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  • Rumor Mill: What’s in Store for 2018 iPhones?

    Rumor Mill: What’s in Store for 2018 iPhones?

    It might feel like it wasn’t all that long ago that the iPhone 8 and iPhone X released. However, the rumor mill is in full swing as we approach the release of the 2018 iPhones. While Apple has been quiet with any hard details regarding the new phones, rumors abound. Today, we’re looking at the most likely rumors regarding 2018’s iPhone line up.

    iPhone X Plus

    A very likely model for this year would be a plus version of the iPhone X. Apple has often prioritized versions of their phones with huge screens for those who prefer a bigger handset. This purported phone would be similar to the current iPhone X in that it would sport an OLED display and be priced similarly. While no specifications have been given by Apple, these rumors seem likely given the company’s history.

    iPhone X2? Or iPhone 11?

    The new mainline iPhone hasn’t been named yet, but speculation abounds. Last year’s phone is phonetically referred to as the iPhone Ten, but some call it the iPhone “Ecks,” like the letter. However, some speculate that the next phone might be called the X2, or the “Ecks Two.” XS is another possible name, reverting to the S line of iPhones that follow big releases. iPhone 11 seems to be a likely candidate, as well.

    Rumors also maintain that the next mainline iPhone could have three rear-facing cameras. Such a setup could include a better zoom function and improved portrait mode. Such a set-up would benefit AR mapping greatly, which has been a big push for Apple lately.

    This entry would also sport an OLED screen, the gorgeous, bright display that the current iPhone X possesses.

    2018 iPhones Could Include LCD-Display Budget Option

    Apple has had no problem selling iPhones since the launch of the X. However, they could always sell more by appealing to lower budgets. To that end, the company may be pursuing a more affordable phone with an iPhone X design but an LCD screen. Such a phone would likely be more affordable and attract a wider audience. The iPhone X’s face-unlocking technology and lack of a home button are both unique hallmarks and would likely appeal to many if more affordable.

    However, none of these reports have been substantiated by Apple themselves. While we can expect to hear some news from them soon, the new phones will likely be out in September. That leaves barely a month and a half for news to come from Apple about the new phones. In either event, we’ll know more soon, whether through a press event or a high-profile leak.

  • Rumor Mill: Microsoft Working on New Operating System

    Rumor Mill: Microsoft Working on New Operating System

    While the paint has barely dried on Windows 10, rumor has it that Microsoft has something up its sleeve. Synaptics, a company involved with AMD, has released a statement regarding their work on state-of-the-art biometric security measures. According to Synaptics’ press release, the system will be for use in “enterprise/commercial and consumer notebook PCs based on next-generation AMD Ryzen Mobile platform and Microsoft’s next-generation operating system.” Well, that’s pretty on-the-nose, huh?

    New Operating System

    Synaptics’ press release even mentions Windows Hello by name, calling the new OS a “forthcoming biometric security OS including Windows Hello”. This lends some credence to the idea that the upcoming system might be for use in handheld or tablet devices. Since personal home computers aren’t generally as unsecure as handheld devices, it would make sense if this new biometric-focused OS was for products like the Surface tablet.

    This is all guesswork, of course, as there are no hard details from Microsoft. However, there are a few conclusions that can be rather definitively drawn. For one, Windows 10 hasn’t been out for very long, so it seems unlikely this new OS would be replacing it. Further, Microsoft has been fighting tooth and nail to break into the mobile market. Windows phones, the Surface line of tablets and the newest initiative, “Always-Connected PCs” are all evidence of that. It seems likely that this new OS would be aimed primarily at this market.

    While Apple has perfected face-scanning biometric unlocking with the iPhone X, other companies are a bit behind schedule on that technology. Fingerprint scanners remain common, and for most cases, the most secure. However, some new smartphones have tried to experiment with face-unlocking, to hilariously mixed results. Notably, some Android phones have been unlocked by print-outs of their owners faces. Not exactly model security functions.

    In fact, Microsoft’s own face-unlocking software, Windows Hello, was fooled by this exact same technique recently. As such, it makes sense that they’re working with Synaptics and AMD to shore up their security efforts.

  • Nintendo’s Famicom Classic Mini Has a Shonen Jump Edition

    Nintendo’s Famicom Classic Mini Has a Shonen Jump Edition

    Nintendo accidentally struck gold with their miniature Classic Edition consoles in 2016. The first, the NES Classic Mini, sold out everywhere so fast that it was being sold at insane markups online. The follow-up console, the SNES Classic Mini, had slightly less distribution issues, but still sold out within a week. Just a few weeks ago, the company restocked both mini consoles, but that wave has also been sold out in most places. All of that is nothing compared to the fervor around one Japanese version of the system, though. The Famicon Classic Mini Shonen Jump Edition is exclusive to Japan, and it sold out in hours.

    What’s in the Box?

    The Shonen Jump edition of the Famicom Classic Mini is largely a different beast than either the NES or Famicom mini consoles While the original versions shipped with hits like Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda and Metroid, this one has some oddball choices. Namely, the games in this collection are almost all based on Shonen Jump properties. The manga magazine is mega-popular in Japan, and in the 80’s there were a number of successful licensed tie-ins.

    As such, the games packed into this mini console aren’t the draw for most American collectors. For the most part, they’re all pretty niche. Interestingly, Dragon Quest does make an appearance on this system, as Shonen Jump mainstay Akira Toriyama did the art for that game. However, the system is otherwise loaded with licensed games that are all entirely in Japanese.

    A Famicom Classic Mini with a Shonen Spin

    The Shonen touches filter down to the design of the console itself. It has red and gold trim, making it very flashy and eye-catching. This may be the most alluring aspect to American collectors, as the box looks awesome on a shelf. Hilariously, the controllers are incredibly small on this re-release, as they slot into the tiny Famicom just like the original. This extends to the cords, unfortunately, as they’re comically barely more than a foot long.

    However, most Americans wouldn’t be playing this one too much if they snagged one: all the games are in Japanese. Unless you can read Japanese and have a particular love for 80’s-era Shonen licensed games, you’ll likely find little to do with the library. However, if you do read Japanese, another crack at the first Dragon Quest game would always be welcome!

  • Worlds Collide in Fortnite’s Fifth Season

    Worlds Collide in Fortnite’s Fifth Season

    Fortnite’s fifth season is now live, following the introduction of a real-world ARG. Recently, the game’s Durr Burger mascot was found in the California desert, having apparently slipped there from the game’s world. Now that the fifth season has kicked off, it seems a number of objects from various places and times have been pulled into the game. Viking ships, giant statues and more now litter the game’s map. In fact, the map has changed pretty dramatically as a result of the rifts.

    News Areas, New Faces in Fortnite’s Fifth Season

    Moisty Mire, everyone’s favorite swamp, has been turned into a sprawling desert. In addition, a number of other changes on the map’s surface have occurred thanks to the rifts. Two new named areas are now in the game: Lazy Links and Paradise Palms. Lazy Links, a resort with a pool, replaces Anarchy Acres, which is no great loss, as Fatal Fields is nearly the same area. Moisty Mire, however, is now the desert locale of Paradise Palms.

    Several new skins are also introduced in the new Battle Pass. The slick-looking, paint-tagging vandal Drift and the Viking Huntress are both unlocked right away with the battle pass, and many more skins away in higher tiers.

    Golf Carts, Rifts and More

    The newest vehicle in the game, the All-Terrain Karts, can seat up to four players and give a considerable speed boost. While Shopping Carts were a cool addition for duos last season, the ATKs give squads of four a new way to travel! The top of the cart functions as a jump pad, too!

    Additionally, the rifts that developed in the sky at the end of last season have now fallen to the earth. If you jump in one, you’ll be teleported elsewhere on the map, where you can then paraglide to safety. This is a great trick for eluding would-be attackers!

    Fortnite is available for free on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and iOS.

  • Apple Music Now Beating Spotify in the US

    Apple Music Now Beating Spotify in the US

    While Spotify might still have a few million more users than Apple Music worldwide, Apple has taken the lead in the US. This comes after Apple was a bit late to the streaming scene, as Spotify had a few years of head start. How did Apple manage to overtake the biggest music streaming service in the world?

    Big-Name Collaborations

    Names like Drake, Frank Ocean and Taylor Swift command a bit of attention. Apple wisely has signed deals with these artists to stream their albums on Apple Music first. In fact, hip-hop and R&B artists see much more success on Apple Music than on Spotify. Drake, for instance, topped the music-streaming charts when Scorpion launched this Summer. J. Cole’s album, K.O.D., saw nearly double the streams on Apple Music than on Spotify. That’s a big deal, as hip-hop and R&B make up nearly a third of all music streaming.

    Beyond just the exclusivity, a number of artists have their own radio shows on Apple’s Beats One radio station. That station, you could guess, is available only through an Apple Music subscription. Drake, Deadmau5, Billie Eilish and more artists have their own shows, and their legions of fans follow them to the service. When you’ve got a following as big as Drake, your name alone can carry a service.

    Beats One

    Speaking of Beats One, it’s the crown jewel of Apple Music and the key to its success. DJs like Zane Lower and Ebro Darden bring a human touch to the proceedings. That same human touch is notably missing from the algorithm-driven Spotify radio service. The interviews, exclusive content and world-first premiers on the service are all quite compelling for diehard music lovers. While more casual listeners may be content with Spotify, those who want more human content are attracted to Beats One.

    Apple Music Has the Install Base

    Another big plus for Apple’s service is the install base of Apple devices. Many people already have iPhones, Macs and the like, and as such they are more likely to try Apple Music. Siri commands can pull up Beats One and the service has iTunes integration. What’s more, Apple CarPlay is the perfect ecosystem for Beats One Radio to shine.

    While Spotify is still leading by a wide margin in the global market, Apple has secured the American listeners. Time will tell whether Apple manages to pull in the foreign demographics, or if they keep their focus here at home.

  • Finney Phone: Cryptocurrency-Centric Phone

    Finney Phone: Cryptocurrency-Centric Phone

    Sirin Labs, the company behind this odd new phone, is aiming to make cryptocurrency commonplace. How will they do so? With the Finney Phone, or so they hope. While adoption of the odd new style of currency has been less than enthusiastic by the public, Sirin aims to change that. Many consider cryptocurrency an unusual, hard-to-understand technology that resembles a Ponzi scheme. Sirin wants their phone to be for the average Joe as well as the Bitcoin Billionaire. How will they do that?

    Sirin Labs’ Goal

    The company’s co-CEO, Zvika Landau, had this to say about the phone. “Most people are afraid of cryptocurrencies, and don’t know where to start. The user experience we want is one that is so simple, you won’t need to understand how blockchain technology works, you won’t need to understand how to sign a transaction, or what happens in the background at the time.”

    This makes sense, if they’re looking to incorporate a mass-market. Many are wary of cryptocurrency, unsure if it’s safe and unwilling to bet their money on it. Younger people, especially, are generally leery of sinking their money into platforms they fear are unstable. It’s mirrored in most millennials lack of interest in the stock market. Sirin aims to hold a number of events and seminars to help people get started.

    Finney Phone: Cold Storage Wallet for Crypto

    The Finney Phone has a second screen built into the phone. That screen is the display of your crypto wallet: it’s completely isolated from your phone. What that means is, the crypto tokens stored on your phone are safe and secure behind a layer of security. Without the authentication key from your phone’s crypto screen, your coins can’t even be used.

    The other feature that Sirin hopes will set the Finney Phone apart is the token conversion built into the phone. The phone will start by hosting Sirin’s own SRN coin, which can be converted into whatever your coin of choice is afterwards. However, it seems that Sirin is more interested in its cryptocurrency taking off than its phone: the phone is simply a means to and end. If people are more comfortable with cryptocurrency, it makes the crypto market more stable.

    The Risks

    The risks associated with cryptocurrency aren’t cured by this one phone, though. As it stands, cryptocurrency is still very young, and largely unproven. There is no central agency to ensure security, and there is no way to use the currency in normal transactions. You can’t go into a grocery store and buy your weekly groceries with Bitcoins, and a phone won’t change that. As it stands, cryptocurrency is used for investing in online endeavors and purchasing things of dubious legality. That’s hardly a glowing review, but we’ll withhold judgment until we see the phone in action.

    The Finney Phone is set to release in November and will retail for $1,000. We’ll see how fast people are to adopt the odd handset then.

  • Former Apple Employee Stole Trade Secrets Related to Self-Driving Cars

    Former Apple Employee Stole Trade Secrets Related to Self-Driving Cars

    Corporate espionage is nothing new, but the amount of it generated by self-driving cars is drastic. Just a few weeks ago, Tesla sued an employee for disclosing trade secrets to unknown parties. Now, federal agents have charge Xiaolang Zhang, a former Apple employee, with stealing trade secrets from Apple. Zhang is accused of stealing technical documents and hardware from Apple.

    Zhang’s Attempted Flight

    Zhang had been working for Apple since 2015, specializing in self-driving cars. His specialty was circuit boards that analyzed sensor data, according to the FBI. However, in April, Zhang told his department head that he was quitting to move to China to be close to his mother. The supervisor found Zhang’s explanation flimsy, and his demeanor suspicious. As such, an investigation was launched: Zhang’s recent download of tons of confidential technical documents came to light. Zhang had stored the technical documents on his wife’s laptop, and then stole a few circuit boards and a server from Apple.

    Federal authorities apprehended Zhang at the San Jose airport on June 7th. He had just purchased a ticket to China. His federal charges mean he can’t leave the country, thus stopping his attempted espionage in its tracks. It’s quite likely that this information breach would have led to a significant breakthrough for a Chinese company if Zhang’s flight had been successful.

    Why Is There So Much Espionage Around Self-Driving Cars?

    While self-driving cars haven’t make too big of a splash at mass-market yet, they’re set to do so in the very near future. In the next few years, we’ll likely see more advanced self-driving technology become widely available. However, the technology is complex and difficult to program and implement. As such, any company that manages to be first to market with it will reap tremendous benefits.

    Less scrupulous companies seem convinced that their best way to do this will be to steal trade secrets and rush a project to completion. Thankfully, in this instance, the espionage was stopped before the damage was done. It is currently unclear what company Zhang was stealing the information for.

  • New Galaxy Watch and What We Know

    New Galaxy Watch and What We Know

    The Samsung Gear was lackluster and not a commercial hit. The adoption in comparison is dismal to the iWatch’s success. Samsung is looking to change that with its next Galaxy Watch. While its name, its OS, and its features are pretty much still in flux, which, at the very least, makes it sound a bit more exciting.

    What We Know

    Very little Im afraid. There have not been alot of details released yet. Lets start with what we know. It will be round for starters, they will not be adapting to Apples square face. Bixby will be a huge and integral part of this watch.Although Bixby has been out for more than a year now, Samsung’s homegrown AI assistant has not descended on any of the current smartwatches. That will change with the Galaxy Watch. Oh yeah,  Presumably we also have a name, ,A registered trademark on “Galaxy Watch” has been leaked.

    Its Safe To Assume

    While we don’t have any confirmation its safe to assume the next line in the Galaxy Watch will be a big upgrade from previous models. For it to compete with the legendary and most popular watch on the planted, the iWatch, it will have to be something special. Look for vast strides in the ai and voice control aspect. Bixby will do things Siri just cant and hasn’t even though of yet. It will be much easier to use and that in turn will give this the commercial appeal all of android is been lacking since the dawn of time, or 2010.

    What Would Be Cool in the Galaxy Watch

    This is the part of these articles I like the most. This is where we get to throw in all the stuff my little heart could desire in a new Galaxy Watch. What do I want, I want battery. Battery Life, I can not stress this enough. A watch I  don’t have to worry about charging for a week. Use that cool Rolex kinetic energy technology they have been using since the beginning of watches to recharge my smartwatch. A big face, 52-54mm. Make is glorious and a true fashion and status statement, like a watch should be. Holograms? ummm yes please. a bit better speaker, just to make taking a phone call on your watch actually viable. Last but not least, lets change Bixby to Sam. Sam, short for Samsung seems like a friendly guy I would like to chat with. The name is also very gender neutral and could easily pair with a nice female voice.  Plus we get the added feeling of being Dick Tracy and talking to Sam back at the station.

    The Final Thought

    Whats left to say? Well plenty. We will have more solid info when these details emerge. My industry sources tell me look for a Note release in late Aug for this new Galaxy Watch.

  • Apple Music Control Update for Sonos Speakers

    Apple Music Control Update for Sonos Speakers

    Finally. Finally, Finally. Up until now when using our Sonos Speakers you had to use the Sonos app to control the music. The app was not as intuitive, extensive or as viable as the iTunes music app built in to you phone. You had to create your playlist through the Sonos app and it was clunky and not very easy not to mention you couldn’t load existing playlist in. Well now out troubles are over. Sonos has announced the AirPlay 2 has arrived. This makes compatible Sonos speakers the first third-party AirPlay 2 speakers to hit the market, and support is being added retroactively through a free software update.

     

    Whats This Mean Really For Your Sonos Speakers

    Yes, this means you can use Sonos speakers to play audio from iTunes on the Mac and all iPhone and iPad apps including Music, TV, YouTube, and Netflix. Sonos speakers can also be used for multi-room audio playback with HomePod and Apple TV, and Siri can control Apple Music and Podcasts playback from iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV. Great right?

    We are told AirPlay 2 works with the newest Sonos speakers (recognizable by their touch controls instead of hardware buttons) which includes Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbase, Sonos One, and the second-gen Sonos Play:5. Sonos customers can update compatible speakers through the software update section of the Sonos controller app today. For iOS users, start by updating the Sonos controller app in the App Store, then look for the new software update within the Sonos app for compatible speakers.

    The Final Thought

    While I got very excited for this at first. I soon realized all my Sonos Speakers are not going to be compatible. Tear. I have been hesitant to grab the Homepod because of my existing 4 speaker Sonos system. Now a change may soon be in order.  I like the group playlist functionality of Sonos that you cant get really get anywhere else. When I throw a dignified cocktail party everyone can sync in and que up songs or add to the party’s playlist. This adds a social element I have truly come to enjoy. Now I have convinced myself, my Sonos system will get a overhaul.

  • Apple Goes Live With USB-Restricted Mode

    Apple Goes Live With USB-Restricted Mode

    The newest iOS 11 update carries a rather important feature with it. Namely, iOS 11.4.1 comes with USB-Restricted Mode. And, frankly, that’s a big deal. This functionality was expected to ship with iOS 12 this fall, coinciding with the release of this year’s new phones. However, it’s a pretty big move, and it’s critical for iPhone user security. You see, one of the most common ways to break into an iPhone is through USB-based hacking tools like GreyKey. These brute-force tools just attempt thousands and thousands of passcode combinations, eventually just forcing their way in with sheer probability. How has Apple worked to counteract this?

    USB-Restricted Mode

    The iOS 11.4.1 update brought a new toggle to your settings: “USB Accessories.” This setting is off, by default, so you don’t have to worry about going in and doing it manually. What the setting does, however, is make the phone unable to be interfaced with by USB accessories if it has been locked for more than an hour. That’s pretty huge: GreyKey and similar illegal hacking hardware has to interface with the iPhone through the Lightning port. Disabling them directly is the bluntest answer Apple could have come up with, but it works perfectly.

    If a criminal steals your phone, it’s likely that you had it locked for a bit before it was stolen. Further, they will then have to exit the public area, go back to a safehouse and attempt to crack the phone’s security from there. This will likely push them past the hour deadline to try to crack the phone, thus making it a pointless endeavor to steal iPhones. Similarly, law enforcement will often take longer than an hour to process a detained person. This means that unlawful access to your phone will likely be impossible. Police will have to get a search warrant, thus cutting down on overreaching violations of citizens’ rights.

    Apple’s Role in Security

    Apple is a leader in electronic security. Their constant innovations in this field are an industry standard and are to be commended. Apple’s move with this newest feature is further evidence of their dedication to protecting the data of their users. Looks like those looking to unlawfully access your information will have to find some new way to break in.