Google homepage updated with new Discover feed for U.S. users

The Google homepage has been updated for mobile devices and now features the new version of the Discover feed that was announced at the end of September. The rollout is just for the U.S. so far, but does apply to both Android and iOS devices.

If you head to google.com on your phone, you’ll see a set of cards below the search box that link you to stories relevant to your interests. Each card shows a cover image, a title, a brief excerpt of the page’s content, the name of the site, and the date the content was published. Typically you’ll see stories on topics like sports, entertainment, or news, personalized based on your search history and preferences. The cards will link to news articles, YouTube videos, recipe page, tip articles, photo galleries, and more. The aim is to provide you with a snapshot of content from across the web that might be of interest to you.

You can customize your Discover feed too. There is a small menu accessible from the top right corner of each card which you can use to dismiss the card, indicate that you are not interested in the topic, or block the site from being recommended in Discover entirely. These tools let you tweak your Discover experience so you can get rid of material that you don’t want to see. In the bottom right of each card, there is a menu which lets you determine whether you want to see more or less of the featured topic, so there is a good amount of customization available.The first time you see Discover, there will be a card at the top of the list that explains the new feature and how to use it.

Although the new homepage displays on any mobile browser, including iOS Safari as well as Chrome, it is only available for U.S. users for now. There hasn’t been any word yet on when the Discover feed will roll out to the rest of the world, but given Google’s international focus it likely won’t be long until the feature is available outside of the U.S. as well.

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These cases are the best for traveling with the Oculus Go

Since it is named the Oculus Go, you’re going to want a way to travel around with it while also keeping it safe. The best way to ensure that you Oculus Go doesn’t get harmed while you’re on the go is to keep it safe in a traveling case. These are the best travel cases for your Oculus Go that will fit most needs.

Heavy duty

Hermitshell hard shell travel case

This is another great option for a hard shell case, and this one can fit just about anything in it. You can fit in your headset, headphones, cables, and so much more inside of this case, and it will all be secure with the hard exterior. You will never have to worry about your headset getting bumps or bruises with the protection from this case.

$24 at Amazon

Extra large

BAGSMART case

This traveling case is one of the largest traveling bags I’ve seen, it can hold almost anything. It’s TSA-approved as well, so the size is perfect for your carry-on for all your flights. Not only will it fit your headset, but you can fit every other necessity you need inside this bag.

$26 at Amazon

Custom fit

Zadii protective carrying case

This case has customized compartments for the Oculus Go headset and the motion controller. The bag features two layer protection with the inside having padding to keep our device in place and the outside being a harder shell. The case also has enough room for your cables and straps so you can take your entire setup on the go.

$20 at Amazon

Water-resistant

Navitech water-resistant case

The Navitech water-resistant case has some added protection to keep your Oculus Go in top condition. It has a rugged rucksack design that’s water-resistant. And while it’s not waterproof, it’s always nice to have some added protection. It’s a larger case that’s big enough for the Oculus Go, as well as cables and some accessories.

$25 at Amazon

These cases all provide protection for you Oculus Go, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. If you want a snug fit, you should look at the Zadii protective carrying case but if you want extra rugged protection you should look at the Hermitshell hard shell travel case.

What can the stylus do on the LG Stylo 4?

Best answer: The LG Stylo 4’s stylus allows users to write a quick memo, capture and annotate the screen, capture GIFs, and magnify portions of the screen. You can also just use the stylus as a replacement for your finger for swipe typing and navigating the interface.

Amazon: LG Stylo 4 Prime Exclusive ($250)

What’s it like to use the stylus with the LG Stylo 4?

I’ll admit, when I hear about styli being used on phones, my mind goes to two places: the pre-iPhone smartphone that had resistive screens and basically had to be stabbed to register input and those $1 styli that you see sometimes at payment terminals that do little more than mimic the human finger.

Fortunately, the Stylo 4’s pen is neither. The pen is properly supported by the display’s digitizer, and while LG doesn’t state how many levels of pressure the screen and stylus support, you can have some fine control by holding the pen a certain way. It’s not as detailed as more advanced pens, but it works well enough for signing documents and for coloring book apps.

There’s no Bluetooth support like the Galaxy Note’s pen, but there are some other smarts. The phone knows if the stylus isn’t in its silo, so if it detects you’re walking but the stylus isn’t stowed inside, it’ll vibrate and notify you so you don’t need a replacement pen.

What can you do with the LG Stylo 4’s stylus?

You get a few built-in tools for the stylus, but it works for the simplest of tasks. The stylus works well as a replacement for your fingertip: you can wake the screen with a double tap of the pen, just like you would your finger. Glide typing with your favorite keyboard is also wonderful, as is just navigating around the interface.

When you take the stylus out of its holster along the bottom of the phone, you’ll see a short menu of tools. You can change exactly which tools and shortcuts you see, and have up to five shortcuts set — I added a shortcut to Google Keep, since that’s my note app of choice, for example.

By default, the Pop Menu will show shortcuts for Pop Memo, Capture+, GIF Capture, and Pop Lens. Most of these do exactly what they say: Pop Memo lets you jot down a quick memo, while Capture+ lets you take a screenshot, then annotate said screenshot. GIF Capture captures GIFs, while Pop Lens gives you a virtual magnifying glass to zoom in further on hard-to-read text.

You can also jot down a memo when the screen is off or completely turn off the Pop Memo if you only want to use the stylus for basics like glide typing.

Stylish stylus

LG Stylo 4 Prime Exclusive

$250 at Amazon

Good performance with a good pen

If you like using a stylus with your phone, the Stylo 4 is for you. You get quick access to a few different tools, and you can change what tools pop up when you take the stylus out. Beyond that, you’re also getting a capable phone, with good performance for not a lot of money.

The best Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL accessories so far

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL is finally here, and our review shows that it’s a hit. If you’re among those getting one, you might want to start thinking about the best accessories to pair with your new phone. Some of the best available accessories including the new Google Pixel Stand or USB-C Pixel earbuds available exclusively through the Google Store — convenient when you’re pre-ordering your phone — but the best cases and value can be found in the highlighted third-party accessories.

Wirelessly charge in style

Google Pixel Stand

The Google Pixel Stand is more than a wireless charging stand — it’s designed by Google to turn your phone into a bedside alarm clock that does more thanks to Google Assistant. You’ll also be able to enjoy a slideshow of your best photos as your phone charges.

$79 at Google Store

More power!

Google 18W USB-C Power Adapter

For the fastest wired charging times, you’re going to need Google’s 18W USB-C Power Adapter. You may already own a couple of these beauties if you’ve owned previous Pixel phones, but if not, it’s always great to have a spare kicking around.

$35 at Google Store

Backup buds

Google Pixel USB-C earbuds

A less ambitious, wired version of the Pixel Buds, these USB-C earbuds let you control Google Assistant and access notifications and more without breaking your stride to look at your Pixel 3. You get a pair included with the phone, but for this price, you may want a backup pair!

$30 at Google Store

All-in for Google

Google Fabric Case

Google introduced its fabric cases last year with the Pixel 2 series and it’s bringing it back for another round with the Pixel 3. There are multiple fabric designs to choose from, each with its one distinct look. These cases are on the pricey side, but they’re well, well worth it.

$40 at Google Store

Thin protector

Spigen Thin Fit

The Spigen Thin Fit case is a perfect choice if you want to keep your Pixel 3 looking nice without adding too much bulk. This minimalist case offers good protection against regular wear and tear, and should defend against an accidental drop — but keep in mind the top and bottom front edges exposed. Also available for the Pixel 3 XL.

$12 at Amazon

Clearly a good choice

Spigen Liquid Crystal

For those who love to show off their new phones without compromising on protection, the Spigen Liquid Crystal clear case is a go-to option. This case delivers added protection where it matters most — the edges and corners of the phone — without adding too much extra bulk. Also available for the Pixel 3 XL.

$12 at Amazon

Sleek and rugged

Ringke Onyx

What’s not to love about this case’s design? Ringke offers this slim one-piece TPU case that looks great and includes a lanyard hole for those requiring extra peace of mind. Affordably priced and designed to protect your Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL.

$9 at Amazon

Carry less in your pockets

Bellroy Leather Phone Wallet

Bellroy’s premium leather case features four card slots — two on the front cover, and two more hidden between the case and the back of your phone. Made from environmentally certified leather and available in five beautiful colors, this one is expensive but the best option for those who want a genuine leather case for the smaller Pixel 3. Also available for the Pixel 3 XL for $10 more.

$89 at Bellroy

Charge on the go

Belkin USB-C Car Charger

Available in your choice of a hardwired USB-C cable that includes a second USB-A port or a single USB-C port. This car charger is offered in the Google Store for $35 — but you can get it for $10 less on Amazon. Trusted by Google and backed by a Belkin equipment warranty.

$27 at Amazon

Protect that screen

Mr Shield Tempered Glass Screen Protector 3-pack

Google sells a $45 premium tempered glass screen protector through it’s store, but we’ll hedge our bets and also recommend this 3-pack of tempered glass screen protectors. With a lifetime replacement warranty and this price, how can you lose? Also available for the Pixel 3 XL.

$7 at Amazon

Made for Google

InvisibleShield glass+ visionguard

This is that Google-approved premium screen protector — the InvisibleShield glass+ visionguard from Zagg. It’s designed to cover the entire display with cuts around the front-facing speakers at the top and bottom of the display, and is designed to filter out some blue light to protect your eyes. Zagg backs its products with a Worry-Free Warranty for as long as you own our phone. Also available for the Pixel 3 XL

$45 at Zagg

Pop it and watch it

PopSocket Collapsible Grip & Stand

Pop a PopSocket on the back of your Pixel 3 and you’ll always have a sure grip when snapping a wide-angle selfie. Made with aluminum for durability, a pop socket folds down to just 6mm on the back of your phone and is quick to pop out as a stand to watch a video. Available in multiple colors and styles, but beware of knock-off products.

$15 at Amazon

We’ll be sure to update this list with more verified awesomeness as the weeks roll on and the phones start to get into more people’s hands. If protection is your main concern you should pick out a case and order a tempered glass screen protector now so that you’re ready for daily use and abuse from day one.

Anker brings Google Assistant to a Wi-Fi speaker and pocket projector

Anker has a range of new products ready for the holiday season

Anker is known for its range of excellent mobile charging products, but the company has expanded beyond providing power in recent years with its Nebula, Eufy and SoundCore brands. At a launch event in New York, the company announced new products across its range of brands that it hopes will persuade you to part with your hard earned money this holiday season.

The new products include the Nebula Capsule II pocket projector, the SoundCore Model Zero+ wireless speaker, the Eufy home security solution which aims to tackle the biggest issues with current smart security systems, and Anker’s smallest 27W Power Delivery USB-C charger.

Anker’s smallest USB-C Power Delivery charger

The PowerPort Atom PD is a compact USB-C enabled wall charger supporting 27W Power Delivery. Compared to most other Power Delivery chargers, this is smaller than stock smartphone chargers, but is capable of delivering enough power to fast charge every smartphone and even keep some laptops powered. It’s sleek, stylish and works extremely well; at a cost of $29.99, it’s ideal for throwing in your bag when you head on vacation.

The small size of the PowerPort Atom PD makes this stand out. It’s smaller than the stock charger included in the box of the Pixel 3, yet much more powerful and for most smartphone users – in particular, those who need more power than Apple includes by default with the iPhone – this will be the go-to wall charger.

$30 at Amazon

A good pico projector made better

The Nebula Capsule II is the follow-up to the company’s successful Nebula pico projector and brings a host of new features including Android TV, Google Assistant and Improved audio. The Nebula Capsule II features the same soda-can inspired design as the original Capsule with 720p HD output and runs on the latest version of Android TV. Other notable features include 1-second autofocus, 8W speakers and USB-C.

$349 at Kickstarter

The soda-can inspired design results in a sleek pico projector that looks great and will be a tasteful addition to any home. There are just a few buttons, which blend into the stylish grill design. It’s small and sleek, yet powerful and has a range of features making it one of the most capable pico projectors on the market. The addition of Android TV especially means the Nebula Capsule II has access to all the apps you need.

Two new speakers, one with Google Assistant built-in

The SoundCore Model Zero and Model Zero+ are two new portable speakers for different price points. The Model Zero+ is the more capable of the two, bringing Google Assistant and Dolby Audio support. The Zero+ has been “designed by Scan-Speak”, which Anker says further increases audio output definition. The Zero+ has 5 hours of battery life, while the regular Model Zero – which is a simple Bluetooth speaker – offers 10 hours of battery life. The Model Zero is available now for $199.99, while the Model Zero+ will retail for $249.99 when it launches next month.

The Model Zero+ is the more capable of the two speakers but both feature a stylish design that reminds me of a handbag. They’re designed to be easy to pick-up and carry, and the key difference between them is in the style. The Model Zero+ comes in a range of colors and features a metal finish near the handle, with a slider used to change the volume. The Model Zero features actual buttons and this area is the only way to easily differentiate between the two speakers.

See at Amazon

What do you think of Anker’s new announcements? Let us know your views in the comments below!

Would you pay a subscription to access lots of paid Google Play apps?

Would you rather pay one monthly fee to avoid paying for apps individually?

Enterprising developers tear through every line of code in Google apps looking for hints and hidden treasure maps that lead them to the next great feature on the horizon; it’s a bit like shaking your presents while you wait for Christmas to arrive. Over the last few months, rumors have been growing as more and more references to a mysterious “Play Pass” in Google Play Store are unearthed, and now the rumors are starting to converge on a single prevailing theory: “Play Pass” could very well be an app store subscription that gives users access to hundreds, thousands or millions of paid apps and/or games for a flat monthly fee.

Buying a single app every now and again is fine for most folks, but buying apps or games frequently — or buying in-app bonuses every campaign — can turn users off of buying more apps or playing Android games. This would be a problem for Google, as mobile gaming is a lucrative market that the Google Play team has spent a lot of time and effort on improving the experience in for both users and developers, such as the ability to play a game before your buy or install it and the continued improvements to game progress syncing through Google Play Games.

Many apps have switched over to the subscription model on their own. For instance, I’ve subscribed to AutoApps from João Dias, the new owner of Tasker and a longtime Tasker plugin master. It’s a $1.35/month subscription, but after three years, I’ve paid $48.60 for the AutoApps suite of plugins, and that’s not an insignificant number. Favored Android home screen replacement Action Launcher likewise has offered monthly and yearly “Supporter” subscription options for fans to continue supporting his work, and I’ve probably given that another $20-$30 over my life as a themer, too.

Apps aren’t cheap, and subscriptions could lead to more revenue for developers long-term.

The references to Play Pass as seen by XDA Developers had previously been more vague, but the newest mentions found by developer Kieron Quinn refer to “PLAYPASS_SUBSCRIPTION”, which is pretty straightforward, especially when combined with a Google Opinion Rewards survey screenshot sent to Quinn by a friend that asked respondents how they felt about an app store that offered a subscription with **”access to hundreds of dollars worth of paid apps and games for a monthly fee.”

Media and entertainment subscriptions are nothing new, just look at Google’s “new” YouTube Music and YouTube Premium subscriptions. Spotify, Netflix, and Hulu are proof that a properly balances entertainment subscription can be a lucrative business, and paying a flat fee to unlock premium content in a catalog of apps and games is something Amazon’s FreeTime Unlimited does with child-oriented games. Google getting in on the action with Game Pass wouldn’t be unprecedented, but there are still a lot of questions and details that would have to be sorted out, with developers and within the Google Play system, before the service could be available to users like you and me.

Would you pay for a Play Pass to kiss individual app purchases and micro-transactions goodbye? Android developers, would you support your apps being included in Play Pass for a proportional percentage of revenue based on how much time users spent in your app? Do you know how much you’ve paid for apps up until this point? Do you think a subscription like this could increase app revenue on Android or choke it down if Play Pass users stop buying apps that aren’t included?

Starbucks 5.0 app pushes out on Android after bug-fixing delay

Even Starbucks’ developers need some caffeine before they push out a major update.

Starbucks is probably one of the most-used apps on many a coffee-user’s phone. They use it to order coffee on their way to work, on their way back from lunch, on their way to afternoon cafe, and any other time the ever-insatiable itch for caffeine needs to be scratched, or whenever users need to check their status and points in the Starbucks Rewards program. An update gone awry for this important app could spell disaster for thousands of users, and when the Starbucks 5.0 update first began to roll out October 22 that was indeed what happened for some after a nasty little bug was uncovered. The update was pulled, fixed, and now, it is rolling out again.

🆕 Remember how I said an updated Android app was rolling out to customers? We had a hiccup and addressed a nasty bug, but it’s rolling out again — @Starbucks 5.0 for Android is in the Play store and coming to an update tab near you! pic.twitter.com/Dq0cq2ucwy

— Jason Stoff (@jstoff) October 26, 2018

The new update is rolling out to users through Google Play, and this update brings with it a refreshed navigation UI featuring Material Design’s bottom tab layout, which will make the app easier to navigate, especially on phones with taller screens. This is especially helpful for pulling up the barcode for paying for your drinks once you reach the store; a floating action Play button can bring it up in one tap!

The new app also features a customized greeting each time you open the app’s Home tab, which welcomes you by name, with proper greetings based on the time of day. If such a heavily-used app is going to introduce a new look, this is about as close to Starbucks’ famously busy holiday season as you’d want to roll it out. This is the biggest revamp of the Starbucks app in over two years, since the addition of Starbucks Rewards. Head over to the Google Play app and see if the update has popped up for you!

Free at Google Play

Where’s my Pie: the latest Android distribution numbers

Your (usually) monthly fix on the current state of Android.

About once a month, Google releases distribution numbers that outline the various Android versions and the percentage of current devices they’re running on. This data is meant for developers so they can create and update their apps according to which Android versions are the most popular, but they also give enthusiasts like us a glimpse into how quickly OEMs are adopting the latest and greatest the platform has to offer.

To source this data, Google tracks the Android versions of any devices accessing the Play Store over the course of a 7-day period. This ensures that only active Android gadgets are being accounted for and not your HTC Dream that’s been sitting untouched in a drawer for the past few years.

Any version that accounts for 0.1% or more is listed, but versions that have less than that are ignored.

Without further ado, here’s the current state of Android.

October 2018

Two months on, and there’s still no Android Pie on the Android distribution numbers. Android Oreo is still steadily rising, and is now the second most used version of Android, behind its predecessor Android Nougat. The numbers for KitKat and below are still basically the same, with Gingerbread still hanging onto to the edge of the chart by its fingertips like a Ninja Warrior contestant, while we all sit on the sidelines screaming “Fall! FALL!! FALL!!!!”

Fruitcake is the holiday treat that’s supposed to last forever, not Gingerbread! And with the holiday season about to be upon us, can someone please pass the Pie??

September 2018

August saw the release of Android Pie, and September saw the new version start pushing out to more and more devices, but alas, Pie is not on a big enough percentage of devices to warrant a slice on the pie chart, pun intended. Last year’s Android version, Oreo is now available on 19.2% of Android devices, but over half of the Android devices that visited the Google Play Store this month were still running Nougat or Marshmallow.

While conventional wisdom says the holiday treat that lasts forever is fruitcake, Gingerbread is still hanging on at 0.3%, alongside Ice Cream Sandwich. Here’s to hoping that Google can replace one or both of them with Pie in their pie chart by Christmas.

July 2018

It’s been a hot minute since we got our last batch of distribution numbers, but after skipping over June, Google’s back with an all-new set of data for July.

The biggest highlight for this month shows Android Oreo (8.0 and 8.1) now available on 12.1% of all devices — a huge step up from the 5.7% it saw just a couple months back. That’s still not a great adoption rate, but at least we’re getting somewhere.

The rest of the changes compared to May are as follows:

• Gingerbread — 0.1% decrease
• Ice Cream Sandwich — 0.1% decrease
• Jelly Bean — 0.7% decrease
• KitKat — 1.2% decrease
• Lollipop — 2% decrease
• Marshmallow — 2% decrease
• Nougat —0.3 decrease
• Oreo — 6.4% increase

May 2018

The data for May corresponds to Play Store activity for the seven-day period ending on May 7. Oreo has picked up another percentage point over the course of the month, and is at 5.7% overall — 4.9% being 8.0 and the other 0.8% for 8.1.

Nougat also saw a slight increase from 30.8% to 31.1%, followed by Marshmallow by 25.5%. Here’s the breakdown of how things changed:

• Gingerbread – No change
• Ice Cream Sandwich – No change
• Jelly Bean – 0.2% decrease
• KitKat – 0.2% decrease
• Lollipop – 0.5% decrease
• Marshmallow – 0.5% decrease
• Nougat – 0.3% increase
• Oreo – 1.1% increase

April 2018

For April of 2018, Google tracked Android devices accessing the Play Store for 7 days with the collection period ending on April 16.

The last report from February showed Oreo just barely accounting for more than 1% of Android devices, but that number has since climbed to 4.6% (4.1% being 8.0 and the other 0.5% going to 8.1). Nougat also sees an increase with a jump to 30.8% compared to 28.5% (7.1 and 7.0 combined), and Marshmallow is still trailing in second place at 26%.

Comparing these numbers to February’s findings:

• Gingerbread – No change
• Ice Cream Sandwich – No change
• Jelly Bean – 0.5% decrease
• KitKat – 1.5% decrease
• Lollipop – 1.7% decrease
• Marshmallow – 2.1% decrease
• Nougat – 2.3% increase
• Oreo – 3.5% increase

February 2018

February’s report was the first time Android Oreo crossed the 1% threshold despite that version of the OS being released back in August of last year.

Marshmallow continued with a tight grip at 28.1%, but this also marked the first time that Android Nougat jumped into first place with a combined total of 28.5% – that including versions 7.0 and 7.1.

Additionally, Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.3 to 4.0.4) also finally dropped to 0.4% from last January’s 0.5%.

January 2018

In January 2018, Android Marshmallow still reigned supreme as the most popular version of the OS at 29.7%. This also saw 8.1 Oreo make an appearance on the board for the first time with 0.2% adoption, and 8.0 remained at the same 0.5% it was at in December.

Jellybean and KitKat both decreased compared to last month’s check-in, but Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread are still holding on at the same 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively.

What version of Android are you running?

What about the phone you’re using? What one is it and what version of Android is it rocking? Sound off in the comments below and let me know!

Take your Pixel 3’s protection to the next level

While there’s no denying that the Google Pixel 3 is a good-looking phone, it’s also safe to say that it’s far from the most durable. We love that the all-glass back finally allows for wireless charging, but it’s also prone to all sorts of unwanted scratches and cracks. If you want serious protection to keep the Pixel 3 safe, these are the best rugged cases we recommend buying.

Not too bulky

Spigen Rugged Armor

The Spigen Rugged Armor case strikes a beautiful balance of offering great protection without being overly bulky or thick. There’s a shock-absorbant carbon fiber design, military-grade Air Cushion Technology, and tactile button covers that are easy to use.

$13 at Amazon

Built-in screen protector

Poetic Revolution

If you want something a bit more rugged, Poetic’s Revolution case is another excellent choice. You get 360 degrees of full protection, a built-in screen protector, a dust flap for the USB-C port, and a rugged polycarbonte back. There are also three great colors to choose from!

$17 at Amazon

Comes with a kickstand

Spigen Tough Armor

The other Spigen case on this list is the Tough Armor case. Outfitted with a two-layer design, this case keeps the Pixel 3 safe against all sorts of drops and falls. Add that together with a built-in kickstand on the back and two color options, and you’re all set.

$17 at Amazon

OtterBox’s finest

OtterBox Defender Series

You can’t talk about rugged cases without mentioning OtterBox! The Defender Series features a multi-layer design with a solid inner shell and soft outer shell, a belt clip holster, and port covers to keep all sorts of unwanted debris away from your new phone.

$50 at Amazon

Stylish durability

OtterBox Symmetry Series

OtterBox’s Symmetry Series does a great job at offering that same great OtterBox protection in a slimmer, more stylish profile. The case is easy to take on and off, is still plenty rugged, and the two-tone color design is simply gorgeous.

$40 at Amazon

Perfectly basic

Caseology Legion Series

Caseology’s Legion Series case is another good choice for people that want ample protection without adding too much bulk. There’s a dual-layer design that’s secure and slim, a grippy texture on the back, and great button covers so you still get precise, tactile feedback.

$16 at Amazon

There you have it — six truly excellent cases that’ll keep your Pixel 3 protected against virtually anything you throw at it. My personal favorite is the Spigen Rugged Armor as I’m not one for overly bulky accessories, but if you want the absolute most durability you can find, the Poetic Revolution and OtterBox Defender Series will likely be more up your alley.

Will 5G be the answer for underserved rural America?

While some places are ramping up for 5G, rural America will still be the same problem it’s always been for carriers.

You probably knew that places like Western Nebraska are still waiting for 4G LTE to arrive, but did you know there are places in rural Kentucky that have no internet service at all? It’s true; Kentucky’s Chief Information Officer Charles Grindle recently said that 20% of his state is still without any type of internet access. He’s hoping that 5G will be the answer the state has been waiting for, eventually bringing broadband coverage to all Kentuckians.

Rural Nebraska and Kentucky aren’t the only places in North America still waiting for broadband coverage, though few populated places are completely uncovered. It’s pretty easy to get a good idea about where the U.S. lacks coverage by looking at Verizon’s coverage map. You’ll notice that those white holes in the red map usually align with places like mountains or deserts (or both — hello Nevada) where there are few roads let alone homes and communities. But on the fringe where red meets white, you’ll find rural Americans who are still waiting for good internet. Or any internet at all.

It’s been touted that 5G is the answer to get broadband internet service to rural parts of the U.S., but like everything else, it isn’t that simple. 5G has the potential to cover everyone in the United States because it’s deployed so differently to current broadband solutions like cable and satellite (and fiber, but that’s still a pipe dream for most of the world), and the equipment used for a cell “tower” is much smaller and cheaper to build and deploy than running wire.

This will allow for planning a 5G network not only in places like Chicago or Los Angeles but Western Washington and Appalachia, too. Narrowband 5G can also connect up to 100-times more clients than existing tech and has 10-times the range. It sounds like the answer.

To become the answer, though, a few other things need to be discussed. The biggest hurdle, according to industry partners ready to profit by providing 5G access, is spectrum licensing. While the narrowband 5G mentioned above does have 10-times more range than existing services can provide, a more realistic look using the spectrum available and messy standards we have now mean you would need a small-site 5G station spaced only a few hundred feet apart according to NTCA Senior VP of Industry Affairs Michael Romano.

It is important to take realistic stock of whether, when, and to what degree 5G services will be available on a widespread basis in rural America. A technical paper released last year found that the full promise of 5G capability can only be realized in rural America if small cells are placed every several hundred feet apart, and it will take significant amounts of backhaul capacity–’densification’ of fiber–to manage the data loads that 5G is hoping to handle.

Backhaul, it seems, is still the biggest problem when it comes to deployment of any data-intensive network. Backhaul is the big fat pipe that traverses the entire network and allows the little pipes, like the ones that would feed Detroit or Memphis, to get the same data at the same speed from the same places. It’s not glamorous and that means it’s not something you’ll see mentioned in a commercial or ad on a website. But it is the core that every single data network relies on.

T-Mobile wants to use Sprint as backhaul for a 5G network. It’s better than nothing.

Backhaul can be land-based wire or fiber or it can be microwave transmission. Even Sprint’s now-defunct WiMax network can be transitioned into a point-to-multipoint backhaul platform, which is probably why T-Mobile wants it right now. Some types of backhaul are better than others — cable or fiber is much better than microwave transmission when it comes to the amount of data that can be transferred at one time, though new technology (that’s the obscure QAM rating you’ll sometimes see mentioned) is narrowing that gap significantly. What really matters is that the backhaul has to be there unless we want a shoebox-sized 5G carrier station every 200 feet along the side of the road and a mesh-like peer to peer based 5G network feeding everyone who lives outside a major metro area.

Neither option is going to be very profitable for companies like Verizon and AT&T which need to build those fat data pipes of backhaul. If nothing changes with the way spectrum is licensed and auctioned, rural America will be waiting for 4G or fiber until it becomes less rural and filled with enough customers to justify the cost.

Right now, 5G for America is a big ball of red tape and guys in expensive suits.

All of this is no secret. The FCC and telecommunications lobby both know that as much of the 5G suitable spectrum as possible needs to be auctioned off if we want the U.S. to be blanketed with fast and reliable internet. But like everything else that’s tied to the government, it’s a quagmire filled with red tape and special favors and legislators who have no clue what they want or why they are asking for it. Special interest groups, of course, want to say they know what’s best and get the company they are funded by the best deal, and everyone sits in meetings that do little to advance the situation then push out five-minute soundbites blaming someone else for the problems that will happen before they actually happen.

5G could be the solution to get data and information services to everyone in America. And that’s what is important — everyone, regardless of their situation, deserves access to information as part of the base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In 2018 and beyond, you simply can’t belong or have esteem without it. But I fear that nothing will change enough to make a difference and the have-nots will still go without.