Instagram ‘music stickers’ could help to spice up your Stories

Instagram

If you’ve ever wanted to spice up your Instagram Stories with a soundtrack, you’re in luck. After code inside the app suggested the option to add a soundtrack to Stories earlier this year, Instagram officially launched music stickers on June 28. Along with adding an audible sticker, Instagram also launched a new tool that plays background music as you record a new video.

Music stickers offer a way for Instagrammers to choose a track from a database that can then be played with a Story. Instagram Stories let users build a sequence of images and video from the previous 24 hours, with the content excluded from followers’ feeds, instead appearing at the top of the display. The sticker plays the music while viewers are looking at your Story, and also displays a credit to the artist.

To add music to a Story, tap on the stickers icon and then click the music sticker. A new pop up will display the different songs now built into the social network. Instagrammers can browse by popular songs, moods, and genres, or use the search tool. After selecting a song, you can also jump to a specific spot in the song, say, if you only want the chorus or a particular line to play in your Story.

A second similar new feature introduces a video recording mode that adds a soundtrack from a selected song. Inside Instagram’s camera, a swipe over to the new mode called Music will open a similar song library. Unlike the Stories option, the camera mode will play the music as you record to get that song in the background.

The feature is made possible thanks to parent-company Facebook recently inking deals with the major record labels. In March, for example, Facebook struck a deal with Warner Music Group that will allow users to share its music in videos and messages. The record label controls the catalogs of a slew of high-profile artists, among them Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and The Rolling Stones.

When Warner struck its recent deal with Facebook in March, the record label’s executive vice president of global strategy, Eric Mackay, commented that its extensive catalog of music tracks “will be represented throughout Facebook’s platforms … to create new opportunities for both our songwriters and Facebook’s users.”

Music stickers are already rolling out to Instagram users in 51 countries. The Music video mode, however, is heading out to iOS users first with an Android update to follow.

If you’re yet to get to grips with Instagram Stories, be sure to check out Digital Trends’ useful guide.

Updated on June 29: Added Instagram’s official announcement of music stickers.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Instagram finally (sort of) gets that share button in the form of stickers
• Shop Stories, not stores, with Instagram’s latest update
• You can now add Polls to your Stories on Facebook Messenger
• Don’t drown your phone for an Instagram — GoPro now has Stories built in
• Upload Stories faster — or preview the entire thing — with new Instagram tools

AT&T’s ultra-affordable new WatchTV streaming service is now available

Earlier this month, AT&T unveiled WatchTV, a streaming service with a relatively small channel count that can be had at a low monthly price and is even free if you have certain AT&T wireless plans. As of Friday, June 29, the service is now live, AppleInsider reports, and if you’re looking for an affordable streaming service but don’t need too many channels, it looks like this might be just the thing for you.

The service currently offers 31 channels, which include many of the channels you find on most streaming services out there. The list includes A&E, AMC, CNN, TBS, Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies. The vast majority of the channels are owned by Time Warner, which makes sense considering AT&T’s recent acquisition of Time Warner.

Not all of the channels are Time Warner-owned, and six Viacom channels — BET, Comedy Central, MTV2, Nicktoons, TeenNick, and VH1 — are planned for the future, but using as many channels from Time Warner as possible is likely helping AT&T keep the costs down. This is why users of AT&T wireless plans with unlimited data get the service for free, while anyone else pays just $15 per month, which is even cheaper than rival streaming service Philo, which offers many of the same channels.

Also like Philo, you won’t find any sports or local channels here, which again is likely to help keep the service’s costs low. If you use AT&T’s new &More wireless plan, you will be able to choose either HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz to add to your service. You can also choose from non-TV options, like Amazon Music Unlimited, Pandora Premium, or VRV.

WatchTV offers on-demand content as well, with more than 15,000 movies. There are two streams available, so people can watch on up to two devices at once, but there are no DVR features. Considering how long AT&T is taking to bring DVR functionality to DirecTV Now, it doesn’t seem likely that they will be added anytime soon.

Currently, AT&T WatchTV is available on iOS and Android devices, as well as Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV devices. There is no word on whether other devices like Roku will be supported in the future.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Everything to know about Philo, the latest live TV streaming service
• AT&T has a cheap streaming service on the way, but it’s not for sports fans
• Everything die-hard sports fans need to know about FuboTV
• AT&T gives wireless customers free streaming TV, fueled by Time Warner purchase
• Sling TV’s Cloud DVR is now on almost all of the service’s supported devices

Watch this robot tiptoe over stepping stones with human-like grace and agility

Ever see a kid walking across stepping stones in a park? Even if the stepping stones are an uneven distance apart and at slightly varying heights, this is a skill that most children have picked up at just a few years old. By the time we’re adults, the ability to swiftly walk or even run over this kind of terrain is something the majority of people can do without a second thought. But it’s not an easy task for robots — since it requires very precise foot placement in which even small errors can lead to potential falls.

A team of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University, including Professor Koushil Sreenath, Ayush Agrawal, and Quan Nguyen, may have cracked it, however. They have developed control algorithms which allows a human-scale bipedal ATRIAS robot, originally designed and built by the Oregon State University Dynamic Robotics Laboratory, to dynamically and swiftly walk over a random terrain composed of stepping stones.

“In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of our control algorithms to be able to achieve precise footstep placement over stepping stones, with varying step lengths and step heights, on a human scale bipedal robot,” Agrawal told Digital Trends. “Walking over discrete terrain, such as stairways or wooded paths, safely and robustly is critical for legged robots as this allows for them to be deployed in applications — for example in search and rescue, in space exploration, or as personal robots at homes.”

To create their control algorithms, the researchers first built a library of periodic gaits for walking at different step lengths and heights, through a process referred to as trajectory optimization. They then created feedback control policies to allow the robot to dynamically use this knowledge even when it only has access to information about the stepping stone immediately in front of it. The robot is able to negotiate step lengths between 30 cm and 65 cm, and height variations of 20 cm.

“Enabling a robot to place its foot on a stepping stone at the end of the step is very much similar to enabling an autonomous car to stay within a lane,” Sreenath told us. “Both these are examples of safety-critical constraints. Even small violations in these constraints could result in catastrophic consequences. We use results from feedback control theory to guarantee these safety constraints.”

At present, the robots do not have onboard sensors such as cameras or LIDAR, and have to be told the information about the step right in front of them. In the future, however, the researchers hope to combine this work with computer vision research to develop a completely autonomous system.

Editors’ Recommendations

• This robot taught itself how to walk and it’s as clumsy as a newborn deer
• Watch Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot evolve from a stagger to a sprint
• From BigDog to SpotMini: Tracing the evolution of Boston Dynamics robo-dogs
• Counting down the 10 most important robots in history
• Awesome Tech You Can’t Buy Yet: Stick-on helmet speakers, bikes kids can build

Scientists can 3D print human heart tissue now. The future is here

BIOLIFE4D

Long term, the goal of 3D bioprinting is to be able to 3D print fully functioning organs which can be used to replace the failing biological organs of humans in need of a transplant. That may still be years off, but Chicago-based biotech startup Biolife4D this week announced a major new milestone: Its ability to bioprint human cardiac tissue.

The scientific landmark followed shortly after the company opened a new research facility in Houston. It involved the printing of a human cardiac patch, containing multiple cell types which make up the human heart. It could one day be used to help treat patients who have suffered acute heart failure in order to restore lost myocardial contractility, the ability of the heart to generate force for pumping blood around the body.

“The cardiac patch that we printed demonstrated two major advancements,” Steven Morris, CEO of Biolife4D, told Digital Trends. “First, it demonstrated Biolife4D’s ability to take a patient’s own blood cells, reprogram them back into stem cells, reprogram them again to make the different type of cells which we need to 3D bioengineer our human heart viable for transplant, and then successfully 3D bioprint with those cells to make living human heart tissue. Second, this is the first time that a cardiac patch was 3D bioprinted that contains multiple cell types of which the human heart is made, and includes preliminary vascularization — all of which are needed to make a functional patch and to keep it alive after the bioprinting process.”

Given the potential life-saving ability of this technology, Biolife4D is far from alone in working toward this bioprinting goal. However, Morris noted that, while other companies have previously made similar patches, none have included each of the cell types which make up the heart, along with the vascularization needed to allow the body to nourish the cells and remove their waste products. “You can think of it like this is the first time all of the proper ingredients were used to properly make the recipe,” he continued.

Going forward, Biolife4D hopes to continue developing the patch in order to start preclinical testing in around six months. They will also continue with the broader project of printing a functioning human-scale heart by focusing on 3D bioprinting other components, such as valves, blood vessels, and a working mini-heart.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Inside Cellink, the Swedish company building 3D printers for living tissue
• 14 major milestones along the brief history of 3D printing
• We’re waiting! 7 technologies that sci-fi films promised us, but aren’t here yet
• World’s first 3D-printed cornea made from algae and human stem cells
• The best backward-compatible Xbox One games

You can now sign up for the $15/month AT&T WatchTV

You get 31 channels and access to 15,000+ on-demand shows.

A few days after it was first announced on June 21, AT&T’s officially launched its WatchTV streaming service.

For just $15/month with no annual contract, WatchTV gives you access to 31 live channels and 15,000+ shows and movies you can watch on-demand. Big names like Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, and TBS are on WatchTV from day one, and coming soon, the service will add Comedy Central, VH1, BET, and more.

At launch, WatchTV has official apps for Android, iOS, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. For the time being, there are no Roku or Android TV apps.

Anyone can sign up for WatchTV starting today, and if you’re an AT&T Unlimited & More subscriber, you can link your account to get WatchTV for free.

See at WatchTV

Maxboost Google Pixel 2 Wallet Case review: Cheap, stylish, and functional

Maxboost’s case holds three cards, cash, and nice faux leather finish.

No matter who you are, chances are you’ve got a wallet for storing your plastic/cash and a case for keeping your phone safe while on the go. These two things work great on their own, but if you want to live an ultra-minimalistic life, picking up a wallet case gives you the freedom of never having to carry a wallet again while still having a safe place for your money, ID, etc.

If you’ve got a Pixel 2, the Maxboost Wallet Case aims to combine your phone case and wallet into one single accessory for a little more than $10. It’s an exciting proposition, but how well does it work in the real world?

Maxboost Google Pixel 2 Wallet Case

Price: $12.99

Bottom line: This case can easily replace your regular wallet — as long as you don’t carry a ton of cards and don’t mind some added bulk.

The Good

• Has three card slots and a pocket for storing your cash
• Faux leather finish looks and feels nice
• Magnetic clasp works well
• Can’t beat the price

The Bad

• Only comes in one color
• Adds a lot of bulk

See at Amazon

A great solution for people that hate carrying a wallet

Maxboost Pixel 2 Wallet Case What I like

Wallet cases are faced with the challenge of acting as both a good case and wallet, and for the most part, Maxboost pulls this off quite well.

In regards to being a case, there’s a silicone sleeve the Pixel 2 sits in that offers protection against unwanted drops and bumps. The entire phone is obviously protected when the case is closed, but thanks to the raised edges from the silicone section, your Pixel 2’s screen is still protected even if you drop it while using it.

The cutouts for the rear camera and fingerprint sensor line up perfectly and Maxboost even has holes on the front so you can still appreciate the Pixel 2’s front-facing speakers even when everything’s closed up.

On the wallet side of things, Maxboost’s case does well here, too. There are three individual slots for storing credit/debit cards, in addition to a pocket underneath them for housing cash or more cards. Even when you’ve got all of these slots filled up, the magnetic clasp does a great job at holding everything together.

The cost of going two-in-one

Maxboost Pixel 2 Wallet Case What I don’t like

As with most things that try to be an all-in-one solution, however, the Maxboost Wallet Case does falter in a couple areas.

One of my biggest gripes with the case is how much bulk it adds to the Pixel 2. Even before you add any cards to the case, it makes the Pixel 2 considerably thicker. When you add cards and cash, it only gets worse.

Also, while the Pixel 2 is one of the few phones in 2018 that can be comfortably used with one hand, that’s immediately taken away with this case. The magnetic clasp grabs onto the cover when you flip it all the way around to try and remedy this, but this still feels awkward. If you don’t flip the cover around, you’re left with the clasp awkwardly in between your fingers while trying to use your phone.

Lastly, I’d love Maxboost to add some additional colors. The black paint job with the white stitching doesn’t look bad by any means, but a few more options would be greatly appreciated.

Maxboost Pixel 2 Wallet Case

Even with those gripes in mind, the Maxboost Wallet Case is still worth checking out. If you’re someone that already doesn’t carry a ton of cash and/or cards and wants a cheap, reliable case to replace your wallet, Maxboost might have what you’re looking for.

4
out of 5

I’m not particularly fond of how unwieldy the case can make the Pixel 2 at times, but considering it might allow you to never have to bring a wallet with you ever again, that’s a sacrifice I’m sure many of you are willing to make.

See at Amazon

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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Project Fi

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 rumors: Release date, specs, price, and features!

Here’s everything we know about the Galaxy Note 9!

Now more than ever, Samsung’s Galaxy S+ phones are becoming eerily similar to the Note series. The Note used to be Samsung’s way of touting all of the latest and greatest tech it had to offer, and while this is still the case, the same can be said for this year’s Galaxy S9+.

Samsung needs more than just the S Pen to make the Note 9 stand out from its own phones and the rest of the competition, and luckily, all signs are pointing to something exciting for this year’s release. Here’s what we know so far!

June 29, 2018 — Note 9 hands-on hints at 2-day battery life, up to 8GB RAM, and more

Eldar Murtazin has built a name for himself as one of the top dogs in the mobile industry, and after going hands-on with a Note 9 prototype recently, he shared some highlights about what we can expect from the phone.

Murtazin notes that the Note 9 is quite a bit heavier than the Note 8, and while the exact battery capacity isn’t mentioned, he says that he was able to get around 23 to 25 hours of video playback at max brightness before needing to charge up and aroudn 1-2 days of regular use.

RAM and storage will start out at 6GB and 128GB, respectively, but Samsung will also offer 8GB + 256GB and 8GB + 512GB variants. The display is also said to be more visible in direct sunlight and comes with an upgraded Always On Display (though this could be pushed back to the Galaxy S10 if it’s not ready in time).

As for the S Pen, Murtazin reports that it’ll support Bluetooth connectivity, new work modes, and will be able to remotely unlock the Note 9.

June 27, 2018 — Official launch event set for August 9

Samsung put an end to at least part of the speculation surrounding the Note 9 when it announced an Unpacked event in New York City for August 9, using a teaser image that shows a tight-in shot of an S Pen’s button. The August 9 date was previously rumored, as was the location of NYC.

That’s a couple weeks earlier than the Note 8 event last year, but a week later than the Note 7 event the year prior. This is right in the time frame where Samsung likes to get its stylus-toting phones out into the world.

What will the Galaxy Note 9 look like?

Quick answer — a lot like the Note 8.

We’ve seen one collection of renders for the Note 9 so far (pictured above), and save for the fingerprint sensor being moved below the rear camera sensor, the phone’s shaping up to be nearly identical to last year’s model.

As such, we can expect a large Infinity Display with slim bezels, an all-glass back, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Samsung’s event teaser suggests that we’ll get at least one bright yellow color option, but I’m still crossing my fingers the Galaxy S9’s Burgundy Red gets a wide release on the Note 9 🤞.

What specs can we look forward to?

Samsung’s Galaxy Note phones are always home to some of the best specs around, and the Note 9 shouldn’t be any different.

Based on the current rumor mill and what we’ve seen from other 2018 flagships, here’s what we think we’ll see this year.

When will the Galaxy Note 9 be released?

The Galaxy Note 9 will be announced on August 9, 2018, at an Unpacked event in New York City.

We can expect retail availability to come in a 1-2 week time frame after the announcement, if any previous launches are any indication.

How much will the Galaxy Note 9 cost?

Pricing for the Note series has steadily been going up each year, as has the majority of the smartphone industry.

The Galaxy Note 8 costs $950 unlocked, and I’d expect the Note 9 to cost either the same or slightly more. Apple proved with the iPhone X that people aren’t afraid to shell out $1000+ for a new smartphone, and I don’t consider it to be out of the question for Samsung to follow suit with the Note 9 – especially if it adopts newer technologies like an in-display fingerprint sensor.

Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+: Everything you need to know!

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 rumors: Release date, specs, price, and features!
• Is it best to buy the Galaxy S9 or wait for the Note 9?
• Do you plan on upgrading to the Note 9?
• Galaxy Note 8 review
• Join our Galaxy Note 9 forums

Updated: June 29, 2018: Updated the spec sheet to coincide with latest rumors.

Best Android Phones Under $300 in 2018

• Best overall
• Best for navel-gazing
• Best for stock Android

Best overall

Moto G6

See at Amazon

Motorola’s Moto G series just keeps getting better, and this year’s Moto G6 is as good as it gets for under $300. The 5.7-inch 18:9 display is as vibrant as it is modern, and the combination of 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, and a Snapdragon 450 processor will keep things running smoothly.

The benefits don’t stop at the specs, though. The Moto G6 has great build quality with metal and glass, along with a water-repellent coating to protect it in the rain — but don’t go dunking the phone in your pool, it’s not IP-rated. There’s a quick fingerprint sensor under the display, and a flashy dual camera array on the back. On the software side of things, you get a clean build of Android 8.0 Oreo, along with Moto Actions and Moto Display for quick access to convenient features.

Bottom line: Even though it’s priced well below the $300 limit, the Moto G6 is the most well-rounded phone in its category.

One more thing: The Moto G6 is compatible with all four major U.S. carriers.

Why the Moto G6 is the best

In our review of the Moto G6, we praised it for its build quality, excellent main camera, and good battery life. It suffers from the occasional software hiccup and doesn’t feature NFC, but overall it’s hard to beat its overall value and performance.

The Moto G6 has just about everything you could ask of a phone at this price. The software is clean yet clever with the addition of Moto Actions and Moto Display, and it’s quick to recharge with Motorola’s TurboPower charging. The Prime Exclusive version comes loaded with Amazon software, of course, but for an extra $15, you can buy the Moto G6 directly from Motorola without any bloat.

Best for navel-gazing

Huawei P20 Lite

See at Amazon

If you like a little pizazz, the Huawei P20 Lite is a great alternative to the Moto G6. Its 19:9 display is big and vibrant, with a notch up top for better or worse, and the flashy finish is eye-catching, to say the least. The Kirin 659 chipset is speedy and powerful, and the 3000mAh battery provides excellent longevity. Stock Android purists may not love its EMUI software, but it’s at least running on top of Android 8.0 Oreo.

Bottom line: The EMUI software isn’t for everyone, but at $299.99, the Huawei P20 Lite is a terrific phone with good camera performance, great battery life, and an excellent modern design.

One more thing: The P20 Lite is not compatible with the major CDMA networks in the U.S.

Best for stock Android

Nokia 6.1

See at Amazon

At $269, the Nokia 6.1 (otherwise known as the 2018 Nokia 6) is the best way to get stock Android for cheap. It’s part of Nokia’s Android One lineup, combining unadulterated stock Android with an aluminum unibody design that feels far more premium than its price tag would have you believe. The 5.5-inch 1080p LCD display looks fantastic, and it has one of the better cameras in its segment. On top of that, Nokia releases monthly security updates to keep its phones protected — a rarity for low-cost phones.

Bottom line: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better-made phone at this price point, and the regular software updates are icing on the cake.

One more thing: The Nokia 6.1 ships with Android 8.0 Oreo, not 8.1.

Conclusion

The Moto G6 and Nokia 6.1 are very close competitors, but the Moto G6 pulls ahead with its 18:9 display, dual cameras, Moto Actions, and most importantly, its support for all four major U.S. carriers. The Nokia 6.1 is still a great option for those in search of the cleanest possible version of Android, while the P20 Lite wins out in fashion and form.

Best overall

Moto G6

See at Amazon

Motorola’s Moto G series just keeps getting better, and this year’s Moto G6 is as good as it gets for under $300. The 5.7-inch 18:9 display is as vibrant as it is modern, and the combination of 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, and a Snapdragon 450 processor will keep things running smoothly.

The benefits don’t stop at the specs, though. The Moto G6 has great build quality with metal and glass, along with a water-repellent coating to protect it in the rain — but don’t go dunking the phone in your pool, it’s not IP-rated. There’s a quick fingerprint sensor below the display, and a dual flashy camera array on the back. On the software side of things, you get a clean build of Android 8.0 Oreo, along with Moto Actions and Moto Display for quick access to convenient features.

Bottom line: Even though it’s priced well below the $300 limit, the Moto G6 is the most well-rounded phone in its category.

One more thing: The Moto G6 is compatible with all four major U.S. carriers.

Update June 2018: Replaced the Moto G5S Plus with the Moto G6, and the Honor 7X with the Huawei P20 Lite.

Moto Z3 Play: Everything you need to know!

Motorola packs a punch for round three of the Z Play.

Motorola’s Moto Z Play line has gone through a lot of changes in the few short years it’s existed. The original Z Play was an excellent alternative to the much more expensive Moto Z and offered tremendous battery life with support to take it even further with Moto Mods.

The Z2 Play decreased the battery capacity while increasing the price by $50, and this year with the Z3 Play, we’re met with the same 3,000 mAh battery and $499 price tag of its predecessor while also getting dual cameras, a full glass back, and a new on-screen gesture system.

If your interest has been peaked by the Z3 Play, here’s everything you need to know!

The latest Moto Z3 Play news

June 29, 2018 — The Z3 Play is now certified for Verizon Wireless

Even though the Moto Z3 Play isn’t sold on Verizon, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it with Big Red.

On June 29, Verizon officially certified the Z3 Play for use on the network — meaning that you can bring it over with peace of mind knowing you’ll get talk, text, and LTE data without any problems.

June 21, 2018 — Pre-orders are open now!

If you want to be among the first to own the Z3 Play, you can pre-order it now from not only Motorola’s website, but at Best Buy and B&H, too.

The Z3 Play will set you back $499 at any of the above retailers, but if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can pick it up for just $449 through Amazon’s Prime Exclusive program.

See at Amazon

All the big details

Check out our hands-on preview

If you want to know what it’s like to play around with the Moto Z3 Play, why not take a look at our hands-on coverage?

AC’s Daniel Bader got a chance to go up close and personal with the Z3 Play, and you can read and watch his thoughts in both written and video form ✍️📺.

Moto Z3 Play hands-on preview: Three’s company

Review the specs

If you like playing the numbers game, the Moto Z3 Play does a pretty solid job at holding its own compared to other phones in its price range. Some of the highlights include a Snapdragon 636 processor, Android 8.1, and a healthy 4GB RAM.

To learn even more about what makes the Z3 Play tick, check out our full spec rundown below.

Moto Z3 Play Specifications

See how it compares to the Z2 Play

The Moto Z3 Play might be newer and flashier than last year’s Z2 Play, but should owners of its predecessor shell out another $499 to upgrade?

You’ll find a lot of improvements with the Z3 Play, such as a newer processor and slimmer bezels, but the Z2 Play still puts up a fight in mid-2018 with a 3.5mm headphone jack (something the Z3 Play doesn’t have), a more traditional fingerprint sensor, and sturdier aluminum back.

This one’s a toss-up in a lot of ways, so be sure to give our detailed, hands-on comparison a look.

Moto Z3 Play vs. Moto Z2 Play: Should you upgrade?

Motorola’s toying with a new on-screen gesture system

Previous Moto phones have featured a unique navigation system that replaces Google’s on-screen buttons in favor of a series of swipes performed on the front-facing fingerprint sensor.

With the Z3 Play, Motorola’s evolving that idea and taking some inspiration from Android P by moving those gestures from the fingerprint sensor and making them on-screen. Swiping left goes back, Swiping right brings up your recent apps, and a single tap takes you home.

It’s unclear if Motorola will continue to offer this once Android P rolls around, but it’s a fun and unique way to make your way around the phone.

The fingerprint sensor is in a unique place

A quick glance at the Z3 Play might lead you to believe that Motorola forgot to include a fingerprint sensor, but there is one there if you know where to look.

An indented area on the right side of the phone is where the Z3 Play’s fingerprint sensor lies, and because of its position, the power/lock button has been moved to the left.

This positioning of buttons could cause for some confusion/irritation in day-to-day use, but at the very least, it’s a unique implementation we really don’t see all that often.

There are dual cameras

One of the biggest upgrades to the Z3 Play over its predecessors lies with its camera. This is the first entry in the Z Play lineup to come equipped with dual rear cameras, and on the Z3 Play, we’ve got a 12MP and 5MP combo.

Motorola’s upgraded processing should allow for improved low-light photos compared to the Z2 Play and the secondary lens allows for much better (if not the best) portrait shots.

You’ll also find features such as 4K video recording at 30 FPS and a built-in cinemagraph tool.

It’s compatible with all existing Moto Mods

Motorola promised its lineup of Moto Mods would work on Moto Z phones for three full years, and it’s keeping that promise with the Z3 Play.

This is the last Z Play phone that’ll work with all existing Moto Mods, and in mid-2018, you have a lot of them to choose from.

Motorola’s done a great job at building up its library of Mods over the years, with some of the highlights including a Nintendo Switch-like gamepad, external speaker, an assortment of battery packs, and much more.

Here’s every Moto Mod you can buy for the Moto Z series

You’ll pay $499 to own the Z3 Play

If you’re interested in picking up the Moto Z3 Play, Motorola’s charging $499 for it.

For comparison’s sake, the Moto G6 offers a vastly similar experience for around $260 less and the OnePlus 6 costs $30 more while offering a much more capable processor, better cameras, and a headphone jack.

The Z3 Play certainly isn’t a bad phone, but unless you plan on making full use of the Moto Mod ecosystem, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizon’s and see what else is out there.

See at Motorola

Samsung Galaxy J3 and J7 mid-rangers now available in the U.S.

The J3 is currently available at Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and Boost Mobile.

We’re just a few short months away from the Galaxy Note 9, but before we can get our hands on Samsung’s latest and greatest, we’re going to be served with two typical and unsurprising mid-range phones. This year, we’re getting updated models of the Galaxy J3 and J7.

Samsung says the two phones “focus on the key features that users love: sharp displays for movies and apps, great-low-light cameras that let them make the most of every moment, expandable memory for more storage, and battery life that powers their phones all day.”

Looking first at the J3, the phone’s outfitted with a 5.0-inch HD display, 8MP rear-facing camera with f/1.9 aperture, and a 5MP f/2.2 selfie camera. With the J7, you’re getting a 5.5-inch HD screen, 13MP f/1.7 rear camera, and 13MP f/1.9 sensor on the front.

Further specs on the J7 are still unavailable, but we know the J3 will tout Samsung’s Exynos 7570 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 2,600 mAh battery. Android 8.0 Oreo is also present out of the box.

The Galaxy J3 (left) and Galaxy J7 (right).

If you live in the U.S. and want to get the J7 or J3 for yourself, here’s where they’re currently available at:

• AT&T: The J3 is available for $209 outright or $7/month for 30 months.

• Verizon: On a post-paid plan, the J3 costs $7/month for 24 months or $168 outright. With a pre-paid plan, it costs $124.99.

• Sprint / Boost Mobile: The J7 is coming to Sprint and Boost Mobile as the J7 Refine and will cost $288. The J3 is launching under the J3 Achieve name and will set you back $192.

Updated June, 29, 2018: Added availability info for Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile.