A Japanese spacecraft just landed two rovers on an asteroid

In a remarkable feat of scientific endeavor, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully landed two small rovers on the surface of an asteroid hundreds of millions of miles from Earth.

“Both rovers … are in good condition,” Japan’s space agency tweeted on Saturday.

We are sorry we have kept you waiting! MINERVA-II1 consists of two rovers, 1a & 1b. Both rovers are confirmed to have landed on the surface of Ryugu. They are in good condition and have transmitted photos & data. We also confirmed they are moving on the surface. #asteroidlanding

— HAYABUSA2@JAXA (@haya2e_jaxa) September 22, 2018

The rovers were carried aboard the Hayabusa 2 probe, which reached the Ryugu asteroid in June. It’s been staying close to the space rock since then, conducting exploratory activities and surveying the asteroid for sample collection prior to the weekend’s rover deployment.

Leaving Earth in 2014, Hayabusa 2 took 42 months to reach its target some 200 million miles away.

The ambitious mission took a big step forward over the weekend as Hayabusa 2 descended to within about 60 meters of the 900-meter-wide asteroid before sending down Rover-1A and Rover-1B inside the Minerva-II-1 lander. The two rovers wasted little time in capturing close-up images of their surroundings, as well as performing tasks such as taking temperature readings of the rock’s surface.

During the mission, the rovers will also conduct studies of Ryugu’s composition, which could give scientists new insight into the development of Earth and other planets in our solar system.

This dynamic photo was captured by Rover-1A on September 22 at around 11:44 JST. It was taken on Ryugu’s surface during a hop. The left-half is the surface of Ryugu, while the white region on the right is due to sunlight. (Hayabusa2 Project) pic.twitter.com/IQLsFd4gJu

— HAYABUSA2@JAXA (@haya2e_jaxa) September 22, 2018

The two rovers are cylindrical in shape and rather small — just 7 cm tall with a diameter of 18 cm. Unlike the vehicles on Mars, these ones don’t have wheels. With the asteroid possessing low gravity, “hopping” provides a more efficient way of getting around, so scientists fit each rover with motor-powered internal rotors to enable such movement.

The Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout (MASCOT) will also be sent to explore the asteroid in the coming weeks. Developed by the German Aerospace Center and the French space agency CNES, MASCOT measures 29.5 cm × 27.5 cm × 19.5 cm. When it lands on the space rock in October, MASCOT will spend time examining its surface structure and magnetic properties, among other things.

Finally, there’s the Rover-2, developed by a group of universities led by Japan’s Tohoku University. Planned for deployment in 2019, the rover one has an octagonal prism shape, a height of 16 cm, and a diameter of 15 cm. The Rover-2 incorporates several cameras as well as optical and ultraviolet LEDs for illumination that’ll help it detect floating dust particles.

Scientists are now gearing up for a crucial part of the mission involving the collection of particle samples from Ryugu to bring back to Earth. If all goes well, the tricky task will take place next month and involves Hayabusa 2 moving close to the asteroid before firing what can be loosely described as a 2-kg “bullet” into the rock. This will help Hayabusa-2 to gather rock samples that haven’t been directly exposed to the environment of space, providing “fresh” material for scientists to study.

Hayabusa 2’s mission will run through December 2019, so the collection of samples won’t reach Earth until the end of 2020. But once it’s here, scientists will be eager to analyze the samples as they seek to unlock some of the enduring mysteries of our solar system.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Japanese space probe to begin exploring asteroid Ryugu
• Get your Sagan on with 60 awe-inspiring photos of the final frontier
• We’re going to the Red Planet! All the past, present, and future missions to Mars
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• We asked Bill Nye about his plan to save Earth from civilization-ending asteroids

Jisoncase iPhone X Separated Wallet Folio Microfiber Leather Case Review

Regardless of whether you’re carrying your iPhone in your pocket or in your bag, there is always the possibility it’s taking up a great deal of space. And so you might want to consider buying a case for your iPhone and wallet to get rid of that space consumption. But getting the best pick of microfiber leather case from the sea of options available isn’t something that easy. Luckily, we have you covered.

Putting all the iPhone X wallet cases out there to a test, Jisoncase iPhone X Separated Wallet Folio Microfiber Leather Case came on top of the list. Here’s our rundown on the product and what we found out about it:

Source: https://www.jisoncase.com

But before we dive into the review, you might like to have brief background information about Jisoncase.

Can wait to have a look at the Jisoncase iPhone X Separated Wallet Folio Microfiber Leather Case, Check It Out Here Now!

About Jisoncase Company

Jisoncase’s history dates back to 2001 when it was founded with the sole objective of creating products meant to preserve the technology that is essential to our lives.  The company has done a lot in the area of promoting and supporting individual’s interests, professions and passions.  Their belief is in creating products that offers simplicity, intuitive functionality and enhanced user experience.

Jisoncase’s offices are located in Los Angeles and Guangzhou. You can find out more about Jisoncase’s design standards, products and passions here!

Product Description

When protecting your iPhone and wallet becomes an important thing to do, getting the right leather case is the first thing that comes to your mind. Jisoncase 2-in-1 Wallet Folio Microfiber Leather Case for iPhone  X/XS is an easy to use, flip-style opening and very slim case that absorbs with the strong magnetic in your wallet. While you can separate the slim case apart from the cover, the case folds easily horizontally to allow exciting and stress-free viewing experience from any watching angle (without poking your neck around).  The case offers you full protection of your phone with 3 different slots for cards and one compartment for holding your cash.

Source: https://www.jisoncase.com

Key Features of Jisoncase Wallet Folio Microfiber Leather Case for iPhone X

• Elegant and slim design: This product is perfectly designed to fit your iPhone X/XS
• Easily foldable: This allows your phone to be folded easily and supported horizontally thereby allowing for comfortable viewing from any angle without stressing your neck.
• 2-in-1 Pockets: The product comes with 3 slots and 1 compartment for holding cash
• Durable Material: It’s made of microfiber leather which makes it strong to stand the test of time.
• Easy to Operate: The simple design makes it quite easy use.
• REID Blocking Material: Prevents personal card information from STEALING.
• FREE SHIPPING ALL OVER THE WORLD.

Source: https://www.jisoncase.com

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a simple and stunning wallet case that fits your iPhone we are more than convinced this might be the best pick for you. From all ramifications, you can’t go wrong if you choose to go for this case as it offers a lot of promising features and value for the price.

Considering the slim design (making it portable in your pocket), the 3 slots and 1 compartment for holding cash and ease of folding horizontally to support the device for comfortable viewing from all angles, Jisoncase offers just all you’ll ever need in a wallet leather case for your iPhone.

 

Are you using wallet case for your iPhone already? What do you feel having your phone in this kind of case?

Please, share your experience with us.

New mask-mounted HUD gives Navy combat divers tactical advantage

The U.S. Navy is working on a new head-up display (HUD) that will provide combat divers with better underwater navigation while keeping their hands free to do other tasks.

While those who dive for recreational reasons often confine themselves to parts of the ocean that have high levels of visibility, Navy divers have no such luxury. They are often forced to work in conditions where the water is too dark to see wrist-mounted equipment even with the aid of external lights.

The Shadow NAV, developed by James Fisher and Sons alongside the Smart Ship System Design (S3D) team of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) aims to solve that problem. The device is mounted onto a diver’s standard headgear, and provides information such as compass headings, the diver’s depth, and other vital data. The hope is that the Shadow NAV will reduce the amount of equipment divers need to take on missions, and provide a way for them to navigate in conditions with poor or no light.

James Fisher and Sons

“To address these challenges for potentially dangerous underwater combat missions, the expert technical team S3D at the NSWC PCD (Panama City Division) worked to develop a small, low-cost, low-power enhanced navigation capability to significantly improve safety standards for military divers, and give them the best possible chance of successfully completing their missions,” James Fisher and Sons’ Danny Gray said in a press release.

In terms of battery life, the Shadow Nav’s spec sheet says that it should work for more than 20 hours between charges.

While the Shadow Nav was developed alongside the U.S. military, other divers will likely be able to make use of the device as well. James Fisher and Sons have said that they plan to release the hardware to divers across the world. In addition to the obvious military applications, this could be helpful for salvage operations or any other situation where divers need to work in low-light conditions.

One question that the press release does not answer is when the Shadow NAV will be available. While the press release does say that James Fisher and Sons plans to bring the device to “commercial fruition” so that “the global diving industry, military and non-military, can conduct safe and efficient operations,” they do not provide a timetable for this launch.

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• The best movies on Amazon Prime right now (September 2018)
• This underwater camera drone can auto-follow and film while you dive

Apple Watch Series 4 Fall Detection Feature is Off by Default Unless You’re 65+

Apple Watch Series 4 has a new feature called Fall Detection, which uses the new next-generation gyroscope and accelerometer to detect a fall and provide options to contact emergency services if necessary.

As it turns out, Fall Detection is disabled for most users and will need to be manually enabled. In an Apple support document found by a Reddit user, Apple explains that Fall Detection only turns on automatically if you’ve set your age on Apple Watch or in the Health app and you’re over 65 years old.

If you are not over age 65 and want to use Fall Detection, it will need to be enabled in the Emergency SOS section of the Apple Watch app.

Apple’s support document also explains other aspects of the Fall Detection feature. When the Apple Watch Series 4 detects a “significant, hard fall” with Fall Detection enabled, it taps you on the wrist, sounds an alarm, and displays an alert.

From the options that display on the screen, you can select either “I fell but I’m OK,” “I did not fall,” or “Emergency SOS” to contact emergency services.

If the Apple Watch detects that you’re moving, it will wait for a response, but if you’re immobile for about a minute, it will begin a 15-second countdown before automatically calling emergency services and alerting emergency contacts that are set up in Medical ID in the Health app on iPhone.

Fall Detection in the Series 4 was tested over the weekend by multiple YouTube channels to see how the feature works and how hard of a fall is necessary to cause an alert.

Test falls onto softer surfaces like foam or carpet didn’t seem to trigger the Fall Detection feature, but harder falls onto less forgiving surfaces did appear to work better. YouTube testers were not able to get the feature to trigger with each and every fall, suggesting there’s some margin of error, which users should be aware of.

Apple says it gathered data from thousands of people over a period of time to create the Fall Detection algorithms, which are able to test both forward facing falls with wrists out and backward facing slips with wrists up.

Apple does warn in its support document that the Apple Watch Series 4 won’t detect all falls, and also says that false positives are possible. “The more physically active you are, the more likely you are to trigger fall detection due to high impact activity that can appear to be a fall,” reads the document.

Given the possibility of false positives for active adults, most people will likely want to leave this feature disabled, but it’s a good idea to know how to turn it on if you may need it.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

Everything you need to know about the ‘Fortnite’ Fall Skirmish

A new season of competitive Fortnite has arrived and with it is a ton of information and news to stay on top of. From the best places to watch to current placements, here’s everything you need to know about the Fortnite Fall Skirmish.

What is it?

The Fortnite Fall Skirmish is a six-week series where over 500 competitors are divided into five clubs (Bush Bandits, Dusty Dogs, Fort Knights, Rift Raiders, and Lucky Llamas) to face against each other in a variety of weekly events. 

After completing each weekly event, skilled players are awarded cash prizes and their coinciding clubs are awarded points. Depending on the total points clubs earn, $4,000,000 in prizes can be won with a total of $10,000,000 on the line including individual and team earnings.

 The skirmish begins on September 21, overlapping the start of Fortnite season 6, and finishes at Twitchcon on October 26-28.

Where to watch

Epic Games will be streaming through their official channels on YouTube and Twitch with hosts Jon Kefaloukos (Falloutt) and Zeke Mateus (ZekimusPrime).

Players participating in the event can also be found broadcasting it live, including the likes of Ninja whose channel reportedly had more viewers during week one than that of Epic Games. 

The latest Twitch stream from the skirmish can be watched above.

Week one

The week one format includes two Fortnite games — a skirmish called Hold The Throne Duos and a trial called Squad Goals.

Hold The Throne Duos

The goal of Hold The Throne Duos is to be the two-person team with the most points following six matches. The final ranking is decided by match placements and the total amount of eliminations a team earns during all six matches. The top 10 teams will be awarded from a prize pool of $250,000.

The team with the most points following all matches will earn the Hold The Throne award with +2 points added to their score and an additional $50,000 in prize money. 

Victory Royale: +3 Points
2nd-3rd Place: +2 Points
4th-5th Place: +1 Point

8+ Eliminations: +3 Points
6-7 Eliminations: +2 Points
4-5 Eliminations: +1 Point

Hold The Throne:  +2 Point and $50,000

The prizes listed below are awarded to two groups of players that placed in the top 10 during week one of the Fortnite Fall Skirmish.

Place
Prize
Points

First
$67,500
305

Second
$47,500
215

Third
$36,250
165

Fourth
$25,000
115

Fifth
$20,000
90

Sixth
$15,000
70

Seventh
$12,500
55

Eighth
$10,000
45

Ninth
$8,750
40

Tenth
$7,500
35

The Hold The Throne winners completing the event with a total of 11 eliminations each are teams Kinstaar/Hunter and Chap/72hrs. You can find both group placements below and on the official Epic Games website.

Previous

Next

1 of 2

At the end of week one, the Club in the lead is Bush Bandits with 690 points. Dusty Dogs and Fort Knights follow closely behind with 540 and 420 points. Rift Raiders and Lucky Llamas take fourth and fifth place with 340 and 275 points.

Squad Goals

Squad Goals awards the four-person team with the most eliminations during a Fortnite Squad game. Individuals that have the most eliminations in a squad will be awarded points for their assigned Club.

Place
Prize
Points

First
$45,000
325

Second
$25,000
225

Third
$15,000
180

Fourth
$10,000
150

Fifth
$5,000
120

Week two

The week two format will feature a solos event that has yet to be announced.

We will update this article with more information on the Fortnite Fall Skirmish as it comes.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Servers cause issues for ‘Fortnite’ Summer Skirmish Series event
• ‘Fortnite’ Playground Mode adds squad selection in its July 25 return
• Latest ‘Fortnite’ update adds new Getaway mode and grapple gun
• The best free-to-play games of 2018
• How to win Fortnite Battle Royale

Generate Visitors To Your Website

A journey of a thousand miles starts with one single step. For people that are just starting online businesses, the journey may seem hard for them in the beginning. When you have a website, taking it off the blocks may require some push here and there. Many people do not know how to do that. Below are 5 ways you can promote your website by generating more visitors to it.

Using high SEO content

When you have a website, you want it to pop up when anybody searches for whatever product or service you are selling. One of the surest ways to attain this feat is by creating content pages with search engine optimisation, also known as SEO. Make sure you choose the right keywords to use such that when anyone goes to Google to search for your kind of product, your website pops up. Make sure the content is of high quality too and actually of interest to your target audience, as this will ensure they engage with your content for a lot longer and remain on your website. Poor or irrelevant content on your webpages, can de-value your website in search engine results.

PayPerClick AdWords

Another great way to promote your website is by introducing PayPerClick online marketing technique. You could have a great website with all the right content but you need people to choose you over many others. PayPerClick AdWords give you the opportunity of reaching a larger following because it specifies the kind of people that will view your ads. These ads appear above all organic search engine results, hence, why they are typically paid for. Find the most relevant words for your ads, make a thorough research of your target audience and make sure whatever content you use drive people back you our page.  PPC can sometimes, be used as a short-term strategy for quick wins when compared to a longer term strategy such as SEO.

Social media marketing

One of the fastest and most effective ways to promote your online business and website is by using social media platforms. By using social media platforms, you can reach many people from across the globe. Social media platforms are affordable and with informative content, you can turn your followers into real clients. Some of the most useful social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Linkedln. What typically began as networking platforms are now strategically used by businesses to engage with both actual and potential customers. It also allows you the opportunity to very easily compare how your competitors interact with their customers too.

Direct marketing techniques

Besides PPC, SEO and social media online marketing, other direct marketing online techniques can put your website up there. One of these is email marketing. You can optimise the traffic of your page by reaching out to as many people as possible by building an effective email list. You need to have the right content that is both short and precise. It take a professional to come up with the best email content and Lead Generation businesses can help you reach out to as many potential customers as you possible could through your emails. It is essential that you always try to find the right one for your business, as you require someone who can qualify the right people for your products or services. Using third party tools such as Trust Pilot can help, as shown in this example for Dr Len Schwartz, with reviews on his leads generation business. Dr Len Schwartz for instance you will find has a long established business within Lead Generations, and the reviews on Trust Pilot which is a highly reputable website will evidence, the trust and standard of service Dr Len Schwartz has achived.

Word of mouth

This is the oldest method of promoting any business. Long before social media, websites, and print media, people spread word about business in parties, offices and other gatherings. You can still promote your business by telling friends and family about it, who will in turn tell their friends about it. Within no time, people will start looking your website up and you could turn them into clients.

To become a success with your online business, you have to set goals and try to achieve them whichever way possible. The above methods will guarantee that your website gets as many clicks as possible and you could turn prospects into clients. If you do not have a marketing plan, you can always turn to experts to help you out. Lead Business Generation is in the forefront of maximising success in online businesses.

The best iPhone XR screen protectors

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The iPhone XR is the cheapest of the latest range of iPhones, but it’s by no means a lesser product. It’s powered by the same powerful A12 Bionic processor as its kin, and it still rocks the gorgeous look launched with last year’s iPhone X.

Keeping your new iPhone protected should always be a top priority. You might have your iPhone XR case picked out, but what about the screen? The XR isn’t equipped with the AMOLED display you’ll find on the iPhone XS and XS Max, but it still comes with a gorgeous and all-new Liquid Retina LCD display. Keep the window into your iOS world open and crack-free with our selection of the best iPhone XR screen protectors.

Spigen Glas.tr ($30)

If you’re looking for phone protection, one of your first stops should be Spigen’s huge range of protective cases. But why stop there? Spigen also provides a pretty great glass screen protector. Spigen’s tempered-glass screen protector has a hardness of 9H that helps resist scratches and chips. It’s treated with an oleophobic coating that stops oily fingerprints from marring your view and prevents minor scratches. It works perfectly with all of Spigen’s cases, and it’s easy to apply. It’s not among the cheapest options on this list by a long shot — but Spigen’s a name you can count on.

Buy it now from:

Spigen Amazon

Rhinoshield Impact Protection ($25)

Rhinoshield started with screen protection in mind, so it’s no mistake that we’ve included it in our list. This film screen protector is so tough that Rhinoshield claims it can handle impacts from a hammer, and is five times as tough as Gorilla Glass 3. That’s a heck of a claim, and not one we’re going to test — and neither should you — but it says a lot that Rhinoshield is willing to make such a claim. The Impact Protection edition is super-thin at just 0.29 mm, and it also comes with an oleophobic layer to resist fingerprints. As a film screen protector though, it won’t have the same strength as a glass protector. It’s compatible with Rhinoshield’s cases, but like the Spigen screen protector, it’s rather expensive. Still, if it lives up to the hype, it’s probably worth the cash.

Buy it now from:

Rhinoshield

Moshi IonGlass Privacy ($45)

If you value your privacy, you have information that needs protecting, or even if you just bank on your mobile, having a screen protector that protects your privacy is a must. Moshi’s IonGlass Privacy fades to black when viewed at any angle other than head on, making it harder for snoopers to spy on your screen. Moshi also claims it’s been hardened at a molecular level and is 40 percent thinner than other glass protectors. It’s also one of the most expensive items on this list — but if it keeps your private information hidden from prying eyes, it might be worth the cash.

Buy it now from:

Moshi

Olixar Screen Protector Twin Pack ($8)

Do you just need something to cover up your screen at a great price? Check out this double-pack from Olixar. These screen protectors are made from durable and flexible film that should be able to resist scratches that might otherwise damage your device. Being made from film, it won’t be as impact-resistant as a tempered-glass screen protector — and it probably won’t do much to prevent a shatter from a fall — but it will still offer some protection against most everyday hazards. Olixar claims these protectors won’t hamper your touch-sensitivity, or reduce your screen’s clarity, and they’re easy to apply.

Buy it now from:

Mobile Fun

Otterbox Alpha Glass ($40)

Another name with an incredible pedigree, Otterbox is the doyen of protective cases — and you’ll find some good protection for your screen from it, too. Otterbox’s Alpha Glass protector is made from reinforced glass that adheres closely to your screen, preventing damage from reaching your phone. It’s super-thin, doesn’t impair screen clarity or your touchscreen responsiveness, and it’s easy to install. Unfortunately, it is on the expensive side, but it will work perfectly with any Otterbox cases.

Buy it now from:

Otterbox

Skinomi TechSkin Twin Pack ($9)

Here’s another cheaper film alternative in a double pack — but there’s a twist in this particular tale. Skinomi claims that the TechSkin is the toughest clear film protector on the market, and is made from the same film covering that protects luxury cars, military aircraft, and NASA space shuttles. We can’t back that up, but we do know that the TechSkin’s multiple-layer construction gives it self-healing properties, protects against UV yellowing, and adds puncture-resistance. It’s not going to be as protective as a glass protector, but if you want as thin a protector as possible, then the TechSkin is worth considering. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is nice.

Buy it now from:

Skinomi Amazon

InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuard ($45)

So-called blue light from phone screens can have a variety of effects on humans, including keeping us up at night. Rather than using a software-based filter that tints the screen, why not buy a screen protector that directly blocks the harmful light? That’s the idea behind the Glass+ VisionGuard. This protector uses a special layer to filter out the troublesome light, meaning it never even leaves the screen, and can’t affect you. It doesn’t change the look of the screen, it’s as strong as a normal glass protector, and comes with a 100 percent clarity rating. Like most of the protectors from the big name brands on this list, it’s expensive, but with a headline feature like this, it may be worth the cash.

Buy it now from:

InvisibleShield Amazon

IQ Shield LiQuid Shield Twin Pack ($9)

Need more film protector options? Check out IQ Shield’s LiQuid Shield, which completely covers your iPhone XR’s curved screen, molding itself around the edges and curves of your device to ensure that no part of your iPhone’s screen goes unprotected. That full coverage could interfere with some cases, though most will be able to clip over the top of the thin film. It’s treated to prevent yellowing over time, keeping it looking newer for longer. It comes in a twin pack, and it’s also covered by a lifetime guarantee.

Buy it now from:

IQ Shield

Poetic Glass Screen Protector ($10)

Glass screen protectors don’t usually come this cheap, and that makes Poetic’s screen protector worthy of a mention. It has everything you’d hope for from a glass protector, including a hardness of 9H, an oleophobic layer to prevent fingerprint smears, and a high level of transparency. Poetic also claims it’s easy to apply, with no risk of bubbling, and is just 0.3 mm thick. Poetic manages to match the features of more expensive protectors for just $10.

Poetic Amazon

UAG Glass Screen Shield ($40)

Last, but certainly not least, is UAG’s excellent Glass Screen Shield. It’s made from 9H hardness tempered glass, so it should be resistant against most types of damage, and should be able to withstand impacts. It’s treated with an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprint smears, and it shouldn’t hinder touchscreen sensitivity or clarity. The real selling point here is its thickness. At just 0.2 mm thick, UAG’s protector is one of the thinnest around, which means it’ll be even harder to notice that you’re using a screen protector at all. While it’s expensive, if you’re willing to pay a premium, this thin protector should work well.

Buy it now from:

UAG

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best iPhone XS screen protectors
• The best Samsung Galaxy Note 9 screen protectors
• The best iPhone XR cases
• InvisbleShield’s new screen protector helps spare eyes from blue light
• The best OnePlus 6 screen protectors

How T-Mobile plans to use 5G to challenge traditional ISPs

In June, T-Mobile announced its plans to merge with Sprint to form the “New T-Mobile.” As part of that merger, the new company will leverage the power of 5G to challenge traditional ISPs such as Comcast and Charter.

In a statement released to the FCC, T-Mobile’s COO Michael Sievert detailed the company’s plans for providing broadband service. In his report, Sievert noted that 79 percent of American households have one or fewer options for high-speed internet, and that the New T-Mobile could provide a new service for these underserved communities, many of which are rural areas.

If these plans come to fruition, they would pose a major challenge to both Comcast and Charter. The FCC report noted that New T-Mobile would be able to provide service to 52 percent of ZIP codes across the country by 2024. This would let the company operate in 68 percent of Comcast’s territory and 64 percent of Charter’s.

Sievert predicted that over the course of the next six years, the New T-Mobile would become the country’s fourth largest ISP, with 1.9 million customers by 2021 and 9.5 million by 2024. Sievert also noted that the New T-Mobile would be of particular interest to customers located in rural areas due to their limited options.

“Of particular importance, T-Mobile estimates that 20-25 percent of its in-home fixed wireless subscribers will be located in rural areas where there is limited broadband availability,” the company’s statement reads. “Rural consumers should be particularly attracted to New T-Mobile’s broadband offerings given the high prices and limited competition for broadband services in rural areas today.”

The filing statement also gave us a look at how the company would structure its broadband business. Sievert said that the New T-Mobile would seek to emulate the Un-carrier approach it uses in the smartphone business. This would mean that customers wouldn’t have to deal with long contract periods.

In terms of speed, Sievert was confident that the New T-Mobile’s 5G service would offer speeds that would, “match or exceed the offerings of most traditional ISPs.”

He did not give any specifics regarding prices, but said that the company’s service would be more affordable than those offered by traditional broadband providers.

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• The T-Mobile and Sprint merger: Everything you need to know

Defense Distributed founder arrested in Taiwan on sex assault charges

Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed, was arrested on Friday in Taiwan. Local media reports that Wilson’s whereabouts were divulged by staff at a Taipei City hotel. After about three hours, Wilson left the hotel and was met by local law enforcement. Reports indicate that Wilson had no illegal substances on him and that he cooperated during his arrest.

Taiwanese authorities arrested Wilson for illegally entering the country after the U.S. revoked his passport. However, he is now being extradited to the U.S., where he faces charges of sexual assault involving a minor. Court records allege that Wilson had paid a 17-year-old girl in exchange for sexual favors. The assault reportedly occurred on August 15 and the warrant for Wilson’s arrest was issued about a week later.

Wilson had apparently intended to hide out in Taiwan. He even attempted to rent an apartment under a false name while pretending to be a student. But after making his downpayment, the rental agency recognized Wilson and reported him to the law enforcement.

Taiwan does not have a standard extradition agreement with the United States, but a representative of the U.S. Marshall’s Office told Ars Technica that they were working with their “international partners on this matter.”

Prior to his arrest, Wilson was best known as the founder of Defense Distributed. The platform, which the law student defended as an exercise of the second amendment, created a blueprint for 3D printers to create functional plastic guns. Even before his arrest, Wilson was no stranger to controversy, as many were concerned about the potential dangers of his Wiki Weapon project.

it was argued that such a project would make it too easy for people to bypass regulations surrounding firearms, allowing former felons, those under age, or people diagnosed with dangerous mental disorders to easily get their hands on firearms. Despite being banned from Indiegogo, the Wiki Weapon project was successfully funded. However, the funding issues were just the beginning of Wilson’s troubles with the project. Eventually, the company behind the 3D printers used in the project reclaimed their hardware, stating that they did not want to be involved in a potential violation of federal law.

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BlackBerry Key2 LE vs. BlackBerry Key2: Which productivity titan reigns supreme?

Simon Hill/Digital Trends

Just months after TCL released the BlackBerry Key2, the smartphone manufacturer surprised us with a budget version of its handset. The Blackberry Key2 LE has many of the same features as its more expensive predecessor, yet comes in at $250 less.

If you have interest in the BlackBerry Key2, it may be worth considering the BlackBerry Key2 LE. Here’s how Blackberry’s latest budget handset compares to its current flagship.

Specs

BlackBerry Key2 LE
BlackBerry Key2

Size
150.25 x 71.8 x 8.35 mm (5.92 x 2.83 x 0.33 inches)
151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5 mm (5.96 x 2.82 x 0.33 inches)

Weight
156 grams (5.50 ounces)
168 grams (5.92 ounces)

Screen size
4.5-inch IPS LCD
4.5-inch IPS LCD

Screen resolution
1,620 x 1,080 pixels (434 pixels per inch)
1,620 x 1,080 pixels (434 pixels per inch)

Operating system
Android 8.1 Oreo
Android 8.1 Oreo

Storage space
32GB, 64GB
64GB (U.S.), 128GB (International)

MicroSD card slot
Yes
Yes

Tap-to-pay services
Google Pay
Google Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660

RAM
4GB
6GB

Camera
Dual 13MP and 5MP rear, 8MP front
Dual 12MP rear, 8MP front

Video
2,160p at 30 frames per second (fps)
2,160p at 30 frames per second (fps)

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C
3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C

Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes

Water resistance
No
No

Battery
3,000mAh
3,500mAh

App marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store

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

Colors
Gold, Gray, Red
Black, Silver

Price
$400
$650

Buy from
BlackBerry

BlackBerry, Amazon, Best Buy

Review score
Hands-on review
4 out of 5

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Sure the keyboard on the Blackberry Key2 and Key2 LE is nice, but how do the phones perform? The BlackBerry Key2 features a midrange Snapdragon Qualcomm 660 chip while the Key2 LE packs a slightly less powerful Qualcomm 636 processor. As for RAM, the Key2 has plenty, with 6GB on board, while the Key2 LE has 4GB. We think both these phones will perform well with everyday tasks, but the Key2 is a bit more powerful.

When it comes to battery life, there’s a slight difference between the Key2 and Key2 LE. On the Key2, you’ll find a 3,500mAh battery, while the Key2 LE packs a 3,000mAh battery. And while both phones feature quick charging, you won’t find wireless charging on either phone. Overall, both phones should have enough battery capacity to get you through a day of heavy use, though the Key2 has a definite edge.

The BlackBerry Key2 wins this round by a long shot. The Key2 features a better processor, more RAM, and a slightly larger battery to get you through the day.

Winner: BlackBerry Key2

Design and durability

Andy Boxall/Digitaltrends.com

For the most part, the design and build quality of the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE are remarkably similar. Both phones have a 4.5 inch display and keyboard that dominate the front of the phone, along with an unremarkable back that features a dual camera module.

But if you look a little closer at the phones, you’ll see a slight difference. The BlackBerry Key2 frame is constructed of aluminum, while the Key2 LE has a less expensive polycarbonate frame. While the frame on the Key2 LE is lightweight and feels nice in the hand, we doubt it is as durable as the aluminum frame you’ll find on the Key2.

Although the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE look nearly identical, the more expensive of the two has a slight edge. The aluminum frame alone makes the Key2 a more refined and durable option, although we also prefer its textured back.

Winner: BlackBerry Key2

Display

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

For the most part, people who are considering the BlackBerry Key2 or Key2 LE probably aren’t overly obsessive about display quality. Since the keyboard is the main draw on these phones, the display comes in a bit smaller than most smartphones on the market.

Both the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE have a 4.5 inch IPS display. Screen resolution on the phones is 1,620 x 1,080 pixels, which translates to a pixel-per-inch ratio of 434. The display is sharp on both of these phones and the color accuracy is excellent, but don’t expect the inky blacks and vibrant colors you’ll find on smartphones with OLED displays.

Since the displays are identical on the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE, we’re calling this round a tie.

Winner: Tie

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

BlackBerry underwent a big camera upgrade for 2018. This year you’ll find dual cameras on both the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE. While both phones are capable of getting some pretty good shots, there are a few differences between the two.

The BlackBerry Key2 has a 12 megapixel dual camera module with an f/1.8 aperture for the primary lens and an f/2.6 aperture for the secondary lens. The wide aperture on the primary lens means you should be able to get a decent photo in a variety of settings.

As for the Key2 LE, you’ll find a dual camera module with a 13 megapixel primary lens and a 5 megapixel secondary lens. The primary lens has an f/2.2 aperture, while the secondary lens comes in at f/2.4. Overall, the cameras on the Key2 LE should perform well in bright lighting, but don’t expect much in low-light conditions.

Although we haven’t had a chance to thoroughly test the cameras on the BlackBerry Key2 LE, we don’t believe they will compare with the Key2’s. This is one of the main compromises in the cheaper phone. For this round, we’re giving the crown to the BlackBerry Key2.

Winner: BlackBerry Key2

Software and updates

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

When it comes to software, the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE ship with Android 8.1 Oreo, along with BlackBerry Hub and DTEK, two suites of productivity and security apps. It’s not the most recent version of Android, but you can expect to see an Android 9.0 Pie update at some point in the future.

You’ll also find a number of new productivity features on the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE. One significant update is to Locker, an app that allows you to securely store information on your phone. The Locker update now allows you to add apps to the secure storage area. Firefox Focus has also been added, allowing you to browse privately.

Overall, the software experience on the two phones is identical, so we’re calling this round a tie.

Winner: Tie

Keyboard

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Let’s be honest, one of the main reason people consider buying BlackBerry smartphones is for the physical keyboard. Luckily, both the BlackBerry Key2 and Key2 LE have stunning keyboards.

At first glance, the keyboards on the Key2 and Key2 LE look identical. Both feature a roomy keyboard with the newly added Speed Key that allows you to quickly access apps. Though they look the same, there’s one key difference: The Key2 has a capacitive touch keyboard while the Key2 LE does not. With capacitive touch, the keyboard on the BlackBerry Key2 becomes an extension of the touchscreen, so you can easily use it to scroll through websites or swipe to select text. We think it’s a big miss for the Key2 LE.

For this round, the BlackBerry Key2 wins, because capacitive touch makes for a much more nimble keyboard than its low-cost competitor.

Winner: BlackBerry Key2

Price and availability

The BlackBerry Key2 starts at $650 for the least expensive model. The Key2 LE comes in at $400 for the entry-level option.

The BlackBerry Key2 is available now and works on AT&T and T-Mobile; support for Verizon and Sprint may be coming at some point in the future. The Key2 LE will go on sale in October and should be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks.

Overall winner: BlackBerry Key2

Andy Boxall/DigitalTrends.com

The BlackBerry Key2 is the clear winner here. While it’s a little more expensive, the Key2 offers a beefier processor, more RAM, and a better camera and keyboard. The BlackBerry Key2 LE is an excellent alternative if you’re looking to save a little money, but there are a lot of compromises.

Editors’ Recommendations

• BlackBerry Key2 LE hands-on review
• The best BlackBerry Key2 cases
• BlackBerry Key2 review
• BlackBerry Key2: Everything you need to know
• Blackberry Key2 tips and tricks