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John McAfee announces the world’s most secure smartphone

Alexandra Arici
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John McAfee, whose name has become synonymous with antivirus protection over the years, recently unveiled what he calls the “world’s first truly private smartphone” – a product which is set to make it out onto the market this year. The device, baptized John McAfee Privacy Phone is said to be most hack-proof smartphones ever manufactured.

The product will be released in collaboration with cybersecurity MGT, over which McAfee also presides as chairman and CEO and will come with the hefty price tag of $1,100.Obviously the phone is targeted at enterprise users and privacy-conscious consumers who don’t mind paying premium for a secure device.

Describing the phone in an interview with Newsweek, McAfee says users will be able to truly disconnect the device, if circumstances call for it. He explains the device features a bank of switches on the back cover which enable users to physically disconnect the phone’s battery, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas, geolocations and cameras and the microphone.

The smartphone will also prevent connecting to a StingRay or any other IMSI-catcher device that is used to intercept mobile phone traffic for the purpose of surveillance. Additionally, it features a web search anonymizer to prevent web searches from triggering a deluge of seriously annoying ads.

McAfee believes that it is actually hardware that is the key in providing security to a smartphone. While phone manufacturers have erroneously relied almost exclusively on software to provide privacy and security, the new McAfee phone allows users to physically disconnect the phone’s parts. The problem with turning off a smartphone by virtue of software commands is that eventually any piece of software will be hacked.

“Hardware has everything to do with security. Software has everything to do with insecurity.”

John McAfee on Twitter

MGT will be developing the security features of the phone in partnership with Nordic IT Sourcing Association. The prototype of the device is ready, but its full spec list will be revealed a week before launch and according to McAfee it is “revolutionary”. At this point we only know it be running Android.

The Blackphone 2

The John McAfee Privacy Phone will make a debut on the market this year, but a Version 2 is already in the cards for the summer of 2018. According to the creator, while the first version of the phone won’t be completely hack proof, it’s still light years ahead of products such as the Blackphone – another security-focus handset.

Master & Dynamic taps Leica to reimagine its signature headphones

Scott Webster
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Master & Dynamic and Lecia Camera have come together to collaborate on a number of audio products, including two pairs of headphones, a set of earphones, and a headphone stand.

Instead of starting on a new line of products, these are reimagined versions of Master & Dynamic’s current models. Indeed, the MW40 (over-the-ear), MW60 (wireless over-ear), ME05 (earphones), MP1000 (headphone stand) are getting a top-down redesign with Leica’s design cues.

Fueled by the human desire to explore new worlds of creativity, the Master & Dynamic collection merges the fine art of precision engineering with valuable materials, sophisticated design and detailed sound, to accompany you on your journey through life, whether you are traveling the globe or savoring the moments of everyday life.

Based on the popular Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH lens, the Master & Dynamic for 0.95 Collection look every bit at home in either company’s portfolio. The refreshed models feature the iconic red marker, black smooth grain cowhide, red accents, and the signature Leica knurling.

Whereas most custom designed or refreshed accessories often come with a premium price tag, the new M&D models carry the same sticker as their standard models. That is, of course, when they do go on sale. Look for all four products to debut on May 11 at select Leica stores around the world as well as Master & Dynamic’s website. As a refresher, prices shake out as follows.

  • MH40 Over-Ear Headphones ($399)
  • MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ($549)
  • ME05 Earphones ($199)
  • MP1000 Headphone Stand ($59)

We’ve reviewed a couple of Master & Dynamic headphones here (MW50, MW60) and find them to be worth every penny. They may run higher than what you’d normally spend, but they’ll likely outlast anything you’ll consider.

Gear Up: VRS Design cases for LG G6 and other flagships

AndroidGuys
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Are you the proud owner of a new LG G6 smartphone? What are you using to protect that flagship device? As delicate and sleek as that phone is, the last thing you want to do is drop it or scuff its surface. You’ll want to get a case on that thing as soon as possible.

VRS Design has a variety of cases for the LG G6 which we think you’d be interested in checking out. We were sent samples of four different models and have been testing putting them through their paces. All of them are excellent choices for customers looking to cover up the G6; the variety ensures you’ll find something that speaks to your needs.

High Pro Shield

Slim enough that it doesn’t add too much bulk to the device, this series of case is still strong enough to withstand drops. The textured design is subtle at first blush but upon closer inspection, the hairline brushed back gives it a bit of flavor. The outer layer is a shock resistant TPU while the bumpers are comprised of a polycarbonate that helps absorb bumps. Offered in five colors for about $30.

Crystal Bumper

While the bulk of this series is made of a transparent polycarbonate material, the bumpers accent the design of your G6. Available in five colors: Dark Silver, Shine Gold, Satin Silver, Blue Mist, and Rose Gold, each complements the standard colors of the LG handset. Don’t mistake this case for something generic; it can withstand drops with the best of ’em. About $30.

Simpli Mod

When you want to add a level of sophistication or professionalism to your G6, reach for this series of case. It comes in two colors (black, brown) and dresses the flagship phone up with a stitched PU leather backing. Equally slim as others, its polycarbonate backbone can take a few direct hits. It’s more of a snap-on shell than a case so and offers up easy access to the ports and buttons. About $25.

Layered Dandy

More than just a pretty case, this series lets you carry up to three cards and cash with the aid of sleeves. Whether you select Coffee Brown, Wine Red, or Black, the PU leather classes things up quite nicely. The magnetic clasp ensures you don’t have a flapping wallet opening up on you at inopportune times. About $35.

VRS Design has a large selection of cases for not only LG phones, but Samsung, Google, HTC, iPhone, and much more.  Additionally, it has a decent lineup of accessories, too. Shop direct or through various retailers such as Amazon.

Amazon Echo with built-in screen might arrive in May

Alexandra Arici
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Word that Amazon’s next-gen Echo speaker might come equipped with a 7-inch display surfaced late last year. Now a new report coming out of CNET claims the device might be ready to launch as soon as next month.

While the current report doesn’t make any references to a 7-inch display, so we’ll have to assume the new Echo might make it out on the market with a smaller screen onboard.

Information on Amazon’s second Bluetooth speaker is scarce, but industry sources have put forth the theory according to which an Echo with both a screen and a camera (in the vein of the recently launched Echo Look camera) might be in the pipeline.

The new Echo Look

Competition is getting increasingly fierce in the smart speaker market, as Microsoft and Harman Kardon are also gearing up to launch a premium Cortana-powered voice-activated speaker dubbed Invoke. So Amazon must think of new ways to differentiate its Echo products from the slew of competitors out there, especially since Google Home recently gained the ability to distinguish individual users based on voice.

An Echo speaker with a screen onboard could help Alexa respond to more complex queries, one industry analyst noted. Or it could aid her to better understand quarries, thus eliminating one of the most frequent problems plaguing virtual assistants today. All in all – it remains to be seen whether Amazon is truly ready to unleash its second Echo product next month or not.

Amazon Echo Look is a Alexa-powered hands-free camera

Alexandra Arici
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Amazon’s popular lineup of Echo products just got a new addition in the form of the Echo Look camera.

The “style assistant” – as Amazon calls it – will help anyone with a huge closet, catalog and sort their outfits. And like in the case of all Echo products, the camera is fueled by the Alexa’s AI wits. Fashionistas can instruct the Echo Look to take full-length photos and videos of their daily outfits via voice, which will be in turn rated based on fashion expert knowledge and intelligence machine learning algorithms.

The Echo Look comes with a built-in LED light, a base mount for attaching it to a wall, and a microphone. The camera works with a companion app that features a Style Check option which allows fashion addicts to compare two looks and rate which is better.

Looks are then stored, so Amazon can get an idea of the user’s preferences and then recommend outfits and accessories which fit that particular style.

Alexa on board the Echo Look is not limited to snapping photos of clothing items, she can also play music, read news or answer queries.

The new style-companion is available for purchase on Amazon, but you’ll need an invitation. For the time being only Prime Members will be able to purchase the Echo Look for a price tag of $199.99.

ZUK Mobile will be no more, Lenovo plans to absorb it

Alexandra Arici
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Earlier this year, Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing admitted in an interview that turning Motorola around proved to be a harder task than initially predicted. Despite the Moto brand remaining fairy popular with consumers, two years after the acquisition, Lenovo had was forced to axe more than 2,000 jobs in the US and fell to eight place in the global smartphone market.

Lenovo already announced that its strategy for the future includes rebranding all its upcoming phones under the Motorola brand, but now it seems ZUK will also be part of this joint endeavor. According to well-known analyst Pan Jiutang, Lenovo plans to shut down the ZUK Mobile in the near future – which is unexpected given the brand’s independent status.

ZUK Mobile is the most recent addition to the Lenovo Group, but as it appears at this point its existence will be cut short after only 23 months of life. ZUK won’t completely cease to exist – right now it seems the merger’s sole survivor will be the company’s ZUI custom interface which according to a now-deleted post by Lenovo’s VP Alex Chen Yu will make an appearance on future Moto products, but probably only in China.

ZUK Z2

Analyst Pan Jiutang calls ZUK Mobile a successful brand that managed to attract a lot of fans during its brief time as a phone manufacturer. The company introduced a total of five devices including the Z1, Z2, Z2 Pro, Z2 Rio Edition and ZUK Edge, which were fairly well received in Lenovo’s home country. Now it seems ZUK will be absorbed into Lenovo.

In the meanwhile, Motorola and Lenovo are preparing an entire slew of new Moto smartphones which are expected to arrive in the following months including the Moto C/Moto C Plus, Moto E4/Moto E4 Plus, Moto X (2017) and Moto Z2 and related devices.

Samsung’s In-Traffic Reply app aims to combat distracted driving

Alexandra Arici
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Yesterday, Google rolled out a new feature in Maps to help users where they parked their car. Now Samsung is also targeting drivers with a new application called In-Traffic Reply – but for a totally different reason.

In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in car accidents caused by drivers who used their smartphones while in-traffic. In order to prevent these kinds of incidents, the Korean tech giant announced the new “In-Traffic Reply” initiative.

Using the phone’s sensors, the app gets automatically activated when it detects the user is driving or riding. In the eventuality of a call or message, the app will send the person on the other end an automated response like “I’m driving, so I cannot answer at the moment”. Users can customize the default message to say anything they want. The app works with a selection of popular messaging apps including Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, not just SMS and calls.

No more texting and driving with Samsung’s new app

In-Traffic Reply is developed by Samsung Netherlands and is currently still in beta. We can expect the app to become available for download from the Google Play Store sometime in mid-May.

In recent years, smartphones have been increasingly blamed for the rising of traffic deaths and injuries. Insurance companies say they can’t raise premiums fast enough to keep up with the cost of replacing sheet metal and paying those killed and injured in accidents caused by distracted drivers.  Will Samsung’s new app be able to put a stop to this worrisome rising trend?

NuAns NEO Reloaded is an Android 7.1 Nougat smartphone that can change colors

Alexandra Arici
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Had enough of black, gray or white smartphones? Want your next handset to a bit more unique while coloring is concerned? Well then you might want to take a look at this Indiegogo page.

Japanese company Trinity has set up a crowdfunding campaign for their NuAns NEO Reloaded smartphone which comes with removable back plates. The idea is to allow customers to mix and match the tops and bottoms of the phone and create the combination truly suited to their taste.

You might remember the same company attempted to crowdfund its NuAns NEO design last year. The product ran Windows 10 out of the box, but the campaign eventually failed to reach its goal. Now Trinity is back with a new proposal – the NuAns NEO Reloaded with Android 7.1.1 Nougat on top. Will the new product have a better chance at succeeding?

From the start we can tell you the NuAns NEO Reloaded’s specs aren’t mind-blowing, but more characteristic of a middle-range device. However, Trinity bets on users’ fondness for aesthetic customization. The company hopes to gather $370,000 in funds in order to start producing the handset, which is quite an ambitious goal if you ask us.

The NuAns NEO Reloaded comes packing a 5.2-inch display with fullHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a Snapdragon 625 processor under the hood. Trinity also offers 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (with a microSD card slot that supports up to 1TB of additional storage).

The product also carries a 13-megapixel main camera and front-facing 8-megapixel selfie shooter. It’s completed by a fingerprint scanner located on the front and a nice 3,450 mAh battery. We should also note the NuAns NEO Reloaded is dust-proof and water-resistant up to IP54 standard. The specs remind us of the ZTE Blade V8 Pro sans the dual-camera setup and with a more expensive price-tag attached to it.

The NuAns NEO Reloaded sells for $355 without any of the custom back plates. Add $5 more and you can get the phone with a set of back plate or one of its Flip cases. Assuming Infinity’s campaign reaches its goal, the phone should start shipping out to backers in September 2017. What do you think of the NuAns NEO Reloaded?

Grab the LG K3 2017 for only $20 from US Cellular

Alexandra Arici
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Looking for a new smartphone, but you can only afford to spend the bare minimum on it? US Cellular might just have exactly what you need. Only a few days ago we told you that the ZTE Blade Max 3 landed on the virtual shelves of the carrier for $199 outright, but that’s too much for your budget, you should look towards the new LG K3 2017 instead.

Even if the phone normally costs $90, US Cellular is offering it with an online discount so customers can grab it for the super affordable price tag of $19.99. In order to use the phone, customers will have to jump onboard of a Simple Connect plan, which starts at $35/month. But given that the phone is available on pre-pay, no long term contracts will be involved with its purchase.

When it comes to specs you shouldn’t be expecting anything too mind-blowing. The LG K3 2017 arrives with a 4.5-inch display with 480 x 854 resolution and a Snapdragon 210 processor tucked under the hood. LG also bundles 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and a 5-megapixel/2-megapixel camera combo.

There’s also LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 2,100 mAh battery onboard. The phone runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and will probably never get Nougat.

As you can see, the LG K3 2017 is nothing to write home about. Even so, it’s a device capable of satisfying you basic technology needs and given that it costs only 20 bucks, we expect it to be quite successful.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 home button moves around to prevent burn-in

Dan Bartram
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Samsung decided to ditch the physical home button on the Galaxy S8 in favor of a virtual one, but does that introduce burn-in issues?

Pixels that are always lit up in the same place naturally results in the image being retained and eventually burnt into the OLED display. However, it seems the Samsung thought of this already as it turns out the virtual home button actually moves around slightly.

Don’t Miss: Samsung rolling out software update to fix Galaxy S8 reddish hue issues

The team over at Galaxy Club used tape to surround the image to demonstrate that the virtual home button icon on Galaxy S8 devices actually moves around very slightly.

As you can see from the above image, the home button ever so slightly shifts as to change the pixels that are lit up and therefore avoid any burn-in problems.

So rest assured that using the always on display virtual home button won’t ruin your brand new Galaxy S8.

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