Apple Video Execs to Scope Out Movies at the Toronto International Film Festival

Apple executives in charge of the company’s video efforts will be attending the Toronto International Film Festival this week to scope out potential movie acquisitions, reports Variety.

The site says that at least one of the top programming executives, which includes Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, will be at the festival to look for new content that could fill out an upcoming entertainment service.

The Toronto International Film Festival is set to kick off on Thursday, September 6, and it will run through Sunday, September 16. This will mark the first time that Apple executives have attended the film festival, and the company will be competing with at least one other TV giant — Amazon. Amazon executives are also going to be attending the festival to look for new movies to pick up.

342 films are set to be shown off at the Toronto International Film Festival, with a list of content available on the website for the festival.

While Apple has more than a dozen original television shows that are in the works, it has thus far established few deals for movies.

In fact, we only know about one potential movie deal with Cartoon Saloon, a company that develops animated movies like “The Secret of Kells,” “The Song of the Sea,” and “The Breadwinner.”

Rumors have suggested that Apple is planning to launch some kind of streaming television service in the future where all of the television shows are in the works will be available, and if Apple is aiming to compete with Netflix and Amazon, exclusive movie offerings will help to fill out its content catalogue.

There has, however, been no concrete information outlining exactly how Apple is going to distribute its original content, nor details on what a potential streaming service could cost if it is in the works, but we may learn more next year as the first of the TV shows is rumored to be debuting in March 2019.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 12Tag: Apple’s Hollywood ambitionsBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
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With net neutrality gone, carriers throttle YouTube, Netflix, other streamers

Following the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s decision to reverse its position on net neutrality under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, researchers are stepping in to monitor how web traffic is affected — and the results are not surprising. New research from Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst confirmed that video streamers may be the first to experience the effects of a mobile internet without net neutrality.

Researchers from the universities partnered with Wehe developer David Choffnes for the study. Wehe is an internet traffic-monitoring app. The published report reveals that YouTube is the largest target of throttling, but video streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and the NBC Sports app experienced similar speed degradation.

What Wehe detected was not simply throttling across the board — a practice that carriers have argued for years is needed to manage traffic on their networks by preventing abuse from heavy data users. Instead, Wehe detected that certain apps or services were more frequently throttled than others, a practice known as differentiation. Differentiation was detected 11,100 times on Verizon’s network, 8,938 times on AT&T’s network, 3,900 times on T-Mobile’s network, and 339 times on Sprint’s network, according to Bloomberg.

Differentiation can be measured by comparing the speeds of video streaming services against that achieved by other apps on the same carrier network. In one example, Wehe detected that Netflix streaming speeds were just 1.77Mbps, but other traffic clocked in speeds almost four times as high on T-Mobile. In contrast, net neutrality laws would have required carriers to treat all types of traffic equally.

To prevent differentiation — or deprioritization of video streaming speeds — carriers typically upsell consumers on more expensive plans. Typically, most unlimited plans sold today advertise DVD-quality streaming quality, but if consumers want high-definition videos, they’ll have to pay upgrade fees for a data plan that supports HD video streaming.

Throttling could have significant implications when mobile networks are used for public safety. The most recent high-profile case against throttling comes from the Santa Clara County Fire Department in California, which relied on Verizon’s mobile hot spot to operate a remote command center to fight wildfires. The fire department alleged that Verizon throttled its mobile command center — despite selling the fire department on an unlimited plan — which adversely impacted efforts to coordinate with firefighters and deliver safety messages to local residents. Fire chief Anthony Bowden said it was the third time since December 2017 that his department has been throttled, and Verizon cited an operations error that prevented data caps on these unlimited plans from being lifted, noting that it has since implemented corrective action.

Editors’ Recommendations

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• How to watch NFL games online, with or without cable

Second-gen Razer Phone is in the works, company confirms

Apparently, the Razer Phone was popular enough for Razer to want to release a second one. The company has officially confirmed the existence of a follow-up to its 2017 original — though actual details about the new model have yet to be released.

Razer first confirmed that it was working on a second-generation Razer Phone in an earnings call. The news was first picked up by Android Authority.

“Razer is now focusing its resources into the development of the second-generation Razer Phone and accompanying software releases which will extend its software and services from PC into the mobile market,” the company said in the call.

The company may not have revealed anything else about the upcoming phone, but we can still speculate. Depending on when the new device is released, we can expect that it will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, along with at least 8GB of RAM, a high-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and more. It may feature a slightly more modern design too. The last Razer Phone was specifically focused on gaming — and it’s likely the next one will be too.

It’s also possible that the second-generation Razer Phone will place a heavier emphasis on computing. Earlier this year, Razer teased Project Linda, a way to use your smartphone as the brains for a laptop. In Project Linda, the phone also acts as a trackpad — and we found that it was a pretty sleek implementation. Project Linda is just a concept for now — but it’s possible Razer is working on refining that concept and will release it to the public along with the new Razer Phone.

So when should we expect the new Razer Phone? Well, we’re not sure — but the first one was released in November 2017, so it’s possible and even likely that the second one could be released around a year later. IFA 2018 has come and gone, so Razer may hold its own event for the release of the new device.

We’ll have to wait and see what the Razer Phone 2 ends up looking like, but we’ll update this article as we learn more, so stay tuned.

Editors’ Recommendations

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What to expect from Apple’s September 12 ‘Gather round’ event

It’s that time of year again. Apple has sent out invitations for its annual September event, where we’ll likely see a new set of iPhone devices, a new Apple Watch, and possibly a range of other devices too. The event itself is set to take place on September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, though no matter where you live you should be able to live-stream it for yourself.

What exactly will Apple announce? We’ve been following rumors surrounding all the upcoming products for the past year, and we’ve rounded them up into this short, handy guide. Here’s everything we expect to see at Apple’s “Gather round” event.

Three iPhones

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. This year, rumors suggest it will announce three different models again. Apple is expected to fully adopt the edge-to-edge design seen on the iPhone X for all models of the iPhone (including the notch). Thankfully, they won’t all cost $1,000. Apple will reportedly release two successors to the iPhone X, dubbed the iPhone XS, and they will be sized at 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches. Apple will also release a 6.1-inch model, which is expected to be the cheapest of the lot. It will also have an edge-to-edge display with a notch, but the main difference will stem from the use of a LCD screen instead of OLED used on the other two.

The new iPhone XS devices are expected to arrive in a new gold color model, alongside an updated processor, eSIM support, a potential Lightning to USB Type-C cable, and more. The prices are rumored to range from $650 to $1,000.

Read our iPhone XS roundup for more

Apple Watch Series 4

Just like it did last year, Apple is expected to release a new Apple Watch alongside the new series of iPhones. The Apple Watch Series 4 will retain many of the features of the Apple Watch Series 3, but it’s expected to include a display that’s larger by as much as 15 percent — making it an edge-to-edge display, like that on the iPhone X.

Other rumors about the watch indicate Apple may do away with the Wi-Fi model altogether — leaving only the LTE model (you will likely still be able to use Wi-Fi without paying for LTE with this model). It may also feature a UV sensor, and will run Apple’s latest version of watchOS 5.0.

Read our Apple Watch Series 4 roundup for more

MacBook Air

Apple has long been expected to release a new low-cost MacBook, and rumors indicate the company will introduce a refresh of the MacBook Air. The new device is expected to feature Intel’s 8th-generation processors, along with a larger display. The updated computer will reportedly get a 13-inch Retina display, and will likely feature modern ports, like USB-C.

Not much else is known about the new laptop, except for the fact that it will most likely come at a starting price of around $1,000. It’s also not totally certain the new MacBook Air will be released at this September event. Instead, it could show up in October.

Read our MacBook Air roundup for more

Mac Mini

Apple may also be planning a long-awaited refresh of the Mac Mini — and it’s about time, considering the computer was last updated in 2014. There will likely be quite a few performance upgrades. Apple will probably adopt Intel’s eighth-generation chips for the computer, and may do away with outdated hard drives in favor of only solid-state options. On top of that, while Apple may not completely revamp the design, it will likely at least update the port selection on the computer to include a few USB-C ports.

When it comes to pricing, the new Mac Mini may start in the $1,000 price range, and will range up from there. Like the MacBook Air, however, there’s no certainty that the Mac Mini will show up at the September 12 event — it may well instead be released later in the year.

Read our Mac Mini roundup for more

iPad Pro 2018

Another rumor to have popped up in recent days is that Apple will update the iPad Pro. It’ll be more than just a spec-bump too — rumors indicate Apple will give the iPad Pro the iPhone X treatment, with slimmer bezels around the screen, as well an updated A-series processor, and perhaps even a little more RAM.

With the new design, there may be no more home button, which means Face ID may replace Touch ID. That may be a double-edged sword, though, as rumors suggest Face ID might only work in vertical mode — meaning you won’t be able to dock the iPad to a keyboard and unlock it with your face. Apple may move the Smart Connector to the bottom of the iPad, so manufacturers may need to build new keyboards.

Read our iPad Pro 2018 roundup for more

AirPower

AFP Contributor/Getty Images

Apple officially announced the AirPower charger almost a full year ago, but the charger has yet to be released. When it is, AirPower will be able to charge up to three devices at a time — meaning in the evening you can plop down your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods to charger — and they’ll be good to go in the morning. It’s using unique technology that will be able to identify the products and provide the correct amount of energy needed.

While we’re not completely certain AirPower will see the light of day at Apple’s upcoming event, we certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it.

Read our AirPower roundup for more

Operating system releases

Alongside new hardware, Apple will also release new software to the public. A few of those releases are all but definite. There’s iOS 12, which will be released likely on September 12 itself. You can check out our hands-on review for all the details on what’s new.

Read our iOS 12 roundup for more

Next up is watchOS 5, which is also likely to be pushed to Apple Watch users on September 12 or soon after. The new operating system boasts a few improvements to watchOS and how it works, including better health and fitness tracking, Walkie Talkie mode, Siri Shortcuts, and more. On top of that, Siri will be better at listening to your needs — you’ll no longer need to say “Hey Siri” to activate her. Instead, simply hold your wrist up to your mouth, and Siri should be listening.

Read our watchOS 5 roundup for more

Last but not last is macOS, which is being updated to macOS Mojave. It’s expected that the new macOS will be released alongside new Apple computers — meaning it’s not a certainty that the new operating system will be released at this event. Still, if it is, macOS users will enjoy a number of new features, including a new Dark Mode, a revamped App Store, and Stacks, which are automatically arranged groups of files on the desktop.

Read our macOS Mojave roundup for more

Editors’ Recommendations

• Here’s everything we know about Apple’s AirPower wireless charging mat
• Apple’s latest updates for iOS, tvOS, and WatchOS are now available
• Apple’s new MacBook Air with Intel’s 8th-gen processors expected this year
• Samsung’s Wireless Charger Duo can charge two devices at the same time
• iOS 12’s best new features

What to expect from Apple’s September 12 ‘Gather round’ event

It’s that time of year again. Apple has sent out invitations for its annual September event, where we’ll likely see a new set of iPhone devices, a new Apple Watch, and possibly a range of other devices too. The event itself is set to take place on September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, though no matter where you live you should be able to live-stream it for yourself.

What exactly will Apple announce? We’ve been following rumors surrounding all the upcoming products for the past year, and we’ve rounded them up into this short, handy guide. Here’s everything we expect to see at Apple’s “Gather round” event.

Three iPhones

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. This year, rumors suggest it will announce three different models again. Apple is expected to fully adopt the edge-to-edge design seen on the iPhone X for all models of the iPhone (including the notch). Thankfully, they won’t all cost $1,000. Apple will reportedly release two successors to the iPhone X, dubbed the iPhone XS, and they will be sized at 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches. Apple will also release a 6.1-inch model, which is expected to be the cheapest of the lot. It will also have an edge-to-edge display with a notch, but the main difference will stem from the use of a LCD screen instead of OLED used on the other two.

The new iPhone XS devices are expected to arrive in a new gold color model, alongside an updated processor, eSIM support, a potential Lightning to USB Type-C cable, and more. The prices are rumored to range from $650 to $1,000.

Read our iPhone XS roundup for more

Apple Watch Series 4

Just like it did last year, Apple is expected to release a new Apple Watch alongside the new series of iPhones. The Apple Watch Series 4 will retain many of the features of the Apple Watch Series 3, but it’s expected to include a display that’s larger by as much as 15 percent — making it an edge-to-edge display, like that on the iPhone X.

Other rumors about the watch indicate Apple may do away with the Wi-Fi model altogether — leaving only the LTE model (you will likely still be able to use Wi-Fi without paying for LTE with this model). It may also feature a UV sensor, and will run Apple’s latest version of watchOS 5.0.

Read our Apple Watch Series 4 roundup for more

MacBook Air

Apple has long been expected to release a new low-cost MacBook, and rumors indicate the company will introduce a refresh of the MacBook Air. The new device is expected to feature Intel’s 8th-generation processors, along with a larger display. The updated computer will reportedly get a 13-inch Retina display, and will likely feature modern ports, like USB-C.

Not much else is known about the new laptop, except for the fact that it will most likely come at a starting price of around $1,000. It’s also not totally certain the new MacBook Air will be released at this September event. Instead, it could show up in October.

Read our MacBook Air roundup for more

Mac Mini

Apple may also be planning a long-awaited refresh of the Mac Mini — and it’s about time, considering the computer was last updated in 2014. There will likely be quite a few performance upgrades. Apple will probably adopt Intel’s eighth-generation chips for the computer, and may do away with outdated hard drives in favor of only solid-state options. On top of that, while Apple may not completely revamp the design, it will likely at least update the port selection on the computer to include a few USB-C ports.

When it comes to pricing, the new Mac Mini may start in the $1,000 price range, and will range up from there. Like the MacBook Air, however, there’s no certainty that the Mac Mini will show up at the September 12 event — it may well instead be released later in the year.

Read our Mac Mini roundup for more

iPad Pro 2018

Another rumor to have popped up in recent days is that Apple will update the iPad Pro. It’ll be more than just a spec-bump too — rumors indicate Apple will give the iPad Pro the iPhone X treatment, with slimmer bezels around the screen, as well an updated A-series processor, and perhaps even a little more RAM.

With the new design, there may be no more home button, which means Face ID may replace Touch ID. That may be a double-edged sword, though, as rumors suggest Face ID might only work in vertical mode — meaning you won’t be able to dock the iPad to a keyboard and unlock it with your face. Apple may move the Smart Connector to the bottom of the iPad, so manufacturers may need to build new keyboards.

Read our iPad Pro 2018 roundup for more

AirPower

AFP Contributor/Getty Images

Apple officially announced the AirPower charger almost a full year ago, but the charger has yet to be released. When it is, AirPower will be able to charge up to three devices at a time — meaning in the evening you can plop down your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods to charger — and they’ll be good to go in the morning. It’s using unique technology that will be able to identify the products and provide the correct amount of energy needed.

While we’re not completely certain AirPower will see the light of day at Apple’s upcoming event, we certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it.

Read our AirPower roundup for more

Operating system releases

Alongside new hardware, Apple will also release new software to the public. A few of those releases are all but definite. There’s iOS 12, which will be released likely on September 12 itself. You can check out our hands-on review for all the details on what’s new.

Read our iOS 12 roundup for more

Next up is watchOS 5, which is also likely to be pushed to Apple Watch users on September 12 or soon after. The new operating system boasts a few improvements to watchOS and how it works, including better health and fitness tracking, Walkie Talkie mode, Siri Shortcuts, and more. On top of that, Siri will be better at listening to your needs — you’ll no longer need to say “Hey Siri” to activate her. Instead, simply hold your wrist up to your mouth, and Siri should be listening.

Read our watchOS 5 roundup for more

Last but not last is macOS, which is being updated to macOS Mojave. It’s expected that the new macOS will be released alongside new Apple computers — meaning it’s not a certainty that the new operating system will be released at this event. Still, if it is, macOS users will enjoy a number of new features, including a new Dark Mode, a revamped App Store, and Stacks, which are automatically arranged groups of files on the desktop.

Read our macOS Mojave roundup for more

Editors’ Recommendations

• Here’s everything we know about Apple’s AirPower wireless charging mat
• Apple’s latest updates for iOS, tvOS, and WatchOS are now available
• Apple’s new MacBook Air with Intel’s 8th-gen processors expected this year
• Samsung’s Wireless Charger Duo can charge two devices at the same time
• iOS 12’s best new features

What’s the skinny? Apple may launch a new MacBook with ultrathin design soon

Apple may be prepping a MacBook refresh with a new ultrathin design — and it’s reportedly launching soon. No additional details about the laptop are available, but DigiTimes, which historically has a mixed record with Apple rumors, said that “Apple is also expected to unveil its new ultrathin MacBook soon” in a story highlighting a trend toward slimmer laptops with narrow bezels that was notable at the recent IFA show.

It’s unclear if the Apple notebook referenced in DigiTimes‘ report will fall under Apple’s MacBook line or if it will be part of the MacBook Air range. If in fact this notebook will fall under the MacBook range, Apple may not have a lot of room to make the laptop much slimmer than the existing MacBook models available today — it still needs to accommodate the thickness of the device’s USB-C ports.

Most recently, rumors of a new MacBook Air have been circulating, suggesting Apple will update its beloved ultraportable with a Retina display — a first for the Air line — new internals, and an updated design. By switching to USB-C ports from the standard USB-A ports on today’s MacBook Air, Apple could shave some thickness off of the design. In fact, when Apple introduced the new MacBook Pro models, it highlighted that the Pro’s uniform thickness meant that the beefier laptop was still thinner than the thickest point on the MacBook Air.

With partner Intel introducing new mobile-centric Amber Lake and Whiskey Lake processors late last month at the IFA show, it’s possible these processors will likely make their way into a refreshed MacBook or MacBook Air. Whiskey Lake is Intel’s line of U-series processors, and that chipset will be more suited in a MacBook Air, while the more energy efficient Y-series Amber Lake will likely be a better choice for a MacBook refresh. Historically, Apple has relied on Y-series Intel Core M processor models for its MacBook models.

At this point, it’s unclear when Apple will announce the new laptop, but it’s been previously speculated that Apple could host a Mac event in October. Another Mac favorite that Apple could update at that event could be the Mac Mini, a compact desktop that hasn’t seen any major upgrades in several years.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple’s new MacBook Air with Intel’s 8th-gen processors expected this year
• Apple preps production of updated MacBook Air for a 2018 launch
• Mac Mini could make a comeback this year with a rumored refresh
• New Apple MacBook may appear in September at $1,200
• A MacBook Air with Retina display and Mac Mini “Pro” could arrive this fall

Strap the Huawei Watch 2 Sport smartwatch to your wrist for $190

Track all the things.

The Huawei 4GB Leo-B09 Watch 2 Sport smartwatch is down to $189.99 at Woot. The same watch goes for $229 on Amazon and hasn’t dropped anywhere near this price since last year. We have seen deals on the Watch 2 Classic, but it’s currently sitting close to $250.

Sold by Woot, it comes with a 90-day Woot warranty and a free U.S. adapter since these watches were originally meant for Europe. You’ll also need to use your Amazon Prime membership if you don’t want to pay the $5 flat shipping fee.

This smartwatch has built-in GPS, a continuous heart-rate monitor, and a workout route tracker. You don’t even need to pair it with your phone or an app to see those features. The watch uses Huawei TruSleep to track your cycles while sleeping and make sure you’re getting the REM you want. It works with Google Assistant and NFC for both payments and a built-in voice assistant. Plus, you can use Google Play Music to download and listen to your favorite tunes. The watch has 4.1 stars based on 1,538 reviews.

See at Woot

Sony unveils two new PlayStation VR bundles just in time for the holidays

Who’s surprised?

Earlier today, Sony tore the wrapping off two new PlayStation VR bundles which will be arriving in stores within just a few weeks — just in time for the holiday season, of course. Starting at $299.99, these bundles both include two games along with the PS VR Headset and PS Camera. Though the price is comparable with previous PS VR bundles, these options include two games whereas many of the previous bundles for this hardware at these prices only included one.

Sony kicked off its announcement with the Creed: Rise to Glory and Superhot VR Bundle. Not only will it include both of those exciting VR games, but you’ll also receive the PS VR Headset, PS Camera, and two PlayStation Move controllers with its purchase. It’s worth noting however that Superhot will only be included as a digital download. The bundle will become available to buy beginning September 25 at an MSRP of $349.99 and is currently available for pre-order via Amazon.

If those games don’t seem right for you, or if the price is just a bit steep, the PS VR Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Moss Bundle is also releasing soon at an MSRP of $299.99. Both Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Moss will come with the bundle, though Moss will be included as a digital download. Unlike the bundle above, this option won’t include any PlayStation Move controllers, though it will be available for purchase just a few days later on October 2.

You’ll also receive the PS VR Demo Disc 2.0 with either purchase which offers demos of 13 great VR games.

See at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Watch vs. Samsung Gear Sport

While Android phones are our main passion, we’re also enthralled with all things wearable tech. From smartwatches to fitness bands and more, we live and breath this stuff to help you find the gadgets that are right for you.

Galaxy Watch

Latest and greatest

$329 – $349 at Amazon

Pros

• Available in two sizes
• Much larger battery
• Optional LTE model
• Faster + more efficient processor

Cons

• Expensive

The Galaxy Watch is Samsung’s latest flagship smartwatch. It comes in two sizes, promises days of battery life on a single charge, and has a faster processor. The problem? It’s far from cheap.

Gear Sport

Budget pick

$247 at Amazon

Pros

• Looks and feels great
• Has 90% of the Galaxy Watch’s features
• More affordable

Cons

• Only available in one size
• No LTE support

2017’s Gear Sport is still a great gadget. It shares many of the Galaxy Watch’s features, including built-in GPS, waterproofing, and Samsung Pay. If you need LTE or maximum battery life, however, it may not be for you.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch is the smartwatch to get if you want the very latest the company has to offer, but if you’re okay sacrificing about 10% of the experience, the Gear Sport has many of the same features for a lot less money.

Which watch is for you?

While there are a few things that distinctly separate the Galaxy Watch from the Gear Sport, the watches have more in common than you might think.

From a software perspective, you’ll be met with the same general experience. The Galaxy Watch is running a slightly newer version at Tizen 4.0 compared to Tizen 3.0 on the Gear Sport, but the overall look and feel is pretty much the same. You’ve got access to the same apps, watch faces, and user interface. The Galaxy Watch does have some software tricks that the Gear Sport doesn’t have, such as Bixby Voice, but Samsung’s proven to do a good job in the past with updating its older wearable tech to newer software that’s come out following its release.

The two watches also both have built-in GPS for tracking your runs/walks without needing to carry your phone, NFC chips for Samsung Pay, waterproofing, heart-rate sensors, and rotating-bezels around the display that can be used for navigating the various menus and apps.

If so much is similar between the two, what does the Galaxy Watch do to justify its higher price?

For starters, the battery life is much better. The 472 mAh battery inside the 46mm Galaxy Watch is rated for 4+ days of use on a single charge. The battery inside the 42mm Galaxy Watch is actually smaller than the Gear Sport’s, but the newer processor should still offer similar, if not better, endurance.

Also, if you want to be able to receive notifications and make calls on your smartwatch without having to always be connected to your phone, only the Galaxy Watch has an LTE model.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Latest and greatest

$329 – $349 at Amazon

The very best smartwatch Samsung offers.

With a huge battery and support for LTE, the Galaxy Watch is the most powerful wearable in Samsung’s lineup. It’s expensive, yes, but you do get what you pay for.

Samsung Gear Sport

Budget pick

A fully-featured watch that costs a lot less.

$247 at Amazon

If you don’t mind charging your watch every night and can live without LTE, the Gear Sport is a great pick. It has almost every feature the Galaxy Watch does but costs a lot less.

The new Snapchat Spectacles are here, and they look like normal sunglasses

Time to go on a Snapstreak.

Snapchat Spectacles have always been neat, but they’re about to get a whole lot cooler. Snap just rolled out two new styles of Snapchat Spectacles, called Veronica and Nico.

These feature the same things as the Spectacles 2 did. They basically record 10-second clips of video, which you can upload to your Snapchat account. You can also capture a photo with ’em. They’re great for recording events, adventures, vlogs, or just your day-to-day life. There’s a light to indicate when they’re recording so you’re not a super-creep, and there are a few different effects the lenses can lend to your photos and videos. They’re water-resistant, and they sync wirelessly with Snapchat when your phone is nearby.

The one drawback with Snapchat Spectacles has always been the design. They weren’t exactly fashionable, they were heavy, and they were very obviously Snapchat Specs. The new styles look like traditional sunglasses, and the lenses are polarized too. Even the charging case is more nondescript. Veronica and Nico sell for $199.99. You can get them at some Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus stores or order them online via Snapchat.

See at Snapchat