Samsung Announces UL-Certified Unbreakable OLED Panel for Smartphones
Samsung Display today announced an unbreakable OLED smartphone panel that’s been certified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL), an official testing company for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor.
The UL test indicates that Samsung’s unbreakable display withstood 26 drops from 1.2 meters (4 feet) with no damage and held up to extreme temperature testing. Samsung says that the display was also subjected to a drop of six feet with no sign of damage.
According to UL, the unbreakable display developed by Samsung Display passed the rigorous real-time durability test that is based on military standards set by the U.S. Department of Defense. After a drop test administered at 1.2 meters (nearly 4 feet) above the ground 26 times in succession, and accompanying high (71 degrees) and low (-32 degrees) temperature tests, the Samsung unbreakable panel continued to function normally with no damage to its front, sides or edges.
According to Samsung, its flexible OLED panel uses an unbreakable substrate that’s adhered to an overlay window, a deviation from other, more breakable flexible OLED panels that use a glass-covered window.
Samsung says that the unbreakable panels are being developed for use on smartphones but are likely to find viable markets with other products like display consoles for automobiles, mobile military devices, portable game consoles, and tablet PCs.
“The fortified plastic window is especially suitable for portable electronic devices not only because of its unbreakable characteristics, but also because of its lightweight, transmissivity and hardness, which are all very similar to glass,” said Hojung Kim, general manager of the Communication Team, Samsung Display Company.
While UL-certification for the panel is being announced today, Samsung first showed off its technology at DisplayWeek in May, in the form of a 6.22-inch display that was targeted at automotive customers. Samsung has been developing flexible display technology for years.
As CNET’s Shara Tibken points out, Samsung’s announcement comes just two weeks ahead of when it plans to unveil the Galaxy Note 9, so it’s possible Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphone could use this new display technology. With UL certification, the panel is ready to be used in consumer products.
Apple uses displays sourced from Samsung in its iPhone lineup, so it’s not unreasonable to think that the Cupertino company could potentially adopt this technology in the future, should it meet Apple’s demands for quality.
Apple sources its OLED displays for the iPhone X from Samsung and is expected to continue using Samsung as a supplier for the foreseeable future, though the company is working on securing additional display suppliers for diversification purposes.
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Zapping your brain while you sleep could actually improve your memory
Technologies like Elon Musk’s proposed Neuralink promise augmentation of the human memory, courtesy of a special brain chip. If you’re not quite ready to dive into the world of brain implants to improve your memory function, however, you might appreciate a piece of research carried out recently by scientists at the Society for Neuroscience.
They have demonstrated a noninvasive overnight brain stimulation technique that promises to improve people’s ability to remember things. And you won’t have to worry about an overzealous engineer taking a miniature hacksaw to your skull – this technique won’t even disturb your sleep!
“We have shown that we can improve the integration of recent experiences into a more general form of memory through the process of sleep-dependent consolidation,” Dr. Nicholas Ketz, one of the researchers on the project, told Digital Trends. “We do this by selectively enhancing the natural slow-wave oscillations that occur during sleep, which are essential in this consolidation processes. Further, we’ve shown that we can use a fully closed-loop system that automatically detects these oscillations and stimulates at the matching frequency and phase of the ongoing slow waves, greatly improving our ability to influence the underlying brain state and thus the consolidation process.”
Participants in the researchers’ study were trained and then tested on a visual discrimination task in which they had to identify objects and people in a scene. Those who had been given the brain stimulation while sleeping were noticeably better at detecting those same targets in similar, but novel, situations.
Ketz said that there is still further work to be done, though.
“While the average response across the group of participants shows increased performance and enhanced slow-wave oscillations, many participants showed varying degrees of responsiveness to the intervention,” he said. “Future work related to this approach would try to understand, within each individual, how to minimize the duration of the intervention, and maximize the response to stimulation.”
This isn’t the first time the power of brain stimulation has been shown off in experiments. Previous research has suggested that a quick brain jolt could help with everything from improving creativity to curbing Tourette syndrome tics or weaning people off heroin.
A paper describing this latest memory-improving work was recently published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
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Gene editing can reverse balding and wrinkling in mice — and maybe humans, too
From the potential 3D bioprinting of organs for transplants to ultra-ambitious attempts to upload human consciousness into a computer, there are plenty of tech-heavy initiatives aimed at extending life spans way beyond what is currently possible. Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham added one more fascinating breakthrough to this mission: Finding a way to reverse wrinkled skin and hair loss — both hallmarks of the aging process — in mice. Using gene editing, they were able to reverse an artificially induced aging process in a way that could one day be used to counteract the effects of, well, actually getting old.
“Decline in mitochondrial DNA content and mitochondrial function has been observed in aging humans,” Keshav Singh, a professor of Genetics, Pathology and Environmental Health, told Digital Trends. “We created [a] mouse to mimic those condition to show that decline in mitochondrial function leads to development of wrinkles and loss of hair. The main finding is that by restoring mitochondrial function, we can reverse skin wrinkles to normal healthy skin and also regain hair growth.”
For their study, the scientists carried out a two-month mitochondrial DNA depletion process, essentially robbing the mouse’s body of its ability to convert the energy from food into something its cells can use. As a result, the mouse developed wrinkled skin and visible hair loss, both of which are effects of the normal aging process. When they later restored mitochondrial function by turning off the gene responsible for the mitochondrial dysfunction, the mouse’s smooth skin and thick fur returned. Following the experiment, the mouse was indistinguishable from any other healthy mouse the same age.
The researchers believe these results could be used be applied to humans in the future. As Singh noted, humans experience a decline in mitochondrial function as they age. In addition to changing skin and hair loss, this may also help drive diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, age-associated neurological disorders, and certain cancers.
“We are [currently] developing agents which can restore mitochondrial function in aging individuals so wrinkles do not develop, [as well as protecting] loss of hair,” Singh continued. “Further, it may improve quality of life in old age.” The most immediate goal, he said, is to find a way to help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, who lose their hair as a result of the treatment.
A paper describing the research was recently published in the journal Cell Death & Disease.
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Lenovo ThinkPad T480s vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
Lenovo’s ThinkPad is one of the most iconic lines in notebook history, going back decades and representing one of the most recognizable business brands around. They’re conservatively designed and well-built, and they offer a few specific design cues that appeal to a specific niche of users.
That’s not to say that the brand is boring or static, though. It has a few members ranging from standard clamshell notebooks to convertible 2-in-1s to detachable tablets, giving ThinkPad fans some choices to make. One such decision is between the ThinkPad T480s and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and we decided to compare these two similar but different notebooks to see which is better for you.
Design
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
If you place the ThinkPad T480s and X1 Carbon far enough apart, you’ll have a hard time telling the difference between them. They both adopt the usual jet-black color scheme with a soft-touch surface, and they both sport the usual ThinkPad logo with glowing red “i.” Hold them in your hand with your eyes closed, and they’d both dish up the same robust build quality that’s been engineered to meet MIL-STD-810G specifications.
You would eventually notice, though, that the X1 Carbon is considerably thinner and lighter (0.62 inches and 2.49 pounds) than the T480s (0.72 inches and 2.9 pounds). The latter’s additional heft didn’t add much in terms of advantages, either, as connectivity was almost identical between the two with the T480s alone having an integrated Ethernet port. They both support Lenovo’s innovative ThinkPad Pro Dock.
Both notebooks also build in the usual ThinkPad keyboard design, similar touchpads, and the obligatory red TrackPoint nubbin in the center of the keyboard that’s de rigueur for ThinkPad fans. We did find the X1 Carbon’s keyboard to be snappier and more precise and the T480s version to be somewhat stiff.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is thinner, lighter, and has a snappier keyboard, beating out its chunkier sibling in this category.
Performance
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Lenovo configured our review units differently, so it’s difficult to compare their performance too precisely. The T480s had an 8th-generation Core i7-8550U CPU while the X1 Carbon had a core i5-8250U, while both made due with 8GB of RAM and a fast 256GB PCIe SSD.
Unsurprisingly, both notebooks performed similarly, and in line with other notebooks in the same class. The T480s did hold a slight advantage in our Handbrake benchmark that encodes a 420MB video as H.265. Here, the thicker T480s seemed to benefit from some extra cooling, as it churned through the encode process in a shorter time than could be explained by the CPU difference alone.
In terms of storage speeds, the X1 Carbon’s PCIe SSD performed almost twice as fast as the one inside the T480s. That’s not to say that the latter is slow by any means, as both notebooks can access data as quickly as the typical productivity task is going to ask for it.
The performance deal-breaker difference between the two notebooks is regarding their very dissimilar Full HD displays. Both are 14-inch panels with anti-glare coatings, but the similarity ends there. The X1 Carbon’s display had better contrast, vastly wider color gamut, more accurate colors, and higher brightness.
Ultimately, you won’t notice much difference between these two notebooks in day-to-day use, but you’ll certainly enjoy the X1 Carbon’s display a lot more. And you can even upgrade to a WQHD (2,560 x 1,440) display with high dynamic range (HDR) support on the X1 Carbon, meaning that your experience can be even better if you’re willing to spend the money.
Portability
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
As we’ve already discussed, the X1 Carbon is significantly lighter and thinner than the T480s, and it’s going to slip more easily into a backpack for carrying from place to place. That’s not to say that the T480s is thick and heavy — it’s technically a thin and light notebook as well, just not quite so much as the X1 Carbon.
In terms of battery life, though, the T480s wins out. And it’s odd, because they both pack in 57 watt-hours of battery capacity in spite of their differing girths. The X1 Carbon lasted longer in our most demanding web benchmark test, but it fell short against the T480s when browsing the web and playing video.
While the T480s isn’t a class leader in its longevity away from a charger, it does manage to best the X1 Carbon, which may or may not last you a full day’s work on a single charge. That makes your decision a little easier — if you want the thinning and lightest, then the X1 Carbon is the victor. But if battery life matters, then the T480s wins this category.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s svelte frame wins out
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Although the X1 Carbon seems to be positioned as the more premium of the two devices, the T480s is just as premium a notebook. A relatively mundane configuration of a Core i7-855U, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a Full HD display comes in at a hefty $1,700 retail (on sale for $1,360). At the high end, the T480s runs $2,665, which adds the benefit of a WQHD display and a discrete Nvidia GeForce MX150 GPU.
The X1 Carbon is just slightly more expensive, at $1,754 for the same low-end configuration (on sale for $1,579). And you can spend $2,620 at the high end, or slightly less than the T480s only with an HDR-ready WQHD display.
The ThinkPad T480s provides better battery life than the X1 Carbon, but that’s about all it has going for it. Given that there’s not a lot of money separating the two, and the X1 Carbon’s high-end configuration is even slightly less than the T480s’s, we recommend going with the thinner and lighter of the two.
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Google offers its own ‘Titan’ USB security key for password-free logins
Google introduced the Titan Security Key during its Google Cloud Next ’18 convention, a physical USB-based device that eliminates the need to enter usernames and passwords. The FIDO-based device includes firmware developed by Google’s engineers that verifies its integrity, so you can log onto your favorite sites worry-free. It’s available now for Google Cloud customers followed by a full mainstream availability “soon.”
“We’ve long advocated the use of security keys as the strongest, most phishing-resistant authentication factor for high-value users, especially cloud admins, to protect against the potentially damaging consequences of credential theft,” the company states.
Google’s key is based on the FIDO U2F protocol, short for “universal 2nd factor.” Borrowing from the smart card concept, you merely insert the key into a USB port or tap it against an NFC-compatible smartphone. When you create an online account (or update your existing security preferences), your PC will create two encrypted tokens: one public and one private.
Later when you log into the account, the service containing the public token will send a “challenge” requiring you to touch a button on the key, thus unlocking the private token for verification. There’s no personal information sent across the internet, and the private token used to unlock the service remains solely on the physical key.
Google and Yubico originally developed this protocol along with support by NXP but now its maintained by the FIDO Alliance. Yubico already offers its YubiKey series for desktop and mobile, such as the YubiKey 4 supporting multiple protocols, the Android-friendly YubiKey NEO, and the Security Key with out-of-the-box support for Gmail, Facebook, and more.
That said, Google’s new Titan Security Key will be in direct competition with Yubico’s products. The difference is that one of Google’s models will rely on a Bluetooth Low Energy component, a standard Yubico helped build but decided not to use because “it does not meet our standards for security, usability, and durability.” Bluetooth, according to Yubico, doesn’t offer the same security level as NFC and USB.
There’s no information about the Titan Security Key’s manufacturer, but Google plans to sell both USB- and Bluetooth-based models in a bundle for $50 or separately for around $25 each — possibly in the sub-$10 range in the future. Moreover, the Titan Security Key won’t have anything to do with Google’s Titan-branded chip used to protect cloud-based servers.
“Titan Security Key gives you even more peace of mind that your accounts are protected, with assurance from Google of the integrity of the physical key,” Google says.
Although smartphones are good for two-factor authentication, SMS-based messages can be intercepted. Even more, if your smartphone is lost or damaged, it takes your private keys with it. A USB-based key can get damaged as well, but it can hang on a keychain and doesn’t require a network connection. According to Google, the Bluetooth model can supposedly remain active for six months on a single charge.
Google will initially target customers who need the Titan Security Key the most: Journalists, business executives, politicians, and the like.
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Google offers its own ‘Titan’ USB security key for password-free logins
Google introduced the Titan Security Key during its Google Cloud Next ’18 convention, a physical USB-based device that eliminates the need to enter usernames and passwords. The FIDO-based device includes firmware developed by Google’s engineers that verifies its integrity, so you can log onto your favorite sites worry-free. It’s available now for Google Cloud customers followed by a full mainstream availability “soon.”
“We’ve long advocated the use of security keys as the strongest, most phishing-resistant authentication factor for high-value users, especially cloud admins, to protect against the potentially damaging consequences of credential theft,” the company states.
Google’s key is based on the FIDO U2F protocol, short for “universal 2nd factor.” Borrowing from the smart card concept, you merely insert the key into a USB port or tap it against an NFC-compatible smartphone. When you create an online account (or update your existing security preferences), your PC will create two encrypted tokens: one public and one private.
Later when you log into the account, the service containing the public token will send a “challenge” requiring you to touch a button on the key, thus unlocking the private token for verification. There’s no personal information sent across the internet, and the private token used to unlock the service remains solely on the physical key.
Google and Yubico originally developed this protocol along with support by NXP but now its maintained by the FIDO Alliance. Yubico already offers its YubiKey series for desktop and mobile, such as the YubiKey 4 supporting multiple protocols, the Android-friendly YubiKey NEO, and the Security Key with out-of-the-box support for Gmail, Facebook, and more.
That said, Google’s new Titan Security Key will be in direct competition with Yubico’s products. The difference is that one of Google’s models will rely on a Bluetooth Low Energy component, a standard Yubico helped build but decided not to use because “it does not meet our standards for security, usability, and durability.” Bluetooth, according to Yubico, doesn’t offer the same security level as NFC and USB.
There’s no information about the Titan Security Key’s manufacturer, but Google plans to sell both USB- and Bluetooth-based models in a bundle for $50 or separately for around $25 each — possibly in the sub-$10 range in the future. Moreover, the Titan Security Key won’t have anything to do with Google’s Titan-branded chip used to protect cloud-based servers.
“Titan Security Key gives you even more peace of mind that your accounts are protected, with assurance from Google of the integrity of the physical key,” Google says.
Although smartphones are good for two-factor authentication, SMS-based messages can be intercepted. Even more, if your smartphone is lost or damaged, it takes your private keys with it. A USB-based key can get damaged as well, but it can hang on a keychain and doesn’t require a network connection. According to Google, the Bluetooth model can supposedly remain active for six months on a single charge.
Google will initially target customers who need the Titan Security Key the most: Journalists, business executives, politicians, and the like.
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What is USB 3.1?
Pixabay
Although USB connections are some of the most common for all sorts of cables and external devices, there are a lot of ways the universal standard can be confusing. There are a number of different generations and many types to consider, even if the more common offerings tend to fall into just one or two categories. One of the most common ones today is USB 3.1, but what is USB 3.1? How is it different from the ones that went before and came after? That’s what we’re here to explain.
The reliable Universal Serial Bus port standard is among the most commonly used on the planet. But the USB Implementers Forum — a compendium formed between companies like Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and HP to oversee the standard’s development — is constantly working on improving it. USB 3.1 is just one of many advancements that have been made over the past two decades.
By the numbers
USB 3.1 is a generational number that mostly refers to the data transfer speed of the USB connector, not its shape or size. Officially launched in July 2013, USB 3.1 (confusingly sometimes referred to as USB 3.1 Gen 2) has a maximum transfer rate of 10 gigabits per second (GBps). That works out to 1,250 megabytes per second (MBps) — note the capitalization. It superseded USB 3.0, which had a maximum transfer rate of 5Gbps and has since been supplanted by the still uncommon USB 3.2, which has a maximum transfer rate of 20 GBps.
All of these speeds are the theoretical maximums of the USB standard and are unlikely to be seen in everyday use, but you will certainly see an increase in transfer speed for files of most sizes when using a USB 3.1 device over one that is rated USB 3.0 only.
A standard Type-A cable, used for most current PC accessories.
USB 3.1 isn’t supported by all modern devices but has slowly seen greater support over the past few years. A good example of a change between hardware generations is with Dell’s XPS 13 laptop. The 2017 XPS 13 9360 laptop shipped with two USB 3.0 ports, while the 2018 9370 version replaced those with USB 3.1 connections.
Another big advantage of USB 3.1 is that it can support a feature known as Power Delivery 2.0. It allows compatible ports to provide up to 100w of power to the device they’re connected to, thereby allowing for the charging of larger devices like laptops through a single USB cable. This is most commonly seen in laptops that utilize the new, USB-C standard.
USB-C isn’t the same as 3.1
A MacBook with its single USB-C connector. Maurizio Pesce/Flickr
While often associated with USB 3.1, USB-C is not the same thing. USB types, like A, B, and C, denote the shape and form-factor of the port and connector, rather than the data transfer speed. Many modern devices have moved away from the classic USB-A, USB-B, and microUSB ports to USB-C which is small, reversible, and often goes hand in hand with USB 3.1 transfer speeds — though not always.
USB-A is still offered on a number of devices to offer legacy support for older accessories and cables that still use that standard, but it’s becoming increasingly common for laptops and smartphones to ship with just USB-C connectivity.
Whether a laptop, tablet, or smartphone has USB-A, USB-C, or some other connection in that wheelhouse though, it does not guarantee that it is USB 3.1. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 ships with two USB-A ports and a USB-C port, all of which are “USB Gen 1” which is actually USB 3.0, not 3.1. It’s confusing but shows how important it is to read between the lines if you care about your new hardware having the latest standards.
Thunderbolt 3
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
To make things even more confusing, USB-C can also be compatible Thunderbolt 3 ports. Thunderbolt 3 is a standard that utilizes the USB-C port and offers data transfer rates up to 40GBps — four times that of USB 3.1 and even two times that of USB 3.2. Although it can be cross-compatible with USB 3.1 cables, that’s not always the case.
Where USB 3.1 is designed more for data transfers and charging, Thunderbolt 3 targets a broader array of abilities. It is simultaneously a charging and data-transfer medium, as well as a content streaming solution. Its developer, Intel, touts its ability to charge devices, as well as send data and video to externally connected displays at the same time. By leveraging the USB-C port, its compatibility is expanded considerably over the previous generations’ miniDisplayPort connector.
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Best Replacement Watch Bands for Samsung Gear S3
Samsung makes it easy to upgrade your band to something new.
The Samsung Gear S3 is one of our favorite smartwatches, and a great alternative to many of the Android Wear watches out there. The Gear S3 supports standard 22mm watch bands, making it really easy to upgrade with something new.
Here are a few of the best third-party watch bands to consider once you pick up your brand new Samsung Gear S3!
- ArtStyle nylon strap
- EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap
- Snowoxen genuine leather strap
- TRUMiRR Milanese stainless steel band
- Barton silicone band
- Rechere stainless steel watch band
ArtStyle nylon strap
Keep things simple, fun, and functional with the ArtStyle watch band made from a sturdy nylon material and a durable metal buckle! The ArtStyle nylon strap is easily adjustable and is hypoallergenic, making it the perfect band to wear if you have sensitive skin.
The material from this particular band is also breathable and waterproof on top of being extremely comfortable to wear day-to-day. One downside, though? It might interfere/cover up your Samsung Gear 3’s heart rate sensor.
On top of the ArtStyle’s practical design, the watch strap comes in a ton of different, bright colors, including red, blue/yellow, black, black/gray, navy blue, gray, khaki, orange, army green, black/blue, black/green/red, black/gray/blue, black/gray/orange, black/gray/green, black/red starting at around $9.
See at Amazon
EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap
If you’re someone who struggles with putting on your Samsung Gear S3 with one hand, or if you simply want a little bit of additional security when you’re sporting your S3, then the EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap might be a good option to take a peek at.
The strong, magnetic clasp keeps this $12 – $13 watch band tight around your wrist, and can easily be adjusted to fit almost any wrist type, so if you have especially larger or smaller wrists, this band might be a great option for you.
The EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap is made out of a high-end stainless steel that’s perfect for day-to-day wear, and if there are any issues with the band, you have an 18-month warranty to fix any issues.
You can pick up the EloBeth Milanese Magnetic Loop Strap in black, gold, rose gold, or silver finishes.
See at Amazon
Snowoxen genuine leather strap
There’s nothing more simple and stylish than a classic leather watch band, and Snowoxen nails it with their affordable leather band for the Samsung Gear S3! Made from a high quality and sturdy yet lightweight and soft leather, the Snowoxen genuine leather strap comes with an easy-to-buckle stainless steel clasp, making it the perfect day-to-day band.
Unlike some other watch straps, the Snowoxen’s design is super simple and void of all logos, so it’s perfect for people who want a classic-looking smartwatch accessory.
The Snowoxen leather band also comes in a number of vibrant, eye-catching colors, like gray, dark red, coffee, navy, and so much more for around $14.
See at Amazon
TRUMiRR Milanese stainless steel band
The Milanese look has been a staple with traditional watch designs for decades, so incorporating the TRUMiRR Milanese stainless steel band might be the perfect fit if that’s the particular style you’re after.
This 22mm watch band is designed with a mesh, woven, stainless steel wire, and is adjustable for a variety of wrist sizes, so you never have to be uncomfortable while sporting your Samsung Gear S3 — and for $11 – $12, that’s quite the steal!
To attach and detach your watch band, all you need to do is release a small spring bar, minimizing annoying tools. The TRUMiRR may not come in a ton of colors, but it does come in a shiny silver, blingy gold, or a clean, classic black design.
See at Amazon
Barton silicone band
After garnishing its fair share of positive reviews online and coupled with an easy-release design, vibrant colors, comfortable feel, and much more, the Barton silicone band is a great option to check out while you’re customizing your Samsung Gear S3.
The Barton silicone watch band is designed with a textured back, making the slipping and sliding of most smooth silicone bands a thing of the past. The silicone design also makes it a great tool for working out, as you can easily remove and wash it if it starts to look dirty or stink.
To change your watch band, simply turn the band over and flip the switch — no tools are required! You can pick your Barton band from a number of vibrant colors, including black, white, turquoise, forest green, brown, gray, burgundy, yellow, navy blue, orange, peach, dark gray, and baby blue for around $14.
See at Amazon
Rechere stainless steel watch band
The Rechere 22mm stainless steel watch band is an affordable, high quality strap that keeps your Samsung Gear S3 looking classic and clean without any clutter or useless accents of other watch bands.
Unlike some other straps, the Rechere cannot be adjusted to fit individual wrists with a simple tightening system; rather, users will have to remove the links near the band’s clasps in order to make the stainless steel Samsung Gear S3 accessory smaller. You can pick up this band for around $11.
To remove the Rechere, you will have to use a small tool which comes with the band. The Rechere only comes in one color, silver, but if you’re looking for a watch with a similar style in a different color, then we suggest taking a peek at the Vetoo.
See at Amazon
Your pick?
Is there a third-party watch band that you think would be perfect for the Samsung Gear S3?
Drop a link in the comments with a brief description of why you like it so that others can check it out as well!
Updated July 2018: We removed the Rerii leather band because it’s no longer available and added the Snowoxen genuine leather strap instead.
Qualcomm Expects Apple to ‘Solely’ Use Intel Modems for 2018 iPhones
Apple does not have plans to use Qualcomm’s LTE chips in its next-generation devices, Qualcomm’s CFO said today during Qualcomm’s second quarter earnings call.
As relayed by CNBC, Qualcomm CFO George Davis told investors Apple will use a competitor’s chips in its 2018 iPhones, likely speaking of Intel.
“We believe Apple intends to solely use our competitors’ modems rather than our modems in its next iPhone release. We will continue to provide modems for Apple legacy devices,” said Davis.
Over the course of the last few months, there have been mixed reports about Apple’s LTE chip plans given the legal disagreement between the two companies. Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in February that Intel would be the supplier of LTE modems for all 2018 iPhones, with Apple using no Qualcomm chips.
Kuo’s report was called into question in April when Fast Company said that Intel would supply Apple with 70 percent of the LTE chips needed for the 2018 iPhones while Qualcomm would provide the rest, but it appears that report was inaccurate.
Qualcomm’s statement today is also in line with an October report from The Wall Street Journal suggesting Apple would eliminate Qualcomm chips from its 2018 iPhone and iPad lineup, instead using chips from Intel and perhaps MediaTek.
Apple’s decision not to use Qualcomm chips in its latest crop of iPhones is understandable given the increasingly bitter legal battle the two companies have been embroiled in for more than a year.
Apple in January 2017 sued Qualcomm for $1 billion, accusing Qualcomm of charging unfair royalties for “technologies they have nothing to do with” and failing to pay quarterly rebates. Apple and its suppliers stopped paying licensing fees at that time.
While Apple insists Qualcomm charges unfair royalties, Qualcomm claims that its technology “is at the heart of every iPhone.”
It didn’t take long for Qualcomm to file a countersuit claiming that Apple had infringed on several of its patents. Since then, both companies have filed multiple lawsuits against one another, and Qualcomm has also sought import and export bans on some iPhones in the United States and China.
Apple has used Qualcomm chips in its iPhones for years, but until the legal dispute is resolved, the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus could be the last iPhones with Qualcomm chips.
Apple is rumored to be working on its own Apple-designed modem chips for future iPhones, but until its own technology is ready, Apple devices may be equipped with Intel technology.
Rumors suggest that Apple’s 2018 iPhones will use Intel’s XMM 7580 modems, which support both GSM and CDMA networks. Apple is said to be planning to introduce improved antenna technology for faster connection speeds and dual-SIM dual standby functionality.
Qualcomm today reported better-than-expected quarterly results with $5.6 billion in revenue and earnings of $1.01 per share. Qualcomm saw “strong demand” from Chinese device makers amid “lower demand” from Apple.
Related Roundup: 2018 iPhonesTag: Qualcomm
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Best eight Android apps for avid readers
Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and like it or not, reading is no exception to this.
Today it seems we’ve almost forgotten the feeling of holding a book in our hands, as the world is slowly turning digital. But it’s not all bad! Because being able to carry a global library in your pocket comes with a few advantages. Like saving quite a lot on costs.
So for all the literature fans who are trying to step in the modern age, here’s a bunch of apps that you should definitely be downloading as you read this. Whether you’re looking for a book discovery app or an app that serves you small bits of classic literature daily, you’ve come to the right place.
Goodreads
What it is:
Perhaps the most popular literature app out there. It also features a very strong social component.
Why we like it:
- It’s a discovery app. Readers can access a global library, where they can stumble upon new names and books.
- Users are invited to create their own profile and add the list of books you’ve read or those they are planning to read (wishlist). Follow your friend’s reading activity and see what they are reading next.
- The app has a handy “barcode scanner” option. Scan a hard-copy book and it can be immediately added to your shelf.
- Some e-books are free to read.
Install Goodreads
Scribd
What it is:
The app lets you tap into a library of books, audiobooks, magazines, documents and more. However, you’ll need to pay a fee ($8.99) to do so. The app is free to download, though.
Why we like it:
- It offers a varied library and is updated with new titles regularly.
- Clean and intuitive interface. Easily browse through categories for new titles to read including books, audiobooks, magazine and more. Each book features its own descriptive page with notes from the editor and a short introductory description.
- Books/magazines are categorized based on interests including Politics, Psychology, Happiness, Science and more.
- App lets you store content offline for later use.
Install Scribd
Kobo
What it is:
Quite similar to Scribd, Kobo also boasts a large database of digital reading material of up to 3.5 million titles. You’ll have to purchase a subscription to get full access to the library.
Why we like it:
- Most of the books come with a few preview, so you can read a few chapters before deciding if the book is worth purchasing or not.
- All books have their own description page that features things like Related Titles and Reviews.
- App lets you choose from three different reading themes including Classic, Night and Sepia.
Install Kobo
Serial Reader
What it is:
Serial Reader is an app that will make you well-read in 20 minutes a day. Can’t see yourself reading full 500 or 600-page books written in the florid 19th-century prose? With this app, you don’t have to.
Why we like it:
- Feeds you small, manageable 20-minute chunks of classic literature. They are delivered to your smartphone at a time of your choosing every day.
- This way you can go through a classic work such as Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein in 28 days.
- There’s no limit to how many materials you can consume side-by-side. So if you think you’re up to it, you can read two or three books in parallel.
- App lets you customize fonts, colors and more for a tailored reading experience.
Install Social Reader
Moon+Reader
What it is:
Want to keep track of all your ebooks? Then the Moon+Reader app might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Why we like it:
- The app is part eReader app, part library. It lets you keep track of your ebooks and also has a bunch of free ebooks you can read for free.
- Plenty of customization options. For example, you can choose how you view the book and the controls to interact with it. You can also choose the font color or background color.
- Let’s you easily access free net libraries like the Project Gutenberg or WebNovel, so you can download new content.
- The app keeps statistics including Books on Shelf, Read Books and Reading Hours.
Install Moon+Reader
Libib
What it is:
An app to help you organize your collection of books. Libib is also great for those who want to keep track of their movies, music and video games.
Why we like it:
- Comprehensive library cataloguing tool which options such as automatic add with ISBN scan, keyword search and statistics about catalogued item.
- Like GoodReads, Libib has a social component. This means you can follow friends to see what they are currently reading and set up a personal profile.
- Clean, easy-to-get-around interface, so you can get cataloguing in no time.
Install Libib
What it is:
How many times did you stumble upon an interesting article you did not have time to read right there and then? Chances are you forgot about it afterwards. Pocket solve this problem efficiently.
Why we like it:
- App lets you quickly save an article, video or link you want to read later. It syncs across phone, tablet or PC, so you can access it wherever you want.
- Pocket has a clean, easy-to-view layout that keeps distractions at bay.
- Quickly organize your content with tags.
- Highlight important passages, so you can revisit them later.
- Text-to-Speech function, so you can listen to articles when you don’t feel like reading.
- Follow friends and check out their reading recommendations.
Install Pocket
Audible
What it is:
Audible is the perfect solution for those who prefer to listen to books. With a collection of over (paid) 180,000 titles, anyone can find something to their liking.
Why we like it:
- The app also has a system in place that tracks your reading list and reading habits.
- There’s a multi-tasking feature for background downloading and listening.
- Audible also gives you access to the latest news as covered by The New York Times, The Washington Post and others.
- Let’s you customize your narration speed.
Install Audible
