Apple starts selling refurbished iPhone 8 for $499; iPhone 8 Plus not in stock

Apple has started selling refurbished iPhone 8 units in its online store for $499 each, offering customers a $100 discount from the smartphone’s current price tag.

The iPhone 8 Plus has also appeared on Apple’s online store for refurbished devices, but there is currently no stock for the iPhone 8’s larger counterpart. Customers interested in purchasing a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus will simply have to keep checking to see if the device is made available.

Refurbished iPhones have been tested and repaired, but they may not come with the original packaging and accessories, and may show signs of cosmetic damage. Some refurbished iPhones were given up by users due to a defect, while some were sold as users upgraded to a new model.

Buying refurbished iPhones from Apple is the safest option, as the company tests and certifies all devices before being sold. Refurbished iPhones purchased from Apple also come with a one-year warranty and free shipping, as well as a new battery, outer shell, and white box.

Customers who purchase a refurbished iPhone 8 from Apple will enjoy a $100 discount to the smartphone’s current cost of $599 for its 64GB model. The gold, silver, and space gray versions are available on Apple’s online store, but not the 256GB option.

The iPhone 8 Plus is currently being sold at $699 for the 64GB model. It can be speculated that once the device is available on Apple’s refurbished store, its price tag will be around $599.

Apple slashed the prices of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus by $100 each when it revealed the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Customers who do not mind purchasing refurbished iPhones will be able to enjoy another $100 discount from the original selling price of the iPhone 8.

The iPhone 8 was released last year, alongside the iPhone X. It remains a perfectly capable smartphone despite the arrival of this year’s new iPhones, powered by the A11 Bionic chip that is also found inside the iPhone X.

Apple started selling refurbished iPhones in 2016, starting with the iPhone 6s and iPhones 6s Plus. Other devices currently available on Apple’s refurbished online store include various versions of MacBooks, Mac computers, and iPads, as well as the iPod touch and the Apple TV.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone XR vs. iPhone 8 vs. iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 6s: Which is best for you?
• iPhone XS Max vs. iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus: The big guys clash
• You can’t buy the iPhone SE anymore, but Apple has cut prices for these iPhones
• How to buy a refurbished iPhone
• How to check if your iPhone 8 has a faulty logic board and is part of a recall

‘Fortnite Mobile’ improvements on the way: 60 FPS, controller support, and more

Epic Games revealed in its State of Mobile Development – November 2018 announcement that there are some important Fortnite Mobile features on the way which will further improve the playing experience on smartphones and tablets.

Get an update on current development efforts for Fortnite Mobile in our November State of Dev! https://t.co/6ehPAFnwl0 pic.twitter.com/BWYFVleeXZ

— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) November 2, 2018

Epic Games said that it has started giving Fortnite Mobile players more control over their in-game heads-up display by allowing them to decide which elements are active or inactive at any given moment. The developer is apparently working towards an even more customizable HUD.

The announcement also revealed that Epic is starting testing on different controller setups, as it works to enable controller support for Fortnite Mobile. The developer did not mention a timeframe for the release of the feature, nor what kind of controllers will likely be supported by the game.

A limited number of high-end devices will also receive 60 FPS functionality soon, with Epic Games now testing some of them to make sure that they can maintain a high level of performance over multiple matches without the risk of overheating. Again, there is no word on possible smartphones and tablets that will likely support the feature.

Lastly, Epic Games said that it is continuing its efforts to improve performance across the board for Fortnite Mobile compatible devices. The developer is working to make major improvements to Android 7 and some other older operating systems, as well as on large scale optimizations to decrease the memory that Fortnite Mobile uses up to deliver more consistent frame rate when play sessions go long. Epic Games is also changing how its shader cache system operates on iOS devices to reduce the size and impact on memory.

Fortnite Mobile players are recommended to update their device’s operating system regularly in order to take advantage of the optimizations that Epic Games is making on the massively popular multiplayer shooter. The developer is also working to make update files smaller, so that players will not have to wait too long before they are able to jump back in to the Battle Royale matches.

Epic Games launched Fortnite Mobile first on the iOS, then on Android a few months later.  Here are some tips and tricks for Fortnite Battle Royale, as well as some more specific advice for Fortnite Mobile.

Editors’ Recommendations

• These best iPad Pro games
• ‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile’ wants you to ignore your friends to win
• The best iPhone games of 2018
• Sony gets with the times, adds PS4 cross-play support, starting with ‘Fortnite’
• A look back at the first Android phone, 10 years later

Muji and Sensible 4 collaborate on ‘friendly’ autonomous shuttle bus design

Autonomous shuttle buses are not new, but previously their design has tended towards an emphasis on function rather than form. Now Japanese brand Muji have teamed up with autonomous driving company Sensible 4 to design a more user-friendly shuttle for use in Finland.

Gacha shuttle bus Sensible 4

The bus, known as Gacha, has a smooth rounded shape and a tasteful color scheme, as you would expect from the detail-obsessed Muji brand. There is no distinct front or back to the shuttle, so it can move in either direction with ease, and it has a band of LEDs running around the exterior which form the headlights and also convey information such as the bus’s destination. It is intended to look friendly and welcoming with a comfy interior that looks as good as the exterior, with soft minimalist blue seats and simple handrails.

The shuttle is designed for the harsh conditions of a Finnish winter, which can include heavy rain, fog, and snow. Most autonomous vehicles struggle in these conditions, which is why they are most often used in warmer climates. But the Gacha is designed with these challenges in mind, making it the first autonomous shuttle bus for all weather conditions. The bus can carry ten seated passengers and six standing passengers, and can reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour. It has a four wheel drive design to cope with slushy conditions and has a range over 60 miles between charges.

While Muji contributed to the appearance and design of the shuttle, Sensible 4 contributed to the tools needed for the bus to be self-driving such as obstacle detection technology, AI, and algorithms. They tested the bus in Arctic conditions to be sure that it would stand up to the freezing Finnish weather.

The first time the public will get to see the bus in person is at its premier in March 2019 in Helsinki. Following this, the buses will be rolled out in the three Finnish cities of Espoo, Vantaa, and Hämeenlinna, carrying passengers and operating among real-world traffic. Eventually, Sensible 4 and Muji plan to roll out an entire fleet of Gacha buses in 2020, hoping that they can become part of mainstream transportation services across Finland.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Boxy shuttles, not cars, will be people’s first taste of autonomous vehicles
• Drive.ai brings free, on-demand self-driving car rides to second Texas city
• Audi funnels its racing heritage into an electric supercar concept
• Disney takes to the air with an autonomous paint-spraying drone
• This autonomous drone ambulance concept won its creator a $20,000 prize

11-inch iPad Pro vs. 10.5-inch iPad Pro: Can the new model take out the classic?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The new iPad Pro is finally here, boasting a new edge-to-edge display, improved internal specs, and support for the new Apple Pencil. Along with modernizing the design, Apple also changed the sizes of the iPad Pro, now offering one with an 11-inch display, and one with a 12.9-inch display.

But how does the new 11-inch iPad Pro compare with the previous generation 10.5-inch device? Is it really worth shelling out the extra cash for? After all, the 10.5-inch 2017 iPad Pro is still available for purchase at the same $650 price tag. We put the 11-inch 2018 iPad Pro head-to-head with the 10.5-inch 2017 iPad Pro to find out.

Specs

11-inch iPad Pro 
10.5-inch iPad Pro

Size
247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches)
250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 mm (9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 inches)

Weight
468 grams (1.03 pounds)
469 grams (1.03 pounds)

Screen Size
11-inch LCD display
10.5-inch LCD display

Screen Resolution
2,388 x 1,668 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)
2,224 x 1,668 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)

Operating System
iOS 12
iOS 12

Storage Space
64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB

MicroSD Card Slot
No
No

Tap To Pay Services
Apple Pay
Apple

Processor
A12X Bionic
A10X Fusion

RAM
4GB
4GB

Camera
12MP rear, 7MP front
12MP rear, 7MP front

Video
2,160p at 60fps, 1,080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps
2,160p at 60fps, 1,080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps

Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
USB-Type C
Lightning

Fingerprint sensor
No (Face ID)
Yes

Water resistance
No
No

Battery
10 hours of web surfing
10 hours of web surfing

App Marketplace
App Store
App Store

Network support
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

Colors
Silver, Space Gray
Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold

Price
$800
$650

Buy From
Apple
Apple

Review Score
Hands-On
4.5-stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the new 11-inch iPad Pro and the older 10.5-inch iPad Pro are excellent performers, but one of them is clearly better than the other. The new 11-inch iPad Pro features Apple’s new A12X Bionic processor, which has been hailed since its announcement to offer laptop-class performance. The older A10X Fusion is a great chip but it just doesn’t compare to the new one.

The battery life of the two iPads, on the other hand, is pretty much the same. Apple says both devices will get around 10 hours of web surfing, so we’re not expecting many discrepancies between the two. Neither of the two tablets charges wirelessly despite Apple adopting wireless charging for new iPhones and the Apple Watch.

Because of the better performance, the new 11-inch iPad Pro is the clear winner here.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the new iPad Pro and its predecessor feature Apple’s classic design — but the 2018 iPad Pro takes things up a notch. With an edge-to-edge display on the iPad Pro, the bezels are far smaller than the previous generation. Add to that the nice flat edges and you have an ultra-modern device.

That’s not to say that previous-generation iPad Pro doesn’t look good. It still has a beautiful aluminum build and classy look, plus it’s available in a few more colors — Rose Gold and Gold. The 11-inch iPad Pro is only available in Space Gray and Silver.

Both iPads should have the same durability as both feature aluminum backs and glass fronts, and as such, they could both shatter if you drop them.

Perhaps the biggest design difference between the two tablets is the fact that Apple has gotten rid of the headphone jack in the new 11-inch iPad. Also, gone is the Lightning port, which has been replaced with the more versatile USB-C port. That means you can now do more with the new iPad Pro, such as connect it to external displays, or use it to charge your iPhone. We think the addition of USB-C trumps the lack of the headphone jack, so the new iPad gets the win.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Despite adopting OLED displays on other products, Apple is sticking to LCD for the iPad. The 2017 iPad Pro has a 10.5-inch display — while the new iPad Pro steps things up to 11 inches. The resolution is slightly sharper on the 11-inch iPad Pro, but both have a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. Both also retain Apple’s ProMotion technology, which offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.

Still, because of the fact that the 2018 iPad Pro has a slightly larger display, even if it’s only a small difference, it’s the winner here.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While you may not use your iPad to take photos the same way you would with your smartphone, the camera may still be important to you, especially when it comes to video chatting with the front-facing camera. Ultimately, however, the cameras are the same on both the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the newer 11-inch iPad Pro. The rear-facing camera on the devices comes in at 12 megapixels, while the front-facing cam sits in at 7 megapixels. Both devices can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, but you can film up to 240 frames per second at 720p.

The 2018 iPad Pro still takes the win, though, as it comes with Smart HDR, a feature introduced on this year’s iPhones. It helps with high-contrast lighting and should deliver a better camera experience.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Software and updates

Both the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro now run iOS 12, though you may need to update a 10.5-inch iPad Pro to iOS 12 when you get it. Because of the way Apple handles updates, they will both get new versions of iOS as they’re released. The 11-inch iPad Pro is one year newer, so it may be supported with updates for longer. Because of that, it’s the winner here.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The overall experience of the 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.5-inch iPad Pro will be largely the same but there are a few differences to keep in mind. For starters, the new 11-inch iPad Pro offers Apple’s Face ID, which allows you to unlock the device with facial recognition like you can on newer iPhones. The new iPad also supports the new Apple Pencil, which can magnetically connect to the tablet to pair and charge wirelessly, which is a nice touch. The older iPad Pro has a fingerprint sensor and a home button, which may be the only special feature it has over the newer model.

Another major special feature in the 11-inch iPad Pro, as mentioned, is the fact that it has a USB-C port, essentially giving it access to a range of peripherals, like displays, and so on.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Price

The 2018 iPad Pro is clearly a better device but it comes at a price. While the 10.5-inch iPad Pro comes at $650, the 11-inch iPad Pro steps things up to $800. In other words, if you want that extra processing power, edge-to-edge display, and access to the improved Apple Pencil, you will have to pay for it. Prices range up from there, too.

For the 10.5-inch 2017 iPad Pro, you will pay $800 for the 256GB model and $1,000 for the 512GB model. For the newer 11-inch iPad Pro, you need to shell out $950 for the 256GB model, $1,150 for the 512GB model, and $1,550 for the 1TB model.

Overall winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

No surprises here, the new 11-inch 2018 iPad Pro is the clear winner. The device has a far better processor, larger display, and more modern design. If you’re looking for the most powerful tablet you can buy, it’s the one to go for. That’s not to say that the 10.5-inch iPad isn’t a great option. It boasts still-excellent performance and a classic design, even if it’s not as flashy as the newer device. Our advice? If you simply want a tablet to play a few games on or use around the house, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro is more than enough — you may even be more than satisfied with the new $330 iPad. If you’re looking for power and performance, go for the newer tablet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• How the 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9 stacks up against the 2017 and 2015 versions
• iPad Pro (2018) hands on review
• Surface Pro 6 vs. iPad Pro
• The new iPad Pro is here, and it adds the best of the iPhone to the tablet
• These best iPad Pro games

11-inch iPad Pro vs. 10.5-inch iPad Pro: Can the new model take out the classic?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The new iPad Pro is finally here, boasting a new edge-to-edge display, improved internal specs, and support for the new Apple Pencil. Along with modernizing the design, Apple also changed the sizes of the iPad Pro, now offering one with an 11-inch display, and one with a 12.9-inch display.

But how does the new 11-inch iPad Pro compare with the previous generation 10.5-inch device? Is it really worth shelling out the extra cash for? After all, the 10.5-inch 2017 iPad Pro is still available for purchase at the same $650 price tag. We put the 11-inch 2018 iPad Pro head-to-head with the 10.5-inch 2017 iPad Pro to find out.

Specs

11-inch iPad Pro 
10.5-inch iPad Pro

Size
247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches)
250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 mm (9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 inches)

Weight
468 grams (1.03 pounds)
469 grams (1.03 pounds)

Screen Size
11-inch LCD display
10.5-inch LCD display

Screen Resolution
2,388 x 1,668 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)
2,224 x 1,668 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)

Operating System
iOS 12
iOS 12

Storage Space
64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB

MicroSD Card Slot
No
No

Tap To Pay Services
Apple Pay
Apple

Processor
A12X Bionic
A10X Fusion

RAM
4GB
4GB

Camera
12MP rear, 7MP front
12MP rear, 7MP front

Video
2,160p at 60fps, 1,080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps
2,160p at 60fps, 1,080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps

Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
USB-Type C
Lightning

Fingerprint sensor
No (Face ID)
Yes

Water resistance
No
No

Battery
10 hours of web surfing
10 hours of web surfing

App Marketplace
App Store
App Store

Network support
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

Colors
Silver, Space Gray
Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold

Price
$800
$650

Buy From
Apple
Apple

Review Score
Hands-On
4.5-stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the new 11-inch iPad Pro and the older 10.5-inch iPad Pro are excellent performers, but one of them is clearly better than the other. The new 11-inch iPad Pro features Apple’s new A12X Bionic processor, which has been hailed since its announcement to offer laptop-class performance. The older A10X Fusion is a great chip but it just doesn’t compare to the new one.

The battery life of the two iPads, on the other hand, is pretty much the same. Apple says both devices will get around 10 hours of web surfing, so we’re not expecting many discrepancies between the two. Neither of the two tablets charges wirelessly despite Apple adopting wireless charging for new iPhones and the Apple Watch.

Because of the better performance, the new 11-inch iPad Pro is the clear winner here.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the new iPad Pro and its predecessor feature Apple’s classic design — but the 2018 iPad Pro takes things up a notch. With an edge-to-edge display on the iPad Pro, the bezels are far smaller than the previous generation. Add to that the nice flat edges and you have an ultra-modern device.

That’s not to say that previous-generation iPad Pro doesn’t look good. It still has a beautiful aluminum build and classy look, plus it’s available in a few more colors — Rose Gold and Gold. The 11-inch iPad Pro is only available in Space Gray and Silver.

Both iPads should have the same durability as both feature aluminum backs and glass fronts, and as such, they could both shatter if you drop them.

Perhaps the biggest design difference between the two tablets is the fact that Apple has gotten rid of the headphone jack in the new 11-inch iPad. Also, gone is the Lightning port, which has been replaced with the more versatile USB-C port. That means you can now do more with the new iPad Pro, such as connect it to external displays, or use it to charge your iPhone. We think the addition of USB-C trumps the lack of the headphone jack, so the new iPad gets the win.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Despite adopting OLED displays on other products, Apple is sticking to LCD for the iPad. The 2017 iPad Pro has a 10.5-inch display — while the new iPad Pro steps things up to 11 inches. The resolution is slightly sharper on the 11-inch iPad Pro, but both have a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. Both also retain Apple’s ProMotion technology, which offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.

Still, because of the fact that the 2018 iPad Pro has a slightly larger display, even if it’s only a small difference, it’s the winner here.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While you may not use your iPad to take photos the same way you would with your smartphone, the camera may still be important to you, especially when it comes to video chatting with the front-facing camera. Ultimately, however, the cameras are the same on both the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the newer 11-inch iPad Pro. The rear-facing camera on the devices comes in at 12 megapixels, while the front-facing cam sits in at 7 megapixels. Both devices can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, but you can film up to 240 frames per second at 720p.

The 2018 iPad Pro still takes the win, though, as it comes with Smart HDR, a feature introduced on this year’s iPhones. It helps with high-contrast lighting and should deliver a better camera experience.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Software and updates

Both the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro now run iOS 12, though you may need to update a 10.5-inch iPad Pro to iOS 12 when you get it. Because of the way Apple handles updates, they will both get new versions of iOS as they’re released. The 11-inch iPad Pro is one year newer, so it may be supported with updates for longer. Because of that, it’s the winner here.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The overall experience of the 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.5-inch iPad Pro will be largely the same but there are a few differences to keep in mind. For starters, the new 11-inch iPad Pro offers Apple’s Face ID, which allows you to unlock the device with facial recognition like you can on newer iPhones. The new iPad also supports the new Apple Pencil, which can magnetically connect to the tablet to pair and charge wirelessly, which is a nice touch. The older iPad Pro has a fingerprint sensor and a home button, which may be the only special feature it has over the newer model.

Another major special feature in the 11-inch iPad Pro, as mentioned, is the fact that it has a USB-C port, essentially giving it access to a range of peripherals, like displays, and so on.

Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

Price

The 2018 iPad Pro is clearly a better device but it comes at a price. While the 10.5-inch iPad Pro comes at $650, the 11-inch iPad Pro steps things up to $800. In other words, if you want that extra processing power, edge-to-edge display, and access to the improved Apple Pencil, you will have to pay for it. Prices range up from there, too.

For the 10.5-inch 2017 iPad Pro, you will pay $800 for the 256GB model and $1,000 for the 512GB model. For the newer 11-inch iPad Pro, you need to shell out $950 for the 256GB model, $1,150 for the 512GB model, and $1,550 for the 1TB model.

Overall winner: 11-inch iPad Pro

No surprises here, the new 11-inch 2018 iPad Pro is the clear winner. The device has a far better processor, larger display, and more modern design. If you’re looking for the most powerful tablet you can buy, it’s the one to go for. That’s not to say that the 10.5-inch iPad isn’t a great option. It boasts still-excellent performance and a classic design, even if it’s not as flashy as the newer device. Our advice? If you simply want a tablet to play a few games on or use around the house, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro is more than enough — you may even be more than satisfied with the new $330 iPad. If you’re looking for power and performance, go for the newer tablet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• How the 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9 stacks up against the 2017 and 2015 versions
• iPad Pro (2018) hands on review
• Surface Pro 6 vs. iPad Pro
• The new iPad Pro is here, and it adds the best of the iPhone to the tablet
• These best iPad Pro games

Nintendo may finally bring ‘The Legend of Zelda’ and ‘Donkey Kong’ to mobile

The next Nintendo mobile games may be The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong, finally bringing two of the company’s most popular franchises to smartphones.

The arrival of the two franchises to mobile gaming was hinted by trademarks that the company filed this month, Destructoid reported, citing Japanese Nintendo. The two trademarks are for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, filed as “program for home video game machine, downloadable video game program, and program for smartphone.”

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks was first released for the Nintendo DS in 2009, and re-released for the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong, meanwhile, first appeared on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, with subsequent versions gracing the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U.

Rumors of a The Legend of Zelda smartphone game have been making the rounds since last year, after the success of Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes. The report mentioned The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, which is primarily controlled through the Nintendo DS stylus, as a possible inspiration for the mobile game.

New Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said earlier this year that he is planning to turn the company’s mobile gaming division into a nearly $1 billion business, after Fire Emblem Heroes made almost $300 million in its first year from microtransactions. The arrival of The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong to smartphone games will definitely give the division a boost towards achieving that goal.

The trademark filings do not entirely confirm that The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Mario vs. Donkey Kong are indeed on the way to be released as mobile games. There is the possibility that The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks will be repackaged for the Nintendo 3DS, while a new Mario Vs. Donkey Kong may be on its way to the Nintendo Switch.

However, with the trademark filings mentioning “program for smartphone,” fans of the two franchises are hoping that they will be the next Nintendo mobile games. The two titles may translate well to smartphones and tablets, and are good candidates to mark the arrival of The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong to mobile.

Editors’ Recommendations

• ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ special edition includes snazzy Pro Controller
• The 25 best GBA games ever made
• ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’: Everything you need to know
• This affordable headset is designed to ‘mimic’ VR for the Nintendo Switch
• The best video games to gift this holiday season, from ‘Spider-Man’ to ‘Hitman 2’

Smart garage door hubs, all-in-one printers, and more are discounted today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

There’s never a shortage of deals available, but sorting through all of them can be difficult at times. We’ve handpicked all the best tech, and everyday essentials discounts that you can take advantage of right now and brought them to one central location. From printers to pressure cookers, these are today’s best deals.

Tech Deals

Everyday Essentials

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

Pack your Kano Computer for trips in style!

While travel cases for the Kano computer are, unfortunately, rather lacking, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a high-quality case that won’t break the bank — or your tech. After breaking a lot of my own equipment due to a mixture of forgetfulness and stupidity, I decided to change my ways and always opt to get the best case that money can buy. This is why the Aenllosi Storage Carrying Kit has been included in this collection, as its durability keeps all of your Kano Computer parts safely protected from the world, and from your own klutziness.

Durable, trusty case

Aenllosi Storage Carrying Kit

A completely crush-resistant case protects internal mesh pockets perfect for storing your keyboard, cables, and mouse. The Aenllosi’s hard, water-resistant shell is also ridiculously easy to keep clean. Did you spill something over it? No problem! This case comes in 3 colors, including a beautiful red.

$16 at Amazon

Long-lasting and risk-free

Aproca Travel Case

Durable and long-lasting, Aproca’s case doesn’t have the same amount of colorful variety as the Aenllosi, but it can definitely get the job done. It’s also 100% risk free. Not the case for you or your Kano Computer? You’re guaranteed to get your money back.

$14 at Amazon

Everything in its place

Hermitshell Hard EVA Carrying Case

Unlike the more open layouts of our previous cases, the Hermitshell has very specific slots for each piece of Kano equipment. There is a place for everything, so you can make sure everything is in its place. This hardshell case keeps everything safely where it should be, and like the Aenllosi, it comes in multiple color choices.

$15 at Amazon

As mentioned previously, the market of cases for Kano computers are low, but that also means everything you purchase here is a clear winner. If you’re looking for a mix of style, protection and portability, my favorite case is the Aenllosi Storage Carrying Kit just because of how durable it is.

Pump up your Echo Dot Kids’ Edition with these Bluetooth speakers

When it comes to finding a great speaker to pair with the Echo Dot Kids Edition, the choices are almost endless. You can go the traditional route by using 3.5mm auxiliary cables, but where’s the fun in that? These Bluetooth speaker options will speak perfectly to your child’s style, and a few of them also speak to a parent’s practicality.

Waterproof

Altec Lansing IMW257 Mini H2O

The Altec Lansing IMW257 is likely the best option for a Bluetooth speaker to pair with the Echo Dot Kids. No, you might not be taking it to the pool, but it will resist accidental spills and comes in a myriad of colors.

$30 at Amazon

Squishy Ears

AEO Portable Bunny Bluetooth Speaker

The ears are squishy and the little 😄 eyelashes help this cute and compact speaker turn the adorability factor up to 11. The silicone is easy to grip and carry around the room or around the house to keep the place hoppin’!

$25 at Amazon

Big Sound

DOSS SoundBox XS Touch

This impressively-named speaker is touch-sensitive, which can be super-fun for a child, but admittedly less so for parents. Plus, there are two 5-watt drivers to provide big sound in a small package.

$33 at Amazon

Nightstand buddy

WamGra Night Lights Lamp and Speaker

This technicolor Bluetooth speaker doubles as a color-changing, dimmable bedside lamp and an alarm clock. No matter what theme your room or your music, this speaker can match it and light up the pillow fort party.

$36 at Amazon

Nostalgia

iHome Star Wars Death Star Bluetooth Speaker

This franchise is over 40 years old, but it’s going stronger than ever today! Chances are someone in your home is a big fan of Star Wars and this Death Star Bluetooth speaker from iHome would be the perfect addition.

$34 at Amazon

Build-a-Bose workshop

Bose BOSEbuild Speaker Cube

The priciest speaker on this list is a bonding experience, as it requires you and your child to build the speaker. The BOSEbuild Speaker includes all of the necessary parts, and the finished product will have the quality and sound that Bose is renown for.

$99 at Amazon

If you are in the market for a new speaker that sounds better than the Echo Dot Kids, this list is for you. There are a few fun options like the Death Star Speaker, along with an all-in-one nightstand solution from WamGra. There are plenty more options out there, but these were some of our favorites.

Scientists confirm supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy

It has been suspected for some time that there is a supermassive black hole located at the center of our galaxy, named Sagittarius A*. Now scientists have uncovered more evidence about the black hole which they shared in an announcement on October 31.

Cosmologists have used the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to observe flares of infrared radiation from the disk of debris surrounding Sagittarius A* (pronounced A-Star), which is strong evidence that it is a supermassive black hole. A consortium of scientists at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) used the GRAVITY telescope interferometer to observe three bright flares orbiting around Sagittarius A* at a tremendous speed of 30 percent of the speed of light. The flares are believed to be caused by the heated gases that orbit Sagittarius A* which interact with the magnetic fields surrounding them, and are in line with what scientists predicted would be seen around a black hole.

ESO released a video which shows a beautiful visualization of zooming into the black hole and seeing the swirling pattern of the flares that surround it:

This is the first time that material has been observed so close to the event horizon of a black hole. The event horizon is a region around a black hole from which nothing can escape — not matter or even light. Because black holes are so dense, they have very strong gravity which pulls anything within the event horizon back towards the black hole and prevents it from escaping. Just outside of the event horizon is a point called the innermost stable orbit, which is the closest that matter can come to the black hole without being dragged into it, and this is where the flares observed by the ESO originated. The innermost stable orbit is part of the accretion disk, which is the disk of gasses and other matter that forms around a black hole but which is far enough away not to be pulled inside the event horizon. The forces of friction and gravity combine to compress these gases and raise their temperature, which is how the flares form.

As a supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A* is even stronger than most black holes due to its enormous size. We now have confirmation that this cosmological giant is the center around which the entire Milky Way galaxy rotates.

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