YouTube’s Signature Devices highlights the best phones for watching YouTube
YouTube started as a simple video site, but today it’s much, much more.
YouTube is so much more than cute cats and mindless pranks; it’s where millions come for education, information, and live, late-breaking news. YouTube streams more than just Google keynotes; it streams important political debates and allows users to stream from almost anywhere in the world with an internet connection. It’s important to understand YouTube and how to use it, and whether you’re just looking to watch your videos without Autoplay plaguing you or you’re looking to turn your feed into a legitimate cord-cutter cornucopia of enticing entertainment, we’re here to help you get it done.
Finding your way around
First things first: let’s find where we find videos on YouTube and how we start curating our content so that YouTube’s algorithms can start working to bring us more of what we want. Want to get started with YouTube? Start here.
How to use YouTube for Android
Managing YouTube
YouTube can run away with you (and your mobile data) if you don’t keep it in check. From managing what kinds of content can pop up in your results to what networks you use to stream in HD, these are settings you can use to keep YouTube manageable.
How to manage the YouTube app for Android
Saving YouTube videos
See a fun video that you want to watch later? We’ve all been there. Here’s how to save videos for later — and to save them for watching offline, depending on where you live.
How to save videos in YouTube for Android
Managing your YouTube history
We all search for things we’d rather not fess up to. We stumble upon videos we wish we hadn’t seen. It’s okay, you don’t have to burn your digital identity — we just need to clean up our YouTube histories.
How to pause and clear your YouTube history
Uploading videos
Making the jump from consumer to creator on YouTube is a breeze. Here’s how to get videos from your Android phone onto YouTube. Getting them on the front page, however, is another matter entirely.
How to upload videos to YouTube
Taming YouTube’s annoyances
Like any site or product, there are ways that YouTube can annoy and irritate. Luckily, here’s the way to stop some of the more visible annoyances on the app.
Best tricks to fix YouTube’s most annoying features
Signature Devices offer the best YouTube experience on Android
Piggybacking on the Note 9’s announcement, Google ushered in a new program called “Signature Devices.” Signature Devices are Android phones that YouTube deems as offering the best possible YouTube experience around thanks to their screen size, resolution, HDR support, and more.
This is a list that’s constantly growing, and for the time being, these are the phones that are currently part of it:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
- HTC U12+
- OnePlus 6
- LG G7 ThinQ
- Xiaomi Mi 8
- Sony Xperia XZ2
- Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
- Nokia 8 Sirocco
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
- Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9+
- Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- LG V30
- Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8+
How to sign up for YouTube Premium
As great as YouTube is on its own, the app’s made even better when you sign up for YouTube Premium.
YouTube Premium gives you access to a heap of extra features, including the ability to download videos for offline viewing, not having to ever watch ads, access to all YouTube Originals content, and more. If you want to give the service a shot, it costs $11.99/month and signing up takes just a couple minutes.
How to sign up for YouTube Premium
How to get the most out of Premium
Once you’re signed up for YouTube Premium, you’ll want to make sure you tap into everything it has to offer!
It can be easy to overlook all of the benefits that come with your Premium subscription, so let us help you get the absolute most out of your money.
How to get the most from YouTube Premium: Top tips and tricks
Updated August 21, 2018: Added a new section for YouTube’s Signature Devices list.
Symmetry Series for Galaxy S9+ can’t shake that OtterBox bulk
This glittery clear case is rugged, dependable, and too bulky to tolerate every day.
In a market that’s saturated with cases from thousands upon thousands of casemakers in every shade, color, and style available, it’s easy for users to get reliant on name brands to find cases of quality. Even among our favorite Samsung Galaxy S9+ cases, known names like Spigen and SUPCASE make the rounds because they deliver quality and security time and time again.
Otterbox is one of the best-known casemakers in the world, with the Otterbox Defender Series being known as much for its robust protection as it is for its tank-like size, but Otterbox has lighter-duty cases in its repertoire. The Otterbox Symmetry Case Series for the Samsung S9+ sports shinier cases, prettier cases, but can they escape the curse of the Otterbox bulk?
Otterbox Symmetry Case Series for Galaxy S9+
Price: $27
Bottom line: You’re paying more for the name on the side of this case than you are for case’s actual protective qualities.This bulky behemoth of a clear case is stiff, awkward, and spins like a top on your desk.
See at Amazon
The Good
- Subtle gradient plays well with phone’s color
- Lifetime limited warranty and dependable durability
The Bad
- Buttons are stiff and not very responsive
- Very stiff bumper makes it difficult to get the phone in and out of the case
- Too big and unwieldy, especially for its price tag
Otterbox Symmetry Case Series for Galaxy S9+ What works well
The Symmetry Series consists of solid, shiny single-layer clear cases, some of which are crystal clear while others have copious amounts of glitter infused into the polycarbonate. The glittery Aloha Ombre caught my eye for its teal gradient, allowing it to play well with both the Lilac Purple and Coral Blue versions of the S9+.
I was expecting a bold wave of color surging up from the base of the case, but it’s much more subtle in person than it is in the renders online. Also not quite as noticeably in the renders is the not-sharp but not-smooth groove along the side of the case where it transitions from smooth clear polycarbonate to the frosted front bumper.
The port cutouts are okay with the cutout around the fingerprint and heart rate scanner especially wide for S9+ users who actually use their phone to track their heart rate.
Otterbox Symmetry Case Series for Galaxy S9+ What falls flat
This may not be the kind of three-layer, super-duper, ready-for-the-apocalypse ultra-rugged phone case that Otterbox is made for, but it still has most of that bulk. The Symmetry Series may be a single-layer case, but it’s thicker than every dual-layer case in my collection today, clear case or solid. This thickness is especially noticeable at three times: when trying to get your phone in or out of the case, when using the buttons, and when sticking it in a pocket, purse, or holster.
Now, most people don’t switch cases every few days — and admittedly, when I’m not reviewing cases, I don’t switch that often either — but when trying to get the S9+ into the Symmetry for the first time, I was genuinely scared I might break the phone trying to get it in there. The bumper is almost as stiff and immovable as the polycarbonate back, and unfortunately, that applies to the buttons, too. I’m having to exert far more force to activate the buttons while using the Symmetry case on my S9+, and it’s made screenshotting especially painful.
Like most clear cases, the Symmetry is a magnet for smudges and smears, and while those are hidden in the glimmer of the glitter easily enough, this case started picking up scuffs in 3 days. Unlike smudges, scuffs don’t rub out and aren’t hidden by the glitter’s shine.
Otterbox Symmetry Case Series for Galaxy S9+
Otterbox means dependable. Otterbox means strong. And Otterbox means bulky, no matter how much the Symmetry Series for the Galaxy S9+ tries to pass itself off as “thin and sleek”. This case is noticeably more bulky than every other clear case I’ve tried to date, and while its glitter is quite sparkly, the rest of the case feels dull.
2.5
out of 5
Even though the Symmetry Series comes in some alluring styles like the Aloha Ombre, the case is as stiff to get the phone in and out of as it is to try and press the buttons on. And for the same price as the Otterbox, you could buy yourself two S9+ clear cases that are easier to use and easier to pocket.
See at Amazon
Hands-on with Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass app for Android
At Gamescom 2018, Microsoft debuted a new Xbox Game Pass mobile app for Android and iOS, allowing you to browse and push game installations remotely to your console.
Xbox Game Pass is a $9.99 per month service that gives you subscription access to dozens of games. It also has some true headliners, such as Fallout 4, DOOM, and The Division.
During Gamescom 2018, Microsoft unveiled a new Xbox Game Pass app for Android and iOS mobile devices, allowing subscribers to browse the catalog of available titles from their phones, while also pushing installations remotely over the internet. At the event, we got an early hands-on look with the Android version.
A look at the Xbox Game Pass app for Android
The app is far faster than the usual Xbox app for Android, allowing speedy and functional perusal of the existing Game Pass library. You can set up notifications for new catalog additions to keep up to date on what is available, and you can add your favorite Game Pass titles to a library list for quick access.
You can browse the most popular titles, the complete list from A to Z, or by genre. Browsing the store page for a game gives you some information, game reviews, and it has a button to push an installation directly to a connected Xbox One console. Naturally, to make use of the remote installations your Xbox needs to be set up in Instant-On mode, rather than Energy Saving mode in the power settings. You can browse the Xbox Game Pass library without signing in, but to make use of its features you will need to sign in with the same Microsoft Account you use on your Xbox One. The app also supports separate dark and light themes.
Bringing Game Pass to mobile devices like this might seem like a small deal, but it’ll further Microsoft’s encroachment on mobile platforms, as the company gradually works towards bringing full-blown game streaming to more “portable” devices.
We’ll keep you posted on availability, and provide Android and iOS download links as soon as we can.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 awarded as the best phone for watching YouTube
Here’s the lowdown on one of 2018’s most powerful smartphones 💥
It’s finally here. After relentless leaks, rumors, and more, Samsung’s finally unveiled the Galaxy Note 9.
Even though we already knew a lot about the phone prior to its official announcement, there’s still plenty to talk about. What colors does it come in? What are the final specs? Were we impressed during our hands-on preview?
All those questions and more are answered right here, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.
The latest Galaxy Note 9 news
August 21, 2018 — Google names the Note 9 as the best phone for YouTube
The Note 9’s 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display is one of the best you’ll find on a smartphone in 2018, and thanks to this, Google’s deemed it as the best phone for binging YouTube on.
YouTube’s Signature Devices list recently launched as a way to highlight Android phones that offer the best experience for all things YouTube, and as part of it, it’s noted that:
With this transition from TV screen to phone screen, YouTube has announced its Signature Devices for a best-in-class YouTube experience. Ranked against a variety of key attributes, YouTube endorsed a variety of devices as best-in-class for the platform.
Their top choice? The Samsung Galaxy Note 9
August 21, 2018 — The 512GB Note 9 saw more pre-orders than the 128GB model in Korea
Pre-order numbers for the Galaxy Note 9 are slowly trickling out, and according to a report from The Investor, Samsung’s highest-end 512GB model was the most popular in the country.
SK Telecom, Korea’s biggest wireless carrier, notes that “users mostly preferred to buy the 512GB version” which costs 1.35 million won (or $1,208 USD). At this time, it’s unclear if the 512GB preference carriers over to the U.S. and other markets.
Korean pre-orders for the Note 9 have also been stronger than that of the Galaxy S9, but not as high as last year’s Note 8.
August 17, 2018 — Galaxy Note 9 already getting a software update that adds August 2018 security patch and more slow-mo video options
The Note 9 won’t officially be released until Augst 24, but even so, Samsung’s already pushing a software update to the phone that adds a couple goodies.
This update changes the software version number to N960FXXU1ARH5 and allows users to record Super Slow-Mo video for moments that last either 0.2 seconds or 0.4 seconds when in manual mode. 0.2-second shots are still in glorious 960 FPS while 0.4-second ones are limited to 480 FPS.
Additionally, this update also brings the more recent August 2018 security patch.
August 15, 2018 — Samsung talks about what it took to make the Note 9 so darn pretty 😍
It’s no secret that Samsung makes stunning phones, and with the Galaxy Note 9, the company put all of its design prowess on full display. However, as much fun as it is to look at and hold the Note 9, it’s even more exciting to take a closer look at just what goes into crafting a device of its caliber.
Samsung’s Infinity Display is once again being used on the Note 9, and measuring in at 6.4-inches, is the biggest the company’s created to-date. Samsung also says that the Note 9’s screen is an ever deeper black compared to past handsets, which “allows it to blend in with the bezels when the device is off and enhances the overall aesthetic.”
A process called Die-cutting was used to craft the Note 9’s frame, and as a result of this laborious process, the frame of the Note 9 ” features an interplay of glossy and matte finishes that complements the Galaxy Note9’s premium design cues.”
To read more about the Note 9’s design and the time/attention that went into its S Pen, check out Samsung’s full deep dive below.
Beautiful From Every Angle: The Design of the Galaxy Note 9
All the big details
Check out our hands-on preview
Before you do anything else, be sure to check out our initial hands-on preview of the Galaxy Note 9!
This is Samsung’s biggest and most powerful phone of the year, and during our early look, we got a chance to check out the Note 9’s design, new S Pen features, cameras, and more.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 hands-on preview: $1000 well spent
Here are the specs
Like past Notes before it, the Galaxy Note 9 is packed to the gills with all of the latest available tech. That means it has the latest processor, a massive battery, an insane amount of RAM, and much more.
Here are all the specs you can look forward to.
| Operating system | Android 8.1 OreoSamsung Experience 9.5 |
| Display | 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 2960×1440 (18.5:9) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| Storage | 128/512GB |
| Expandable | MicroSD up to 2TB |
| RAM | 6/8GB |
| Primary rear camera | 12MP Super Speed Dual Pixel, OIS, f/1.5 or f/2.4 |
| Secondary rear camera | 12MP, OIS, f/2.4, telephoto lens |
| Front camera | 8MP, f/1.7, auto focus |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO, 1.2Gbps (Cat-18) LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 LEANT+, NFC, GPS, Glonass |
| Audio | Stereo speakersDolby Atmos3.5mm headphone |
| Battery | 4000mAhNon-removable |
| Charging | |
| Water resistance | IP68 |
| Security | One-touch fingerprint sensorIris scannerSamsung KNOX |
| Dimensions | |
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple (U.S.)Midnight Black, Metallic Copper (intl) |
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 specifications
Should you upgrade from the Note 8?
As exciting as the Galaxy Note 9 is shaping up to be, last year’s Note 8 is still one heck of a smartphone.
The Note 9 offers the expected improvements in regards to RAM, camera performance, etc., but really gets a strong edge over its predecessor thanks to its improved S Pen and a massive battery.
Then again, if you already have the Note 8 and don’t feel like throwing down $900 (?) on a new phone, maybe upgrading isn’t the right move for you?
Let Andrew break everything down for you in his comparison of the Note 8 and Note 9
How’s it compare to other phones?
That’s fine and dandy, but how’s the Note 9 hold up against other non-Note devices?
Without a doubt, one of the Note 9’s biggest competitors comes from Samsung itself with the Galaxy S9+. A lot of features are shared between the two phones, including a large Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845, Samsung’s custom software, excellent dual cameras, and more.
The Note 9 is obviously the only one of the two that uses the S Pen, but is that reason enough to make the pricey upgrade?
Similarly, there are still plenty of other phones that are scheduled to come out before 2018 is over — most importantly the Google Pixel 3 XL. Rumors and leaks are hinting at a phone with considerably slimmer bezels, an even better camera package, and an all-glass back (not to mention the ginormous notch).
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs. Galaxy S9+
Should you buy the Galaxy Note 9 or wait for the Google Pixel 3 XL?
A lot is new with the S Pen
The S Pen is easily the biggest reason so many people flock to the Note series year after year, and this time around, Samsung’s giving the S Pen one of its biggest upgrades in years.
For the first time, Samsung’s adding Bluetooth Low Energy to the S Pen. With this new connectivity, the S Pen picks up a heap of new features that allow you to control the Note 9 from a distance.
Some use cases include being able to use the S Pen and its button as a camera shutter, navigating through presentations, and more. The presence of Bluetooth also means this is the first S Pen to have a battery, and as with all things that have a battery, the S Pen will need to be charged.
Thankfully, seeing as how the S Pen seamlessly charges in the background when stored inside the Note 9, this shouldn’t ever prove to be an issue of any sort.
Get the official wallpapers right here!
New Samsung phones always come with striking wallpapers to help jazz up your home screen, and even if you don’t have the funds/interest to get a Note 9 right now, you can still bring its look to your exisitng handset with its official wallpapers.
We’ve got all 12 listed above for your viewing pleasure, and if you want to throw one (or all) of them on your phone, feel free to download ’em as you see fit.
What color should you get?
Samsung’s typically one of the better OEMs when it comes to offering a good variety of colors, and with the Note 9, that’s no different.
In the United States, buyers will be able to choose from Ocean Blue and Lavender Purple. In other parts of the world, Samsung’s releasing Midnight Black and Metallic Copper.
Which color Galaxy Note 9 should I buy: Blue, purple, gold, or black?
Don’t forget about the cases!
The Note 9 has a striking design that combines metal and glass into one gorgeous package, but as great as the phone might look, it’s certainly not the most durable handset you’ll find.
Thankfully, to help keep your Note 9 looking as good as can be through all sorts of wear and tear, there are already a number of cases being sold.
Here are our favorites!
Best Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Cases
Here’s everything you need to know about buying the Note 9
There are a lot of reasons you may want to pick up the Note 9, and whatever those reasons may be, you’ve got a lot of options for deciding where to get it.
In the United States, pricing starts at $999.99 for the 128GB model and goes up to $1249.99 for the 512GB one. You can get the phone at Best Buy, Amazon, Samsung’s website, all of the major carriers, and more.
However, there are some questions that pop up when thinking about buying the Note 9. Should you buy it unlocked or through a carrier? What storage size is the best to pick up? You’ve got the questions, we’ve got answers.
Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9: Best deals for your new phone
Should you buy the Galaxy Note 9 unlocked or from a carrier?
Samsung Galaxy Note 9: Which storage size should I buy?
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review
- Galaxy Note 9 vs. Note 8
- Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9
- Galaxy Note 9 specifications
- Is the Note 8 still a good buy?
- Join our Galaxy Note 9 forums
AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Samsung
Updated August 16, 2018: Updated this guide with a news-roll and the latest available info!
MrMobile: The Galaxy Note 9 is a smartphone that’s actually worth $1000
I get it, you guys: no one thinks smartphones should actually cost a thousand bucks. Motorola kicks out incredible quality on the low end with its Moto G series; the OnePlus 6 delivers a truly exceptional experience at under $550; and buying last year’s flagships is another smart way to save coin. Given all these options, it seems ludicrous to drop ten Benjamins for any mobile device.
But the $1000 phone isn’t going anywhere, folks – and not just because people like me are “saying it’s okay,” as I’ve read many times in the comments. Rising component costs, market forces like inflation, and (yes) good old-fashioned greed will ensure that four-figure phones remain a reality for years to come. Plus, in a country like the United States where four out of every five smartphones are sold by a carrier with a monthly installment plan, the sting of that spend is sufficiently dulled that people are still whipping out the wallets. Just ask Apple.
The question then becomes: if you’re not in the market for an iPhone, but you’re willing to spend four figures for a supreme experience, which phone is worth the cheddar? Probably not one of the indulgent Porsche Design-branded Huaweis, unless you really need to stand out. And importing an Oppo Find X will still run you more than you should spend (at least until the European model becomes more widely available).
No, for me it’s Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9, with its epic combination of near-flawless screen, large battery, top-shelf specs, and newly-revised S Pen stylus, that wins the day. Sure, it’s still a glass sandwich, which I’m getting a little tired of, and I’m not getting the kind of endurance I think I should be from a power pack this robust … but even after taking these compromises into account, the Galaxy Note 9 is still the only phone I’d willingly drop a thousand bucks on. Check out my in-depth thoughts in the Galaxy Note 9 review video above, then head over to Android Central’s full review here … and if you have a contrary opinion, feel free to @ me – by subscribing to the YouTube Channel and leaving a comment there!
Stay social, my friends
- YouTube
- The Web
- Snapchat
Lenovo Smart Display: Everything you need to know
The Echo Show is so 2017.
Ever since the Google Home came out in 2016, Google Assistant-powered smart speakers have been among the most popular smart home gadgets on the market.
We’ve seen these devices come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and now with the Lenovo Smart Display, we’ve got a Google Assistant speaker that comes with its own screen.
The Lenovo Smart Display is one of the most powerful (yet still rather affordable) smart speakers on the market right now, and if you’re already sucked into the Google ecosystem, should make for a great addition to your home.
Here’s everything you need to know!
It comes in two sizes
Unlike most other Smart Displays that have been announced, the Lenovo Smart Display is not a one-size-fits-all product. Instead, there are two different versions you can choose between.
The base model is the most affordable and comes with an 8-inch touchscreen and white plastic back. If you’ve got a bit more cash to spend, you can pick up the 10-inch model that also swaps out the plastic back for a gorgeous bamboo one.
Aside from the difference in screen size and back material, however, there’s no functional difference between the two models.
All of your regular “Hey, Google” and “Ok, Google” commands work like you’d expect
Although the Lenovo Smart Display might look a lot different compared to the Google Home and Home Mini, all of the “Hey, Google” and “Ok, Google” commands you’re familiar with work just like you’d expect.
You can ask the Smart Display for the weather, call your mom, get directions to work, play music on Spotify, control your smart bulbs, and so much more.
Thanks to the inclusion of the display, however, almost all of these commands now come with an extra visual element to take your experience a step further. For example, asking for the weather shows a forecast and setting a timer will keep that timer on the screen so you can look over at any time and see how much of it is remaining.
The display is a touchscreen
On top of those glanceable elements that provide more info with just a look, both versions of the Smart Display also come with touchscreens so you can manually control some elements without using your voice.
You’ll still need to talk to the Smart Display for the majority of your interactions, but you can tap on the screen to skip a song on Spotify, adjust a slider to get the perfect temperature for your thermostat, scroll through your pictures on Google Photos, etc.
The touchscreen interactions are meant to supplement your voice commands rather than replace them, and while that might sound like a bit much at first, it’s a really natural experience after using the Smart Display for just a few minutes.
It’s the perfect kitchen TV
Being able to see the weather and your commute to work on the Lenovo Smart Display is incredibly helpful, but where this gadget’s screen really shines is with video content.
Although this won’t be replacing your home theater setup anytime soon, the Smart Display is a great supplementary TV for the kitchen or office.
More video sources should be coming in the future, but for the time being, you can watch YouTube, YouTube TV, and HBO Now.
How to watch YouTube videos on the Lenovo Smart Display
How’s it compare to the Amazon Echo Show?
The Lenovo Smart Display may be the first of its kind for Google Assistant speakers, but it’s certainly not the first smart speaker in the world to come equipped with a display.
Amazon beat Lenovo to the punch by an entire year, but that’s not to say Lenovo’s a year behind the Echo Show in regards to functionality and polish. In fact, the end result just might surprise you!
Lenovo Smart Display vs. Amazon Echo Show: Which should you buy?
There are still a few kinks here and there
While the Lenovo Smart Display does get a lot of things right, there are a few areas that would benefit from a software update or two.
Almost all of the day-to-day interactions work just fine, but there are some bugs that can make the experience a tad frustrating at times. To get a better idea of what I mean, check out the link below to see what 4 things we think would make the Smart Display even better.
4 things that’d make the Lenovo Smart Display even better
Pricing starts at $199
If you’re interested, you can pick up the 8-inch Lenovo Smart Display for just $199.99. If you’ve got more cash to spend and want the larger screen, you can step up to the 10-inch version for $249.99.
The Lenovo Smart Display is available in the United States at Best Buy, B&H, Walmart, Lenovo’s official website, and more.
See at Best Buy
The newest PlayStation 4 Gold wireless gaming headset is down to $80 today
This PlayStation accessory is just inches away from being an essential for gamers.
Sony’s PlayStation Gold wireless headset is down to $79.99 via Amazon today. This headset was released in February earlier this year, and today’s deal is just $5 above the lowest offer we’ve seen on it. It regularly sells for $100 at other retailers such as Best Buy.
The older version was a really well-liked gaming peripheral, but the new one is getting good critical reviews as well. PC Mag gave it 4 stars. The team here has a breakdown of the differences between the two and talks about whether or not you should upgrade.
The headset has 7.1 virtual surround sound, a noise-canceling microphone, a free companion app, and a comfortable feel for long-term gaming. You can even remove the faceplates and customize it according to your own style. It’s still somehwat new so it doesn’t have a huge amount of user reviews, but close to 150 users give it 3.8 stars out of 5 collectively at Amazon.
See at Amazon
VRidge has added better Oculus Go controller support for SteamVR games
A major VRidge update has added extra support for using Oculus Go controllers with SteamVR.
Thanks to some savvy developers, it’s possible to stream SteamVR games to mobile VR systems, like Oculus Go. I already wrote a guide on using Air Light VR (ALVR) to get this done, but a recent update to RiftCat’s VRidge software, an alternative method for streaming, has added better controller support. This is key when trying to make up lost ground between the two motion controllers PC-based VR uses and the single controller used with the Oculus Go. Let’s take a look at how to get everything set up, as well as what to expect when using a Go controller with SteamVR games.
Related: Best laptops for VR
- How to install VRidge on your PC
- How to install VRidge on your Oculus Go
- How to stream SteamVR games to your Oculus Go
- Using your Oculus Go controller with SteamVR
How to install VRidge on your PC
First, you need to install VRidge on your PC. A free version is available, but it limits play time to 10 minutes per session. If you’d like, you can purchase a full version of VRidge for about $17.
Navigate to the VRidge download webpage at RiftCat’s website.
Click Download.
Click Save.
Click Run.
Click Accept.
Click Install.
Click Start RiftCat. You can leave the client running on your PC while you get VRidge set up on your Oculus Go.
How to install VRidge on your Oculus Go
Now you need to get VRidge set up on your Oculus Go.
Navigate to the RiftCat key webpage.
Click Register. If you already have a RiftCat account, enter your username and password to proceed.
Type your email address.
Type a password.
Type your password again to confirm.
Click the checkbox next to I accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Click Register.
Highlight and copy the unique Oculus key displayed on the page.
Navigate to the Oculus key redeem webpage.
Paste the RiftCat VRidge code into the field.
Click Redeem.
The next time you start your Oculus Go, VRidge will show up in your library. If it doesn’t check the Uninstalled section and select it to install.
How to stream SteamVR games to your Oculus Go
Now that everything is downloaded and installed, you can start streaming SteamVR games to your Oculus Go.
Launch the VRidge app on your Oculus Go.
Click Yes in the RiftCat client on your PC.
Launch a SteamVR game on your PC.
Click the Play button in the RiftCat client if it does not start automatically.
You should now be able to see the SteamVR game within your Oculus Go.
Using your Oculus Go controller with SteamVR
Most SteamVR games are designed to work with two motion controllers, each with six degrees of freedom (6DOF). Unfortunately, the Oculus Go only has a single controller with three degrees of freedom (3DOF), so you won’t get the same experience, but VRidge has added better support for button mapping.
The Go controller’s trigger remains the same, but the touchpad now has four extra inputs along its edges.
- Menu: Press the upper part of the touchpad.
- Grip: Press the left or right side of the touchpad.
- System: Press the bottom part of the touchpad.
Running your thumb along the middle touchpad will still emulate a joystick, allowing you to move as normal. It will take a bit of getting used to, but tapping the edges for extra buttons does come in handy and should prove to make most SteamVR games a bit more accessible when streaming to the Oculus Go.
Related resources
- How to play SteamVR games on Oculus Go with ALVR
- Best HTC Vive games set to launch on SteamVR this month
Apple Scores Rights to ‘Losing Earth’ Climate Change TV Project
Apple has purchased the rights to develop a project based on popular New York Times Magazine story “Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change,” reports The New York Times.
“Losing Earth,” written by Nathaniel Rich, is also set to be the subject of an upcoming book. The magazine article covers the 10-year period from 1979 to 1989, a decade when “humanity settled the science of climate change and came surprisingly close to finding a solution” but ultimately failed to act due to various political forces.
An image in “Losing Earth” taken after California wildfires last year
The “Losing Earth” article recounted how, from 1979 to 1989, a small group of American scientists, activists and politicians tried to save the world from the ravages of climate change before it was too late. The article was produced with the support of the Pulitzer Center and was based on more than 18 months of reporting and over 100 interviews.
“‘Losing Earth’ is an extremely important piece of journalism and we are thrilled it will get a wider audience,” Jordan Cohen, a spokesman for The Times, said.
The New York Times said that at least a half-dozen bidders were aiming to acquire rights to the nonfiction project, which Apple plans to turn into a TV show.
The TV show will be produced by Anonymous Content, a company known for films that include “Spotlight,” “The Revenant,” “Collateral Beauty,” and TV shows like “True Detective,” “Mr. Robot,” and “13 Reasons Why.”
Rich will serve as an executive producer on the series alongside Steve Golin, founder of Anonymous Content.
“Losing Earth” is one of more than a dozen television shows Apple is working on, most of which are fiction-based. Apple plans to introduce the first of its television shows next year, perhaps as early as March, and several of them are in the casting stages. From The New York Times:
Apple has said it will start streaming its television offerings next year, when it will begin competing against Netflix, Amazon and Hulu in earnest.
The 30,000 word “Losing Earth” article can be read online on The New York Times website.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
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Apple Removes 14 Apple Watch Bands From Website, Many Others ‘Sold Out’ Ahead of September Event
We’re just under one month from Apple’s annual September iPhone event, which should also see the debut of the Apple Watch Series 4. Alongside each new edition of the Apple Watch, Apple typically updates its array of band accessories with new colors and styles. Echoing shortages from previous years, it appears that numerous Apple Watch bands have either been removed or are currently unavailable to purchase on Apple.com ahead of next month’s event, as spotted by Reddit user ScaniaCB80.
Apple has long been upfront about its plan to offer seasonal availability of many new Apple Watch bands, with various styles and colors available only for a few weeks before disappearing from its official website. Still, massive removals and shortages like this week’s have been a consistent indicator for new band refreshes, as the same events in June 2016, February 2017, and May 2018 have preceded fresh band colors and styles in September 2016, March 2017, and June 2018, respectively.
As of this morning, 14 bands across the Sport Loop and Sport Band families have been removed from Apple.com in the United States:
Sport Loop
– Marine Green
– Hot Pink
– Flashlight
– Tahoe Blue
– Midnight Fog (Nike)
– Cargo Khaki (Nike)
Sport Band
– Marine Green
– Sky Blue
– Denim Blue
– Red Raspberry
– Lemonade
– Cargo Khaki/Black (Nike)
– Barely Rose/Pearl Pink (Nike)
– Black/White (Nike)
It appears that no other band types have seen removals, but many are sold out:
Sport Loop
– Dark Olive
– Spicy Orange
– Pearl Pink (Nike)
– Bright Crimson/Black (Nike, 38mm)
Sport Band
– Peach
– Dark Teal
– Spicy Orange
– Pure Platinum/White (Nike)
Classic Buckle
– Spring Yellow (42mm)
– Electric Blue
– Soft Pink (42mm)
Woven Nylon
– Pride (42mm)
– Pink Stripe
– Blue Stripe (38mm)
– Gray Stripe (42mm)
– Black Stripe (38mm)
– Spicy Orange Check
– Berry Check (38mm)
– Dark Olive Check
– Midnight Blue Check A large portion of the sold-separately Hermès bands are also unavailable to purchase at this time. As in previous years, the wording for each unavailable model isn’t Apple’s usual “Currently Unavailable” that typically appears when an item is temporarily out of stock for an undetermined period of time, but a more definitive “Sold Out.”
The Sport Loop now has one of the lowest available stock on Apple.com, with just four colors up for purchase in both 38mm and 42mm sizes. There are still eight colors of the Sport Band available to buy with the usual 2-day shipping estimate, although the Midnight Blue 38mm model is currently seeing a delivery estimate as far back as September 14 – 21 for free shipping.
In contrast, it appears that all of the Apple Watch Series 3 collections are still available to purchase on Apple.com in the U.S., in both GPS or GPS + Cellular, with the exception of many Hermès collections. This is a bit less common, as the collections (which bundle an Apple Watch case with a pre-determined band) have routinely seen shortages alongside the individual band shortages over the past few years.
Bands still available to purchase include every version of the Milanese Loop and Link Bracelets, which now date back to the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015. Apple’s more recent band refreshes have shied away from the expensive fashion side of the Apple Watch (which was a selling point of the original), now focusing on fitness and low-cost bands that can survive workouts and other external conditions.
As usual, stock shortages on Apple.com are far from a definitive confirmation of incoming hardware, but the timing does line up if Apple refreshes the bands next month alongside the Apple Watch Series 4. The new Apple Watch is expected to have a slightly new design with a 15 percent larger display, likely due to minimized bezels.
Just yesterday, six new Apple Watch model numbers were filed with the Eurasian Economic Commission, further confirming an incoming launch of the Apple Watch Series 4. Although specific hardware details will have to wait for Apple’s keynote, as of now it’s expected for Apple to continue supporting legacy Apple Watch bands on the Apple Watch Series 4.
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