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Motorola Moto X4

Motorola, under the stewardship of Lenovo, is planning to update the Moto X in 2017. Previously called Moto X (2017), it now has some branding in the form of Moto X4. It is expected to be a mid-range handset and rumours claim it will sport a metal body, Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 hardware, and a screen size of 5.2 inches.

It will offer IP68 certification, a 3000mAh battery and it will offer dual rear cameras, along with a fingerprint sensor on the front that is said to be able to detect gestures.

Sure, the Note 7 didn't go so well, but it seems that the family isn't dead: the Note 7 is getting refurbished and released as the Note 7R in some territories and it looks like Samsung still has plans for the next model, the Note 8. This was confirmed by Samsung soon after the Note 7 failed, suggesting an upgrade programme to the new model when it launches. That launch is expected to be some time in late summer. There's very little detail to go on in terms of what to expect, the S Pen to come back, software upgrades and there's talk of the introduction of a dual camera system. Exactly how large the Note 8 might be if it adopts the 18.5:9 aspect display like the Galaxy S8, though it has been claimed it will offer a 6.3-inch screen.

 Motorola Moto Z2

But wait. It's not just the X that's going to make a comeback. It seems that there might be another Moto Z handset in the works too. We've already seen the launch of the Moto Z2 Play and where there's a Play edition there tends to be a higher spec version too, so we're expecting the Moto Z2 - or Moto Z2 Force - to make an appearance. 

The Moto Z2 will be all about Moto Mods again, letting you add components to the rear of the phone magnetically to expand the skillset of your device. That means the build and design are likely to be similar to the existing Moto Z, with a 5.5-inch display and possibly powered by the Snapdragon 835. Reports suggest there will be a Moto event on 25 July but whether either the Moto Z2 and Moto X4 will be announced is not yet known.

Next Sony Xperia flagship

Sony has the XZ Premium, its 4K flagship phone, but the company has confirmed that it's got further plans for 2017, so we could be seeing two more phones. The company has also said that it's going to be leaving some of the lower-tier models to retire and aiming at higher things instead.

There's very little to go on at the moment, but we're expecting to see something that steps down a little from the XZ Premium, but sticking to that same camera experience. We're looking at power but in a smaller package, although rumours are light on the ground at the moment and Sony might be looking at going for a 18:9 display.

Google Pixel 2

The Google Pixel has received great acclaim for it's pure Google phone approach, with a lot of people really loving the camera experience. 

Rumours are light on the Google Pixel 2 - we don't even have confirmation of the name - but it has been confirmed that there will be a new Pixel device. That was confirmed by Rick Osterloh, SVP of hardware at Google, i.e., the chap who will be responsible for it. Other details are light, but Osterloh also confirmed that the Pixel 2 would retain its premium positioning.

That's about all we know so far, but you can expect Android O, and potentially another phone manufactured by HTC, though LG has also been mentioned too. 

Microsoft Surface Phone

The Surface Phone is something of a Windows phone holy grail. With Nokia then Microsoft Devices producing plenty of Windows Phones, the spectre of the Surface Phone has been hanging around as the idea of the ultimate Windows mobile device. Given the recent sale of virtually all of its phone patents, and announcement that it's no longer focusing on Windows Phone development, the Surface Phone may never see the light of day.

It's rumoured that the new premium device will be Surface branded and Intel powered, possibly coming in three different variants. Given the same team behind the Surface Tablets are said to be behind the Surface Phone, you can expect a solid build if it ever does appear.

There's also the suggestion that Surface Phone will run a brand new update of Windows 10, aiming to capitalise on the branding and offer the ultimate experience.  

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Intro To Android

You're probably here because you already have an Android device or are thinking about buying one. Congratulations—a new smartphone or tablet can be useful, empowering, and also lots of fun!

Unlike the iPhone or iPad (which are only available in a few different models), there are hundreds of Android devices to choose from. That's part of what makes them so appealing. You're bound to find something you like, whether you're shopping on a budget or looking for the latest high-end device.

If you're wondering why there are so many choices, it may help to understand what Android is. Technically, it's an operating system for smartphones and tablets. Many different companies make devices that are powered by Android, including Samsung, HTC, LG, and other lesser-known brands. That's why every Android device is different—each manufacturer likes to put its own spin on it.

What makes every device unique?

Android devices vary based on the manufacturer and sometimes even your mobile carrier. For instance, take a look at the two Android phones below. What do you see?

Some differences are obvious, but others are less apparent. Here are some examples:

• The phone on the left is slightly larger
• The hardware is different (notice the buttons at the bottom)
• Each screen has its own unique layout
• Some of the icons look different; for example, compare the two Phone icons

This is a pretty good example of the type of variety you can expect from Android devices. There will always be differences in hardware, including things like outer appearance, storage capacity, and camera quality. There will also be differences in software (in other words, the on-screen features) that can affect your experience with Android in general.

There's one more thing to be aware of when it comes to Android devices. Not only are there different phones and tablets to choose from, but there are also different versions of the Android operating system. This can affect everything from the layout of your screen to the availability of certain features.

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Intro To iPhone

Apple's iPhone has become a widely popular device since its launch in 2007. Before you purchase an iPhone, however, you should familiarize yourself with the different options you have to choose from. This includes deciding on a monthly cellular contract and where you're going to purchase your iPhone—either online, from Apple, or from another retailer.

Understanding your options

There are two current versions of the iPhone: the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Although they're similar, the 7 Plus is larger and more powerful, but it's also more expensive:

• The iPhone 7 (32GB) has a 4.7-inch screen; 128GB and 256GB versions are also available. 
• The iPhone 7 Plus (32GB) has a 5.5-inch screen ; 128GB and 256GB versions are also available.
  

There are different payment plans available depending on the wireless provider. Instead of paying the full cost upfront, you can sign up for a plan that pays for the phone as part of your monthly phone bill. In addition to regular cell phone service, you'll be required to purchase a mobile data plan

Which model is right for you?

If you're still not sure which model you want, take some time to think about the features that are most important to you and how they fit into your budget. Things to consider before you buy include a cellular service contract (can you afford a monthly cellular phone bill?) and data storage (do you need a lot or just a little?).

Cellular service contract

To place phone calls with your iPhone, you'll need to purchase cellular phone service. Cellular service providers offer a variety of calling plans to fit your budget and lifestyle, but it can sometimes be difficult to choose one plan in particular. Certain third-party websites, like whistleOut and Wirefly, can help make this choice easier by allowing you choose certain features you're looking for and providing you with a list of plans that match your criteria.

If you aren't ready for a new cell phone or a cellular service contract, the iPod Touch might be an option for you. It has most of the features of an iPhone but cannot be used to make phone calls or send text messages. You can, however, connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi and download apps from the App Store.

Data storage

There are several ways to approach storing data on your iPhone. Here are some things to think about before making a decision:

• At 32GB (32 gigabytes of memory), the smallest model has enough data storage for many users. However, if you anticipate storing a lot of music, movies, and TV shows on your device, you may want to purchase the 128GBor 256GB model instead.
• If you truly need a lot of storage, look into Apple's iCloud service before purchasing one of the larger, more expensive models. iCloud allows you to store your media in the cloud (in other words, online), so you don't have to worry about storing it on your device. We'll take a closer look at iCloud in our lesson on Syncing Your iPhone.

When you're ready to buy

When you're ready to make your purchase, you have several options. 

Your decision will probably come down to the provider that has the iPhone you want in stock and the cellular service plan that works for you. You might find yourself doing a little bit of research to find a suitable plan before buying your new iPhone.

Beware of any sales, promotions, or contest giveaways that sound too good to be true. Because the iPhone is in high demand, there will always be scammers and other disreputable sellers—especially online—who will try to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. When in doubt, purchase your device from a well-known retailer.

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FAQ's - iOS

What is iOS 11?

iOS 11 is the latest version of the mobile operating system for Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. iOS 11 will be free to download, like all previous versions of iOS.

When is it available?

Although there isn't an exact release date yet, Apple is expected to release iOS 11 in fall 2017. Past versions of iOS have usually been released in September or October.

What's new in iOS 11?

iOS 11 will include numerous tweaks, improvements, and new features. Here are just a few examples:

Siri improvements: Siri, Apple's personal digital assistant, will be getting new voices (male and female) that sound more natural. It will also be able to instantly translate English phrases into other languages.

Peer-to-peer money transfers: Apple Pay will allow you to transfer money to friends and family, much like Venmo.

Control Center redesign: The Control Center will be getting a big makeover, consolidating all of the commands into one screen.

Safer driving: When you are driving, iOS 11 will be able to detect it automatically and turn on Do Not Disturb mode, silencing notifications so you can drive without distractions.

Previous versions of iOS could run both 32-bit and 64-bit apps, but iOS 11 will only run 64-bit apps. This means some older apps will no longer open once you upgrade to iOS 11. However, most app developers have already updated (or will update) their apps to 64-bit versions, so this will only affect a small percentage of apps.

How do I get iOS 11?

If you buy a new iOS device after iOS 11 is released, it will come pre-installed. You won't need to do anything to install it.

If you already have a compatible iOS device, your device will notify you when iOS 11 is available. You'll then be able download and install iOS 11 by going to your Settings, selecting General, and tapping Software Update.

Am I required to upgrade?

While it's not required, we recommend upgrading your device to iOS 11 if possible. This will help keep your phone up to date and working with newer apps.

                     If I don't upgrade, will I still be able to                          download newer apps?

Yes, but some apps may not always work correctly. If you don't upgrade to iOS 11, you may want to research how well an app will work on your device before downloading or updating it.

Even if an app has always worked perfectly on your device, there is a chance that the newer versions may only run smoothly on iOS 11. You may want to avoid updating your favorite apps unless you are sure they will work with your device's operating system. Once you update an app, you won't be able to go back to an older version.

Will my apps still be there after I upgrade?

Yes. Any app you previously had installed on your phone will still be there once you upgrade to iOS 11. Some built-in Apple apps, like Messages and Calendar, will be updated automatically when you upgrade.

Will my apps still work after I upgrade?

Almost all apps installed on iOS 10 should still work in iOS 11. However, 32-bit apps will no longer work. Before upgrading, you should open any important apps to see whether they will be compatible. If they aren't compatible, you'll see a message like the one below:

If an app isn't compatible, you may be able to find a similar app to replace it. You can also contact the app developer and ask if they are planning to release a 64-bit version.

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How To Setup Multiple Users on the Same Device

The first time a friend or family member asks if they can borrow your phone or tablet, you probably just hand it over without a second thought. But the second, third, and fourth times? Now it's starting to become a habit, and something probably needs to be done about it.

Luckily, though, Android now has a built-in feature that allows you to set up multiple user accounts, which means you can set up a secondary user profile that shares absolutely no data with your own. It's a great way to maintain your privacy while allowing someone else to access your device, and I'll show you how to set it up below.

User Profiles & Android Versions

Before we begin, it should be noted that this feature is not available on some versions of Android. If you're using a tablet, the user accounts feature became available starting with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. For users with smartphones, however, you'll need to be running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher.

In addition to those stipulations, some manufacturers may have disabled the user accounts feature on their Android devices—even if they meet the minimum Android version requirement. But at the very least, the vast majority of devices running Android 5.0 or higher can take advantage of this feature.

Creating a New User

To get things started, fully expand your notification tray by swiping down from the top edge of your screen using two fingers. From here, tap the small, circular icon in the top-right corner.

Next, you can choose the "Guest" account to let someone use your phone without being able to access any of your data, but if you plan on letting this person use your phone more than once, it would be best to choose "Add user" here so that they can log in with their Google account.

Once you've done that, you'll see a popup informing you about the specifics of adding a user. Press "OK" on this message, then you'll be greeted by the new user's lock screen. This is different than your own lock screen as it can have its own wallpaper, which is an easy way to tell which user is currently active.

From here, have you friend or family member unlock the device, then they'll be greeted by the new user setup screen. Have them select "Continue" here, then press "Next," and follow the prompts to sign in with their own Google account.

When setup is done, your friend or family member will be able to use your device as if it were their own. Data from both user accounts is kept separate, so your privacy is maintained.

Switching Between User Accounts

When it comes time to switch back to your own account, fully expand the notification tray again and tap the user icon in the top-right corner. From here, simply select your account, then you'll be greeted by your own lock screen, where you can log in and access your personal data again.

Letting Secondary Users Make Phone Calls & Send SMS

By default, secondary users cannot make phone calls or send SMS messages. If you'd like to change that, make sure you're logged in with the primary user account (your own). From there, head to the "Users" menu in Settings, then tap the gear icon next to the secondary user's name. Finally, enable the "Turn on phone calls & SMS" feature, then you'll be all set.

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How To Enable Unknown Sources To Sideload Apps

One of Android's biggest strengths relative to other mobile operating systems is how simple it is to sideload apps that aren't hosted on the Google Play Store. Rather than having to go through complicated jailbreaking procedures, all you need to do to allow for sideloading apps on your Android device is enable a single option.

Enabling 'Unknown Sources' on Android

The exact names of the settings entries listed below may vary slightly from device to device, but the overall process should be very similar. To begin, head to your phone's main settings menu, then look for an entry titled either "Security" or "Lock screen and security."

(1) Security menu on stock Android, (2) Lock screen and security menu on Samsung devices

From this menu, simply tick the box or toggle the switch next to the "Unknown sources" entry, then press "OK" on the popup.

Sideloading Apps

After that, you're all set up and ready to go. From now on, you can simply download any APK installer file directly to your Android device, then tap the Download complete notification to launch it. From there, press the "Install" button on the following screen, and within seconds, your sideloaded app will be ready to use.

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