Apple Seeds Second Beta of watchOS 5.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming watchOS 5.1 update to developers, two weeks after seeding the first watchOS 5.1 beta and a little over two weeks after releasing the new watchOS 5 operating system.

Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General –> Software update.

To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the iPhone.

watchOS 5.1 includes support for Group FaceTime, with Group FaceTime calls able to be answered in an audio-only capacity on the Apple Watch. Group FaceTime allows you to chat with up to 32 people at one time.

The watchOS 5.1 update also brings a full-screen new “Color” watch face option for the Apple Watch Series 4, with users able to choose between multiple shades. There’s also a filled-in circular color option for older Apple Watch models that joins the standard Color clock face.

Should additional new features be found in the second beta of watchOS 5.1, we’ll update this post.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of macOS Mojave 10.14.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming macOS Mojave 10.14.1 update to developers, one week after seeding the first beta and a little over a week after releasing the macOS Mojave update.

macOS Mojave introduces a new method of installing software updates, so after the initial beta has been installed using the appropriate profile from the Developer Center, additional betas can be downloaded through opening up System Preferences and choosing the “Software Update” option.

The 10.14.1 update includes support for Group FaceTime, a feature that was removed during the beta testing period. Group FaceTime, which lets you chat with up to 32 people at once, is also present in the iOS 12.1 beta.

No other significant features were found in the first developer beta of macOS Mojave, so it’s not clear if there are any additional changes. The update likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes for issues that have been discovered since the release of the Mojave update.

Should new features be found in the second beta, we’ll update this post.

macOS Mojave is a major update that brings features like a systemwide Dark Mode, stacks for organizing messy desktops, new Finder capabilities, new tools for taking screenshots, a Continuity Camera option for easily transferring photo scans and documents from iPhone to Mac, and more.

For more on macOS Mojave, make sure to check out our roundup.

Related Roundup: macOS Mojave
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of iOS 12.1 to Developers With Group FaceTime, eSIM Support, Real-Time Depth Control and New Emoji

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 12.1 update to developers, two weeks after seeding the first beta and a little over two weeks after releasing iOS 12, a major new version of the iOS software.

Registered developers can download the new iOS 12.1 beta from Apple’s Developer Center or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.

iOS 12.1 introduces several new features that Apple promised would come to the new iPhone XS and XS Max devices. The beta introduces support for the eSIM, which is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need to use a physical SIM card.

Carriers will need to implement support for eSIM, which is likely to happen after iOS 12.1 launches. In the U.S., AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile will support eSIM.

The iOS 12.1 update brings a new real-time Depth Control feature, which lets you adjust the depth of field of your Portrait Mode photos before you capture them. Right now, in iOS 12, Depth Control is only available for post-capture editing.

If you tap on the “F” icon at the top of the screen while capturing a photo you use Depth Control to adjust the amount of background blur in an image.

In addition to these iPhone XS and XS Max features, iOS 12.1 reintroduces the Group FaceTime feature that was removed from iOS 12 during the beta testing period. Group FaceTime was present in many early betas but was ultimately removed because Apple needed more time to test it.

Group FaceTime is designed to let iPhone and Mac users conduct video and audio chats with up to 32 participants at one time, with new camera effects features included.

Apple today announced that new emoji are coming in the iOS 12.1 beta, with options to include red hair, gray hair, curly hair, and no hair, along with smiley faces that include cold face, party face, pleading face, face with hearts, and tons more.

If any additional new features are found in the second iOS 12.1 beta, we’ll update this post with details. Apple today also released a second beta version of Xcode 10.1.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
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70+ New Emoji Characters to Be Included in Upcoming iOS 12.1 Update

Apple today announced that the iOS 12.1 update, which is currently being beta tested by developers and public beta testers, will include the new Unicode 11 emoji.

Apple first promised new emoji were coming on World Emoji Day back in July, but the new characters were not included in the original iOS 12 update.

Apple plans to introduce more than 70 new emoji characters, with options for red hair, gray hair, curly hair, and no hair, along with smiley faces that include cold face, party face, pleading face, and face with hearts.

Super heroes, an eye-shaped nazar amulet, and an infinity symbol will be added, along with new animals such as kangaroo, peacock, parrot, and lobster. New food items include mango, lettuce, cupcake, and moon cake, with a full list of new Unicode 11 emoji available from Emojipedia.

Apple says that it is working with the Unicode Consortium to add additional disability-themed emoji to Unicode 12, which is set to be released in 2019.

Developers can get the new emoji right now by downloading the iOS 12.1 update, and Apple says the software will also be available for public beta testers later in the day.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
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Lifeprint’s Harry Potter printer adds motion magic to photos

Unlike the static photos of the Muggle world, in Harry Potter’s, photos come to life. For anyone who has seen the fantasy films or read the books, moving photos are one of those fun elements of the Wizarding World, the universe first introduced by J.K. Rowling in the book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 20 years ago.

But thanks to augmented reality, smartphones, and the Lifeprint instant printer, moving photos are now a thing (sort of) via the Harry Potter Magic Photo and Video Printer and App.

The printer is a partnership between Lifeprint and Warner Brothers. It uses Lifeprint’s instant printer technology (based around Zink), but adds features from Harry Potter that make it more than a standard Lifeprint device. Available in black or white, gold trim and graphics make it look like a magical gadget from the Wizarding World (or a prop from the movie set, however you want to view it). Each printer can be customized to its owner, and this includes adhesive medallions that show which Hogwarts House he or she identifies with (wand and robe not included).

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But the neat trick of this printer is the AR function. Lifeprint devices themselves are a bit magical, in that they don’t use any ink (with Zink, the ink is embedded into the paper, and colors of the image are revealed when heat is applied). And while the printed photos (called HyperPhotos) will always be 2D images, they “come to life” when you scan them with the Lifeprint app (iOS and Android), revealing a video related to the photo or a special message from a friend.

The AR function is created within the app: Simply take a photo or choose one from your camera roll, add the AR elements, and then share either by printing it and giving it to a friend, sending a digital copy, or uploading to the Lifeprint community’s “Explore” tab.

Of course, Harry Potter printer owners can unlock additional features that are exclusive to them. Once the printer is paired (it uses Bluetooth, and setup is straightforward and easy), you’ll find Snapchat-like AR facial filters (Mad-Eye Moody, anyone?) and stickers (Snitch, owls, the Dark Mark, etc.). According to Lifeprint co-founder Robert Macauley, there will be additional content in the future. And through the app, fellow Harry Potter fans can mingle and share their moving photos — creating a sort of Harry Potter fan community within Lifeprint.

Although we’ve been playing with a unit for a week, the Harry Potter-themed elements weren’t available at the time of writing. We have been using it as a standard Lifeprint printer, and found it to be easy to use. We will update this page with more impressions when the updated app is available.

Other than the Harry Potter features, the printer functions like a regular Lifeprint device. It prints onto 2 x 3-inch Zink with a sticky back, and the printer is lightweight and compact, and recharges over USB. Macauley said the print engine in the Harry Potter printer is different from the original Lifeprint printer, and is actually improved. Zink, admittedly, isn’t our favorite instant photo technology, as we find the color saturation to be off and unpleasing to look at. The color reproduction has improved in the Harry Potter printer, but it’s still not a “perfect” photo. Still, it’s the fun AR function that’s the selling point, and Macauley said a future update should improve the quality further.

While a professed Harry Potter fanatic (he can’t wait to send one to author Rowling), Macauley told Digital Trends that the idea for the partnership actually stemmed from users who commented on social media, comparing the AR feature to moving photos from Harry Potter. When Macauley and his team read those comments, it was a no-brainer. Non-Harry Potter fans may sideline this as another marketing gimmick, but they would be underestimating the community that loves the books and films.

The printer is available for pre-order at Amazon, for $150 — a $20 premium over the standard Lifeprint 2 x 3 printer. It will go on sale on October 22 at select retailers. Harry Potter fans can add it to their holiday wishlist now.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best portable photo printers of 2018
• Canon Pixma iP8720 review
• Not at Hogwarts? You can still build and use a wand thanks to Kano
• iOS 11 camera guide
• The best place to print photos online

Pictar Pro makes phones even more DSLR-like with viewfinder and better build

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Miggo

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Pictar app

Pictar Pro with an Android phone (Samsung Galaxy S9)

Who says smartphones can’t have viewfinders and physical controls? The Miggo Pictar Pro gives iPhone and Android phones a viewfinder and DSLR-like control wheels along with an extra battery. Even more impressive, the phone grip, like the original Pictar (see our full review), does it all without a wired or Wi-Fi connection with the phone.

The Pictar Pro is a photography-focused phone grip that’s designed to give smartphone photographers as many DSLR-like controls as possible. Like the original Pictar unveiled 2016, the Pictar Pro has a larger grip, control dials, and a shutter button to trigger photos. But the latest grip takes that even further by adding several new features, including a zoom toggle that works for photos and videos. 

One wheel controls exposure compensation to lighten or darken the image, while the second smart wheel selects the shooting modes that are available inside the Pictar app. The modes include auto, shutter priority, ISO priority, manual, macro, video, selfie, sport, and filters. The wheel also doubles as a button — pressing the wheel will scroll through the different flash buttons. Users can also change the function of the button using the app.

But perhaps even more interesting is the Pictar Pro’s optional viewfinder accessory. The viewfinder attaches via a dedicated slot and sits over the top of the phone’s screen, and then the screen is resized to fit the viewfinder. The viewfinder, with an optical plastic lens, blocks out the sunlight that can cause screen glare, making it viewable even under bright conditions. When not in use, it collapses into itself for storage.

Miggo also showed us the viewfinder, however, it was a non-working unit; Miggo claims the production version will work.

The grip also houses an extra battery that provides additional power to phones that support Qi wireless charging. A cold shoe connection at the top of the camera holds accessories, like a video light or microphone. And because the lens area of the phone is exposed, you can attach add-on lenses without the grip blocking the way.

Like the original Pictar, the Pictar Pro doesn’t connect to the phone using Bluetooth or hard connection. Instead, it communicates using sound. Each control you make, sends out a different sound that the app recognizes. When the app recognizes the sound, it changes that particular setting. 

When we reviewed the original Pictar, we thought the case performed surprisingly well using those sounds to adjust settings, without a noticeable lag. The sounds are so high pitched, they aren’t audible to humans, Miggo says.

Besides the physical controls, extra battery, and viewfinder, the shape of the Pictar Pro gives smartphone photographers a more comfortable grip. The grip also has a tripod mount screw at the bottom. Like the original Pictar, the new version is inspired by historic cameras, but this time, from ’70s and ’80s designs using a satin-finish brass construction. The grip also includes a neck and wrist strap.

Digital Trends had an opportunity to see a sample of the Pictar Pro. It has a much more solid and robust metallic build quality than the original plastic Pictar, and is a tad heavier to provide a nice weight balance when shooting. The textured “shark skin” grip is also more substantial, and a spring-loaded mechanism lets it accommodate the largest of smartphones, whether it be iOS or Android. The Pictar Pro comes with a wrist strap and a neck strap, both made from parachute cord and leather.

Miggo is taking to Kickstarter to fund the project, with awards that include the Pictar Pro starting at $119. After the campaign, Miggo estimates delivery sometime toward the beginning of 2019. While the original Pictar was designed for iPhones, the Pictar Pro, as mentioned, is compatible with a long list of iPhone and Android models, with the full list of compatible models on the Kickstarter page.

Editors’ Recommendations

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Amazon’s latest Prime-exclusive discount is the Fire TV 4K for just $40

It pays to be a Prime member.

Update: This deal has returned!

Amazon has been dishing out discounts on its own hardware to Prime members for a few weeks now, and the latest device to receive the treatment is the Fire TV 4K. Right now, Prime members can pick one up for just $39.99, which is the same price as what we recently saw the refurbished version go on sale for. This is one of the best prices we’ve seen on this hardware, outside of Prime Day where it was just a few bucks less.

It offers 4K Ultra HD support, HDR-10 support, and comes with an Alexa Voice Remote. Plus, the Fire TV can stream from media services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO and many others, and the included remote allows you to search for your favorite content by using just your voice.

If you’re concerned about streaming due to a slow or weak Wi-Fi connection at home, this Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Fire TV devices can help you achieve a stronger connection for just $15 right now.

Now, if you’ve already made the move to a 4K TV and still don’t have a 4K streaming device, you’re missing out. Remember, you’ll need to be a Prime member to take advantage of today’s deal. If you aren’t already one, you can sign up now right now for a free 30-day trial.

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Essential Phone gets October 2018 security patch the same day it’s released

And, yes, you can once again customize the notch.

Even though the long-term future of Essential still remains a mystery, the company continues to update the Essential Phone faster than just about anyone else out there. The October 2018 security patch was just released earlier today, and right behind it, Essential’s already announced that the patch is rolling out to its customers.

Guess what’s back. Back again. Essential notch support is back. Tell a friend.You asked. We listened. Notch support returns in this release. pic.twitter.com/rXHpoO1dP3

— Essential (@essential) October 1, 2018

Along with the regular bug fixes that are found with this patch, Essential’s also bringing back notch support — allowing you to determine how the notch area of the phone is used by apps.

Even if an Essential Phone 2 never does happen, all other OEMs really need to take a note from what Essential’s doing here. Day-one update support like this is fantastic, and it’s something a lot of competing brands cough Samsung cough could take note of.

October 2018 Android security patch rolling out now

Essential Phone

• Essential Phone review
• Essential Phone specs
• The latest Essential Phone news
• Join our Essential Phone forums!

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Is it still worth buying the NVIDIA Shield TV in 2018?

Best answer: The NVIDIA Shield TV is still the best Android TV box you can buy in 2018. NVIDIA has done a great job offering software updates that continually make the Shield TV better than before, and the 16GB is a great option for any habitual streamer. So yes, it’s absolutely your best bet for an Android TV box in 2018.

• Amazon: NVIDIA Shield TV Smart Home Edition ($220)
• Amazon: NVIDIA Shield TV Smart Gaming Edition ($195)

NVIDIA is still King of Android TV

The NVIDIA Shield TV is a full-featured streaming box that runs on the latest Android TV software. That means it has both Google Assistant and Chromecast functionality built right in, along with a host of other great features. All of that makes the Shield a stand out product.

It also offers the best internal specs and features on a TV streaming box and comes packaged with a sleek remote that includes a built-in microphone for use with the Google Assistant. You’re can to plug in a keyboard and mouse or connect Bluetooth devices for both gaming or for more mundane things like entering passwords and searching.

The NVIDIA Shield still offers the best streaming box experience you will find in 2018.

On the software side, the Shield TV has been updated to Android 8.0 and NVIDIA has done a good job of keeping this product line up to date over the past three years. You’ll be able to access the best Android apps developed for the Android TV platform, which includes all the most popular services — YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Spotify and etc. — along with media streaming platforms like Kodi and Plex for those who have their own media collections they want to enjoy. Everything is delivered in an easy-to-use user interface that will offer home screen recommendations based on the services and shows you watch.

If the Shield just did streaming really well as it does, it would still be our top pick — but NVIDIA has also equipped the Shield TV with enough processor power for gaming. Not only can you choose from the growing library of games from the Google Play Store, but NVIDIA also has its own library of popular PC games you can download and play, along with game streaming services that let you cast your favorite games from your PC to your living room TV.

It’s better to bundle

You can buy the base NVIDIA Shield TV for just $177, which comes with the console and the media remote and that’s it. But really, if you’re interested in getting the most out of the Shield and all that it can do, you’re better off going with the Smart Home or Gaming bundles which include a SmartThings Link dongle or NVIDIA gaming controller respectively.

The SmartThings dongle is a great investment whether you’re set on using Google Assistant or Alexa to control your smart home devices, as the SmartThings hub works well with both AI assistants and supports a growing number of connected smart home devices, so adding all that functionality for an extra $50 is a pretty great deal if you’ve yet to invest in a pricey Zigbee or Z-Wave hub. Alternatively, if gaming is more your thing, consider that the NVIDIA gaming controller alone costs $60, so spending an extra $20 to get it here is a great deal — plus it works just great as a general remote for the Shield, too.

Do you really need the extra storage?

Deciding whether to go with the 16GB NVIDIA Shield TV or to opt for the more expensive NVIDIA Shield TV Pro that comes with a whopping 500GB will ultimately come down to how you consume media in 2018. For those who have a massive collection of movies and TV shows stashed away on an external hard drive, you might want to migrate it all over to the Shield and have it all accessible.

But if you’re the type who relies on Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services for the majority of your home entertainment in 2018, the 16GB version will do just fine.

Bottom line

The NVIDIA Shield TV can be the anchor to not only your living room entertainment, but also the rest of your smart home devices. With Google Assistant now fully integrated into the NVIDIA Shield TV’s software

Our pick

NVIDIA Shield TV Smart Home Edition

$220 at Amazon

Control your smart home with your Shield.

The latest Shield bundle includes a SmartThings Link that connects via USB to convert your Shield into a Zigbee and Z-Wave smart home hub. This lets you connect and control an ever-growing number of compatible smart devices right from your couch. A great deal that makes the Shield that much more useful.

For Gamers

NVIDIA Shield TV Smart Gaming Edition

$195 at Amazon

Save a bit and get a gaming controller.

The Smart Home edition is a great option for non-gamers, but if you’re interested in checking out the Shield’s gaming capabilities, you’ll want to get the Gaming Edition which includes the NVIDIA gaming controller and will save you $25.

The Caavo Control Center is a $100 universal remote for cord cutters

One box to rule all the boxes.

Ever had one of those nights where you had to switch the controller in your hand several times just to get to the show you wanted to watch? Even on a casual day, I find myself switching between my TV remote and Xbox One controller. Maybe you have a Fire TV, too, with a Sideclick to help you out? Maybe… just maybe… you don’t need all those things.

The Caavo Control Center wants to unite all your streaming devices, consoles, and set-top boxes like the Amazon Fire TV Recast and give you easy access to all of them. The Control Center is essentially a tiny black box that sits in your home entertainment system and acts as the director for all the other tiny black boxes you own. You’ll be able to connect up to four of them plus a sound bar. It will support advanced video and audio formats like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos as well, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality.

Since the box has to communicate with the TV to detect things like HDR or even adjust simple functions like volume, Caavo has to make it compatible with a lot of them. Right now, the Control Center works with the following brands: LG, Panasonic, Phillips, RCA, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio. Of course you can still eliminate some of the clutter in your living room even if you still need to keep a remote around for an unsupported TV.

As far as the other devices that the box supports go, Caavo has a huge list of them on its website. These include everything from Xbox to Roku to iTunes. You can even add voice control using an Amazon Alexa device, like the currently discounted $30 Echo Dot, Google Assistant, or Siri. While awkwardly enough you’ll still need the remotes for device-specific commands, you can use the voice assistants to turn the Control Center on and off, search for shows, and plenty of other features.

Caavo isn’t the only one out there searching for universal control. The Logitech Harmony lineup includes tons of options if you’re looking to unite your home entertainment system, and some of them can be found at a cheaper price than the Control Center because they use functionality you already have (like your smartphone) to unite your devices.

The Caavo Control Center starts at $99.95. You can find it on Amazon and Best Buy, but probably the best place to buy it for the fastest shipping right now is the Caavo website. You’ll also have to subscribe to the Control Center Service Plan for $1.99 a month if you want extra features like universal search (showing you absolutely everywhere the shows you want to watch are available for streaming), voice control, editorial guides, app control, and more.

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