Lenovo beats Google to the punch with the first 4K Chromebook

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo has jumped ahead of Google’s long-rumored second-generation Pixelbook with a fancy new Chromebook of its own that comes packing a 4K screen and an eighth-generation Intel Core processor. What’s even more impressive is that it keeps the price tag much more reasonable than Google’s earlier Pixelbook release. The price is just $600 for the new 2-in-1.

Debuted at the IFA 2018 show, the Yoga Chromebook is a 15-inch 2-in-1 Chromebook with a 4K “near-edgeless” touchscreen display. There is an option for a 1080p screen at the same size, with both using IPS panels for great color reproduction and viewing angles. Both screens can fold to any configuration through its 360-degree hinge, making it a true convertible 2-in-1 for both tablet and laptop use.

It’s not the lightest 2-in-1 in the world, with an overall weight of 4.2 pounds. It doesn’t have a detachable keyboard like the Surface Book 2 either, so don’t expect this to be the easiest tablet to hold in one hand for long periods of time. It is, however, portable enough to stay far from a power socket for up to 10 hours, thanks to its on-board 56 watt-hour battery life.

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Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook

Under the hood, the Yoga Chromebook sports an eighth-generation Intel Core i5-8250U Kaby Lake R processor, featuring four cores and eight-threads (thanks to hyperthreading). It’s paired up with 8GB of DDR4 memory and 64GB or 128 GB of eMMC flash storage. That combination of hardware should offer solid performance, especially when combined with the lightweight operating system that is Chrome OS.

In terms of graphics, this Chromebook will be about as capable as its contemporaries, thanks to the on-board Intel HD 620 graphics core. Gaming isn’t exactly a forte of Chrome OS, but at least with its expanded support of Android apps, there are some games available for those who want to do a little more than web browsing, email, and watching Netflix.

The Yoga Chromebook is set to go on sale this October, with a starting price of $600. Prospective buyers will need to pay extra for the 4K display or extra storage space, though exact pricing for those upgrades has yet to be revealed.

It’s not the only Chromebook that Lenovo unveiled at this year’s IFA show. The Lenovo C330 Chromebook is a much more mainstream offering. It has an 11-inch form factor and offers affordable Chrome OS computing in a compact package. It weighs just 2.6 pounds and is less than an inch thick at its widest point.

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Lenovo C330 Chromebook

Lenovo C330 Chromebook

Lenovo C330 Chromebook

Lenovo C330 Chromebook

Its internal hardware is a lot less extravagant than the Yoga Chromebook, but its ARM processor, 4GB of memory, and a choice of 32 or 64GB of storage space should give it plenty of resources for running a number of Chrome OS and Android applications. It also supports USB-C for fast transfers and charging and has a battery life that should stretch to 10 hours if used for lightweight tasks.

The S330 Chromebook is an even more affordable offering — starting at $250 — but it’s much larger too. The 14-inch clamshell design is only a little thicker and heavier, but features a full-HD display and narrow bezels for a seamless look.

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Lenovo S330 Chromebook

Lenovo S330 Chromebook

Lenovo S330 Chromebook

Lenovo S330 Chromebook

It features the same MTK8173C Arm processor as the 11-inch Chromebook, as well as 4GB of RAM and up to 64GB of on-board flash storage. Its battery should also last 10 hours, though due to the larger, higher-resolution display, you may need to be a bit smarter about your usage to hit that sort of longevity.

The Chromebooks are set to go on sale in October.

If you want to order something now, these are the best Chromebooks you can buy.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best Chromebooks of 2018
• Samsung Chromebook Pro review
• 5 features we want in Google’s Pixelbook 2
• Samsung’s speedier Chromebook Plus V2 now comes with a second camera
• The slick HP Chromebook x2 just landed at Best Buy

Apple patent hints at smarter charging for a potential wireless pad

It’s no secret that Apple has been working on wireless charging for some time now, but just because it has announced its AirPower wireless charger, that doesn’t mean that it has ceased development on the tech. In fact, the company has been awarded a new patent called “Inductive Power Transmitter,” hinting at a smarter wireless charger that can detect foreign objects like coins or paperclips nearby, and either redirect charging or stop charging altogether to prevent any unwanted objects from heating up.

It’s important to note that this patent is a continuation of previous patents dating back to 2015 — so Apple has been working on the tech for a few years now. It’s even possible that the tech will be included in Apple’s upcoming AirPower charging pad, which was announced alongside the iPhone X last year, and is expected to finally be released to the public at Apple’s upcoming September 12 event. Still, considering this is just a patent, it’s possible the tech won’t ever make it to market, or that it will find its way into future versions of the AirPower charger.

The patent describes a few ways of detecting foreign objects on the charging pad. The first method is to track power loss. By tracking how much power is being transmitted and how much is being received by the iPhone or Apple Watch, the charging pad can detect how much is being lost in the process. The second method of tracking foreign objects is to include separate coils in the charger that can detect excitation by foreign objects. Changes in induction are then measured, indicating whether or not a foreign object is present. The third and final method includes generating a resonating voltage in either the receiver or detection coil and detecting the Q changes through a transmitter coil.

If this all sounds a bit technical, all you really need to know is that Apple wants to make wireless chargers safer for normal use.

The future of wireless charging certainly is bright. While many Android manufacturers have been using wireless charging for some time now, the fact that Apple has included it in recent iPhones means it will likely become much more mainstream in coming years — and that more development will be put into wireless charging, meaning it should get a whole lot better.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Here’s everything we know about Apple’s AirPower wireless charging mat
• Apple found guilty of infringing WiLan patents, must pay $145 million
• Microsoft patent filing hints at wireless charging for future Surface PCs
• Updated Apple patent suggests MacBook Pro will eventually sport touchscreens
• Whirlpool may dip its toe in the sous vide space, new patent suggests

Netgear’s Alexa-enabled Orbi Voice mesh Wi-Fi speaker packs Harman Kardon audio

Netgear is bringing a new triple-play addition to its Orbi Mesh Wi-Fi line. The Orbi Voice Smart Speaker and Wi-Fi Mesh Satellite is a single unit that combines a mesh Wi-Fi extender, an Alexa-enabled smart home assistant, and Harman Kardon audio. Netgear announced the new product at IFA 2018.

The mesh Wi-Fi extender gives you broader, more even internet access throughout your home; Alexa is ready for your voice commands; and the Harman Kardon components provide high-end audio.

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“Products that solve multiple consumer needs are increasingly in demand, and the exquisite sound quality of Harman Kardon elevates the dynamic Orbi Voice Smart Speaker,” said David Rogers, president of Harman’s consumer audio business unit.

Combining three key features in one compact smart home appliance saves device and cable clutter.

Owners can add and configure the Orbi Voice Smart Speaker and Wi-Fi Mesh Satellite to their existing home networks and internet service using the free mobile Orbi app. The app also includes update, feature enhancement, and network-management controls.

The Orbi app’s Circle Smart parent controls let owners manage content kids can access, and the time they spend online. You can also configure a separate Wi-Fi network for guest use that runs separately from your home network to protect access to your devices and content.

If you still have devices that demand a wired Ethernet cable network connection, each Orbi Voice Mesh Wi-Fi Satellite has two gigabit Ethernet ports for more reliable connections and potentially higher speeds than with wireless hookups.

Netgear’s senior vice president of connected home products, David Henry, explained the reasoning behind the three-feature Orbi Voice Smart Speaker and Mesh Wi-Fi Satellite. “The two fastest-growing consumer trends for smart home technology have been the popularity of the voice assistant control and the growth of Wi-Fi mesh systems,” Henry said.

“It is also widely known that the most popular skill employed with smart speakers is to enjoy streaming music services,” Henry continued. “To address this need, we have taken our expertise in Wi-Fi and married it with a legend in the industry, Harman Kardon, to deliver superior sound quality while aligning with the leading providers of streaming music to give our customers the best Wi-Fi and hi-fi in one package.”

Netgear revealed two configurations. The Orbi Mesh Wi-Fi System, available in September, includes an Orbi Tri-Band Router and an Orbi Voice Smart Speaker and Mesh Wi-Fi Satellite for $430. If you don’t need the router, the Orbi Voice Smart Speaker and Wi-Fi Mesh Satellite will be available on its own later in the fall for $300.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Kasa smart home brand hits the great outdoors with a new weatherproof cam
• TP-Link’s new Deco M9 Plus Mesh router is also a smart home hub
• LG doubles its Instaview Door-in-Door fridge lineup for Labor Day
• The best wireless routers of 2018
• LG’s new A.I.-powered air conditioning makes your current AC look dumb

The best universal car mounts for your Android phone

Keep your phone safely in sight and secure with a car mount.

When you’re on the go, your phone is more than just a tool for keeping in touch. It’s your road trip playlist and your GPS, too. For safety’s sake, mounting your phone to your dashboard, windshield, or air vents is the best way to keep it in view while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. We’ve gathered up a list of some excellent options for universal car mounts, and trust us, there’s no shortage of choices out there.

Note: Before you consider a windshield mount for your phone, you should make and check that windshield mounts are allowed in the states you’ll be driving most frequently in. As it stands, most states outlaw windshield mounted GPS or phone holders due to visibility and safety concerns.

• Baseus Gravity Air Vent Wireless Car Charger
• iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Car Mount
• iOttie Easy One Touch Qi Wireless CD Slot
• WizGear Universal Air Vent Magnetic Mount
• Nite Ize Steelie
• Spigen Kuel A201 Premium Magnetic Mount
• Spigen Kuel OneTap Car Mount
• Koomus Eco-CD One Touch Car Mount

Baseus Gravity Air Vent Wireless Car Charger

Baseus’s wireless car charger is powerful enough to fast charge compatible Samsung phones, and clips into your air vent so your view of the road is unobstructed. You can also use the AC coming out of those vents to keep your phone cool while it charges, and the gravity-based clamps allow make it ridiculously easy to get your phone in and out while still keeping your phone secure while you drive.

$28 at Amazon

More and more phones are including Qi wireless charging, so if you’re in the market for a car mount, you may as well get one that charges your phone while you drive. Rather than having a dot on the back of the mount that triggers the spring-loaded clamps, Baseus uses the weight of the phone on the bottom lip of the mount instead. This makes getting your phone in and out of the mount a breeze, but also means you can only use the Baseus in portrait, not landscape.

iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Car Mount

iOttie has been a leading brand for car mounts for years, and their latest dashboard/windshield mount, the Easy One Touch 4, is the best mount they’ve ever made. Simply press the tabs on the side of the mount in then tap your phone to the button in the middle of the mount to spring it closed. It’s easy to use and can accommodate even the largest phones out there with or without a case.

$25 at Amazon

The Easy One Touch 4 can be oriented any way you like in your car thanks to a swiveling telescopic arm. The suction cup mount that’s installed on the mount out of the box is ideal for smooth surfaces such as a windshield, but since that’s illegal in most states, iOttie also includes an adhesive pad to help attach the mount to your dashboard.

iOttie Easy One Touch Qi Wireless Fast Charge CD Slot

Everything we said about how easy iOttie’s One Touch 4 is to use above is just as true with this CD-slot-mounted model, so you won’t have to fiddle with your phone every time you hop in for a drive. Fast wireless charging capabilities double the price, but it also doubles the convenience of charging your phone every time you plop it in the charger.

$50 at Amazon

iOttie gets another mention on our list because they make great car mounts, and this one clips into the CD slot you haven’t used in ten years. This not only takes advantage of an otherwise unused space in your car, but — depending on the layout of your dash — keeps your view of the road unobstructed. Qi wireless charging embedded in this charger supports fast wireless charging on compatible Samsung devices, with an additional USB port for charging your passenger’s phone or your favorite Bluetooth headphones while you drive.

Nite Ize Steelie

This is definitely one of the coolest mounts on this list. The Steelie is a two-piece magnetic mounting system wherein a concave magnet adheres to the back of your phone or its case, and a spherical magnetic base adheres to your car’s dashboard or console.

$18.50 at Amazon

Hop in the car, and your phone mounts in a snap. This is about as minimalist as it gets in terms of car mounts. Making sharp turns and hitting potholes? No worries: The magnet is super strong and the magnetic ball moves with your phone to prevent it from falling off. This beauty of a magnetic mount is small enough to look invisible when in use, but bold enough to stand out on your dash when its empty.

WizGear Universal Air Vent Magnetic Mount

WizGear produces another magnetic mount we’re a fan of, but this one using flat plates rather than shaped ones so that you can hide the magnetic plate inside a thin case or stick it to the back of your phone case without adding that weird dimple. The magnets here are strong enough to hold your phone fast over your average pothole-riddled interstate while still being easy to pluck your phone from when you reach your destination.

$7 at Amazon

The WizGear’s air vent clips keep your phone highly visible without obstructing your view, and it doubles as a kickstand for your phone if you take it out of the car. Since the WizGear is so compact and easy to transfer between cars, it’s ideal for people who swap vehicles with spouses or children in a multi-car household or frequent travelers who want an easy-to-pack mount to use in rental cars.

Spigen Kuel A201 Premium Magnetic Air Vent Car Mount

Spigen’s Kuel A201 feature the same air vent and hideable flat magnet convenience, but thanks to a 360-degree rotating and tilting magnetic base, the A201 can display your phone at any angle you want inside your car. 6 magnets inside the base instead of the WizGear’s 4 also mean that this mount has a stronger grip to keep your phone secured over rougher drives and sharper turns.

$12 at Amazon

This bumped out air vent holder also makes the A201 compatible with cars that have air vents too recessed to use with smaller air vent mounts like the WizGear. This mount is a bit bigger and a tiny bit bulkier, but that superior grip and adaptability make it more than worth the size bump and price bump.

Spigen Kuel OneTap Car Mount

Like iOttie, Spigen makes a lot of great phone accessories and car mounts, and the Spigen Kuel OneTap gives you the same convenience and grip as the Easy One Touch 4 at only $19, $6 less than the iOttie.

$19 at Amazon

The OneTap is capable of holding even the largest phones securely, and there’s a telescopic arm for orientating the arm precisely where you need it in your vehicle. This mount will not work on a leather dashboard, so keep that in mind. It’s also available in black or white.

Koomus Pro CD Slot Car Mount

Your phone may take care of your road trip tunes these days, but your CD player can still be put to good use. Koomus’s low-profile mount is easy to slip into the long-forgotten disc slot, and your CD player won’t be damaged or even recognize that it’s in use.

$17 at Amazon

The slide-out clamp on the Koomus Pro mount holds your phone easily and securely with or without its case. You can also rotate your phone 360 degrees for better viewing. The Koomus Pro has a maximum phone width of 3.4 inches, so even the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will fit in there with a thin case.

The bottom line

First and foremost, you need to know the details of your local laws, in terms of whether or not you are allowed to mount anything on your windshield. Next, you need to consider how often you’ll use a car mount and where in your vehicle it’s going to be. Each of these car mounts has distinct advantages all their own, but we think that versatility and durability are the most important qualities to look for.

Which universal car mount are you using these days? Tell us about it in the comments!

Update August 2018: I’ve replaced the Spigen Style Ring with the Spigen A201 and updated links so that they’re all taking you to the best listings and prices for our pick.

Harman’s all new audio equipment lineups are taking IFA 2018 by storm

So much new to talk about.

IFA 2018 tech show is currently underway in Berlin. The American equivalent would be the Consumer Electronics Show, so you can imagine a lot of companies use this as a chance to introduce brand new tech lineups. Harman, Samsung’s audio subsidiary, is taking the opportunity to announce several different types of audio products this week.

The first announcement is the Harman Kardon Citation speaker series. This will be a modular home audio setup where you can buy the speakers individually or buy them together and create a surround sound system, which is similar to what Sonos does with its speakers. The entire system will cover four tabletop speakers, one sound bar, a subwoofer, and floorstanding towers. They will also have Google Assistant built in, which is a trend we’ve seen a lot from IFA speaker announcements this week.

The Harman Kardon Enchant series is getting two new versions, the Enchant 800 and Enchant 1300. These sound bars use Harman Kardon’s proprietary MultiBeam technology, which helps them simulate surround sound without a full surround sound setup. They will also have Chromecast built-in for easy access to your favorite apps. While not available for sale just yet, B&H does have the 800, the 1300, and the new subwoofer available for pre-order.

Harman is also announcing a follow-up to the JBL Charge 3 portable Bluetooth speaker called, unsurprisingly, the Charge 4. It will have 10 different color options, 20 hours of play time on a single charge, and the ability to connect to up to 100 other JBL Connect+ devices at the same time for real ragers. Like previous Charge speakers, you’ll be able to plug in and charge your mobile devices using the built-in battery.

Other JBL gear includes the true wireless earphones the JBL Endurance PEAK. These earbuds are designed for working out with water-resistance, tech called TwistLock and FlexSoft designed to ensure they never fall out, and PowerHook, which will turn them off automatically when you take them out of your ears. With a four-hour battery in the headphones and 24 more hours in the carrying case, you’ll go a long time without ever needing to plug in.

JBL’s Link Bar is a new sound bar with Android TV, Chromecast, and Google Assistant. Not only will it enhance your speakers with JBL’s sound, but you’ll also be able to access all your favorite Google Play apps, stream content, and control it all with your voice. It will come out in October for $400, although B&H does have a pre-order page up.

The JBL Link View is very similar but seems more like a competitor for the Amazon Echo Show. It includes an eight-inch touchscreen, 5MP front-facing camera, and all the Google stuff built right in. You can order it for $250 on JBL’s site because it looks like it’s coming out very early in September.

Under Armour is teaming up with JBL to release a lineup of wireless Bluetooth headphones for gym goers called the UA Sport Wireless React and Wireless Pivot, which are building on the success of Under Armour’s previous headphone models. Similar in design to other headphones we’ve seen, like the Anker SoundBuds Curve, these will be lightweight, aluminum headphones with rugged cables, water-resistance, unique ear tips so everyone can wear them comfortably, and up to nine hours of battery life. These will also come with a free one-year membership to Under Armour’s MapMyRun, which allows you to track and analyze your runs over time and normally costs $30.

AKG has four new wireless headphones coming out. The N700NC over-ear headphones will be the flagship pair with adaptive noise-cancelling, tech for taking calls on the go, a 23-hour battery life, and more. The N200, Y500, and Y100 headphones will also feature exceptional sound with Bluetooth Apt-x technology, magnetic ear buds that snap together for easy management, and auto-play features that can detect when you’re wearing the headphones or not.

Canada Deal: Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ are $200 off right now

Don’t pass this deal up!

Amazon currently has both the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ on sale for $760 and $900 respectively. These are both the unlocked versions, meaning you’ll be able to just take your existing SIM card and pop it in and start using it. Normally, both phones sell for around $200 more and considering they were only just released a few months back, this is a great offer that you won’t want to miss out on.

The discount only applies to the Titanium Grey Galaxy S9 and Lilac Purple Galaxy S9+, though odds are you’ll pop a case on it anyway, so the color shouldn’t matter too much.

Read all about the Galaxy S9 on Android Central through the original review and followup articles. This model has a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with 1440p resolution, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, the most recent Android OS, and 64GB internal memory.

See at Amazon

Lenovo’s first Yoga Chromebook launches this October for $599

There are also two cheaper Chromebooks priced at $249 and $279.

Lenovo’s no stranger when it comes to Chrome OS, but if you’ve followed the Chromebook’s the company’s released, you’ll know they’ve all mostly been focused on the budget and education markets.

At IFA 2018, Lenovo announced that it’s now ready to create a Chromebook that can compete with the likes of the HP Chromebook X2, Pixelbook, and more. Its name? The Lenovo Yoga Chromebook. This is the first time Lenovo’s Yoga brand has been attached to a Chromebook, and looking through the gadget’s specs, the wait appears to be well worth it.

The Yoga Chromebook has a sturdy metal chassis and is available in a vibrant Midnight Blue color. The keyboard is fully backlit, the display is a touchscreen, and as you’d expect with the Yoga branding, you can fold the hinge up to 360-degrees and instantly transform it into a tablet.

Intel’s 8th-gen Core i5 Kaby lake processor is at the heart of the Yoga Chromebook, in addition to 8GB of RAM and 64 or 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. The screen measures in at 15.6-inches and is available in either Full HD (1920 x 1080) or Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) configurations. There’s also an estimated 9-10 hours of battery life, two USB-C ports, one full-size USB-3.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and microSD card slot.

The Lenovo Chromebook C330 (left) and S330 (right)

In addition to the Yoga Chromebook, Lenovo also announced two new budget-focused Chromebooks — the C330 and S330. Both machines are powered by MediaTek processors, have 4GB RAM, and promise 10 hours of battery life.

All three Chromebooks will be available this October with the Yoga Chromebook coming at a starting price of $599. As for the C330 and S330, these cost $279 and $249, respectively.

Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14 hands on: Much too good for children

Lenovo’s Jedi Challenges headset is getting a Dark Side update

Finally, we can be bad guys.

Disney and Lenovo are pushing out the biggest update to the Jedi Challenges experience yet, and releasing some new hardware to accompany the release. The Dark Side Expansion is a free update for existing Jedi Challenges owners, and as the name suggests it allows you to fight and train as the only living wielder of that power in the Star Wars universe today. But since it would be weird to fight as Kylo Ren using Rey’s weapon, Lenovo is also making his now infamous cross-guard saber available as a limited edition upgrade you can buy.

Jedi Challenges owners have been asking about playing as the baddies from day one, and this new content pack gives you the whole experience. As Kylo Ren, you’ll be able to fight Rey, Yoda, Luke, and many more as you climb through a similar difficulty tree as the original game system. Also found in this update is a new PvP gameplay mode, called Ship Battles. Like the original map-based strategy game included int he headset, you control troops in the form of starships and wage intergalactic war against a human opponent with a matching fleet.

You can expect the Dark Side content update to be available for new and existing Jedi Challenges owners this October, but the limited edition Kylo Ren lightsaber for the game will be available for $99 later this winter. Jedi Challenges was already well worth the money you pay for it, and with this new content expansion you can expect not only hours more unique gameplay but also a new way to play with others who own the headset.

Augmented Reality

Lenovo Jedi Challenges AR headset

$200 at Amazon

Easily the best augmented reality headset you can buy today.

Lenovo and Disney teamed up to make a headset you can put on and live out your fantasy of being a Jedi in the real world, complete with returning blaster fire and cutting down your opponents with your very own lightsaber. It’s a game unlike any other.

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook hands-on: $599 gets you a whole lot of laptop

A great upgrade pick for people who value size and screen quality over weight and portability.

After making plenty of successful Chromebooks in the cheaper price segment, Lenovo is stepping up to something a bit more premium with the launch of the new Yoga Chromebook. That “Yoga” name means this is, of course, a convertible laptop with a 180-degree rotating hinge, but it’s also a sign that Lenovo is willing to position a Chromebook with the more premium-focused Yoga brand. And the price fits — the Yoga Chromebook starts at $599 and can go up a couple hundred dollars from there depending on how you spec it out.

So what do you get for the price tag that’s over double the other two Chromebooks Lenovo just announced? For starters, you get physically more computer: the Yoga Chromebook is a 15.6-inch machine, which is bigger than most mainstream Chromebooks out there. Then, there’s how it’s made. This is a solid, all-aluminum build that feels sturdy and looks great with its subtle angular lines and tight tolerances. It looks every bit worth the asking price, and is accompanied by nice features like dual USB-C ports for charging and data.

With the big screen, Lenovo is positioning the Yoga Chromebook as a media-focused “around the house” computer rather than one you’d carry with you or even take to/from work on a daily basis. The base model has just a 1080p display, but you’ll want to opt for the 4K model if at all possible — it’s gorgeous, and the small bezels give it a modern look. Both variants are touchscreens as well. You also get a big, comfortable trackpad and backlit keyboard under the screen with all of that extra deck space, though it’s odd that the pair of speakers are down-firing considering the room available up top.

The fact that you can flip that massive screen over into various convertible modes doesn’t seem all that useful at first in a laptop this big, but when you think about getting the keyboard out of the way to enjoy some TV episodes or movies on that excellent 4K screen, it makes sense. It’s downright comical to try and it up even with the firm grasp of two hands, but just because you fold over the screen doesn’t mean you have to keep it up in the air in your hands. Flipping it into the display or tent modes, this will be a great Netflix machine for people who don’t have any other computer, giving you a comfortable viewing size compared to traditional 11- and 13-inch Chromebooks.

This thing is great — I just wish it came in a smaller size, too.

With all of that case size and an increased price, Lenovo filled the Yoga Chromebook with specs far above what you find on the cheaper models. It comes standard with an 8th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM an 64GB of storage — with an option for 128GB in addition to a microSD slot. The 56Wh battery inside isn’t particularly large, but considering this isn’t a super-portable machine it isn’t surprising. And because it’s already north of 4 pounds as it sits, adding in more battery would make it even more immobile.

For as nice as this machine is, I sure wish Lenovo would’ve paired it with a release of a smaller model in this exact same design, materials, and specs. The fact that this is a big, heavy machine with a 15.6-inch display designed primarily for home use severely limits its potential market, and clouds its many redeeming qualities and desirable features. I know some people are looking for this type of larger laptop and don’t need the portability — but Lenovo can (and does) make more than one size of each laptop model.

The best Chromebooks you can buy today

The hardware is efficiently designed and extremely well executed, the specs are wonderful for a Chromebook, and the screen looks really good. I just wish it was also available in a 12- or 13-inch version that I could carry with me every day — even if the price was roughly the same. But if this is the type of laptop for you, and you like the simplicity of Chrome OS, you can get one starting in October for $599 and up, depending on the spec.

ZTE Axon 9 Pro officially announced with no plans for a U.S. release

Pricing is set at €649 in Europe.

Following a teaser from the company earlier this month, ZTE’s officially unveiled the Axon 9 Pro at IFA 2018 in Berlin.

The Axon 9 Pro is the long-awaited successor to the Axon 7 from 2016, and if you live in a market where the phone’s being sold, you’re in for a real treat.

At first glance, the Axon 9 Pro has all the makings of a typical 2018 flagship. There’s a 6.21-inch AMOLED display with a notch and 18:9 aspect ratio, dual 12MP + 20MP rear cameras, 20MP selfie camera, Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 4,000 mAh battery, and Android 8.1 Oreo.

None of that is particularly exciting on its own, but the Axon 9 Pro manages to stand out for two main reasons — a new feature called Axon Vision and its price.

Axon Vision is making its debut on the Axon 9 Pro, and according to a hands-on from Engadget, this system uses the phone’s screen and an RGB sensor to enhance the color and sharpness of anything that’s on the display based on the color temperature of the environment around you. In addition to making everything look prettier, Axon Vision can even add frames to videos so that 24 and 30 FPS content is turned into a much smoother 60 FPS.

As for the Axon 9 Pro’s price, it’s going to cost €649 when it goes on sale this September. That’s not the most affordable Snapdragon 845-touting phone, but it’s considerably less than the €999 Galaxy Note 9.

Unfortunately, while the Axon 9 Pro will be making its way to Europe, there aren’t any plans to bring the phone to the United States.

BlackBerry KEY2 LE hands-on: A $399 ticket to the hardware keyboard party