Which Pixel Slate model is right for me?

Best answer: The Pixel Slate is available in four different models, but for most people, the $799 or $999 versions are the only models worth consideration. If you want to stretch your dollars even further, it may be worth considering the HP Chromebook X2.

Google: Pixel Slate ($599 to $1,599)

Best Buy: HP Chromebook X2 ($600)

A wide range of specs

Google’s Pixel Slate is a high-end two-in-one Chromebook with a 12.3-inch touch display and optional keyboard. Like many of Google’s hardware products, they also come with a high price and it’s important to make sure you are buying what you want and what you need. With five different options to choose from — each with its own price and specs — it’s a good idea to think about what you want to do with a Pixel Slate as well as what it can do.

The lowest priced model is the $599 version that will come with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of memory and 32GB of storage. Google will also offer a similar model with the same CPU but with 8GB of memory and 64GB of storage, and while the price isn’t yet disclosed, it’s a fair bet to say it will be $699. These are both options that you shouldn’t even think about buying because they are just too expensive.

The specs that drive these entry-level options are more than adequate for a Chromebook, whether it comes with a detachable keyboard or not. In fact, we see plenty of other great Chromebooks with very similar specs and they perform quite well. They also are several hundred dollars cheaper. The same $599 that buys the lowest spec Pixel Slate will also buy an HP Chromebook X2 with a better Intel m3 CPU and the attachable keyboard and Pen. A $500 Pixel Slate purchase does not include the keyboard, which will cost an additional $199.

Since these laptops run Chrome OS, the software and capabilities are the same no matter what company manufactures them. The Pixel Slate may be a Google product, but unlike Android phones, that makes no difference when it comes to timely updates or features. Other manufacturers are also likely to release Chrome tablets and two-in-ones and the odds are that they will be priced similar to the HP X2 and not the Pixel Slate. You can stretch your dollar further by shopping smarter, and you really should in this case.

At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the $1,599 model with an 8th generation Intel Core i7, 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage. These specs sound like a dream laptop, and the $1,500 price really isn’t too much to pay for them. But you don’t need these sort or internal parts.

That’s not to say nobody needs these specs in a Chromebook. The software has matured and is capable of running Linux desktop-class software programs, plenty of which can put this sort of power to good use. If you’re the type of person who needs this level of computing power for things like desktop multimedia processing or programming and compiling, you already know it and don’t need a guide to tell you. That’s because even people who do a fair bit of multimedia creation and coding just don’t need these specs to do it quickly and properly. An 8th generation Core i7 is overkill for almost everything a user would need to do, at least for the foreseeable future. This model is a laptop that many of us would love to have, but once you reach this price point — and remember this doesn’t include the $199 keyboard — there are better options from Apple and Microsoft.

That leaves us with the two models in the middle, which are the two most people should be looking at if they are interested in buying a Pixel Slate. They will both perform about the same until the processor is pushed to the limit, so what you plan to do will determine which model is best for you.

The $799 Intel Core m3 model with 8GB of memory and 64GB of storage would make for an excellent everyday computer for anyone without the need for specialized software. If you want a high-quality Chromebook to go online or do your taxes or even install Linux applications like Darktable to process RAW photographs, it would make for a great way to do it. It’s also secure for all your online needs with Chrome as the operating system and has access to over a million Android apps from the Google Play Store. Chances are, this is the Pixel Slate you want.

If you will often have a need for any program that is math-intensive, like compiling code or any specialized industrial or scientific software, the extra $200 for the model with the 8th generation Intel Core i5 will prove more than capable and the additional storage (it is configured with 128GB versus 64GB) will provide both the room to install these programs and the disk space they need to run. This model would be perfect for field engineering work for both the professional and student or for a programmer who writes in low-level languages and needs a strong compiler that won’t waste an hour each time you need to debug something.

The Pixel Slate is an ambitious offering from Google and probably won’t be the company’s best-selling product. But if you are interested, it’s worth taking the time to decide what you plan to do and which model you need before you buy.

Google’s latest

Pixel Slate

From $599 at Google

Google’s new tablet

The Pixel Slate looks to be a fine Chromebook for just about anyone, provided you take the time to consider what you need and buy the right model.

Better value

HP Chromebook X2

$599 at Best Buy

More bang for the buck

The $600 HP Chromebook X2 will offer comparable performance at the same price, but it includes a keyboard. That’s an additional $200 if you buy a Pixel Slate.

Add USB and Quick Charge ports at home with 20% off Topgreener outlets

Forget wall adapters.

The Topgreener 36W Quick Charge 2.0 USB power outlet is down to $23.51 with code TGBF2018. This is a brand new offering from Topgreener, and it has never dropped from its regular $29 price.

The two USB ports provide fast charging for any QC 2.0 device and regular charging for non-compatible devices like the iPhone. It still gives the best possible charge no matter what is plugged in since it can detect the device and react accordingly. The outlet also comes with three snap-on face covers to blend in to your home’s decor.

This promo code will work on a few more Topgreener outlets, too:

• Double Power Outlet with USB-A and USB-C ports for $20.92 (from $26)
• Single Power Outlet with three USB-A ports 2-pack for $31.60 (from $40)
• Single Power Outlet with three USB-A ports 6-pack for $90.58 (from $113)

See on Amazon

Free Spotify users will soon be able to use Spotify Connect

Come for the easy setup, stay for the algorithm-based recommendations

One of the most popular names in the music world today isn’t a band or a record label: it’s an app called Spotify. Spotify was one of the earliest and most popular music streaming services on the market today. The service is available on almost every platform, from cars to home assistants to high-end speakers to phones, tablets, and computers. Spotify’s prowess with data analysis and algorithmic music suggestions have made the service addictive for music-hungry users, and as the first major service to offer student pricing, it’s spread like wildfire on college campuses across the country.

Here’s what you need to know before and after you dive in with it.

The latest Spotify news

November 7, 2018 — Free Spotify users will soon be able to use Spotify Connect

Spotify Premium comes with a host of features to help users get the most for their $9.99 each month, one of which is full access Spotify Connect. Thanks to an update to Spotify’s SDK for connected speakers, free users of the service will soon be able to experience the magic of Connect for themselves.

With this SDK update, speaker manufacturers are given the ability to open up Spotify Connect to both free and Premium users. So, while you won’t be able to rush out and use Spotify Connect on a free account this very second, we should see updates to speakers in the near future that offer this new functionality.

Commenting on the news, Spotify’s Senior Product Director, Mikael Ericsson, said:

The release of our new eSDK will change the game for Spotify’s Free users who want to enjoy music on their connected speakers. We look forward to supporting our partners over the coming months as they update existing speakers and bring new products to market.

October 31, 2018 — Spotify’s family plan now comes with a free Google Home Mini

If you live in a house with multiple music fanatics, Spotify Premium for Family is a great value. For just $14.99/month, you get access to six individual Premium accounts so everyone can enjoy their own custom Spotify experience.

Now, as part of a new partnership with Google, all Spotify Premium for Family plans come with a free Google Home Mini.

Both new and existing subscribers can take advantage of this promotion starting November 1, and you’ll be able to claim your free Home Mini through December 31.

Get your free Home Mini here

September 14, 2018 — Spotify is raising its offline limits!!

Spotify’s offline limits have been one of the bigger sticking points for Premium users. While Spotify’s 10,000 song library limit takes a while to reach, the 3-device, 3,333 song limit for Spotify’s offline content has been quite easy for users to hit, especially if they subscribe to any huge community playlists. Well, after years of persistent user complaints, Spotify is upgrading its offline limits to 10,000 songs on up to 5 devices. A Spotify spokesperson confirmed to Rolling Stone:

At Spotify, we’re always working on improving the experience for our users. We can now confirm that we have increased the number of offline tracks per device — from 3,333 on three devices to 10,000 tracks per device for up to five devices.

Being able to use more devices with Spotify’s offline content is great news, but the fact that you’ll be able to download your entire library on a single device is even better, since most users only use one phone at a time, and want to be able to access all of their music offline rather than just a third of it.

All the big details

Getting Started

Spotify is built to be as easy a listening experience as possible, and for most users, making an account is as easy as pressing one button. From setting up an account to getting your library established, we’re here to help you avoid as much pain as possible while you make the switch.

Getting started with Spotify

Pick your subscription

There are a lot of subscription styles out there for Spotify, but which one will fit you — and your family members — best? We break down the difference in Spotify subscriptions beyond the price points and show their prices and pitfalls, especially the very tight strings wrapped around Spotify Premium for Family subscriptions.

How to pick a Spotify account

Play your music everywhere

One of Spotify’s perks is that users can play back their music just about everywhere: their watch, their phone, their TV, their car, their smart speakers, high-end speakers, their computer, and just about everything in between. Best of all, connecting to all of these diverse devices uses the same simple UI: Spotify Connect. Here’s how this musical magic works and what it works with.

Spotify Connect: What it is and why it’s awesome

Settling in with Spotify

Once you’ve gotten your account up and running, it’s time to start mastering Spotify and making it work for you. From library management to offline playback and beyond, there are some simple things you can do to turn your Spotify experience up to 11.

Top 5 tips to make the most of your Spotify subscription

Playlist problems persist…

Playlists are a big part of any music service, but they’re doubly important on Android because playlists curated by everyday users can be highlighted by Spotify’s search and shared with your friends, family, and followers. There’s just one little problem: you can’t really edit playlists properly on Android. Or Chromebooks, for that matter.

Spotify has a playlist problem on Android

… but Spotify’s playlists have a secret ally

Even if you can’t tweak your playlist order, description, and image on Android, it’s still possible to build a big, beautiful playlist on Spotify. If you start running out of ideas for additions to your playlists, don’t worry. You can leverage the work you’ve already done and Spotify’s algorithms to expand your playlist with Playlist Radio.

Use Spotify’s radio to build bigger, better playlists

Queues, subqueues, and frustration

Managing and mixing up your queue on Spotify is a bit of a minefield for two reasons. The first is that rather than showing your listening history by letting you scroll up in your playlist, whatever you’re playing is at the top of the queue and what you last listened to is at the bottom if it’s visible at all.

The second is that Add to Queue doesn’t do what it’s called, which can turn an already confusing queue into a vanishing, inconsistent tur-queue-ken.

Spotify’s Add to Queue is a lie

Offline mode could use some work

We take our music out for a run, we bring music into the shower, and we always bring music when we travel, be it by plane, train, or automobile. And since we bring our music where our internet sometimes cannot follow, that means that offline modes for our music apps are important. Offline for Spotify is lackluster at best, and that’s disappointing for a whole host of reasons.

Offline mode on Spotify sucks out loud

Made For You is made in heaven

Finding something to listen to can be a tricky proposition for any music lover, but Spotify is known far and wide for their algorithmic prowess. And the best example of it isn’t the Discover Weekly or the year-end statistics. No, siree, the best use of Spotify’s number-crunching genius is a little section in Your Library called Just For You.

Spotify’s ‘Made For You’ is a love letter to music addicts

Spotify vs. Google Play Music

Spotify has a lot of competition, but perhaps the biggest competition they face on Android is convincing people that they’re better than the music player that came pre-installed on your phone: Google Play Music. To be sure, both services have their ups and downs, but here is a critical comparison of the two services to help you decide if you want to give Spotify your time, attention, and money.

Spotify vs. Google Play Music: The battle of the bigs

What’s your take?

What do you love or hate about Spotify? Let us know in the comments!

These are all the first-party cases for the OnePlus 6T

OnePlus makes some of the best bang-for-your-buck smartphones on the market, and unlike a lot of other Android OEMs, supports its devices with a plethora of first-party cases. The 6T is the latest OnePlus phone to hit the market, and if you’re thinking about buying one (or already have), you owe it to yourself to outfit it with an official case from OnePlus itself.

The most protection

OnePlus 6T Bumper Case (Nylon)

OnePlus’s Bumper Case offers the most protection compared to anything else, and the Nylon version is the toughest of the bunch. You get 360-degree coverage in a slim and lightweight profile that doesn’t make the 6T obsenely bulky, and the unique texture on the back is both grippy and ultra-protective.

$30 at OnePlus

Carbon fiber all the things

OnePlus 6T Bumper Case (Karbon)

Karbon is the name of one of the other Bumper Case styles OnePlus sells, and it’s essentially the same style as the Nylon case but with carbon fiber on the back instead. OnePlus’s Karbon finish is described as being “flexible, sturdy and lightweight”, and it’s a winning combo you can’t go wrong with.

$30 at OnePlus

A touch of nature

OnePlus 6T Bumper Case (Ebony Wood)

Want to protect your 6T while also giving it a touch of elegance? That’s where the Ebony Wood Bumper Case comes into play. You’ll find a gorgeous pattern of red hues and deep blacks throughout the entire case, and on top of that, you still have top-notch protection.

$30 at OnePlus

Soft and grippy

OnePlus 6T Silicone Protective Case

For people that want their phone to standout from the crowd, the Silicone Protective Case is a great choice. The stunning red color is extremely vibrant, but along with that, you also get a very grippy back texture and full protection for the entire phone.

$21 at OnePlus

Twice as functional

OnePlus 6T Flip Cover

Want your case to do more than just protect your phone? Meet the OnePlus 6T Flip Cover. The display on the 6T turns on and off when you open and close the front of the case, and it’s a really nice touch. There’s also a slot for storing a debit or credit card.

$21 at OnePlus

Bring back Sandstone

OnePlus 6T Protective Case (Sandstone)

If you’re still mourning the loss of OnePlus’s Sandstone material on its smartphones, we’ve got good news. You can bring it back to the 6T with the official Protective Case. Along with the soft yet grippy material, the case offers ample protection in a slim package. There’s also a carbon fiber finish that’s available.

$21 at OnePlus

Easy on the wallet

OnePlus 6T Protective Case (Karbon)

This case brings the same carbon fiber material from the more expensive Bumper Case to a more affordable and slimmer profile. It has the same basic design as the Sandstone case but offers a smoother and more lightweight finish that’ll likely be more attractive to some buyers.

$21 at OnePlus

The OnePlus 6T is all about offering a high-quality experience at an affordable price, and that same mantra carries over beautifully to the 6T’s official line of cases. The Protective Case is a great way to safeguard the 6T without adding any extra bulk, and the Sandstone finish that comes with it feels downright fantastic. If you want even more coverage, the Bumper Case gives you even more security for just a few more dollars and looks good while doing so.

Apple is ‘Not in Talks’ to Settle Legal Dispute With Qualcomm and is ‘Gearing Up For Trial’

Apple and Qualcomm are not in talks “at any level” to settle a wide-ranging legal dispute spanning multiple countries, according to Reuters.

The report cites an unnamed source on Apple’s side who said “there is absolutely no meaningful discussion taking place between us and Qualcomm, and there is no settlement in sight,” with Apple “gearing up for trial.”

The case is set to go to trial early next year, should the companies fail to reach a resolution, according to the report.

Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf had told investors on the company’s quarterly earnings call in July that the two companies were in talks to resolve the litigation. “We hope that through the combination of either those paths, we could get to a resolution, and we’re confident that we will,” he said at the time.

The saga began when Apple sued Qualcomm in January 2017 for allegedly withholding nearly $1 billion in royalty rebates as retaliation for Apple “responding truthfully to law enforcement agencies investigating them,” referring to the FTC’s investigation into Qualcomm’s anticompetitive business practices.

Qualcomm countersued Apple in April 2017, accusing the company of failing to engage in good faith negotiations for a license to its 3G and 4G standard essential patents on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms. Qualcomm also accused Apple of encouraging regulatory attacks on its business in multiple countries.

Qualcomm’s countersuit said Apple “could not have built the incredible iPhone franchise” without relying upon the chipmaker’s “fundamental cellular technologies.” Qualcomm went as far as alleging that Apple “contributed virtually nothing to the development of core cellular technology.”

Qualcomm also accused Apple of making “misleading statements” about the performance of Qualcomm and Intel modems in iPhones. In testing, iPhone 7 models with Qualcomm’s modem achieved faster wireless speeds than those with Intel’s modem, but Apple said there was “no discernible difference” between the two.

Apple broadened its lawsuit against Qualcomm in June 2017, accusing the chipmaker of “double-dipping” with unfair patent licensing agreements. Apple said Qualcomm charged it royalties based on a percentage of the entire iPhone’s value, despite supplying just a single component of the device – the wireless modem.

The legal dispute encompasses several other claims, including Qualcomm’s allegation that Apple shared Qualcomm’s trade secrets with Intel to help improve its LTE modems, allowing Apple to stop using Qualcomm’s modems.

Qualcomm was the exclusive supplier of wireless modems in iPhones until the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, when Apple added Intel as a secondary supplier. Likely due to this legal dispute, Intel became the exclusive supplier of wireless modems starting with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Apple is reportedly $7 billion behind in royalties owed to Qualcomm as it withholds payments as a result of the legal dispute.

Tag: Qualcomm
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Twelve South Launches ‘PowerPic’ Wooden Picture Frame With 10W Qi Charger for $80

Twelve South today launched the “PowerPic,” a traditional wooden picture frame that includes a hidden, 10W wireless charger. You can place any 5″ x 7″ photo in the PowerPic, and then to charge an iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, XS Max, or XR, you simply place the device on top of the photo.

Twelve South says that the idea behind the PowerPic was to create a Qi charger that would not add to the clutter of a bedside table or desk, so that when your iPhone (or any compatible Qi smartphone) isn’t charging, it just looks like any other framed picture in your home.

The main visual difference comes at the back of the frame, where a small status light lets you know when the smartphone is fully charged. The light can also alert you if a foreign object in a wallet case, like a bank card with a chip, is preventing the iPhone from charging. The PowerPic includes a 1.5m USB-C to USB-A cable, so the device can be plugged into any traditional USB 3.0 port.

The company also notes that there are potentially inventive ways for customers to use PowerPic, like taking two separate images — one for the frame and one for your iPhone — that when placed together are completed. Twelve South has a few ideas of its own to inspire users, offering a list of frame and iPhone wallpapers themed around New York City, Paris, the holidays, and Rockefeller Center, downloadable for free here.

Those interested can purchase the PowerPic for $79.99 in White or Black on TwelveSouth.com starting today.

Tag: Twelve South
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Parallels Toolbox 3 Released With Dark Mode and Other macOS Mojave Features

Parallels Toolbox for Mac has been updated with a handful of macOS Mojave features, including Dark Mode support and the ability to annotate screenshots with the new and improved systemwide Take Screenshot tool.

Parallels Toolbox 3, a free update for existing users, features three new tools for quickly uninstalling apps, viewing local times in various locations around the world, and revealing files and folders that are normally hidden in macOS.

The complete list of new and enhanced features added in Toolbox 3, as outlined in Parallels’ press release:

• Uninstall Apps: Easily remove applications and their files with a single click for faster removals.
• World Time: See local times in various locations around the world to save time when working with colleagues globally.
• Hidden Files: Reveals and conceals files normally hidden in MacOS to reduce desktop clutter and increase productivity.
• Annotate Screenshots: Available only for macOS Mojave users, they can now use the Take Screenshot tool to add helpful markups including text, arrows, circles and more for quicker use in emails or presentations
• Support for playlist download from video hosting websites: Quickly download playlists from Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and many more
• Safari Extension for Download Video: Users can now enjoy a download video extension on their Safari browsers for quicker access downloading online videos to their desktops (compatible with macOS Mojave and Safari 12)
• Dark Mode: Support for the setting in macOS Mojave
• Customizable “Save As”: Each individual tool now allows new files to be saved in customizable locations, rather than the same default destination, for streamlined efficiency
• Resize Image: HEIF now joins JPEG, TIFF, and PNG as supported formats
• Record Audio: Users can now save audio recordings in a MP3 file format, with the built-in microphone in a single click. You can also record from an external microphone or the computer if it’s selected as the input source in System Preferences › Sound

Demo videos:

Parallels Toolbox adds a dropdown menu to the macOS menu bar with a collection of tools and shortcuts that simplify common tasks to just a click or two, such as taking screenshots, resizing images, hiding the desktop, recording audio, switching resolutions, creating password-protected archives of files, and more.

Parallels Toolbox 3 is available today for $19.99 per year for new users. The annual subscription includes free updates with new and enhanced tools as they become available “several times a year.” Lower-priced Toolbox Packs with specific collections of tools are also available from $9.99 per year.

Note that while Parallels is best known for its virtualization software that allows for Windows and Linux to be run within macOS, its Toolbox software can be used natively on any compatible Mac or Windows PC.

Related Roundup: macOS MojaveTag: Parallels
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Deals: Black Friday Prep Begins, New Anker Discounts, Targus Sitewide Sale, and More

We’re just over two weeks away from Black Friday 2018, and in preparation we have begun compiling sales that we know are coming in our dedicated Black Friday Roundup. This Roundup includes sales on Apple devices and other tech-related items that have been shared early ahead of the shopping holiday, or in some cases have leaked online.

So far, we know that Target will have sales on iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad mini 4. Apple Watch Series 3 will be marked down by $80 (as low as $199 for the 38mm GPS only model), and the iPad mini 4 will be available for $249.99, a $150 discount from the regular price of $399.99. Macy’s is matching Target’s sale on Apple Watch Series 3, and Costco will have its on sale on the 32GB 9.7-inch iPad from Early 2018, priced at $249.99, down from $319.99.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

So far, other major retailers with Black Friday deals we know about include Belk, Kohl’s, JCPenney, and Dell, so we’re still waiting on other companies like Best Buy, Walmart, The Home Depot, GameStop, and more. The shopping tracker site BestBlackFriday.com is keeping track of all these ad scans, deals, and more. For specific discounts, offers, store times, and more related to Black Friday, be sure to keep an eye on our Black Friday Roundup as we’ll continuously update it leading up to November 23.

Ahead of Black Friday, Anker has outlined its promo codes for the month of November, this time including a few USB-C cables and accessories that will pair well with the new 2018 iPad Pro. The full list of Anker’s new Amazon sale can be found below, and be sure to pay attention to the expiration dates and place your order before the codes are discontinued.

• PowerPort Wireless Qi-Certified Charging Stand – $16.99 with code ANKER253, down from $19.99 (exp. 11/8)

• Soundcore Spirit Pro IP68 Headphones – $39.99 with code SDCREPRO, down from $49.99 (exp. 11/18)

• Roav VIVA 2-Port USB Car Charger – $33.99 with code ROAVFF44, down from $59.99 (exp. 11/30)

• Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 2.0 (6ft) – $8.39 with code ANKE8482, down from $11.99 (exp. 11/30)

• Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A Cable (Gray and Red; 2-Pack; 6ft) – $9.99 with code CABLE266, down from $12.99 (exp. 11/30)

• Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A Cable (Gray and Red; 2-Pack; 3ft) – $7.99 with code CABLE265, down from $9.99 (exp. 11/30)

• Powerline+ 10ft Lightning Cable (All Colors) – $13.49 with code ANKERPLN, down from $17.99 (exp. 11/30)

• PowerLine II USB-C to C 2.0 Cable (3ft) – $6.99 with code ANKE8481, down from $9.99

Mobile accessory company Targus recently began a new 15 percent off sitewide sale that will last until the end of 2018, timing that will be perfect for both early and late holiday shoppers. Targus is known for its laptop bags and cases, luggage, iPad cases, and the company also makes multiple docking stations that support USB-C/Thunderbolt 3. You can get 15 percent off your order using the promo code TARGUS15SAS, which includes items on the Targus sale page.

Additionally, Targus is offering free shipping with no minimum using promo code FREESHIPPINGSAS. These codes can’t be used within the same order, however, so you’ll have to choose which works best with your purchase. For all orders, Targus offers free shipping when your cart exceeds $35. Head to Targus to start browsing, and you have until December 31 to place your order and take advantage of the sitewide and free shipping promo codes.

Over on iTunes, this week Apple introduced an “Iconic Moments” movie sale, offering a group of films at a reduced price of $7.99 with new pieces of cover art that reference memorable moments within each film. Check out all of the movies in the list below, and if you’re interested be sure to pick up the movies before next Tuesday, when the iTunes Movies store will refresh again.

$7.99 Iconic Moments

• The Polar Express

• Beetlejuice

• The Mask

• The Goonies

• Citizen Kane

• Mars Attacks!

• Ben-Hur

• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

• Singin’ in the Rain

• Ocean’s 11

• Crazy Stupid Love

• A Clockwork Orange

• Gravity

• A Nightmare on Elm Street

• A Star is Born (1954)

• Gran Torino

• Bullitt

• Empire of the Sun

• The Bodyguard

• The Exorcist

• Point Break

• The Bridges of Madison County

• Rebel Without a Cause

• Risky Business

• The Lost Boys

• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

• Bonnie and Clyde

• Lethal Weapon

If you’re on the hunt for more sales as holiday shopping begins, be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup, which today includes a flash sale on the official Apple Leather Case in Taupe for iPhone X and iPhone 7 Plus/8 Plus, priced at $22.99 on Best Buy.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Apple Store Openings This Month: The Westchester, Third Street Promenade, Bangkok, and Likely Champs-Élysées

Apple has announced that two of its retail stores in the United States will reopen over the next week following months of renovations, while two brand new locations are also expected to open in Paris and Bangkok.

Apple Third Street Promenade prior to renovations this year
Apple The Westchester in White Plains, New York is set to reopen Saturday, November 10 at 10 a.m. local time, while Apple Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California is slated to reopen Saturday, November 17 at 10 a.m. local time. Each store has received a facelift based on Apple’s latest retail design.

Apple is celebrating the reopening of its Third Street Promenade store with colorful artwork and Today at Apple sessions.

“We’re celebrating the vibrant creative minds that fill Santa Monica with color through a new wave of inspiring Today at Apple sessions,” the store listing on Apple.com says. “From snapping creative selfies to developing a unique sound — and an hour of discovery just for kids — it’s all happening at Apple.”

Apple Third Street Promenade first opened in 2003, before relocating in 2012 to a larger space with a glass rooftop. The Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only, outdoor shopping district in the downtown area of Santa Monica.

Apple The Westchester is located in an indoor shopping mall of the same name in downtown White Plains, New York, an affluent community in Westchester County, roughly 30 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. The store originally opened in September 2002 as one of Apple’s first 50 retail locations worldwide.

Elsewhere, Apple previously announced that its first retail store in Thailand will open at the Iconsiam shopping mall in Bangkok on Saturday, November 10 at 10 a.m. local time. Like the Third Street Promenade store, Apple is celebrating its first Thai store with special artwork and Today at Apple sessions.

And in Paris, France, a brand new Apple Store will “soon” open along The Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the city’s most iconic streets. The store will replace the nearby Apple Carrousel du Louvre, which permanently closed last month.

(Thanks, Akaba!)

Related Roundup: Apple Stores
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Apple Releases Updated Version of iOS 12.1 for iPhone XR

Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12.1 for the iPhone XR, one week after the initial launch of iOS 12.1 and a little over a week since the iPhone XR’s October 26 launch.

The new iOS 12.1 software for the iPhone XR carries a build number of 16B94, a slight change from the original 16B93 build number.

The update doesn’t appear to be showing up on devices that have already installed iOS 12.1, suggesting the new version of the software is designed for customers who have not yet upgraded their iPhone XR devices to the iOS 12.1 update. Why Apple released an updated version of iOS 12.1 for the XR is unknown, but it’s likely to include minor bug fixes.

iPhone XR owners who have not yet installed iOS 12.1 can do so over-the-air by going to Settings –> General –> Software Update.

iOS 12.1 is a major update that brings a host of new features to the iPhone XR. It brings support for the eSIM, a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need to use a physical SIM card.

eSIM support is not yet available from U.S. carriers, but AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are working on implementing support before the end of the year. Other carriers around the world have begun introducing eSIM support.

iOS 12.1 also brings a new real-time Depth Control feature, which lets you adjust the depth of field of your Portrait Mode photos before you capture them, and it adds support for Group FaceTime calls with up to 32 people.

Other new features include more than 70 new emoji and several important bug fixes that should entice anyone who has not yet installed the update to do so.

Excessive skin-smoothing with the front-facing camera, for example, has been addressed, with Apple updating the Smart HDR feature of the iPhone XR’s camera to use a sharper base frame to preserve more detail.

The update also improves cellular connectivity on the iPhone XR and fixes bugs with voicemails, the phone app, Screen Time, Family Sharing, and more.

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