EE announces refreshed range of SIM-only tariffs

EE has unveiled a new range of 12 month SIM-only tariffs for anyone who buys a SIM-free phone and wants to take advantage of its fast 4G speeds and extensive network coverage.

The plans are split into three tiers: 4GEE Essential, 4GEE and 4GEE Max. 4GEE Essential plans are for those who perhaps don’t use their phone too much and start at £9.99/month for 250 minutes, 250MB data and unlimited texts. The Essential plan SIMs are locked to a 20Mbps 4G data transfer limit. There are three Essential plans in total:

• 250 mins, 250MB data, unltd texts – £9.99/month
• 500 mins, 500MB data, unltd texts – £12.99/month
• 1000 mins, 1GB data, unltd texts – £14.99/month

If you use your phone a lot though, you’ll be more interested in the 4GEE and 4GEE Max plans. 4GEE plans start at £17.99/month and go up to £34.99/month. 4GEE plans get a speed increase to 60Mbps and all come with unlimited minutes, texts and 500MB of data to use when roaming in the EU. The 4GEE plans are as follows:

• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 2GB data, 500MB EU data – £17.99/month
• Untld mins, unltd texts, 5GB data, 500MB EU data – £21.99/month
• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 8GB data, 500MB EU data – £25.99/month
• Untld mins, unltd texts, 20GB data, 500MB EU data – £34.99/month

4GEE max plans meanwhile come with extra features such as EE’s fastest 4G speeds in compatible areas, and EU Roam Like Home, which lets you use your tariff as normal when travelling in the EU. All plans also get inclusive access to the BT Sport app.

4GEE Max plans are as follows:

• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 2GB data – £19.99/month
• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 4GB data – £22.99/month
• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 7GB data – £26.99/month
• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 12GB data – £30.99/month
• Unltd mins, unltd texts, 30GB data – £39.99/month

EE has also revealed a new range of 4GEE and 4GEE Max SIM plans for tablets, with difference monthly prices depending on the tablet you have. 10GB of data for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch for example costs between £50.50 and £53 depending on the 4G speed you want. For more information on the new 4GEE tablet SIM-only plans, you can visit EE’s website.

LG G6: What’s the story so far?

LG’s next flagship smartphone will probably be called the G6, and it will probably appear in the first few months of 2017.

Rumours have already started to appear speculating about what features the successor of last year’s modular smartphone will offer, as well as what features it might miss off.

This is everything we know about the LG G6 so far.

LG G6: Release date and price

• Launch at MWC 2017 expected
• Probably on shelves from April 2017

LG typically announces a new flagship smartphone in the first half of the year. The G5 was announced at Mobile World Congress at the beginning of March, while the G2, G3 and G4 all launched at separate events a couple of months after MWC.

Nothing has been confirmed as yet, but we would place our bets on a 26 February launch for the G6, which is the Sunday before MWC kicks off and the same day as Samsung is expected to announce its new flagship smartphone.

The LG G5 arrived on shelves in April, as did its predecessor so we’d expect a similar timeframe for the G6. We’d also expect it to remain a little cheaper than its competitors, sitting around the £500 mark, like the G5.

• Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 edge: What’s the story so far?

LG G6: Design

• Modular design of G5 rumoured to be ditched for G6
• Glass rear reported for G6
• Iris scanner suggested

The LG G5 launched with a modular design and a range of modules, or Friends as LG called them. A report from Korea’s Electronic Times has claimed LG is scrapping the modular idea for the G6 smartphone though.

It’s also been claimed the company will opt for a tempered glass rear for the LG G6, over the painted aluminium finish of the G5. This would hopefully make the G6 feel more premium to the company’s preceding flagships, but it would also allow for wireless charging.

The G5 had a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor but whether the G6 will offer the same positioning remains to be seen for now. It has been claimed the new device might come with an iris scanner on the front, something the Samsung Note 7 featured, but nothing has been confirmed of course.

• LG G5 review

LG G6: Display

• Curved OLED display not expected to be available in time
• G6 could have same display as G5

Rumour originally claimed LG would be equipping the G6 with a curved OLED display, which would have put the new flagship in the same play pit as Samsung and its S6 edge and S7 edge devices.

Despite already producing OLED displays for the Apple Watch Series 2 and its own TVs and smartwatches, it’s now been claimed LG Display won’t be in a position to mass produce OLED screens in time for the G6.

With that in mind, it is expected that the LG G6 will arrive with the same or similar display as the G5, meaning a 5.3-inch Quad HD LCD display. We’d also expect the G6 to feature the Always-On functionality found on the G5, allowing users to see notifications without turning the full display on.

LG G6: Camera

• Dual-camera setup will probably remain
• Rumours of all-in-one iris and front-camera sensor

The LG G5’s biggest attribute is its fantastic dual rear camera that delivers excellent results. We’d expect the G6 to follow in the same path offering a standard camera sensor, coupled with a wide-angle sensor like its predecessor.

There aren’t any specific rumours relating to the resolution of the G6’s cameras as yet but it has been suggested the front-facing camera will be an all-in-one camera and iris scanner. The iris scanner element will be used to authenticate the user and unlock the phone, like it was on the Galaxy Note 7, but it will be featured within a compact sensor that also combines the front-facing camera.

The Galaxy Note 7 on the other hand, uses two separate sensors: one for the iris scanner and one for the camera. The idea is that the single, smaller sensor will help save space and potentially make the G6 slimmer. Nothing has been confirmed as yet though so take this with a pinch of salt for now.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 iris scanner: What is it and how does it work?

LG G6: Hardware

• New wireless system originally reported, but now said to be ditched
• Likely to be Qualcomm SD830 chip with at least 4GB of RAM

Rumours suggested the LG G6 was supposed to feature a new wireless charging system, but like the curved OLED display, it has since been claimed this feature won’t make the cut either. The new system was said to offer fast charging from a distance of up to 70mm, but apparently we will have to wait to the G7 instead.

Other hardware rumours have been thin on the ground but we wouldn’t we surprised to see Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 830 chip, at least 4GB of RAM and at least 32GB of internal memory. MicroSD support was included on the G5, as was a removable battery, but if LG does decide to step away from the modular design and move to a more premium build, it will most likely have to do away with the removable battery element.

The LG G5 offers a 2800mAh battery so we’d expect the same for the G6, if not a 3000mAh.

LG G6: Software

• Likely to launch on Android Nougat

LG launched the first device from the box featuring Android Nougat in the LG V20 so the LG G6 will no doubt come with the latest build of the software. It will probably have LG’s software over the top, but there have been no specific features or functions rumoured as yet.

A closer look at the LG V20’s software would probably give us an indication of some of the user experience details we can expect from the G6, though there will be new features too.

• LG V20: Specs, release date and everything you need to know

LG G6: Conclusion

At the moment, rumours are a little thin on the ground regarding the LG G6, but from what has been reported so far, it looks like LG’s next flagship could be a little underwhelming.

The G5 might not have been to everyone’s taste, but it was at least innovative and exciting, so we’d hope LG doesn’t drop the ball and go too safe with the G6. Currently, it looks like we can expect a new, more premium design, coupled with an iris scanner and front-facing camera combo.

Everything is hearsay for now though, so perhaps LG will find a way to bring that curved OLED display and new wireless charging system to the G6 after all. We will update this feature as more reports and rumours appear so watch this space.

ICYMI: Read your dog’s mood swings with tech

Today on In Case You Missed It: A new product out of Japan called Inupathy is giving dogs the Dug treatment, with a light up harness that tracks their heart rate, telling you information about their emotions via changes in color. We’ve no idea if it works as advertised, but you gotta admit the rainbow pattern signaling ‘happy’ is the most human expression for happiness in animals we could ever think of. Obviously your dog won’t know what it means, since the silly loves are color blind.

NASA released a video touting its so-far success in crafting the Webb Telescope, which we love for multiple reasons but perhaps most for the fact that this is a group that gets to actually use inspiring music and over-the-top pomposity without making us want to throw up. The Webb is slated to launch in October 2018.

The GoKart everyone wants is here, the square hole cutter every hobbyist and contracting professional will want asap is here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.

2017 Honda Pilot Features CarPlay

Honda has announced its 2017 Pilot will be available with CarPlay and Android Auto in models EX and above in the United States. The software platforms will be built into an improved 8-inch touchscreen with a new anti-fingerprint coating.

The three-row SUV is the latest Honda vehicle to support CarPlay after the 2016 and later Accord, 2016 and later Civic, 2016 Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan, and 2017 Ridgeline. Honda did not mention if wireless CarPlay will be supported.

The 2017 Honda Pilot goes on sale beginning November 7, with a suggested starting price of $33,030 for the CarPlay-supported EX model.

CarPlay is available in over 100 vehicle models worldwide from over two dozen automakers, providing hands-free or eyes-free access to common iPhone apps such as Maps, Messages, Music, Phone, and Podcasts, and select third-party apps. Apple keeps a periodically updated list of available models on its website.

Related Roundup: CarPlay
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How to fix Google Pixel battery life problems

How do I extend battery life on my Google Pixel?

Google’s Pixel XL offers impressive battery life for a phone of its size, but determined users can definitely drain it over the course of a hectic day. The smaller 5-inch Pixel with its 2770 mAh battery doesn’t always offer the same longevity, offering less wiggle room if you have heavier-than-usual use or forget to charge overnight.

Though both should be able to make it through an average day for most people, if you’re finding your Pixel’s battery coming up short sometimes, you’ll want to follow a few of these handy tips to make the most of what you have.

Check for battery-draining apps

The Pixel really uses its systemwide battery-saving function called Doze, which puts the system and apps into a low-power state to help save battery when the phone isn’t in use. A vast majority of the time the system can handle all sorts of apps and manage them so you still get notifications even while other apps are “sleeping,” but in some cases a poorly coded app can keep the system awake when it’s not supposed to, draining your battery in the process.

To find if there are any apps causing issues, head into your Settings, tap on Battery and look at the list of apps under “Use since last charge.” You’ll see most of the usual suspects like the screen, Android OS and Bluetooth or Voice calls, but if you see a seldom-used app taking up more than a couple percent of your battery drain, you should investigate to see if it’s doing things it shouldn’t be.

Use Battery optimization features

The “Battery optimization” feature in Android is a tad bit complicated, and in most cases will simply work as intended without your management, but if you’re having battery life troubles it’s worth checking out. Battery optimization builds on the battery-saving features of Doze to identify how and when you use apps to put forcibly them to sleep when they shouldn’t be awake draining your battery. Go into Settings, tap on Battery and then tap the Menu button and tap Battery optimization to get started with this.

The system does a great job on its own, but you can still check in on it.

By default, the system has been analyzing how you use your phone since the minute you started installing apps, optimizing usage on the apps to get the most battery out of the phone while keeping your most-used apps available when you need them. In the main screen of the Battery optimization settings you’ll see the “Not optimized” list, which you can see will include some apps that can’t be optimized, along with some stragglers that may not be optimized yet.

If you see an app that you want to be optimized, tap it and switch to “Optimize.” If you want to switch to a full apps list, tap the top bar and you’ll see the option to view “All apps.” Here you can tap on individual apps and switch them to “Don’t optimize” if you wish to let the app have free reign to run as it pleases. You may choose to do this for critically important apps like those for travel or banking — just know that most of the time, the system will handle these functions exactly as you want, with the added benefit of optimizing them for battery savings.

Use Battery saver

Though it isn’t nearly as comprehensive as similar features on other phones, the Pixel includes a Battery saver mode that can help extend your battery life with the flip of a switch. With Battery saver turned on, your phone will have reduced performance, limited vibration, limited location services and reduced background data. Together the limitations don’t have a huge effect on the usability of the phone, but they do save precious battery drain.

Battery saver can add a couple hours of life in a pinch.

Pull down the notification shade, tap on your battery icon and you’ll see a “Battery saver” toggle you can turn on and off as you please when you know you need a bit more longevity. If you prefer, you can also have it come on automatically at 15 or 5% battery, which is what most people will be more comfortable with. Battery saver automatically turns off when you start charging your Pixel.

Battery saver isn’t something you’ll want to leave on all the time, but in a pinch it can help you get through the end of the day or a tough time away from the charger — it’s just another tool to make the most of the Pixel’s battery.

Uninstall unused apps

Of course you can mitigate the issues from the prior situations by simply uninstalling apps that you’re not using that often (or at all). When you have a little free time, sit down and open up your app drawer — check out your apps and see which ones you’ve honestly opened in the past couple weeks. Chances are you’re going to find more than a few you haven’t even touched since you got your Pixel.

Going forward, when you’re setting up a new phone a good rule to follow is to just install the basic apps you need from the start, and only install additional apps when you find you need them. After using several different phones we often fall into the trap of installing dozens of apps we think we’ll need, but in reality never touch — and in the end we have to end up uninstalling them later.

Last resort: A mobile battery pack

Yes, we know, a portable battery pack doesn’t fix the root problem of bad battery life on a phone, but it does fix the issue of a low battery. If you can’t manage making it through a heavy day without needing a charge, and can’t spend time plugged in at any point, you’ll want to invest in a mobile battery pack.

There are plenty out there that will charge up your Pixel super quickly, and top up your friends’ phones as well, like the Anker PowerCore 10,000 mAh battery, or this 20,100 mAh battery from Jackery that has USB-C. For a relatively inexpensive purchase, these batteries can be a great backup solution when you can’t spend time at a power outlet.

How have you been finding battery life on the Pixel and Pixel XL? Did any of these tips help extend its life? Let us know in the comments!

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
• Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
• Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Join the discussion in the forums!

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New Zealand carriers will cut off access to the Note 7 from Nov 18

Still holding on to your Note 7? Samsung is rendering it useless.

Despite repeated efforts from Samsung to retrieve the discontinued Galaxy Note 7, the handset is still being used by customers that are unwilling to part with it. Samsung is now teaming up with New Zealand’s telecommunications industry to blacklist the Note 7 on the country’s mobile networks, essentially preventing the phone from being able to make calls, send texts, or use cellular data.

From Samsung:

As part of our commitment to ongoing safety, Samsung would like to make our customers aware of plans to discontinue network service for Note7 devices. From the 18 November, customers still using the Note7 will no longer be able to connect to any New Zealand mobile network services to make calls, use data or send SMS messages.

We strongly urge any customers still using their Note7 to return their device to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement. Between November 4th – 18th, we will contact our customers on at least two separate occasions with information about this network discontinuation event to ensure they have received adequate notice.

According to New Zealand’s Telecommunications Forum chief executive Geoff Thorn, most of the Note 7 devices have been returned to Samsung, but a few hundred are still estimated to be out in the wild:

Numerous attempts by all providers have been made to contact owners and ask them to bring the phones in for replacement or refund. This action should further aid the return of the remaining handsets. Anyone who is still in possession of a Samsung Note 7, please return it to your service provider as soon as possible.

Carriers in the country will use an IMEI-based filter to cut off Note 7 units, and although cellular access will be blocked, the handsets will be able to use Wi-Fi. While the move is limited to New Zealand, it is likely Samsung will work with regulators in other countries to enforce a similar ban on the device. This isn’t going to stop until the company retrieves all remaining Note 7 units.

Moto M press renders leak ahead of Nov 8 unveil, show off metal body

We got a first look at the Moto M last week, and we’re now being treated to leaked press renders of the device. The leak comes from NowhereElse, and showcases the phone’s metal chassis as well as the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

The Moto M made its way through China’s TENAA earlier this week, revealing the hardware on offer. The phone will feature a 5.5-inch Full HD display, 8MP front camera, 16MP shooter at the back, 4GB of RAM, 32GB storage, and a microSD slot. Last week’s rumor suggested we’ll see the Snapdragon 625 powering the device, but it’ll come with a 2.2GHz MediaTek Helio P15 instead. We could see the Snapdragon 625 variant in other markets. The 5100mAh battery rumor didn’t pan out as well, and in its place we’ll see a 3050mAh battery.

The phone is expected to make its debut in China on November 8, with official pricing slated to be ¥1,999 ($295).