Last year, the Washington Post's Ashley Halsey wrote an article on what really happens to your luggage at airports. In it, they unwittingly published a photo of the master keys the TSA uses for TSA-approved baggage locks. Now, thanks to that picture and a French lock-picking enthusiast, anyone with a 3D printer can make their own master keys to unlock any TSA-recognized locks.

Blurred image of the master keys. Original here.Image via HeraldNet (via Washington Post)

Xylitol, the lock picker who created the CAD files, hadn't personally tried any of them out himself, but shortly thereafter, people were reporting that their printed master keys actually worked. That means, anyone that can print these keys can unlock any brand "Travel Sentry" lock, no matter if it's from Master Lock, Brinks, Samsonite, American Tourister, Stanley, or any other manufacturer.

The 3D-printing process making all the keys.Image by Xylitol/GitHub

While this is a huge security blunder by the TSA and Washington Post, approved travel locks were never truly meant to stop people from breaking into your luggage. The shackles are so thin a Leatherman could probably cut through them, they're easily picked, and you can bypass them altogether if you have a pen. The locks are primarily to help the TSA inspect suspicious luggage before it makes it onto an airplane, and have long-since been warned of their vulnerabilities.

A set of 3D-printed master keys for TSA-accepted locks.Image by Jimy Longs/Twitter

While there may be a new standard coming in the next couple years for TSA-accepted locks, you can still try this out at home on your own locks if you have a 3D printer. You can even use an online 3D printing service to do the dirty work for you, which I'll demonstrate below. (You could even trycarving them out of dinner knives if you've got the skills.)

Downloading the CAD Files

Xylitol shared all of the STL files for the TSA master keys over on GitHub, and you can download them all in this .zip file.

3D Printing Them from Your CAD Software

If you plan on printing these out at home or work, then just open up the files individually in your CAD software and print them out. In this example, I'm using Microsoft's free 3D Builder on Windows.

After opening up one of the key files, simply hit the Print button.

If you have a 3D printer connected, make sure to select that and begin printing. If not, you can order the key online from Cubify.

If you want to buy them online and have them shipped to you, hit the Continue button to begin uploading the file to Cubify.

In your web browser, Cubify should open up with pricing details. As you can see below, I was given 3 materials to choose from (I'd suggest Acutough so that the keys don't break in the locks), and they're pretty cheap at under 4 dollars. (There is a $5.00 shipping fee for each key, though, so it can get pretty pricey if you want all of them.)

You Don't Need Any CAD Software Either

If you don't have any CAD programs, and don't care to download any, you can simply upload the STL files directly to 3D printing service of your choice. Cubify is an obvious option, and the prices are the same as above with a few more material choices like Cubify Frost and Cubify Clear (which are slightly more expensive).

I also tested Shapeways and it works just as well. When you're uploading the files, just make sure to select "mm" for the units.

For the first key, I was given 17 different acceptable materials for the size and dimensions of the key, the cheapest being $2.38 from Elasto Plastic and most expensive one being $1,427,73 from Platinum. Suffice to say, the three-buck one should be good enough. Unlike with Cubify, shipping is much cheaper, as they group the products together (when possible) in one $4.99 First-Class shipment.

Most everyone is reporting that these models work well, but if you have any issues reproducing the master keys, let us know below.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ review:Samsung supersizes its sexiest phone's screen -- and price tag

THE GOOD Samsung's Galaxy S6 Edge+ has a compelling design, top-tier specs and excellent battery life. Its second menu for the curved display adds some useful shortcuts.

THE BAD One of the most expensive handsets on the market, the Edge+'s usefulness doesn't live up to its sky-high price. Fans of removable batteries and microSD card slots will be disappointed that this has neither.

THE BOTTOM LINE Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ if you love the idea of a wraparound screen; otherwise, you'll be able to find less expensive phones that do nearly as much.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

The 5.7-inch Edge+ isn't just a larger version of April's 5.1-inch Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, but it's close. A tiny upgrade over the smaller model, the Edge+ -- whose screen also curves over on both sides -- adds a shortcut menu to the edge screen for quickly opening apps, in addition to the existing menu for contacting your favorite people.

Otherwise, the Edge+ shares hardware guts with the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, including a strong 16-megapixel camera, 4GB of RAM and an octa-core processor of Samsung's own design (that means it has eight computing chips for completing tasks). Like its brethren, the Note 5, S6 and S6 Edge, the Edge+ shows off a snazzy metal-and-glass construction and loses the removable battery and microSD card slot for add-on data storage -- two points of pride for Samsung prior to its design turnabout in 2015.

The S6 Edge+'s presence in Samsung's smartphone quiver is significant because it capitalizes on demand for Samsung's smaller S6 Edge, this time in a larger footprint. Samsung is rapidly pulling ahead of LG in creating curved-screen phones that stand out among typical, blocky rectangular smart phone slabs. For Samsung, the Edge line represents its innovation in creating consumer choice. However, the Edge+ marks the fourth similarly appointed handset released in four months, which could confuse shoppers and dilute the sales of any single Samsung device -- a real problem Samsung faces amid an ongoing sales slide.

Besides its snazzier design, though, the Edge+ lacks the Note 5's signature stylus. That leaves potential buyers having to choose between the Edge+'s inviting curves or the Note 5's scribble-friendly practicality. Maybe next year Samsung can bring those two aspects together into one do-it-all design.

Nevertheless, the Edge+ is a seriously cool-looking phone that belongs in the canon of top smartphones despite its staggering price (see below). Serious buyers who crave those waterfall sides will be rewarded with a large, bright screen unlike most others. For everyone else, there are plenty of other good, large-screen phones out there that you can buy for a lot less.

SAMSUNG'S BIG, CURVY GALAXY S6 EDGE+ (PICTURES)SEE FULL GALLERY

Where can you buy it, and for how much?

Along with the Galaxy Note 5, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ sells globally on August 21. The phone comes in gold, silver, black and white, though different regions may carry different colors. Prices vary by retailer and country, but this Edge+ will cost more than the Note 5 overall.

In the US, it'll launch in gold and black colors (but not silver or white) for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon. Expect it to eventually appear on prepaid carriers as well.

AT&T: Full retail: $720 (32GB) or $815 (64GB). Next 24 (30 monthly payments): $0 down and $27.17 (32GB) or $30.50 (64GB). Next 18 (24 monthly payments): $0 plus $33.96 (32GB) or $38.13 (64GB). Next 12 (20 monthly payments): $40.75 (32GB) or $45.75 (64GB).

Sprint: Full retail: $792 (32GB) or $888 (64GB). Two-year service agreement: $350 (32GB) or $450 (64GB). Lease program (24 months): $0 down and $30 (32GB) or $35 (64GB) per month, until you pay off the balance or upgrade. Easy Pay (24 months): $0 down and $33 (32GB) or $37 (64GB) per month.

T-Mobile: Full retail: $780 (32GB) or $860 (64GB). 24 monthly payments: $0 down and $32.50 (32GB) or $99 down and $31.67 (64GB).

Verizon: Full retail: $768 (32GB) or $864 (64GB). 24 monthly payments: $32 (32GB) or $36 (64GB).

US Cellular: 32GB version only. Full retail: $770. Two-year contract: $300. 20 monthly payments: $0 down and $38.45.

Design and build

• 5.7-inch display; 2,560x1,440 pixels (518 pixels per inch)
• Metal and glass construction
• 6.1 by 3 by 0.3 inches (154 by 76 by 6.9mm)
• 5.4 ounces (153 grams)

If you're familiar with the Galaxy S6 Edge's curved screen and thin edges, you already know this supersized Edge+'s shapely silhouette. The glass (and display technology underneath) wraps around the left and right edges and meet along the back of the spines.

What's more important than the interesting shape is the fact that the curved sides look beautiful, and seems to make this feel like an entirely different, far more sophisticated, phone than a straight-sided one. The screen seems more immersive than the Note 5's, the curvature pulling you into the action of what's on the display. Maybe it's still some of the novelty, maybe there's a deeper psychology at play. Strangely, the effect is more pronounced on the smaller Edge+, possibly because this phone is personally a little large for my hand.

When you aren't using it, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge's sidebar menu disappears from view.Sarah Tew/CNET

At any rate, the Edge+ feels slimmer than most at its narrowest part (the middle), but a little inherent sharpness along the sides makes it easy to grip. The comparatively thicker corners round out to help carry through the themes of curviness and physical dimension.

Despite the wraparound sides, the screen measures a full 5.7 inches, all of which is fully usable and viewable (unlike the original Note Edge, which had an always-visible strip of navigation screen that you couldn't turn off). Above the screen, you'll see the 5-megapixel front-facing camera and a cluster of sensors. Below it sits the physical home button and integrated fingerprint reader, with its two touch-sensitive sidekicks, the Recent and Back buttons. Press and hold the home button to launch Google Now.

Flip over the Edge+ to find a smooth, reflective backing and 16-megapixel camera mount, flash and heart-rate reader. The camera module does slightly pucker out, but that's also because the rest of the phone is so thin and flat.

The Edge , in silver, blue-black, gold and white.Josh Miller/CNET

Buttons and ports dot the Edge+'s metal frame, starting with the power/lock key on the right, the micro-USB charging jack and headset jack down below, volume rocker on the left, and SIM card tray along the top. There's no removable backing (or battery), and no space for a microSD storage card.

YouTube is the third most popular website in the world, after Google and Facebook. Millions of subscriptions happen each day on YouTube, with over 800 million unique users visiting each month. In that timespan, roughly 4 billion hours of video are watched, with 72 hours of video uploaded every single minute.

YouTube is localized in 43 countries and is available in 60 languages. In 2011 alone, YouTube had more than 1 trillion views—equivalent to 140 views for every single person on Earth.

Someone, somewhere in this picture is watching Gangnam Style right now.

As you can see, YouTube is an immense behemoth of an entity. Its videos are featured on the news daily, usually in the form of funny and shocking clips. Personally, I find myself watching YouTube videos almost every day, whether it's to listen to a song I can't find elsewhere, to learn how to do something, or just to watch skateboarders fall.

So, why is it that even though YouTube is unimaginably popular, I still find myself learning new things about the video sharing site all the time?

Here's a list of some of the best known secrets (or not) on YouTube.

1. Play Videos in Slow Motion

Did you know you can make any YouTube video play in slow motion? All you need to do is hold down the space bar and the video will start to play at a much slower speed.

If that doesn't satisfy your needs, you can also sign up for YouTube's HTML 5 Video Player, which allows you to slow down or speed up the video from the settings gear on the page.

Unfortunately, the settings under the gear icon won't help you get through those annoying ads any faster. It only works on videos that aren't monetized because the ones with ads still use Flash.

2. Link to a Specific Playback Point

Sometimes, when clicking on a link to a YouTube video, you're fast-forwarded to a specific point in the video. This is usually the case when the person who linked to the video intended for the viewer to watch that clip, without having to watch the rest of the video. If you want to do the same, here's how:

Add #t= to the end of the video URL, followed by the minute you want (with an m) and then the second (with an s). An example would be #t=01m18s or#t=78s for 1:18 in the video.

You can also just pause the video at the desired point, right-click on the video, and choose copy video URL at current time.

This also works for embedding videos, so if you're posting it on your own blog or website, you can also cut out an extra step by embedding the video rather than linking to it.

3. Load Videos Faster with Feather

Do your videos not load as fast as you'd like them to? Feather (currently in beta) might be the answer you're looking for. This feature trims the fat off of each page by taking away things like expandable share boxes, collapsible comments, and other settings.

Before Feather:

After Feather:

Give Feather a try and see if it makes a difference in your video load speeds. Not only that, but it may be a favorable layout for those who enjoy a more simplistic feel.

4. Make Automatic Playlists with Disco

Want to make an automatic YouTube video playlist of your favorite artist? Well, look no further than YouTube Disco.

This feature allows you to type in your favorite artist's name and YouTube will create a playlist of all their hits. I did one for my favorite rapper, Chingy, and it created an awesome playlist for all my friends and family to enjoy.

Chingy was da best.

5. Use Only Your Keyboard

With Lean Back, you can turn YouTube into a keyboard-only interactive website. The site is overhauled with a unique and beautifully designed user interface that allows you to search for videos, while only using the arrow and enter keys.

You can also just browse the site, if you don't want to search for anything specific. The sidebar is filled with icons corresponding to the most popular categories: sports, gaming, music and much more.

6. Watch What You're Feeling

If you're feeling emotional, try out YouTube's hidden feature called Moodwall. Through the use of keywords and specific phrases in the comments of each video, YouTube specialists have devised an equation that separates all videos into specific moods.

Whether you're feeling creative, gross, funny, amazing, sad, deep or intense, the experimental page has a category to appeal to your current state of mind.

You can go through all the different categories on the left side of the screen, and if you want a fresh take, click twice on any one category and they will all change.

7. Play the Snake Game

Probably one of the best known secrets of YouTube is the Snake_game. It's even in the Wikipedia entry.

I remember playing that game on my old Nokia for hours on end. To play it on YouTube, all you need to do is hold down the left or right arrow key for a few seconds while the video is paused, then press the up arrow to start the game.

This is especially useful if the video you're watching takes a long time to load, whether it's because it's in 1080p or your internet is acting up again.

8. Edit Your Videos Right in YouTube

If you edit your videos before uploading them to YouTube, you might want to try out YouTube's Video Editor. With this free tool, you can:

Combine multiple videos you've uploaded to create a new, longer video.

Trim your uploads to custom lengths.

Add a soundtrack from YouTube's library of approved tracks.

Customize clips with special tools and filter effects.

If you just need the basics, this is a great way to cut out an extra step rather than using another program. You might even be able to make it into adecent video editor.

9. Compare Your Load Speeds to the Rest of the World

Ever wondered how fast your YouTube video playback is compared to the rest of the the world? With My Speed, you can check your average speed (in Mbps) and compare it to neighboring cities, your state, the US and the entire world.

While it may not be a mind blowing feature, it is very interesting and provides some incredible statistics. You can also scroll down and watch their Test Video, which shows you all of the connection and speed information in real-time.

10. Customize the Ads You See

The peskiest part of YouTube are the ads. They pop up everywhere and always make you wait up to 30 seconds, just to watch a 5 second video of someone falling down on their ass. While you can't get rid of the ads, you can surely customize them.

All you need to do is head over to Ad Preferences and remove whichever ads you don't want to appear. Not sure what advantages this has, but at least I don't have to watch those damn ads about how to treat erectile dysfunction anymore.

Yay.

Have a favorite YouTube trick that's not on the list? Let us know in the comments below.

THE GOOD The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime has a small price tag, its 5-megapixel camera takes vibrant sunlit photos, and there's plenty of room for expandable storage.

THE BAD Poor screen resolution dampens the Core Prime's appeal, and the front-facing camera captures pixelated selfies. Low-light photos appear blurry and dim.

THE BOTTOM LINE One of Verizon and MetroPCS' least-expensive phones, the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime makes a decent entry-level choice, but it still isn't as good as the competition.

Verizon and MetroPCS' Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is one of those phones that doesn't pretend to give you more than the basics you need to connect to Google's best-in-class services: maps, Google Drive and Google Now among them.

There's nothing flashy in the phone's basic gray design, the unimpressive screen is a struggle to read in broad daylight, and the camera is generations behind. Still, Verizon's network runs on high speed and the phone's price puts it among one of Big Red's lowest. That's $7 per month on the 24-month Verizon Edge plan; $30 with a new, two-year contract; or $168 when you buy it at full retail and contract-free.

MetroPCS, meanwhile, sells the Core Prime for $130 without a contract, but I saw it on sale for $50 after a mail-in rebate.

While completely fine for a starter smartphone, it's still worth shopping around. The Galaxy Core Prime may be the cheapest on both carriers' current rosters, but a few dollars more will buy you slightly better phones as well. (Read on for more!)

Design and build

• 4.5-inch screen, 800x480 resolution
• 207 pixels per inch
• 5.2 inches by 2.7 inches by 0.35-inch (131.3 by 68.4 by 8.8mm)
• 4.59 ounces, 130 grams

I hate to say that when you've seen one Samsung you've seen them all, but that's certainly the case for this pleasantly predictable Galaxy Core Prime. Its rounded corners and physical home button leave no question about the name stamped onto the phone's backing. That black-gray backing shimmers in the light and pops off, like most Samsung phones (except the new Galaxy S6 series) to reveal the battery and microSD card slot within.

Its right and left metallic silver-colored spines remain sleek and nearly unadorned, with the exception of the power/lock button on the right and the volume rocker on the left. A 5-megapixel camera and flash on the back sling photos, while the 2-megapixel front-facing shooter takes mediocre selfies.

The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime has a 4.5-inch screen and smooth backing.Josh Miller/CNET

How about that screen? The 4.5-inch display helps keep the handset smaller than supersize phones of 5-inches and more, but that 800x480-pixel resolution plays a sad trombone. Indoors, the screen looks lighter gray (and more reflective) than surrounding screens, and images, Web sites and videos appear pixelated and a little colorless. Outdoors under the rays, onscreen images wash out and copy is harder to read. This is pretty normal for phones like this, but still worth pointing out.

One thing to note: the Galaxy Core Prime got hot over time, but to be fair, warm summer days don't help. You might want to keep an eye on this.

Interface and apps

• Android 4.4.4. KitKat
• Loads of preloaded apps

The Galaxy Core Prime runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat, which isn't the latest version of the OS (Android 5.1 Lollipop is), with Android M coming up soon. If this handset updates, which it might not, it'll be to theAndroid M taste treat I believe, and skip Lollipop entirely.

Samsung has placed, as it always does, its TouchWiz interface on top of Android, which gives it the same character it does to its brethren. Samsung also brings you a few extra apps and settings, like Ultra Power Saving Mode and an easy mode that simplifies the home screen layout. You can also rearrange the quick settings panel (part of the notifications drawer) to access toggles in the order you want.

This battery swaps out, and you can expand storage through a microSD card slot.Josh Miller/CNET

On the Verizon model I tested, Big Red heaps about 20 carrier apps and partner services on the phone. You'll find, for instance, a heap of Amazon apps, various Verizon apps for managing your account (and then some), NFL Mobile, some game demos and Hotels.com.

Intense as the collection may be, you can at least neutralize (though not uninstall) this haul of preloaded apps through the settings menu.

Camera and video

• 5-megapixel camera (defaults to 3.9
• 2-megapixel front-facing camera
• 720p video recording

Finding your way around the camera app means two things in the Galaxy Core Prime. You can tap on Mode to take you to settings like Auto, panorama, Beauty Face, best photo, continuous shot and sports mode. The other option leads you to the Settings menu, which pulls up items like the photo resolution, ISO and metering, white balance and exposure, grid lines and geotagging (there are a few more selections besides).

The 5-megapixel camera takes colorful outdoor shots and poor photos indoors.Josh Miller/CNET

Beware! For some motivation, which Samsung is not alone in heeding, the Galaxy Core camera default tunes to 3.9-megapixels out of the box, rather than the full-strength 5-megapixel. This does change the aspect ratio from 3:5 for the 3.9-megapixels and 4:3 (which is now typical) for the maximum resolution. If you aren't paying attention, you'll wind up taking a lot of lower-res photos that don't come across as nice or detailed as all of your friends'.

Calibrated at the height of its capacity, the Core Prime's camera captures brightly colored outdoor photos that contrast with its rather bloodless images in low-light situations. Here's the age-old question: do you take indoor photos with flash or without?

Flash produces a bright light that makes everything a little brighter and clearer, but it's also fake as sin. Flash-free shots require you to let go of perfection in exchange for authenticity, but you also have to willingly stomach a fair amount of graininess and indistinction. Here, you'll be asking for second helpings of both.

Photos default to 3.9-megapixels out of the box.Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Self-portraits here, like all the photos, incite a trade-off. The 2-megapixel front-facing camera takes exceptionally grainy selfies, both with Beauty mode engaged and au natural. Indoor snaps look gray and outdoor portraits are brighter and more sanguine. I'd stick to outdoor environs if I were you.

Video on the Core Prime's 720p HD camcorder is like everything else on the phone: serviceable, but not very impressive. Indoor recordings look wan compared to the vibrancy of the real world, and audio pickup is weak for anyone who isn't you (you'll hear your own voice quite clearly, though). You'll have better luck sticking with outdoor, well-lit scenes that don't record a lot of sound.

Enlarge ImageWhile these buds don't look particularly detailed by today's standards, they're certainly colorful.Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Enlarge ImageHere's another example with a flower shot outdoors. There's just enough petal detail for this camera level.Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Enlarge ImageThe phone was able to capture the water's movement.

THE GOOD The new Moto G has improved design, water resistance and a stepped-up camera. The design and hand feel are great, and the battery lasts more than a full day.

THE BAD Processor speed lags if you're trying to do many things at once. The entry-level version (8GB of storage, 1GB of RAM) is too underpowered compared to the slightly pricier step-up model.

THE BOTTOM LINE With added water resistance and a better camera, the LTE-enabled Moto G is one of the best affordable unlocked smartphones around right now.

7.5OVERALL

DESIGN8.0

FEATURES7.0

PERFORMANCE7.0

CAMERA8.0

BATTERY LIFE8.0

When I think of what I want in an everyday phone, I think of battery life, camera, how it feels, and how durable it is. And yeah, how the screen looks. That's what pretty great about Motorola's latest update to its midrange budget smartphone, the Moto G: it's a do-pretty-much-everything-you-need, 5-inch Android smartphone...that costs less than half of your average premium handset.

The Moto G's been around for a couple of years, but last year's version lacked faster LTE in the US (aglobal version with LTE has been available since April). This new model adds a lot more than just LTE: it's got better front and rear cameras, has serious dunk-in-a-pool water resistance, and its design is even a bit snazzier. It feels more like its upscale Moto siblings than ever before: in fact, it might as well be the lost twin of the 2013 debut Moto X.

I've been using the Moto G for about a week, and while it's clearly not a super-premium phone, it's got enough of what the average person would need, and then some. A clean, up-to-date version of Android5.1.1 and strong battery life only sweeten the deal.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Sarah Tew/CNET

The Moto G comes in two versions: 8GB of storage and 1GB of RAM for $180 (£179 in the UK), or 16GB storage and 2GB of RAM for $220 (£209 and AU$369). Some carriers are selling the Moto G for even less: in the UK, it's being offered by carriers and retailers for as low as £159. We reviewed the 16GB model, and heartily recommend you pay up for that one; 8GB of storage is just too slight. If you're in Australia then only the 16GB is on offer anyway.

If you add up its design, performance, added water-resistance, and its camera and battery, this is one of the best phones for its price anywhere. Although, it's the budget phone I'd recommend for its overall look, feel and performance, there are other strong contenders. The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 has higher specs across the board, but when I think about the one budget Android I want to grab, this Moto G is it.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Bright and comfy.Sarah Tew/CNET

Design and feel: Plastic comforts

5 inch, 720p display (1,280x720 pixels)

5.59 by 2.85 by 0.48 inches (142.1 by 72.4 by 11.6mm)

5.47 ounces (155g)

For an affordable phone, the Moto G feels awfully nice to hold, not cheap or slapped-together at all.

It's the lines and curves of the G that make it feel special. Yes, it's a plastic design, but the way it all comes together feels satisfying. Sure, the frame is plastic. But from a distance (and even in the hand), it feels nicer than older G models. I used to love the 2013 Moto X for its curved design that fit neatly in my palm. The new Moto G has that feel, but with a slightly larger screen and body. In a lot of ways, it also reminds me of the Nexus 5.

Even though it has a 5-inch screen, this phone feels hand- and pocket-friendly. It's a good medium-size phone by today's gargantuan standards. The front edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass looks sharp, too. I did, however, already ding a plastic corner a bit.

The 720p display looks bright and crisp -- you probably won't notice that it isn't higher-res, because at 294 pixels per inch, this still feels HD (pixel count is much lower than on the 1080p HD Alcatel Idol 3). And for a budget phone, the colors and clarity look great (the only issue: turning to landscape mode when you have sunglasses on creates huge polarization). The front-facing speakers are pretty loud, too, offering decent sound for movies and games.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Sarah Tew/CNET

The rear of the Moto G has a swappable shell. Motorola's MotoMaker, a website to create customized phones, exists in a pared-down mode for the Moto G in certain markets (Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, the UK and the US). You can create your own MotoMaker custom design for the G, or buy new back plates separately.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Snapping the cover on and off to get to the SIM card.Sarah Tew/CNET

You can pick a black or white front, 10 different color options for the back, and one of 10 different color accents that change that little camera-bar on the back to pink, orange, champagne or something else. Motorola also sells five different-colored, textured flip-shell cases. No, this doesn't have fancier metal or wood backs, but the G still feels like it's got enough fun colors to have some personality.

The textured plastic back on my model felt comfy, but some people might prefer a smoother finish. You need to snap the back on completely for it to be water-resistant, though. I feel like no matter how many times I put it on, I missed a few snaps.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Warning: Don't swim with this phone (shower, maybe)Scott Stein/CNET

Showering with my phone

The Moto G adds IPX7 water resistance, a big plus for those who are afraid they'll drop their phone in the toilet. IPX7 means the phone can survive dunking in one meter (three feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. That means that the new Moto G, like other pricier phones out there, is really, truly, an all-weather phone. As long as the rear plastic cover is snapped on properly, you'll be fine.

I took a shower with the Moto X, and all went well. Shower sprinkles set the capacitive display nuts, and water droplets affected speaker volume, too, but I could listen to music while I shampooed, and also check emails. All smartphones should have this level of water resistance. I even dropped it into a glass of water and let it sit there for a while on my desk. Still worked.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)The Moto G's bath time.Sarah Tew/CNET

I still wouldn't recommend swimming with it, and definitely don't take it into salt water (corrosion fears), but at least this means the G is ready for a good, wet day outdoors, without any annoying port covers to worry about. Use it in the rain, send an email in the bath, take a photo in the hot tub. Breathe easy: you don't have to worry about dropping this phone in a puddle -- unless the puddle isn't water, or is filled with sharp rocks, or both.

Clean Android, plus a few Moto apps

Android OS 5.1.1 (Lollipop)

Moto Assist and Moto Display apps: context-sensitive help, and lock-screen one-touch notifications

FM radio app

The big advantage to Motorola's recent phones has been how clean they are, Android OS-wise. If you like a "pure" version of Google's Android without lots of pre-installed junk or customized layers, this is about the closest you can get outside of a Nexus phone.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Almost feels like a Nexus phone.Sarah Tew/CNET

The Moto G comes with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) installed, and for the most part it runs well. Instead of layering some sort of extra experience on top of Android, this feels just like regular Android Lollipop as Google intended. Apps pop up quickly, and a folder of Google apps lies ready for you on the home screen, but other than that, the experience is minimal and clean.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)Moto Assist has a few tricks up its sleeve.Sarah Tew/CNET

Motorola does have a few of its own apps to offer, tastefully lying in wait in the app grid. You'll find this all in the Moto app. You can't start talking to your phone hands-free like you can on the Moto X, but you can set the phone to automatically adjust notifications and other settings by contextual action or location ("sleeping," or "in a meeting") via a function called Moto Assist.

There are also some physical gestures that can be used, like shaking your phone to turn on the flashlight (which works only some of the time) or flip your phone with your wrist to turn on the camera (ditto). The best is Moto's easy-glance lock screen for notifications, called Moto Display: tap to see important info, or slide up to open the app.

View Full Gallery (20 Photos)FM radio! As a local sports junkie, it comes in handy.Sarah Tew/CNET

There's even a real FM radio, which uses plugged-in headphones as an antenna. Laugh if you want, but I love using an actual FM radio to listen to radio broadcasts of local NFL games (local sports games are usually blacked out on national streams).

Cameras and video

13-megapixel rear camera

Dual LED CCT flash (rear camera)

1080p video recording, 30fps

5-megapixel front camera

The camera is one of the key areas that's seen a boost in the new Moto G. It now packs a 13-megapixel sensor, rather than the 8-megapixels we've seen before. While this is a very generous amount for a budget phone, Motorola isn't alone here. Other phones in this range, like that Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, also use a 13-megapixel sensor.

Every phone manufacturer is throwing more megapixels into its phone specs, but there are some added photo hardware improvements beyond that; most notably, a new dual-LED flash on the rear cam to color-correct for night shots. The front camera's also been boosted to 5 megapixels over the previous 2, which is the kind of evolution we want to see out of this Moto G family.