Busy month? Yeah, we know. Here you can skim the biggest mobile tech news headlines and tech reviews that you might have missed from September 2018. Stories are grouped in this order: Mobile Industry News, New Tablets, New Phones, Apps, Mobile Business, Mobile AR, VR &Mobile Trends.
(Pictured above: Oculus Quest & Microsoft Surface Pro 6 review by Krystal Lora)
Mobile Industry News
Google turns 20, Android & Chrome turn 10
Feeling old? How about this: Google has now been in our lives for 20 years. And Chrome and Android are now 10: Google birthed the first Chrome browser and Android 1.0, (pictured here on T-Mobile’s G1) both in September of 2008. Chrome OS debuted not long after. The Verge has compiled a list of Google’s big milestones.
At its 20th anniversary event, Google announced a raft of updates to Google Search to help you find things faster: it’s adding Google Lens image recognition to all image searches, featured videos, and more personalized news on Google’s mobile search page, and web recommendations based on your recent searches.
Not everything Google touches is gold—it’s had its share of product flops. But at the tender age of 20, it looks like Google still has a lot of growing and showing off ahead.
70 new Amazon Alexa products unleashed
At its Alexa event in Seattle on September 20, Amazon opened its floodgates and let loose 70 new products in one hour. Most of them aren’t mobile or wearable so we won’t go into them here. What’s important here is that Amazon wants to bring its Alexa voice assistant everywhere: not just in your smart displays and speakers–but now also in your appliances and your car.
Instagram founders resign, new CEO named
This spring, Facebook lost a founder of WhatsApp. Now it’s losing both founders of Instagram (pictured, left and right), who resigned in late September to explore new ideas, according to The New York Times. Because IG and WhatsApp are important for Facebook to connect with younger users, the news has worried some company investors. Instagram has now promoted its VP of Product and former Facebook News Feed chief Adam Mosseri (pictured, center) to be Instagram’s new CEO.
Sirius XM buys Pandora for $3.5B
Internet radio company Sirius XM has gotten serious about Pandora, buying the music streaming service in a $3.5 billion all-stock deal. The company already owned about 15% of Pandora, and sees the acquisition as a way to access customers who will be valuable for data and advertising sales, even if most of them won’t likely pay for Sirius XM radio. MarketWatch has the full story.
Adobe buys Marketo for $4.75B
In its largest acquisition ever, Adobe is buying Marketo, best known for its customer engagement and marketing, for about $4.75 billion. The Adobe Marketo buy will bring Marketo’s lead management and account-based marketing tech to Adobe Experience Cloud, which offers analytics, content, personalization, advertising and commerce features. Here are details.
Stripe now worth $20 Billion
Online and mobile payments company Stripe has just closed a US$245 million funding round that ups its value from $9 billion to $20 billion. Stripe has also added several large new customers on its website, including Google, Uber, Didi and Spotify. Bloomberg has more details and a video interview with Stripe’s CFO.
New Tablet / Laptop News & Reviews
New 2018 Surfaces: Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2
Just under the wire for this news roundup, Microsoft kicked off what will be an exciting October with the new Surface Pro 6, its latest laptop / tablet hybrid. The newest Surface Pro now comes in matte black and other colors (pictured here and top of page) and weighs just 1.7 pounds. It offers a 12.3-inch, 2736 x 1824 display, an upgraded Intel 8th gen processor, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 128GB to 1TB of storage, up to 13.5 hours of battery life, and up to 67% faster performance, according to Microsoft.
The Surface Pro 6 starts at $899, but the keyboard is extra. Preorders start now, and it ships on October 16. For more specs and hands-on impressions, head to Engadget, Laptop Mag, PC World and The Verge.
If you want a bigger screen, there’s the new Surface Laptop 2, which compares with the MacBook Pro in specs: 13.5-inch, 2256 x 1504 display, 8th Gen Intel quad core processor, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 128GB to 1TB of storage, up to 14.5 hours of battery life, and 85% faster performance. It keeps the same fabric keyboard cover, and also comes in matte black. The Surface Laptop 2 starts at $999. Preorders start now, and it ships on October 16. For more specs and hands-on impressions, head to Engadget, Laptop Mag, PC World and The Verge.
Like with the Xbox, you can choose to bundle your new Surface with Microsoft’s All Access program, which includes Office 365 for $25 a month for two years, and discounted Surface accessories like the new Surface noise cancelling headphones with the Cortana voice assistant. So far though, All Access is only available in the US.
Your Phone app in Windows 10
With Windows Mobile dead, Microsoft’s new attempt to stay relevant in mobile apps with its new “Your Phone” app–part of the new Windows 10 update. The Your Phone app lets you receive and type texts in Windows 10, automatically copies your latest phone photos, and lets you select your Android or iPhone apps to use on a Windows 10 tablet or desktop, including dragging and dropping app files onto your PC. The Your Phone app works with both Android and iOS, and comes with the Windows 10 update that’s available now. The Verge has more details and demo videos.
New Phone News & Reviews
iPhone Xs reviews roundup
The month’s biggest phone news is Apple’s 2018 iPhones: the iPhone Xs, Xs Max and iPhone Xr. The less expensive Xr won’t be available until late October, but the iPhone Xs and Xs Max reviews are now everywhere. True to its waterproof claim, the iPhone Xs has survived a half-hour submerged in beer (SquareTrade video). But it can still break easily (same video), and replacing the glass can cost you a hefty $400 (front glass) or $600 (back). As for the iPhone Xs performance, it’s pretty stellar. Check out these iPhone Xs reviews (most also include the Xs Max) here:
— Ars Technica: “No reason to upgrade from iPhone X”
— CNet: 8.9 / 10, “Wait for the iPhone Xr”
— Engadget: 90 / 100, “Best in its class”
— TechCrunch: “Moves smartphone photography forward”
— The Verge: 8.5 / 10, “Wait for the iPhone Xr”
— Tom’s Guide: 8.5 / 10, “Galaxy S9+ the best alternative”
— Wired: 8 / 10, “Lacks one killer feature [to] force an upgrade”
Xperia XZ3 Sony’s first with OLED
In Android flagship news, Sony has released its first phone with an OLED display, the Xperia XZ3 (pictured). The XZ3 is a modest upgrade over the not-long-ago released XZ2: it has a slightly bigger, higher-resolution display (2,880 x 1,440 at 537 ppi), better selfie cam, and the new Android 9.0 Pie already installed. But at $900 it’s also much more expensive, and not always on par with other recent flagship phones. For Xperia XZ3 reviews, see Engadget and Trusted Reviews.
New budget phones: Realme 2 Pro, Pocophone
If you want a new budget phone, there’s the new Realme 2 Pro, which sells in India for 13,990 rupees (US$193) for the base model and 17,990 rupees ($248) for higher specs. Android Authority reviewed the phone and says it’s very good, but recommends that if you can budget about $300, your best bet is the mid-range Pocophone F1, which has much better processors and a better battery. See AA’s full review here.
For even more new budget phone options, Android Authority compared the Pocophone F1 vs Honor Play, which costs about $315. The F1 won in performance, though not in other areas. OnePlus 6, which has many similar specs, but costs over $500. Not surprisingly, the OnePlus 6 won out. But: the OnePlus 6T is now coming in mid October–here’s a OnePlus 6T preview.
Apple Watch 4 reviews
In phone-related news, The entry-level, 40m Apple Watch Series 4 starts at $399 — $70 more than the model it replaces. Ultimately, though, all the little improvements have made a lasting impact on the overall Apple Watch experience. The combination of a more powerful processor and thoughtful, feature-rich software makes the Series 4 the most capable wearable around. Solid battery life and potentially life-saving new heart tracking features only sweeten the deal. You can read the full Apple Watch 4 reviews here from 9to5 Mac, Engadget, iMore, and Wired.
Android Wear OS 2.1 reviews
Not to be left out, Google has just updated its Wear OS for smartwatches that connect to both Android and iPhones. The update has no name, but be it Wear OS 2.1 or Wear OS 3, the reviews are positive: Google has made Wear OS faster and easier to use, and the voice assistant smarter. Google Fit app is also apparently better and more motivating, though still not on par with Apple Watch for iPhone users. Check out the new Wear OS reviews from Engadget and The Verge.
Mobile Apps News
Smart kids fool screen time controls
Kids are finding ways to get around their parents’ Screen Time controls on their iPads and iPhones, according to parent posts online. One seven-year-old tricked the feature by uninstalling and reinstalling apps, and a 13-year-old simply changed the date and time on his device. See the full story here.
Chrome 70 lets you turn off data syncing
Although Google says it does not automatically sync your Chrome browsing data to our Google account, the company is pacifying privacy protesters with the new Chrome version 70. Now in Chrome 70, you can turn off Google’s recently stealth-launched feature that signs you into Chrome whenever you sign into a Google website. You can find this setting in Chrome 70’s “Privacy and security” settings.
Google Maps app adds group planning
Google Maps for iOS and Android has added a group planning feature that lets your friends or colleagues vote on your location choices for an event. To select your venue choices, you just long-press on each, and then select who you want to invite/vote. Those you invite will see your choices in Google Maps, and they can also add suggestions. Google did not say in its announcement if group planning is limited to certain countries, so we presume that it’s available anywhere.
Waze & Google Maps for CarPlay updated, but need work
Google Maps and Waze updated their iOS apps this month to support iOS 12 and Apple CarPlay. Unfortunately, says The Verge in its review of the two apps, “due to CarPlay’s inherent limitations and a number of bugs and performance issues, neither Google Maps or Waze are particularly compelling compared to their Android Auto counterparts or even Apple’s own Maps app.” See the full review at The Verge.
New Mac Mojave adds some iOS apps
Along with the iPhone Xs and the iOS 12 release, Apple also released macOS Mojave for Mac computers. Mojave overhauls the Mac App Store, and opens the door for running iOS apps on a Mac. For now, you can run only some Apple iOS apps like News, Stocks, Home and Voice Memos. AppleInsider has a full review.
In related news, Microsoft launched Office 2019 for Mac and Windows, with the release to its major customers first, and then to others. For details, see Microsoft’s blog post.
Tindr tests new “women message first” feature
Dating app Tindr is taking a cue from its rival Bumble with a new feature that allows women to choose that only they can start a conversation with men with whom they match. For now the new “My Move” feature is only available to Tindr users in India, but if successful, Tinder plans to add it worldwide. Tindr says it chose India to trial the feature to get more women there to use the app. In India, dating is still frowned upon in many circles, and arranged marriages are still the norm. See more on Reuters.
Best mobile email apps tested
It’s tough to sell a mobile email app: apps like Astro (just bought by Slack), Newton and even Google’s own Inbox are all closing down. So, the folks at The Verge were motivated to test and pick the best mobile email apps from Airmail, Apple Mail, Edison, Gmail, My Mail, Outlook and Spark. Their best mobile email apps pick for Android is Gmail, and for iOS it’s ironically Microsoft Outlook. Check out the short reviews at The Verge.
Mobile Business News
Microsoft Cortana SDK, New security features
At the Microsoft Ignite conference in Orlando, Microsoft announced a number of new security features and programs. For one, you can now implement password-less sign-in for Azure AD-connected apps. The process uses Microsoft’s Authenticator app to replace your password with a more secure multi-factor sign-in that combines your phone and your fingerprint, face, or PIN.
And across platforms and endpoints, the Microsoft 365 admin console now has a feature called Microsoft Threat Protection, which promises integrated “detection, investigation, and remediation across endpoints, email, documents, identity, and infrastructure.” And for Microsoft Azure, there’s now a Security & Compliance center “unified labeling experience” for creating data sensitivity and data retention labels.
Microsoft also announced “The Cortana Skills Kit for Enterprise” a development platform that leverages Azure Cognitive Services to create company-specific skills for Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant. For now, the Cortana SDK is invitation-only.
Salesforce app gets voice assistant, iOS apps promised
Though Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference this month drew protesters outside who demanded the company end its contract with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, the event otherwise drew lots of positive attention. At the event, Salesforce said the Salesforce app now has a smart assistant called Einstein Voice Assistant, which allows you to navigate or update your CRM records by voice, and hear daily briefings. Companies can now also build and brand “voice bots” for smart speakers, using Salesforce’s new Einstein Bot Platform.
Salesforce is also now working with Apple on a native iOS version of the Salesforce app early next year. (The current version is a mix of HTML and some native code.) The company will also bring its “Trailhead” technical education platform to iPhones and iPads later next year, as well as a Salesforce mobile SDK.
Walmart employee apps revealed
Walmart has revealed that it’s built several custom apps for its store employees. These Walmart employee apps include an inventory receiving app, an inventory availability app, a downstock app, a price change app, a claims (product returns) app, a sales reporting app, and a collaboration app for managers and other employees. Walmart details all of its Walmart employee apps here on its company blog.
Walmart is also rolling out 17,000 VR headsets to train employees in all of its US stores. For more on that, see “Mobile VR News” further below.
Mobile AR News
iOS 12 AR features = more iOS AR apps
Apple’s new iOS 12 updates include several new features for ARKit 2.0. New iOS 12 AR features include shared multiplayer experiences, improved face tracking, 3D object recognition, an AR measuring app, and a new “AR Quick Look” feature that lets retailers quickly add AR to their shopping apps. Already, ecommerce giant Shopify announced that it will support AR Quick Look to its more than 600,000 retailers, according to VRScout. For a full list of iOS 12 AR features, see Next Reality’s summary.
How Chevron technicians use Hololens
Microsoft has released several real-world customer videos showing how the oil giant Chevron is using Microsoft’s Hololens headset and apps. In particular, Chevron field technicians are using the Remote Assist app to share their live video feed with technician managers or experts, who can annotate the view and guide the field techs through processes. For details and videos, see Next Reality.
Brainlab AR coming to Magic Leap
On the heels of releasing its Magic Leap One mixed reality (AR and VR) headset in August, Magic Leap says it’s teaming with Brainlab to allow surgeons and other clinicians visualize and access medical imaging data. No such app has been released yet, but you can read more about the plans at VRFocus.
Mobile VR News
Oculus Quest hands on preview, New Oculus Go features
September closed a busy month of events with Oculus’s OC5 conference, where Oculus CTO John Carmack revealed how the company is adding more features to the next standalone Oculus Go headset: “support for microSD cards over USB … as well as a low-power mode that could extend the battery a little, and a night mode — presumably with brightness and interface changes.” For more from his keynote, see VentureBeat.
Oculus also demoed the upcoming Oculus Quest (pictured here and top of page), a higher-end standalone VR headset that will have virtual hand controllers, full positional tracking, a possible mixed-reality mode for both AR and VR experiences, and compete with the Nintendo Switch in the portable gaming market. Based on first hands-on impressions from TechCrunch, The Verge and Windows Central among others, it looks like the Quest will be a big hit. Also: check out some of the 50 new Oculus VR games soon due for release.
Sony allows cross-platform Fortnite play
With the launch of season six of Epic’s hit game Fortnite, Sony revealed an open beta that allows for cross-platform play between the PlayStation 4 and iOS, Android, the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows and Mac. Until now, Sony had not allowed cross-play with Xbox, but if things go well, it could extend cross-play to other games. Engadget has the PlayStation Fortnite beta details and what’s new in Fortnite 6.
Walmart VR trains 17,000 employees
Walmart announced that it’s bringing more than 17,000 Oculus Go VR headsets to all of its US stores by the end of this year, to train more than one million Walmart employees. Using the headsets and VR apps from Strivr, the Walmart VR training will train workers in three main areas: new technology, compliance, and soft skills like empathy and customer service.
This is after the company saw positive results from trialing Walmart VR training sessions over the past year. “VR training boosts confidence and retention while improving test scores 10 to 15 percent,” says Andy Trainor, senior director of Walmart US Academies. “Even those associates who simply watched others experience the training saw the same retention boosts.” See the full story on Walmart’s blog.
Mobile Trends
AR, VR apps can increase empathy
By now you may already know that augmented and virtual reality games and experiences can increase empathy. To that end, AR and VR games are already being used to help improve expression recognition in autistic youth, and as a therapy tool for children with physical challenges. And if you want further evidence of AR/VR gaming’s affect on social interaction and empathy, here’s some more new research.
Mobile-distracted TV viewers miss more ads
If you’re like us, you or your family members probably often use your phone or tablet while watching TV. This rise in the number of “second screen” TV viewers is bad news for TV advertisers who want our attention. See more at eMarketer.
Phones beat PCs for watching video
We’re all watching more video online, and especially on phones. A new report based on nine tech-savvy countries shows a huge 58% jump in online video watching in just two years, to a new average of 6 hours, 45 minutes per week, and viewers age 18-25 watching an average of over 9 hours a week. Overall, smartphones are just narrowly behind computers as the primary viewing device, but are narrowly ahead in the US and much of Asia. You can see more stats in the entire report from Limelight Networks.
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This mobile news roundup is by MobileVillage Editor Gary Thayer. Want your news featured in Mobile Month? Please check out our guidelines. We give preference to mobile news about trends, innovations, major app updates, big players and official Mobile Star Awards Entrants.
Trending mobile news tags this issue: Google turns 20 anniversary, Android 10th birthday, New 2018 Surfaces, iPhone Xs reviews roundup, iPhone Xs reviews, Sony Xperia XZ3 reviews, budget phone reviews, Apple Watch 4 reviews, kids fool Screen Time controls, macOS Mojave, Office 2019, best mobile email apps, Cortana SDK, Salesforce voice assistant, Chevron Hololens case study, iOS AR apps, Oculus Quest hands-on, next Oculus Go features, Walmart VR training
