technology time

MacBook shipments grew by 17% in Q2, with more double-digit growth ahead

2017-09-10T06:47:00.002-07:00

TrendForce’s latest global laptop shipment report, seen by us, says that MacBook shipments grew by a healthy 17.1% in Q2, helped in large part by sales of the updated 12-inch MacBook.
The growth boosted Apple’s market share from 9.3% to 10%, bringing it very close to challenging ASUS for the #4 slot behind HP, Lenovo and Dell …

The growth happens at a time when the laptop market as a whole is declining, but TrendForce is now predicting that the rate of decline is slowing slightly from around 3% to around 2%.
The market research company also sees good prospects for continued growth by Apple.

Apple trailed closely behind ASUS at fifth place in the second-quarter ranking. The updated 12-inch MacBook helped expanded MacBook shipments by 17.1% from the first quarter to 3.98 million units. TrendForce also anticipates a double-digit sequential growth for third-quarter MacBook shipments as Apple will focus on the MacBook Pro series during the year’s second half.

There has been ever-increasing competition in the ultra-compact segment, with Huawei entering the market earlier this year, and making direct comparisons with Apple’s 12-inch MacBook.
The MacBook Pro has triggered a big accessory market, including hubs, docks, locks, storage and cases.

iOS firmware indicates Apple to announce ‘iPhone 8’, ‘iPhone 8 Plus’ and ‘iPhone X’

2017-09-10T06:43:00.001-07:00

We think we know the names of the new iPhones, thanks to the iOS firmware. Apple’s three new phones are called iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X (via Steven Troughton Smith).
The 8 and 8 Plus would be the lower-tier LCD phones, whereas the iPhone X is the highly-anticipated nearly-bezelless OLED model. The name reveal joins a flurry of leaks from earlier in the day, detailing new features like Face ID and Animoji, new wallpapers, and confirming the LTE Apple Watch.
Whilst this isn’t 100% set in stone, it is by far the best indicator and we are very confident that these are correct. Of course, Apple could have changed its mind about branding decisions late in the game — a change that may not filter as fast into the leaked builds the discovery originates from.
A couple of weeks ago, we heard that casemakers had received intelligence that the devices would be called iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone Edition. It seems that 2/3rd’s of that tale was correct.
In case you’ve missed the rumor mill, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are expected to be modest upgrades over the current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus but retaining the same general industrial design. It will feature glass backs, the new A11 chip, and wireless charging capabilities via an inductive Qi charging pad.
The ‘iPhone X’ is what most people were calling the iPhone 8; this is the major new phone featuring a 5.8-inch OLED display in a body only slightly larger than the current 4.7-inch iPhone 7. As shown by multiple leaks, the device will have very minimal bezels on all four sides with a center top notch to accommodate the front camera, earpiece and 3D sensors.
As well as upgraded internals to match the lower-tier phones, it will also include Face ID as a new biometric authentication mechanism to replace Touch ID, upgraded cameras that will likely support OIS on both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses and 4K@60 FPS, wireless charging and more. The OLED display of the iPhone X will provide incredibly high contrast and black levels, as well as help the illusion of a truly bezel-less device.
The high-end iPhone X is also believed to support True Tone, and use the 3D sensors to recognise when a user is looking at the display and when it is not (‘has attention’). If the user is looking at the screen, the iPhone X will not automatically dim the display.
We have also learned today that the 3D sensors will enable a new type of communication in the Messages app, called Animoji. This iPhone X exclusive feature uses the 3D camera sensors to make emoji that mirror facial expressions and use your own voice.
Alongside the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, we also expect Apple to announce a new Watch on September 12 with cellular capabilities and a 4K Apple TV.

Tiny Device Allows You To Track Your Car Using Your Smartphone

2017-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Tiny Device Allows You To Track Your Car Using Your Smartphone

Have you ever lost your car on a parking lot? It happens. You park and go shopping. When you get back, you don't have a clue where your car is. Then you start roaming around clicking on the panic button on your car keys so the alarm goes off. It can be frustrating, especially on a hot, sunny day.

No, you don't need to install an expensive GPS system to keep track of your car. That's way too expensive. You would need to pay a monthly subscription fee just to use it. Don't we have enough bills to pay already?

The device "TrackR" has the size of a coin and can be placed everywhere

But is there a way to track your vehicle without spending a fortune? Yes, now there is!

A California-based startup company was able to make this a reality. They created a tiny device that works with your smartphone, and it could be exactly what you're looking for!

What is it?

It's called TrackR. It is a state-of-the-art tracking device the size of a quarter. It's changing the way we keep track of the important things in our lives.

With TrackR you'll gain peace of mind, knowing you can find your car quickly.

How Does it Work?

It's easy! Install the free TrackR app on your smartphone, connect the app to your device and you're ready to go! Simply attach TrackR to whatever you want to keep tabs on. The entire process of setting it up only takes 5 minutes or less.

You can attach it to your keys, briefcase, wallet, your latest tech gadgets and anything else you don't want to lose. Then use the TrackR app to locate your missing item in seconds.

Forget expensive GPS systems or tracking services. Nobody wants to pay expensive monthly subscription fees. We understand how stressful these things can be, and this is the reason why TrackR was created. This device is your VIP when you need to take care of more important things in life.

Remember the car scenario above? If you have the TrackR, you can just hide it under your car's floor mat, in the trunk or in the glove compartment. Somewhere it won't be found if your car gets stolen.

If you forget where you parked your car, whip out your smartphone and open the TrackR app. Tap on the "lost item" icon on the screen and the app will tell you the exact coordinates of the last known location of the TrackR.

How Much is it Going To Cost Me?

You're probably thinking that this device is very expensive... False! TrackR only costs $29! That's a small price to pay for peace of mind, isn't it?

Where can I buy TrackR?

You can buy it directly from the company's website. They ship worldwide and you'll receive your TrackR within a ~week.

Watch The Video Below To See How TrackR Works:

What else can I do with TrackR?

As we said before, TrackR has unlimited possibilities. The device is small and unobtrusive enough that you can attach it to your pet. Put it on their collar, and the issue of searching for them as they scamper off to nearby places will be over! Attach it to your keys and wallet, and never waste a minute rummaging the whole house for it.

TrackR even comes with a double-sided adhesive so you can stick it to your laptop or under your bike seat. Track down and punish the thieves who steal your expensive things!

Attach it to everything that's important to you!

With over 3.5 Million units sold worldwide, this is the most affordable solution to trackr your items.

Step by step instructions on how to use Trackr

Now that you are aware of the potential of this curious device, all you need to do is to follow these 3 steps:

1. Get Trackr from the manufacturer website. You’ll get it delivered to your home in about 1 week.

2. Link Trackr with your Smartphone (iPhone or Android) and place it next to the object you don’t want to lose.

3. Download the free app and always have in hand the location of your belongings. As Simple As That!

YouTube HDR is available for a bunch of new phones

2017-09-09T08:15:00.001-07:00

The Galaxy S8 will already play Netflix in high-dynamic range video, and now the handset (and its cousin, the Note 8) is the home for YouTube HDR. Reddit users have had access to the update since yesterday at resolutions up to 1140p60, while SamMobile reports that the publication can only access 1080p60. On our office S8, we've seen 1440p60. Google tells us that the Pixel, LG V30, Sony Xperia XZ Premium have gotten the update as well. More than that, the search juggernaut is working to bring it to even more devices.

BEST TABLETS IN THIS YEAR

2017-05-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

Your buying guide to the best tablets in 2017

You'll notice that quite a lot of the tablets reviewed below were reviewed a year or more ago. That's because the tablet market has slowed down significantly. According to Strategy Analytics, tablet sales are slumping - presumably because most people already own one - with the market down 10 percent in the last three months.

Companies aren't launching new models regularly, and it's now been over a year since the Surface Pro 4 came out. While the Pro 5 has been heavily rumoured, it has so far not materialised.

A few key models were launched recently, though. Apple released a new 9.7-inch iPad and Samsung updated the Galaxy Tab S2, and you can read our review of the Galaxy Tab S3 which is a strong contender.

New tablets are coming from other manufacturers and while we'd still like a new Google Nexus 7 it might never happen. Also make sure you keep an eye out for Microsoft's Surface Pro 5 and check out the best new tablets coming in 2017 for more.

Which is best: Android, iPad or Windows?

If you're on a tight budget, you should be reading our best budget tablets roundup. And if you're looking for a tablet for your child, check out our best kids' tablets article.

But if you want the best, you've got four main choices: an iPad, an Android tablet an Amazon Fire tablet or a Windows tablet.

Apple iPads run Apple's own iOS operating system which is widely regarded as one of the best out there. It's easy to use and app makers usually make it their first choice, so you're pretty much guaranteed to find what you're after.

This is valuable when you buy accessories which require apps - mainly smart home or fitness gadgets - as you may not be able to control these from a Windows tablet.

In most cases, apps are made available on Android as well as iPads, but not always. Android tablets can be cheaper than iPads, but there are some Samsung models which cost the same or are more expensive. Windows tablets come in both cheap and expensive guises, but although Windows is the 'worst' of the tablet operating systems, it has the advantage of being able to run the same programs you use on your laptop or PC - not just finger-friendly tablet apps. The latest version of Android is Android 7.0 Nougat.

And that's why most Windows tablets come with a keyboard, or offer it as an option: they're really a hybrid of a laptop and tablet. But as you'll find out in most of our Windows tablet reviews, this is rarely a case of getting the best of both worlds. One exception is the Surface Pro 4 from Microsoft.

The fourth option is Amazon's Fire tablets. These are based on Android but are locked into Amazon's system: you won't find any Google services or apps on them.

What do you want a tablet for?

Tablets are great for watching videos and TV, for playing games, reading eBooks, and browsing the web. Sharing photos and catching up via Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest are all great on iPads and Android tabs. And you can catch up on email, too.

They're not so good if you need to create a newsletter, presentation or write up a report. Printing off a spreadsheet or document can prove problematic if you don't have a printer that's compatible with your particular tablet. These things are possible, but you'll find it's much easier on a laptop or PC.

You can install extra software - known as apps - on a tablet, much like you can on a PC. Many are free, but some cost a few pounds. You have to install apps from the respective store on your tablet: Apple's App Store on an iPad, the Google Play Store on an Android tablet and the Amazon Appstore on a Fire Tablet.

On a Windows 10 tablet you can install normal Windows software, but you also get to browse the Windows Store for dedicated tablet apps. But the selection is much more limited than on the other types of tablet.

The same is true of music- and other media: you can buy it from Apple, Google, Amazon or Microsoft. You can also transfer your own music, videos and photos to your tablet from a PC or access them from many cloud storage services. Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft have their own cloud services but you can also use others, such as Dropbox, which let you store files and media and get to them from all your devices, no matter whether a phone, tablet, laptop or PC.

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Here's the bottom line: for fun, you need an iPad- or Android tablet. For work, go Windows. But only if you can afford the best.

What size tablet is best?

Tablets come in many sizes ranging from almost smartphone-sized screens up to around 13in. So one of the first decisions is how big a tablet you want. For some, a 7-8in tablet is perfect as it's big enough to be more comfortable to use (for web browsing, say) than an phone, but small enough to fit into a handbag and less strain on your wrist when you are lying or sitting at home.

Larger tablets are better for productivity and tend to have more powerful processors, but are heavier and - obviously - larger and less portable.

These days screens are better quality and there are fewer duds, but it's still worth reading our reviews to find out if there are any particularly good or bad ones. You can look for specifications such as resolution, pixel density and aspect ratio, but none will tell you anything about a screen's colour accuracy, contrast or brightness. Look for an IPS or AMOLED screen and avoid anything with a TN screen.

Wi-Fi or 4G?

If you need to get on the internet while you're out and about with your tablet, you might want to go for one which will accept a 3G or 4G SIM card (like your phone). Not many Android tablets have this option, but all iPads do.

Just bear in mind that you'll pay more for a tablet will a SIM slot and that you'll need to pay for a special data-only SIM, either on a contract or a monthly pay-as-you-go deal. For most people it's not worth it: you can use your phone to go online, or set your phone up as a Wi-Fi hotspot so that an ordinary tablet with Wi-Fi (but no SIM card) can get online.

All tablets have Wi-Fi but some have the older 802.11n version and some also support the newer 802.11ac standard. In practice, it doesn't really matter as even the older 802.11n standard is perfectly fast enough and not that many Wi-Fi hotspots (including home routers) support the faster 802.11ac standard. In any case, both are faster than the average broadband speed.

It's unlikely you will want GPS in a tablet, but if you do want to use it as a navigation device make sure you get one with a GPS receiver. Only Wi-Fi + cellular iPads have this - Wi-Fi only iPads don't have GPS.

iPads also have their own proprietary charging cable with a 'Lightning' connector. This means that you need peripherals that work specifically with the iPad. Android- and Windows tablets typically connect via a microUSB port which means you can use a standard cable and charger, although some Windows tablets also have full-sized USB connectors which are very handy for attaching a USB flash drive, hard drive or even a keyboard or printer. Reversible USB Type-C is becoming more common, too.

If you need to connect a USB flash drive to your tablet, Android can also be a good option as long as its microUSB port supports OTG (on the go), and you'll also need a specific OTG flash drive with a microUSB connector.

Some people like to connect their tablet to their TV. Bear in mind that not all apps allow you to view them on a big screen, for example the Sky Go app. There are ways to connect tablets wirelessly to a TV: iPads can do with if you have an Apple TV and Android tablets may use Miracast or you could buy a £35 Google Chromecast and use your Android tablet like a giant remote control for that. For more, see how to connect an Android tablet to a TV.

How much storage do I need?

Storage is important, but it's most important with tablets that don't have a microSD slot, because no slot means you can't add more storage after you've bought the tablet. iPads don't have microSD slots, and the same is true for a few Android tablets.

The headline number for internal storage can be misleading. For example an 8GB tablet might have only 5GB of free space available to use: the rest is taken up by the operating system and pre-installed apps. Windows tablets can be the worst for this: a 64GB Microsoft Surface might have as little as 23GB of usable space.

Add-on storage like microSD cards and USB drives might be cheap, but they're not as good as built-in storage because not all tablets allow you to install apps on a microSD card. Performance might suffer, too, as some USB drives and microSD cards are much slower than internal storage.

Cameras and battery life

Tablets cameras tend to be worse quality than on the best phones. Just check our reviews to find out if a tablet has good or bad cameras.

Don't forget about battery life. You don't want your tablet to last less than around six hours, and the recharge time is worth knowing, too. Some tablets take almost as long to charge as they do to run down. We say in our reviews how long each tablet lasts.

As a benchmark, every iPad lasts about 10 hours or so for watching videos or browsing the web. That's multiple days with 'normal' use.

Best tablets 2017 UK - best tablet reviews

1. Apple iPad Air 2

The iPad Air 2 may no longer be new, but it's still one of the best tablets you can buy. Sure, the iPad Pro models are faster and have more features, but the Air 2 offers the best all-round combination of value and performance - even now in 2017.

Read our Apple iPad Air 2 review.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

There's no doubt the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is the best Android tablet to be launched in years. If you're looking for a high-end device to rival the iPad Pro running Google's software then this is it. However, it's not without downsides. The price will be too high for many and doesn't include the Keyboard Cover, the software isn't the best for a tablet and that glass back isn't the best choice for multiple reasons.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 review.

3. Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch

There’s no doubt that the iPad Pro 9.7 is the best tablet Apple has ever made, combining the power of the original into the stunning form factor of the iPad Air 2 (with a camera bump). Apple has also added new features such as upgraded cameras and one of the best displays we’ve seen on a tablet. Whether you should buy one is another question, though, and depends on your perspective (see above). For some, the iPad Pro 9.7 will be the perfect balance between work and play while for others it will simply not be up to the job. What we can say is that it’s certainly not the ‘ultimate PC replacement’ as it’s trying to do too many things at once.

Read our Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch review.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8

This is a tablet well worth considering if you've been thinking about buying the iPad mini 4, as it can contend and sometimes outshine Apple's mini tablet when it comes to design and power. It's almost unbelievably thin and light and that screen is a joy to use.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8 review.

5. iPad mini 4

There are cheaper tablets - cheaper iPads even - but if you can afford to buy the iPad mini 4 you won't be disappointed. It finally has a great screen and while it can't match the more powerful iPad Air 2, it's got more than enough poke to satisfy demanding users. The rear camera is decent and a big step up from many cheaper tablets. With great build quality and battery life on top, it's hard to fault the new mini so unless you want to wait to see if Apple launches an iPad Air 3, or you want the Air 2's bigger screen, it's a good buy.

Read our iPad mini 4 review.

6. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

There is a great deal to like and rave about the Surface Pro 4. The design is thinner and lighter for starters. The screen is awesome, there's plenty of power available, the new Surface Pen is better and the Type Cover is a vast improvement on the last one. However, the design is inherently awkward at times, it's more expensive that a lot of laptops and the Type Cover, which you'll pretty much need, isn't included lowering the value.

Read our Microsoft Surface Pro 4 review.

7. 12.9" iPad Pro

Reviewed on: 8 December 15
RRP: £729 (32GB, WiFi); £819 (128GB, WiFi); £909 (256GB, WiFi); £939 (128GB, cellular), £1029 (256GB, cellular), US$799 (32GB, WiFi); $899 (128GB, WiFi); $999 (256GB, WiFi); $1,029 (128GB, cellular), $1129 (256GB, cellular)

At £679, few people will buy the iPad Pro instead of an iPad Air 2. It has a great screen and plenty of power, but do you really have a need for this hulking tablet? 32GB of storage will prove too limiting for most people, and the 128GB option with the Pencil and/or keyboard is expensive (that's ignoring the £65 silicone rear cover). If you're considering the Pro, go to an Apple store and hold one to understand exactly how bulky and hefty the new tablet really is. If you can live with all that the Pro is a great choice - just don’t expect it to replace your laptop.

Read our 12.9" iPad Pro review.

8. Apple iPad

Reviewed on: 24 April 17
RRP: £339 (32GB, Wi-Fi only); £429 (128GB, Wi-Fi only); £469 (32GB, Wi-Fi + cellular); £559 (128GB, Wi-Fi + cellular), US$329 (32GB, Wi-Fi only); $429 (128GB, Wi-Fi only); $459 (32GB, Wi-Fi + cellular); $559 (128GB, Wi-Fi + cellular)

The 2017 iPad isn't Apple’s usual big upgrade. Instead, it’s aimed at owners of older iPads who want better performance and the latest software features. It’s slightly disappointing that the screen isn't laminated and that the cameras aren't the best Apple offers in an iPad, but considering the price it’s good value overall.

Read our Apple iPad review.

9. Google Pixel C

As a standalone tablet, the Pixel C is superb. It’s better than the HTC-made Nexus 9 which was great but not exceptional. Which the 'C' most certainly is. Storage is a bit limited, but if you can live with 32GB it’s good value at £399. Paying an extra £119 for the keyboard is something we can’t see many buyers doing. If typing is a priority, you’d be better off spending your £518 on a decent ultraportable laptop as Android Marshmallow – good as it is – isn’t nearly as versatile as Windows. And while the keyboard is well designed, you’ll still prefer a full-size laptop keyboard. If you need to run Windows apps, the consider the Surface 3 which is slightly cheaper - even with the optional keyboard - but remember that there are even cheaper options such as the Asus Transformer T100HA.

Read our Google Pixel C review.

10. Huawei MediaPad M3

In a stagnated market, the Huawei MediaPad M3 initially feels a little underwhelming. After extended use though, we reckon it’s a cut above the mid-range, but then again at this price you are paying for it. It’s a good alternative to an iPad if you want an Android tablet that’s bigger than an iPad mini but smaller than an iPad Air 2. But, who is specifically looking for that? The MediaPad is excellent and we recommend it, but it lacks a certain ‘wow’ factor that's largely down to the high number of existing Android tablets. The MediaPad 3 is a cut above, but you should also consider Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series for a similarly excellent Android tablet experience.

Read our Huawei MediaPad M3 review.

11. Amazon Fire

It's certainly not perfect, and the lack of Google apps will still put some people off, but the Fire is excellent value at under £50. The latest Fire OS is so Android-like that it's easy to use, and the Fire for Kids app makes it possible to limit what you kids can do and how long they can use the tablet. For some people it's well worth paying double for the Kids Edition version as you get the bumper case and the great warranty. There are some sore points: the poor cameras, the sluggish performance at times, and the long charging time. But at this price it's hard to complain. And you certainly won't find a better tablet for the same money.

Read our Amazon Fire review.

12. Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is a seriously impressive device and easily one of the best tablets we've ever tested. The design is astonishingly thin and light and the waterproofing with only the need for one cover is a bonus. This topped with excellent hardware, performance and software means we can barely fault it. However, the fact Sony bundles it with the Bluetooth keyboard with no option to buy it alone means that it's more expensive than rivals. We feel it's a 9/10 products but we've no choice but to mark the value score lower.

Read our Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet review.

13. Xiaomi Mi Pad 2

Whether Xiaomi intended to or not, the Mi Pad 2 is an Android tablet disguised as an iPad mini. This may disgust you or be exactly what you're looking for. Either way, we can't deny that this is a well-made, stylish tablet with decent specs for the price. You're best off getting the 64GB model and if the iOS style user interface is a turn-off, remember that Android is highly customisable.

10 Things We Couldn’t Do Without Robots

2017-05-09T11:37:00.001-07:00

Since the advent of robots, work has been shared between man and machine. But, as robots become more technologically advanced and autonomous, they learn how to do jobs faster and better than humans. Their precision, intelligence and endless energy levels make them the perfect employees for a wide variety of jobs that humans just can’t afford to do. Here are 10 things we couldn’t do without robots:

Military Services: Military robots are some of the most high-tech and important robots used today. These state-of-the-art machines save lives by performing extremely dangerous tasks without endangering humans. Some common robots used by the military are Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) robots, which are capable of examining suspicious packages and surrounding areas to find and even deactivate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines. They can even deliver unexploded ordinance for examination and proper detonation. The military also uses unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance missions, to scope out enemy movements, find hidden explosives and give the Air Force a wide-angle surveillance of their battlespace.
Car Production: Robots are used in the automobile industry to assist in building cars. These high-powered machines have mechanical arms with tools, wheels and sensors that make them ideal for assembly line jobs. Not only do robots save more money in manufacturing costs, but they also perform tough tasks at a pace no human could possibly do. Robots also make car manufacturing safer because they can take on dangerous and difficult jobs in place of humans. Automotive industry robots are capable of performing a wide range of tasks such as installation, painting and welding, and aren’t restricted by fatigue or health risks, therefore making them an incredibly useful and irreplaceable part of car production.
Space Exploration: One of the most amazing areas of robotics is the use of robots in space. These state-of-the-art machines give astronauts the chance to explore space in the most mind-boggling ways. The most commonly used space robots are the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and the Remote Manipulator System (RMS), which are both used in a variety of space missions. ROVs can be unmanned spacecraft that orbit freely or land when it makes contact with an outer space surface and explore the terrain. Both capture remarkable data and visual footage that would never be humanly possible without the assistance of robots. RMS mechanical arms also help astronauts perform very important and difficult tasks during space missions.
Remote and Minimally-Invasive Surgery: Robot-assisted surgery has truly changed the face of medicine by expanding surgeons’ capabilities in ways no human could. Surgical robots are directed by human surgeons who use a computer console to move instruments attached to robot arms. The surgeon’s movements are translated by a computer and then performed on the patient by the robot. Today’s surgical robots are so advanced that it’s possible for surgeons to perform remote surgery without physically being in the operating room or even in the same country! Robot-assisted surgery has improved the limitations of minimally invasive surgery and has many advantages over traditional open surgery, including greater precision, smaller incisions, less pain and decreased blood loss. Surgical robots, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, are used for gynecologic, colorectal, prostate, throat cancer surgeries, as well as bariatric surgery, angioplasty and bypass surgery.
Underwater Exploration: Underwater robots have radically changed the way we see the world from the ocean floor. Underwater robots can dive longer and deeper than any human, and they provide an up-close look at marine life. These amazing machines are equipped with sensors, high-definition cameras, wheels and other technology to assist scientists when they explore docks, ocean floors, dams, ship bellies and other surfaces. The most common underwater robots used today are the remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) that are controlled by humans sitting in the command center. ROVs are connected by cable to ships and are the best tool for gathering data and images of life under water.
Duct Cleaning: Duct cleaning is done best by a robot that can actually fit into these hazardous and tight spaces. Robots provide a more effective and efficient cleaning than manual brushes. It’s also safer for industrial and institutional markets to use robots because workers are not exposed to harmful chemicals or enzymes that come from dust mites. Duct cleaning robots are used in hospitals and government buildings that may have hazardous or contaminated environments, as well as embassies and prisons for a shorter and more secure cleaning. Using duct cleaning robots translates to quicker, safer, cheaper and more effective duct cleanings without the need of a human.
Fight Crime: Police robots help fight crime without risking the lives of police officers. Law enforcement officers use an array of high-tech and remote-controlled robots that are equipped with front and back cameras, infrared lighting and a speaker to search for criminals and find their location without endangering a police officer. State-of-the-art tools like the Robotex robot is waterproof, can climb stairs and flip itself over and has a 360-degree camera to help catch criminals. Other equipment, such as the Andros F6-A, are used by police agencies during hostage situations. This heavy-duty robot is capable of shooting off a water cannon or weapon in order to detain a criminal and protect those who are in danger.
Fix Oil Spills: As we saw in the 2010 BP oil spill, robots play a critical role in fixing oil spills. Underwater robots are used to explore the well site and interact with the problematic equipment. Engineers use remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) that dive to great depths and stay submerged for much longer than any human ever could. ROVs are remote-controlled submarines that are operated by humans sitting in the command center. These high-tech robots are connected by cable to ships and are used to collect video footage and information from fiber-optic sensors that help engineers better understand the problem and intervene when necessary. ROVs have hydraulic arms with interchangeable tools, such as saws and cutters, which are used for intervention tasks. Even after the well is capped, robots are used to patrol the well site and make sure oil is no longer escaping.
Investigating Hazardous Environments: Robots have become increasingly important for investigating and researching hazardous and dangerous environments. These robots are capable of entering an active volcano to collect data or a burning building to search for victims. Robots such as the Scout Throwable Robot are used by law enforcement agencies and fire departments to help find information about people stuck inside a building, and even have the ability to detect grenades or explosives in the area. These unmanned robots also save lives because they prevent people from having to enter the hazardous environment before they knowing what to expect.
Commercialized Agriculture: Farming has been performed by man since the beginning of time, but throughout the years robots have been introduced to the world of commercial agriculture. Like manufacturing jobs, robots have the ability to work faster, longer and more efficiently than humans in agriculture. Robots remove the human factor from this labor intensive and difficult work. They can be taught to navigate through farmland and harvest crops on their own. Robots can also be used for horticulture needs, such as pruning, weeding, spraying pesticide and monitoring the growth of plants.

The 15 most exciting new technology products in 2017

2017-05-09T11:27:00.001-07:00

The year is pretty much over, as far as the tech world is concerned. Just about every major product that's been announced is available to buy in time for the holidays. But 2017 is almost here, and we're expecting a bunch of cool new products. Below you'll find the most important gadgets likely to launch next year.
Keep in mind this isn't a comprehensive list, and it doesn't account for the surprises we'll likely see in 2017. But these are the gadgets we think you should be the most excited about.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Rafi Letzter/Tech Insider

Samsung's first opportunity to recover from the Galaxy Note 7 debacle will come with the launch of its new flagship phone, the Galaxy S8, in the spring of 2017.
While we don't know too much about the device, Samsung has announced that it will include a new digital assistant powered by Viv, the artificial intelligence startup Samsung bought earlier this year. Oh, and Viv was founded by the same people who built Siri.

A foldable Samsung phone?

Korean Patent Office

Samsung has been working on bendable displays for years, but 2017 could be the first time we actually see it in a phone.
The company recently filed a patent for such a device, fueling speculation that it's coming soon.

Galaxy Note 8?

The future for Samsung's Note phones are uncertain, following the unprecedented recall of the Galaxy Note 7 this year.
There have been some scattered reports that Samsung may abandon the Note altogether in 2017. But if the Note does make its return, then expect to see it in the fall.

New iPads

Steve Kovach/Tech Insider

Apple is expected to refresh its iPad lineup in the spring of 2017, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The new iPad models will focus on the Pro line, with improvements to the Apple Pencil stylus and new screen sizes.

New iMac

LinusTechTips

While the iMac has been updated with new, high-resolution displays in recent years, it's been a long time since Apple has significantly updated the computer.
Bloomberg's Gurman reported that Apple has considered adding the new USB-C port to the iMac lineup, which makes sense since the company's other computers are adopting the new standard too.
However, there haven't been any solid reports on the timing of a new iMac.

iPhone 8

ConceptsiPhone/YouTube

The next iPhone is going to be a major refresh for the product, according to a various reports and rumors.
The so-called iPhone 8 is said to have an all-glass design, an organic LED display for better images, no home button, new screen sizes, and more. We've also reported that Apple is working on adding built-in augmented reality features — think Pokemon Go, but for all kinds of apps — but that might not make it into the next phone.
2017 will mark the iPhone's tenth birthday, so expect Apple to go all out to mark the occasion.

An update to the Google Pixel phone

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Google hit a home run with its first-ever phone, the Pixel, this year.
Although there haven't been any reports on what Google is planning for 2017's Pixel phone, the company's hardware ambitions are just getting started. It's more than reasonable to expect another great Pixel phone from Google in the fall of 2017.

A new laptop from Google running a special version of Android

Business Insider

Google is planning a major overhaul of its Chrome and Android operating systems to work on many more devices.
The so-called Andromeda OS will also power a new kind of laptop built by Google, according to Android Police.
The computer is expected to launch in the fall of 2017 and show off Google's vision for the future of Chromebooks. The laptop is said to work as both a tablet and traditional laptop and have a lot of power under the hood.

A smartwatch made by Google

Android Wear

Google delayed its big software update for Android Wear watches until 2017, and the company is expected to launch its own watch as well, according to Android Police.
The circular smartwatches will be Google's opportunity to inject new interest into its wearable computers, a category that's been dominated by the Apple Watch so far.

A new version of Microsoft's Surface Pro

Microsoft

We didn't get a new Surface Pro in 2016 — that's the first calendar year with no refresh since the Surface Pro debuted. We'll be overdue for an update in 2017, so it's pretty reasonable to expect one from Microsoft.

Microsoft Surface Book 2

Melia Robinson/Business Insider

Microsoft's first-ever laptop, the Surface Book, should be due for an update in 2017, too. The computer got a bit faster and more powerful this year, but it'll be interesting to see if Microsoft can push its capabilities even further in 2017.

New virtual reality headsets that work with Windows 10

A new, free update coming to Windows 10 early next year will let just about anyone use a VR headset with their PC.
The headsets will start at just $299 and come from a variety of companies like Dell, Asus, and Lenovo. That's much cheaper than other headsets like the Oculus Rift, which starts at $599.

New form factors from Fitbit.

Fitbit

Fitbit launches new fitness trackers every year, but 2017 could have a twist. The company said recently that it's exploring new form factors for its products.
What does that mean? It's unclear, but it sounds like we may see Fitbit expand beyond fitness trackers you wear on your wrist.

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo

March 2017 is going to be a big month for Nintendo fans.
That's when the iconic video game company will release the Nintendo Switch, its new gaming console that works on televisions and doubles as a portable system. Nintendo announced the Switch in a three-minute video this fall, but we won't learn final details like pricing and launch titles until January 12, 2017.

Xbox Project Scorpio

Florence Fu / Business Insider

Microsoft is going to supercharge the Xbox.

The company is currently working on Project Scorpio, a more powerful version of the Xbox One designed for 4K TVs and potentially virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift.

The console will be aimed at gamers who value performance over everything else. It's expected to launch in the fall of 2017.

The Most Exciting Phones Coming In 2017

2017-05-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

The big difference that most will notice in 2017 is how much more expensive phones are going to be. The Samsung Galaxy S8 will cost around $100/£100 more than the Galaxy S7 did and the iPhone 8, well, that’s going to be VERY expensive – $1000+.

The reason for this, I believe, is that Samsung and other players in the space knew that Apple was going to hike its prices, so they acted accordingly. Component costs haven’t gone up that much year on year, so the idea that the Galaxy S8 should cost £100 more than the Galaxy S7 is frankly ludicrous.

Perhaps Samsung is attempting to recoup its losses from last year’s Galaxy Note 7?

If you can swallow the higher prices, though, you’re in for a treat. And if you can’t, well, you still have plenty of other options in the form of new OnePlus, Sony, Oppo and Nokia releases.

Indeed, these firms and their ilk may be poised to clear up in the smartphone space if a new report from IDC is anything to go by. According to the analysis firm, the first three months of 2017 (Q1) have shown that Samsung and Apple shipments are flat year-on-year despite the fact that both are in the top-two rankings for global OEMs. This is juxtaposed with the fact that the smartphone market appears to be growing while Apple and Samsung remain fairly fixed, on the same note, the remaining top 5 firms; Huawei, Oppo, and vivo (all Chinese) all showed signfiicant growth in the quarter.

Global shipment growth stands at 4.3%, up on 2016 to nearly 347.4 million units.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium launched at MWC 2017 and, quite simply, blew my socks off. I didn’t think Sony had a handset like this in them after years and years of mediocre releases and languishing market share.

I wasn’t expecting much and Sony delivered WAY more than anyone expected. Not only is this handset stunning to behold, but it also features a brilliant camera and a 4K display with HDR.

I think Sony might just have a hit on its hands here, as there appears to be rather a lot of hype and interest around this phone. Way more than usual. Also: the price is decent too €649 – that’s A LOT cheaper than the incoming Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8.

Could 2017 be the year Sony returns to form? The Sony Xperia XZ Premium certainly looks like a handset that could turn things around.

Nokia!

Nokia is officially back in the phone scene. Nokia, now owned by HMD, returned to the fray at MWC 2016, where it launched a trio of Android-powered smartphones as well as rebooted version of the Nokia 3310.

The Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 are all mid-range handsets, designed for taking control of the lucrative mod-range segment of the mobile space. Priced aggressively and featuring eye-catching designs, the Nokia Android phones are decent and will no doubt make a lot of friends when they get a release later this year.

All eyes are on the Nokia 8, however, which is also known as the Nokia P1. This is Nokia’s flagship handset, the handset that will do battle with Apple’s iPhone 8 and Samsung’s Galaxy S8.

If you're in the US you can now pick up the Nokia 6 for $332 via eBay.

We have a full article on the Nokia 8 already, so if you’re interested in that handset make sure you check that article out, as the handset is shaping up to be quite a beast.

Apple iPhone 8

No phone attracts more attention than a new iPhone, and 2017’s release looks set to be a stunner. Word on the street suggests the iPhone 8 – or whatever it is eventually called – is the handset Jony Ive has always dreamed of making a commercial reality. Expect big design changes, the removal of the Home key, new display tech and BIG improvements in the imaging department.

Apple might be releasing three iPhone 8 models in 2017: the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and a third model known as the iPhone 8 Pro. The latter of which will feature a 5.8in OLED panel and likely no bezel whatsoever.

Rumours suggest a grand redesign that will see Apple do away with the Home key and instead focus on creating an all-screen phone. Whether this design language is featured on all three models remains to be seen; it could well be present on only the iPhone 8 Pro model, which, of course, will be the most expensive and where all the innovation is.

Apple’s 2017 iPhone needs to be a rather big deal as well for the company after this year’s iPhone 7, which left a lot of consumers, well… a little less than impressed.

The move to switch to a three-year hardware cycle was a little odd for Apple, as it means the company is now retailing a design it first launched WAY back in 2014. To the untrained eye it is kind of difficult to tell the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 apart.

Apple also removed the headphone jack on this year’s iPhone 7 as well and that move, while very controversial indeed, is not something the company will likely go back on, so DO NOT expect to see the headphone jack return on 2017’s iPhone.

Expected Launch: Late Q4 2017

Samsung Galaxy S8

Now the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are officially out and much of what was promised has become reality. It doesn't pack a dual-camera or a fingerprint scanner under the display glass, but aside from this we've got a lot from the pre-launch rumour checklist. A huge and curved Super AMOLED display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 OR Exynos 8895 processors (region dependent), waterproofing, Bixby AI, and tons more.

Here's a quick excerpt from our full review, which you can read here.

"I'm rather fond of this phone. My overall impression is very positive. I liked using it, I found it easy and seamless, rather refreshing really. It feels thoughtful and clever, though one or two bits are still glaringly missing, we are promised they'll be patched in later.

"From a hardware perspective it's an absolute diamond. The camera is incredible and you really must try this, even if you've no intention of buying this phone I heartily encourage you to get down to a showroom and try the camera out if only to show you what's possible and what we should be expecting of future flagships as some kind of baseline. Meanwhile, on the display and processor front, Samsung continues to push boundaries and deliver excellent quality.

"And on the subject of design and build, well, it's a matter of taste but I think Samsung has gone from strength to strength and here has delivered something very refined indeed.

"The real icing on the cake, however, is that battery life. It's just phenomenal. This is easily the best phone on the market when it comes to battery life, so if you're looking for a handset that will go the distance - look no further."

Launched: March 2017

OnePlus 4 – Or, OnePlus 5

OnePlus has been steadily making a name for itself in the mobile space with solid, reliable and, most importantly, inexpensive flagship-grade smartphones. Each new iteration of the OnePlus range takes things a step further, adding in new features, more value and increased performance.

The OnePlus 3, for its price, was an exceptional handset. Easily one of the best Android phones of 2016, the handset can be had for just over £300 – way less than any of its competitors’ offerings.

Things have been quiet on the OnePlus front for a while now, but I would expect a focus on display technology, imaging and software inside 2017’s OnePlus 4.

One interesting twist to the OnePlus 4 rumour mill concerns the name of the handset. According to multiple sources, OnePlus might skip the number 4 for its next handset, apparently its unlucky in China, and skip ahead to 5, meaning the handset would be called the OnePlus 5.

Rumours suggest the handset will feature a ceramic body, big updates in the specs and hardware department, as well as a bump to the display resolution, meaning this could be the first OnePlus release to embrace QHD panels. The latest rumours also suggest it may feature a curved display along both edges like the Samsung Galaxy S7 EDGE.

Expected Launch: Q2/Q3 2017

Huawei P10

Over the past two years, Huawei has slowly but surely grown its brand in the UK and US. Previously an unpronounceable mid-range-totting Chinese phone maker, Huawei is now one of the biggest phone makers on the planet and it has achieved this with its extensive range of Android phones from budget offerings right up to stellar flagships, like the Huawei Mate 9 and Huawei P9.

Huawei has now launched the Huawei P10 at MWC 2017 and it's a bit of a corker it must be said!

The Huawei P10 is sleek, well styled and effortlessly premium. It has an air of iPhone about it, but Huawei has always borrowed style elements from the best in the business, so I don’t think anyone will mind too much.

Like the Huawei P9, the P10 is available in two sizes: 5.1in display for the P10 and 5.5in for the P10 Plus.

The handsets feature what Huawei calls a “sand-blasted” finish and both are available in the following colours: Dazzling Blue, Rose Gold, Prestige Gold, Ceramic White, Mystic Silver, Dazzling Gold and Graphite Black. Here's the spec sheet:

Display: 5.1in display with a 1920×1080-pixel resolution at 432ppi
Dimensions: 145.3 x 69.3 x 7 mm
Weight: 145 grams
Storage: 64GB, plus support for microSD cards up to 256GB
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Processors: Kirin 960 2.4GHz 64-bit Octa-core processor
Front camera: 8 MP
Rear camera: Dual 20 + 12 MP
Battery life: 3200 mAh
Colors: Mystic Silver, Rose Gold, Graphite Black, Dazzling Gold, Dazzling Blue, Greenery

Launched: February 2017

Google Pixel 2

Google’s first foray into mobile phones – the Pixel and Pixel XL – made a HUGE splash in late-2016. I reviewed the Pixel XL and it quite literally blew my socks off – this phone is incredible. Yes, it costs A LOT but what you get is arguably the best phone on the market right now.

You can check out the full review here: Google Pixel XL Review: The Best Goddamn Phone In The World.

Google has now confirmed that it will indeed be making a sequel to the Pixel and Pixel XL, as well as another, potentially cheaper version for emerging markets.

Design gripes aside it is very hard not to like Google’s Pixel phones. The software is spot on. Ditto overall performance, imaging quality and battery performance. Couple this with first in-line status for Android updates and you’re looking at one hell of a compelling proposition.

The price of these handsets is rather high, however, and that will definitely put off some users. But for those that see phones as an investment -- or those that have the spare cash -- the Pixel phones, notably the Pixel XL, are very hard to fault.

Expected Launch: Q4 2017

LG G6

The LG G5 was one of my personal favourites of 2016. I loved that phone. It performed great, had a lovely UX, the camera was brilliant and it had decent battery life.

LG has now launched the LG G6 at MWC 2017, following a long period of leaks, tip-offs, and official teasers from the manufacturer itself! It's safe to say that most of what was rumoured has turned out to be true. It's a sleek, premium, unibody device with water and dust proofing - an LG flagship first. It's also loaded with amazing camera tech.

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 821 Processor
Display: 5.7-inch 18:9 QHD+ FullVision® Display (2880 x 1440 / 564ppi)
Storage: 32GB UFS 2.0 ROM
MicroSD: (up to 2TB)
RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
Camera Rear Dual: 13MP Wide (F2.4 / 125°) / 13MP Standard OIS 2.0 (F1.8 / 71°)
Front: 5MP Wide (F2.2 / 100°)
Battery: 3,300mAh (embedded) + Quick Charge 3.0
Software: Android 7.0 Nougat
Dimensions: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9mm
Weight: 163g
Connectivity: LTE-A 3 Band CA, Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.2 BLE, NFC / USB Type-C 2.0 (3.1 compatible)
Fingerprint Sensor: Yes
Water Resistance: IP68
Other Features: UX 6.0 / Dolby Vision™ / HDR10 / 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC (*not in US)
Colors: Ice Platinum / Mystic White / Astro Black

Google VS Apple VS Microsoft... who will get the best future of PCs first?

2017-05-09T09:22:00.003-07:00

It feels like a long time since we've had a great big knock-down, drag-out operating system battle. Windows vs. Mac shook out in the ‘90s. iOS vs. Android is mostly settled. But another one is starting this summer if you know where to look. It's not in classic PCs, where the relative qualities between Mac and Windows have remained stable for some time now. It's not in phones, where the iPhone is dominant at the high end and Android owns massive marketshare.

This time it's happening in one specific place: cheap computers. And the fight for it is going to be as brutal and fascinating as the ones we've seen before. The players aren't surprising at all: Google, Apple, and Microsoft. But this is a different kind of platform war, one where all three have a legitimate chance of coming out ahead.

Over the past year, we've been watching the players line up. The operating systems and ecosystems that will be competing are the ones you'd probably guess:

Google's Chrome OS (with Android apps)
Apple's iOS (on the iPad)
Microsoft’s Windows 10 Cloud (and new-style Windows apps)

In all three cases, what you're looking at are "underpowered" operating systems that most people think can't be used as "real computers." But in all three cases, those assumptions are based more on preexisting biases than fundamental flaws. More to the point, I think Google, Microsoft, and Apple each have a roadmap for eliminating those flaws.

All of which is kind of exciting! You can spend the next few months and years watching genuine competition between companies motivated to make the best possible products. And even better, those products will be available at prices that used to mean "crap" but will soon mean "why would I spend twice as much?" And if the web and app developers keep supporting all three, you won't have to compromise a ton by opting for any one of them.

Let's break down exactly what Google, Apple, and Microsoft have in store for this battle.

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

Google and Chrome OS

By now, Chrome OS feels like a known quantity. People understand that it's "just" a Chrome browser, but that the Chrome browser can do way more computer things that just open webpages. That's because many of those webpages are full-blown apps, some of which work pretty well even when you're offline. It's easy (and justified) to knock Chrome for being a bloated battery hog on your Mac or Windows PC — but the flip side is that when it's running on a computer custom-built just for Chrome, it tends to run much better.

Nearly one year ago, Google announced that Android apps will run natively on Chrome OS. It wasn't (and may never be) the all-smoke, no-fire "Andromeda" hybrid OS. It'll just be Chrome OS with Android apps on it. They'll be resizable, like any regular app window on a desktop computer, and they'll work better offline than web apps.

The dream, then, is that Chrome will be able to take on a two-front battle with both the iPad and Windows. Against the iPad, Chrome OS will have a more powerful, desktop-class browser, real windowing, and more hardware options. Against Windows, it has easier software management and better performance at cheap price points. Most $500 Windows PCs are crap. Most $500 Chromebooks are great.

But as I noted in February when I looked at how that Android Beta is coming along, that dream is presently a nightmare. Chrome OS's challenges are twofold. First, there's the new challenge of making Android apps run well on top of Chrome OS and on top of the various hardware architectures it has to support. We should know very soon if Google has figured that out, as the long-running beta is supposed to be over this month.

The second challenge is the harder one: Android apps on big screens have been bad for as long as there have been Android apps on big screens. Developers have focused on phones to the detriment of tablets, and over the years the number of Android tablets has dwindled down. Today there's only one or two that are even worth mentioning, and you shouldn't buy them anyway.

But if Google succeeds in its goals, that advice will rapidly change. That's because this Android on Chrome OS plan means Chrome OS tablets are coming. I doubt Android apps will be great on tablet or laptop screens this year, but that will be less of a problem than it was before because you can just use Chrome web app versions of most of the ones you want instead.

Apple and the iPad

Ever since Apple introduced the giant, 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2015, it's been making the case that the iPad can replace your computer. It introduced a smaller, less-expensive iPad Pro last year and has even been running ad campaigns that argue that it's just as good as a "real" computer.

So the answer to the question "what is Apple's cheap computer" already seems settled. Apple has made its bet: it's the iPad. Rumors and speculation that Apple will put the Mac on an ARM-based processor may well turn out to be true someday, but I believe that Apple would rather improve iOS and the iPad to take on Chrome OS and Windows at the low end than try to produce a hobbled Mac that works well on the cheap.

Apple's strategy is slightly more nuanced, price-wise, than either Google or Microsoft. Those companies will have products coming in at multiple price points, but the best stuff will probably hover around $500. For Apple, there's a low-end iPad without keyboard and stylus, or the Pros that start at $599 and go up as you add necessary accessories.

And Apple's not wrong at all in this strategy. The iPad Pros are very powerful, very capable computers. They have several huge advantages over their two competitors. Several million advantages, in fact, and they're called iPad apps. Compared to both Android and modern-style Windows Store apps, there are so many more good quality iPad apps that it's not even a discussion.

The other big advantage for the iPad is simply that it's good hardware running an operating system that was designed for it. That means that the OS is much faster even though it runs on relatively inexpensive hardware. Even the most recent non-Pro iPad, which lacks a keyboard connector and stylus support, feels faster than any other computer you can get for $329.

But one of the key reasons that iPads feel so fast is that iOS was designed with a "mobile-first" mentality that constrains apps from doing much in the background. It locks users out from making the kind of customizations they tend to expect on a "real" computer. Instead of moving windows around, you get a two-pane split screen. Instead of choosing your preferred browser and email client, you tend to get locked into Safari and Mail.

I don't have the space here to litigate whether that philosophy of computing is good or bad, whether it's going to hurt Apple, or even whether Apple will change it sometime soon. But I will point out that Apple does need to resolve some of the limitations in its OS fairly soon, because those limitations are precisely why Chrome OS is eating the iPad's lunch in the education market.

I'm talking about multiuser support and updates, primarily. On Chrome (and increasingly on Windows), a new user simply needs to enter their user ID, wait a tick, and then they're logged in with all their apps and stuff ready to go. And if somebody else picks up that computer, they can't get into your stuff. If an administrator wants to wipe the computer, it's relatively simple. All of those features make Chrome OS a dream for education and very compelling to the enterprise.

Apple has created a system that allows for multiuser support for schools, but compared to the simplicity of Chrome OS it's still a convoluted system. More importantly, it's currently only available in schools. Any parent that's gritted their teeth as they handed their work iPad to a child knows what I'm talking about: iOS needs proper multi-user support. I'll be both shocked and disappointed if Apple doesn't address it at WWDC this June.

Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Microsoft and Windows 10 Cloud

Somewhat surprisingly, we know less about Microsoft's plans than we do about Apple’s and Google’s. All that will change on May 2nd, when Microsoft will hold a splashy event in New York that we expect will be focused on the rumored Windows 10 Cloud.

We've been tracking this new version of Windows since January, and most indications are that it will be a lightweight iteration of Windows 10 designed to take on Chrome OS, especially in the education market. If the current rumors pan out, it will run Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps but either won't run (or will badly run) the traditional Windows apps you've been using since 1995.

There are other reasons to think that Microsoft is setting itself up to attack Chrome OS in the education market. The biggest? One of its top executives, Joe Belfiore, has just come back from a hiatus with a new job: “education sponsor and advocate in the Windows team.” Good timing! Another very obvious reason is the branding of this version of Windows. As Tom Warren has explained, the "cloud" in Windows 10 Cloud "doesn’t mean it’s literally powered by the cloud or streamed to a device." Instead, it'll likely focus on Microsoft's own services and generally imply that it's a lighter-weight OS, like Chrome OS.

Microsoft will no doubt strenuously argue that this won't be "Windows Lite" — heck, it'll probably argue that calling it a "version" of Windows is the wrong terminology because all Windows 10 computers are simply Windows 10 computers. Microsoft is still bruised from all the (justified) criticism it ran into with multiple variants of Windows, to say nothing of the Windows RT debacle. But maybe that will be a mistake. A "lite" version of Windows could be exactly what most people want and need — it would be as simple to manage as Chrome OS, and it would run better on inexpensive hardware than full Windows does.

And running better on inexpensive hardware has been an ongoing series of headaches for Microsoft. From netbooks to Windows RT, Microsoft has been trying to find a way to help its manufacturers drive down the cost of their devices without sacrificing performance. To date, it hasn't exactly been successful. The conventional wisdom is still that spending anything less than $500 or so means you'll get junky hardware, a slow computer, or both.

But there's no inherent reason that Windows can't run well on cheap hardware. Windows 10 is a really good operating system that still doesn't get the credit it deserves for pushing desktop software forward. The problem is that many traditional Windows apps tend to just require more power than they really ought to.

The solution to that problem are those UWP apps, which is the terminology for apps that you get from the Windows Store that follow Microsoft's new design language and coding standards. They're the apps that put dynamic live tiles in the Start menu, snap to the side in clever ways, and generally just look better. The apps, in other words, that Microsoft needs way more of in order to execute on this plan.

So far, the effort to get more developers to make more of those apps hasn't gone very smoothly. The lack of them is one of the main reasons that Windows RT bombed, and so many users assume that they're just underpowered and bad compared to traditional Windows apps.

The big question for Microsoft is whether or not to allow Windows 10 Cloud to run traditional Windows apps — signs point to "no," though Belfiore did tell Mashable that he doesn't intend to make a version of Windows "that doesn’t run rich Windows apps." And we also know that Microsoft has found a way to get traditional Windows apps running on inexpensive ARM processors.

We'll find out the answer to that question (and hopefully many others) on May 2nd.

Get your popcorn

In brief, here's how I see this upcoming fight for your next cheap computer shaping up:

Google has a strong position in the education market, but has to prove it can make Android apps good on big screens.
Apple has a dominant lead in quality apps, but the iOS platform needs to grow up a little more
Microsoft has the most powerful operating system that can run on cheap hardware, but it needs more apps and better apps that can also run on cheap hardware.

For years, all of the important action has happened on phones. They are, by far, the most important computers everybody owns. But that doesn't mean that there isn't opportunity for innovation on PCs and tablets. And for the first time in a long time, I think we're also going to see genuine competition in that space, as these three companies vie to convince you that you can get a great PC that does everything you need for less than $500.

360-degree sound now possible

2017-05-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

True 360 Sound, Dramatically Deeper, Astonishingly Loud.

Bose has just announced a new Bluetooth speaker that features omni-directional sound that blasts it on every direction when turned on. Named Revolve and Revolve+, the new speakers spread deep, jaw-dropping sound in every direction -- from a seamless aluminum design.

“When SoundLink first hit the market, it took the industry by storm," said Glenn Gomes-Casseres, director of products for Bose wireless speakers. “We didn’t want to make small improvements to the audio that made it famous. We wanted the difference to be so dramatic, that it would take just one song to hear the best sound you’ve ever heard from a little speaker -- all over again.”

Bose employed a new acoustic package to design the Revolve. This includes creating a new cylindrical shape with dual-opposing passive-radiators along with a powerful, ultra-efficient transducer. This enables the speakers to deliver the same exact sound no from all directions.

The Revolve and Revolve+ can also withstand spills, rain and other splashes. It even has a quarter-twenty thread at the bottom so you can mount it on a tripod. Additionally, the speakers support up to 12 hours of battery life from a single charge and can also pair using NFC and even integrate with current virtual assistants like Siri on the iPhone or Google Assistant on Android devices.

Just like the other Bose speakers, the Revolve and Revolve+ are both compatible with the Bose Connect app that lets you adjust and configure the speakers. It even lets you pair two speakers in stereo mode or use the included party mode to play music on all connected speakers simultaneously.

The Bose Revolve and Revolve+ will sell for 799 AED and 1,199 AED respectively. It will come in Triple Black and Lux Gray colors and will be available starting today across all Bose stores in the UAE and your favorite electronic retailers.

Stay tuned for an official review.

Galaxy S8 or Iphone 7.....What do you prefer?

2017-05-01T09:32:00.003-07:00

8things that make the Galaxy S8 better than the iPhone 7

Will it bring customers back to Samsung?

So after months of rumors, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is now official. It brings with it some of the best technologies we’ve seen on a mobile device – so awesome in fact, that even me, an iPhone user, feels left out.

Here’s 8 of the top features of the Samsung Galaxy S8 that you won’t find on the Apple iPhone 7.

1. Iris scanner – Bringing back the awesome feature initially introduced on the Galaxy Note 7, the iris scanner that comes with the Galaxy S8 offers a new layer of biometric security for your ultimate privacy.

2. Works as a desktop – Samsung Dex is a new platform that will essentially turn your Galaxy S8 into a full pledged desktop. Just snap into a special dock on to a TV, connect your keyboard and mouse and voila, a desktop version of Android is ready to go.

3. Those curves – The curves is what defines the Samsung screen and the S8 makes it even better. The Infinity Display wraps around the sides perfectly, virtually eliminating the bezels. The chubbier iPhone weeps in shame.

4. Wireless/fast charging – Even after several iterations the iPhone still hasn’t included these options, which have already been proven beneficial as confirmed by Samsung users. Not everyone likes bringing around cables, Apple.

5. Bixby – You may call it another Siri clone, but Bixby has Samsung’s full support in not just providing a simple virtual assistant, but an all-around companion to the Galaxy S8 that makes it even easier to use and even learns from your everyday routines to give you better results.

6. Bluetooth 5 – As the first smartphone to have Bluetooth version 5, the Galaxy S8 is able have four times more range and twice as fast when doing file transfers. You also now have the ability to stream audio to more than one connected device.

7. Better TouchWiz – TouchWiz maybe the sore point of the Galaxy smartphones in its early days, but it has been drastically improved the years and now features a sleek, fast and easy to use interface. It’s still Android underneath, and with that comes the millions of apps available for you to play around.

8. Accessorize – Along with the Galaxy S8, Samsung has also launched a plethora of accessories made for the device, but one that stands out is the new Gear VR headset that now comes with its own motion controller. Samsung’s push for VR content is evident with the Galaxy S8, and it’s something they’ll be investing in the futur.

Google Earth Virtual Reality

2017-05-01T07:59:00.002-07:00

Google Earth Virtual Reality Will Take You to

Any Address in the World

One of the 3D destinations is Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 1800s.

Credit: Google Earth VR

A new Google Earth Virtual Reality (VR) feature allows users to enter any address — whether it's grandma's house or a 19th-century castle in Germany — and fly over it in 3D with a VR headset.
When Google Earth VR debuted, people could virtually visit a number of popular tourist destinations, including the Hoover Dam in Nevada and the Matterhorn in Switzerland. They could even gaze at the nooks and crannies of the Colosseum in Rome, an archaeological marvel.
But now, people can choose their own destinations, as long as they know the address or name of the location. [25 Strangest Sights on Google Earth]
"People want to quickly find and revisit the places that mean the most to them, whether it's a childhood home or favorite vacation spot," Joanna Kim, a product manager at Google Earth VR, wrote in a blog post today (April 18). Now, users can type an address or the name of a location, and visit it in 3D with a 3D headset system, Kim wrote.
Sightseers can also visit 27 handpicked locations that are now available on Google Earth VR, including Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty"), Table Mountain in South Africa and the Perito Moreno Glacier (Glaciar Perito Moreno) in Argentina.
Google Earth VR is now available for Oculus Rift users who have Oculus Touch controllers. The application is free at the Oculus Store and Steam.
Previous 3D maps created by Google Earth include street views of the Amazon rainforest; the 18,192-foot-high (5,545 meters) high Mount Everest base camp; and Rio de Janeiro, the city that hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Original article on Live Science.

new robot

2017-05-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Northeastern University are working on hand dexterity for NASA's Valkyrie humanoid robot.

Credit: NASA

This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.
It's quite common for humans – especially those who work in manufacturing – to tie a knot, strip the casing off a cable, insert a pin in a hole or use a hand tool such as a drill. They may seem like simple tasks, but are really very complex and involve extremely fine finger and hand motions.
Though robots are getting more and more involved in factory work and in a wide range of other types of jobs – including in the service industry and health care – their dexterity is not nearly as impressive. Since people first brought them to work in automotive factories more than 50 years ago, we have built robots that can weld, paint and assemble parts quite well. Today's best robotic hands can pick up familiar objects and move them to other places – such as taking products from warehouse bins and putting them in boxes.
But robots can't orient a hand tool properly – say, lining up a Phillips head screwdriver with the grooves on a screw, or aiming a hammer at a nail. And they definitely can't use two hands together in detailed ways, like replacing the batteries in a remote control.
Human hands are excellent at those tasks and much more. To even come close to rivaling what our hands are easily capable of, robot hands need better agility, reliability and strength – and they need to be able to sense more accurately and move even more finely than they do now, to figure out what they're holding and how to grip it best. For robots to be able to work alongside humans, we'll have to figure out how to make robots that can literally lend us a hand when our own two are not enough.
My research group at Northeastern University is working on doing just this, in particular for humanoid robots like NASA's Valkyrie, which has three fingers and a thumb on each hand. Each digit has knuckle-like joints, and each hand has a wrist that can rotate easily. We're working on creating motions – combinations of arm, wrist, finger and thumb movements that collectively accomplish a task, like moving a wrench in a circle to tighten a bolt, or pulling a cart from one place to another.

The importance of hands

Rather than making each robot a custom machine tailored for a very specific task, we need to design multi-use robots, or even such capable machines that they might be called “general purpose” – good for almost any task. One key to the success of these types of robots will be excellent hands.
Our work focuses on designing a new class of adaptable robot hands capable of precise fine movements and autonomous grasping. When robots are able to hammer in nails, change batteries and make other similar movements – basic for humans but very complex for robots – we'll be well on our way to human-like dexterity in robotic hands.
Achieving this goal also involves inventing new designs that incorporate hard and soft elements – the way human bone gives strength to a grip, with skin spreading the pressure so a wine glass doesn't shatter.

Faster development and testing

Modern technological improvements are making the development process easier. With 3D printing, we can make prototypes very quickly. We can even make low-cost disposable components to try different arrangements of mechanisms, like two- or three-fingered grippers for simple pick-and-place tasks or anthropomorphic robot hands for more delicate operations.
As electronic cameras and sensors get smaller, we're able to incorporate them in new ways. For instance, if we put pressure sensors and cameras in a robotic hand, they can give feedback to the robot controller (whether human or automated) when a grip is secure, or if something starts to slip. One day they may be able to sense which direction the slipping object is moving, so the robot can catch it.
These abilities are already second nature to humans through vision and proprioception (the ability to sense the relative positions of body parts without looking or thinking about it). Once we're able to achieve them in robots, they'll be able to do things like detect if a grasp is too strong and is squeezing an object too hard.

Planning coordinated movements

Another milestone will be developing methods for robots to figure out what motions they need to make in real time, including sensing what's going on in their hands at each moment. If a robot hand can detect changes in objects it is handling, or manipulate items while holding them, they could help with those common manual tasks like knot-tying and wire-stripping.
Working with two hands together is even farther into the future, though it would provide a significant boost, particularly for manufacturing. A robot that can operate a drill with two hands or pass machine parts from one hand to the other would be big improvements, allowing factories to automate even more steps in their processes.
We humans haven't developed these systems yet. Achieving human-like autonomous robot dexterity will keep robotics researchers, technologists and innovators busy in the foreseeable future. It won't slow down the ongoing robotics revolution in manufacturing, because current processes still have lots of room for automation to improve safety, speed and quality. But as we make robots even better, they'll be able to give us a hand.
Taskin Padir, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Really Micro Machine

2017-05-01T07:42:00.001-07:00

Really Micro Machine

A 3D model of a possible molecular "nanocar." These single-molecule machines are propelled by small pulses of an electric current.

Credit: Hubert Raguet/CEMES/CNRS Photothèque

Tiny vehicles made from a single molecule will go head-to-head in the first ever NanoCar Race tomorrow (April 28), and the competition will be broadcast live on YouTube.
The race is made possible by a one-of-a-kind scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Toulouse, France, that lets four users manipulate molecules on the same surface simultaneously. Four independently operated ultrafine metallic tips deliver electrical pulses that will propel the so-called "nanocars" along a racetrack made of gold atoms.
Six teams made it through to the final round, according to the race organizers. Originally, four teams were going to be selected earlier today to take part in tomorrow's race, but the organizers ultimately decided that all the teams should participate. This means two teams will control microscopes remotely from their own labs — one in Ohio and the other in Graz, Austria. [Magnificent Microphotography: 50 Tiny Wonders]
A live stream of the race will start at 10.45 a.m. local time in France (4:45 a.m. ET) on the competition’s YouTube page. If that start time is a tad early for you, there's no need to worry; the race could take up to 36 hours, so there will be plenty of time to tune in.
The event's organizers said it is more than just a spectacle. Viewers will be witnessing a major international science experiment on controlling single-molecule machines in real time, the organizers said.
"We don't really know with this technology what we will get out of it. Will it do classical things like motors or computers? We don't know," Christian Joachim, a senior researcher at CNRS and director of the NanoCar Race, told Live Science. "Right now, we are just opening up the technology and science."
Organizers said they hope these kinds of machines will one day allow researchers to construct devices atom by atom, which could have broad applications for everything from medicine to microelectronics. Navigating the racecourse will be a first demonstration of the ability to deposit and control multiple single-molecule machines on the same surface, Joachim said, a prerequisite for these kinds of future applications.
During tomorrow's race, each team will be given a specific sector of the gold racetrack and several of their nanocars will be placed on the course. This not a very precise process, though, and some of these cars will likely end up in other competitors' sections, so the teams will then have 6 hours to clean their sections, the race organizers said.
The teams will then have to map the position of gold atoms along their tracks so they can develop strategies for how to tackle the course.
Once the race starts, the teams will have to propel their nanocars along a 20-nanometer-long stretch (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter), make a 45-degree turn, continue along a 30-nanometer-long stretch, take another 45-degree turn and then finish with a 20 nanometer stretch to the finish line. Including the turns, the total length of the course will be approximately 100 nanometers.
All these movements have to be powered by electrical pulses, and pushing the nanocar with the microscope tip is forbidden, the race organizers said. While several of the nanocars taking part in the competition have similar layouts to conventional car designs (such as having wheels), others rely on completely different models of propulsion borrowed from things as varied as caterpillars, hovercraft and windmills.
The race enclosure will be cooled to minus 516 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 269 degrees Celsius) using liquid helium so that the molecules don't move spontaneously. But the helium reserves will run out after 36 hours, hence the time limit for the race, the organizers said. The winner will be the first team to reach the finish line or the one farthest along the track at the end of the allotted time, the organizers added.
It has taken more than three years for the teams to design their nanocars and for the organizers to prepare the racecourse, and Joachim said he is looking forward to taking a holiday after the race.
"It's like sending someone to the moon," he said. "Everything has to be synchronized, and you have to make sure everything is ready in time for D-Day. It is quite a large undertaking."
Original article on Live Science.

NEW OF HTC

2017-05-01T07:30:00.001-07:00

CRITIC REVIEW

HTC U Ultra review: If looks could kill, this phone would have been a serial killer

Since quite a while, HTC has been launching some very good phones in the Indian market.

While last year we saw a great flagship smartphone in

HTC 10

, we spent a few days with this year's flagship HTC U Ultra to find out if as good or not.

Priced at Rs 59,990,

HTC U Ultra

comes with powerful specifications, and the phone seems to be very promising on paper. But is it as good for real?

Read the rest of our review to find out:

Design

The build quality and design of HTC U Ultra is indeed impressive. The smartphone is extremely good to look at, and everything about it spells premium. Neither is it made of plastic, nor is it completely metallic (like previous HTC flagships). The U Ultra, with its 'Liquid design', is made from highly-polished Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which further adds to its looks. Only the edges of the device are made of metal.

The glass and metal combination gives the smartphone a glossy finish. It's available in four colours - Ice White, Brilliant Black, Cosmetic Pink and Sapphire Blue. Our review unit was the Brilliant Black one.

The front is dominated by the display, with the selfie camera and earpiece at the top and fingerprint sensor (integrated with the Home button) below it. Flipping the U Ultra, the glass back panel has the protruding primary camera in the middle, along with the LED flash. Below is the HTC branding. The SIM tray is located on the top edge, while the volume rocker and the power button are on the right. As for the bottom, it's where the USB Type-C port and speaker grille are.

But as good as it looks, the glass body of the U Ultra makes it prone to fingerprints and slippery as well.However, this problem is definitely no deal breaker, as once you cover your smartphone with a mobile phone case, you should be facing no problem at all.

To sum it up, we'd say that we found the HTC U Ultra to be a really well-made device. We quite liked its glass body and found its design to be very sleek.

The device comes with a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super LCD display of 1440x2560 pixel resolution, which is downright beautiful. Colours look extremely vibrant and there's no distortion when the display is viewed at different angles. Even when we were using the phone under direct sunlight, we did not encounter any issues, which is a big plus.

It's possible to adjust the colour tone of the display granularly, thus making it 'warm' or 'cold'. The display settings have a 'Night Mode' which tweaks colour temperature to make it less strenuous on the eyes, a feature many Android smartphones now have.

But that's not all. HTC U Ultra further comes with a smaller secondary display, just like LG's V20. The secondary display is like a ticker strip that's placed above the primary touch display. It can be configured to display numerous options, ranging from quick access shortcuts to calendar entries to music controls.

We found it to be useful in multitasking as well. For example, if there's a need to place a call when browsing the web, it can be done directly via the secondary display, without the need to go to the homescreen, launching the contacts app, finding the contact and then placing the call.

Summing up our thoughts on the display of the smartphone, we'll say that HTC U Ultra's display is definitely one among the best features of the flagship device. The images projected were sharp and clear, the colours were vibrant and didn't change at different viewing angles. Also, the secondary display proved to be very useful.

Performance

HTC U Ultra is powered by a 2.15GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM. It also comes with 64GB of internal memory and can hold microSD cards of up to 2TB in size. The handset runs Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box, along with HTC's Sense UI on top. The smartphone is backed by a 3,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support, while the connectivity options include 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.2 and USB Type-C.

We ran the Antutu Benchmark and Geekbench 4 tests on our device. While it scored 92448 in Antutu Benchmark test, the single-core and multi-core scores on Geekbench test were 1632 and 3605 respectively.

What we really liked about the U Ultra is that it doesn't come with a bundle of bloatware apps. Sure, there are pre-installed apps like the entire Google suite and Facebook, but they are all what majority of the users need regularly.

We downloaded a whole lot of apps, but that didn't slow down the U Ultra's performance. Using multiple apps and switching between them was not a problem either. Regardless of how many apps are running in the background, there's no visible lag.

The smartphone handled multi-tabbed browsing in Google Chrome quite easily as well. Even with Nougat's split-screen functionality for using two apps at the same time, the U Ultra performed as intended.

HTC U Ultra	vs	Google Pixel
Quad core	performance	Quad core
5.7" (14.48 cm)	display	5.0" (12.7 cm)
64 GB	storage	32 GB
12 MP	camera	12.3 MP
3000 mAh	battery	2770 mAh
4 GB	ram	4 GB

Google Assistant on the device makes the experience even better. We set that up on our device and it worked perfectly. We used it to send text messages, dial phone numbers, search for information and do a lot more.

HTC's Sense Companion AI has also started rolling out worldwide. Sense Companion learns the user's activities to provide suggestion cards such as tips to improve the device's performance, reminders to charge the battery, clothes to wear according to the weather, and more. The number of cards increases as the device learns more about the user's activities.

There was also BlinkFeed and Highlights on the Home screen. While BlinkFeed curates news from various portals, Highlights allows content from sources like CNN, FOX News, Facebook, Youtube and Reddit.

We used Google Maps for navigation and the experience was smooth. The phone doesn't heat up even after extended duration of navigation. In fact, we didn't encounter any heating issues at all, which is a big plus. As for the call quality, we found it to be good. Audio is clear and both sides could hear each other well. There were do issues when handling calls in areas of poor reception either.

We also played various YouTube videos on the device. The video and audio quality were both amazing and we could stream videos on Wi-Fi and on mobile data with no lags. However, the videos did take time to load when we increased the quality from 720p to 1080p.

Coming down to the fingerprint sensor, we found it to be extremely responsive. The smartphone can save up to five fingerprints. Even with moist fingers, the fingerprint sensor works quite fast.

The U Ultra comes with a 12MP rear autofocus camera with a f/1.8 aperture. There's OIS, PDAF and LED flash as well. In addition, there's a 16MP front-facing shooter with a BSI sensor.

We had a positive experience with the phone's camera. Most of the times, pictures turned out to be great. The images clicked have a lot of detail, there is no distortion, and the colours are bright and vibrant. The camera focuses on objects really fast.

The camera app comes with numerous options, including manual controls. The Zoe Camera can be used to capture pictures with 3-second long Full HD videos.

The thing we liked the best was that the performance of the camera remained consistent in well-lit as well as dimly-lit conditions.

On the other side, the selfie camera didn't quite match up to the primary shooter's quality. That said, it's still more than capable for everyday pictures. We managed to click really good selfies and it comes with options like Selfie Panorama and Selfie Video.

Overall, our experience with HTC U Ultra's cameras was great.

Last, but not the least, we'll talk about the battery life of the smartphone. Even after heavy usage during our testing, involving social media, clicking pictures, downloading various apps, shopping online and listening to music, the phone's battery lasted us the entire day. It never took us too long to completely charge the phone's battery, as it comes with Quick Charge 3.0 support. Usually, we were able to charge the battery fully after charging it for an hour and a half.

Verdict

HTC's flagship device did live up to our expectations. Although it has a heavy price tag of Rs 59,990, the diverse array of features make the package worth it. We loved the software tweaks, the design and of course, the display(s). The camera, performance and fingerprint sensor are all good as well.

HTC10

2017-03-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

HTC 10 سيحصل على اندرويد نوجا في الربع الأخير

قامت شركة اتش تي سي صباح اليوم بالإفصاح عن بعض المعلومات المتعلقة بهاتفها الرائد HTC 10 حيث أشارت الشركة إلى أنّ الهاتف سيحصل على إصدار اندرويد نوجا في الربع الأخير من هذا العام.

وتأمل اتش تي سي أن تُطلق التحديث على النُسخة المفتوحة على جميع الشبكات من الهاتف، ثم تتبعها بإطلاق التحديث إلى HTC One M9 و HTC One A9، ثم لاحقًا قد تُطلق الشركة التحديثات على الأجهزة المقفولة على الشبكات.

وكانت اتش تي سي من أولى الشركات التي أعلنت عن حصول أجهزتها الرائدة على تحديث اندرويد نوجا ولا يأتي هذا مفاجئًا، حيث ستُعلن الشركة أيضًا عن هاتفين جديدين على الأقل ضمن فئة نكسوس بالتعاون مع قوقل الأمريكية.

من جانب آخر، يُتوقع أن تُعلن إل جي الكورية عن هاتف LG V20 في وقت لاحق من سبتمبر مع نظام تشغيل اندرويد نوجا، وتسرّبت اليوم صورة تبدو رسمية للهاتف.

HTC M9

2017-03-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

صفات HTC One M9 اتش تي سي ون إم 9

مواصفات الهاتف HTC One M9 الذي يعمل بنظام اندرويد، وعرض مميزات، سعر، فيديو وصور الهاتف الكاملة. حيث تم الكشف عنه في المؤتمر العالمي للنقال MWC 2015 في برشلونة – إسبانيا بتاريخ 1 مارس/آذار وبدأ بالتوفر في الأسواق في نفس الشهر رسميًا.

مواصفات HTC One M9:

عام	شبكة 2G	GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
	شبكة 3G	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
	شبكة 4G	LTE 700 / 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 TD-LTE 2300 / 2500 / 2600
	نوع الشريحة	نانو سيم Nano-SIM ويتوفر HTC One M9 بشريحتي SIM ايضًا

الجسم	الابعاد	144.6×69.7×9.6 ميليمتر
	الوزن	157 غرام
	مميزات	تصميم من المعدن بشكل كامل

الشاشة	التقنية	سوبر Super LCD3 سعوية، 16 مليون لون
	القياس	5 إنش، 1080×1920 بيكسل، 441 بيكسل في الإنش
	متعدد اللمس	نعم، تدعم اللمس المتعدد
	حماية	غوريلا غلاس Corning Gorilla Glass 4
	مميزات	واجهة إتش تي سي سينس HTC Sense 7.0

الصوت	أنماط التنبيه	MP3, WAV
	مكبرات خارجية	نعم، ستريو BoomSound مع صوت محيطي Dolby 5.1
	سماعات اذن	نعم، قياس 3.5 ميليمتر

الذاكرة	بطاقة ذاكرة	نعم، يدعم microSD حتى 128 غيغابايت
	التخزين الداخلي	32 غيغابايت
	ذاكرة RAM	3 غيغابايت

البيانات	GPRS	نعم
	EDGE	نعم
	Speed	HSPA 42.2/21.1 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps
	لاسلكي	نعم، Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
	بلوتوث	نعم، v4.1 مع A2DP
	NFC	نعم
	اشعة	اشعة تحت حمراء
	USB	نعم، microUSB v2.0 (MHL 3), USB On-the-go, USB Host

الكاميرا	الخلفية	20.7 ميغابيكسل، فلاش مزدوج LED، تركيز تلقائي.
	مميزات	تصوير صور مع الفيديو HD، تحديد مكان الصور، تركيز باللمس، إكتشاف الوجوه والإبتسامة، HDR
	الفيديو	4K 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR تسجيل صوت ستيريو
	الأمامية	4 ميغابيكسل بتقنية ألترا بيكسل، تدعم تصوير الفيديو بدقة وإطار 1080p@30fps

مميزات	النظام	اندرويد 5.0 المصاصة (لولي بوب)
	شريحة المعالج	Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
	المعالج	ثماني النواة بتردد 2.0+1.5 غيغاهرتز لكل 4 أنوية
	الرسوميات	Adreno 430
	الحساسات	بوصلة، جيروسكوب الدوران، الإقتراب، التسارع
	الرسائل	SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email
	المتصفح	HTML5
	راديو	نعم، ستريو FM
	تحديد مواقع	A-GPS و GLONASS
	جافا	نعم، بواسطة مشغل Java MIDP emulator
	الوان	الفضي مع الذهبي، الوردي مع الذهبي، الرمادي والذهبي

البطارية	السعة	2840 ميلي آمبير غير قابلة للنزع مُصنعة بتقنية Li-Po
	الإستعداد
	التحدث

السعر	تقريبًا	600 دولار تقريبًا