3DMark’s new Night Raid benchmark gives integrated graphics their own test

A new benchmark aimed at integrated graphics systems like laptops, tablets, and desktops that lack a dedicated graphics card has been added to the classic 3DMark benchmarking utility. The free update is based on the same Time Spy characters and setting that we’ve seen in recent additions to 3DMark, but offers simpler visuals with less intensive demands, making for more nuanced results for those running systems without powerful graphics cards and processors.

UL Benchmarks, formerly Futuremark, has been operating and expanding its 3DMark application for almost 20 years, and it has remained one of the toughest tests for modern graphics cards as each generation of both hardware and software was released. In recent years, however, it has expanded into markets beyond the high-end, offering tests targeting midrange hardware, VR-capable systems, and smartphones. Night Raid is the latest addition to that range, specifically targeting systems using integrated graphics on Intel CPUs and AMD APUs, as well as the ARM chips found in Windows Always Connected PCs.

The benchmark is much less demanding than other 3DMark tests like its Time Spy benchmark, but still renders at 1080P resolution and contains one CPU and two graphics tests, pumping out a score for both and a combined score at the end for comparison with other integrated-graphics gaming systems around the world.

The purpose of the benchmark goes beyond measuring your system against your peers though. UL Benchmarks notes that a reasonable laptop PC should be capable of around 5,000 points in Night Raid. That sort of score should equate to more than playable frame rates in popular games like Counter Strike: Global Offensive, or DotA 2, meaning that Night Raid could prove a great way to test whether your next laptop will let you game above 60 FPS.

Night Raid also adds a new stress test to the existing collection and makes it easier to test cooling and battery life performance of laptops and tablets without falling back on much more demanding benchmarks. Although that part of the test will be limited to 3DMark Advanced and Professional Edition versions, the basic Night Raid testing can be performed using 3DMark free, and is available on Steam and the UL website.

If you do decide you want to buy one of the more comprehensive versions of 3DMark, to enjoy the additional tests in Night Raid and some of the more intensive benchmarks designed with heftier hardware in mind, UL Benchmarks has 3DMark at 75 percent off until October 15, giving it a price tag of $7.50

For more information on the specifics of the Night Raid benchmark, check out UL Benchmark’s technical guide.

Editors’ Recommendations

• New 3DMark benchmark will support Nvidia’s RTX 20 Series possibly this October
• Leaked benchmark shows the RTX 2080 outperforming the GTX 1080 Ti
• Intel i9-9900K storms ahead of competition in potential early benchmark
• Apple’s MacBook Pro throttling fix seems to be working
• We tested Nvidia’s RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti. Are they a worthy upgrade?

Best Pixel 3 cases and covers

If you plan to buy one of Google’s Pixel 3 smartphones, then you had better look into protecting it. The glass back, which enables Qi wireless charging to work, is also going to be breakable, so it’s a smart move to safeguard it. We’ve had a quick peek at the available options and these are the best Pixel 3 cases so far for the brand-new phone.

Incipio NGP Case ($20)

If you’re a fan of the Pixel 3’s look and you don’t want to cover it entirely, then you might fancy this translucent offering from Incipio. Crafted from its proprietary Flex2O material, this is a lightweight but highly durable case for the Pixel 3. The bottom portion of the case echoes the Pixel’s two-tone finish to add a touch of style, but it’s a fairly plain offering with accurate openings, button covers, raised bezels to protect the screen, and a subtle Incipio logo on the side. It offers protection against scratches and drops from up to 3 feet.

Buy it now from:

Incipio

Spigen Neo Hybrid Case ($30)

Here’s a relatively tough case that combines malleable TPU with a hard polycarbonate frame for solid protection from knocks and falls. The matte, textured finish on the back enhances grip and won’t pick up grubby fingerprints. There’s also an extended lip around the screen to prevent it from touching down on any surface. Tapered openings for the fingerprint sensor and camera and well-defined button covers round out a good case.

Buy it now from:

Spigen

Totallee Thin Case ($25)

For people who hate thick cases and prominent branding, the Totallee Thin case could be ideal. It’s extremely thin at 0.02 inches thick, it’s so light you’ll barely feel it, and it has no logos or garish patterns. The matte black version is pictured, but it also comes in frosted clear and glossy clear varieties. You can’t expect solid drop protection from a case this slight, but it will guard against scratches and minor bumps.

Buy it now from:

Totallee

Ringke Fusion Case ($9)

This crystal-clear case from Ringke is very affordable, but still offers reasonable protection with a hard, transparent polycarbonate back panel and a flexible, clear TPU bumper. The corners are reinforced for impact protection and there’s a lanyard hole for anyone who wants to attach a strap. You’ll find accurate cutouts and thin button covers offering easy access to everything. You can also pick up this case with a smoke black translucent bumper.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

VRS Design Label Case ($20)

You may like the eye-catching, ridged look of this Single Fit Label Series case from VRS Design. It’s like a small, tough suitcase designed to envelop your Pixel 3 and guard it from drop damage or scratches. It features raised edges around the screen, tactile button covers, and beveled openings for the fingerprint sensor and camera. You can pick it up in white or black and each case features a burst of color in the red/orange label tag.

Buy it now from:

VRS Design

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best Pixel XL cases and covers
• The best Google Pixel 2 XL cases and covers
• The 25 best Galaxy S7 cases to safeguard your Samsung smartphone
• The best Galaxy S8 Plus cases and covers
• The best LG G7 ThinQ cases

Pixel 3 XL vs. Pixel 2 XL vs. Pixel XL: Which XL is best for you?

If you’re looking for the best possible Android experience on a big screen then you won’t get much better than Google’s Pixel XL phones. But it’s not that simple; the recent reveal of the Pixel 3 XL has increased the number of available XL models to three, giving you a range of choices.

So with three Pixel XLs available, which one is best for you? While the Pixel 3 XL is the latest iteration of Google’s phone, the other two still offer great performance, at a lower price. Don’t stress yourself out with the agony of choice — we’ve compared the three so you have a better idea of which one to pick.

Specs

Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel XL

Size
158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.2 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches)
157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.2 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches)
154.7 × 75.7 × 8.5 mm (6 × 2.9 × 0.3 inches)

Weight
184 grams (6.49 ounces)
175 grams (6.2 ounces)
168 grams (5.93 ounces)

Screen size
6.3-inch P-OLED
6.0-inch P-OLED
5.5-inch AMOLED

Screen resolution
2,960 x 1,440 pixels (523 pixels per inch)
2,880 x 1,440 pixels (538 pixels per inch)
2,560 x 1,440 pixels (534 pixels per inch)

Operating system
Android 9.0 Pie
Android 9.0 Pie
Android 9.0 Pie

Storage space
64GB, 128GB
64GB, 128GB
32GB, 128GB

MicroSD card slot
No
No
No

Tap-to-pay services
Google Pay
Google Pay
Google Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

RAM
4GB
4GB
4GB

Camera
12MP rear, dual 8MP lenses front
12MP rear, 8MP front
12MP rear, 8MP front

Video
2,160p at 30 fps, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at at 240 fps
2,160p at 30 fps, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at at 240 fps
2,160p at 30 fps, 1,080p at 120 fps, 720p at at 240 fps

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 4.2

Ports
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C, headphone jack

Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Yes

Water resistance
IPX8
IP67
Splash resistant

Battery
3,430mAh

Fast charging

Qi wireless charging

3,520mAh

Fast charging

3,450mAh

Fast charging

App marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Google Play Store

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

Colors
Just Black, Clearly White, Not Pink
Just Black, Black and White
Very Silver, Quite Black, Really Blue

Price
$899
$699
Around $400

Buy from
Google
Google
Amazon

Review score
Hands-on review
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Looking for a powerful phone? You’re in the right place. The Pixel 3 XL is equipped with the super-powerful Snapdragon 845, giving top-level, smooth performance. While the Snapdragon 835 and Snapdragon 821 chips in the Pixel XL 2 and Pixel XL are still powerful chips, they pale when compared to the modern chip in the Pixel 3 XL. All three offer silky smooth performance in day-to-day tasks, but the Pixel 3 XL is more future-proof, and capable of handling more advanced games.

The Pixel phones have rarely exceeded a day’s battery life, and it seems that tradition is set to continue with the Pixel 3 XL. In fact, the newer phone actually has a slightly smaller battery than the older models. We’ll have to see how it holds up in our tests. Super-fast charging is included on each phone, but the Pixel 3 XL is the first Pixel XL phone to come with wireless charging.

Despite possible issues with battery life, the Pixel 3 XL completely runs away with it, thanks to the additional power from the new processor.

Winner: Pixel 3 XL

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Beauty is undoubtedly in the eye of the beholder, but we’re still going to take the original Pixel XL’s chunky bezels out the running, leaving just the Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 3 XL. The Pixel 3 XL is arguably the more modern of these two, with a notched display and further slimmed bezels. However, if you’re not a notch fan then the notch-less design of the Pixel 2 XL may appeal.

You’ll find a similar level of physical durability on each phone, thanks to glass bodies on each. Like before, the lack of water resistance on the Pixel XL disqualifies it — the Pixel 2 XL comes with IP67 water resistance, while the Pixel 3 XL rocks IPX8, giving the newer phone no protection against protrusions, but solid protection from immersion in water.

It’s a tough one to judge for many reasons — the notch being high among them — but the improved water resistance on the Pixel 3 XL clinches it.

Winner: Pixel 3 XL

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Each Pixel phone has an excellent OLED display with deep, inky blacks, and vibrant colors. While they haven’t quite reached some competitors in sheer screen quality, they’re still amazing displays. However, they’ve not been without their issues, including blue tinting and burn-in on the Pixel 2 XL’s 6-inch P-OLED display. While Google claims to have fixed the issues now, it was a black mark against the phone for some. We imagine that Google won’t be making the same mistake again with the Pixel 3 XL.

It’s an exceptionally hard category to call, since all three displays are utterly stunning. However, the Pixel XL’s 5.5-inch screen is somewhat small by today’s standards, and the Pixel 2 XL’s screen had some real issues — making the Pixel 3 XL’s display the winner by default.

Winner: Pixel 3 XL

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While some manufacturers are just adding more lenses onto their phones, Google is content with perfecting the single 12-megapixel lens on the rear of each Pixel. The Pixel XL and Pixel 2 XL were both among the best smartphone cameras on launch, and we’re expecting much the same from the Pixel 3 XL. Does that mean the Pixel 3 XL will be the best camera of the bunch? Absolutely — the improvements to the Pixel 3 XL’s Visual Core chip have supposedly pushed the camera’s performance beyond even that of the Pixel 2 XL.

It’s a similar story with the front-facing camera too. While you will find an 8-megapixel selfie lens on each Pixel XL, the Pixel 3 XL has doubled the fun by adding an extra 8-megapixel wide-angle lens for “super selfies”. Video capabilities will be similar between each phone, with the ability to take 240 frames-per-second slow motion video at 720p, as well as 4K video at 30 frames-per-second.

While each Pixel XL has come with a stunning camera, Google has continued to refine and improve its formula with each year. The Pixel 3 XL’s improved camera takes this.

Winner: Pixel 3 XL

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Pixel range is one of the best ways to experience Android, and outside of a few Pixel-specific additions, you’ll find an experience extremely close to stock Android. Google’s close integration of software and hardware means that Android is at its smoothest and fastest on a Pixel — so regardless of which you pick you’ll find a buttery smooth Android 9.0 Pie.

Updates will be lightning fast, coming straight from Google. It’s fair to expect the Pixel XL to stop getting major updates soon though, and the Pixel 2 XL to not be too much further behind that. Android Q is possible, but expect to see the older handsets start to filter out of updates eventually. The Pixel 3 XL will keep getting updates for a lot longer — at least three years — so it wins this by default.

Winner: Pixel 3 XL

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The original Pixel XL was content with leading the way with the best possible experience with Google Assistant (at the time), but the Pixel 2 XL went further, adding the Active Edge squeezable sides that trigger Google’s A.I., as well as a bunch of other fun features like Now Playing, which identifies music playing near you.

The Pixel 3 XL will bring back the squeezable sides, but it also adds some additional fun features. Along with wirelessly charging your Pixel 3 XL, the Pixel Stand also turns your phone into a smart speaker, complete with one-touch shortcuts and more voice commands. The Pixel 3 XL will also be getting access to Call Screen — an A.I.-powered ability that allows Google Assistant to answer and transcribe your calls to help you filter out spam.

We expect the best of Android from the Pixel range, and it seems that Google’s pushing that with additional smart functionality. The Pixel 3 XL takes everything the other phones had, and adds even more.

Winner: Pixel 3 XL

Price

While the Pixel XL began life at around $670, it has since been discontinued by Google. As such, you can only find it on sites like Amazon now, but it’s seen a considerable price drop, to the point where you can pick one up for under $400. Prices for the Pixel 2 XL start from $699, and you can buy it unlocked from Google. The Pixel 3 XL starts from $899, and will release on October 18. All Pixel phones are compatible with all major U.S. carriers.

Overall winner: Pixel 3 XL

Surprise surprise — Google’s latest Pixel XL comes out the strongest, with the most powerful specs, the best camera, and a modern look that’s worthy of a 2018 flagship. If price is no object and you simply want the best phone, then the Pixel 3 XL is the way to go.

However, that’s not to say the other two phones are bad. On the contrary, they’re exceptional phones that will provide smoother performance and excellent usability if you’re looking to save some money. The excellent Pixel 2 XL has seen a significant price cut to $699, while the Pixel XL can be picked up for the price of a current midrange phone, which makes them both solid options if you’re watching your bank balance. But in a pure head-to-head battle, the Pixel 3 XL is stronger.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs. Pixel 2 XL: Flagship face-off
• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Everything you need to know
• Common Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL problems, and how to fix them
• The best Pixel XL cases and covers
• Here’s how to buy the new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL

Google Pixel Slate vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 6

With Google just revealing its Pixel Slate tablet, there’s plenty to wonder on how it stacks up against the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. From the design, keyboards, or operating systems, there is a lot that is initially similar—but also different— between the two.

In this side by side comparison piece, we stack the two newest tablets against each other helping you decide which one is best for you.

Design

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google’s Pixel Slate is thin and light, crafted with rounded corners and coming in at 1.6 pounds. The Surface Pro 6 keeps a similar simplistic design but is slightly heavier at 1.7 pounds without the keyboard. Google wasn’t specific on what material the Pixel Slate is made with, but it looks to be a solid piece of midnight blue aluminum, whereas the Surface Pro 6 is magnesium.

Just as with the iPad Pro, the other key differentiating element between the two devices is the kickstand. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6 has a fully articulating kickstand with movement up to 165 degrees, but the Google Pixel Slate depends on its keyboard cover to stay propped up. In both cases, the keyboard is separate, $199 for the Pixel Slate, and $159 with the Surface Pro 6.

Finally, with the display, both Google and Microsoft are packing in plenty of pixels for an impressive viewing experience. Google promises that you’ll get a resolution of 3,000 x 2,000 with the 12.3-inch display on board the Pixel Slate, adding up for 293 PPI. The same size screen on the Surface Pro 6, though, gets you 2,736 x 1,824 resolution, for 267 PPI. Both are at a 3:2 aspect ratio, but Google is packing more pixels into the Pixel Slate screen, so it wins out there.

Performance

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

All similarities between the Pixel Slate and the Surface Pro 6 end with the performance, specs, and operating systems. Google’s Pixel Slate is powered by a new touch-focused version Chrome OS which looks a lot like Android. The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, is powered by Windows 10 and comes in different processor and RAM configurations for better performance across the OS.

The entry-level $599 Pixel Slate comes with an Intel Celeron Processor, with 4GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. That sounds great, but in the long term, those specs might not hold up and the processor will slow you down when multi-tasking. On the other hand, the entry-level $899 Surface Pro 6 starts with an 8th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage. Picking those same specs on the Pixel State would cost you $999, so it’s obvious that the Surface Pro 6 wins here.

Pricing aside, Google does look to get a lot done with Chrome OS on the Pixel Slate. There are the millions of apps on the Google Play Store, and Google promises they are working to get more apps optimized for Chrome OS. A revamped launcher, full-blown Chrome browser, multi-tasking, and Google Assistant integration also make the budget level Pixel Slate worth considering as well for casual tablet usage.

Both the Surface Pro 6 and the Pixel Slate come with pens that are separate $99 purchases. The Google Pen has an Aluminum rear body, poly-carbonate front body and button, and glass-filled  tip. Google didn’t share any new information about changes to the pen, so tech jargon aside, both look to be good for the price.

Portability

Coming down to portability, both the Surface Pro 6 and the Google Pixel Slate are equally portable. The Pixel Slate comes in at 11.45 inches x 7.95 inches x .27 inches. The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, is 11.5 inches x 7.9 inches x 0.33 inches. The slate is somewhat shorter, but the differences are very subtle. Both look like easy devices to throw in a back and travel around with.

As for battery life, Google is promising that you will get up to 12 hours with mixed usage. Microsoft also sings the same song, saying that you’ll get 13.5 hours of battery. We haven’t yet tested either number yet, but a small difference in battery life won’t be a reason to turn down either of the two devices.

Keyboards are also considered for portability too, and again, both look to be similar across the two devices, down to the way they connect with POGO-like ports. The Surface Pro keyboard is one of the best, but Google is giving that a challenge with the Pixel State Keyboard. That keyboard comes features circle rounded keys, and an extra large trackpad and Googe teased that it is pretty silent when typing.

Coming down to connections when on the Go, the Surface Pro 6 offers up mini-Display Port and USB 3.0, and the Google Pixel Slate gives you two USB-Cs for charging 4K display output and quicker data transfer. That’s much newer tech than what is on the Surface Pro 6, but it also means you’ll have to embrace dongles in order to connect older accessories.

Asides from that, the Surface Pro 6 has a microSDXC card reader, and a headphone jack, all of which are not there on the Pixel Slate. Though you’ll need a dongle or Bluetooth to enjoy headphones with the Slate, it does feature dual-firing speakers for better surround sound. That makes for some amazing audio, whereas the Surface Pro 6 has a 1.6W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium.

Finally, with security, you’re getting a Fingerprint Sensor onboard the power button on the Pixel. On the Surface Pro 6, you’re getting Windows Hello, which uses your face for login. Both are solid options and make your device secure.

The Surface Pro 6 wins on paper

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Surface Pro 6 looks like the better option on paper. It offers more power at a slightly lower price, and Windows 10 is a more compelling operating system than Chrome OS (in most situations, at least). We think most people will lean towards the Microsoft device for those reasons.

Yet the Pixel Slate isn’t hopeless. It has a better display resolution and will likely be the better tablet overall, due to its redesigned Chrome OS and compatibility with Android apps from the Google Play Store.  You might prefer it if portability or tablet use is your primary concern.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Surface Pro 6 vs. iPad Pro
• Google takes on iPad Pro and Surface Pro with its new Pixel Slate
• Microsoft Surface Pro 6 vs. Surface Laptop 2
• Surface Pro 6 vs. Surface Go
• Everything you need to know about the Pixel Slate

It’s alive! Scientists create ‘artificial life’ on a quantum computer

Here is a sentence that sounds like it’s come fresh off the pages of a Michael Crichton techno-thriller: Scientists have created “artificial life” on a quantum computer for the first time ever. And that could turn out to be kind of a big deal.

The work was achieved by researchers from the University of the Basque Country in Spain. With the aid of an IBM QX4 quantum computer, they created tiny simulated life forms capable of carrying out many of the behaviors seen in real-world life forms — including reproduction, mutation, evolution, and death. They hope that doing so will help researchers to better understand the origins of life and whether it can be explained through quantum mechanics. This is something that has been hypothesized for decades, dating back to Erwin Schrödinger’s influential 1944 book What is Life?

“Our research connects two previously unrelated areas as are artificial life and quantum computing,” Lucas Lamata, one of the researchers on the project, told Digital Trends. “The former is an extensive research field where the aim is to reproduce biological behaviors in artificial systems, while the latter is an area that is growing fast in the past few years and could revolutionize computation and communication. We mainly posed the fundamental question: Which is the smallest physical system that can undergo self-replication and other biological behaviors attributed uniquely to living beings?”

The researchers were interested in whether these behaviors happen at the macroscopic level of a DNA module or at the few-atom level where quantum physics dominates. In their work, simulated “individuals” were represented using two quantum bits, or “qubits.” These are measures of information which can represent one, zero, or any quantum superposition of the two states. Their demonstration suggests that a small quantum system can reproduce biological behaviors and that the quantum principle of “entanglement” plays a crucial role in this possibility.

“We may easily find several applications, still to be developed, around quantum game theory and optimization problems,” Enrique Solano, another researcher on the project, told us. “The latter are a common place for applications in economy, design, aerodynamics, and complex biological systems. The natural merge of this research with artificial intelligence methods will create a novel paradigm for exploring the growth of complexity, an important asset of present and future studies from molecular systems to astrophysical objects and social behaviors.”

A paper describing the work was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Editors’ Recommendations

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• Want an extra arm? A third thumb? Check out these awesome robotic appendages
• Just like an eagle, this autonomous glider can fly on thermal currents
• Judgmental A.I. mirror rates how trustworthy you are based on your looks

It’s alive! Scientists create ‘artificial life’ on a quantum computer

Here is a sentence that sounds like it’s come fresh off the pages of a Michael Crichton techno-thriller: Scientists have created “artificial life” on a quantum computer for the first time ever. And that could turn out to be kind of a big deal.

The work was achieved by researchers from the University of the Basque Country in Spain. With the aid of an IBM QX4 quantum computer, they created tiny simulated life forms capable of carrying out many of the behaviors seen in real-world life forms — including reproduction, mutation, evolution, and death. They hope that doing so will help researchers to better understand the origins of life and whether it can be explained through quantum mechanics. This is something that has been hypothesized for decades, dating back to Erwin Schrödinger’s influential 1944 book What is Life?

“Our research connects two previously unrelated areas as are artificial life and quantum computing,” Lucas Lamata, one of the researchers on the project, told Digital Trends. “The former is an extensive research field where the aim is to reproduce biological behaviors in artificial systems, while the latter is an area that is growing fast in the past few years and could revolutionize computation and communication. We mainly posed the fundamental question: Which is the smallest physical system that can undergo self-replication and other biological behaviors attributed uniquely to living beings?”

The researchers were interested in whether these behaviors happen at the macroscopic level of a DNA module or at the few-atom level where quantum physics dominates. In their work, simulated “individuals” were represented using two quantum bits, or “qubits.” These are measures of information which can represent one, zero, or any quantum superposition of the two states. Their demonstration suggests that a small quantum system can reproduce biological behaviors and that the quantum principle of “entanglement” plays a crucial role in this possibility.

“We may easily find several applications, still to be developed, around quantum game theory and optimization problems,” Enrique Solano, another researcher on the project, told us. “The latter are a common place for applications in economy, design, aerodynamics, and complex biological systems. The natural merge of this research with artificial intelligence methods will create a novel paradigm for exploring the growth of complexity, an important asset of present and future studies from molecular systems to astrophysical objects and social behaviors.”

A paper describing the work was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Editors’ Recommendations

• With Q#, Microsoft is throwing programmers the keys to quantum
• Stanford A.I. can realistically score computer animations just by watching them
• Want an extra arm? A third thumb? Check out these awesome robotic appendages
• Just like an eagle, this autonomous glider can fly on thermal currents
• Judgmental A.I. mirror rates how trustworthy you are based on your looks

7 drones with superlong flight times

We love drones. You know what we don’t love? Drone flight times. Today, your average consumer drone has an average flight time of between 10 and 20 minutes — with top-of-the-range UAVs tapping out (make that sputtering out) at close to half an hour in the air.

But not all drones fall into that category. Whether it’s thanks to new types of battery or innovative charging methods, here are seven drones which buck the system with long flight times.

Flying battery drone

What’s the easiest way to make a drone fly for longer? Give it a whopping great battery, of course. That’s what the folks at Impossible Aerospace are aiming for with their forthcoming US-1 drone. Boasting a giant lithium-ion power pack that makes it, in its creator’s own words, into a “flying battery,” the US-1 can stay airborne for up to two hours at a time.

The large battery means it’s considerably heavier, at 15.7-pounds, than some of its rivals. Its $7,500 starting price tag also isn’t cheap — but that extra flight time will surely make the extra cash worth it for some.

Hybrid drone

Given that your average drone can hover for around half an hour, the four hours, 40 minute record claimed by Spanish drone manufacturer Quaternium is pretty darn impressive. The secret to its Hybrix.20 drone? As its name suggests, it’s its hybrid fuel-electric engine, which results in an impressive improvement in flight time, courtesy of an onboard combustion engine with a generator that keeps the battery charged during the flight.

“The potential of hybrid technology for drones is huge,” Alicia Fuentes, CEO of Quaternium, told Digital Trends. “At Quaternium, we believe that we will all be amazed with its evolution in the short term. The hybrid race has just started.”

A diesel-powered drone

Last year, Vanilla Aircraft’s VA001 36-foot wingspan, diesel-powered drone broke records for the longest unmanned internal combustion-powered flight in history — with a flight lasting five days, one hour, and 24 minutes.

The most amazing part of it? That even after carrying out its record-breaking flight, when it touched back down on solid ground at the end, it had three days’ worth of fuel remaining on board.

Solar-powered drone

Just like spending a day on the beach or working outside in the summer, one of the positives of a drone spending plenty of time in the sky is that it gives it a great opportunity to soak up some rays. That’s the idea that (literally) drove Airbus’ unmanned Zephyr S winged drone to break the record for longest continuous flight in July 2018.

On its first outing, the Zephyr S stayed aloft for 25 days, 23 hours, and 57 minutes after taking off from Arizona. The UAV uses solar energy to power motors which drive twin propellers. At night, the drone gets by using power built up in its onboard batteries during daylight. The Zephyr S boasts an 82-foot wingspan, and cruises at a super high altitude of 70,000 feet.

Flying for a whole year?

Airbus isn’t the only maker of UAVs interested in solar-powered unmanned aircraft. Developed by cutting-edge British companies BAE Systems and Prismatic, PHASA-35 is a currently-in-development drone which aims to be able to fly for up to one year without landing.

Helping it achieve this epic quest is a lightweight design and 114-foot wingspan — more than 30-feet longer than that on Airbus’ Zephyr S. That means more surface area real estate for its highly efficient solar panels. Like Zephyr, PHASA-35 will cruise at an altitude of 70,000 feet above the Earth, way above weather systems and most conventional (read: non-military) air traffic.

Plugged into the ground

Some people want drones to stay in flight longer for things like drone deliveries or getting more footage when filming. The folks behind this next quadcopter have another, more important purpose: saving lives. Designed to stop drones from straying into the airspace of planes, this anti-drone drone is designed to shoot nets to down other UAVs.

Because keeping an eye on other drones is a 24/7 job, DroneCatcher stays aerial at all times by using a power cable which is connected to the ground. When a problem needs solving, the power cord automatically disconnects from the quadcopter so that it can fly freely. Once the enemy drone is downed, DroneCatcher reconnects to the power cord in order that it can keep right on hovering.

Wireless charging with a laser

Like Dronecatcher, the U.S. Army thinks the best way to keep a drone aloft isn’t to give it a stonking great on-board battery, but rather to keep it charged from the ground. The solution they’re busy investigating is a bit more ambitious than using a solid charging cable, however.

Instead, the Army plans to use laser power to keep drones airborne indefinitely through a sophisticated wireless-charging technique. According to the proposal, the laser light will be directed to the drone’s onboard photovoltaic cell, where it will be converted from heat into electricity. This could reportedly be achieved from a distance of more than 1,600 feet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• 7 amazing anti-drone technologies designed to swat UAVs out of the sky
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Here’s how to buy the new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL

Google finally unveiled the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL — the company’s latest and greatest set of smartphones, featuring an upgraded processor and improved internals, a new design, and more.

Now that the new phones are out, however, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on them for yourself. The phone is available in a few different colors, including “just black,” “clearly white,” and “not pink.” In case you’re wondering how to get the Google Pixel 3 or Google Pixel 3 XL for yourself, we put together this guide.

Unlocked

As you might expect, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are both available unlocked through the Google Store. The two devices are up for pre-order now, and full sales for the phone will begin on October 18. Here’s a rundown of Pixel 3 unlocked pricing.

• 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800 or $33.29 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing
• 128GB Google Pixel 3: $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing
• 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $900 or $37.46 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing
• 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $1,000 or $41.63 per month for 24 months with Google Store financing

The unlocked version of the phone is compatible with all major carriers — so if you’re on T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T, that’s how you’ll have to get the phones, considering the fact that they’re exclusive to Verizon.

Carriers

As mentioned, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are exclusively available on Verizon, meaning that you won’t be able to get them through any other carrier except Google’s own Project Fi — at least not yet.

Verizon

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are now available for pre-order straight through the Verizon website, so if you’re a Verizon customer or willing to make the switch, then you can pull the trigger now. Like the unlocked version of the device, the Verizon Google Pixel 3 will be available in full starting on October 18.

Here’s a rundown of pricing for the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on Verizon.

• 64GB Google Pixel 3: $800, or $33.33 per month for 24 months
• 128GB Google Pixel 3: $900, or $37.49 per month for 24 months
• 64GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $930, or $38.74 per month for 24 months
• 128GB Google Pixel 3 XL: $1,030, or $42.91 per month for 24 months

Verizon has a few deals going on, too. For starters, when you order a Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL through Verizon with monthly device payments, and add a new line, you’ll get a free 64GB Google Pixel 3 or $800 toward the purchase of another Pixel 3 device. On top of that, if you order your new phone through the My Verizon app on October 9, you get a free Google Pixel Stand.

Google Project Fi

As you would expect, the Google Pixel 3 is also available through Google’s own Project Fi, and it’s available for the same price as it is unlocked — so you’ll save a few bucks through Google compared to through Verizon. When it comes to deals, Project Fi is also offering a $799 service credit when you buy two Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL phones and add a new member to an existing group plan.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Everything you need to know
• Google Pixel 3 vs. Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Picking the perfect phone for you
• Google chuckles at all the Pixel 3 leaks with crazy Pixel Mini mock-up
• Pixel 3 XL vs. Pixel 2 XL vs. Pixel XL: Which XL is best for you?
• The Google Pixel Stand turns your Android phone into an Assistant-powered hub

Google Pixel Slate vs. Google Pixelbook

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Fans of Google’s ChromeOS don’t have too many options when it comes to premium machines with the majority of Chromebooks targeted at the budget market; however, Google’s own premium devices, the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate — starting at $1000 and $600 respectively, can offer wonderful features for die-hard ChromeOS enthusiasts looking for the best possible experience.

Google’s Pixelbook was unveiled in 2017, showing the world what a true premium Chromebook could look like when the price was not a limiting factor. Followed up this year with Google’s new Pixel Slate, the two devices occupy a premium Chromebook spot of all their own, but if you are looking between the two machines, what is the best choice for your daily life?

Design

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate are premium machines crafted from aluminum and feature tough Corning Gorilla Glass. As a tablet, the Pixel Slate features an aluminum backing in midnight blue with beautiful screen — more details on that later — on the front. The Pixel Slate presents itself as a laptop with a silver aluminum finish and a white glass accent on its lid. While both devices are forged from the same materials, their overall designs serve very different functions.

The original Pixelbook is modeled after a standard clamshell notebook with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and display. Open the Pixelbook, and you’ll find yourself treated to a laptop experience like many others, but push the screen back to discover the 360-degree hinge. Able to bend completely backward, the Pixelbook’s screen can fold behind the keyboard to create a tablet experience.

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

On the other hand, the Pixel Slate is a tablet through and through. Out of the box, the Pixel Slate does not include a keyboard or trackpad but is instead a flat slab to be controlled entirely via touch input. The new Pixel Slate Keyboard, sold separately, can transform your experience by adding on a keyboard cover with the missing components to improve your use when you need to get work done.

As with most hybrid devices, they are typically better at one function over the other. If you’re looking for a traditional laptop, you’ll most likely be happiest with the Pixelbook, but if you believe that the future is tablets, then the Pixel Slate might strike your fancy.

Performance

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system that typically doesn’t require much under the hood, with many budget models coming packed with a suitable Intel Celeron CPU. However, these flagship machines from Google are giving you the options to go premium with respectably fast Intel Core processors. Add on a healthy amount of RAM, and both devices are ready to tackle the web without issues.

The Google Pixelbook allows consumers to choose between a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, which, while now a generation out of date, have yet to show their age when powering the ChromeOS platform. Backed up by 8GB or 16GB of RAM, the Pixelbook might be a year old, but its specs should keep fans running for quite a while into the future. Additionally, the Pixelbook offers massive storage options for a machine of its class with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB SSD options available.

The Pixel Slate is less powerful in its base configuration due to its Intel Celeron processor, but gives buyers the option to upgrade to the latest 8th-gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 CPUs. Memory options also start a bit lower at 4GB, but users can increase that number to either 8GB or 16GB for an extra fee. Depending on the model Pixel Slate you purchase, different storage options are available, with the lower-end Celeron option offering 32GB or 64GB of SSD storage, up to 256GB in the Intel Core i7 variation.

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

Both devices should offer great entertainment experiences with 12.3-inch screens and dual speaker systems. The new Pixel Slate provides a slightly improved display, which Google calls a Molecular Display, and features an improved sharpness of 293 pixels per inch (PPI) compared to the Pixelbook’s still respectable, 235PPI. Both screens are capable of 400 nits of brightness, offer touchscreens with support for Google’s Pixelbook Pen, and cover 72 percent of the NTSC color space.

Those looking for a healthy port selection won’t find much more on either machine than a few USB-C ports. The Pixelbook features two USB-C ports, a fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Pixel Slate offers two USB-C ports and the Pixel Slate Keyboard accessory connector.

That’s right, the Slate doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, and users will instead need to rely on wireless headphones or a wired USB-C adapter to listen to tunes.

Portability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Pixelbook and Pixel Slate are both designed for travel — these aren’t machines intended to live on your desk. With both devices featuring aluminum body constructions, Google’s new devices offer sturdy, yet lightweight, solutions for anyone on the move. Best of all, both units pack the same rated battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, with the ability to rapidly charge to two hours of use-time in only 15 minutes.

The Pixelbook weighs in at 2.4lbs and covers a dimensional space of 11.4 inches long, 8.7in wide, and 0.4in thick. A neat and compact package, the Pixelbook won’t be weighing anyone down and should be excellent for road warriors. In comparison, the new Pixel Slate weighs in at 1.6 pounds and covers a space of 11.45 inches long, 7.95in wide, and 0.27in thick. Of course, those who will be using the Pixel Slate with its keyboard accessory will need to add on another 1.1 pounds and 0.2 inches of thickness.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Speaking a bit more of the Pixel Slate Keyboard, users who opt to purchase the accessory can connect it easily via Google’s Quick Snap Connector, and need not worry about recharging the case separately. Made of polyurethane, microfiber, and glass, the Slate Keyboard is an impressive add-on, but it doesn’t come cheap at $200.

For individuals on the road who live off of video calls and conferences, both units pack onboard microphones with noise cancelation and front-facing cameras. The Pixelbook is limited to a 720p webcam, while the Pixel Slate offers an 8MP 1080p, in addition to an 8MP rear-facing camera that also captures 1080p video.

Built for the web

Daven Mathies/Digital Trends

Chrome OS is a platform built to be always online. While Google proudly proclaims that the device can be used offline, and it can be for drafting Google Docs and Email drafts, the operating system shines once it connects to the internet — that is the state of a machine that relies primarily on its web browser. However, you can be satisfied that Google is trying to make the entire ‘always online’ process more straightforward for its Pixelbook and Pixel Slate users.

Devices such as Google’s newly announced Pixel 3 XL smartphone can automatically pair with your Pixelbook or Pixel Slate for LTE tethering when a WiFi connection isn’t available; this simple step makes the process of opening your Pixel computer anywhere on the go and gaining access to the internet just one more step towards seamless. Of course, you will need to be carrying Google’s latest smartphone, and not just any Android device.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Oddly enough, one feature absent from two devices that require an internet connection to shine is LTE connectivity. While both machines feature high-speed WiFi chipsets and Bluetooth 4.2, neither offers the ability to connect to a cellular network on the go without the need to tether to a smartphone.

The Pixel Slate is new, but the Pixelbook is still relevant

Google’s Pixel Slate is the newer device. It’s less expensive, but has more modern hardware, and it’s a better device for tablet use.

That doesn’t mean the Pixelbook is irrelevant, however. The Pixel Slate is not a laptop and isn’t designed with laptop use as its primary mode. Chrome OS fans who’d prefer something more conventional, with a great keyboard and larger display, should still consider the Pixelbook.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Google Pixelbook 2: Everything you need to know
• Google Pixelbook review
• Become a master caster with these Google Chromecast tips and tricks
• Google Pixel Slate — the first detachable Pixelbook 2-in-1
• HP Chromebook x2 vs. Google Pixelbook

Anker Roav VIVA Pro review

Research Center:

Anker Roav VIVA Pro

Vocal assistants have become an integral part of our lives and even found their way into newer cars. But what can you do for an older car that may not even have an AUX input, let alone access to Alexa? Thankfully, the Roav VIVA Pro is here to integrate Alexa into your car charger, an item that most of us carry already. We spent time testing and asking this device a few questions to see if it is fit to ride shotgun on your next road trip.

Hey, Alexa!

We have tested various aftermarket integrations of Amazon’s Alexa in the past, including the Logitech ZeroTouch, a smarter smartphone mount that triggers an app on your phone. We also tested the Muse by Speak Music, an Alexa button that also integrates with a charger. These devices accomplish much of the same goal but can add clutter to your car or rely too much on fumbling with a mobile app on your phone.

Nolan Browning/Digital Trends

In the Roav VIVA Pro package, you won’t find long wires or unnecessary buttons and accessories. Instead, you’ll simply find the VIVA Pro car charging unit that resembles a slightly larger version of a standard car charger for your phone. It features two 2.4A PowerIQ-equipped USB-A charging ports, surrounded by a simulated carbon fiber finish, and the Alexa light ring plus a mute button on top.

One of the biggest benefits is the ability to transmit sound through Bluetooth, AUX output, USB and FM transmitter.

Packing all of the computing power into the charging unit also allows the device to be compact and to seamlessly integrate into your car. While you may not be familiar with the name Roav, the brand Anker may ring a bell. Roav is actually a new sub-brand of the Anker Innovations electronics company, focused specifically on in-car devices. We are big fans of Anker’s charging technology and the VIVA Pro doesn’t disappoint in the quality and design department. The build is solid and the design is more reminiscent of an actual Amazon product than any of the other devices in this arena. Charging through the device is also extremely quick and as fast as we have come to expect from similar Anker chargers.

Connecting to your virtual assistant

Setting up the VIVA Pro is as easy as downloading the Roav VIVA app for iPhone or Android and walking through the pairing steps. The Roav VIVA connects to your phone via Bluetooth and then asks how you would like to project the device’s audio. One of the biggest benefits of this device is the ability to transmit the sound through Bluetooth, an AUX output, a USB port (for Apple CarPlay) and even an FM transmitter for your older vehicles. For Bluetooth connections, the app even asks if you prefer taking calls through your car’s built-in system to avoid any audio issues when connected.

We initially connected our VIVA through the FM transmitter. You simply scan through the dial in the app to choose which radio station is dead air in your area. The audio then plays a chime through that station to let you know it is ready to go. The only issue with the FM connection is the change in audio if the station you selected receives a stronger signal on your drive, a problem typical of such transmitters. However, you can dial this in after commuting for a few days to find the right channel.

The AUX output and Bluetooth connection are rather straightforward; we spent most of our time using those settings. In our older 2005 Honda Element test car, the VIVA Pro completely updated our driving experience when connected through the AUX port. Playing your favorite music no longer involved shuffling through your phone at stop lights. Simply yelling “Alexa, play my Otis Redding station” would fire up Pandora (or your favorite music app that Alexa supports) and play the music in your car. Spotify fans may be disappointed as the service is not available through this device at this time.

Can you hear me?

In addition to music, Roav and Amazon’s Alexa can help control your smart home devices, order coffee from Starbucks, or simply navigate home from work. Depending on the location of the 12-volt port in your car, the voice-isolation and noise-reduction systems may struggle a bit. In the Honda Element, the port is on the passenger side of the car and we would often have to manually turn down the music and shout at Alexa to get the device to acknowledge our voice. Our conversations in a BMW i3 were far less heated as the charger sits just between the seats and closer to the driver.

Depending on the location of the 12-volt port in your car, the voice-isolation and noise-reduction system may struggle.

For most requests, the Roav application runs in the background to let you have your favorite navigation or music app on the screen. However, changing directions to a new location while using Waze will tell you to switch back to the Roav app via a notification. Some requests, like asking Alexa to make a call, can also bring up a confirmation on your screen with the number or a list of names that it thinks you are trying to call. But for the most part, whether you’re ordering food or interacting with smart devices, your phone can stay in your pocket and the Roav system will still process the request and talk through your speakers.

Warranty information

Roav offers an easy, money-back guarantee that gives you a full refund for any reason until 30 days after delivery. You simply need to mail the device back in its original packaging. For quality-related issues not caused by irregular use, Roav will replace the VIVA Pro with a factory-refurbished model of equal value when one is available. Otherwise, it will send a new item to replace your broken product.

Our Take

Priced at $73, the Roav VIVA Pro is more expensive than any other car charger and most Alexa-enabled car devices. The compact and unmistakably “Amazon Alexa” styling gives this device an edge over other accessories, but the voice detection issues and lack of Spotify support may be a deal killer for some buyers.

However, if you have an older car and are looking for a device to handle phone calls, music streaming, and add helpful vocal assistant features, the VIVA Pro may be the perfect passenger.

Is there a better alternative?

No, in terms of overall utility and simplistic design, the Viva Pro is the best option for motorists in the market for an Alexa-enabled device.

How long will it last?

Customers report frequent software updates to fix many early bugs, and we imagine this bodes well for future updates to keep the application fresh. But Amazon has also recently announced a new Echo Auto device for only $50 with full Alexa capability that could feature abilities that aren’t available in third-party devices.

Should you buy it?

If you have a vehicle without modern features like hands-free calling and music streaming through Bluetooth, then the Roav VIVA Pro is the best way to improve your experience behind the wheel. If you have a new car and are simply looking to gain access to Alexa, it is worth waiting for the Echo Auto or looking at more affordable solutions.

Anker Roav VIVA Pro Compared To

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