The Morning After: Tuesday, November 22, 2016
HTC Evo 10, busted iPhone batteries and Spectacles in NYC
It's Tuesday, which means Facebook and Instagram have nicked another feature from Snapchat. Meanwhile, the Snapbot has landed in NYC, Apple has a battery problem of its own to deal with and the HTC Evo name makes a triumphant return.
Even though its predecessor is just six months old, Cherlynn Low found the OnePlus 3T "a refinement that not only feels timely, but also well-planned and executed." It's missing Android 7.0 Nougat and expandable storage options, but adding an upgraded processor to match the Google Pixel, a slightly larger battery and a new front camera for just $40 extra makes this phone a pretty good deal.
Instagram adds live video and Snapchat-style disappearing photos
Facebook's quest to offer a version of every Snapchat feature continues with the latest Instagram update. Now, users can send disappearing messages through Instagram Direct, potentially making your next headfirst slide into the DMs less risky. There's also built-in support for live video, which works a lot like Facebook Lives, except inside Instagram.
Holiday Gift Guide 2016: The Movie Buff
Friends don't let friends struggle with their home theater setups. Whether you're ready to spend a lot or just a little, we have a few ideas about what gifts to put in your favorite videophile's stocking.
Snapchat Spectacles have arrived in NYC
So far, Snapchat's camera-infused sunglasses have been a West Coast-only thing, now they're in the Big Apple. If you're willing to try your luck, head to the Spectacles pop-up shop at 5 East 59th Street in Upper Midtown Manhattan and prepare to wait in line. The store will be open through New Year's Eve (but closed 11/24, 12/24 and 12/25) so you will have a full month of opportunities.
Apple is replacing some iPhone 6s batteries
Just last week, Apple announced a repair program for the iPhone 6 Plus and its "touch disease," and now it's facing a problem with the iPhone 6. The company says a "small number" of handsets have a battery fault that causes them to spontaneously shut down. If your device was manufactured between September and October 2015, then you may be in line for a replacement or a credit.
Jony Ive and Marc Newson's latest project is a... Christmas tree?
It doesn't have a headphone jack or Christmas lights.
NTSB is investigating the first flight of Facebook's Aquila drone
When Facebook announced its "successful" first flight of the Aquila internet drone on June 28th, it mentioned a "structural failure" just before landing. That may have been worthy of more than a footnote, however, since the NTSB has classified it as an accident.
