The Tech Gadgets Every Traveller Should Have Handy

Every avid traveller knows that there are some tech gadgets that are essential for them to take along on their trip because they offer support and could save a lot when the chips are down.

These gadgetd not only makes our lives easy, but the technology allows us to work from the road to fund our lifestyles and it also protects our stuff so it can safely navigate the rough parking on a road trip, airport baggage claims, survive large crowds (and the pickpockets who infiltrate them) and make it out of hotel room safely.

With so many tech gadgets out there, how do you know what products are not just more crap to tote around? Here are a number of products every traveller should have handy somewhere in between.

Portable Wi-Fi
There are a number of portable Wi-Fi devices that gives you unlimited global 4G Wi-Fi—and also allow you to only pay for what you use. In other words, no overage charges, no roaming charges and no SIM card changes.

The fact that it allows you to connect up to five devices is something that can come in handy for your traveller self

Tile Mate

This one is essential for the regular traveller. Tile Mate is a simple Bluetooth tile that hooks onto your luggage and uses a corresponding app to track it in case it gets lost or stolen.

The app will show you a map of your luggage’s last known location. This device doesn’t require any charging or battery changing, and it’s been engineered to last a year without any maintenance. What makes this tech device even cooler is the fact that it doesn’t only track your luggage.

If you happen to lose your phone, you can simply press your Tile twice to make your phone ring even if it’s on silent. If you’ve lost everything, log into the Tile Mate website to use the map or make your phone ring from there.

Master Lock Bluetooth Padlock

This is one of the smartest tech devices any traveller can own. It can help you lock up your luggage in the airport, at a hostel or hotel or anywhere else. This Master Lock Bluetooth padlock is a solid option that features a wide metal body for durability.

It also has maximum resistance to cutting and sawing, which will make it difficult for anyone to break in. One good thing about it is that it is connected to the free Master Lock Vault eLocks app on your smartphone, which allows you to open it and share access for others to open it.

Wireless Charging Case

Even if you have a power bank, it is not a bad idea to put a charging case on your phone to keep it juiced. A number of phone brands such as iPhone, Samsung and Motorola have phone cases you can purchase at a reasonable price.

Charging cases are ideal for the traveler on the move who doesn’t have room to carry another separate power bank and doesn’t want to deal with tangled wires or different country adapters specific to wall sockets.

Wireless SD Memory Card

This Wi-Fi-enabled memory card makes transferring photos from your camera to your laptop that much easier, especially since many newer laptops lack SD card slots.

More so, the card has the ability to keep up with the higher data transfer rate requirements of video these days, and up to seven people can connect simultaneously, allowing for easy media sharing. It also allows you to share files directly via email, Twitter or Facebook.

Source: https://www.360nobs.com/2018/02/tech-gadgets-every-traveller-handy/

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Samsung’s Galaxy S9 AR Emoji are kind of horrifying 154 At least they have Disney characters

One of Samsung’s messages with the new Galaxy S9 is that it’s “Built for the Way We Communicate Today.” And while that’s a laudable goal, one of the key features behind that message — AR Emoji — doesn’t feel like it connects with the way anyone communicates now, or will want to in the future.

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 packs an upgraded camera in a familiar body

Setting up AR Emoji is simple. You only need to take a single picture of yourself smiling with your mouth closed, and the Galaxy S9 does the rest. From that picture it uses machine learning to create an animated 3D model of your face, which you can customize with different hairstyles, clothes, and so on. It’s more like Bitmoji than Animoji — the idea is to create an avatar of yourself. The clips can be sent as GIFs or PNGs, too, which makes them a lot easier to share than Animoji.

Now look, I’m not the sort of person that particularly enjoys looking at pictures of themselves. But even with that caveat, i was pretty unsettled by the results here. Take a look for yourself:

My colleague Vlad said my AR Emoji looks like 68-year-old Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger. I thought about this, and decided it looks like Wenger would if I tried to make him in the create-a-character mode of a PlayStation 2 wrestling game.

Vlad’s AR Emoji, for the record, looked like this:

Vlad tells me this photo “accurately represents his attitude to these emoji.”

We'll have to spend more time with the Galaxy S9 to deliver the final verdict on AR Emoji, and of course the phone's overall success isn't going to hinge on them. But from our brief testing, they're a plane crash right into the depths of the Uncanny Valley. They’re not abstract enough to be cute, yet not realistic enough to be authentic.

Samsung may have been a little too ambitious on a technical level, but even then I’m not sure the idea is sound. There’s a reason why Snapchat filters tend to turn you into a bear or a pokémon rather than yourself. And to that end, Samsung has actually announced that various Disney characters will also be available as AR Emoji — which is a much better idea, but one that brings us right back to Animoji.

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Leaked photos of rumored Huawei P20 phone suggest it will have a notch

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By Ashley Carman@ashleyrcarman  Feb 26, 2018, 9:18am EST

Evan Blass

Notch clones are almost becoming routine at this point, and now Huawei might be joining them. The company is expected to announce new phones in Paris on March 27th, and today VentureBeat reporter Evan Blass tweeted new images of the rumored P20 phone.

You’ll notice the device appears to be running Android Oreo, has a dual, rear-facing camera system, and incorporates a notch at the top — a la iPhone X — to achieve a minimal bezel look. The back of the device says “Shirley,” which might be a codename? It’s unclear.

The P20 previously showed up on TENAA, China’s version of the FCC, and looked like what we see above. It was previously reported that the device would have three cameras on the back, but that appears to not be the case.

Huawei’s also expected to announce the P20 Lite and P20 Plus, though, and has released a short teaser video that still fuels that three camera rumor. Maybe one of the other phones will have three cameras. I’d bet it’d be the P20 Plus, if anything.

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BlackBerry’s upcoming Ghost is a bezel-free, high-end Android phone for the Indian market 6 Designed by BlackBerry brand licensee and Indian telecom Optiemus

Image: VentureBeat

The newest BlackBerry phone is made by yet another company that is not actually BlackBerry. The BlackBerry Ghost, revealed today byVentureBeat’s Evan Blass on Twitter, is a high-end Android smartphone designed for the premium market in India.

It’s made by Optiemus, an Indian telecommunications giant that acquired the license last year to develop and sell BlackBerry products in the country. Optiemus also acquired rights to BlackBerry for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. In every other world market, Chinese multinational TCL handles manufacturing, distribution, and design of all BlackBerry devices under the brand name BlackBerry Mobile.

It’s unclear how much the phone will cost, or if it will ever make its way out of India (unlikely). Still, the Ghost looks like an impressive handset that brings BlackBerry’s brand up to speed with the rest of the high-end smartphone market.

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Coinbase tells 13,000 users their data will be sent to the IRS soon

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Coinbase told its customers on Friday that it plans to comply with a court order and hand over about 13,000 customers’ data to the IRS within 21 days. The IRS made the request back in November 2016, asking for the Coinbase records of all the people who bought bitcoin from 2013 to 2015 to seek out those who were evading cryptocurrency taxes. Anyone affected by the order should now have received an email from Coinbase to that effect.

Coinbase heavily resisted the summons. But ultimately, in November last year, the San Francisco court ruled Coinbase had to turn over identifying records for all users who have completed transactions of more than $20,000 through their accounts in a single year between 2013 and 2015. The data requested includes taxpayer IDs, names, dates of birth, addresses, and transaction records from that period.

In an email and on its website on Friday, Coinbase noted that it had tried: “Coinbase fought this summons in court in an effort to protect its customers, and the industry as a whole, from unwarranted intrusions from the government.”

It informed its 13,000 affected customers that the “court order requires us to produce information specific to your account,” but that the company could not provide legal or tax advice. So far, 2018 is shaping up to be the year that tax collectors get serious about bitcoin earnings, meaning that it’s a good time to be extra careful about compliance.

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Facebook apologizes for promoting a VR shooting game at CPAC

Facebook has apologized for showing a demo of Oculus Rift shooter Bullet Train at the Conservative Political Action Conference, a week after 17 students were killed in a Florida school shooting. In a statement, Facebook VP of virtual reality Hugo Barra said that the demo was part of “a standard set of experiences” that Oculus featured at public events. “In light of the recent events in Florida and out of respect for the victims and their families, we have removed them from this demo. We regret that we failed to do so in the first place.” Barra also tweeted a similar statement. “We got this wrong,” he wrote.

Barra was responding to a video clip posted by NowThis News producer Sean Morrow, showing a short clip of a CPAC visitor firing an automatic weapon in VR.

Bullet Train is a short proof-of-concept shooting game developed by Epic Games in 2015. The sci-fi experience isn’t gory, but it involves shooting human enemies with a wide range of realistic-looking guns — something that strikes a sour note in the immediate aftermath of a mass shooting. Video game companies have struggled with this problem before, including during the 2016 E3 gaming convention, where companies awkwardly showed off first-person shooters just hours after the deadly Pulse nightclub attack. (At least one company pulled a VR shooter demo from the show that year.)

This demo was also dissonant because President Donald Trump, who spoke at CPAC, recently blamed mass shootings on violent video games and movies — and so have other conservative political figures, like Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin.

The games industry has a controversial symbiotic relationshipwith arms manufacturers, who look to games as a way of promoting firearms, with some companies distancing themselves from gun makers in recent years. But there’s no conclusive link between video games and violent behavior, and the overall relationship between games and ethical attitudes is complicated. Ironically enough, however, Bullet Train’s developers actually worriedabout making “a murder simulation” in virtual reality. They eventually turned the short demo into a full game called Robo Recall — where you’re fighting robots instead of people, using guns that look more like sci-fi movie props than present-day weapons.

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Google’s Phone app for Android now transcribes voicemail for T-Mobile customers

Photo by James Bareham / The Verge

Pixel and Nexus smartphone owners on T-Mobile will now have an easier time determining whether a voicemail is worth listening to. The latest update for Google’s Phone app adds “Google-powered voicemail transcriptions for T-Mobile USA customers.” That sounds very similar to what Google Voice customers are already familiar with. When someone leaves you a voicemail, Google does its best to transcribe that message and puts the text right in the voicemail tab. It’s not always terribly accurate, but gives a very quick idea of whether it’s an important missed call or some nonsense spam about a free vacation or impending doom over owed taxes.

Google spells out that this feature is available exclusively to T-Mobile users right now, which can be seen as somewhat odd since it’s Verizon that’s the official carrier partner for Pixel devices. Hopefully Google will expand voicemail transcriptions to all the major carriers before long. T-Mobile customers began noticing the transcriptions appearing earlier this year, according to Android Police.

The transcriptions are done by “computer programs” and “analyzed by machines” Google says, so actual humans shouldn’t be listening to your messages at any point. Many carriers offer their own visual voicemail transcriptions, though you usually need to install a separate app. Apple added voicemail transcriptions for iPhone users in iOS 10.

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Best Android Phones of 2018

• Best overall
• Best with huge screen
• Best mainstream alternative
• Best for battery life
• Best for features

Note: We're just a few weeks away from the Galaxy S9 and S9+ being announced, which will certainly have an effect on this list. But until they're available, here are the best Android phones you can buy today.

Best overall

Google Pixel 2

See at Verizon See at Best Buy See at Google Store

Google's new Pixel 2 gives you sleek and solid hardware, all of the requisite specs inside and runs simple and intuitive software at a breakneck pace. The hardware surely isn't flashy, but it's beautiful and efficient — and it's now IP67 water-resistant like we expect.

The software features and Google's apps aren't numerous, but they're delightfully useful without being bothersome. And with three years of guaranteed updates, you don't have to worry about the future.

The Pixel 2 has once again set the standard for Android cameras as well, with Google's "HDR+" processing buoyed by new camera hardware and even better processing. Photos are accurate with just a little extra punch of color, and can manage tough scenes with little issue. And with Android 8.1, the Pixel Visual Core chipset enables dramatically better photos in third-party apps.

Bottom line: The best Android experience comes straight from Google with the Pixel 2. Great hardware and amazing software support an amazing camera that's only getting better.

One more thing: Though Verizon will tout the Pixel 2 is "exclusive" to the carrier, know that you can buy the phone unlocked from a variety of sources and use it on your carrier of choice.

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Why the Google Pixel 2 is the best

If you want the best possible Android experience, you go straight to the source: Google. The company has gotten serious about user experience and interface design, and it reallyshows with Android 8.1 Oreo on the Pixel 2. Everything is blazing fast, smooth, consistent and intuitive throughout the interface. It's a core competency that separates the Pixel 2 from the competition, and it's something that any smartphone user can appreciate.

Google has gotten really good at user experience and interface design.

And it's not just software customization that makes it happen — Google has included a Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM and 64GB (optionally, 128GB) of storage to make sure your phone has plenty of room to run. A 2700mAh battery seems small (well, normally, it is), but it manages to get you a full day of use without worry. The little body also packs front-facing stereo speakers, which are a rarity in 2017.

Further to that point, Google has sourced a quality 5-inch 1080p panel that looks good at the $649 price point. Oh, yes, it's just 5 inches. Despite its big top and bottom bezels (remember the speakers?), the Pixel 2 is quite comfortable to hold and reach to all four corners of the screen without the help of a second hand.

The Pixel 2 doesn't focus on the number of features, it focuses on the impact of each one.

If there's one knock on the Pixel 2, it's that it doesn't have the sheer volume of features in its hardware or software that some of the competition does. It doesn't have a headphone jack, wireless charging or an SD card slot; and if you're used to having a bunch of specialized software features on your Samsung, LG or Huawei phone you won't find them here.

But for most people, those are relatively small prices to pay to get a daily experience of using a phone that's fast, intuitive, smart and filled with a core set of features that can actually wow you. That's what you get from the Pixel 2.

Best with a huge screen

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

See at Verizon See at AT&T See at T-Mobile See at Sprint See at Best Buy See at Amazon

Take everything that makes the Galaxy S8 great, and scale it up — that's what also makes the Galaxy Note 8compelling. A very familiar glass-and-metal body is wrapped around a larger 6.3-inch display, but a panel that's even better in terms of brightness and colors.

For this top-dollar phone you'll find top-end specs, great performance and super-capable software. Plus a new dual camera setup that offers you 2X zooming without losing resolution and a new "Live Focus" mode that mimics the background blur of a professional camera. None of the camera changes come at a cost of reduced primary camera quality, either.

Then you get the S Pen, of course, offering fine input, drawing abilities and new productivity tricks you simply can't get from any other phone out there. The stylus isn't for everyone, but you'll find plenty of people who swear by its capabilities.

Bottom line: For the biggest, most powerful and most capable phone Samsung makes, look no further.

One more thing: Be ready to spend the big bucks — the Note 8 is far and away Samsung's most expensive phone ever at nearly $1000.

Best mainstream alternative

LG V30

See at AT&T See at Verizon See at Sprint See at T-Mobile

LG's V series has traditionally been a big and brawny phone, but in 2017 the V30 is just a great overall device that has handily taken over from the G6launched earlier this year. It stuck with a metal-and-glass build, but slimmed down the sides and integrated subtle curves to make it rather easy to hold despite a 6-inch 18:9 display on the front.

Internally you get top-notch specs you'd expect from any flagship, and around back LG continues to impress with a fantastic pair of cameras. The standard shooter does really well despite its small pixels, and the secondary wide-angle camera is the best implementation LG has ever made. It offers an extremely unique perspective you just don't see anywhere else.

LG's software is capable and smooth, if still a bit clunky and uncoordinated in a few areas — but that can still be said about most phones nowadays.

Bottom line: LG does all of the basics amazingly well, and accents it with a nice body and super-capable pair of cameras.

One more thing: Some markets and carriers have a "V30+" model available with more storage available, offering even better value.

Best with a huge screen

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

See at Verizon See at AT&T See at T-Mobile See at Sprint See at Best Buy See at Amazon

Take everything that makes the Galaxy S8 great, and scale it up — that's what also makes the Galaxy Note 8compelling. A very familiar glass-and-metal body is wrapped around a larger 6.3-inch display, but a panel that's even better in terms of brightness and colors.

For this top-dollar phone you'll find top-end specs, great performance and super-capable software. Plus a new dual camera setup that offers you 2X zooming without losing resolution and a new "Live Focus" mode that mimics the background blur of a professional camera. None of the camera changes come at a cost of reduced primary camera quality, either.

Then you get the S Pen, of course, offering fine input, drawing abilities and new productivity tricks you simply can't get from any other phone out there. The stylus isn't for everyone, but you'll find plenty of people who swear by its capabilities.

Bottom line: For the biggest, most powerful and most capable phone Samsung makes, look no further.

One more thing: Be ready to spend the big bucks — the Note 8 is far and away Samsung's most expensive phone ever at nearly $1000.

Best mainstream alternative

LG V30

See at AT&T See at Verizon See at Sprint See at T-Mobile

LG's V series has traditionally been a big and brawny phone, but in 2017 the V30 is just a great overall device that has handily taken over from the G6launched earlier this year. It stuck with a metal-and-glass build, but slimmed down the sides and integrated subtle curves to make it rather easy to hold despite a 6-inch 18:9 display on the front.

Internally you get top-notch specs you'd expect from any flagship, and around back LG continues to impress with a fantastic pair of cameras. The standard shooter does really well despite its small pixels, and the secondary wide-angle camera is the best implementation LG has ever made. It offers an extremely unique perspective you just don't see anywhere else.

LG's software is capable and smooth, if still a bit clunky and uncoordinated in a few areas — but that can still be said about most phones nowadays.

Bottom line: LG does all of the basics amazingly well, and accents it with a nice body and super-capable pair of cameras.

One more thing: Some markets and carriers have a "V30+" model available with more storage available, offering even better value.

Best for battery life

Huawei Mate 10 Pro

See at Best Buy See at B&H

Unlike its predecessor the Mate 9, Huawei's Mate 10 Pro is an absolute looker — and it clearly positions itself right next to the flagship competition. Metal and glass are finely crafted and filled with top-notch specs, and its Leica-tuned dual cameras are capable of some wonderful shots with the help of the Kirin processor inside.

Alongside all of that, the Mate 10 Pro hits it out of the park with battery life. The combination of a 4000mAh battery, efficient processor, somewhat restrictive software and a 1080p display make this a true two-day flagship for many people, and that's just not something you see all that often.

The only downside, as ever, is Huawei's EMUI software. Though it has gotten better with Oreo, it still has many areas that are rough on the eyes, not very functional or inexplicably broken when it comes to integrating with third-party apps.

Bottom line: It's a true flagship with all of the best specs, and incredible battery life. You just have to give a little in terms of software experience.

One more thing: When searching for a Mate 10 Pro, make sure you're getting the U.S. unlocked model so that you have proper network bands and warranty support.

Best for features

Samsung Galaxy S8

See at Verizon See at AT&T See at T-Mobile See at Sprint See at Best Buy

The Galaxy S8 has slick hardware with tiny bezels that let it have a big screen in a small body, but inside it still offers everything you want: a high-end processor, lots of storage, an SD card slot, full waterproofing and a top-end camera.

Though its software can be a little overwhelming, you can't argue that Samsung continues to pack in hundreds of features to a single phone, making sure there's something in here for everyone's needs. Samsung continues to take this approach of offering more more more with just a few compromises — and it continues to work.

Bottom line: The Galaxy S8 gives you piles of features in a beautiful body, and is a great choice for a wide range of potential buyers.

One more thing: With the Galaxy S9being announced on February 25, it's probably worth waiting to see what the new phone offers — or at the very least, how Galaxy S8 prices drop.

Conclusion

The Pixel 2 doesn't have as manyfeatures as some other phones, but the entire experience of using the phone, from top to bottom, is ahead of the competition. Just about anyone can appreciate what Google offers in this phone.

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