Drink up, Intel’s Whiskey Lake 8th-gen CPUs are coming to Chromebooks
Intel’s new-generation of U-series processors are making their way to Chromebooks in the near future, bringing native support for gigabit Wi-Fi and the option of LTE cellular data connectivity. As a result, Chrome OS devices that are configured with the new chips will be more connected than ever before. Thanks to low power requirements they could help extend the battery life of the lean notebooks as well.
Intel debuted its Whiskey Lake CPUs at the end of August, highlighting their improved connectivity, as well as the smart-assistant benefits of their companion Y-Series processors. It’s the U-Series though, with its wireless networking capabilities, that has been spotted in the Chromium repository, as per Chrome Unboxed.
The first Chromebook to sport the new CPUs is code-named “Sarien” and is said to be in the early stages of development, so it isn’t expected for some time. However, we can speculate about the kind of hardware it will contain. Although Chromebooks are typically leaner devices than their Windows counterparts, Google’s Pixelbook proved an exception there and the U-Series does have a couple of decently powerful options. Alongside the dual-core i3-8145U which turbos up to 3.9GHz, there is also the option of a quad-core i5-8265U which supports hyperthreading for up to eight simultaneous threads.
If Sarien proves to be a high-end Chromebook, the developers could always fit it with a Core i7-8565U. That chip sports four cores and eight threads, and can be clocked up to 4.6GHz — though that seems a little unlikely for a Chromebook as the chip is expensive at more than $400. Its thermal design power requirements can reach 25w, too, which isn’t ideal for a small-form-factor laptop.
Chrome Unboxed expects we won’t see the new, Whiskey Lake-powered Chromebook until the second quarter of 2019 at the earliest, but it does highlight how encouraging this is. Chromebooks are being made with brand-new hardware and that’s promising for anyone considering one for their next laptop upgrade. They can enjoy the benefits of the latest and greatest and still use the lean Chrome OS platform.
If you can’t wait and just want a great Chromebook right now, check out our breakdown of the best Chromebooks of 2018.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Intel’s Whiskey Lake CPUs include hardware fix for Meltdown, Amber Lake does not
- Google Pixelbook 2: Everything you need to know
- Here are the 10 best laptop deals for October 2018
- Intel’s latest 8th-gen mobile processors improve battery life and performance
- Dell’s new Inspiron 2-in-1 PCs, premium Inspiron 2-in-1 Chromebook debut at IFA
Master your new Razer Phone 2 with these handy tips and tricks
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
From its 120Hz display, to its jaw-dropping Dolby Atmos speakers, the Razer Phone 2 is made for gaming. But at $800, the phone is probably going to be used for a whole lot more than playing Pokemon Go. If you’re a lucky new owner, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite Razer Phone 2 tips and tricks to get you started with your new phone.
How to set up Do Not Disturb
Whether you want a little time away from your email or you simply want to have a good night’s sleep without tons of notifications, Do Not Disturb mode can can help. When you set up Do Not Disturb, you can easily create multiple schedules that limit the number and types of notifications and calls you’ll receive.
Setting up Do Not Disturb mode is easy. Simply go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb Preferences. From here you can customize the pre-defined rules by tapping on them. If you’d like to create a custom rule, select Add More and choose either Event Rule or Time Rule. When you’ve finished updating any rule, make sure you enable it by toggling on the slider at the top of the screen.
How to customize your homepage with Theme Store
Looking to jazz up your home screen? You’re in luck because the Razer Phone 2 has an awesome Theme Store that allows you to totally customize your phone. If you want to give it a shot, just open the Theme Store app and scroll through the Featured and Game Theme sections. You can also search for specific themes by tapping the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen. When you’ve found a theme you like, tap on it and select Download. Once it is downloaded, press the Apply button to change to your new theme.
How to record video in 4K
Just about every flagship supports 4K video recording and the Razer Phone 2 is no exception. However, if you want to record video in 4K you’ll need to make an adjustment to the settings in your Camera app.
To switch to 4K resolution tap the Camera icon followed by the gear icon below the viewfinder. Select Back Camera Resolution and tap the radio button next to UHD 4K.
How to find games optimized for the Razer Phone 2
One of the things that makes the Razer Phone 2 stand out is its awesome 120Hz display. In contrast to 60Hz displays found on other smartphones, the Razer Phone 2’s display offers latency-free gaming and buttery smooth performance. But what good is the awesome display if you can’t find games that are optimized for it?
Luckily, Razer is a step ahead of the game and created Cortex. This app allows you to quickly access your game library, find new games, and even optimize the phone for game play. To find new games, simply open the Cortex app and tap the featured icon. From this screen you can easily download supported games from the Google Play store.
If you already have a library of games, you just need to open the Cortex app to find them neatly stored under the Library tab. Finally, you’ll notice a Game Booster tab on the lower right side of the screen. From here you can choose which power mode you’d like to use on the phone in general, or simply improve performance on selected games and apps by tapping the Manage Games icon.
How to customize the Razer logo
Last year’s Razer Phone had a relatively ho-hum design. This year, however, Razer made some changes that make its newest flagship a bit more eye-catching. One of those changes is the addition of the backlit Razer logo on the phone. The new logo is more than just for show though, it can also alert you when you have new notifications.
You can easily customize both the color and function of the Razer logo on your new phone. If you want to give it a shot go to Settings > Chroma. Toggle on the My Chroma Effect slider and tap My Chroma Effect. From this screen you can adjust the color by tapping on the color wheel or entering a Hex code, and you can adjust the brightness by tapping on the brightness icon at the bottom of the display. You can also tap the effect icon on the bottom right side of the screen to customize the logo lighting effect. Tap the back arrow to return to the primary screen: From here you can select when you’d like the logo to be illuminated by tapping your preferred icon under the Battery Consumption tab.
How to wake the screen by lifting your phone
Like its predecessor, the new Razer Phone 2 has speakers that sit prominently at the top and bottom of the display. While this means the phone has awesome audio quality, it also means there’s no room for a fingerprint sensor. For better or worse, Razer chose to put the fingerprint sensor on the side of its phone, making it difficult to access when it’s sitting on a table.
Luckily there’s a somewhat hidden gesture that can wake your screen whenever you lift the phone. To turn on the feature go to Settings > Display and tap on Advanced. Select Ambient Display and toggle the slider next to Lift To Check Phone.
How to change the display refresh rate
Perhaps the standout feature on the new Razer Phone 2 is its 120Hz display. We’ve already talked about what it can do for game performance, but did you know it can drain your battery rather quickly? Fortunately you can easily choose between three different refresh rates on your new smartphone.
To change your display’s refresh rate, go to Settings > Display and tap on Refresh Rate. You’ll see three options: 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. Tap the appropriate radio box next to your preferred refresh rate. If you’re unsure which refresh rate to select, you’ll probably want to choose 120Hz when gaming, and 90Hz for daily use. If you find your battery draining quickly at 90Hz, you may want to give 60Hz a shot.
Now you’ve learned a few of our favorite tips and tricks, you may want to change a few settings on your new Razer Phone 2 in order to have the best user experience.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Key settings you need to change on your brand-new Razer Phone 2
- Razer Phone 2 review
- The Razer Phone 2: Everything you need to know
- Razer Phone 2 vs. Red Magic Phone vs. Honor Play: Which gaming phone is best?
- Razer Phone 2 vs. Razer Phone: Is it time to level up?
The ZTE Blade Max View and Blade Max 2s offer dramatic displays for under $200
ZTE has taken the wraps off of the new ZTE Blade Max View and ZTE Blade Max 2s, two sub-$200 phones aimed at offering a good experience at a low price. Both of the phones seem to offer features that might otherwise be reserved for more expensive phones, along with a relatively modern design and decent specs.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ZTE Blade Max View and ZTE Blade Max 2s.
ZTE Blade Max View
The ZTE Blade Max View offers some great specs for the price. Namely, you will find a 6-inch display with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080, which isn’t bad at all for a phone in this price range. The aspect ration on that display comes in at 18:9, which helps give it a modern feel despite the fact that the screen isn’t edge-to-edge.
ZTE hasn’t specified the processor model on here beyond to say that it’s a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, which probably means its a 400-series chip, like the Snapdragon 430. That processor is coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, though if you want more storage, there is also a MicroSD card slot. The battery sits in at 4,000mAh, which is pretty big and ZTE says that will get you 20 hours of talk time.
The camera on the device is a dual-sensor camera, and it offers one 16-megapixel sensor and one 2-megapixel sensor. Right underneath those cameras, you will find a fingerprint sensor. On the front, there’s an 8-megapixel sensor.
The ZTE Blade Max View is priced at $200 and supports any GSM network plus Verizon, meaning you won’t be able to get it if you’re a Sprint customer. It’s now available from Newegg, B&H, and ZTE’s website.
ZTE Blade Max 2s
The ZTE Blade Max 2s is similar to the Blade Max View in many ways. For starters, it has the same 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, coupled with a slightly less 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage — though again, there is a MicroSD card slot in case you need it. The display of the phone also comes in at 6 inches, with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080, and like the Blade Max View, the battery is also 4,000mAh.
When it comes to cameras, the Blade Max 2s boasts one 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and one 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It also has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
The ZTE Blade Max 2s is available for $180 and can be purchased from Newegg, B&H, and ZTE’s website.
Windows 10 October 2018 Update won’t launch in October after all
The Windows 10 October 2018 update which was slated for — you guessed it — October, looks unlikely to release in that month at all after further delays pushed back its secondary roll out. The latest round of fixes addresses issues with dragging files from a zip archive in Windows’ File Explorer, adding to a growing number of patches that have been released to Windows Insiders since the original release of the update in early October.
Initially launched on October 2 as part of Microsoft’s Surface event, which saw the debut of new devices like the Surface Studio 2 and Surface Pro 6, the Windows 10 October 2018 update brought with it a number of new features, including better smartphone integration and improved screenshot editing capabilities. However, it was quickly plagued with dangerous bugs that caused data deletion and driver incompatibility. It was bad enough that Microsoft pulled the update and sent it back to its testers to try and iron out some of the bugs.
Since then we’ve received multiple reports of additional bug fixes and it’s still not clear when the wider Windows 10 user base can expect to receive the update. What is clear is that it isn’t going to release in October — we’ve simply run out of time.
When it does become available, however, we do know that it won’t have a nasty zip archive bug that was recently patched out. As Ars Technica describes it, the problem would see the dragging and dropping of files from zip archives not provide a prompt to the user to see if they want to overwrite a file with the same name. The Windows 10 17763 build that comprises the October 2018 Update was instead simply ignoring files with the same name and not copying them over.
The patch for that particular flaw is now with the slow and release rings of Microsoft’s Windows Insider program, so should be about ready for the main release build. It joins additional patches for the data deletion, audio issues, and driver compatibility problems that have plagued the premium Windows update. It’s all very late though, pushing back the release of the update well beyond when it was initially planned to see widespread adoption.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Problems with Microsoft’s Windows October 2018 Update aren’t over yet
- A new bug in the Windows 10 October 2018 Update could delete your files
- The next big Windows update could launch as soon as October 2
- Windows Insiders get fix for October 2018 Update’s data delete bug
- Did the Windows October 2018 update delete your files? Microsoft can help
How the 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9 stacks up against its 2017 and 2015 versions
You can hardly fail to be impressed by the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple has shaved down the bezels, packing even more processing power into a slimmer body without shrinking down the beautiful display. At first glance, the only thing that isn’t more appealing about this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro compared to previous models is the price.
We decided to dig a little deeper and pit the 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro against the 2017 and 2015 versions to find out precisely what has changed. If you’re wondering whether you need to upgrade, or are looking to save a few dollars by buying the older model, we have all the answers you need right here.
Specs
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2015)
Size
280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm (11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 inches)
305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm (12.04 x 8.69 x 0.27 inches)
305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm (12.04 x 8.69 x 0.27 inches)
Weight
631 grams (22.24 ounces)
677 grams (23.88 ounces)
713 grams (25.15 ounces)
Screen size
12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display
12.9-inch IPS LCD display
12.9-inch IPS LCD display
Screen resolution
2,732 x 2,048 (264 pixels-per-inch)
2,732 x 2,048 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)
2,732 x 2,048 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)
Operating system
iOS 12
iOS 10 (upgradable to iOS 12)
iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 12)
Storage space
64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB
32GB, 128GB, 256GB
MicroSD Card slot
No
No
No
Tap to pay services
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Processor
A12X Bionic
A10X Fusion
A9X
RAM
TBC
4GB
4GB
Camera
12MP rear, 7MP front
12MP rear, 7MP front
8MP rear, 1.2MP front
Video
2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps
2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps
1,080p at 30 fps, 720p at 120 fps
Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth 4.0
Ports
USB-C
Lightning, 3.5mm audio jack
Lightning, 3.5mm audio jack
Fingerprint sensor
No
Yes (front)
Yes (front)
Water resistance
No
No
No
Battery
36.71 Wh
41 Wh (10,891 mAh)
38.8 Wh (10,307 mAh)
App marketplace
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
Colors
Silver, Space Gray
Space Gray, Gold, Silver
Space Gray, Gold, Silver
Price
$1,000 plus
$650 plus
$600 plus
Buy from
Apple
Amazon
Discontinued
Review score
Hands-on
News
4.5 out of 5 stars
Performance, battery life, and charging
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Apple has packed a new octa-core A12X Bionic processor into the latest iPad Pro, which it says is capable of delivering graphics at twice the speed of its predecessor. The 2017 model had a hexa-core A10X Fusion chip inside, while the original had the A9X. Last year’s iPad Pro was already a speed demon, so it’s tough to say how much of a difference you’ll feel, but if you’re upgrading from the 2015 model, then you’ll notice the speed boost. If you’re in the habit of editing large images or playing a lot of graphically intensive games, then you’ll want the new iPad Pro for sure, if you’re just watching Netflix and browsing the web, then all this power may be overkill for you.
The battery in this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro appears to be smaller, but improvements in efficiency should make up for the shortfall. Apple suggests 10 hours of battery life from a single charge, or 9 hours if you opt for the cellular version, which is exactly what it said about the 2017 and 2015 versions. The new iPad has made the switch from Lightning port to USB-C, which gives you more choice for accessories and enables you to connect your iPhone and charge it from the tablet.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Design and durability
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Probably the most striking difference between this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro and previous versions is the design. While the 2015 and 2017 versions look identical, there’s no way you’d mistake the latest because the new iPad Pro is a lot more attractive. Apple has packed the same size display into a much smaller body, shaving millimeters off in every direction. The bezels are slimmed way down, the home button is gone, and the recycled aluminum frame is squared off. The 2018 iPad Pro is still very big and not the easiest device to handle, but it’s a big improvement over its predecessors.
We’re also pleased to see Apple adopt USB-C in the new iPad, instead of sticking to the proprietary Lightning port you’ll find in the old ones. The only thing that may be construed as a design disadvantage for the newer iPad Pro is the fact that Apple has ditched the 3.5mm audio jack.
You’re definitely going to want to invest in a case whatever iPad Pro you have. There’s no water resistance and nothing much to divide these tablets in terms of durability.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Display
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
All three 12.9-inch iPad Pros feature IPS LCD screens with 2,732 x 2,048-pixel resolutions. They are plenty sharp with a 264 pixels-per-inch density. The newer models feature a variable refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz and shifts automatically based on the content you are looking at to maintain a smooth look. The same TrueTone tech adjusts the brightness for readability indoors and out. Apple has dubbed the screen in the new iPad Pro “Liquid Retina”, just as it did with the iPhone XR, but that’s largely marketing speak. We don’t think there’s actually any difference between the 2017 and 2018 models here, but they’re both slightly better than the original.
Winner: Tie
Camera
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Taking photos with tablets is uncomfortable, especially when they’re this big. However, the iPad Pro does offer some intriguing augmented reality content, so it does need that 12-megapixel camera on the back. There’s also a 7-megapixel front-facing camera that’s ideal for FaceTime calls. The latest two versions have the same cameras on paper, but only the new iPad Pro has Face ID, which replaces Touch ID, enabling you to unlock your tablet by looking at it. With the same TrueDepth sensors as the iPhone X and XS lines, the new iPad Pro can also handle Portrait mode, Animoji, and Memoji. The original iPad Pro lags way behind with an 8-megapixel main camera and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Software and updates
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
While the 2017 iPad Pro originally came with iOS 10, and the original came with iOS 9, they have since been upgraded to the latest iOS 12, which is also what you’ll find on the new iPad Pro. The software experience on these tablets is virtually identical, but as we mentioned in the last section, only the new iPad has Apple’s TrueDepth technology which allows it to scan your face to unlock and for purchases, but also to use fun Animoji and Memoji. The fact that the newer iPad is more powerful also means it will likely continue to get updates for a little longer than the older versions.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Special features
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
The optional extras for the iPad Pro are expensive, but Apple has made some improvements to the Smart Keyboard and to the Apple Pencil. Both attach easily, thanks to a system of magnets, and they charge up automatically once attached. The old Apple Pencil had to be plugged in to the Lightning port to charge, so wireless charging is an improvement. There was also nowhere to store the Apple Pencil with the old iPad Pros, so if it’s a feature you’re interested in, the new magnetic attachment is going to be pleasing. Sadly, it doesn’t come with the tablet, and you’ll need to pay an extra $130 to enjoy it.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Price
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only version and goes all the way up to $1,899 for the 1TB model with cellular support. If you want a Smart Keyboard that’s another $200 and the new Apple Pencil is $130. The second-generation 2017 model started at $799 and so did the original. They’ve both been discontinued now, but you might still find the 2017 version in stock at some retailers or you can pick up a refurbished one for close to $600. You may spot deeper discounts in the next few weeks.
Overall winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
There’s no doubt that the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro is superior. It boasts a much slicker design, more processing power, and a few other extras including Face ID, USB-C, and better accessories. The big stumbling block is the price. It’s a lot more expensive than its predecessors and not everything has been upgraded. The display, camera, and battery life are much the same. If you already have the 2017 model it’s going to be tough to justify the upgrade, but owners of the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro will want to bite.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Surface Pro 6 vs. iPad Pro
- iPad Pro (2018) hands on review
- The new iPad Pro is here, and it adds the best of the iPhone to the tablet
- iPad Pro 2018: 5 features we love, 5 features we don’t
- The best iPad deals for October 2018
How the 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9 stacks up against its 2017 and 2015 versions
You can hardly fail to be impressed by the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple has shaved down the bezels, packing even more processing power into a slimmer body without shrinking down the beautiful display. At first glance, the only thing that isn’t more appealing about this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro compared to previous models is the price.
We decided to dig a little deeper and pit the 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro against the 2017 and 2015 versions to find out precisely what has changed. If you’re wondering whether you need to upgrade, or are looking to save a few dollars by buying the older model, we have all the answers you need right here.
Specs
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2015)
Size
280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm (11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 inches)
305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm (12.04 x 8.69 x 0.27 inches)
305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm (12.04 x 8.69 x 0.27 inches)
Weight
631 grams (22.24 ounces)
677 grams (23.88 ounces)
713 grams (25.15 ounces)
Screen size
12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display
12.9-inch IPS LCD display
12.9-inch IPS LCD display
Screen resolution
2,732 x 2,048 (264 pixels-per-inch)
2,732 x 2,048 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)
2,732 x 2,048 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch)
Operating system
iOS 12
iOS 10 (upgradable to iOS 12)
iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 12)
Storage space
64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB
32GB, 128GB, 256GB
MicroSD Card slot
No
No
No
Tap to pay services
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Processor
A12X Bionic
A10X Fusion
A9X
RAM
TBC
4GB
4GB
Camera
12MP rear, 7MP front
12MP rear, 7MP front
8MP rear, 1.2MP front
Video
2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps
2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps
1,080p at 30 fps, 720p at 120 fps
Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth 4.0
Ports
USB-C
Lightning, 3.5mm audio jack
Lightning, 3.5mm audio jack
Fingerprint sensor
No
Yes (front)
Yes (front)
Water resistance
No
No
No
Battery
36.71 Wh
41 Wh (10,891 mAh)
38.8 Wh (10,307 mAh)
App marketplace
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
Colors
Silver, Space Gray
Space Gray, Gold, Silver
Space Gray, Gold, Silver
Price
$1,000 plus
$650 plus
$600 plus
Buy from
Apple
Amazon
Discontinued
Review score
Hands-on
News
4.5 out of 5 stars
Performance, battery life, and charging
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Apple has packed a new octa-core A12X Bionic processor into the latest iPad Pro, which it says is capable of delivering graphics at twice the speed of its predecessor. The 2017 model had a hexa-core A10X Fusion chip inside, while the original had the A9X. Last year’s iPad Pro was already a speed demon, so it’s tough to say how much of a difference you’ll feel, but if you’re upgrading from the 2015 model, then you’ll notice the speed boost. If you’re in the habit of editing large images or playing a lot of graphically intensive games, then you’ll want the new iPad Pro for sure, if you’re just watching Netflix and browsing the web, then all this power may be overkill for you.
The battery in this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro appears to be smaller, but improvements in efficiency should make up for the shortfall. Apple suggests 10 hours of battery life from a single charge, or 9 hours if you opt for the cellular version, which is exactly what it said about the 2017 and 2015 versions. The new iPad has made the switch from Lightning port to USB-C, which gives you more choice for accessories and enables you to connect your iPhone and charge it from the tablet.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Design and durability
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Probably the most striking difference between this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro and previous versions is the design. While the 2015 and 2017 versions look identical, there’s no way you’d mistake the latest because the new iPad Pro is a lot more attractive. Apple has packed the same size display into a much smaller body, shaving millimeters off in every direction. The bezels are slimmed way down, the home button is gone, and the recycled aluminum frame is squared off. The 2018 iPad Pro is still very big and not the easiest device to handle, but it’s a big improvement over its predecessors.
We’re also pleased to see Apple adopt USB-C in the new iPad, instead of sticking to the proprietary Lightning port you’ll find in the old ones. The only thing that may be construed as a design disadvantage for the newer iPad Pro is the fact that Apple has ditched the 3.5mm audio jack.
You’re definitely going to want to invest in a case whatever iPad Pro you have. There’s no water resistance and nothing much to divide these tablets in terms of durability.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Display
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
All three 12.9-inch iPad Pros feature IPS LCD screens with 2,732 x 2,048-pixel resolutions. They are plenty sharp with a 264 pixels-per-inch density. The newer models feature a variable refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz and shifts automatically based on the content you are looking at to maintain a smooth look. The same TrueTone tech adjusts the brightness for readability indoors and out. Apple has dubbed the screen in the new iPad Pro “Liquid Retina”, just as it did with the iPhone XR, but that’s largely marketing speak. We don’t think there’s actually any difference between the 2017 and 2018 models here, but they’re both slightly better than the original.
Winner: Tie
Camera
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Taking photos with tablets is uncomfortable, especially when they’re this big. However, the iPad Pro does offer some intriguing augmented reality content, so it does need that 12-megapixel camera on the back. There’s also a 7-megapixel front-facing camera that’s ideal for FaceTime calls. The latest two versions have the same cameras on paper, but only the new iPad Pro has Face ID, which replaces Touch ID, enabling you to unlock your tablet by looking at it. With the same TrueDepth sensors as the iPhone X and XS lines, the new iPad Pro can also handle Portrait mode, Animoji, and Memoji. The original iPad Pro lags way behind with an 8-megapixel main camera and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Software and updates
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
While the 2017 iPad Pro originally came with iOS 10, and the original came with iOS 9, they have since been upgraded to the latest iOS 12, which is also what you’ll find on the new iPad Pro. The software experience on these tablets is virtually identical, but as we mentioned in the last section, only the new iPad has Apple’s TrueDepth technology which allows it to scan your face to unlock and for purchases, but also to use fun Animoji and Memoji. The fact that the newer iPad is more powerful also means it will likely continue to get updates for a little longer than the older versions.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Special features
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
The optional extras for the iPad Pro are expensive, but Apple has made some improvements to the Smart Keyboard and to the Apple Pencil. Both attach easily, thanks to a system of magnets, and they charge up automatically once attached. The old Apple Pencil had to be plugged in to the Lightning port to charge, so wireless charging is an improvement. There was also nowhere to store the Apple Pencil with the old iPad Pros, so if it’s a feature you’re interested in, the new magnetic attachment is going to be pleasing. Sadly, it doesn’t come with the tablet, and you’ll need to pay an extra $130 to enjoy it.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
Price
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only version and goes all the way up to $1,899 for the 1TB model with cellular support. If you want a Smart Keyboard that’s another $200 and the new Apple Pencil is $130. The second-generation 2017 model started at $799 and so did the original. They’ve both been discontinued now, but you might still find the 2017 version in stock at some retailers or you can pick up a refurbished one for close to $600. You may spot deeper discounts in the next few weeks.
Overall winner: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)
There’s no doubt that the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro is superior. It boasts a much slicker design, more processing power, and a few other extras including Face ID, USB-C, and better accessories. The big stumbling block is the price. It’s a lot more expensive than its predecessors and not everything has been upgraded. The display, camera, and battery life are much the same. If you already have the 2017 model it’s going to be tough to justify the upgrade, but owners of the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro will want to bite.
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What is Android fragmentation, and can Google ever fix it?
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Back in 2007, Google and its partners in the Open Handset Alliance set out with the goal of developing open standards for smartphones. Android was to be a great equalizer, creating a level playing field for manufacturers and developers. It was a vision with clear appeal. That’s partly why, 10 years or so later, Android is the dominant mobile platform with a 88 percent share of the worldwide mobile operating systems market in the second quarter of 2018, according to Statista.
If we want fragmentation to end, we’re going to have to demand it.
The open ideals that it was founded upon led to unprecedented diversity and a huge smartphone revolution, but they also sparked one of the most persistent criticisms of Android: Fragmentation. There’s a fairly universal perception that Android fragmentation is a barrier to a consistent user experience, a security risk, and a challenge for app developers.
But will Google ever end fragmentation? What is it doing to tackle the issue? And why is it taking so long?
Wait, what exactly is fragmentation?
Concerns and warnings about the impact of fragmentation are as old as Android itself.
“Literally before the close of business on the same day we announced Android (4:46pm to be precise), I saw the first article about Android fragmentation,” wrote then Open Source & Compatibility Program Manager, Dan Morrill, in a 2010 blog post on the official Android developer site. “The thing is, nobody ever defined ‘fragmentation’ — or rather, everybody has a different definition.”
We could be talking about the different versions of Android, the multitude of different devices, the manufacturer skins that sit on top, or even forks, like Amazon’s Fire OS.
What’s cited most often is the slow pace of adoption for new Android versions. Less than 1 percent of devices run the latest Android 9.0 Pie today, 21.5 percent run Oreo (version 8.0 or 8.1 of the OS), 28.2 percent run Nougat, and the rest are still running older versions, according to the latest data from the official Android developer site. This is frequently compared to iOS, where Apple said 53 percent of users are on iOS 12, 40 percent on iOS 11, and just 7 percent on earlier versions.
For ordinary folks who own a phone, fragmentation means that many Android device owners don’t have access to the latest and greatest features in the platform, but it has also been consistently raised as a major threat to security. Tim Cook famously referenced an article on ZDNet, entitled “Android fragmentation turning devices into a toxic hellstew of vulnerabilities” on a slide at WWDC in 2014. He even added animated flames to the word “hellstew” for a greater incendiary impact, and it played into a common perception of Android as potentially insecure.
It’s a criticism that Google has struggled to deal with. Adoption of the latest version of Android isn’t just about getting the latest features; it’s also about getting the latest bug fixes and security updates. We can see how Google would like things to run by looking at the Pixel line, where it rolls out platform updates quickly and monthly security patches are released over-the-air. The problem is that Google cannot, or will not, force manufacturers and carriers to do the same.
Android phone manufacturers try to add value and differentiate their devices by adding their own custom user interfaces, but that additional layer of software on top of Android means an extra round of testing and tweaking before a new version can be released. Wireless carriers have their own demands about how updates should be tested and rolled out, as well. If you want to get an idea of how it works check out this HTC infographic.
Issuing phone updates through wireless carriers is a complex process that’s time-consuming and costly. If you don’t count customer satisfaction (over time), there isn’t much incentive for manufacturers to push out new Android versions, either. Their business model isn’t based on extending the life of your smartphone. Just the opposite, in fact: It would be better for them if you bought a new one. There’s plenty of evidence that phone owners are getting fed up with this attitude. A Dutch consumer group sued Samsung for not updating Android on 82 percent of its phones.
What is Google doing to combat fragmentation?
Google has tried various strategies to tackle fragmentation, with mixed success. A lot of new features and security updates actually come through Google Play Services now, which is updated independently of the platform. Google also frequently rolls out major new features to its suite of apps, like Google Maps or Gmail, as app updates, while Apple bundles them into an annual iOS update. The Material Design libraries and guidelines were also designed to create a uniform look and feel across the platform.
Google tried to persuade manufacturers to release stock Android versions of their devices with its short-lived Google Play Edition program, but it failed to take off and ended quietly quite some time ago. The Android One program is a rare example of Google exerting more control over the hardware experience, but it has taken a long time to build any momentum. Most Nokia phones built by HMD Global run Android One.
For a time, there were rumors that Google might build its own smartphone processors. This would potentially enable it to more closely align new features and functionality in the Android platform with the hardware that will run them, just like Apple does with iOS. But it has never happened. What did happen was Project Treble, which has made it a bit faster and easier for phone makers to organize Android updates for their devices by separating low-level code that relates to the processor, modem, and other hardware, so they don’t need to be updated every time a new Android version comes along. Previously, the phone maker would have had to wait for the chipset provider, usually Qualcomm, to update that hardware code.
Project Treble and Google’s other efforts have no doubt had a positive impact. In 2018, both the OnePlus 6 and the Essential Phone released Android Pie or a beta for it as soon as Google released the version. Sony has the XZ3, which runs Pie, and Huawei’s Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro are also on the latest version. But you only need to look at the devices waiting for Android 9.0 Pie updates to see there’s still a problem here. Google is stuck between a rock and a hard place because Android was originally intended to be an open platform to promote device innovation and variety. There’s no doubt it was a success. There are more than 2 billion monthly active users of Android. But there was a high price for that success.
How Google could fix the problem
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Google could try to put a foot down and enforce a unified update system, threatening to pull its services from manufacturers that don’t fall into line. But, if it does that, then the company will be criticized for going against those open ideals — and there’s always a risk that some phone makers may choose to ditch Android altogether.
There isn’t much incentive for manufacturers to push out new Android versions.
On the other hand, it’s abundantly clear that most manufacturers and carriers are still not going to handle updates in a timely manner if left to their own devices. That leaves many Android users with outdated firmware and potential security holes, despite the fact that the hardware they own is perfectly capable of running the latest Android releases.
Whatever you think about fragmentation, it doesn’t seem to put much of a dent in Android’s popularity. The OS accounted for 85.9 percent of all smartphone sales worldwide in the first quarter of 2018, according to Gartner. There isn’t much evidence it’s discouraging developers from creating new apps for Android either. There are more than 2.5 million apps in the Google Play Store now, despite some major culls, according to AppBrain.
That doesn’t mean things can’t or shouldn’t improve. Imagine a system where manufacturer user interfaces like Samsung’s Experience and Huawei’s EMUI were replaced by apps and launchers. All pre-installed manufacturer and carrier apps could be uninstalled if you didn’t want them. Android updates would come directly from Google over-the-air, just as they do with Pixel devices right now, and iPhones. That would be a better system for Android device owners, and a lot safer. But if we want fragmentation to end, we’re going to have to demand it.
Editors’ Recommendations
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Leaked Costco Black Friday ad reveals crazy savings on the Dell XPS 13, more
Matt Smith/Digital Trends
Black Friday is still several weeks away, but Costco’s holiday shopping season deals have already leaked online on Best Black Friday. The deals include big savings on all sorts of electronics, including the Dell XPS 13, HP Chromebooks, iPads, and even a Dell monitor.
Costco might be closed for Thanksgiving but the leaked ad hints at several online-only savings for November 22 only. Those savings include $500 off the Dell XPS 13 with 16 GB Memory and a 1 TB SSD, bringing the overall price down from $2,000 to $1,500. That is a significant value, considering that it is currently rare to see a slim and light laptop with a 4K touch display and fast and spacious SSD storage for such a good price online.
Also included in the one-day-only online sale is a $70 savings on an iPad model which brings its price down from $320 to $250. Additionally, Costco also is offering $100 off the HP 14 Chromebook with 4 GB of RAM and a 32 GB SSD, bringing the price down from $300 to $200.
Elsewhere, the online-only deals include $100 off a Lenovo Ideapad 330 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop with 12 GB memory plus a 1 TB HDD. Also included is $70 off a Dell Ultrasharp 27 InfinityEdge monitor. In this case, the HDD might slow down the Lenovo, but the added touchscreen is still a big plus, cutting the price down from $550 and making for a nice chance to bundle and save with the Dell monitor.
There are some limits on these purchases to keep in mind. You only can buy 5 of the XPS 13 or Lenovo laptops, and also of the HP Chromebook. As for iPad and the Dell Monitor, those come with purchase limits of 2. You’ll also need to pay Costco’s membership fee to enjoy these discounts, but it may very well be worth investing to enjoy these prices.
Costco’s other sales are set to kick off on Sunday, November 18, and will go on through November 26, or while supplies last. Most of the big in-store sales include cutbacks on clothing, jewelry, appliances, digital cameras, and furniture.
Other retailers also have similar sales planned for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, including Macy’s and Best Buy. Looking for more information about the best deals? Find more from our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals pages.
We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and choose what we cover carefully and independently. If you find a better price for a product listed here, or want to suggest one of your own, email us at dealsteam@digitaltrends.com.Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.
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The Nubia X is a new Android phone with two displays and no notch
Another fascinating phone that’ll never come to North America.
It can be easy to say that smartphones have become boring and are no longer interesting, but a quick look at devices being released in other parts of the world will quickly prove you wrong. Most recently, ZTE’s sub-brand Nubia released a new phone that has not one, but two full-sized displays.
The phone in question is the Nubia X, and in addition to a 6.26-inch LCD 2,280 x 1080 display around front with extremely tiny bezels and no notch, there’s also a second screen on the back that’s an OLED panel with a resolution of 1520 x 720.
You’ll notice that the front of the Nubia X doesn’t have a front-facing camera — one of the reasons Nubia was able to cram in such a large screen-to-body ratio without succumbing to the notch trend. Instead, your selfies are taken with the dual 16MP + 24MP rear cameras with the secondary display acting as your viewfinder.
This is the Nubia X, a dual-screen phone with a very high screen ratio.Source: Weibo 字幕 GOUBA pic.twitter.com/L2So4FdzNU
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) October 31, 2018
That’s not all the second display can do, however. It can also be used to showcase animated wallpapers, add additional controls for certain games, and allows you to do pretty much anything you’d do with the main screen.
Other specs for the Nubia X include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor, a 3,800 mAh battery, and Android 8.1 Oreo.
The Nubia X is available in China for ¥3299, and as we see with a lot of these unique phones that are launched in the East, it likely won’t ever see a proper release in North America.
RED Hydrogen One review: The cinephile’s dream phone … some day
Mate 20 Pro breaks Huawei’s pre-order record in Western Europe by 40%
Huawei’s Mate family is bigger than ever this year.
Following up on last year’s Mate 10 series, Huawei’s cranking things up to, well, 20, with its all-new Huawei Mate 20 family. There are a total of four phones in this year’s lineup, but the two you’ll care about the most are the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro.
We’ve got a lot to dive into with this guide, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the Huawei Mate 20 series!
The Latest Mate 20 News
October 31, 2018 — Mate 20 Pro breaks Huawei’s pre-order record in Western Europe by 40%
Although the Mate 20 Pro won’t be sold in the United States, it’s been extremely popular in other parts of the world even during its initial pre-order state. In fact, Huawei recently confirmed that the phone topped its previous pre-order sales numbers by 40% over in Western Europe.
The P20 Pro was previously Huawei’s most pre-ordered phone for its first 10 days of availability, but the Mate 20 Pro has already overtaken it. It’s unclear exactly how many units have been sold, but a 40% increase certainly isn’t anything to scoff at.
Have you picked up a Mate 20 Pro for yourself yet?
October 22, 2018 — None of Huawei’s Mate 20 phones will be sold in the U.S.
We weren’t expecting Huawei to launch any of its Mate 20 smartphones on U.S. carriers, but similar to the Mate 9 and Mate 10 Pro, we were looking forward to at least one model making its way to the States in the form of an unlocked variant.
According to a new report from Business Insider, that won’t be happening this year.
Speaking to the publication, a spokesperson for Huawei said:
We are not planning to sell the Mate 20 series in the U.S. While international variants of the Mate 20 series may be available on some U.S. online retail sites, we encourage individuals to carefully read the details about the warranty and network compatibility before purchasing.
In other words, while you’ll probably be able to find the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro somewhere on Amazon, they won’t be covered by a warranty and might not have the proper bands to take full advantage of your carrier’s network.
All the big details
Check out our hands-on coverage
As mentioned above, the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro are the biggest and most impressive handsets of this entire lineup. As such, we spent a good deal of time with both phones to get an idea for how they work and feel ahead of our full review.
The Mate 20 features an extremely small waterdrop-style notch with great specs across the board, but the real star of the show is the Mate 20 Pro. Its triple rear camera package is one of the most capable we’ve ever seen, it’s using Huawei’s own take on Face ID, and the display glass is curved over the sides to mimic something you’d find on a Samsung Galaxy or Note phone.
We need to reserve any final judgment for the final review, but right now, things are looking mighty good for Huawei.
Huawei Mate 20 + Mate 20 Pro hands-on preview: The phones that do everything
Here are the Mate 20 + Mate 20 Pro specs
Speaking of specs, both the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro have plenty of these to dive into.
Want a fast processor? The Kirin 980 is a best. Need lots of RAM? How’s 6GB sound?
Check out the full rundown here 👇
Huawei Mate 20 + Mate 20 Pro specifications
The Mate 20 Lite is the most affordable of the bunch
If you don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a new phone but still want the Huawei experience, the Mate 20 Lite should be at the very top of your radar.
Announced in late August during IFA 2018, the Huawei Mate 20 Lite comes equipped with a 6.3-inch Full HD display, Kirin 710 processor, dual 20MP + 2MP rear cameras, and a pretty solid 3,750 mAh battery.
The phone isn’t quite as impressive as what you’ll find with the Mate 20 Pro, but with a starting price of just £379, it offers a tremendous amount of value.
Huawei Mate 20 Lite launches in the UK: Kirin 710, quad cameras, big battery
And then there’s the ginormous Mate 20 X
Among all of the Mate 20 phones, perhaps the most eye-catching is the Mate 20 X.
This phone came as a complete surprise during Huawei’s announcement event for the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro, and its biggest standout feature is easily its ginormous 7.2-inch display.
The Mate 20 X also has the powerful Kirin 980 CPU, a ridiculous 5,000 mAh battery (the Note 9 has a 4,000 mAh pack, for comparison), and can be used with an optional gaming grip to essentially turn it into an Android-powered Nintendo Switch. This thing’s crazy.
Huawei announces the Mate 20 X — a phone with a 7.2-inch OLED display
The Mate 20 Pro’s camera package is insane
A big focus for the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro are the cameras, and for good reason. Both handsets have three rear cameras, but the combo on the Mate 20 Pro is what really has our attention.
The main camera is a wide-angle 40MP sensor with an 1/1.8 aperture. This is joined by a 3x telephoto 8MP camera, and unlike the P20 Pro, the Mate 20 Pro ditches a monochrome third sensor in favor of an ultra-wide 20MP one.
This combination of sensors should allow for some truly incredible photographs, potentially going on par or besting what you’ll find on the Google Pixel 3.
Huawei’s got two different notch styles
Although the Mate 20 Pro is the most powerful of all these phones, it actually has the biggest notch. Inside that notch is not only the front-facing camera, but also the earpiece and helpful sensors that allow Huawei’s take on Face ID to work.
The regular Mate 20 lacks those additional sensors, but as such, has a much smaller notch in the waterdrop style we’ve been seeing from some other OEMs.
The new colors are simply gorgeous
Huawei’s been dabbling with new and exciting colors for its past few smartphones, and with the Mate 20, that’s no different.
The Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro are available in a total of four colors, including Black, Twilight, Midnight Blue, and Emerald. The Twilight color is the same one that was introduced on the P20 series earlier this year, but Midnight Blue and Emerald are brand-new and feature a subtle texture underneath the glass that helps reduce fingerprints and add a big of welcome grip.
A note on U.S. availability
If you follow the tech world, you’ll know that the U.S. government and Huawei aren’t on the best of terms. As such, you won’t see any of these phones sold on wireless carriers here in the States.
Huawei previously sold official unlocked variants of the Mate 9 and Mate 10 Pro here in the United States, but that’s changing this year with the Mate 20 series.
On October 22, Business Insider spoke with a Huawei spokesperson that said:
We are not planning to sell the Mate 20 series in the U.S. While international variants of the Mate 20 series may be available on some U.S. online retail sites, we encourage individuals to carefully read the details about the warranty and network compatibility before purchasing.
Here’s when and where you can buy the phones
Interested in buying any of the new Mate 20 phones? Here’s what you need to know.
- Mate 20 Lite: Available for purchase now from Carphone Warehouse, Vodafone, and EE for £379.
- Mate 20 X: Available October 26 for €899.
- Mate 20: Pre-orders likely opening soon; starts at €899.
- Mate 20 Pro: Pre-orders likely opening soon; starts at €1049.
Updated October 17, 2018: Refreshed this guide now that all of the Mate 20 series has been revealed.
