast-moving blades. We suggest protecting yourself by purchasing DJI’s Propeller Guards ($19). Easy to attach, these protect both the drone and its surroundings — if for some reason it comes in contact with a person or object.

For even more protection, check out PGYTech’s Spark Hand Guards ($8). If you like to use the Spark’s palm landing feature, we think this is an inexpensive way to protect your fingers and palm during landing and takeoff, and is a definite must have.

Improve Your Experience

This last set of accessories is aimed at enhancing your overall flight experience. While they’re by no means cheap, for the truly drone-addicted, they’re pretty awesome. The first is DJI’s Goggles ($349), which truly change the way you’ll fly your Spark. You’ll be able to control the position of your Spark’s camera by merely turning your head. They’ve also got great battery life of six hours on a single charge, and intelligent flight modes and a touchpad to access key features make this well worth the high ticket price.

Finally, how are you going to carry all these brand new accessories in? We really like OnePlus’ Travel Backpack ($69). This bag has a hefty 20-liter capacity, with a special padded compartment big enough to hold and protect a 15″ laptop. By the way, there’s 11 other pockets on this sucker as well, so for the OCD types among us, you’ll be able to keep everything nice, orderly, and separate — and even have a room for a change of clothes.

Editors’ Recommendations

• DJI Spark review
• DJI Mavic Air review
• The best drones of 2018
• DJI partners up with Microsoft to give drones A.I. superpowers
• The best drones under $500

Spacesuit-inspired streetwear collection celebrates NASA’s 60th birthday

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Heron Preston

Heron Preston

Heron Preston

Heron Preston

Heron Preston

Heron Preston

Some kids dream of being astronauts. Others dream of styling them.

For streetwear designer Heron Preston, that latter dream has finally come true. Sort of. After contacting NASA five years ago, offering to design their future spacesuits, Preston managed to swing a collaboration with the agency, releasing a new line of outerwear to celebrate 60 years of space exploration, reports Collection Space.

The collection — which can be found on Preston’s website — includes hats, T-shirts, jackets, hoodies, pants, socks, belt, and a backpack modeled off of the Apollo astronaut’s life-support system. To promote the line, Preston launched a streetwear-clad mannequin up to the stratosphere.

“I designed the entire collection based on their spacesuits and so I did a bunch of research,” Preston said in a video accompanying the launch. “These guys are going up to space to push humanity into the future.

“You have to move around a lot, you have to be able to hold tools, and so that is why the bag is designed to be multi-convertible, multi-functional into three parts,” he added. “It is a tote bag, the fanny pack and then it is also a backpack — all in one. And it is designed in the shape of a square, which is just like the backpacks that astronauts wear when they do spacewalks.”

It should come as no surprise that working with NASA entail a few constraints. For one thing, Preston had to follow strict guidelines put in place by the space agency when it reintroduced of the iconic “worm” logo used from 1976 to 1992. Colors were limited to red, gray, white, and black print — and the iconic NASA logo couldn’t sit alongside any other logo or shape.

For Preston, the opportunity to work with NASA was well worth whatever creative restrictions he faced. “I think one of the first exciting moments of working with NASA was just getting a reply that they were open to doing to the project with me,” he said.

The designer even went out of his way to ensure some factual accuracy. ”This is the Fall/Winter 2018 collection,” Preston said, “but it says ‘Fall/Winter 1990’ in respect to the actual time that the logo was actually used. 1990 was one of the last years they could use the ‘N-A-S-A’ logo.”

The collection went on sale at his website and fashion retailers on July 27 (NASA was founded on July 29, 1958.). But, if you’re interested, be prepared for astronomical prices. The parka retails for $1,878, the sweatpants for $422, and the socks for $85.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Get your Sagan on with 60 awe-inspiring photos of the final frontier
• The beginner’s guide to backpacking gear
• NASA (again) delays launch of the world’s most powerful telescope
• Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20 sleeping bag hands-on review
• The best backpacking sleeping bags

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 hands-on: Dex gets to work

It’s 2018 and the tablet-laptop hybrid craze is still going strong. We recently saw Microsoft unveil the Surface Go, a tablet hybrid bringing premium Windows to the masses, and even Apple launched a more affordable version of the iPad. Now, Samsung wants to get in the mix with the introduction of the Galaxy Tab S4.

Dex makes Android a usable PC

The Tab S4 is an Android tablet, but you probably won’t use the standard Android interface much. The biggest party trick of Samsung’s new contender is its ability to switch into Dex mode, an Android-based interface from Samsung mirroring a traditional PC experience.

Don’t miss

Samsung DeX review – can your smartphone replace a PC?

Alongside its new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus smartphones, Samsung also unwrapped a new docking accessory designed to harness the power of the Galaxy S8. Called Samsung DeX, it’s meant to allow you to use …

Dex is more than a new interface for Android. It allows for floating windows for apps, pinned files on the desktop, and the ability to use Bluetooth accessories like mice. The experience feels pretty full-proof, but we’ll have to test this more before we can recommend it as a dedicated replacement for your laptop.

If you want to use an external monitor, you can use a USB Type-C adapter to interact with Dex on a bigger display. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use it as an extended monitor. Connecting the tablet forces the Tab S4 into the Android interface while the external monitor maintains the Dex desktop style. Samsung told us that this was to use classic Android apps like YouTube on the tablet while you’re working, but this doesn’t seem very productivity focused. We’re hoping it enables an extended desktop mode in the future.

Made for content consumption and creation

Samsung is known for its panels, and it brought a great one to the Tab S4. The tablet rocks a 10.5-inch 2,560 x 1,600 Super AMOLED display and it looks pretty great. The contrast ratios seemed good during our short span of time with the device, and it’s clear that content consumption was given just as much consideration as productivity.

The bezels on the device have also been significantly reduced from the Tab S3, making it seem much more premium than the last generation. This resulted in the removal of the home button and fingerprint reader, but I prefer the sleekness of the new design. Smaller bezels are less distracting for both work and play, though the loss of biometric authentication is a bit of a drag. You’ll have to type your password for things like banking apps, but you could always use a password manager instead.

More: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 review

Surrounding those bezels are quad stereo speakers tuned by AKG. The tablet also has Dolby Atmos support, meaning it should sound pretty stellar for the size, especially since the sound emits from all sides.

Fortunately, the Tab S4 packs a big 7,300mAh battery to run this display and speaker system. Samsung says you can expect up to 16 hours of video playback from this device, but video playback is not a good representation of actual battery life, so we’ll have to run our own tests separately.

The new tablet also includes a new S-Pen, which has a much more traditional look and feel than the one in the Galaxy Note line. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure for digital painting, but it feels a little cheap. The housing is made of a light glossy plastic, and it feels like you could accidentally crack this thing if you pressed too hard. The inclusion of the S-Pen is still nice, because other options require a separate purchase.

Phone-level specs on a bigger display

The Samsung Tab S4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM, which is probably completely fine for light productivity. You won’t be able to run full applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or Photoshop, but the Android versions of some of these apps are optimized for less powerful hardware as it is. You could absolutely edit photos on apps like Adobe Lightroom CC, but don’t expect a whole lot more out of this thing.

Dex mode would also give you a pretty big advantage during mobile gaming sessions. Android accepts Bluetooth mice and such standard, but the bigger screen and more native compatibility could give you an edge in games like Vainglory. I’ll be testing how useful this actually is in my full review, but for now this seems like a pretty nice option.

All this compatibility is perhaps stunted by the 64GB of storage that comes standard in this device. If you’re going to be using this as a desktop replacement 64GB is probably not enough, but you can upgrade the storage up to 400GB via the microSD expansion slot. There is also a 256GB storage variant, but Samsung hasn’t yet disclosed how much this model will cost.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 specs

The mediocre keyboard should have been included

Probably the most polarizing part of this device for me is the keyboard case. I’m a tactile junkie at heart, and the keys on the keyboard case felt cramped and mushy. They don’t have the nice tactile bounce of Microsoft’s Surface Keyboard accessory. Unfortunately the keyboard is one of the primary reasons to get this device.

There are POGO pins right above the keyboard section of the case to dock the tablet for a secure connection. The magnets are great and feel really secure, yet easy to remove if you need to close the device quickly. You can change some settings to automatically switch to Dex mode when the keyboard is attached which is really cool, but you’ll have to switch back to the primary Android mode manually.

$150 is a lot to pay for such an essential accessory.

The worst part about the keyboard is the fact that it’s available separately, for $150. The Surface Go also pushes the keyboard as a separate accessory, but the Tab S4 starts at $650. To experience the device as intended, you’ll have to pay a hefty $800, as much as a decent Windows laptop. The focus here is obviously portability though, so you’ll have to decide if the cost is worth it for a Snapdragon-based desktop experience.

If you purchase the Tab S4 before September 8 you can receive 50 percent off the keyboard accessory, bringing the total cost down to $725. This is a nice bonus if you’re really hot on the idea of an Android / Dex combo device, but is still pretty pricey if you’re looking for something to replace your laptop. Still, we need some more time with this thing to really determine if it’s worth your time and money.

The full review is coming soon

The Samsung Tab S4 launches Aug. 10, just one day after the company’s Galaxy Note 9 event. If you’re really antsy, you can reserve your tablet through Samsung.com, but we’ll be putting together our final thoughts before then.

What are your thoughts on the Samsung Tab S4? Let us know in the comments section below.

See it at Samsung

Next: Samsung Galaxy Note 9: All the rumors in one place

IrisVision uses VR to help people with fading eyesight to see again

From gaming to workplace training, virtual reality can be used for a broad range of applications. Here’s one we’ve not previously come across, however: Helping restore sight for people who are legally blind. That’s what a company called IrisVision is doing, with a smartphone-based VR system that uses the phone’s camera to help people with severe macular degeneration to see better. While it doesn’t actually cure blindness, it does enable users with this vision disorder to carry out tasks — such as reading — that they would otherwise find impossible.

Macular degeneration is a medical condition that often occurs in older people, which is why it is sometimes known as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). It doesn’t result in total blindness, but it does cause blurred or no vision in the center of a person’s visual field. As a result, it can make it difficult to recognize faces, drive, read, and perform a variety of other activities.

The IrisVision solution is a VR headset which holds a smartphone, in this case a Samsung Galaxy handset. The phone records a person’s surroundings and displays this in real time in a person’s periphery, where they still have vision. The user is able to magnify the image as much as is required in order to see. As a result, the brain no longer perceives the blind spot in the center of a person’s vision. The software the company has developed automatically focuses in on what someone is looking at. This means that they can switch between looking at objects that are extremely close-up, such as a book, or far away, such as a landscape, without having to manually adjust the magnification.

In a study carried out with 30 people who used the IrisVision technology for two weeks, the device was reportedly shown to improve vision to 20/30 — which is extremely close to 20/20 vision.

The technology is now being used in 80 ophthalmology centers around the United States. It costs $2,500, including the price of a Samsung Gear VR headset, plus a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S8 smartphone. The company next plans to modify the software so that it works with other vision disorders.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Samsung Galaxy S9 review
• Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus review
• Debating between Apple and Samsung phones? Open your eyes a little wider
• Blackberry Key2 vs. Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus: Is it a contender?
• Oculus Go review

Awake’s stunning new electric surfboard promises good surfing even on flat water

What do you get when you cross surfing with cutting-edge technology? Something like the Awake Rävik, a stunning new stand-up electric carbon surfboard that promises to let you get in a scintillating surf session even when the water is flat and free of waves.

“Our premier creation, Awake Rävik, is a high-performance electric surfboard,” Daniel Aronsson, founder and COO of Swedish electric watercrafts company Awake Boards, told Digital Trends. “The speed is controlled by a wireless throttle, which also provides the rider with detailed information, such as battery life and riding speed. You steer the board by simply shifting your body weight.”

Awake Rävik isn’t the first electric surfboard we’ve covered here at Digital Trends, although it may well be up there with the best. It’s powered by a patent-pending drivetrain called Awake Direct drive, which offers “raw power and acceleration that is unmatched in our industry.” It is capable of hitting its top speed of 30 knots, or 35 miles per hour, regardless of whether you are riding the board in choppy surf or on a flat, glass-like lake. Acceleration is every bit as impressive, with the Awake Rävik capable of accelerating from stationary to 31 miles per hour in a mere 4 seconds.

“Other than the performance, ease of use has been one of the main focuses throughout the design process,” Aronsson said. “Every part of the design has a function in mind, basically aiming to maximize user experience.”

In terms of battery life, the Awake Rävik board’s in-built batteries take around 80 minutes to charge, after which you get a maximum ride time of 40 minutes. That should certainly be enough for you to get a good surf session in.

The Awake Rävik board is available to order now. With a retail price of $24,600, this is sadly going to be out of reach for many people. However, if you’ve got the cash to spare, we suspect that this is one way to become very, very popular at the beach. Or the lake. Or anywhere else you find large bodies of water. A limited number of the boards will be manufactured later this year.

Editors’ Recommendations

• You don’t even need waves to ride this electric hydrofoil surfboard
• The best electric skateboards
• Acton BLINK QU4TRO review
• Boosted 2 Dual+ electric longboard review
• The best stand-up paddleboards

Which Apple iPhone should you buy?

You’re on the edge of becoming an iPhone owner, except the choice of phones is causing a dilemma. The iPhone X is so tempting, but the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus is so lovely and large, and you could always save a little money and just get the more pocket-friendly iPhone 8. Then there’s the amount of storage space, and the color to consider.

It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. This is an expensive purchase, so which model is the right one for you? Here’s our easy guide to help you make the right choice, quickly.

Specifications

Regardless of whether you choose the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X, they all come with the same version of Apple’s iOS operating system installed, and they will all get the same software updates, at the same time, for the next couple of years. So don’t worry about software, you’re covered.

The battery size differs, but the average performance remains the same because each model has different power requirements. Don’t expect more than a day of heavy use out of any iPhone, but you should survive without charging during a long day if use is only average. There’s no best choice here, just keep in mind that none will be winning any awards for long battery life. All three of these models support wireless charging, so make sure you pick up a wireless charging pad for added convenience.

Each iPhone comes with the option of two different sizes of internal memory — 64GB or 256GB — and none have a MicroSD card slot. You can pay for extra iCloud storage — 5GB is included and free — which can free up internal storage space on the device later on. We always recommend paying for as much storage as you can afford, due to the inability to physically increase it on an iPhone.

Design

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are evolutions of the iPhone 7. They’re iPhone 7S models in all but name. On the back, only the camera lens — single on the iPhone 8, and double on the iPhone 8 Plus — separates them outside of size. Neither phone has a bezel-less display, and the don’t look as modern as many Android devices. The iPhone 8 Plus is 50 grams heavier than the iPhone 8, and it’s very noticeable.

Take a good look at the iPhone X. It’s representative of how future iPhone models will look, with a screen notch and an otherwise bezel-less design. We think it’s a great-looking phone, and the notch isn’t as evil as it’s made out to be. At 174 grams, it’s between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in weight, and is very manageable in-hand. On the back, the dual-camera lenses are stacked vertically, a decision that kicked off another industry trend.

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus look old. The iPhone X looks cutting-edge, and it’s the one we’d choose.

Screens

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The screen sizes vary between the three phones. The small 4.7-inch, 1,334 x 750 pixel iPhone 8 is exactly that — a bit small these days. Great if you have small hands, or never carry a bag, but if you’re coming from any modern Android phone, it’ll look miniature in comparison. The 5.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 pixel iPhone 8 Plus is more spacious, but it’s also a larger phone to handle. Finally, the 5.8-inch, 2,436 x 1,125 pixel iPhone X fits in the middle — because it has a taller, thinner 19.5:9 aspect ratio, it doesn’t look as big as the iPhone 8 Plus, despite being “larger.”

It’s an OLED screen on the iPhone X, compared to LCD screens on the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and it does look superb. The black levels are stunning, and video performance is excellent. The LCD iPhone screens are still some of the best available, and only by comparing them side-by-side will you really notice the difference. Yes, the iPhone X has a notch, which has become a symbol of hate and derision, but the truth is once you’ve used the phone for a week, you’ll forget it’s there.

Not only that, but you’ll be quietly thankful because the notch makes the iPhone X’s Face ID security system work. It’s currently the best face-recognition system in the business, and while we don’t think it’s a reason to buy the phone, it’s natural, fast, and reliable to use on a daily basis. On the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, you have Touch ID for your fingerprint as the security system.

This is the first major decision you’re going to have to make before settling on which iPhone to buy — the size of the screen that suits you. In reality, the best way to judge this is to visit a store that carries all three and hold them. You’ll quickly know which one is right. We’d usually recommend getting the iPhone 8 Plus, as the larger, higher-resolution screen improves the user experience a lot. However, the iPhone X is very tempting due to its modern look and that glorious OLED panel.

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

If you’re still not sure after looking at the screens, or are now stuck between two models, then it’s time to turn you attention to the camera. Apple makes excellent, capable cameras that take great photos you’ll want to show off, but it’s worth going for a dual-lens iPhone over the iPhone 8. The iPhone 8’s 12-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture single-lens camera is rather feature-light by today’s standards. It’s still good, but definitely not that exciting on a creative level, unlike its sister phones.

The iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X have the same dual-lens 12-megapixel camera array. The main lens has an f/1.8 aperture, while the secondary telephoto lens has an f/2.8 aperture. These lenses give a 2x hybrid zoom, and produce a portrait mode with some special lighting effects. It’s excellent, and consistently performs well in head-to-head tests. You’ll get a lot more enjoyment out of taking photos with the 8 Plus or the iPhone X than you will with the iPhone 8.

Price

Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is how much you want to spend on a new iPhone. The cheapest is the iPhone 8 with 64GB for $700 without a contract, directly through Apple. The most expensive is the iPhone X with 256GB, which costs $1,150. In the middle is the cheapest iPhone 8 Plus with 64GB at $800. It costs an extra $150 to buy a 256GB iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, and if you just want the cheapest 64GB iPhone X, then you’ll hand over $1,000.

Which one is best?

For photographs: Either the iPhone X or the iPhone 8 Plus will satisfy those looking to take great photos. They both have the same rear cameras; but the front camera in conjunction with the depth sensor on the iPhone X has the ability to generate Animoji and Memoji — a selling point, if we ever heard one.

For business: The iPhone X is going to turn more heads in the boardroom, but the iPhone 8 Plus’s big screen makes reading and typing easier than on the X or iPhone 8’s smaller screens. It’s still got the better camera too, so it’s not just going to be useful at work. We’d pay up for the 256GB model though, if it has to deal with more apps and digital content.

For the first-time iPhone owner: If this is going to be your first iPhone and you need to stretch your budget, or perhaps you don’t need the latest tech, Apple still sells the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 6S. A 128GB iPhone 7 Plus is $770, while a 128GB iPhone 6S Plus is $650. While neither are cheap, you’re getting a higher specification for a lower price than purchasing an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus. We’d suggest ignoring the iPhone 6S, as the design is dated now, while the iPhone 7 — especially in jet black — still looks good.

For the stuck-in-the-past: We’ve not mentioned the iPhone SE yet, and that’s because it’s not really worth buying if you’re seriously considering any of the other current iPhone models. However, if you’re committed to never owning an iPhone with a screen larger than 4-inches, then it’s your only choice. It’s small, two years old, and has a camera that was decent three years ago. And yes, that’s us “selling” it.

Money no object, best iPhone purchase: If you’re happy to pay $1,000 or more, then we say buy the iPhone X. It’s better-looking, lighter, and more compact than the iPhone 8 Plus, and still comes with the great camera. The OLED screen is a winner, and you get to play with features only enabled with Face ID, such as Animoji. Additionally, it’ll always be desirable and will retain a high percentage of its value, so you’ll be able to sell it easily and for a decent price when you want to upgrade again in the future.

Anything else to know?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It’s preferable to buy an iPhone unlocked and without a contract, if you can afford it, so it’s easier to sell it in the future. However, there are some strong carrier deals where it’s possible to upgrade your phone after a year without incurring a hefty penalty. This would be an acceptable alternative.

Finally, if you’re settled on an iPhone to buy, then the last decision to make is the color. There is no right or wrong choice here, although the Product Red iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus model may end up being slightly more desirable if you decide to resell it in the future. Otherwise, you’re left with a silver, gold, or black version. The iPhone X only comes in silver or black, and we prefer the silver model with its classy polished metal chassis.

Ready to buy?

Is that the end? No. The last question you should be considering are whether you really need a new iPhone right now, or if you’d be happy with an older iPhone? Apple refreshes its iPhone models every year, usually around September or October, meaning that time is drawing near now. If you can wait for a few months, you may be able to grab a brand-new, just released iPhone instead. That’s always cool, right?

Whichever iPhone you end up buying, we’re positive you’ll enjoy it.

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Scientists pinpoint exoplanets where life could bloom like here on Earth

A few decades ago, the search for extraterrestrial life was a fringe science. (Remember Jodie Foster’s eccentric and ostracized character in Contact?) Today, it’s captured the interest and imagination of astronomers and laymen alike.

If and when we do discover alien life, there is a good chance it will have taken hold on an exoplanet — that is, a planet outside our own solar system. With improved instruments, scientists have made some tantalizing discoveries over the past year, identifying a handful of exoplanets that may harbor life, and instigating speculation about where to look.

Now, new research from the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology suggests that the likelihood that life will develop on an Earth-like planet is closely tied to the light given off by its host star. This might not seem like a revelation — we all know life on Earth depends on the sun — but the researchers say the finding help pin down candidate planets while weeding out those less likely to harbor life.

“This work allows us to narrow down the best places to search for life,” Paul Rimmer, a postdoctoral researcher at Cambridge and the MRC LMB, and the paper’s first author, said in a statement. “It brings us just a little bit closer to addressing the question of whether we are alone in the universe.”

In their study, Rimmer and his team state that stars that emit sufficient levels of ultraviolet (UV) light could be used as the spark to kickstart a series of chemical reactions to produce the building blocks of life as we know it.

In a paper published this week in the journal Science Advances, the researchers identified a handful of planets where the host star’s UV light could fuel this process. Each lie within the “habitable zone,” a specific range of orbit that allows liquid water to exist on the planet’s surface.

Building on the work of John Sutherland, a chemist and study co-author, who hypothesized that cyanide was an important first ingredient for the building blocks of life, Rimmer and the rest of the team ran a series of lab experiments to record the rate at which life-giving compounds could form from hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulphide — ingredients in Earth’s “primordial soup” — when exposed to various levels of UV light.

The results showed that the experiment under UV light produced these chemical building blocks, while the one in the dark resulted in inert compounds. They then analyzed exoplanets to identify which ones orbited in the habitable zone around stars emitting sufficient UV light. Kepler 452b, long recognized as Earth-like, was among the candidate planets identified.

This isn’t to say life couldn’t exist elsewhere, however. Some 700 million trillion rocky planets are thought to exist in the observable universe and we only know the specific about how life formed on one. Still, it offers a suggested path to discovery.

“I’m not sure how contingent life is, but given that we only have one example so far, it makes sense to look for places that are most like us,” Rimmer said. “There’s an important distinction between what is necessary and what is sufficient. The building blocks are necessary, but they may not be sufficient: It’s possible you could mix them for billions of years and nothing happens. But you want to at least look at the places where the necessary things exist.”

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